Indolent CD8-positive T-cell lymphoid proliferation of the ear: a report of two cases

The current classification of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) of the World Health Organization (WHO) includes primary cutaneous CD8-positive aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma as a provisional entity awaiting cumulative data. Recent reports identify CD3/CD8-positive clonal T-cell lymphoid proliferations arising in the ear and nose that behave indolently and therefore defy currently established subclassification. Here, we report two cases of clonal CD8-positive/granzyme-B-negative T-cell lymphoid proliferations that arose in the ear and behaved indolently. Collectively, these cases suggest that an additional category of cutaneous indolent CD8-positive T-cell lymphoma may be necessary among the existing classification schemes.     

Old agent, new experience: colistin use in the paediatric Intensive Care Unit--a multicentre study

Nosocomial infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms are a common problem around the world, especially in Intensive Care Units. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of colistin therapy in paediatric patients with severe nosocomial infections caused by MDR Gram-negative bacteria. There were 87 episodes in 79 paediatric Intensive Care Unit patients in five different hospitals; each patient was treated intravenously with colistin and evaluated. Of the 79 patients, 54.4% were male and the median age was 30 months. The most commonly isolated microorganism was Acinetobacter baumannii, the most common isolation site was tracheal aspirate fluid and the most common type of infection was ventilator-associated pneumonia. The mean colistin dose in patients without renal failure was 5.4 ± 0.6 mg/kg/day, the mean therapy duration was 17.2 ± 8.4 days and the favourable outcome rate was 83.9%. Serious side effects were seen in four patient episodes (4.6%) during therapy; two patients suffered renal failure and the others had convulsive seizures. Other patients tolerated the drug well. The infection-related mortality rate was 11.5% and the probability of death within the first 9 days of treatment was 10 times higher than after the first 9 days. In conclusion, this study suggests that colistin is effective in the treatment of severe nosocomial infections caused by MDR Gram-negative bacteria and is generally well tolerated by patients, even after relatively long-term use.     

Transcatheter Repair of Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Drainage Using an Amplatzer Vascular Plug in a Postoperative Patient With Tetralogy of Fallot

The association of tetralogy of Fallot with a partial anomalous pulmonary vein is rare. Although this combination is generally treated with surgery, in this paper we present the case of an 8-year-old boy whose anomalous venous drainage was successfully closed with an Amplatzer vascular plug after a total correction of a tetralogy of Fallot. The patient was asymptomatic at his last follow-up.     

Total Serum Oxidant/Antioxidant Status and Arylesterase Activity in Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis

Background

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disorder of the oral mucosa with unknown etiology. Oxidative stress (OS) is suggested to play a main role in the etiopathogenesis in RAS.

Objective

In this study, we hypothesize that a systemic OS is present in patients with RAS.

Methods

Forty-four patients with active RAS lesions and 38 healthy controls were being included in the study. Serum total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and paraoxonase 1 arylesterase (ARES) activity were being determined.

Results

RAS patients had significantly lower TAS levels and higher TOS and OSI values than controls. The patients had a lower ARES activity when compared to healthy controls. No correlations were observed between OS parameters and age, gender, duration of disease or frequency of RAS attacks per month.

Conclusion

A systemic OS is determined with an imbalance in oxidant/antioxidant status and lower ARES activity in RAS. Systemic OS may have an important role in the pathogenesis of RAS formation.     

Ocular complications after cosmetic periocular diode laser application to the eyelids

A 25-year-old woman underwent diode laser application on the both upper eyelids in the dermatology department of a private hospital to obtain a cosmetic healing of the reddish look on her eyelids without any protective lenses. The patient experienced severe uveitis, atonic pupils, raised intraocular pressure, and increased sensitivity to light in her eyes on the following day of the procedure. Topical steroids and pressure-lowering agents were able to treat the acute uveitis and glaucoma, unfortunately the patient suffered from irreversible atonic and atrophic pupils and photosensitivity. It is recommended that cosmetic laser application on the periocular area should be avoided, and if it is still to be performed, it should be applied cautiously and the patient should be informed of the potential ocular complications.     

Surgical Treatment of the Solid Breast Masses in Female Adolescents

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate the histopathologic results of the excised solid breast masses in our clinic and to draw attention to breast masses in adolescents.DesignA retrospective chart review study and review of the literature.SettingThis study was conducted in Baskent University Adana Research Center between March 2003 and May 2011.ParticipantsPatients included 10 adolescent girls admitted to pediatric surgery clinic with the complaint of palpable breast mass who underwent surgical excision of the breast mass.Main Outcome MeasuresThe necessity of surgery in breast masses of female adolescents.Results10 female patients with an average age of 14 years were operated on for breast masses. A palpable mass in the breast and social anxiety were the cardinal complaints. Two patients had a family history of breast carcinoma. One patient had a history of neuroblastoma in remission. Histopathologic examination revealed 3 juvenile fibroadenomas, 1 conventional fibroadenoma, 3 tubular adenomas, and 3 phyllodes tumors.ConclusionsPalpable breast masses in adolescents are uncommon and are usually benign. The low malignancy risk and rarity of breast masses in childhood create a controversy as how to manage breast masses. Ultrasonography is the initial imaging modality to define the characteristics of the breast mass. Excisional biopsy and histopathologic examination is essential to rule out rare, but probable malignant, lesions in adolescents in selected patients such as maternal history of breast carcinoma, previous malignancy history in the patient, big size of the mass, and no regression on follow-up.     

Indices used in differentiation of thalassemia trait from iron deficiency anemia in pediatric population: are they reliable?

Background: Iron deficiency (IDA) and beta thalassemia trait (TT) are the most common causes of hypochromia and microcytosis. Many indices have been defined to quickly discriminate these similar entities via parameters obtained from automated blood cell analyzers. However, studies in the pediatric age group are scarce and their results are controversial. Methods: We calculated eight discrimination indices [Mentzer Index (MI), England and Fraser Index (E&F), Srivastava Index (S), Green and King Index (G&K), Shine and Lal Index (S&L), red blood cell (RBC) count, RBC distribution width, and red blood cell distribution width Index (RDWI)] in 100 patients. We calculated sensitivity (SENS), specificity (SPEC), positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV), and Youden's Index (YI) of each discrimination index. Results: None of the discrimination indices showed a SENS and SPEC of 100%. The highest SENS was obtained with S&L (87.1%), while the highest SPEC was obtained with E&F formula (100%). The highest YI value was obtained with E&F formula (58.1%). Conclusion: In our study, none of the formulas appears reliable in discriminating between TT and IDA patients. The evaluation of iron status and measurement of hemoglobin A(2) (HbA(2)) remain the most reliable investigations to differentiate between TT and IDA patients.