Placental site trophoblastic tumor

Placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) is an uncommon form of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) with variable spectrum of clinical behavior. PSTT can occur after a normal pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, termination of pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy. Surgery is the primary treatment. Chemotherapy has an established role in loco-regionally advanced and metastatic disease. Many studies indicate that mitotic index is an important prognostic indicator. This article reviews the literature on this rare disease.     

A case of kernicterus in New Zealand: A predictable tragedy?

Abstract: A case of neonatal kernicterus due to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD) is described. Diagnosis was delayed as the primary healthcare attendant had no knowledge of this condition and its potential to cause rapidly escalating levels of bilirubin and as she was reassured by the lack of signs of systemic illness or anaemia. The baby has been left deaf, blind, intellectually handicapped, epileptic and paralysed due to athetoid cerebral palsy. The re-organization of perinatal care in New Zealand, which has ted to neonates sometimes being managed solely by primary healthcare attendants with minimal training in paediatrics may have increased the risk of a late diagnosis of potentially devastating diseases such as this.     

British Association of Dermatologists’ guidelines for the investigation and management of generalized pruritus in adults without an underlying dermatosis, 2018

Pruritus (or itch) is a common and distressing symptom of many skin diseases, systemic illnesses and psychological disorders. Itch is perhaps the commonest presenting symptom of skin disorders. In any two week period, 8 to 9% of the population suffer from significant pruritus. The focus of this guideline is not itchy rashes, but rather the situation where itch is present without rash. The guidelines also do not cover itch in children, in pregnancy, nor do they detail the science of the cause of itch. The study group consist mostly of dermatologists (skin specialists) from a number of hospitals in the U.K., but a number of other hospital doctors, a nurse and a general practitioner (GP) are also part of the team. There may be an underlying cause of pruritus, such as blood disorders, iron deficiency or excess, kidney problems, liver problems, cancer, infections, medications, behavioural factors, dry skin or any combination of these with old age. This can be significant in 20 to 30% of cases of itchy skin without rash. There remain a small number of individuals with itch and no apparent underlying cause or rash. It is always important to look for an underlying causative condition, as the most effective management of pruritus without rash depends on the treatment of any underlying disease. The management of itch appears to be very situation specific, even if the underlying cause cannot be treated. The management of true pruritus of unknown cause is different again.     

POSTOPERATIVE UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING ASSOCIATED WITH ISCHAEMIC ULCERATION OF THE DUODENUM

SUMMARY A rare case is reported of massive postoperative bleeding associated with ischaemic ulceration of the duodenum.