缺血性卒中住院患者的肾功能研究

目的了解缺血性卒中患者的慢性肾脏病(CKD)发生状况。方法缺血性卒中住院患者334例,按年龄分为老年组和成年组,根据其肌酐清除率(GFR)结果分为CKD组[GFR<60 mL/(min.1.73 m2)]和非CKD组[GFR≥60 mL/(min.1.73 m2)],分析CKD发生的危险因素。结果老年组CKD患病率高于成年组(χ2=7.14,P=0.008)。Logistic多元回归分析显示,年龄(OR=1.04,95%CI:1.02～1.07,P=0.003)和高血压(OR=2.86,95%CI:1.15～7.14,P=0.024)是脑卒中患者CKD的危险因素。结论缺血性卒中患者发生CKD比率增高,且与患者年龄和高血压具有明显的相关性。     

难治性高血压肾功能损害与左心室肥厚的关系

目的研究难治性高血压(RH)患者肾功能损害与左心室肥厚(LVH)的关系,并探讨影响RH患者LVH的相关危险因素。方法回顾性分析2007-10-2010-07北京安贞医院高血压科住院患者215例(RH患者120例,非RH患者95例)的临床资料,通过"肾脏病膳食改良试验(MDRD)"公式评估肾功能;进行24h动态血压监测;行超声心动图检查,计算左心室质量指数(LVMI),LVMI>125(男性),>110g/m2(女性)作为LVH的诊断。结果与非RH患者比较,RH患者估算的肾小球滤过率(eGFR)[(72.3±22.1)比(83.1±19.5)mL/(min·1.73m2)]较低,eGFR<60mL/(min·1.73m2)检出率(29.2%比10.5%)、LVH检出率(32.5%比16.8%)、继发性高血压检出率(31.7%比5.3%)、左心室质量指数[(108.0±27.1)比(95.3±22.9)g/m2]较高(均P<0.01)。经Logistic回归分析,LVH的影响因素为eGFR<60mL/(min·1.73m2)[OR4.5(95%CI1.82～11.07),P=0.001]和合并高胆固醇血症[OR3.6(95%CI1.36～9.58),P=0.010]。结论 RH患者有明显的肾功能损害和LVH,不同肾功能水平对LVH影响不同,eGFR<60mL/(min·1.73m2)是LVH的危险因素。     

老年2型糖尿病患者认知功能障碍影响因素分析

目的探讨老年2型糖尿病(T2DM)患者认知功能障碍发生的影响因素。方法回顾性分析2017年6月至2018年5月首都医科大学宣武医院内分泌科2型糖尿病患者204例,根据简易版蒙特利尔认知评估(MoCA)量表结果分为认知功能障碍组98例和认知功能正常组106例。记录2组患者实验室检查结果,慢性肾脏病流行病学合作研究(CKD-EPI)公式计算估算肾小球滤过率(eGFR)。采用SPSS 19.0统计软件对数据进行分析。组间比较采用t检验、Mann-Whitney U检验或χ~2检验。多因素logistic回归分析认知功能障碍的危险因素。结果认知功能障碍组相比认知功能正常组患者年龄[(68.4±7.7)vs(66.0±6.7)岁]、骨质疏松[35.71%(35/98)vs 19.81%(21/106)]和eGFR60 ml/(min·1.73 m~2)比例[26.53%(26/98)vs 12.26%(13/106)]高,MoCA分值[(20.36±4.07)vs(27.02±1.49)分]和受教育时间[(8.85±4.14)vs(12.35±3.30)年]低,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。多因素logistic回归分析结果表明年龄(OR=1.05, 95%CI 1.01～1.10;P=0.011)和eGFR60 ml/(min·1.73 m~2)[OR=2.15, 95%CI 1.08～4.26;P=0.029]为老年2型糖尿病患者认知功能障碍的独立危险因素。结论年龄和eGFR60 ml/(min·1.73 m~2)是老年2型糖尿病患者认知功能障碍的危险因素,控制患者血糖同时要监测患者肾功能,预防认知功能障碍的发生和进展。     

急性缺血性卒中患者血清胱抑素C水平与脑微出血的相关性

目的 探讨急性脑梗死患者血清胱抑素C(cystatin C,CysC)水平与脑微出血(cerebral microbleeds,CMBs)的相关性.方法 纳入急性缺血性卒中患者,应用磁敏感加权成像确定CMBs的存在,应用颗粒增强免疫比浊法测定血清CysC水平.结果 共纳入485例急性缺血性卒中患者,其中151例存在CMBs(31.1％).CMBs组血清CysC水平显著高于非CMBs组[(1.24±0.13)mg/L对(1.02±0.11) mg/L;=4.261,P＜0.001].多变量logistic回归分析显示,血清CysC水平增高是急性缺血性卒中患者存在CMBs的独立危险因素(每增高1个标准差优势比4.063,95％可信区间2.142～8.127;p＜0.001);多重线性回归分析显示,校正其他混杂因素后,急性缺血性卒中患者CMBs数量随着血清CysC水平的升高而增多(r2=0.361,P=0.017).结论 在急性缺血性卒中患者中,血清CysC水平与CMBs独立相关,且CMBs数量随着血清CysC水平的升高而增多.     

缺血性卒中患者首次癫痫发作后复发的危险因素分析

目的探讨缺血性卒中患者首次癫痫发作后复发的危险因素。方法回顾性连续纳入2012年6月至2016年6月福建省立医院神经内科急性缺血性卒中后首次癫痫发作的住院患者252例,经随访1~5年,排除7例死亡、13例失访,最终共232例(早发型111例、迟发型121例)纳入研究。按首次癫痫发作后是否复发,将232例分为复发组(108例)及无复发组(124例)。记录两组患者人口学资料、脑血管病危险因素、头部MRI或CT影像学资料、美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)评分≥16分、首次癫痫发作的情况、常规脑电图或视频脑电图表现、癫痫发作出现时间等,进行单因素及多因素Logistic回归分析缺血性卒中患者首次癫痫发作后癫痫复发的危险因素。结果 (1)复发组和无复发组患者NIHSS评分≥16分的比例分别为61.1%(66/108)和44.4%(55/124),组间差异有统计学意义(χ2=6.495,P=0.011)。复发组患者心房颤动发生率及NIHSS评分水平均高于无复发组,年龄低于无复发组,组间差异均有统计学意义(均P0.05);余基线资料的组间差异均无统计学意义(均P0.05)。(2)复发组迟发型癫痫发作比例高于无复发组,差异有统计学意义[62.0%(67/108)比43.5%(54/124),P0.05];两组癫痫持续状态及发作类型的差异均无统计学意义(均P0.05)。(3)复发组脑电图结果异常、皮质受累、出血性脑梗死、大面积脑梗死比例均高于无复发组,组间差异均有统计学意义[58.3%(63/108)比32.3%(40/124)、51.9%(56/108)比21.0%(26/124)、38.0%(41/108)比13.7%(17/124)、48.1%(52/108)比27.4%(34/124),均P0.05];高尿酸血症、高同型半胱氨酸血症、高低密度脂蛋白血症的组间差异均无统计学意义(均P0.05)。(4)多因素Logistic回归分析癫痫复发的危险因素,结果显示,皮质受累(OR=3.118,95%CI:1.452~6.697,P=0.004)、出血性脑梗死(OR=2.672,95%CI:1.113~6.410,P=0.028)、大面积脑梗死(OR=2.463,95%CI:1.081~5.612,P=0.032)、NIHSS评分≥16分(OR=2.080,95%CI:1.013~4.271,P=0.046)、脑电图异常(OR=2.612,95%CI:1.175~5.808,P=0.018)、迟发型癫痫发作(OR=2.079,95%CI:1.026~4.215,P=0.042)是复发的独立危险因素。年龄较高为保护因素(OR=0.932,95%CI:0.896~0.969,P0.01)。结论缺血性卒中后出现首次癫痫发作的患者,皮质受累、出血性脑梗死、梗死面积大、NIHSS评分≥16分、脑电图异常、迟发型癫痫发作的患者癫痫复发的可能性大;年龄较高为保护因素。     

血清脂蛋白(a)与缺血性卒中及其病因学亚型的相关性

目的 探讨血清脂蛋白(a)[lipoprotein(a),Lp(a)]水平与急性缺血性卒中及其病因学亚型的相关性.方法 回顾性纳入连续的急性缺血性卒中住院患者(病例组)以及年龄和性别相匹配的同期健康体检者(对照组).收集病例组和对照组人口统计学和基线临床资料以及空腹血糖、纤维蛋白原、高半胱氨酸、总胆固醇、三酰甘油、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇、Lp(a)浓度.病例组根据TOAST病因学分型标准分为大动脉粥样硬化(large artery atherosclerosis,LAA)、小动脉闭塞(small artery occlusion,SAO)、心源性栓塞(cardioembolism,CE),并排除其他明确病因和病因不明的患者.对病例组和对照组人口统计学和基线临床资料进行比较,并采用多变量logistic回归分析明确血清Lp(a)与急性缺血性卒中及其病因学分型的相关性.结果 共纳入214例缺血性卒中组患者,其中LAA 97例(45.33%),SAO 64例(29.91%),CE 53例(24.77%);对照组118例.病例组高血压、糖尿病、高脂血症、心房颤动和饮酒的比例以及收缩压、舒张压、空腹血糖、总胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇、Lp(a)、纤维蛋白原、高半胱氨酸水平与对照组存在统计学差异(P均<0.001).多变量logistic回归分析显示,校正年龄和性别后,Lp(a)是缺血性卒中的独立危险因素[优势比(odds ratio,OR)2.014,95%可信区间(confidence interval,CI)1.273~3.092;P=0.036];LAA的独立危险因素包括高血压(OR 3.353,95%CI 1.714~6.558;P<0.001)、收缩压(OR 2.786,95%CI 1.136~5.538;P=0.016)、高半胱氨酸(OR 1.108,95%CI 1.031~2.191;P=0.005)、总胆固醇(OR 2.169,95%CI 1.599~4.943;P<0.001)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(OR 2.782,95%CI 1.093~5.238;P=0.024)和Lp(a)(OR 3.072,95%CI 1.907~8.064;P=0.001),SAO的独立危险因素包括高血压(OR 7.042,95%CI 3.189~25.55;P<0.001)、糖尿病(OR 5.162,95%CI 2.372~11.23;P<0.001)、纤维蛋白原(OR 1.667,95%CI 1.434~2.025;P=0.045)和高半胱氨酸(OR 1.967,95%CI 1.859~1.995;P=0.036),CE的独立危险因素包括心房颤动(OR 13.340,95%CI 4.637~39.20;P<0.001)、纤维蛋白原(OR 2.365,95%CI 1.147~4.904;P=0.029)和Lp(a)(OR 1.656,95%CI 1.996~3.001;P=0.035).结论 Lp(a)是缺血性卒中的独立危险因素,可作为预测缺血性卒中发病风险的血清生物学标记物.不同卒中病因学亚型之间的独立危险因素存在差异,Lp(a)与LAA和CE独立相关,但与SAO无独立性相关性.     

非体外循环下冠脉搭桥手术围术期缺血性脑卒中的危险因素分析

目的分析非体外循环下冠脉搭桥手术(OPCABG)围术期缺血性脑卒中的危险因素。方法选取山西医科大学第一医院2000年1月—2016年12月行OPCABG病人883例,经影像学检查[CT或磁共振成像(MRI)]确诊为围术期缺血性脑卒中病人22例(病例组),随机选择同期未发生围术期缺血性脑卒中病人88例(对照组),采取1:4配对研究设计。比较两组病人的临床资料,采用单因素、多因素条件Logistic回归分析围术期缺血性脑卒中的危险因素。结果 22例(2.5%)病人发生围术期缺血性脑卒中。与对照组相比,病例组体重指数[(24.6±1.9)kg/m~2和(23.5±2.3)kg/m~2,P=0.018]、动脉血二氧化碳分压[(46.8±3.7)mmHg和(40.2±2.9)mmHg,P=0.000]水平较高,高血压、卒中史、术中低血压、术中酸中毒、颈动脉狭窄发生率较高,差异有统计学意义,是OPCABG围术期缺血性脑卒中的危险因素;Logistic逐步回归分析显示:卒中史(OR=5.170,95%CI 1.714~15.595,P=0.004)、术中低血压(OR=3.649,95%CI 1.559~8.542,P=0.003)、颈动脉狭窄(OR=2.532,95%CI 1.476~4.343,P=0.001)是OPCABG围术期缺血性脑卒中的独立危险因素。结论对于有脑卒中史,合并颈动脉狭窄的病人,在行OPCABG时注重围术期麻醉管理,保证血流动力学平稳,对于减少围术期缺血性脑卒中的发生有着显著性的意义。     

老年高血压性脑出血患者慢性肾病与小血管病变的关系

目的探讨老年高血压性脑出血患者慢性肾病与小血管病变的关系。方法选择2016年1月～2019年1月首都医科大学附属北京世纪坛医院神经内科和神经外科收治的老年高血压性脑出血患者162例,根据肾小球滤过率(GFR)水平分为观察组62例[GFR90 ml/(min·1.73 m~2)]和对照组100例[GFR≥90 ml/(min·1.73m~2)]。比较2组小血管病变情况和其他临床特征。结果与对照组比较,观察组颈动脉内膜中层厚度、肌酐、美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表评分、收缩压和脑出血量明显增高,格拉斯哥昏迷评分明显降低,差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。与对照组比较,观察组脑白质病变和血管周围间隙扩大比例明显增高[(83.9%vs 48.0%,77.4%vs42.0%,P=0.000]。多因素logistic回归分析显示,GFR90ml/(min·1.73m~2)是老年高血压性脑出血患者脑白质病变和血管周围间隙扩大的危险因素(OR=1.523,95%CI:1.188～3.785,P=0.003;OR=1.652,95%CI:1.224～3.881,P=0.000)。结论老年高血压性脑出血患者慢性肾病是脑小血管病变的危险因素。     

中性粒细胞/淋巴细胞比值与急性缺血性卒中患者脑微出血的相关性

目的 探讨急性缺血性卒中患者中性粒细胞/淋巴细胞比值(neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, NLR)与脑微出血(cerebral microbleeds, CMBs)的相关性.方法 连续纳入住院的急性缺血性卒中患者.采用梯度回波T2*加权成像评估CMBs及其数量.采用单变量分析比较CMBs组与非CMBs组的基线资料,利用多变量logistic回归分析确定NLR与CMBs的独立相关性.结果 共纳入218例急性缺血性卒中患者,其中66例(30.3%)伴有CMBs.非CMBs组年龄[(64.7 ± 6.6)岁对(66.9 ± 8.6)岁;t=2.052,P=0.041]、高敏C反应蛋白水平[7.0(2.3~13.9)mg/L对8.9(4.0~28.1)mg/L;Z=2.008,P=0.045]和NLR[1.9(1.4~2.9)对2.3(1.7~3.6);Z=2.071,P=0.038]显著低于CMBs组.多变量logistic回归分析显示,NLR(优势比1.276,95%可信区间1.008~1.670;P=0.045)和年龄(优势比1.044,95%可信区间1.002~1.087;P=0.040)是CMBs的独立危险因素.Spearman相关分析显示,NLR与CMBs严重程度呈显著正相关(r=0.210,P=0.007).结论 在急性缺血性卒中患者中,NLR与CMBs及其严重程度相关,提示炎性反应可能参与了CMBs的发生.     

缺血性卒中后认知损害的危险因素:回顾性病例系列研究

目的 探讨缺血性卒中后认知损害的危险因素.方法 应用简易智能状态检查量表(mini-mental state examination,MMSE)筛查在缺血性卒中发病后3d内出现认知损害的患者.根据MMSE评分将患者分为认知损害组与非认知损害组,比较两组人口统计学、血管危险因素、临床资料.采用多变量logistic回归分析缺血性卒中后认知损害的独立危险因素.结果 共纳入缺血性卒中患者202例,其中认知损害组48例(23.8％).认知损害组年龄[(66 ±6)岁对(57±5)岁;t=2.231,P=0.038]、糖尿病(39.6％对18,2％;χ2=9.388,P=0.003)、卒中或短暂性脑缺血发作史(39.6％对20.8％;x2=6.856,P=0.007)的比例、基线美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表评分[(11.8±2.4)分对(8.1±1.9)分;t=2.046,P=0.043]以及血清同型半胱氨酸[(29.2±7.8)μmol/L对(19.9±6.5) μmol/L;t =2.781,P=0.008]、尿酸[(401.5±51.1) μmol/L对(312.4± 60.7) μmol/L;t=3.042,P=0.003]和C反应蛋白[(18.4±5.2)μmol/L对(11.3±4.2)μmol/L; =2.903,P=0.004]水平均显著高于非认知损害组.多变量logistic回归分析显示,年龄[优势比(odds ratio,OR)1.812,95％可信区间(confidence interval,CI)1.138～3.205;P=0.039]、糖尿病史(OR2 520,95％ CI 1.854 ～4.111;P=0.025)、卒中或短暂性脑缺血发作史(OR4.232,95％ CI 1.905 ～8.582;P=0.014)以及血清同型半胱氨酸(OR3.618,95％ CI 2.061 ～6.312;P =0.018)、尿酸(OR 2.179,95％ CI 1.654 ～3.836;P =0.031)和C反应蛋白(OR 2.716,95％ CI 1.507 ～5.552;P=0.022)水平增高为缺血性卒中后认知损害的独立危险因素.结论 缺血性卒中发病后的认知损害发生率较高,年龄、卒中或短暂性脑缺血发作病史、糖尿病史以及血清C-反应蛋白、尿酸和同型半胱氨酸水平增高为缺血性卒中后发生认知损害的独立危险因素.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.