Low-grade malignant lymphoma, hepatitis C virus infection, and mixed cryoglobulinemia

Because a close relationship has been established between mixed cryoglobulinemia and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the clinical, histologic, and virologic findings of 31 patients affected by mixed cryoglobulinemia have been determined. HCV infection was investigated by the presence of anti-HCV antibodies and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR), and the genotype of HCV was also determined according to Okamoto et al (J Gen Virol 73:673, 1992). A bone marrow (BM) biopsy was performed in all patients, and liver and kidney biopsies were performed when indicated. The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was high (83.9%); polymerase chain reaction amplification of the 5' untranslated region was positive in 26 subjects (83.9%), and Core region amplification in 26 of 27 subjects (96.2%). A high prevalence of genotype II was found (76.6%). Chronic liver disease was present in 15 (48%) patients. BM biopsy specimens showed the presence of low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in 12 cases (38.7%), whereas, in 11 patients (35.5%), the BM infiltration was not monoclonal (reactive). Mixed cryoglobulinemia is closely associated with HCV infection. Apparently, only 1 patient was not infected by the virus. Several HCV genotypes are involved in the pathogenesis of mixed cryoglobulinemia. The disease is associated with a high prevalence of low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.     

Ofuji papuloerythroderma evolving to cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Ofuji papuloerythroderma is an uncommon entity of unknown aetiology, characterized by a pruritic eruption of widespread, red–brown, flat papules that leads to spare skin folds. A number of cases have been described associated with tumour pathology, mainly cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas. We report a new case of Ofuji papuloerythroderma evolving to cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma in an 85‐year‐old woman who had been previously diagnosed with papuloerythroderma 7 years previously.     

Approach to the patient with metabolic acidosis: Newer concepts

Summary: A new classification for patients with metabolic acidosis is provided: a pathophysiological classification. to recognize an overproduction of acids which results in a hydrogen ion (H⁺) gain the number of new anions retained in the body is added to those excreted in the urine when the cation accompanying them was not H⁺ or ammonium (NH₄⁺). the first tools are to recognize new anions that were added during the overproduction of acids. the nature of these anions can be recognized by assessing their fractional excretion. the second set of tools focuses on an assessment of NH₄⁺ in the urine using urine anion and osmolar gaps. the clinical approach suggested focuses on detecting an emergency (severity of H⁺ accumulation, toxic alcohols and/or dyskalaemias). the second step analyzes the expected responses to acidaemia; here the focus is on the P_CO2 in vital organs and the rate of excretion of ammonium. the principles used for diagnosis and treatment of metabolic acidosis are illustrated by a case example.     

The neuroendocrine challenge paradigm in headache research

The neuroendocrine challenge paradigm provides a "window" on central neurotransmitter function in vivo. This strategy is based on the premise that the sensitivity of certain central receptors can be inferred from the magnitude of the hormonal response to specific pharmacologic probes. For example, the serotonin (5HT) receptor agonist m-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP) stimulates the release of cortisol and prolactin and induces migraine-like headaches. We have previously reported that the headache and cortisol responses to m-CPP are highly correlated, which may implicate a disturbance in central serotonergic neurotransmission in the pathogenesis of migraine. As pharmacologic probes with greater specificity for 5HT receptor subtypes become available, we may be able to elucidate these mechanisms with greater precision. The neuroendocrine challenge methodology is also applicable to the study of other neurotransmitter systems and other headache disorders.