Survival disparities within American and Israeli dialysis populations: learning from similarities and distinctions across race and ethnicity

There are counterintuitive but consistent observations that African American maintenance dialysis patients have greater survival despite their less favorable socioeconomic status, high burden of cardiovascular risks including hypertension and diabetes, and excessively high chronic kidney disease prevalence. The fact that such individuals have a number of risk factors for lower survival and yet live longer when undergoing dialysis treatment is puzzling. Similar findings have been made among Israeli maintenance dialysis patients, in that those who are ethnically Arab have higher end-stage renal disease but exhibit greater survival than Jewish Israelis. The juxtaposition of these two situations may provide valuable insights into racial/ethnic-based mechanisms of survival in chronic diseases. Survival advantages of African American dialysis patients may be explained by differences in nutritional status, inflammatory profile, dietary intake habits, body composition, bone and mineral disorders, mental health and coping status, dialysis treatment differences, and genetic differences among other factors. Prospective studies are needed to examine similar models in other countries and to investigate the potential causes of these paradoxes in these societies. Better understanding the roots of racial/ethnic survival differences may help improve outcomes in both patients with chronic kidney disease and other individuals with chronic disease states.     

Spontaneous ovulation versus HCG triggering for timing natural-cycle frozen-thawed embryo transfer: a randomized study

In ovulatory patients, frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) is commonly performed during a natural cycle (NC). The objective was to compare serial monitoring until documentation of ovulation with human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) triggering, for timing NC-FET. Sixty women with regular menstrual cycles undergoing NC-FET were randomized into two groups: group A (n=30) had FET in a natural cycle after ovulation triggering with HCG; group B (n=30) had FET in a natural cycle after detection of spontaneous ovulation. The main outcome measure was the number of monitoring visits at the clinic per cycle. Secondary outcome measures included implantation rate, clinical pregnancy and live-birth rates. Both groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics and reproductive history. Clinical and laboratory characteristics of fresh and frozen cycles and pregnancy and delivery rates were comparable for both groups. The number of monitoring visits in group A (3.2 ± 1.4) was significantly lower than in group B (4.7 ± 1.6) (P=0.002). In patients undergoing NC-FET, triggering ovulation by HCG can significantly reduce the number of visits necessary for cycle monitoring without an adverse effect on cycle outcome. Ovulation triggering can increase both patient convenience and cycle cost effectiveness.     

Laser and radiofrequency endovenous ablation of venous reflux

Endovenous modalities to treat superficial venous reflux of the lower extremities have revolutionized management of patients with varicose veins. Laser and radiofrequency probes have both found their way into the arsenal of physicians treating venous reflux. Although both offer distinct advantages and minor drawbacks, they each offer the convenience of in-office treatment, faster recovery, and improved safety over traditional surgical procedures. This article will briefly discuss the technique, treatment results, and potential complications associated with each procedure.     

Prevalence of HIV antibodies in transsexual and female prostitutes.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence was studied in an unselected group of 216 female and transsexual prostitutes. Subjects were asked about age, biological sex, marital status, children, length of occupation, sexual practices, and drug abuse history. Blood was drawn on site. All 128 females who did not admit to drug abuse were seronegative; 2 of the 52 females (3.8%) who admitted to intravenous drug abuse were seropositive. In contrast, 11.1% of the 36 male transsexuals (including 3 out of 32 non-drug abusers) were seropositive. The results support the notion that vaginal transmission of HIV is less effective than anal transmission.