The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Sleep and Breathing - Obesity is a common risk factor for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Both PCOS and OSA are associated with increased risk of type 2...     

The prognostic role of serum uric acid levels in preeclampsia: A meta‐analysis

This meta‐analysis aims to compare serum uric acid levels among preeclamptic and healthy pregnant women across the various trimesters and provide a summary of the effect size of this biomarker in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes. MEDLINE, Scopus, CENTRAL, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched from inception. Observational studies were held eligible if they reported serum uric acid among preeclamptic and healthy pregnant women. Meta‐analysis was conducted regarding uric acid concentration, diagnostic accuracy, and association with perinatal outcomes. The credibility of evidence was appraised using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. The analysis included 196 studies, comprising 39 540 women. Preeclampsia was associated with significantly elevated uric acid levels during the 1st (mean difference [MD]: 0.21 mg/dL, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.06‐0.35) trimester, 2nd (MD: 1.41 mg/dL, 95% CI: 0.78‐2.05) trimester, and 3rd (MD: 2.26 mg/dL, 95% CI: 2.12‐2.40) trimester. Higher uric acid was estimated for severe preeclampsia, eclampsia, and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet syndrome. The sensitivity for adverse perinatal outcome prediction ranged from 67.3% to 82.7% and the specificity from 47.7% to 70.7%. In conclusion, it is suggested that serum uric acid levels are increased in preeclampsia and can be used to predict disease severity and pregnancy complications. Future prospective studies should verify these outcomes, assess the optimal cutoffs, and incorporate uric acid to combined predicting models.     

Synchronous cytomegalovirus and Clostridium difficile infection of the pouch: a trigger for chronic pouchitis?

Pouchitis occurs in up to one half of patients after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Clostridium difficile are among the commonest secondary identifiable etiologies. A 17-year-old male with ulcerative colitis underwent IPAA due to refractory disease. Nine months later he experienced bloody diarrhea and fever. Laboratory testing and endoscopy confirmed pouch inflammation. Testing for C. difficile toxins A and B was positive. Histology revealed affluent inclusion bodies and immunohistochemistry detected reactivity against CMV protein. Treatment with metronidazole and vancomycin offered partial improvement, whereas the addition of gancyclovir led to a successful recovery. One month after completion of treatment symptoms recurred. Repeat testing precluded an identifiable infectious cause and the diagnosis of idiopathic chronic pouchitis was established. The patient is currently on maintenance treatment with the probiotic compound VSL#3.     

Melan-A/Mart-1- or HMB-45-positive melanocytes are not present in calcifying cystic odontogenic tumors (calcifying odontogenic cysts): a study in 13 Caucasian patients

Melanin pigment and melanocytes may be found in odontogenic cysts and tumors, particularly calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor (CCOT). In the present study we investigated the immunohistochemical expression of the Melan-A/Mart-1 and HMB-45 antigens in 13 Caucasians patients with CCOT. Melan-A/Mart-1- and HMB-45-positive melanocytes were not seen in any of the cases. Our findings are in agreement with the assumption that pigmentation in odontogenic lesions may be a racial phenomenon.