Unclear Etiology (unclear + etiology)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Hematologic abnormalities in children and young adults receiving tacrolimus-based immunosuppression following cardiothoracic transplantation

PEDIATRIC TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 2 2001
Nancy C. Dobrolet
Abstract: To define the incidence, course, and etiology of hematologic abnormalities in children on tacrolimus-based immunosuppression, we reviewed records of 106 transplant patients (70 heart, 16 heart and lung, 20 double lung), 0,21 yr of age, who were transplanted at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh from 1989 to 1997. Fifty-four of the 106 patients (51%) developed 65 abnormal hematologic episodes (32 anemia, nine neutropenia, nine thrombocytopenia, 15 simultaneous anemia and neutropenia with or without thrombocytopenia). Common etiologies included: infections, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, and medications. Eleven episodes (seven anemia, one neutropenia, and three simultaneous anemia and neutropenia) had unclear etiologies and process of elimination suggested an association with tacrolimus. Interventions included filgrastim (effective in 15 of 15 patients, with resolution of neutropenia in a median of 5 days) and epoetin alfa (effective in five of 16 patients, including four of four patients with anemia possibly related to tacrolimus). Five patients (two with neutropenia and three with simultaneous neutropenia and anemia) were switched to cyclosporin A (CsA); rapid resolution occured in four of the five patients, suggesting a possible association of the hematologic abnormalities with tacrolimus. In summary, hematologic abnormalities are common in children on tacrolimus-based immunosuppression. Most of these hematologic abnormalities are caused by common etiologies; however, a sub-population exists where tacrolimus may be the etiologic agent. Anemia and neutropenia respond to treatment with epoetin alfa and filgrastim. After thorough investigation, a trial switch to CsA may be warranted. [source]


A Common Tumor, An Uncommon Location: Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Nipple and Areola in a 49-Year-Old Woman

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 4 2005
Nathan Rosen MD
Background. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) occurring on sun-protected regions is an uncommon phenomenon. BCC of the nipple is an exceedingly rare event. Method. We review the literature on BCC of the female nipple and herein describe the eighth reported case in the English literature. Our patient was treated with Mohs micrographic surgery and sentinel lymph node biopsy. Conclusion. BCC of the nipple are extremely rare tumors with unclear etiology. They can be aggressive and are capable of causing significant morbidity and mortality if they are neglected or improperly treated. With continued reporting of the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of these patients, we may gain an understanding of the pathogenesis, as well as the best method of control for these unusual tumors. [source]


Viral exanthems in childhood , infectious (direct) exanthems.

JOURNAL DER DEUTSCHEN DERMATOLOGISCHEN GESELLSCHAFT, Issue 4 2009
Part 1: Classic exanthems
Summary Exanthems during childhood occur quite often and are mostly harmless in nature. Among different trigger factors, viruses are of prime importance. Viral exanthems may manifest as a macular, maculopapular, papular, urticarial or vesicular rash. Exanthems with other causes (bacterial toxins, drugs, autoimmune diseases) as well as those with unclear etiology such as unilateral lat-erothoracic exanthem or Kawasaki disease must be differentiated from viral exanthems. This review focuses on the classic viral exanthems. [source]


One-year Outcomes Following Coronary Computerized Tomographic Angiography for Evaluation of Emergency Department Patients with Potential Acute Coronary Syndrome

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 8 2009
Judd E. Hollander MD
Abstract Objectives:, Coronary computerized tomographic angiography (CTA) has high correlation with cardiac catheterization and has been shown to be safe and cost-effective when used for rapid evaluation of low-risk chest pain patients from the emergency department (ED). The long-term outcome of patients discharged from the ED with negative coronary CTA has not been well studied. Methods:, The authors prospectively evaluated consecutive low- to intermediate-risk patients who received coronary CTA in the ED for evaluation of a potential acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Patients with cocaine use, known cancer, and significant comorbidity reducing life expectancy and those found to have significant disease (stenosis , 50% or ejection fraction < 30%) were excluded. Demographics, medical and cardiac history, labs, and electrocardiogram (ECG) results were collected. Patients were followed by telephone contact and record review for 1 year. The main outcome was 1-year cardiovascular death or nonfatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Results:, Of 588 patients who received coronary CTA in the ED, 481 met study criteria. They had a mean (±SD) age of 46.1 (±8.8) years, 63% were black or African American, and 60% were female. There were 53 patients (11%) rehospitalized and 51 patients (11%) who received further diagnostic testing (stress or catheterization) over the subsequent year. There was one death (0.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.01% to 1.15%) with unclear etiology, no AMI (0%; 95% CI = 0 to 0.76%), and no revascularization procedures (0%; 95% CI = 0 to 0.76%) during this time period. Conclusions:, Low- to intermediate-risk patients with a Thrombosis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score of 0 to 2 who present to the ED with potential ACS and have a negative coronary CTA have a very low likelihood of cardiovascular events over the ensuing year. [source]