血浆NT-proBNP和cTnⅠ联合检测对老年脓毒症患者病情评估及预后判断的临床价值

目的探讨血浆氨基末端脑钠肽前体(NT-pro BNP)和肌钙蛋白Ⅰ(c TnⅠ)联合检测对老年脓毒症患者病情评估及预后判断的临床意义。方法选择60例脓毒症患者按病情严重程度分为一般脓毒症组和严重脓毒症组,另选取同期在该院行健康体检者30例作为对照组。比较三组和不同预后患者血浆NT-pro BNP、c TnⅠ水平及急性生理和慢性健康状态评分Ⅱ(APACHEⅡ),并对各指标进行相关性分析。结果脓毒症患者血浆NT-pro BNP及c TnⅠ水平明显高于对照组,且严重脓毒症组APACHEⅡ评分明显高于一般脓毒症组(均P0.05);死亡组患者血浆NT-pro BNP、c TnⅠ水平及APACHEⅡ评分均明显高于存活组(均P0.05);脓毒症患者血浆NT-pro BNP水平与c TnⅠ水平呈正相关性(r=0.732,P0.05);血浆NT-pro BNP水平及c TnⅠ水平均与APACHEⅡ评分呈正相关性(r=0.646,0.579,P0.05)。结论血浆NT-pro BNP及c TnⅠ水平可有效反映患者心肌受损程度,早期血浆NT-pro BNP及c TnⅠ水平联合检测对脓毒症患者病情评估及预后判断有重要临床意义。     

心力衰竭超声指数及N末端脑钠肽前体对慢性心力衰竭患者心功能的评估价值

目的探讨心力衰竭超声指数及N末端脑钠肽前体(NT-pro BNP)对慢性心力衰竭(CHF)患者心功能的评估价值。方法选取2015年1月~2016年6月于廊坊市第四人民医院就诊的CHF患者92例(心衰组),根据纽约心功能分级(NYHA分级)分为心功能Ⅰ级10例、心功能Ⅱ级21例、心功能Ⅲ级33例和心功能Ⅳ级28例,根据左室射血分数(LVEF)分为舒张性心力衰竭者29例和收缩性心力衰竭者63例。对照组为性别与年龄与心衰组相匹配的健康体检者50例。对所有入选者进行心衰超声指数评分和血浆NT-pro BNP水平测定。结果 (1)与对照组相比,心衰组心力衰竭超声指数、血浆NT-pro BNP水平升高及LVEF降低,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。随着心功能分级的增高,心衰超声指数评分与血浆NTpro BNP水平逐渐升高,LVEF逐渐下降,组间比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。(2)收缩性心力衰竭患者心衰超声指数评分、血浆NT-pro BNP水平高于舒张性心力衰竭患者,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。(3)血浆NT-pro BNP水平与心衰超声指数呈正相关,差异有统计学意义(r=0.826,P0.05),与LVEF呈负相关,差异有统计学意义(r=-0.613,P0.05)。结论心力衰竭超声指数评分和血浆NT-pro BNP可进一步提高CHF的临床诊断水平,可作为综合评价CHF患者心功能状态的重要指标。     

脓毒症患者N-末端B型利钠肽原与连续心排血量监测指标及预后的相关性

目的探究脓毒症患者N-末端B型利钠肽(NT-pro BNP)以及脉搏指数连续心排血量(Pi COO)监测指标与预后的相关性。方法选择脓毒症患者113例。经过1个月的治疗74例存活,39例死亡。对比存活组与死亡组患者临床资料以及不同阶段NT-pro BNP水平、治疗前的Pi CCO各指标,最后进行相关性分析。结果存活组APACHEⅡ评分显著低于死亡组,并且出现严重感染以及并发症的患者比例也显著低于死亡组;两组在第1天NT-pro BNP水平比较无差异,存活组在第3、5、7天NT-pro BNP水平均显著低于死亡组;两组胸腔内血容量指数(ITBVI)、体外循环阻力指数(SVRI)无显著差异,但存活组心脏指数(CI)高于死亡组,而血管外肺水指数(EVLWI)、肺毛细血管通透性指数(PVPI)低于死亡组(均P<0.05)。通过相关性分析得到:NT-pro BNP、EVLWI、PVPI与死亡率存在明显正相关(r=0.741,P=0.000;r=0.731,P=0.000;r=0.814,P=0.000),CI与死亡率存在明显负相关(r=-0.261,P=0.000)。结论脓毒症患者血浆中NT-pro BNP水平随着病情加重而逐渐升高,结合APACHEⅡ评分两者越高预后越差。Pi COO监测指标也与预后存在显著相关性,对临床治疗及预后评估具有非常高的指导价值。     

血浆氨基末端脑钠肽前体水平与慢性阻塞性肺疾病急性加重期患者心肺功能及生活质量的关系研究

目的 分析血浆氨基末端脑钠肽前体(NT-pro BNP)水平与慢性阻塞性肺疾病急性加重期(AECOPD)患者心肺功能及生活质量的关系。方法 选取2013年1月—2017年4月苏州市相城区中医医院呼吸内科收治的AECOPD患者60例,根据血浆NT-pro BNP水平分为NT-pro BNP正常者35例(正常组)和NT-pro BNP升高者25例(升高组)。比较两组患者心功能指标、肺功能指标及生活质量,血浆NT-pro BNP水平与AECOPD患者心肺功能指标的相关性分析采用Pearson相关性分析。结果 升高组患者左心房内径(LAD)、右心房内径(RAD)、左心室收缩末期内径(LVESD)及左心室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)大于正常组,左心室射血分数(LVEF)低于正常组(P0.05)。升高组患者用力肺活量(FVC)和第1秒用力呼气容积(FEV1)小于正常组,第1秒用力呼气容积与用力肺活量比值(FEV1/FVC)低于正常组,最大呼气中段流速(MMEF)和呼气峰值流速(PEF)慢于正常组(P0.05)。升高组患者躯体功能、躯体角色、肢体疼痛、总体健康、活力、社会功能、情绪角色及精神健康评分低于正常组(P0.05)。Pearson相关性分析结果显示,血浆NT-pro BNP水平与AECOPD患者LVEF(r=-0.379)、FVC(r=-0.295)、FEV1(r=-0.351)、FEV1/FVC(r=-0.365)、MMEF(r=-0.521)、PEF(r=-0.437)呈负相关,与LAD(r=0.349)、RAD(r=0.421)、LVESD(r=0.459)、LVEDD(r=0.521)呈正相关(P0.05)。结论 血浆NT-pro BNP水平与AECOPD患者心肺功能有关,且血浆NT-pro BNP水平升高患者生活质量较差。     

老年慢性心力衰竭患者甲状腺激素、氨基末端脑钠肽前体变化及其对预后的评估价值

目的分析老年慢性心力衰竭(CHF)患者甲状腺激素、氨基末端脑钠肽前体(NT-pro BNP)变化及其对预后的评估价值。方法选取2012年5月—2015年2月在襄阳市中心医院心内科住院的老年CHF患者120例作为CHF组,其中心功能Ⅱ级42例,心功能Ⅲ级47例,心功能Ⅳ级31例。另选取同期在本院体检健康的老年人120例作为对照组。比较两组受试者及不同心功能分级CHF患者血浆甲状腺激素〔三碘甲状腺原氨酸(T3)、甲状腺素(T4)、游离三碘甲状腺原氨酸(FT3)、游离甲状腺素(FT4)、促甲状腺激素(TSH)〕、NT-pro BNP水平及左心室射血分数(LVEF),并分析CHF患者血浆NT-pro BNP水平及LVEF与血浆甲状腺激素水平的相关性。根据CHF患者住院期间心血管事件发生情况分为心血管事件组42例和非心血管事件组78例,比较心血管事件组与非心血管事件组患者血浆甲状腺激素、NT-pro BNP水平及LVEF。结果 CHF组与对照组受试者血浆T4、FT4、TSH水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05);CHF组患者血浆T3、FT3水平及LVEF低于对照组,血浆NT-pro BNP水平高于对照组(P0.05)。不同心功能分级CHF患者血浆T4、FT4、TSH水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05);心功能Ⅲ级患者血浆FT3水平低于心功能Ⅱ级患者,血浆NT-pro BNP水平高于心功能Ⅱ级患者(P0.05);心功能Ⅳ级患者血浆T3、FT3水平及LVEF低于心功能Ⅱ、Ⅲ级患者,血浆NT-pro BNP水平高于心功能Ⅱ、Ⅲ级患者(P0.05)。Pearson相关性分析结果显示,血浆NT-pro BNP水平与血浆T3、FT3水平呈负相关(r值分别为-0.335、-0.221,P0.05),与血浆T4、FT4、TSH水平无直线相关性(r值分别为0.047、0.027、0.015,P0.05)。LVEF与血浆T3、FT3水平呈正相关(r值分别为0.410、0.229,P0.05),与血浆T4、FT4、TSH水平无直线相关性(r值分别为0.085、0.087、0.004,P0.05)。心血管事件组与非心血管事件组患者血浆T4、FT4、TSH水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05);心血管事件组患者血浆T3、FT3水平低于非心血管事件组,血浆NT-pro BNP水平高于非心血管事件组(P0.05)。结论老年CHF患者血浆T3、FT3水平较低,血浆NT-pro BNP水平较高,T3、FT3、NT-pro BNP可作为评估CHF患者病情严重程度及预后的指标。     

急性中毒性心肌损害患者血浆N-末端B型利钠肽原水平观察

目的:观察急性中毒性心肌损害患者血浆N-末端B型利钠肽原(NT-pro BNP)的变化,探讨其临床意义。方法:选取我科住院的急性中毒患者107例,其中合并心肌损害者57例(A组),非心肌损害者50例(B组),另设健康对照者20例(C组)。测定中毒后24 h内血浆NT-pro BNP及肌钙蛋白I(c Tn I)水平,比较3组之间血浆NT-pro BNP水平,并将血浆NT-pro BNP水平与c Tn I进行相关性分析。结果:A、B、C组血浆NT-pro BNP水平分别为(3167.64±1120.41)pg/m L、(176.62±45.43)pg/m L、(60.19±42.17)pg/m L,差异均有统计学意义(P0.01),血浆NT-pro BNP水平在心肌损害组与非心肌损害组间存在差异,且在急性中毒患者血清中水平升高。血浆NT-pro BNP水平与c Tn I成正相关(r=0.963,P0.05)。logistic回归分析显示血浆NT-pro BNP是心脏事件发生的独立危险因素,其相对危险度的估计值为11.6(P=0.001)。结论:急性中毒可引起血浆NT-pro BNP水平增高,NT-pro BNP可作为判断中毒时心肌是否受损的指标,是预测急性中毒患者心脏事件的独立危险因素。     

降钙素原与临床肺部感染评分在呼吸机相关性肺炎预后评估中的价值

目的探讨降钙素原(PCT)与临床肺部感染(CPIS)评分在呼吸机相关性肺炎(VAP)预后评估中的价值。方法 65例VAP患者根据临床转归分为生存组和死亡组,动态监测两组患者入院第1天、第5天及转出或死亡前PCT、CPIS评分及APACHEⅡ评分的动态变化,并分析三者之间的相关性。结果两组患者在年龄、入住ICU时间、机械通气时间、CPIS评分及APACHEⅡ评分等方面比较无显著差异性(P0.05);生存组第5天和转出或死亡前PCT、CPIS评分及APACHEⅡ评分等指标明显低于死亡组(P0.05);PCT与CPIS评分呈正相关(r=0.647,P0.01),PCT、CPIS评分均与APACHEⅡ评分呈正相关(r=0.735,P0.01和r=0.548,P0.01)。结论动态监测PCT与CPIS评分对VAP患者预后评估具有较好的临床价值。     

Tei指数、右心室面积变化分数、右房室瓣环收缩期位移、肺动脉收缩压对慢性肺源性心脏病的诊断价值及其与血浆N末端B型利钠肽前体水平的相关性研究

目的探讨Tei指数、右心室面积变化分数(FAC)、右房室瓣环收缩期位移(TAPSE)、肺动脉收缩压(PASP)对慢性肺源性心脏病的诊断价值及其与血浆N末端B型利钠肽前体(NT-pro BNP)水平的相关性。方法选取2013年6月—2017年1月宜兴市人民医院收治的慢性肺源性心脏病患者337例,根据心肺功能代偿情况分为代偿组(n=64)和失代偿组(n=273),并根据失代偿程度将失代偿组患者分为呼吸困难组(n=118)、右心衰竭组(n=103)、全心衰竭组(n=52);另选取同期体检健康者52例作为对照组。比较对照组、代偿组、失代偿组受试者及代偿组、呼吸困难组、右心衰竭组、全心衰竭组患者Tei指数、FAC、TAPSE、PASP及血浆NT-pro BNP水平,绘制ROC曲线以评价Tei指数、FAC、TAPSE、PASP及血浆NT-pro BNP水平对慢性肺源性心脏病的诊断价值;Tei指数、FAC、TAPSE、PASP与慢性肺源性心脏病患者血浆NT-pro BNP水平的相关性分析采用Pearson相关分析。结果 (1)代偿组、失代偿组患者Tei指数、PASP及血浆NT-pro BNP水平高于对照组,FAC低于对照组,TAPSE小于对照组(P0.05);失代偿组患者Tei指数、PASP及血浆NT-pro BNP水平高于代偿组,FAC低于代偿组,TAPSE小于代偿组(P0.05)。(2)呼吸困难组、右心衰竭组、全心衰竭组患者Tei指数、PASP及血浆NT-pro BNP水平高于代偿组,FAC低于代偿组,TAPSE小于代偿组(P0.05);右心衰竭组、全心衰竭组患者Tei指数、PASP及血浆NT-pro BNP水平高于呼吸困难组,FAC低于呼吸困难组,TAPSE小于呼吸困难组(P0.05);全心衰竭组患者Tei指数、PASP及血浆NT-pro BNP水平高于右心衰竭组,FAC低于右心衰竭组,TAPSE小于右心衰竭组(P0.05)。(3)绘制ROC曲线发现,Tei指数、FAC、TAPSE、PASP及血清NT-pro BNP水平诊断慢性肺源性心脏病的曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.654[95%CI(0.557,0.751)]、0.960[95%CI(0.929,0.990)]、0.821[95%CI(0.742,0.899)]、0.854[95%CI(0.799,0.929)]、0.906[95%CI(0.853,0.960)];FAC、PASP、血浆NT-pro BNP水平诊断慢性肺源性心脏病的AUC大于Tei指数、TAPSE(P0.05)。(4)Pearson相关分析结果显示,FAC(r=-0.527)、TAPSE(r=-0.361)与慢性肺源性心脏病患者血浆NT-pro BNP水平呈负相关,而PASP(r=0.428)与慢性肺源性心脏病患者血浆NT-pro BNP水平呈正相关(P0.05)。结论 Tei指数、FAC、TAPSE、PASP及血浆NT-pro BNP水平对慢性肺源性心脏病均有一定诊断价值,其中FAC、PASP及血浆NT-pro BNP水平的诊断价值较高;FAC、TAPSE与慢性肺源性心脏病患者血浆NT-pro BNP水平呈负相关,而PASP与慢性肺源性心脏病患者血浆NT-pro BNP水平呈正相关。     

PCT、BNP、D-D二聚体及APACHEⅡ评分预测脓毒症患者预后的研究

目的探讨PCT、BNP、D-D二聚体水平及APACHEⅡ评分预测脓毒血症患者预后的作用。方法比较分析死亡组与生存组脓毒症患者第1、3、7天检测PCT、BNP、D-D二聚体水平及APACHEⅡ评分,采用受试者工作曲线(ROC)评估上述指标与预后的关系。结果与生存组患者相比,死亡组住院第1、3、7天PCT、BNP及APACHEⅡ评分显著增高(P0.05),死亡组和生存组的D-D二聚体水平差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。PCT、BNP、APACHEⅡ评分住院第1、3、7天ROC曲线下面积(AUC)均70%。结论高PCT、BNP及APACHEⅡ评分可作为脓毒症患者不良预后的指标。     

GRACE危险评分和NT-proBNP水平对急性冠脉综合征患者的近期预后价值

目的探讨全球急性冠状动脉事件注册(GRACE)评分及氨基末端脑钠肽前体(NTpro BNP)水平对急性冠脉综合征(ACS)患者近期预后的预测价值。方法入选2013年1月~12月在内蒙古医科大学第四附属医院心内科住院的160例ACS患者,收集患者入院时基线资料,进行GRACE风险评分;根据GRACE评分进行分组,≤108为低危组(26例),109~140为中危组(58例),140为高危组(76例);并测定NT-pro BNP水平,随访观察患者近期心血管不良事件(MACE)发生情况,并采用多元logistic回归分析方法判断GRACE评分、NT-pro BNP与患者近期预后的相关性。结果三组患者年龄、NT-pro BNP及GRACE评分有统计学差异(P0.05)。三组患者在住院期间、随访30 d MACE发生率均有差别,差异有统计学意义(P0.01),高危组MACE事件发生率最高。直线相关回归分析显示GRACE评分与NT-pro BNP呈正相关(r=0.580,P0.001,回归系数b=19.719,P0.001)。对住院期间、随访30 d MACE发生的危险因素进行多元logistic回归分析发现GRACE评分、NT-pro BNP、年龄、吸烟及高脂血症是发生MACE事件的危险因素(P均0.05)。结论 GRACE评分及NT-pro BNP水平对ACS患者近期预后有良好的预测价值,且二者呈直线相关。     

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.