Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Common Disorders (common + disorders)
Selected AbstractsIs insulin resistance caused by defects in insulin's target cells or by a stressed mind?DIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue 6 2005Jonas Burén Abstract The importance of understanding insulin action is emphasized by the increasing prevalence of insulin resistance in various populations and by the fact that it plays an important pathophysiological role in many common disorders, for example, diabetes, obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia. The primary factors responsible for the development of insulin resistance are so far unknown, although both genetic and environmental factors are involved. The genetic defects responsible for the common forms of insulin resistance, for example, in type 2 diabetes, are largely unidentified. Some studies from our group as well as by other investigators suggest that cellular insulin resistance is reversible and that it may be secondary to factors in the in vivo environment. These may include insulin-antagonistic action of hormones like catecholamines, glucocorticoids, sex steroids and adipokines as well as dysregulation of autonomic nervous activity and they could contribute to the early development of insulin resistance. Some of these factors can directly impair glucose uptake capacity and this might be due to alterations in key proteins involved in insulin's intracellular signaling pathways. This article briefly summarizes proposed mechanisms behind cellular and whole-body insulin resistance. In particular, we question the role of intrinsic defects in insulin's target cells as primary mechanisms in the development of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes and we suggest that metabolic and neurohormonal factors instead are the main culprits. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Spectrum of idiopathic photodermatoses in a Mediterranean countryINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2003Alexander J. Stratigos md Background ,Idiopathic photodermatoses are considered to be common disorders in the population of northern latitude countries, presumably because of the dominance of more "sun-sensitive" individuals with a light-skinned complexion. The incidence of these disorders in the Mediterranean or tropical countries is often under-appreciated because of the higher degree of perennial presence of sunlight and the prevalence of darker skin-type individuals who are seemingly more resistant to the development of sun sensitivity. Methods ,We performed a retrospective, chart-based review of all patients who were diagnosed with idiopathic photodermatoses at a photodermatology referral center in Athens, Greece, during a period of 10 years. Our aim was to assess the pattern of idiopathic photosensitivity disorders in a Mediterranean country and to determine their epidemiological, clinical, and photobiological profile. Results ,A total of 310 patients were referred to our center with symptoms of photosensitivity. One hundred and forty-six patients (47.0%) were diagnosed with an idiopathic photosensitivity disorder by means of history, clinical examination, biochemical screening, histology, and phototesting. The most prevalent disorder was polymorphous light eruption, which was diagnosed in 95 patients (65.0%) of our cohort. Chronic actinic dermatitis occurred in 15 patients (10.2%), solar urticaria in 26 patients (17.8%), actinic prurigo in three patients (2.0%), hydroa vacciniforme in one patient (0.6%) and juvenile spring eruption in six patients (4.1%). Conclusions ,Compared with the results of other studies, the prevalence of idiopathic photodermatoses appears to have a similar trend to that of higher latitude countries. Distinct features in our series include the higher incidence of idiopathic photosensitivity in patients with a fair-skinned complexion (skin types II,III) and the frequent appearance of photo-induced eruptions during sunny weather breaks in the winter period. [source] Rickets and osteomalacia in northeast Iran: report of 797 casesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES, Issue 2 2008Mohammadhassan JOKAR ABSTRACT Aim:, To study the clinical, biochemical and radiographic features of rickets and osteomalacia in north-east of Iran. Methods:, We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients with diagnosis of rickets and osteomalacia during the past 20 years (1986,2006) in the rheumatology outpatient clinic of Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. Results:, There were 797 patients (795 female, 2 male). Their ages were between 8,74 years. Most cases were in their second decade of life. The most common clinical findings were: bone pain 96.4%, muscle weakness 81%, abnormal gait 43%, and bone deformity 19.6%. The most common laboratory finding was high serum alkaline phosphatase (92%) followed by hypophosphatemia 54.6%, and hypocalcemia (21%). Radiographic findings were: epiphyseal growth plate alterations 74.4%, osteopenia 63%, ground glass appearance 28.6%, and Looser's zones 26.5%. All except four patients were cured with vitamin D and calcium. Conclusion:, Rickets and osteomalacia are common disorders in our region. Females especially in the growing years are often involved. The most common cause of rickets and osteomalacia in our region is vitamin D deficiency probably due to inadequate sun exposure. [source] The inflammed human adipose tissue , consequences for common disordersJOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 4 2007Article first published online: 14 SEP 200 No abstract is available for this article. [source] Electrodiagnostic studies of the facial nerve in peripheral facial palsy and hemifacial spasm,MUSCLE AND NERVE, Issue 1 2007Josep Valls-Solé MD Abstract Electrodiagnostic (EDX) assessment is one of the most important aspects in the evaluation of the two most common disorders of the facial nerve: facial palsy and hemifacial spasm. Facial palsy is usually an acute disorder that resolves in a few weeks but, in a number of cases, leads to a postparalytic facial syndrome featuring muscle synkinesis, myokymia, and involuntary mass contractions of muscles on the affected side. Hemifacial spasm is usually a chronic disorder characterized by paroxysms of involuntary, clonic, and synchronous twitching of all facial muscles on the affected side. EDX studies provide information on lesion location and severity, pathophysiology underlying the two disorders, and differential diagnosis between syndromes presenting with abnormal facial muscle activity. This monograph is intended to describe the most relevant EDX findings in the two disorders and the most appropriate timing for the examinations in order to provide useful information for prognosis and therapeutic decision-making. Muscle Nerve, 2007 [source] Pathophysiology as a basis for understanding symptom complexes and therapeutic targetsNEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY & MOTILITY, Issue 2 2004M. Camilleri Abstract, Sensorimotor disorders of the stomach, small intestine and colon have a limited repertoire of clinical manifestations, and there is the potential for more than one mechanism to lead to symptoms. In many recent clinical trial programs of novel agents in neurogastroenterology, the emphasis has been primarily on symptom assessment of broad groups of patients identified by the Rome criteria. Drugs of potential value have fallen by the wayside with this approach. We propose the current paradigm is partly to blame; physiological testing should provide the basis for identifying more homogeneous populations and therapeutic targets within functional bowel disease, and this applies to the upper and lower gut. Here we summarize the evidence that certain biomarkers can, in a limited fashion, be used to predict the success of an experimental medicine in common disorders of gastrointestinal function, including the irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia. Although the current evidence is limited and is most convincingly demonstrated with examples of transit measurements (for loperamide, alosetron, tegaserod and piboserod), we perceive this paradigm that studies using validated and responsive biomarkers have an important role to play in drug development. [source] Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders in Children With Down SyndromeTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 2 2003Ron B. Mitchell MD Abstract Objective To document the reasons for which children with Down syndrome were referred to a pediatric otolaryngology practice, the underlying causes for these referrals, and the complications of routine surgical therapy. Study Design The study is a retrospective review of children referred to the Pediatric Otolaryngology Clinic at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (Albuquerque, NM) during a period of 2.5 years. Methods Data were collected on 55 parameters related to ethnicity, demographics, diagnosis, surgical therapy, complications, and systemic comorbid conditions. Results The ethnicity of the study population was predominantly Hispanic or Latino (62%). The majority of children (76%) were referred for upper airway obstruction. Obstructive sleep apnea and laryngomalacia were the most common disorders in these children. An otological disorder was diagnosed in 70% of the children. Complications occurred after 27% of procedures for insertion of pressure equalization (PE) tubes to treat recurrent otitis media. Systemic comorbid conditions were present in 93% of the children, and the most common was gastroesophageal reflux disease. Conclusions Obstructive sleep apnea and laryngomalacia were the most common reasons for referral of children with Down syndrome. Routine surgical procedures that required general anesthesia caused complications that are not common in other children. Treatment for systemic comorbid conditions should be considered as a component of therapy for otolaryngological disorders in children with Down syndrome. [source] Complementary and Alternative Medicine in OtolaryngologyTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 8 2001Benjamin F. Asher MD Abstract The widespread interest in and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by patients in the United States has been established by multiple surveys. One-third of the U.S. population uses some form of CAM, and an estimated 23 billion dollars is spent annually on these therapies. Because of prevalent usage of CAM among patients, it is important that physicians have some knowledge of this subject. With this purpose in mind, this report reviews the current research on CAM as it relates to common disorders of the head and neck: rhinitis, sinusitis, tinnitus, vertigo, and head and neck oncology. [source] Human immunodeficiency virus-associated neurocognitive disorders: Mind the gapANNALS OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 6 2010Justin C. McArthur MBBS Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neurocognitive disorders (HANDs) remain among the most common disorders in people infected with HIV, even in an era when potent antiretroviral therapy is widely deployed. This review discusses the clinical features of HANDs and the implications for more effective treatment. With the improved survival of individuals treated with antiretrovirals, comorbid conditions are increasingly salient, including particularly coinfection with hepatitis C and the effects of aging. This review attempts to answer why there appears to be a therapeutic gap between the salutary effects of antiretroviral regimens and normalization of neurological function. A second gap is found in the understanding of the pathophysiology of HANDs. This review addresses this and discusses the animal models that have helped to elucidate these mechanisms. Although triggered by productive HIV infection of brain macrophages, aberrant and sustained immune activation appears to play a major role in inducing HANDs, and may explain the often incomplete neurological response to highly active antiretroviral therapy. Novel therapies aimed at persistent central nervous system inflammation will be needed to close this gap. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:699,714 [source] A prospective 10-year study on children who had severe infantile colicACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 2005Francesco Savino Abstract Aim: To evaluate the association between infantile colic and gastrointestinal, allergic and psychological disorders in childhood. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 103 infants aged 31,87 d. After 10 y, between 2001 and 2003, the children were recalled and a paediatrician evaluated the selected disorders by anamnesis, medical examination, laboratory tests and parent interviews. Results: Of the 103 infants enrolled, 96 completed the study. There was an association between infantile colic and recurrent abdominal pain (p=0.001) and allergic disorders: allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, asthmatic bronchitis, pollenosis, atopic eczema and food allergy (p<0.05). Sleep disorders, fussiness, aggressiveness and feelings of supremacy are more frequent in children who suffered from colic during early infancy (p<0.05). A family history of gastrointestinal diseases and atopic diseases was significantly higher in infants with colic than in controls (p<0.05). Conclusion: Susceptibility to recurrent abdominal pain, allergic and psychological disorders in childhood may be increased by infantile colic. Our findings confirm that severe infantile colic might be the early expression of some of the most common disorders in childhood. [source] Applications and limitations of empiric data in provision of recurrence risks for schizophrenia: a practical review for healthcare professionals providing clinical psychiatric genetics consultationsCLINICAL GENETICS, Issue 3 2006JC Austin Schizophrenia is a common disorder that may frequently be encountered when taking family histories in the genetics clinic, whether or not the referral is for a psychiatric indication. Like in other common disorders, the provision of recurrence risks for schizophrenia is a complex clinical issue because empiric recurrence risks (while reasonably well established) can rarely be used without individual tailoring. This review seeks to identify and detail some pertinent issues surrounding the clinical utility of empiric recurrence risks for schizophrenia, and to provide an overview of important factors to consider when tailoring empiric risks for individual patients. [source] Tailoring Psychological Interventions for Ethnically Diverse Dementia CaregiversCLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE, Issue 4 2003Dolores Gallagher-Thompson Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are common disorders that widely affect older adults of all races and ethnicities. Although there has been considerable research focusing on the stress experienced by family caregivers of patients with dementia, there has been little work to guide clinicians in tailoring interventions to the special needs of racially and ethnically diverse families. This paper reviews guidelines for creating culturally competent interventions, as well as reviewing the literature on racial, ethnic, and cultural differences in the stress associated with caregiving for a family member with dementia. The paper then presents three intervention programs (adapted from existing treatments) that were tailored to be sensitive to cultural issues in caregiving among African Americans, Cuban Americans, and Mexican Americans. Results and directions for future research gathered from these intervention programs are presented and implications for clinicians and researchers are discussed. [source] | ||||||||||