How to manage complications in CAS?

The different types of complications which might occur during CAS are described. Recommendations are given how to avoid and how to handle complications.     

Monitoring skeletal response to treatment which site to measure in the femur?

In the past it was usual to interpret bone mineral density (BMD) scans of the femur using the femoral neck, trochanter, or Ward's triangle sites. Recently, a study by the International Committee for Standards in Bone Measurement recommended that the total hip should be the preferred site for the interpretation of femur BMD, and another study described a new central hip site that may offer improved precision. This article compares the longitudinal sensitivities of the different femur BMD sites for monitoring patient response to treatment. The study population was 152 postmenopausal women enrolled in a trial of a bisphosphonate therapy. Spine and hip BMD scans were performed at 0, 1, and 2 yr. The mean percentage change at 2 yr was calculated for six sites in the hip, and the spine was also included for comparison. Treatment effect was defined as the difference in the BMD change between the treated and placebo groups. Although the data analysis incorporated a term for a calibration change caused by a repair of the dual X-ray absorptiometry scanner, the effect of this event on the estimation of treatment effect was negligible. Longitudinal sensitivity was derived by dividing the treatment effect by the root mean square error (RMSE) of the statistical model. Results (and standard errors) normalized to the ratio of treatment effect: RMSE for femoral neck BMD were as follows: femoral neck: 1.00; trochanter: 1.33 (0.38); intertrochanteric: 0.84 (0.41); total hip: 1.20 (0.38); Ward's triangle: 1.03 (0.27); central hip: 1.09 (0.30); spine: 2.08 (0. 45). At none of the femur sites was the change in BMD large enough to allow monitoring of response to treatment in individual patients. However, for studies involving the follow-up of a group of subjects, the longitudinal sensitivities of the different femur sites were equal within the statistical errors of the study. In particular, total hip BMD appears to be as effective as femoral neck BMD for detecting response to treatment in the femur in the setting of a clinical trial or similar research study.     

Cisplatin-induced macroautophagy occurs prior to apoptosis in proximal tubules in vivo

Background

Autophagy is an intracellular bulk degradation process induced by cell starvation. Autophagy was recently reported to be induced by various stresses such as hypoxia, ischemia/reperfusion, toxins, and denatured proteins, and to affect cell survival and death. Light chain 3-II (LC3-II) is specifically located on double membrane-bound autophagosomes that envelop disused proteins or organelles.

Method

Transgenic mice in which green fluorescent protein (GFP) was fused to LC3 (LC3-GFP) were administered cisplatin (20 mg/kg). After euthanasia at times between 0 and 72 h, kidneys were excised for immunohistochemical analyses. Microscopic examinations of the generated NRK-52E cell lines stably transfected with LC3-GFP, and Western blot analyses of NRK-52E cells, were undertaken after cisplatin treatment with or without autophagy inhibitors and beclin 1 small interfering RNA (siRNA).

Results

Autophagosomes increased in the proximal tubular cells of transgenic mice from 12 h after cisplatin injection (20 mg/kg). The time course for this was faster than those for tubular necrosis and apoptosis. Autophagosomes also increased in NRK-52E cells after cisplatin treatment, with the time course for this being faster than that for apoptosis. When autophagy was suppressed by autophagy inhibitors or beclin 1 siRNA, the level of apoptosis was also suppressed.

Conclusion

Autophagy occurs in proximal tubular cells after cisplatin treatment and is involved in cell death in renal tubular injury. Our data suggest that autophagy is a kind of cell damage index and that cells with activated autophagy will be scavenged by apoptosis.     

Road crash in China from 2003 to 2005

Objective： To analyze characteristics and causes of road crash and injuries in China from 2003 to 2005.
Methods： The data of road crash in 2003-2005 were collected to study the characteristics including total vehicle number, occurrence rates of traffic accidents and serious traffic accidents so as to discuss the causes and characteristics of road crash in China.
Results： From 2003 to 2005, the numbers of traffic accidents, injuries and deaths as well as the mortality rates per 100 000 persons and per 10 000 vehicles declined in China. Until 2005, the total number of traffic accidents decreased to 450 000 and deaths to 99 000, with the mortality rate per 10 000 vehicles being 7.6 persons. While the drivers and passengers accounted for 33.2 % and 26.6 % of death casualties respectively in 2005. Most traffic accidents were caused by drivers, especially those with driving experience less than 3 years. Traffic accidents occurred on suburban roads accounted for 60%. The mortality rate of the traffic accidents per 100 km on the first grade road ranked the highest. The mortality rate of the traffic accidents on expressways ranked the highest, with continual increase of death and injury.
Conclusions. At present, the increase trend of traffic accidents and casualties in China has been slowed down to some extent and shows a declining tendency, but the situation is far away from being optimistic. In order to cut down the number of traffic accidents and casualties, we should pay more attention to training and managing drivers with less than three driving years and those driving buses. Strict prevention measures should be laid on traffic accidents on first grade roads, expressways and suburban roads as well as the enhancement on improving first-aid system.     

Prophylactic theophylline to prevent renal dysfunction in newborns exposed to perinatal asphyxia—a study in a developing country

Renal damage frequently complicates perinatal asphyxia. Renal vasoconstriction due to adenosine metabolite leads to a fall in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and filtration fraction. This might be inhibited by the nonspecific adenosine receptor antagonist, theophylline. This study was designed to determine whether theophylline could prevent and/or ameliorate renal dysfunction in term neonates with perinatal asphyxia. We randomized 40 severely asphyxiated term infants to receive intravenously a single dose of either theophylline (5 mg/kg; study group: n=20) or placebo (control group: n=20) during the first hour of life. Fluid intake, urine output, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, GFR, urinary 2 microglobulin (2 M) and sodium excretion were recorded during the first 5 days of life. The two groups were comparable. No significant difference was reported regarding mechanical ventilatory support, respiratory complications and seizures. Severe renal dysfunction was significantly higher in the control group. Serum creatinine values were less, and creatinine clearance and GFR were significantly higher in the theophylline group from the second day onwards. 2 M excretion was significantly less in the theophylline group, while sodium excretion and hematuria showed no significant difference. Prophylactic theophylline treatment, given early after birth, has beneficial effects in reducing the renal involvement in asphyxiated full-term infants, with no significant changes in central nervous system involvement.     

How to treat refractory arthritis in lupus?

Arthritis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is episodic and self-limited in most patients. However, in some cases, refractory joint problems occur and may be poorly controlled by NSAIDs and other treatments. Damage to joints and to other organs must be considered when making any decision to prescribe such other treatments. In the context of new and potent biodrugs, we have reviewed and analysed here all Medline published data on arthritis treatment in SLE, as well as the French recommendations (Protocol national de diagnostic et de soins [PNDS] and Club Rhumatismes et Inflammation [CRI]). In SLE patients with isolated, intermittent joint symptoms, short courses of NSAIDs should be used as the first-line treatment. If joint symptoms are more severe or recurrent, a combination of low-dose corticosteroids (≤ 10 mg/day) and antimalarial drugs is recommended. Corticosteroid infiltrations may be useful on occasions, in cases of persistent localised arthritis. If joint symptoms persist, treatment indications depend on the other organs affected. In joint forms that are refractory to treatment or corticodependent and requiring an unacceptable dose of prednisone in a patient with confirmed compliance with treatment, methotrexate should be proposed initially, in combination with antimalarial drugs. In cases of treatment failure or intolerance, mycophenolate mofetil or even azathioprine may be considered as an alternative treatment. As a last resort, after having weighed up the individual benefit-risk ratio, leflunomide, belimumab, rituximab or abatacept may be considered, on a case-by-case basis, and anti-TNF antibodies may be considered in exceptional cases.     

Triple incision to treat phimosis in children: an alternative to circumcision?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional and cosmetic results and patient satisfaction after triple incision plasty for phimosis in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 197 boys who had a triple incision for phimosis (mean age 5.8 years, range 0.25-18). The indications for preputial surgery were recurrent balanoposthitis, ballooning during micturition and severe phimotic stenosis. The results after surgery were assessed using a questionnaire about the child's/parent's satisfaction, and an outpatient follow-up examination for functional and cosmetic preputial appearance. RESULTS: Of 128 parents/children responding, 108 (84%) were satisfied with the function and 102 (80%) reported a good cosmetic outcome. Triple incision as preputioplasty would be recommended to other parents by 119 (93%) respondents. Ninety-one (71%) of the parents feared disadvantages in their son's later life if the child had been circumcised. The outpatient examination showed an excellent functional and cosmetic outcome in 71 (77%) of the children. CONCLUSION: Triple incision is a simple, fast and safe technique for preputial relief, with good functional and cosmetic results, and was well accepted by the patients.     

Cyclic supraventricular tachycardia in the parturient: to treat or not to treat?

Cardiac arrhythmias are more common in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women. In the asymptomatic pregnant patient with a stable fetus, watchful waiting might be the best strategy. Herein, we describe the first reported case of a pregnant patient who developed cyclic supraventricular tachycardia during labor. No treatment was prescribed, with a good maternal and fetal outcome.     

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in diabetes: When to refer to the hepatologist?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide. A strong relationship exists between NAFLD and diabetes mellitus. There is growing evidence of a mechanistically complex and strong association between the two diseases. Current data also shows that one disease actually leads to worsening of the other and vice versa. Understanding of the various pathophysiological mechanisms involved, natural history and spectrum of these two diseases is essential not only for early diagnosis and management but also for prevention of severe disease forms. Despite the tremendous progress made in recent times in acquiring knowledge about these highly prevalent diseases, the guidelines and recommendations for screening and management of diabetics with NAFLD remain ambiguous. An interdisciplinary approach is required to not only raise awareness of the prevalence of NAFLD in diabetics but also for better patient management. This can help attenuate the development of significant complications, such as cirrhosis, decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma in these patients, thereby halting NAFLD in its tracks. This review focuses on the pivotal role of primary care physicians and endocrinologists in identification of NAFLD in diabetics in early stages and the role of proactive screening for prompt referral to hepatologist.     

Are we ready to use aliskiren in children?

The objective of this case series was to review the safety and efficacy of aliskiren in combination with losartan in pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. This was a retrospective study in which the medical files of all patients who had received aliskiren were reviewed. Four patients were identified between 5 and 18 years of age who had received aliskiren and losartan for the reduction of refractory proteinuria. While proteinuria was reduced in all four of these patients by 45, 96, 53, and 64%, respectively, three patients experienced side effects requiring changes in the aliskiren dose. A significant side effect occurred in the patient with CKD stage 3 who suffered accelerated loss of kidney function leading to dialysis after only a short course of therapy. The data from this preliminary trial strongly suggest that clinicians should exercise caution when prescribing aliskiren in combination with losartan until appropriate pediatric trials establish dosing, efficacy, and safety.     

Does homocysteine contribute to bone disease in hyperparathyroidism?

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a complication of hyperparathyroidism (HPT). Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCy) is an independent risk factor for osteoporotic fractures. We hypothesize that HHCy correlates with bone disease in HPT. METHODS: A prospectively collected database of 250 patients treated for HPT was reviewed. Patients were categorized into 3 groups: group I, normal renal function; group 2, mild renal insufficiency; and group 3, secondary HPT with end-stage renal disease on dialysis. Serum homocysteine levels, markers of bone metabolism, and bone density studies were examined. RESULTS: The prevalence of HHCy in group 1 (208 patients) was 5%, in group 2 (23 patients), 82%, and in group 3 (19 patients), 78%. Mean (+/-SD) preoperative homocysteinemia (HCy) levels in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 9.3 +/- 4.0, 20 +/- 10.2, and 20.6 +/- 12.3 micromol/L, respectively. Elevated serum markers of bone metabolism increased significantly with decreasing renal function. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of HHCy is low in HPT patients with normal renal function. It is significantly greater in those with dialysis-independent and -dependent renal insufficiency. HHCy correlates with other serum markers of bone metabolism in HPT and may be useful for monitoring progression or improvement.