年轻人冠心病危险因素分布及聚集状况

目的　观察年轻人中冠心病危险因素的分布及聚集状况 ,为早期年轻人防治冠心病提供依据。方法　选择年轻冠心病患者 (经冠状动脉造影证实 ,年龄≤ 40岁 ) 1 78例作为疾病组 ,并以年龄匹配的冠状动脉造影正常的年轻人 70例作为对照组 ,分析了传统危险因素 (高血压、高血糖、高血脂、肥胖、吸烟史、家族史 )和新危险因素同型半胱氨酸 (HCY)、脂蛋白 (a)、小而密低密度脂蛋白、C反应蛋白 (CRP)在两组间的变化特点及聚集情况。结果　 (1 )在传统的危险因素中 ,疾病组的甘油三酯(TG)和胆固醇 (TC)水平、吸烟和家族史的比率明显高于对照组 (P <0 0 5) ;在新的危险因素中 ,疾病组的血浆HCY(2 1 66± 1 8 2 2 ) μmol L和CRP(5 78± 6 90 )mg L比对照组的血浆HCY(1 4 94± 8 97)μmol L和CRP(2 87± 2 0 0 )mg L明显增高 (P <0 0 1 ) ,其他危险因素在两组间比较差异无显著性。(2 )疾病组与对照组比较 ,有危险因素者明显增多 (P <0 0 5) ,2种以上新危险因素聚集增加 ,3种新危险因素聚集比较差异有显著性 (P <0 0 5) ,传统危险因素聚集性比较差异无显著性。 (3)logistic回归显示吸烟 (OR值为 2 4,95 %CI:1 31 5～ 4 2 75)、TG(OR值为 1 8,95 %CI:1 2 1 5～ 2 541 )、HCY(OR值为 1 9,95 %CI:1 0 60     

冠心病患者C反应蛋白水平及其1059G/C基因多态性的研究

目的　研究中国汉族人群中血清高敏C反应蛋白 (CRP)水平及其 10 5 9G C基因多态性与冠状动脉造影证实的冠心病之间的关系。方法　采用免疫比浊法测定 35 6例冠状动脉造影患者的高敏CRP水平 ,同时应用聚合酶链反应 -限制性片段长度多态性 (PCR RFLP)核苷酸分型技术检测CRP的 10 5 9G C基因多态性 ,结合冠状动脉造影结果进行分析。结果　冠心病组的自然对数转换CRP(lnCRP)水平显著高于对照组 (P <0 0 5 ) ,以年龄、性别、吸烟、高血压、体重指数和lnCRP水平为自变量的Logistic回归分析显示 ,lnCRP水平 (OR =1 4 4,P <0 0 1)和体重指数 (OR =1 0 1,P <0 0 5 )与冠心病的危险性独立相关。 10 5 9G C基因多态性等位基因和基因型的分布频率符合Hardy Weinberg平衡 ( χ2 =0 2 97,P >0 0 5 )。两组的 10 5 9G C基因型和等位基因的分布趋势相同 ,差异无显著性 (P>0 0 5 )。C等位基因携带者的lnCRP水平低于GG基因型 [( 0 5 3± 1 0 1)比 ( 0 88± 0 99)lnmg L ;P =0 0 2 4],而冠状动脉病变程度不受 10 5 9G C基因多态性的影响 ( χ2 =1 374,P >0 0 5 )。结论　血清高敏CRP水平升高可能是中国汉族人冠心病发生的独立危险因素 ;CRP的水平可能受其 10 5 9G C基因多态性的影响。     

C-反应蛋白与动脉粥样硬化形成有关

为探讨C -反应蛋白与动脉粥样硬化及其它心血管病危险因素的关系 ,以高分辨率B型超声法测定91例受检者的颈动脉内膜 -中膜厚度 ,作为动脉粥样硬化的指标 ;以生物化学方法测定血清C -反应蛋白、血脂水平和血浆凝血纤溶活性。结果发现 ,颈动脉内膜 -中膜厚度≥ 0 .8mm组的血清C -反应蛋白水平高于内膜 -中膜厚度 <0 .8mm组 (4 .4± 4.3mg L比 2 .7± 1.3mg L) ,但差异的显著性无统计学意义 (P =0 .0 71)。 6例血清C -反应蛋白水平≥ 8.0mg L者颈动脉内膜 -中膜厚度明显高于其余 85例血清C -反应蛋白 <8.0mg L者 (1.0 33± 0 .2 94mm比 0 .812± 0 .2 2 2mm ,P <0 .0 5 )。多因素逐步回归分析显示血清C -反应蛋白水平与血清甘油三酯水平 (β=0 .5 33,P =0 .0 0 2 ) ,及血浆凝血因子VII (β =0 .40 6 ,P =0 .0 17)和纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂 - 1(β =0 .312 ,P =0 .0 5 )活性呈显著正相关。因此 ,C -反应蛋白作为某些炎症的反应蛋白 ,与颈动脉内膜 -中膜厚度及其某些心血管病危险因素有关 ,提示炎症因素可能在动脉粥样硬化发病中起作用。     

冠心病及其高危患者血管功能无创性检测的临床意义

目的 :探讨冠心病和具有冠心病危险因素患者的血管内皮和平滑肌功能无创性检测的临床意义。方法 :采用高分辨超声技术 ,检测 90例健康成人 (正常对照组 )、110例有冠心病危险因素者 (危险因素组 )和 71例冠心病患者 (冠心病组 )在反应性充血时及含服硝酸甘油后的肱动脉内径变化。结果 :危险因素组和冠心病组血流介导的肱动脉舒张 (FMD)均明显低于正常对照组 [(4 .79± 3.93) %和 (2 .4 4± 2 .94 ) %比 (8.76± 4 .33) % ,均P <0 .0 1];冠心病组硝酸甘油引起的肱动脉舒张 (NID)明显低于正常对照组 [(16 .5 8± 6 .2 6 ) %比 (2 3.6 2±8.5 5 ) % ,P <0 .0 1],但危险因素组的NID与正常对照组无统计学意义 [(2 0 .5 0± 7.30 ) %比 (2 3.6 2± 8.5 5 ) % ,P >0 .0 5 ]。多元逐步回归分析显示 :FMD与年龄、肱动脉基线内径和收缩压呈负相关 ,与高密度脂蛋白胆固醇呈正相关 ;而NID与肱动脉基线内径呈负相关 ,与FMD呈正相关。结论 :血管内皮功能失调是动脉粥样硬化临床前的早期表现 ,而血管平滑肌功能损害常提示患者已存在明显动脉粥样硬化病变     

C-反应蛋白是急性冠脉综合征的一种危险因子

目的　研究急性冠脉综合征 (包括不稳定性心绞痛、急性心肌梗死和心源性猝死 )患者血清C 反应蛋白(CRP)浓度水平并与对照组 (即非急性冠脉综合征 ,包括稳定性心绞痛、陈旧性心肌梗死和正常体检人群 )比较 ,探讨CRP是否为急性冠脉综合征的一种危险因子。方法　用速率散射比浊法测定急性冠脉综合征患者和对照组血清CRP浓度 ,同时检测冠心病的常见危险因子并与CRP一起作Lo gistic回归分析。结果　①急性冠脉综合征患者血清CRP浓度 [18 5 0mg/L± 2 3 98mg/L (SE 2 5 1,n =91) ]显著高于对照组 [3 89mg/L± 7 14mg/L (SE 0 5 1,n =194 ) ](P <0 0 1)。②急性心肌梗死急性期患者CRP浓度 (18 6 5mg/L± 2 4 12mg/L)和不稳定性心绞痛CRP浓度 (17 95mg/L±2 4 10mg/L)显著高于正常对照组 (P <0 0 1)、稳定性心绞痛CRP浓度 (3 94± 7 5 0mg/L) (P <0 0 1)、急性心肌梗死患者恢复期 (5 93mg/L± 13 0 7mg/L) (P <0 0 1)和陈旧性心肌梗死患者 (4 5 7mg/L± 8 2 7mg/L) (P <0 0 1) ;稳定性心绞痛患者、急性心肌梗死患者恢复期和陈旧性心肌梗死患者之间CRP浓度无差别 (P >0 0 5 )并与正常人群比较无显著性差别 (P >0 0 5 )。③每增加CRP 5mg/L ,急性冠脉综合征发生危险增加到近 2倍 (用Logistic回归 ,OR     

C-反应蛋白与冠心病患者冠状动脉斑块形态的关系

目的 :检测冠状动脉 (冠脉 )造影显示Ⅱ型斑块的患者血清C 反应蛋白 (CRP)水平 ,从临床的角度探讨斑块破裂发生的原因。方法 :112例接受了冠脉造影的冠心病患者纳入本研究。对其冠脉造影的斑块形态进行分型。根据斑块形态 ,患者分为两组 ,即Ⅰ型病变 (表面光滑 )组 (n =45 )及Ⅱ型病变 (表面不规则 )组 (n =6 7)。所有患者于冠脉造影前采血进行血清CRP、全血心脏肌钙蛋白T(cTnT)、血清肌酸激酶 (CK)及肌酸激酶MB同工酶 (CK MB)的测定。结果 :Ⅱ型病变组平均血清CRP水平显著高于Ⅰ型病变组 ( 4 32± 0 35mg/L对 2 18± 0 2 2mg/L ,P <0 0 0 0 1)。而两组患者之间 ,年龄、性别、4个主要冠心病危险因素的合并率、全血cTnT、血清CK及CK MB水平均无显著差别 (P>0 0 5 )。结论 :冠脉造影显示斑块破裂的冠心病患者血清CRP水平明显升高。从临床的角度提示 ,炎症反应是导致斑块破裂的原因 ,进而也是导致急性冠脉综合征 (ACS)发生的重要始动因素之一     

C-反应蛋白、内皮功能变化与急性冠状动脉综合征相关性研究

目的　探讨 C-反应蛋白及肱动脉流量介导的血管舒张在急性冠状动脉综合征中的变化及其相关性。方法　急性冠状动脉综合征 (ACS)组 5 1例 ,其中急性心肌梗死 (AMI) 15例 ,不稳定性心绞痛 (U AP) 36例 ;选择 2 2例冠状动脉造影除外冠心病的患者为对照组。用速率散射比浊法测血清 C-反应蛋白 (CRP) ,用高分辨率超声测肱动脉反应性充血引起的流量介导血管扩张 (FMD)与硝酸甘油介导的血管扩张 (NTG)。结果　 ACS组 CRP高于对照组(0 .94± 1.45 mg/ dl vs0 .2 7± 0 .2 1mg/ dl,P<0 .0 5 ) ,AMI亚组 CRP明显高于 UAP亚组与对照组 (1.6 4± 1.82mg/ dl vs0 .6 5± 1.17m g/ dl、 0 .2 7± 0 .2 1m g/ dl,P<0 .0 5 ) ,UAP亚组高于对照组 (0 .6 5± 1.82 m g/ dl vs0 .2 7±0 .2 1m g/ dl,P>0 .0 5 )。ACS组的 FMD明显低于对照组 (4 .6 1± 2 .2 1mm vs9.2 3± 3.45 mm,P<0 .0 5 ) ,而 NTG与对照组比较则无差别。经 logisitic回归分析 ,CRP的风险比值 (OR)值大于 1,是 ACS的危险因素 ,FMD的 OR值小于 1,是 ACS的保护因素。经前进法观察 CRP与 FMD在急性冠脉综合征中的作用是相互独立的。结论　急性冠状动脉综合征患者 C-反应蛋白升高 ,内皮功能受损 ,二者是 ACS发生的独立危险因素     

脑利钠肽和C-反应蛋白在急性冠状动脉综合征介入治疗患者的预后价值

目的探讨急性冠状动脉综合征(ACS)行经皮冠状动脉介入治疗术(PCI)患者血浆脑利钠肽(BNP)和C-反应蛋白(CRP)水平与临床预后的关系。方法连续性入选189例行PCI治疗的ACS患者。测定症状发作平均(34·2±16·3)h的血浆BNP和CRP水平,随访患者住院期间,30天,3个月病死率及主要心脏不良事件(MACE)(心原性死亡,再次心肌梗死,再发心绞痛,继发心衰和再入院的复合终点)发生率。结果189例ACS患者根据血浆BNP水平分为四组:≤100ng/L组;>100~≤300ng/L组;>300~≤600ng/L组和>600ng/L组。随血浆BNP水平的升高,各组病死率及MACE发生率呈明显递增趋势。3个月时,各组病死率分别为0%、1·4%、7·7%、48·3%;MACE发生率分别为7·9%、17·1%、57·7%、79·3%。在多变量的logistic回归分析中,BNP独立于年龄、性别、家族史、吸烟、高脂血症、高血压、糖尿病及LVEF等危险因素,预测30天(r=0·8515,P<0·01)和3个月(r=0·9201,P<0·01)病死率及30天(r=0·7066,P<0·01)和3个月(r=0·7090,P<0·01)MACE发生率。其中141例患者根据血浆CRP水平分为三组:≤8·0mg/L组;>8·0~≤32·0mg/L组;>32·0mg/L组。随着血浆CRP水平的升高,各组死亡事件及MACE发生率亦呈明显递增趋势。3个月时,病死率分别为2·7%、7·7%、28·6%;MACE发生率分别为28·4%、41·0%、60·7%。在多变量的logistic回归分析中,CRP独立于年龄等其他冠心病危险因素,预测30天(r=0·5882,P=0·0044)和3个月(r=0·5235,P=0·0038)病死率。经年龄因素校正后,CRP独立于性别等其他冠心病危险因素,预测30天(r=0·2705,P=0·0380)和3个月(r=0·2290,P=0·0429)MACE发生率。当将CRP、BNP和年龄等其他冠心病危险因素放入同一模型预测ACS的预后时,血浆CRP水平失去了预测效能,而血浆BNP水平升高独立于各因素预测30天和3个月病死率及MACE发生率。结论BNP和CRP能够很好地对ACS患者行PCI治疗后进行危险分层,预测近期病死率和MACE发生率。BNP可能是较CRP更好的预测ACS患者近期临床预后的指标。     

冠心病患者血清褪黑素的变化

目的 :研究冠心病患者血清褪黑素 (Melatonin ,MLT)变化 ,了解MLT与冠心病的可能关系 ,观察β 受体阻滞剂对冠心病患者MLT分泌的影响。方法 :用放射免疫分析法测定对照组 2 0例、冠状动脉造影证实冠状动脉高度狭窄的不稳定型心绞痛 (UA)患者 30例 (其中 14例服用 β 受体阻滞剂 )及急性心肌梗死 (AMI)患者33例 (其中 16例服用 β 受体阻滞剂 ) ,清晨 5 :30～ 6 :0 0测血清MLT。分析 3组间血清MLT水平的差异。 结果 :UA组及AMI组血清MLT水平分别为 (2 4 .4 5± 2 0 .80 )、(31.2 2± 2 5 .80 )ng/L ,均明显低于对照组 [(4 7.0 3±2 5 .6 2 )ng/L],差异有统计学意义 (均 P <0 .0 1)。服用与未服用 β 受体阻滞剂的冠心病患者间血清MLT水平差异无统计学意义 (P >0 .0 5 )。结论 :冠心病患者体内血清MLT显著降低 ,β 受体阻滞剂不影响冠心病患者MLT的分泌     

冠心病人同型半胱氨酸水平的主要影响因素

目的　分析影响冠心病人血浆同型半胱氨酸水平的主要非遗传因素。方法　 16 4例住院冠心病患者 ,测定血浆同型半胱氨酸水平并分析其与血浆及全血叶酸、血浆维生素B12 、血清雌二醇浓度以及冠心病传统危险因素之间的关系。结果　血浆同型半胱氨酸水平与叶酸、维生素B12 水平呈负相关 ,男性血浆同型半胱氨酸浓度高于女性 [(2 0 74± 13 42 )× 10 -6mol/L比 (15 5 6± 8 16 )× 10 -6mol/L ,P <0 0 5 ],吸烟者高于不吸烟者 [(2 2 2 9± 15 18)× 10 -6mol/L比 (17 2 1± 9 5 4)× 10 -6mol/L ,P <0 0 5 ]。结论　叶酸、维生素B12 、性别和吸烟是影响冠心病患者血浆同型半胱氨酸水平的主要非遗传因素     

Three layer functional model and energy exchange concept of aging process

Relying on a certain degree of abstraction, we can propose that no particular distinction exists between animate or living matter and inanimate matter. While focusing attention on some specifics, the dividing line between the two can be drawn. The most apparent distinction is in the level of structural and functional organization with the dissimilar streams of ‘energy flow’ between the observed entity and the surrounding environment. In essence, living matter is created from inanimate matter which is organized to contain internal intense energy processes and maintain lower intensity energy exchange processes with the environment. Taking internal and external energy processes into account, we contend in this paper that living matter can be referred to as matter of dissipative structure, with this structure assumed to be a common quality of all living creatures and living matter in general. Interruption of internal energy conversion processes and terminating the controlled energy exchange with the environment leads to degeneration of dissipative structure and reduction of the same to inanimate matter, (gas, liquid and/or solid inanimate substances), and ultimately what can be called ‘death.’ This concept of what we call dissipative nature can be extended from living organisms to social groups of animals, to mankind. An analogy based on the organization of matter provides a basis for a functional model of living entities. The models relies on the parallels among the three central structures of any cell (nucleus, cytoplasm and outer membrane) and the human body (central organs, body fluids along with the connective tissues, and external skin integument). This three-part structural organization may be observed almost universally in nature. It can be observed from the atomic structure to the planetary and intergalactic organizations. This similarity is corroborated by the membrane theory applied to living organisms. According to the energy nature of living matter and the proposed functional model, the decreased integrity of a human body's external envelope membrane is a first cause of the structural degradation and aging of the entire organism. The aging process than progresses externally to internally, as in single cell organisms, suggesting that much of the efforts towards the restoration and maintenance of the mechanisms responsible for structural development should be focused accordingly, on the membrane, i.e., the skin. Numerous reports indicate that all parts of the human body, like: bones, blood with blood vessels, muscles, skin, and so on, have some ability for restoration. Therefore, actual revival of not only aging tissue of the human body's membrane, but the entire human body enclosed within, with all internal organs, might be expected. We assess several aging theories within the context of our model and provide suggestions on how to activate the body's own anti-aging mechanisms and increase longevity. This paper presents some analogies and some distinctions that exist between the living dissipative structure matter and inanimate matter, discusses the aging process and proposes certain aging reversal solutions.     

Unusual responses of nocturnal pineal melatonin synthesis and secretion to swimming: Attempts to define mechanisms

Abstract: The effect of swimming at night on rat pineal melatonin synthesis was compared with that of light exposure at night. Rats were forced to swim at 0030 hr (lights out at 2000 hr) and sacrificed by decapitation 15 and 30 min later, immediately after swimming. Other groups of animals were exposed to white light (650μW/cm²) for 15 and 30 min at same time. Swimming caused a rapid and highly significant drop in the melatonin content in the pineal gland; however, the activity of N-acetyltransferase (NAT), the supposed rate limiting enzyme in the melatonin production, was not changed. Despite the drop in pineal melatonin levels, serum concentrations of the indole remained elevated in the rats that swam. In contrast, melatonin levels in the pineal and serum of light exposed rats fell precipitously, accompanied by a significant suppression of NAT activity. Since we anticipated that the strenuous exercise associated with swimming may induce release of artrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) from the heart, which in turn could cause the release of pineal melatonin, in a second study we injected physiological saline intravenously to stretch the cardiac muscle and release ANP. Three milliliters of normal saline was injected during the day into the jugular vein of anesthetized rats that were pretreated with isoproterenol to stimulate pineal melatonin production. Animals were killed 15 min after the saline injection, and pineal NAT activity and pineal melatonin levels were measured. The saline injections caused no alteration in the elevated levels of either NAT or melatonin. These data suggest that the disparity in pineal NAT activity (which was high) and pineal melatonin (which was low), in animals swum at night, may not be caused by ANP which is released during strenuous exercise such as swimming.     

Melatonin and photoperiodic time measurement: Seasonal breeding in the sheep

Abstract: Well-established circadian physiology supports the view that photoperiodic time measurement utilizes the coincidence between the presence of light and a photosensitive phase of a 'biological clock' to alter reproductive status—the so-called external coincidence model of seasonal breeding. In this review, we examine the mechanism whereby photoperiod interacts with presumed suprachiasmatic nuclei activity to allow endogenous melatonin to normally synchronize reproductive activity to the optimal time of year. The Romney Marsh sheep is particularly explored as an experimental model. It is suggested that the on/off activity of seasonal reproduction may be a robust mechanism able to be predictably manipulated by the judicious use of the light/dark cycle and exogenous melatonin, but firmly based on circadian principles.     

MUTATION FREQUENCY IN NURSES AND PHARMACISTS WORKING WITH CYTOTOXIC DRUGS

Individuals occupationally exposed to cytotoxic drugs may be at risk owing to the effects of these agents on DNA. As an index of DNA damage, in vivo mutations were measured in lymphocytes from 24 oncology nurses or pharmacists and 24 matched controls. Mutation frequency was significantly increased in exposed individuals and appeared to be related to duration of exposure. However, the overall magnitude of the increase was small and its biological significance remains to be determined.     

A single injection of adrenergic agonists enhances pineal melatonin production in Turkish hamsters

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the pineal gland of Turkish hamsters (Mesocricetus brandti) responds to adrenergic agonists with an increase in melatonin production, and, if it does, whether the sensitivity of the pineal gland to agonists would differ throughout the dark phase. Adult Turkish hamsters weighing 110–210 g received a subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (ISO, 1 mg/kg B.W.) or norepinephrine (NE, 1 mg/kg B.W.) at different times of night. Animals exposed to LD 16:8 responded to ISO or NE with increased pineal melatonin content only when injected at dawn, when endogenous melatonin is at basal or near-basal levels. When the 8 hr scotophase was entirely replaced with light, the responsiveness to ISO injections at dawn disappeared. In animals exposed to light from 30 min prior to injection to the time of sacrifice, ISO injections increased pineal melatonin content (P < 0.005, three-way ANOVA), which varied, depending on the specific time of injection (effect of time of night, P < 0.05, three-way ANOVA). These results demonstrate that (1) adrenergic agonists enhance the production of pineal melatonin in Turkish hamsters, (2) this stimulatory effect takes place late, but not early in the 8 hr scotophase, and (3) the adrenergic induction of pineal melatonin production in Turkish hamsters requires priming by darkness during the appropriate circadian phase.     

Immune effector mechanisms in malaria: An update focusing on human immunity

The past decade has witnessed dramatic decreases in malaria‐associated mortality and morbidity around the world. This progress has largely been due to intensified malaria control measures, implementation of rapid diagnostics and establishing a network to anticipate and mitigate antimalarial drug resistance. However, the ultimate tool for malaria prevention is the development and implementation of an effective vaccine. To date, malaria vaccine efforts have focused on determining which of the thousands of antigens expressed by Plasmodium falciparum are instrumental targets of protective immunity. The antigenic variation and antigenic polymorphisms arising in parasite genes under immune selection present a daunting challenge for target antigen selection and prioritization, and is a given caveat when interpreting immune recall responses or results from monovalent vaccine trials. Other immune evasion strategies executed by the parasite highlight the myriad of ways in which it can become a recurrent infection. This review provides an update on immune effector mechanisms in malaria and focuses on our improved ability to interrogate the complexity of human immune system, accelerated by recent methodological advances. Appreciating how the human immune landscape influences the effectiveness and longevity of antimalarial immunity will help explain which conditions are necessary for immune effector mechanisms to prevail.     

Secondary aortoduodenal fistula

Aorto-duodenal fistulae （ADF） are the most frequent aorto-enteric fistulae （80%）, presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We report the first case of a man with a secondary aorto-duodenal fistula presenting with a history of persistent occlusive syndrome. A 59-year old man who underwent an aortic-bi-femoral bypass 5 years ago, presented with dyspepsia and biliary vomiting. Computed tomography scan showed in the third duodenal segment the presence of inflammatory tissue with air bubbles between the duodenum and prosthesis, adherent to the duodenum. The patient was submitted to surgery, during which the prosthesis was detached from the duodenum, the intestine failed to close and a gastro-jejunal anastomosis was performed. The post-operative course was simple, secondary ADF was a complication （0.3%-2%） of aortic surgery. Mechanical erosion of the prosthetic material into the bowel was due to the lack of interposed retroperitoneal tissue or the excessive pulsation of redundantly placed grafts or septic procedures. The third or fourth duodenal segment was most frequently involved. Diagnosis of ADF was difficult. Surgical treatment is always recommended by explorative laparotomy. ADF must be suspected whenever a patient with aortic prosthesis has digestive bleeding or unexplained obstructive syndrome. Rarely the clinical picture of ADF is subtle presenting as an obstructive syndrome and in these cases the principal goal is to effectively relieve the mechanical bowel obstruction.     

Serological survey of HIV and syphilis in pregnant women in Madagascar

Objectives Peripartal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, leads to severe consequences for newborns. Preventive measures require awareness of the maternal infection. Although HIV and syphilis testing in Madagascar could be theoretically carried out within the framework of the national pregnancy follow‐up scheme, the required test kits are rarely available at peripheral health centres. In this study, we screened blood samples of pregnant Madagascan women for HIV and syphilis seroprevalence to estimate the demand for systemic screening in pregnancy. Methods Retrospective anonymous serological analysis for HIV and syphilis was performed in plasma samples from 1232 pregnant women that were taken between May and July 2010 in Ambositra, Ifanadiana, Manakara, Mananjary, Moramanga and Tsiroanomandidy (Madagascar) during pregnancy follow‐up. Screening was based on Treponema pallidum haemagglutination tests for syphilis and rapid tests for HIV, with confirmation of positive screening results on line assays. Results Out of 1232 pregnant women, none were seropositive for HIV and 37 (3%) were seropositive for Treponema pallidum. Conclusions Our findings are in line with previous studies that describe considerable syphilis prevalence in the rural Madagascan population. The results suggest a need for screening to prevent peripartal Treponema pallidum transmission, while HIV is still rare. If they are known, Treponema pallidum infections can be easily, safely and inexpensively treated even in pregnancy to reduce the risk of transmission.     

Married to M. tuberculosis: risk of infection and disease in spouses of smear-positive tuberculosis patients

Objectives To quantify the risk of infection and disease in spouses of tuberculosis patients and the extent to which intervention could reduce the risk in this highly exposed group. Methods We compared HIV prevalence, TB prevalence and incidence and tuberculin skin test (TST) results in spouses of TB patients and community controls. HIV‐positive spouses were offered isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT), and TST was repeated at 6, 12 and 24 months. Results We recruited 148 spouses of smear‐positive patients ascertained prospectively and 3% had active TB. We identified 203 spouses of previously diagnosed smear‐positive patients, 11 had already had TB, and the rate of TB was 2.4 per 100 person years(py) over 2 years (95% CI 1.15–5.09). 116 were found alive and recruited. HIV prevalence was 37% and 39% in the prospective and retrospective spouse groups and 17% in controls. TST was ≥10 mm in 80% of HIV negative and in 57% of HIV‐positive spouses ascertained retrospectively; 74% HIV negative and 62% HIV‐positive spouses ascertained prospectively, and 48% HIV negative and 26% HIV‐positive community controls. Of 54 HIV‐positive spouses, 18 completed 6‐month IPT. At 2 year follow‐up, 87% of surviving spouses had TST ≥10 mm and the rate of TB was 1.1 per 100 py (95% CI 0.34–3.29). Conclusions Spouses are a high‐risk group who should be screened for HIV and active TB. TST prevalence was already high by the time the spouses were approached but further infections were seen to occur. Uptake and adherence to IPT was disappointing, lessening the impact of short‐duration therapy.