Correlation between soluble serum CD16 (sCD16) levels and disease stage in patients with multiple myeloma

CD16, the type III receptor for IgG, is expressed on neutrophils, natural killer cells, and some T lymphocytes, mast cells, and activated monocytes but not on cells of the B-lymphocyte lineage including plasma cells. It is also produced in a soluble form found in serum. We analyzed sera from 165 multiple-myeloma patients, 29 patients with monoclonal gammopathies of unknown significance, and 20 normal disease-free donors. We found that the level of soluble CD16 was significantly decreased in sera from patients with multiple myeloma compared to sera from healthy and monoclonal gammopathies of unknown significance donors (P=0.0001). In addition, a stage-dependent decrease in soluble CD16 was observed, with a highly significant difference (P=0.004) between stage I and stage II+III myeloma patients. The correlation between the myeloma stage and the serum level of soluble CD16, which is related to the host response, was found to be more sensitive than that of ₂-microglobulin, which reflects the tumor burden. The concomitant evaluation of the serum levels of these two markers allows better staging and therefore has a more precise prognostic value.     

Vertebral hyperostosis and diabetes mellitus: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE--To compare glucose metabolism in patients with vertebral hyperostosis (VH), with that in control patients. METHODS--We studied 50 patients aged 60 years or more who had VH according to Resnick's criteria, and 50 control patients without VH, matched for sex, age, weight and height. Plasma glucose was evaluated before and 120 minutes after ingestion of 75 g glucose. World Health Organisation criteria for diabetes mellitus (DM) were used. Radiographs of the pelvis and thoracic and lumbar spine were performed and read blind by two physicians. RESULTS--Statistical analysis showed no difference between cases and control patients for prevalence of DM, and plasma glucose at 0 and 120 minutes. CONCLUSION--These data suggest that glucoregulation in patients with VH does not differ from that in matched controls.     

Ear acupuncture points in newborn triplets

The current study demonstrates for the first time the presence of ear acupuncture points in prematurely delivered triplets of 31 weeks and two days gestational age. Pregnancy was an IVF pregnancy and caesarean section was performed because of preeclampsia. Ear acupuncture points were determined with the Svesa point selector 1070 and correlated well with the clinical state of the neonates meaning that the sickest child demonstrated the most active ear points. Psychotropic points were not found. For the future ear acupuncture points may be further used for diagnostics and therapy in neonates.     

Is there a correlation between venlafaxine therapy during pregnancy and a higher incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis?

Background  Novel antidepressant drugs are increasingly used by women of child bearing age. However, potentially harmful effects on fetus and newborn remain unknown. Methods  Case report and literature review. Results  We present preterm twins whose mother was treated with venlafaxine, a nonselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, throughout pregnancy until delivery. The twins developed neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis. Conclusion  The question whether there might be a correlation between maternal serotonin reuptake inhibitor therapy and neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis is discussed.     

Small bowel obstruction due to broad ligament hernia: computed tomography findings

We report a case of surgically confirmed small bowel obstruction due to hernia through a defect in the broad ligament. Multi-detector computed tomography (CT) demonstrated the presence and the precise location of this very unusual internal pelvic hernia. Those CT findings are presented here.     

Recurrent Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

We present the case of a 71-year-old woman with Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy as imaged with a dual source multidetector CT, MRI, and follow-up echocardiography. This demonstrates normal coronary arteries by use of CT angiography, and a 3D perspective of abnormal mid left ventricular hypokinesis and apical left ventricular akinesis.     

Ultrasonographical investigations of onchocerciasis in Liberia

The efficiency of ultrasonography (US) for the diagnosis and clinical characterization of onchocerciasis was evaluated. US was performed on 120 probands in Liberia. Ninety-two patients had generalized onchocerciasis, 21 patients suffered from the chronic hyperreactive form of onchocerciasis (sowda), and 7 probands served as controls. Patients were examined by US with linear (7.5 MHz and 5 MHz) and sector (3.5 MHz) scanners. US results were evaluated by examination of extirpated nodules. The US structure of nodules revealed a typical pattern consisting of a homogeneous echogenicity with small echodense particles and a lateral acoustic shadow, and differentiation from lymph nodes, lipoma, or fibroma was achieved. Within the onchocercomata, calcifications or fluid were identified. Regarding the estimation of the worm burden, it is important to note that in 24 patients, additional nodules not previously palpated were found by US. Also, the number of worm centers in palpable conglomerate nodules were determined more exactly by US than by palpation. In 4 of 16 sowda patients, impalpable nodules were found by US. In 13 patients with positive microfilaria counts, no nodules could be detected. The highly characteristic ultrasonographical pattern of onchocercomata may serve as a basis for further US investigations in onchocerciasis.