高龄原发性高血压患者合并慢性肾脏病的危险因素

目的了解80岁以上原发性高血压(EH)住院患者合并慢性肾脏病(CKD)的情况,分析相关危险因素。方法选取南京医科大学第二附属医院心血管内科住院的1 555例65岁以上EH患者,依据是否≥80岁分为2组:高龄组(n=575)和非高龄组(n=980)。收集患者的临床资料。采用SPSS 22.0软件进行数据处理,logistic回归分析EH合并CKD的危险因素。结果与非高龄EH组患者比较,高龄EH组患者CKD发生率显著升高(52.9%vs 29.5%,P0.05)。高龄EH患者合并CKD的危险因素依次为高尿酸血症(OR=2.514,95%CI 1.750～3.611; P 0.001)、年龄(OR=1.072,95%CI1.018～1.129;P=0.009)和收缩压(OR=1.019,95%CI 1.011～1.028; P 0.001),保护因素为高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(OR=0.516,95%CI 0.315～0.847;P=0.009);非高龄老年EH患者合并CKD的危险因素依次为高尿酸血症(OR=2.729,95%CI 1.991～3.740;P0.001)、糖尿病(OR=1.944,95%CI 1.420～2.662;P0.001)、年龄(OR=1.140,95%CI 1.101～1.182;P0.001)和收缩压(OR=1.009,95%CI 1.003～1.016; P=0.007),保护因素为高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(OR=0.448,95%CI0.278～0.722;P=0.001)。结论高龄老年EH患者合并CKD的比例显著高于非高龄老年EH患者,高龄EH患者合并CKD与高尿酸血症、年龄、收缩压及高密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平有关。     

合并非瓣膜性心房颤动的急性缺血性卒中患者出血性转化和转归的影响因素

目的 探讨合并非瓣膜性心房颤动(non-valvular atrial fibrillation,NVAF)的急性缺血性卒中患者出血性转化(hemorrhagic transformation,HT)风险以及溶栓治疗后3个月时的转归及其影响因素.方法 回顾性纳入连续的合并NVAF的急性缺血性卒中患者,收集其人口统计学、血管危险因素以及其他临床资料.采用改良Rankin量表(modified Rankin Scale,mRS)评价发病3个月时的转归,mRS评分≤2分定义为转归良好,＞2分定义为转归不良.结果 共纳入合并NVAF的急性缺血性卒中患者119例,其中男性63例(52.9％),女性56例(47.1％);平均年龄(72.1±10.0)岁;45例(37.81％)接受重组组织型纤溶酶原激活剂(recombinant tissue plasminogen activator,rtPA)溶栓治疗,55例(46.2％)转归良好,27例(22.7％)合并HT.与转归不良组相比,转归良好组平均年龄较小(P =0.028),合并缺血性心脏病以及发病至治疗时间＞4.5h的患者构成比较低(P均＜0.05),基线收缩压和舒张压以及美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale,NIHSS)评分较低(P均＜0.05),而接受rtPA静脉溶栓的患者比例较高(P=0.019).多变量logistic回归分析显示,合并缺血性心脏病[优势比(odds ratio,OR)4.572,95％可信区间(confidence interval,CI)1.392～15.014;P=0.012]、治疗前收缩压(OR 1.028,95％ CI1.007 ～1.049;P=0.009)、基线NIHSS评分(OR 1.058,95％ CI1.002～1.117;P=0.042)是转归不良的独立危险因素,而rtPA静脉溶栓治疗(OR 0.264,95％ CI0.102 ～0.683;P=0.006)是转归不良的独立保护因素.HT组基线收缩压、空腹血糖和NIHSS评分以及既往卒中或短暂性脑缺血发作(transient ischemic attack,TIA)史患者构成比均显著性高于非HT组(P均＜0.05).多变量logistic回归分析显示,基线NIHSS评分(OR 1.147,95％ CI1.068 ～1.231;P＜0.001)、基线收缩压(OR 1.951,95％ CI1.921～1.982;P=0.002)和血糖水平(OR 1.191,95％ CI1.095 ～ 1.294;P＜0.001)为HT的独立危险因素.与非溶栓组相比,溶栓组平均年龄较低(P=0.021),基线收缩压、空腹血糖和NIHSS评分以及合并高脂血症、既往卒中或TIA史以及入院前使用抗高血压药的患者比例较高(P均＜ 0.05),合并缺血性心脏病的患者比例较低(P=0.035),但转归良好的患者比例更高(P=0.019).结论 合并缺血性心脏病、治疗前收缩压和基线NIHSS评分高是转归不良的独立危险因素,而rtPA静脉溶栓治疗是转归不良的独立保护因素;基线NIHSS评分、基线收缩压和血糖水平高为HT的独立危险因素.对于合并NVAF的急性缺血性卒中患者,如无明显溶栓禁忌证,则能从静脉溶栓治疗中获益,且不会增高HT风险,但应适当控制患者的血压和血糖水平.     

非小细胞肺癌合并静脉血栓栓塞症危险因素研究

目的 探讨非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)患者发生静脉血栓栓塞症(VTE)的危险因素.方法 回顾性分析2005年1月至2016年1月新疆医科大学第一附属医院收治的57例NSCLC合并VTE患者的资料,选取同期在我院确诊为NSCLC的患者105例,用二元logistic回归分析NSCLC患者并发VTE的可能危险因素.结果 二元logistic回归多因素分析显示,化疗(OR =5.91,95％CI:1.47～10.76)、白细胞＞11×109/L(OR=7.54,95％ CI:1.69～13.25)、白蛋白＜35 g/L(OR =5.25,95％ CI:1.89～12.42)、D-二聚体＞500 μg/L(OR=25.16,95％ CI:7.87～80.41)与NSCLC患者发生VTE存在显著的相关关系.结论 化疗、白细胞＞1i×109/L、白蛋白＜35 g/L、D-二聚体＞500 μg/L是NSCLC患者并发VTE的独立危险因素.     

重型肝炎患者并发肝肾综合征的危险因素

目的 探索重型肝炎患者并肝肾综合征(HRS)的危险因素,以便进行早期干预.方法 回顾性收集145例重型肝炎患者的资料,对患者的生化指标和并发症进行单因素分析和多因素Logistic回归分析.结果 重型肝炎并发HRS的发生率为28.3％(41/145).多因素Logistic回归结果显示,进入回归方程的主要因素为:腹水(OR=9.02,95％CI:1.30~62.79)、血清尿素氮(OR=1.52,95％CI:1.13~2.07)、血清肌酐(OR=1.12,95％ CI:1.09～1.16)、血氨(OR=1.05,95％CI:1.03～1.08).结论 重型肝炎并发HRS的患病率较高,积极预防腹水的发生,动态监测血清尿素氮、血清肌酐及血氨是预防HRS发生的重要措施.     

中老年2型糖尿病女性患者大血管病变相关危险因素分析

目的 探讨中老年T2DM女性患者大血管病变的相关危险因素. 方法 将165例T2DM女性患者分为合并大血管病变（A）组和未合并大血管病变（B）组,对两组的临床特征及相关血液检查指标行Logistic回归分析. 结果 Logistic回归分析显示,年龄（OR=1.076,95％CI：1.029～1.124,P=0.001）、SBP（OR=1.026,95％CI：0.999～1.053,P=0.060）和TC（OR=1.516,95％ CI：0.988～2.325,P=0.057）进入回归方程. 结论 年龄、SBP和TC为中老年T2DM女性患者大血管病变的独立危险因素.     

老年住院患者双上肢收缩压差异的危险因素

目的探讨影响老年住院患者双上肢收缩压差异(IASBPD)的相关因素。方法选取2016年1月至2017年6月咸阳市第一人民医院心血管内科住院老年患者1 542例,于病情平稳或相对平稳24 h后行无创血压检测,根据IASBPD值将患者分为0～5 mmHg组570例、6～15 mmHg组834例、≥16 mmHg组138例。收集并比较3组患者体质量指数(BMI)、其他合并疾病、C-反应蛋白(CRP)等。采用logistic回归分析探讨影响IASBPD的相关因素。结果患者总体IASBPD为(8.5±5.4)mmHg,高血压患者与无高血压患者的IASBPD分别为(10.6±5.2)mmHg和(4.3±2.6)mmHg,二者比较差异有统计学意义(P0.001)。单因素方差分析及单因素logistic回归显示,女性、BMI及CRP水平、高血压、高血压家族史、降压药使用、糖尿病、高脂血症及其他合并疾病是影响IASBPD的相关因素(P0.01)。多因素logistic回归分析显示,女性(OR=2.286,95%CI 1.784～2.929)、BMI (OR=1.101,95%CI 1.054～1.150)、高血压(OR=7.726,95%CI 5.575～10.706)、糖尿病(OR=1.701,95%CI 1.125～2.570)、高脂血症(OR=2.182,95%CI 1.660～2.869)及CRP(OR=1.260,95%CI 1.190～1.333)是影响IASBPD的独立危险因素。结论老年住院患者IASBPD较大,高血压、女性、BMI、糖尿病、高脂血症、CRP是影响IASBPD的独立危险因素。     

顽固性高血压肾功能相关研究

目的:观察高血压人群中顽固性高血压(RH)患者合并慢性肾脏疾病(CKD)的患病率及CKD发生与心血管病危险因素之间的关系。方法:入选2008年10月至2009年10月安贞医院高血压科的高血压患者,通过MDRD公式估算肾小球滤过率(eGFR),评估肾功能,进行24h动态血压监测和睡眠呼吸暂停监测。结果:215例患者,年龄20～84岁。其中RH组患者120例,非RH患者95例,CKD的发病率RH组为31.67%(38/120),非RH为10.53%(10/95),P=0.002。全部RH患者发生CKD的独立相关危险因素有高血压病程(OR=1.33,P<0.05)、高尿酸血症(OR=1.026,P<0.05)和合并睡眠呼吸暂停综合征(OSA)(OR=50.2,P<0.05)。男性RH发生CKD独立相关危险因素为有高尿酸血症(OR=1.001,P<0.05)与合并OSA(OR=4.601,P<0.05);女性RH发生CKD独立相关危险因素有高血压病程(OR值1.133)。结论:顽固性高血压肾功能损害明显加重,当GFR<60(mL.min-1.1.73m-2)时,高血压病程、高尿酸血症和合并OSA是其发生的独立危险因素。     

慢性肾脏病与非肌性肌球蛋白重链9基因多态性的相关性

目的:探讨我国慢性肾脏病(CKD)患者与非肌性肌球蛋白重链9(MYH9)基因多态性的相关性.方法:选取301例CKD患者作为观察组,294例体检健康者作为对照组.采用PCR法检测MYH9基因rs3752462、rs4821480两位点基因多态性,分析MYH9不同基因型与CKD患者的发病年龄、性别、血压、24h尿蛋白定量、血清肌酐、肾小球滤过率、原发病及服用降压药频率的相关性. 结果:单因素分析结果显示,CT基因型患者的收缩压高于CC基因型(147.94±27.40 mmHg,136.43±19.09 mmHg,P＜0.05);CC基因型患者的肾小球滤过率(32.00±29.98)显著高于CT基因型(21.62±23.67,P＜0.05)及TT基因型(21.99±24.18,P＜0.05).校正年龄因素后,多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示:rs3752462位点CC基因型是CKD患者收缩压增高的保护因素,CT基因型CKD患者患高血压的概率是CC基因型的0.175倍(95％CI 0.071～0.431);rs3752462位点CC基因型是CKD进展至终末期肾病(ESRD)的独立保护因素,CC基因型肾小球滤过率是TT基因型的0.410倍(95％CI 0.183～0.922). 结论:携带MYH9基因rs3752462位点CC基因型的CKD患者不易患高血压,且肾损害进展慢,CC基因型是CKD患者的保护因素,等位基因C突变为T可导致收缩压升高甚至ESRD的发生.     

载脂蛋白B、AⅠ及二者比值与缺血性卒中患者颅内动脉粥样硬化性狭窄的相关性

目的 探讨载脂蛋白(apolipoprotein B,ApoB)、载脂蛋白AⅠ(apolipoproteinA Ⅰ,ApoA Ⅰ)和ApoB/ApoA Ⅰ比值与缺血性卒中患者颅内动脉粥样硬化性狭窄(intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis,ICAS)的关系.方法 回顾性收集大动脉粥样硬化性卒中患者,基于血管影像学资料将患者分为ICAS组和非ICAS组,收集血压、血脂、血糖、ApoB、ApoA Ⅰ、ApoB/ApoA Ⅰ比值以及人口统计学资料,比较上述指标在两组之间的差异.结果 共纳入360例大动脉粥样硬化性卒中患者,ICAS组177例(49.2％),非ICAS组183例(50.8％).两组之间高血压、糖尿病和冠心病的患者构成比以及低密度脂蛋白胆固醇、ApoB、ApoA Ⅰ水平和ApoB/ApoA Ⅰ比值存在显著性差异(P均＜0.05).多变量logistic回归分析显示,高血压[优势比(odds ratio,OR)1.75,95％可信区间(confidence interval,CI)1.04 ～2.93;P=0.035]、糖尿病(OR 2.09,95％ CI 1.31 ～3.32;P=0.002)、冠心病(OR 2.68,95％ CI1.09 ～6.57;P=0.031)以及ApoB≥0.84 g/L(0.84 ～ 1.00 g/L:OR 2.68,95％ CI 1.30 ～ 5.56; 1.00 ～1.16 g/L:OR 3.95,95％ CI 1.87 ～8.40;＞ 1.00 g/L:OR6.41,95％ CI 2.82 ～ 14.49)和ApoB/ApoA Ⅰ比值≥0.60(0.60～0.73:OR 1.92,95％ CI 1.14 ～3.24;0.74～0.91:OR 1.79,95％ CI 1.06 ～3.02;＞0.91:OR 3.30,95％ CI 1.92 ～5.67)为ICAS的独立危险因素,而ApoA Ⅰ＞1.28 g/L为ICAS的独立保护因素(OR0.39,95％ CI0.16～0.98;P=0.044).结论 在急性缺血性卒中患者中,ApoB水平和ApoB/ApoA Ⅰ比值增高是ICAS的独立危险因素,而ApoA Ⅰ水平增高为ICAS的独立保护因素.ApoB/ApoA Ⅰ比值可作为中国人群缺血性卒中患者ICAS的生物学标记物.     

血浆高半胱氨酸水平与缺血性卒中患者颅内外动脉狭窄的相关性

目的 探讨血浆高半胱氨酸(homocysteine,Hcy)水平与缺血性卒中患者颅内外动脉狭窄的相关性.方法 收集缺血性卒中患者的病史、基线临床资料、影像学检查和Hcy等实验室检查结果,根据磁共振血管造影检查结果分为动脉狭窄组和非狭窄组,动脉狭窄组进一步分为单纯颅内动脉狭窄组、单纯颅外动脉狭窄组和颅内外动脉同时狭窄组,分析血浆Hcy水平与颅内外动脉狭窄的相关性.结果 共纳入147例缺血性卒中患者,其中动脉狭窄组115例,非狭窄组32例.狭窄组年龄(-4.577,p＜0.001)、Hcy(t=3.65,p＜0.001)、C-反应蛋白(t=2.06,P=0.041)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,LDL-C)(t=1.896,P=0.046)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,HDL-C)(t--4.261,P＜0.001)水平以及糖尿病(x2=5.772,P=o.016)、高血压(x2=10.507,P=0.001)和吸烟(x2=12.282,P＜0.001)的患者构成比与非狭窄组差异存在统计学意义.多变量logistic回归分析显示,年龄≥60岁[优势比(odds ratio,OR)3.374,95％可信区间(confidence interval,CI)1.351 ～ 8.426;P=0.009]、Hcy＞ 15 μmol/L(OR 2.274,95％ CI1.147 ～8.173;P =0.025)、高血压(OR 5.782,95％ CI2.045 ～16.345;P=0.001)、吸烟(OR 3.514,95％ CI1.200～ 10.293;P=0.022)是颅内外动脉狭窄的独立危险因素,而HDL-C＞ 1.0 mmol/L是颅内外动脉狭窄的独立保护因素(OR0.166,95％ CI0.054～0.511;P=0.002).狭窄组根据狭窄部位再分为单纯颅外动脉狭窄组(24例)、单纯颅内动脉狭窄组(61例)、颅内外动脉同时狭窄组(30例).3组间临床资料和危险因素比较显示,高血压的患者构成比(x2=7.024,P=0.003)以及LDL-C(F=3.276,P=0.042)和C-反应蛋白(F=3.645,P=0.029)水平差异有统计学意义.多变量logistic回归分析显示,高血压是单纯颅内狭窄(OR 3.795,95％ CI1.261～11.424;P=0.018)、单纯颅外狭窄(OR18.490,95％ CI3.117～ 10.966;P=0.001)和颅内外动脉同时狭窄(OR 9.178,95 ％CI2.211～38.094;P =0.002)的共同独立危险因素,而HDL-C水平增高是单纯颅内狭窄(OR 0.150,95％ CI0.043 ～0.523;P =0.003)、单纯颅外动脉狭窄(OR 0.078,95％ CI0.012～0.488;P=0.006)和颅内外动脉同时狭窄(OR 0.089,95％ CI0.021～0.385;P=0.001)共同的独立保护因素;年龄为单纯颅内动脉狭窄的独立危险因素(OR 6.351,95％ CI2.277～ 17.717;P＜0.001),LDL-C水平增高为单纯颅外动脉狭窄的独立危险因素(OR 6.021,95％ CI1.212～29.917;P=0.028),Hcy水平增高为单纯颅外动脉狭窄(OR 4.376,95％ CI1.026 ～ 18.671;P=0.046)以及颅内外动脉同时狭窄(OR4.951,95％ CI1.378～17.783;P=0.014)的独立危险因素.结论 血浆Hcy水平升高与颅外动脉狭窄相关.     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Changes in connexin43, the gap junction protein of astrocytes, during development of the rat pineal gland

Abstract: The abundance of gap junctions between rat pineal astrocytes formed by connexin43 (Cx43) was studied during development. Levels and distribution of Cx43 were measured by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence, respectively. The amount of Cx43 in cells located within the gland was low until about the 7th postnatal day and increased to adult values between the 14th and 21st days postpartum. Although astrocytes, recognized by their vimentin immunoreactivity, were scarce before birth, they were abundant by the 7th postnatal day suggesting that the low levels of Cx43 found at this age corresponded to a low expression of this protein. Localization of the immunoreactivity to Cx43 and vimentin showed a close correlation, indicating that mature or immature pineal astrocytes form gap junctions made of Cx43. Since Cx43 levels attained their adult values at about the time the innervation and the functional state of the gland reached maturity (2–3 weeks after birth), it is proposed that astrocyte gap junctions are involved in the function of the adult rat pineal gland.     

Conservative management of perforated duodenal diverticulum： A case report and review of the literature

Duodenal diverticula are a relatively common condition. They are asymptomatic, unless they become complicated, with perforation being the rarest but most severe complication. Surgical treatment is the most frequently performed approach. We report the case of a patient with a perforated duodenal diverticulum, which was diagnosed early and treated conservatively with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of secondary retroperitoneal abscesses. We suggest this method could be an acceptable option for the management of similar cases, provided that the patient is in good general condition and without septic signs.     

Response of rat pineal melatonin to calcium, magnesium, and lithium is circadian stage dependent

Abstract: Herein we documented the response of pineal melatonin production to electrolytes known to be effective on pineal function in view of a possible circadian stage dependence. We studied the release of melatonin by perifused rat pineal glands at 2 different circadian stages corresponding to the middle of the light and dark periods, i.e., respectively, 7 and 19 HALO (Hours After Light Onset, L:D = 12:12). The initial efflux rates were, as expected, much higher in the perifusates of glands removed from rats sacrificed during the dark phase than of those removed during the light phase. After 3 hr of perifusion, melatonin release reached similar levels which were found constant up to the 8th hr of perifusion, whatever the circadian stage. Perifusion of the glands with physiological concentrations for the rat of calcium (5.2 mmol/1) and magnesium (1.34 mmol/1) resulted in a stimulatory effect on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed in the middle of the dark period (19 HALO), whereas no effects were observed on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed during the light (7 HALO). Lithium (0.28 and 0.55 mmol/1) was ineffective on melatonin release in pineal glands removed 7 and 19 HALO. Our results show differences in the initial efflux rates of melatonin and in the response of perifused pineal glands to calcium and magnesium according to the circadian stage.     

Presence of immunoreactive growth hormone and prolactin in the ovine pineal gland

Abstract: The use of antisera raised against bovine growth hormone (GH) and ovine prolactin (PRL) enabled the detection of related immunoreactive (ir) sequences of proteins in ovine pineal tissue. The isolation of PRL-like ir-material was accomplished using a 0.25 M ammonium sulphate (pH 5.5) extraction followed by ethanol precipitation, whereas the resulting 2.0 M ammonium sulphate (pH 7.0) precipitate contained a GH-like immunoreactivity. Gel chromatography of the GH-like immunoreactivity (Sephadex G-100) indicated the presence of several GH-like fragments ranging in the M_r range of 7,000 to 55,000. Analyses of the PRL-like ir-material found in pineal tissue on HPLC using a TSK 545-DEAE column led to the resolution into a single peak of immunoreactivity. A single peak of activity was also observed following chromatofocusing and hydrophobic interaction chromatography of the ir-peak from the TSK 545-DEAE column. The PRL-like ir-material inhibited the binding of [¹²⁵I]ovine PRL-S14 to anti-ovine PRL antibodies without showing an affinity for binding to anti-rat PRL or anti-bovine GH antibodies. Scatchard analysis of the binding of pineal PRL-like ir-material and pituitary ovine PRL-S14 to liver membranes from day-20 pregnant rats revealed similar affinity constants (K_a of 4.7 ± 0.2 × 10⁹ M^-1). In addition, the replication of Nb 2 Node rat lymphoma cells was stimulated by pineal PRL-like ir-material, an effect known to be specific for lactogenic hormones. The pineal PRL-like immunoreactivity appeared on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels as a single major band of M_r 24,000. The functional status of PRL-and GH-like ir-material in the ovine pineal remains to be determined, but evidence is presented that the overall protein synthesis rate of the rat pineal responded to circulating concentrations of PRL.     

Microbiology of human immunodeficiency virus anorectal disease

PURPOSE: Individuals who are seropositive for the human immunodeficiency virus are at high risk for opportunistic infection and anorectal disorders. Little prospective information is available regarding anorectal pathogens in these patients. METHODS: One hundred sixty-three HIV-seropositive patients presented to the colorectal clinic between 1989 and 1992. Forty-seven (29 percent) patients were thought to have an infectious process and were prospectively studied using a standardized multiculture protocol. RESULTS: Mean age was 33 (range, 19–59) years. All were male; high-risk behavior accounted for 87 percent of HIV transmissions. Presenting complaints included anorectal pain (79 percent), pus per anum (28 percent), and blood per anum (26 percent). Examination revealed perianal tenderness (60 percent), condyloma (38 percent), perianal ulcers (38 percent), and anal fissures (34 percent). Sixty-six sets of cultures were performed; 28 patients had one set, 15 had two sets, and 4 had three sets. Thirty-two of these 47 patients (68 percent) had positive cultures including herpes (50 percent), cytomegalovirus (25 percent),Neisseria gonorrhoeae (16 percent), chlamydia (16 percent), acidfast bacilli (2 percent), and others (9 percent). Six of 32 patients with positive cultures had more than one organism cultured. Sixteen (50 percent) patients with positive cultures were treated medically, 8 (25 percent) were treated surgically and 8 (25 percent) were treated with both modalities. Sixty-one procedures were performed on 17 patients for condylomata. Eighteen patients had 20 procedures for abscesses, 50 percent of whom had positive cultures for other than common bowel flora; all improved. Fourteen patients underwent 33 procedures for perianal fistulas.Mycobacterium fortuitum was cultured from one patient who required 13 procedures for abscesses and fistulas. Forty-five (96 percent) patients were followed for an average of 12.5 months ±2.9 SEM (range, 1–94 months). Symptoms were improved or resolved in 22 of 32 (69 percent) patients with positive cultures and in 11 of 13 (84 percent) with negative cultures. CONCLUSIONS: Specific pathogens may often be identified in human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive patients with anorectal disorders if aggressively sought. Although patients without specific pathogens identified may be expected to improve with planned empiric treatment, positive identification allows more directed therapy.