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Underlying Condition (underlying + condition)
Selected AbstractsIntensive care unit management of patients with status epilepticusEPILEPSIA, Issue 2007Thomas P. Bleck Summary The intensive care unit management of status epilepticus focuses on patients who are refractory to initial treatment, who have an underlying condition that require critical care management, or who experience respiratory or cardiovascular complications of their therapies. The available data suggest that failure of a first-line anticonvulsant agent to terminate status should lead to the use of a definitive therapy in general anesthetic doses. Midazolam, propofol, and phenobarbital have been used most frequently; the place of newer agents (e.g., valproate, levetiracetam, or topiramate) remains to be determined. [source] Applicability and safety of recombinant activated factor VII to control non-haemophilic haemorrhage: investigational experience in 265 childrenHAEMOPHILIA, Issue 4 2008M. HERBERTSON Summary., Experience of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa, NovoSeven®; Novo Nordisk A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) to control haemorrhage in non-haemophilic children is limited. The object of this study was to examine the applicability and safety of rFVIIa amongst a group of non-haemophilic paediatric subjects. Details of all non-haemophilic children ,16 years receiving rFVIIa whose data were recorded in the investigational, internet-based registry, haemostasis.com were analysed. A total of 265 children (mean age 7.7 years) were treated with rFVIIa; the median dose administered was 78.4 ,g kg,1 body weight (range 9.0,393.4) and the median total dose received 100.0 ,g kg,1 body weight (range 10.9,1341.2). Therapeutic areas included surgery (34.5%), coagulopathy (including thrombocytopenia; 29.0%), spontaneous bleeding (17.2%), trauma (8.4%) and intracranial haemorrhage (4.5%). Two patients experienced thromboembolic events following administration of rFVIIa. Thirty-nine patients died on account of haemorrhage or complications relating to their underlying condition; neither the thromboembolic events nor the deaths were related to rFVIIa administration. Bleeding stopped in 118/237 (49.8%), markedly decreased in 54/237 (22.8%), decreased in 51/237 (21.5%), remained unchanged in 13/237 (5.5%) and increased in 1/237 (0.4%) patients. These results suggest that rFVIIa is safe and widely applicable in children to control non-haemophilic haemorrhage. [source] Managing enlarged prostate in primary careINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 12 2006M. J. NASLUND Summary Assessment and treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, or enlarged prostate, has evolved considerably in recent years; clear evidence has accumulated for the progression of disease over time, the association between disease progression and negative outcomes, and the potential for medical management of this condition. Commensurate with the long-term preventive role of primary care, efforts can and should be made to treat the underlying condition of enlarged prostate as well as to manage the symptoms short-term. This review outlines evaluation of men presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms, examines the challenges for medical treatment and suggests how treatment choice can address these challenges. [source] Nursing and midwifery management of hypoglycaemia in healthy term neonatesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EVIDENCE BASED HEALTHCARE, Issue 7 2005Vivien Hewitt BSc(Hons) GradDipLib Executive summary Objectives The primary objective of this review was to determine the best available evidence for maintenance of euglycaemia, in healthy term neonates, and the management of asymptomatic hypoglycaemia in otherwise healthy term neonates. Inclusion criteria Types of studies The review included any relevant published or unpublished studies undertaken between 1995 and 2004. Studies that focus on the diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care devices for blood glucose screening and/or monitoring in the neonate were initially included as a subgroup of this review. However, the technical nature and complexity of the statistical information published in diagnostic studies retrieved during the literature search stage, as well as the considerable volume of published research in this area, suggested that it would be more feasible to analyse diagnostic studies in a separate systematic review. Types of participants The review focused on studies that included healthy term (37- to 42-week gestation) appropriate size for gestational age neonates in the first 72 h after birth. Exclusions ,,preterm or small for gestational age newborns; ,,term neonates with a diagnosed medical or surgical condition, congenital or otherwise; ,,babies of diabetic mothers; ,,neonates with symptomatic hypoglycaemia; ,,large for gestational age neonates (as significant proportion are of diabetic mothers). Types of intervention All interventions that fell within the scope of practice of a midwife/nurse were included: ,,type (breast or breast milk substitutes), amount and/or timing of feeds, for example, initiation of feeding, and frequency; ,,regulation of body temperature; ,,monitoring (including screening) of neonates, including blood or plasma glucose levels and signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia. Interventions that required initiation by a medical practitioner were excluded from the review. Types of outcome measures Outcomes that were of interest included: ,,occurrence of hypoglycaemia; ,,re-establishment and maintenance of blood or plasma glucose levels at or above set threshold (as defined by the particular study); ,,successful breast-feeding; ,,developmental outcomes. Types of research designs The review initially focused on randomised controlled trials reported from 1995 to 2004. Insufficient randomised controlled trials were identified and the review was expanded to include additional cohort and cross-sectional studies for possible inclusion in a narrative summary. Search strategy The major electronic databases, including MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, LILACS, Cochrane Library, etc., were searched using accepted search techniques to identify relevant published and unpublished studies undertaken between 1995 and 2004. Efforts were made to locate any relevant unpublished materials, such as conference papers, research reports and dissertations. Printed journals were hand-searched and reference lists checked for potentially useful research. The year 1995 was selected as the starting point in order to identify any research that had not been included in the World Health Organisation review, which covered literature published up to 1996. The search was not limited to English language studies. Assessment of quality Three primary reviewers conducted the review assisted by a review panel. The review panel was comprised of nine nurses with expertise in neonatal care drawn from senior staff in several metropolitan neonatal units and education programs. Authorship of journal articles was not concealed from the reviewers. Methodological quality of each study that met the inclusion criteria was assessed by two reviewers, using a quality assessment checklist developed for the review. Disagreements between reviewers were resolved through discussion or with the assistance of a third reviewer. Data extraction and analysis Two reviewers used a data extraction form to independently extract data relating to the study design, setting and participants; study focus and intervention(s); and measurements and outcomes. As only one relevant randomised controlled trial was found, a meta-analysis could not be conducted nor tables constructed to illustrate comparisons between studies. Instead, the findings were summarised by a narrative identifying any relevant findings that emerged from the data. Results Seven studies met the inclusion criteria for the objective of this systematic review. The review provided information on the effectiveness of three categories of intervention , type of feeds, timing of feeds and thermoregulation on two of the outcome measures identified in the review protocol , prevention of hypoglycaemia, and re-establishment and maintenance of blood or plasma glucose levels above the set threshold (as determined by the particular study). There was no evidence available on which to base conclusions for effectiveness of monitoring or developmental outcomes, and insufficient evidence for breast-feeding success. Given that only a narrative review was possible, the findings of this review should be interpreted with caution. The findings suggest that the incidence of hypoglycaemia in healthy, breast-fed term infants of appropriate size for gestational age is uncommon and routine screening of these infants is not indicated. The method and timing of early feeding has little or no influence on the neonatal blood glucose measurement at 1 h in normal term babies. In healthy, breast-fed term infants the initiation and timing of feeds in the first 6 h of life has no significant influence on plasma glucose levels. The colostrum of primiparous mothers provides sufficient nutrition for the infant in the first 24 h after birth, and supplemental feeds or extra water is unnecessary. Skin-to-skin contact appears to provide an optimal environment for fetal to neonatal adaptation after birth and can help to maintain body temperature and adequate blood glucose levels in healthy term newborn infants, as well as providing an ideal opportunity to establish early bonding behaviours. Implications for practice The seven studies analysed in this review confirm the World Health Organisation's first three recommendations for prevention and management of asymptomatic hypoglycaemia, namely: 1Early and exclusive breast-feeding is safe to meet the nutritional needs of healthy term newborns worldwide. 2Healthy term newborns that are breast-fed on demand need not have their blood glucose routinely checked and need no supplementary foods or fluids. 3Healthy term newborns do not develop ,symptomatic' hypoglycaemia as a result of simple underfeeding. If an infant develops signs suggesting hypoglycaemia, look for an underlying condition. Detection and treatment of the cause are as important as correction of the blood glucose level. If there are any concerns that the newborn infant might be hypoglycaemic it should be given another feed. Given the importance of thermoregulation, skin-to-skin contact should be promoted and ,kangaroo care' encouraged in the first 24 h after birth. While it is important to main the infant's body temperature care should be taken to ensure that the child does not become overheated. [source] The Effect of Insomnia Definitions, Terminology, and Classifications on Clinical PracticeJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue S7 2005Andrew D. Krystal MD There is a need for newer, more clinically useful classifications for insomnia. Identification of specific subtypes of insomnia helps anchor research, allows for prediction of prognosis/course of the condition, and may allow for individualization of treatment. Existing classifications differ, and many terms remain inadequately defined, which leads to diagnostic confusion. Historically, insomnia has been classified according to symptom type, symptom duration, and underlying cause, but these classifications have not been based on evidence of their utility, and newer research suggests the need for change. Symptoms may include difficulty falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, and not feeling restored by sleep, although it has not been clear that it is possible to identify distinct subtypes of patients by symptom or that distinguishing symptom type affects the course of clinical treatment. Classification of insomnia by duration most commonly involves three categories: transient (no more than a few days), short-term (up to 3 weeks), and long-term (more than 3 weeks). This categorization is of uncertain utility and has been primarily based on nonempiric concerns about treatment with sedative-hypnotic medications for periods longer than several weeks. The subtyping of insomnia in terms of whether there is an identifiable underlying cause such as a psychiatric or medical illness was based on an unproven assumption that in most instances other disorders caused insomnia. Recent studies suggest the need to revisit these classification strategies. Evidence that symptom types typically overlap and change over time complicates the categorization of subjects by whether they have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep or have nonrestorative sleep. New studies of the treatment of chronic insomnia change the perspective on duration of treatment and, as a result, classification of duration of disease. Two studies of nightly pharmacotherapy for insomnia including more than 800 insomnia patients have not identified any increase in the risks after 3 to 4 weeks of treatment. In addition, nonpharmacological treatments demonstrate long-lasting efficacy in patients with chronic insomnia, and the development of abbreviated cognitive-behavioral therapies, which are particularly well suited to primary care practice, have improved their applicability. Newer studies of the relationships between insomnia and associated medical and psychiatric conditions undermine the notion that insomnia is always a symptom and caused by an underlying condition. They suggest that, although it is important to identify and treat these conditions, this may not be sufficient to alleviate the insomnia, which may adversely affect the course of the associated disorder. As a result, treatment targeted specifically to the insomnia should be considered. All of these developments point to an increasing ability to tailor therapy to the particular needs of patients and to optimize the clinical management of insomnia. [source] Bilious vomiting in the newborn: 6 years data from a Level III CentreJOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 5 2010Atul Malhotra Background: Bilious vomiting in the newborn is an urgent condition that frequently requires neonatal and paediatric surgical involvement. Investigations involve abdominal X-ray and contrast imaging in most cases. We aimed to describe the prevalence of surgical intervention in this cohort and assess the reliability of contrast imaging in accurate prediction of underlying condition. Methods: A retrospective audit of data from December 2001 to October 2007 was undertaken. Data on newborns admitted to a level III unit with bilious vomiting was extracted. Infants with bilious aspirates but no vomiting were excluded. Results: Sixty-one infants were admitted to the unit during the period with bilious vomiting. Most of them were out born (83.6%). Mean (and standard deviation) gestation was 38.3 weeks (±3.2); weight was 3173.5 grams (±717.6); day of admission was 3.68 days (1,28); and length of stay in the unit was 9.96 days (1,48). There were 52 (85.2%) abnormal X-rays and 21 (34.4%) abnormal contrast studies. Sixteen (26.6%) babies had laparotomies of which 6 were malrotations with volvulus, 2 small bowel obstructions, 2 meconium ileus, 2 Hirschsprung's disease, 2 other findings, while 2 were normal. Positive predictive value (number of accurate predictions of surgical findings) for barium contrast studies was 85.7% in this series. Conclusion: Bile stained vomiting is a surgical emergency and prompt investigation is the key in the management. Contrast studies still form the backbone of such investigations. [source] Acute Alcohol Intoxication During Hemorrhagic Shock: Impact on Host Defense From InfectionALCOHOLISM, Issue 4 2004K. L. Zambell Abstract: Background: Acute alcohol intoxication is a frequent underlying condition associated with traumatic injury. Our studies have demonstrated that acute alcohol intoxication significantly impairs the immediate hemodynamic, metabolic, and inflammatory responses to hemorrhagic shock. This study investigated whether acute alcohol intoxication during hemorrhagic shock would alter the outcome from an infectious challenge during the initial 24 hr recovery period. Methods: Chronically catheterized male Sprague Dawley® rats were randomized to acute alcohol intoxication (EtOH; 1.75 g/kg bolus followed by a constant 15 hr infusion at 250,300 mg/kg/hr) or isocaloric isovolemic dextrose infusion (dex; 3 ml + 0.375 ml/hr). EtOH and dex were assigned to either fixed-volume (50%) hemorrhagic shock followed by fluid resuscitation with Ringer's lactate (EtOH/hem, dex/hem) or sham hemorrhagic shock (EtOH/sham, dex/sham). Indexes of circulating neutrophil function (apoptosis, phagocytosis, oxidative burst) were obtained at baseline, at completion of hemorrhagic shock, and at the end of fluid resuscitation. Bacterial clearance, lung cytokine expression, and myeloperoxidase activity were determined at 6 and 18 hr after an intratracheal challenge with Klebsiella pneumoniae (107 colony-forming units). Results: Mean arterial blood pressure was significantly lower in acute alcohol intoxication-hemorrhagic shock animals throughout the hemorrhagic shock. In sham animals, acute alcohol intoxication alone did not produce significant changes in neutrophil apoptosis or phagocytic activity but significantly suppressed phorbol myristic acid (PMA)-stimulated oxidative burst. Hemorrhagic shock produced a modest increase in neutrophil apoptosis and suppression of neutrophil phagocytic capacity but significantly suppressed PMA-stimulated oxidative burst. Acute alcohol intoxication exacerbated the hemorrhagic shock-induced neutrophil apoptosis and the hemorrhagic shock-induced suppression of phagocytosis without further affecting PMA-stimulated oxidative burst. Fluid resuscitation did not restore neutrophil phagocytosis or oxidative burst. Acute alcohol intoxication decreased (,40%) 3-day survival from K. pneumoniae in hemorrhagic shock animals, impaired bacterial clearance during the first 18 hr postinfection, and prolonged lung proinflammatory cytokine expression. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the early alterations in metabolic and inflammatory responses to hemorrhagic shock produced by acute alcohol intoxication are associated with neutrophil dysfunction and impaired host response to a secondary infectious challenge leading to increased morbidity and mortality. [source] Experiences of intensive care nurses assessing sedation/agitation in critically ill patientsNURSING IN CRITICAL CARE, Issue 4 2008Stephanie Weir Abstract Background:, Patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) will more often than not require sedative and analgesic drugs to enable them to tolerate the invasive procedures and therapies caused as a result of their underlying condition and/or necessary medical interventions. Aim:, This article reports a study exploring the perceptions and experiences of intensive care nurses using a sedation/agitation scoring (SAS) tool to assess and manage sedation and agitation amongst critically ill patients. The principle aims and objectives of this study were as follows: ,,to explore nurse's everyday experiences using a sedation scoring tool; ,,to explore and understand nurse's attitudes and beliefs of the various components of assessing and managing sedation among critically ill patients. Method:, Using a descriptive qualitative approach, semistructured interviews were carried out with a purposive sample of eight ICU nurses within a district general hospital ICU. The interviews focused on nurse's own experiences and perceptions of using a sedation scoring tool in clinical practice. Burnard's 14-stage thematic content analysis framework was employed to assist in the data analysis process. Results:, Three key themes emerged that may have implications not only for clinical practice but for further research into the use of the SAS tool. ,,Benefits to patient care as a direct result of using a sedation scoring tool. ,,The concerns of nursing staff. ,,The implications of using such a tool in clinical practice. Conclusion:, This paper reinforces the potential benefits to patients as a direct result of implementing the SAS scoring tool and clinical guidelines. Furthermore, it highlights the reluctance of a number of staff to adhere to such guidelines and discusses the concerns regarding less experienced nurses administering sedative agents. Attention was also drawn to the educational requirements of nursing and medical staff when using the SAS scoring tool. [source] Decongestant use during pregnancy and its association with preterm deliveryBIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH, Issue 9 2010Rohini K. Hernandez Abstract BACKGROUND Despite the frequent intake of decongestants during pregnancy, only one study to date has evaluated the association of decongestants with preterm delivery, and it identified a reduced risk. We examined this association in more detail. METHODS Using a population-based random sample of 3271 Massachusetts live-born births without major malformations, we categorized decongestant exposure according to timing, frequency of use, route, and indication. Preterm birth was defined as a gestational age of <37 completed weeks. We estimated hazard ratios and examined confounding by indication by examining various strata of women and through multivariate adjustment. RESULTS Compared to nonexposed women, those who took decongestants during the second or third trimester only were less likely to experience preterm delivery (HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.21,0.84). This association was observed only for women without preeclampsia. CONCLUSIONS A protective association between decongestant use and preterm delivery has now been observed in two studies; however, the possibility of confounding by underlying condition remains. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] An evaluation of the safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX) when used to produce a protective ptosisCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, Issue 6 2001Mark F Ellis FRACO ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX, Allergan) when used to produce a protective ptosis in patients where a surgical tarsorrhaphy would otherwise be required. Methods: A total of 21 patients entered into the study. Doses of 2.5 and 5.0 units of BOTOX were injected into the levator palpebrae superioris muscle through the eyelid. The patients were followed daily where practical until a ptosis developed and then monitored 1,2 weekly until the ptosis was resolved. Injections were repeated, if necessary, until the underlying condition had healed. Results: Ptosis took an average ± SE of 4.0 ± 0.5 days to develop (range 2,8 days). Duration of ptosis was an average ± SE of 46.0 ± 12.1 days (range 1,206 days). The effective dosage was 5 units of BOTOX in 0.1 mL. In 16 patients, the ptosis produced by BOTOX was sufficient to allow the underlying disease to heal and a surgical tarsorrhaphy was avoided. One patient required a surgical tarsorrhaphy and three patients required other surgical intervention to correct the underlying condition. One patient was lost to follow up. Diplopia was seen in five patients but resolved in all cases. Conclusions: BOTOX was a suitable alternative to a surgical tarsorrhaphy. [source] Cyanoacrylate glue for corneal perforations: a description of a surgical technique and a review of the literatureCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, Issue 6 2000Brendan Jt Vote MBBS ABSTRACT The effective early application of a cyanoacrylate glue corneal patch can aid in the management of small corneal perforations, corneal melts and wound leaks. Their use gives improved visual outcomes with reduced enucleation rates (6%vs 19%). It may also avoid the need for tectonic penetrating keratoplasty. Cyanoacrylate glue prevents re-epithelialization into the zone of damaged and naked stroma and prevents the development of the critical setting for collagenase production that leads to stromal melting. Cyanoacrylates also have significant bacteriostatic activity against Gram-positive organisms. We describe a simple and easily reproducible method of cyanoacrylate corneal patch application, with neglible risk of inadvertent glue complications. It has the further advantage of a smooth corneal surface rather than an irregular surface as often occurs with direct application methods. With corneal application, the major concern is toxicity of cyanoacrylates through direct contact with the corneal endothelium and lens. Fibrin glues may be less toxic; however, they are not as readily available. The longer alkyl chains of currently available cyanoacrylate glues (e.g. Histoacryl) slows degradation significantly, limiting accumulation of histotoxic by-products to amounts that can be effectively eliminated by tissues. Vigilance in monitoring for infection/corneal infiltrate is necessary at all times, especially when the glue has been present for more than 6 weeks. Corneal patching with cyanoacrylate glue is a temporizing procedure only, buying time to allow healing secondary to medical treatment of the underlying condition, or allowing surgery to be elective and under more optimal conditions once inflammation has been reduced and the integrity of the globe restored. [source] An epidemiological analysis of severe cases of the influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus infection in JapanINFLUENZA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES, Issue 4 2010Koji Wada Please cite this paper as: Wada et al. (2010). An epidemiological analysis of severe cases of the influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus infection in Japan. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 4(4), 179,186. Background, The age distribution of confirmed cases with influenza A (H1N1) 2009 has shifted toward children and young adults, in contrast to interpandemic influenza, because of the age specificities in immunological reactions and transmission characteristics. Objectives, Descriptive epidemiological analysis of severe cases in Japan was carried out to characterize the pandemic's impact and clinical features. Methods, First, demographic characteristics of hospitalized cases (n = 12 923), severe cases (n = 894) and fatal cases (n = 116) were examined. Second, individual records of the first 120 severe cases, including 23 deaths, were analyzed to examine potential associations of influenza death with demographic variables, medical treatment and underlying conditions. Among severe cases, we compared proportions of specific characteristics of survivors with those of fatal cases to identify predictors of death. Results, Age distribution of hospitalized cases shifted toward those aged <20 years; this was also the case for deaths without underlying medical conditions. Deaths in adults were mainly seen among those with underlying medical conditions, resulting in an increased risk of death as a function of age. According to individual records, the time from onset to death in Japan appeared rather short compared with that in other countries. Conclusion, The age specificity of severe cases and their underlying medical conditions were consistent with other countries. To identify predictors of death in influenza A (H1N1) 2009 patients, more detailed clinical characteristics need to be examined according to different age groups and types of manifestations, which should ideally include mild cases as subjects. [source] Severe drug-induced skin reactions: clinical pattern, diagnostics and therapyJOURNAL DER DEUTSCHEN DERMATOLOGISCHEN GESELLSCHAFT, Issue 2 2009Maja Mockenhaupt Summary The spectrum of severe drug-induced skin reactions includes not only Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) but also generalized bullous fixed drug eruption (GBFDE), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) and hypersensitivity syndrome (HSS), also called drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). These reactions differ in clinical presentation as well as prognosis, causative agents and therapy. Therefore, the appropriate diagnostic measures should be undertaken rapidly, in order to prove the diagnosis. In addition to a thorough clinical examination, a skin biopsy should be taken and specific laboratory investigations should be done if AGEP or HSS/DRESS is suspected. Since these reactions are drug-induced, the causative agent should be rapidly identified and withdrawn. Besides adequate supportive therapy, systemic immunomodulatory treatments may be considered. Despite intensive care management, the prognosis in SJS and TEN is often poor and influenced by the amount of skin detachment as well as the age of the patients and the pre-existing underlying conditions. Severe sequelae may develop in survivors and affect especially mucosal sites. The prognosis of GBFDE is better but recurrent events may lead to more severe involvement. In HSS/DRESS sequelae have been also described as well as long lasting and recurrent courses, whereas AGEP usually heals without problems. [source] Herpetic Folliculitis is Usually a Consequence of Varicella Zoster Virus InfectionJOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2005J Blair Skin biopsies of 8 patients diagnosed with herpetic folliculitis by light microscopy were retrieved from the files of the UCSF Dermatopathology Service. Clinical and microscopical features were reviewed and tabulated, and PCR analysis was employed to seek DNA sequences specific for herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV). The study group included 4 women and 4 men, ages 15 to 54. Five patients (62%) were immunosuppressed, with underlying conditions including HIV infection, leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus erythematosus with polyarteritis nodosa. Microscopically, herpetic cytopathic changes involved the isthmus in 7/8 cases (87%), and involved the sebaceous apparatus in 4/8 cases (50%). Herpetic viropathic changes were not found within eccrine epithelium. A moderate to dense perifollicular infiltrate, comprised mostly of lymphocytes, was evident in 7/8 cases (87%). After PCR expansion of genetic material extracted from the original paraffin blocks, VZV-specific DNA sequences were detected in 8/8 cases. We conclude that herpetic folliculitis is a consequence of VZV infection. Because follicular herpetic infection is often accompanied by a dense perifollicular lymphoid infiltrate, the microscopical presentation can simulate inflammatory skin diseases such as lupus erythematosus. Level sections may be required for a specific diagnosis to be made. [source] The influence of extreme body weight on clinical outcome of patients with venous thromboembolism: findings from a prospective registry (RIETE)JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 5 2005R. BARBA Summary.,Background:,Data evaluating the safety of using weight-based dosing of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in either underweight or obese patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) are limited. Thus, recommendations based on evidence from clinical trials might not be suitable for patients with extreme body weight. Patients and Methods:,Patients with objectively confirmed, symptomatic acute VTE are consecutively enrolled into the Registro Informatizado de la Enfermedad TromboEmbólica (RIETE) registry. For this analysis, data from patients in the following ranges of body weight were examined: <50, 50,100, and >100 kg. Patient characteristics, underlying conditions, treatment schedules and clinical outcomes during the first 15 days of treatment were compared. Results:,As of August 2004, 8845 patients with acute VTE were enrolled from 94 participating centers. Of these, 169 (1.9%) weighed <50 kg, 8382 (95%) weighed 50,100 kg and 294 (3.3%) weighed >100 kg. Patients weighing <50 kg were more commonly females, were taking non-steriodal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and had severe underlying diseases more often than patients weighing 50,100 kg. Their incidence of overall bleeding complications was significantly higher than in patients weighing 50,100 kg (odds ratio 2.2; 95% CI: 1.2,4.0). Patients weighing >100 kg were younger, most commonly males, and had cancer less often than those weighing 50,100 kg. Incidences of recurrent VTE, fatal pulmonary embolism or major bleeding complications were similar in both groups. Conclusions:,Patients with VTE weighing <50 kg have a significantly higher rate of bleeding complications. The clinical outcome of patients weighing over 100 kg was not significantly different from that in patients weighing 50,100 kg. [source] Do fungi play a role in psoriatic nails?MYCOSES, Issue 6 2007Jacek C. Szepietowski Summary Onychomycosis is the most common disease of the nails and constitutes about a half of all nail abnormalities. Some factors like increasing age, male sex, repeated nail damage, genetic predispositions and underlying conditions, such as diabetes, immunodeficiency or peripheral arterial disease may predispose to develop onychomycosis. It is also suggested that abnormalities in nail morphology are the predisposing factors to onychomycosis. Psoriasis is one of the most common reasons of disturbed nail morphology and the spectrum of nail changes in psoriasis is very wide. Thus, there were suggestions that dystrophic nails in psoriatic patients lose their natural preventing barrier and therefore are more predisposed to fungal infection. This paper summarizes the knowledge about prevalence of onychomycosis among psoriatic patients and contains a literature review concerning this problem. Most authors report that the prevalence of onychomycosis in psoriatic patients is not higher than that in control population. However, especially yeasts and maybe moulds, probably as concomitant pathogens, are more often isolated from psoriatic patients than from non-psoriatic population. In reasonable cases, the mycological examination is required, especially when the clinical picture of the nails suggests the presence of fungal infection. In these cases, antifungal treatment may be beneficial for psoriatic patients. [source] Relationship between Genetic Variants in Myocardial Sodium and Potassium Channel Genes and QT Interval Duration in Diabetics: The Diabetes Heart StudyANNALS OF NONINVASIVE ELECTROCARDIOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Allison B. Lehtinen Ph.D. Background: Genetic variants in myocardial sodium and potassium channel genes are associated with prolonged QT interval and increased risk of sudden death. It is unclear whether these genetic variants remain relevant in subjects with underlying conditions such as diabetes that are associated with prolonged QT interval. Methods: We tested single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in five candidate genes for association with QT interval in a family-based study of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Thirty-six previously reported SNPs were genotyped in KCNQ1, HERG, SCN5A, KCNE1, and KCNE2 in 901 European Americans from 366 families. The heart rate-corrected (QTc) durations were determined using the Marquette 12SL program. Associations between the QTc interval and the genotypes were evaluated using SOLAR adjusting for age, gender, T2DM status, and body mass index. Results: Within KCNQ1 there was weak evidence for association between the minor allele of IVS12 +14T>C and increased QTc (P = 0.02). The minor allele of rs2236609 in KCNE1 trended toward significance with longer QTc (P = 0.06), while the minor allele of rs1805123 in HERG trended toward significance with shorter QTc (P = 0.07). However, no statistically significant associations were observed between the remaining SNPs and QTc variation. Conclusions: We found weak evidence of association between three previously reported SNPs and QTc interval duration. While it appears as though genetic variants in previously identified candidate genes may be associated with QT duration in subjects with diabetes, the clinical implications of these associations in diabetic subjects at high risk for sudden death remain to be determined. [source] Entry into the Schooling Market: How is the Behaviour of Private Suppliers Influenced by Public Sector Decisions?BULLETIN OF ECONOMIC RESEARCH, Issue 4 2002Thomas A. Downes This research examines the location choice of private schools entering the California schooling market in 1979,80. We find that entrants are more likely to locate in public school districts with lower levels of per,pupil expenditure and higher fractions of public school students who reside in low,income households. In addition, we provide evidence of differences in the responsiveness of different types of private schools to the underlying conditions. Also, in comparing our results to those of previous research, we find that the determinants of the location choices of entrants appear to be the same as the determinants of the location pattern of incumbent private schools. [source] Nephrocalcinosis in children: a retrospective multi-centre studyACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 10 2009Anita Ammenti Abstract Aim:, To review the data of children with NC and to analyse aetiology, clinical manifestations, growth and renal function at presentation; to relate growth and renal function to changes in NC in patients with a follow-up of at least 12 months. Methods:, Data of 41 children from four institutions were gathered retrospectively. Results:, Presenting symptoms were failure to thrive in the first year of life (41%), urinary tract infections, bladder voiding dysfunction or abdominal pain (17%) and psychomotor delay (10%). In 24% of cases NC was detected incidentally. Glomerular function at diagnosis was normal in 83% of children. During a median follow-up of 4 yrs and 5 months in 28 patients, growth standard deviation score improved from a median of ,2.2 to ,1.0 and glomerular function remained stable in 89% of patients, in spite of worsening of the degree of NC in 62% of cases. The most frequent causes of NC were hereditary tubulopathies and vitamin D intoxication. Conclusion:, Our results show that the treatment of the underlying conditions is associated with catch-up growth and stabilization of glomerular function in many children, but not with the reduction in the degree of NC in the majority of cases. We believe that early recognition of conditions leading to NC is clinically useful and suggest a diagnostic flowchart, which may be helpful in the approach to NC. [source] Group A streptococcus bacteraemia: comparison of adults and children in a single medical centreCLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION, Issue 2 2006O. Megged Abstract Group A streptococcus (GAS) bacteraemia is often associated with soft-tissue infection, with significant morbidity and mortality. Little is known concerning the differences between adults and children with GAS bacteraemia. Records for 98 of 116 cases of GAS bacteraemia (60 adults and 38 children, aged 7 days to 96 years) occurring during a 10-year period (1993,2002) were located and reviewed. GAS bacteraemia comprised 0.6% of all bacteraemias in adults, compared to 3.3% in children (p < 0.001). The rate of adult GAS bacteraemia was two cases/1000 hospitalisations, compared to 13/1000 in children (p < 0.001). Seventy-six (78%) patients had concomitant tissue involvement, with skin or soft-tissue infection being the most common (62%). Fifty-three (88%) of 60 adults and five (13%) of 38 children had underlying conditions (p < 0.001). Twelve patients died, only one of whom was a child. Parameters associated with mortality were older age, lower temperature, hypotension, a need for surgical intervention, toxic shock syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation, thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, hypocalcaemia, renal failure and acidosis (p < 0.05). [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||