Stimulation by mitogens and neuronal membranes of lymphocytes from patients with motor neurone disease

Stimulation of lymphocytes from motor neurone disease patients by either concanavalin A or PHA was shown to be significantly depressed relative to that from normal controls, as assayed by incorporation of [3H]thymidine or [3H]leucine or by glucose uptake. Corresponding significant differences were not shown by assays based upon incorporation of [3H]uridine or of lactate release. Lymphocytes from 4 out of 14 motor neurone disease patients showed a blastogenic response to membranes from rat spinal cord cells, compared with those from 0 out of 9 normal controls. These results not only suggest the possibility of an impaired cellular immune control in MND patients but also indicate the presence of lymphocytes sensitised specifically to neuronal membrane components.     

Role of delayed enhancement MRI in patients with acute coronary syndrome and unobstructed coronary arteries: reply

We thank Coceani and L'Abbate for their comments on our paper.We concur that ‘pathophysiology cannot be inferred fromcoronary lumenography alone’, and this was one of thekey motivations in conducting the present study.     

Renal Aspergilloma--A Case Illustrating the Problems of Medical Therapy

The second documented case of renal aspergilloma due to Aspergillusflavus is presented. The merits of the medical therapy thatfailed are discussed. Pathological examination showed a nidusof aspergillus around suture material persisting from a pyelolithotomyoperation 2 years before in India. We argue that this was thereason for the failure of the medical therapy. This is the firstcase of its kind reported.     

Presentation and outcome of Marfan's syndrome patients with dissection and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: In Marfan's syndrome, there is a paucity of data regarding intervention criteria for surgery of the dissected thoraco-abdominal aorta. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 22 Marfan's patients with distal aortic dissection managed between September 1999 and April 2006 was performed. Serial diameters and linear expansion rates were calculated from imaging studies and the outcome of intervention was analysed. RESULTS: There were 14/22 male patients (median age 38 years), and 18 had prior aortic surgery. Surgery was recommended in 20 patients and undertaken in 19 (1 died prior to operation). Of the operated patients, 2 presented with rupture, 2 with airway obstruction, 1 with intermittent paraplegia and 14 underwent planned surgery for increased expansion rate or pain. All patients had residual type A or chronic type B dissection. The median aortic dimension at surgery was 6.7 cm (interquartile range (IQR) 5.5-8.2). The preoperative mean expansion rate increased from 0.5 cm/year to 1.7 cm/year (p<0.001), prior to operation. Fifteen patients underwent Crawford Extent II, two underwent Extent I and two underwent Extent III repair. Profound hypothermia and CSF drainage was used in 16 and 18 patients, respectively. There was no early mortality, paraplegia or renal failure. At a median postoperative follow-up of 56 months (range 6-86), the survival of the operated cohort was 90%. CONCLUSIONS: Thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in Marfan's syndrome can be performed with good outcomes. Intervention should be based on size or accelerated expansion. Any role of endovascular management needs careful consideration.     

Simulation model of renal replacement therapy: predicting future demand in England.

BACKGROUND: The demand for renal replacement therapy (RRT) in England has risen steadily, although from a lower base than many other developed countries. Predicting the future demand for RRT and the impact of factors such as the acceptance rate, transplant supply and patient survival, is required in order to inform the planning of such services. METHODS: A discrete event simulation model estimates the future demand for RRT in England in 2010 for a range of scenarios. The model uses current prevalence and current and projected future acceptance rates, survival rates and the transitions between modalities to predict future patient numbers. National population and mortality data, published literature and data from the UK Renal Registry and UK Transplant, are used to estimate unmet need for RRT, the impact of changing demography and incidence of Type 2 diabetes, patient haemodialysis (HD) survival and transplant supply. RESULTS: By 2010 the predicted prevalence will have increased from about 30,000 in 2000 to between 42 and 51,000 (900-1000 p.m.p.), an average annual growth of 4.5-6%. Changing transplant supply has a small effect on overall numbers but changes the proportion of patients with functioning graft by up to 8%. Even with an optimistic increase in transplant supply (11% p.a. for 5 years), numbers on HD will continue to rise substantially, especially in the elderly. The factors most influencing future patient numbers are the acceptance rate and dialysis survival. CONCLUSION: This model predicts a substantial growth in the RRT population to 2010 to a rate approaching 1000 p.m.p., particularly in the elderly and those on HD, with a steady state not being reached for at least 25 years.