Dynamic LVOT Obstruction and Aortic Stenosis in the Same Patient: A Case of Challenging Doppler Hemodynamics

We present a patient with both dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and valvular aortic stenosis. The aortic valve was calcified, and velocities and gradients measured by continuous‐wave Doppler met standard criteria for severe aortic stenosis. The increased subvalvular velocities invalidated assumptions of the simplified Bernoulli equation; correction using the longer form of the Bernoulli equation suggested a lower but still significant gradient. The complex shape of the subvalvular spectral Doppler envelope indicated supranormal systolic function and dynamic left ventricular outflow obstruction. Left heart catheterization with an end‐hole catheter was required to determine the subvalvular and valvular components of the obstruction.     

Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Benzoyl Peroxide Resembling Impetigo

A 17‐year‐old boy presented with recurring severe dermatitis of the face of 5‐months duration that resembled impetigo. He had been treated with several courses of antibiotics without improvement. Biopsy showed changes consistent with allergic contact dermatitis and patch testing later revealed sensitization to benzoyl peroxide, which the patient had been using for the treatment of acne vulgaris.     

试论异常毒性作为药品质量控制指标的合理性

异常毒性最初是一种确保复杂成分制剂生产工艺一致性及安全性的辅助检测手段，后来成为针对外源性毒性污染物的通用安全性检测项，曾在世界范围内被各国药典收载。由于该检测与药品质量、安全性之间的关联性受到质疑，各国药典逐渐在各论及通则中删除该检测项，目前仅《中国药典》保留异常毒性。由于该检测存在设定限值难以统一、给药体积及给药剂量不合理、结果易受干扰且缺乏明确的判定标准等试验原理及设计上的缺陷，导致其试验结果没有实际参考意义。基于对历史数据的回顾分析，国际监管机构及卫生组织对异常毒性有了更为科学的认知，并已逐渐形成统一的监管共识：严格的生产控制措施和有效的质量检测手段，比异常毒性检测更为重要；异常毒性检测结果或与产品质量及污染不具相关性；在异常毒性检查中使用大量动物不符合动物福利和“3R”原则。本文从科学角度试论异常毒性作为药品质量控制指标的合理性，并总结异常毒性修订的科学原则，希望能为我国监管机构、制药行业修订异常毒性相关内容提供思考角度。     

Anti-goat antibodies as a rare cause of high gonadotropin levels during menopausal transition

Abstract

Objective: To understand the origin of extremely high gonadotropin levels in a perimenopausal woman.

Methods: A 52-year-old woman with a 2?months of amenorrhea followed spontaneous menstrual cycles recovery was referred to our outpatient clinic with elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH, 483 mUI/ml), luteinizing hormone (LH, 475 mUI/ml) and prolactin (PRL, 173?ng/ml). She was known to take levosulpiride. The gonadotropin levels did not fit with the clinical features.

Results: A gonadotroph tumor was ruled out. Further analysis confirmed constantly high FSH, LH and PRL levels. The measurements were repeated using different analytical platforms with different results. After serial dilutions, nonlinearity was present suggesting an immunoassay interference. After post-polyethylene glycol recovery, hormone levels appeared in the normal range. Anti-goat antibodies were recognized in the serum of the patient.

Conclusions: This case report shows a case of falsely abnormal high gonadotropin and PRL levels in a woman during menopause transition. In the clinical practice the evaluation of gonadotropin profile is not recommended at this age, but the abnormal levels stimulated further evaluation. An interference in the assay due to anti-goat antibodies resulted in abnormally high level of FSH and LH. A strict collaboration between clinicians and the laboratory is needed, when laboratory findings do not correspond to clinical findings.