bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interstitial nephritis
Authors: Dhillon S , Higgins R M 
Published: December 2008

SummaryInterstitial nephritis is an inflammatory process within the renal interstitium, and was one of the first observations made in the description of renal histopathology. Many different conditions are associated with an interstitial nephritis, and as a clinical diagnosis the term has little use unless causation is defined. However, there has been recent interest in the possibility of a common mechanism causing irreversible renal damage and eventually renal failure in many different types of interstitial nephritis. Such damage could take place due to blood-borne inflammatory mediators, or could be due to renal tubular inflammation related to abnormal components of the glomerular filtrate in renal failure, such as proteins or lipids. If such research were to result in effective therapy for interstitial nephritis, the progression of many forms of renal disease to end stage renal failure could be ameliorated.
The management of congestive heart failure
Authors: McAlister F A , Teo K K 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Despite the remarkable advances in cardiovascular therapeutics over the past four decades, little impact has been made on either the incidence or mortality rate of congestive heart failure and it remains a major clinical and public health problem. Recent practice audits have suggested that proven efficacious therapies are not maximally applied in patients with this condition. An approach to the patient with congestive heart failure is presented, emphasizing the two distinct syndromes of systolic dysfunction and diastolic dysfunction. Treatment recommendations are derived from consideration of the underlying pathophysiology and the evidence from randomised clinical trials.
The significance of arterial hypertension at the onset of clinical lupus nephritis
Authors: Naiker I P , Chrystal V , Randeree I G , Seedat Y K 
Published: December 2008

Summary
The prognostic importance of hypertension at the onset of clinical lupus nephritis is not well established. We studied retrospectively 44 patients with lupus nephritis in order to ascertain the prevalence of hypertension at presentation and to investigate a possible association between hypertension and renal functional impairment. A correlation was also sought between hypertension and histological class of lupus nephritis. Hypertension was graded as mild (diastolic 95–99 mmHg), moderate (100-114) or severe (&gt; 115). Impaired renal function (creatinine &gt; 120 mumol/l) was graded as mild (120-200 mumol/l), moderate (200-350 mumol/l), or severe (&gt; 350 mumol/l). Histological class and the presence of hypertensive renal vascular lesions was recorded. The prevalence of hypertension was 38%. There were 17 hypertensives and 27 normotensives. The incidence of renal impairment was greater in the hypertensives, 47% vs 18.5% (p = 0.04). Mean serum creatinine was also higher higher in this group (p = 0.02). The presence of hypertensive renal vascular lesions identified a high-risk subgroup who had a higher incidence of renal functional impairment and worse renal function than the hypertensive group as a whole. Even at an early stage, hypertension and hypertensive renal vascular lesions correlated well with renal functional impairment. Aggressive treatment of hypertension is therefore essential in early lupus nephritis in order to prevent further deterioration of renal function as the disease evolves.
Acute fulminant neuropathy in a patient with Churg – Strauss syndrome
Authors: Ng K K P , Yeung H M , Loo K T , Chan H M , Wong C K , Li P C K 
Published: December 2008

SummaryWe report a patient with an acute neuropathy initially mimicking Guillain-Barré syndrome, both clinically and electrophysiologically. Persistent eosinophilia, positive antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody and eosinophilic vasculitis in sural nerve biopsy later confirmed Churg-Strauss syndrome. Since vasculitic neuropathy can present in an acute and fulminant form, the role of early antibody testing and sural nerve biopsy in atypical cases of acute neuropathy is emphasized.
Anticoagulants for venous thrombosis
Authors: Toh C H 
Published: December 2008

Summary
The anticoagulant agents heparin and warfarin were introduced before the era of randomised clinical trials. As a result, the indications, dosages and monitoring techniques of these drugs have undergone re-evaluation in multiple clinical trials in the past years. Low molecular weight heparin has been developed, which has led to new approaches in anticoagulant management. Current levels of laboratory, pharmacology and clinical knowledge in the treatment of venous thromboembolism are discussed.
The prevalence of Addison's disease in Coventry, UK
Authors: Willis A C , Vince F P 
Published: December 2008

Summary
The prevalence of Addison's disease (chronic adrenal failure) has not been widely investigated and is usually given as 39 in a million. We conducted a prevalence study using a postal survey of general practitioners in Coventry. Three quarters (139/188) replied, representing 79/85 (93%) of the practices. Thirty cases of Addision's disease were found from a total patient list of 323852, of which a third were tuberculous in origin and two-thirds non-tuberculous (12/30 autoimmune, 8/30 unclassified). We conclude that Addison's disease is 2.4 times more common than previously reported. The tuberculous group was older, 65 vs 52 years (p &lt; 0.05), and had had the disease for longer than the non-tuberculous group, 20 vs 12 years (p &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in the age at diagnosis.
Respiratory arrest during dipyridamole stress testing
Authors: Hillis G S , Al-Mohammad A , Jennings K P 
Published: December 2008

Summary
There is an increasing usage of radionuclide scanning to assess myocardial perfusion, with dipyridamole, the most commonly used stress agent. Although this is an effective, and usually very safe, means by which to assess myocardial blood supply, there have been several incidents of acute bronchospasm in asthmatic patients. There have, however, been no previous reports of respiratory arrest occurring in patients with emphysema. This case illustrates the dangers of administering intravenous dipyridamole, or even adenosine, to patients with chronic lung disease.
Complete gastric outlet obstruction following acid ingestion complicated by acute pancreatitis and disseminated intravascular coagulation
Authors: Ahmed Z , Mohyuddin Z 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A case is described where accidental acid ingestion resulted in the development of oesophageal stricture and complete gastric outlet obstruction. Following a smoothly conducted pre-surgery endoscopic examination the patient developed acute pancreatitis, which, on initial clinical examination, was diagnosed as a viscus perforation. The severity of pancreatitis was such as to lead to disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and ultimately death. The interest lies in the fact that pancreatitis was precipitated in a previously traumatised stomach by such an innocuous procedure as fibre-optic endoscopy.
Effects of cabergoline in a pituitary adenoma secreting follicle-stimulating hormone
Authors: Leese G , Jeffreys R , Vora J 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A patient with a pituitary adenoma secreting follicle-stimulating hormone with co-existent primary hyperaldosteronism is described. After his second transsphenoidal surgery, the patient developed a Staphylococcus aureus pituitary abscess. Symptoms improved after abscess drainage. Subsequent cabergoline therapy arrested the deterioration of symptoms. and decreased serum follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations. Cabergoline may be a useful treatment for aggressively growing non-prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas.
The andropause: fact or fiction?
Authors: Burns-Cox N , Gingell C 
Published: December 2008

Summary
The so-called andropause is an ill-defined collection of symptoms in a group of men who may have low but may also have normal androgen levels. Unlike the proven benefits of hormone replacement therapy in women, the effects of testosterone supplementation in men are equivocal. It may increase sexual interest, but rarely to a level thought adequate by the patient. It has no proven beneficial effect on erectile dysfunction and other possible beneficial effects on haemopoesis, bone metabolism, lipids and fibrinolysis have yet to be demonstrated. With the availability of the testosterone patch, sustained increases in the serum testosterone levels will be readily achieved and could theoretically significantly affect the behaviour of subclinical prostate cancer. At the present time, testosterone replacement therapy in hypogonadal men is of proven clinical benefit; this is not the case, however, for eugonadal men with symptoms attributed to the andropause. The symptoms of the andropause fatigue can readily be explained by stress and there is no scientifically valid, placebo-controlled study that shows any benefit for testosterone supplements in this not uncommon group of patients.
Hippocratic fingers in Behçet's disease
Authors: Benekli M , Güllü İ H 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Digital clubbing has been a well recognised feature of several distinct clinical conditions, including respiratory, cardiac, and gastrointestinal diseases since the Hippocratic era. However, clubbing associated with Behçet's disease has not been reported before. We describe a case of clubbing in a young man with Behçet's disease, in the absence of any other apparent aetiology and propose that clubbing might be an accompanying feature of Behçet's disease.
Renal cell carcinoma with solitary metastases appearing during 18 years of follow-up
Authors: Siekierska-Hellmann M , Sworczak K , Lewczuk A , Błaut K , Boj E 
Published: December 2008

Summary
We present a case of renal cell carcinoma with solitary metastases to the thyroid, the post-nephrectomy scar and the lungs, appearing during an 18-year period following nephrectomy.
Pyridoxine deficiency: new approaches in immunosuppression and chemotherapy
Authors: Trakatellis A , Dimitriadou A , Trakatelli M 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Pyridoxine deficiency leads to impairment of immune responses. It appears that the basic derangement is the decreased rate of production of one-carbon units necessary for the synthesis of nucleic acids. The key factor is a pyridoxine enzyme, serine hydroxymethyltransferase. This enzyme is very low in resting lymphocytes but increases significantly under the influence of antigenic or mitogenic stimuli, thus supplying the increased demand for nucleic acid synthesis during an immune response. Serine hydroxymethyltransferase activity is depressed by deoxypyridoxine, a potent antagonist of pyridoxal phosphate, and also by known immunosuppressive or antiproliferative agents. The combination of these agents is additive.
Our results lead us to suggest the following medical applications: (a) combination of deoxypyridoxine with immunosuppressive or chemotherapeutic drugs may be effective in cases of immunosuppressive therapy or organ transplantation, (b) the development of special agents directed against the serine hydroxymethyltransferase apoprotein may prove to be a valuable medical tool, since this enzyme presents an excellent target for chemotherapy, (c) lymphocytes of individual patients could be used to design tailor-made specific immunosuppressive or chemotherapeutic treatment, and (d) the serine hydroxymethyltransferase activity of lymphocyte culture presents an excellent indicator for the evaluation of potency of immunosuppressive, chemotherapeutic or genotoxic compounds in a simple and rapid test.
The management of postherpetic neuralgia
Authors: Bowsher D 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Postherpetic neuralgia is defined as pain persisting, or recurring, at the site of shingles at least three months after the onset of the acute rash. Thus defined, at least half of shingles sufferers over the age of 65 years develop postherpetic neuralgia. In addition to increasing age, less important risk factors for postherpetic neuralgia are pain severity of acute shingles and trigeminal distribution. Postherpetic neuralgia accounts for 11–15% of all referrals to pain clinics and would, in fact, be far more effectively dealt with in primary care. Effective treatment of acute shingles by systemic antivirals at the appropriate time may have some effect in reducing the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia, making it easier to treat with tricyclics and greatly reducing scarring (25% of all cases affect the face). Pre-emptive treatment with low-dose tricyclics (ami- or nor-triptyline 10–25 mg nocte) from the time of diagnosis of acute shingles reduces the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia by about 50%. Established postherpetic neuralgia should be vigorously treated with adrenergically active tricyclics in a dose rising over two or three weeks from 10–25 mg to 50–75 mg. Positive relaxation should also be used. Carbamazepine, like conventional analgesics, is of little or no value. Failure of tricyclics to effect relief within eight weeks calls for specialist treatment. North American practitioners in particular believe that some opioids (e.g., oxycodone) may be helpful in otherwise intractable cases.
The overlap between syncope and falls in the elderly
Authors: Shaw F E , Kenny R A 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Syncope and falls are often considered to be two separate diagnoses with two separate sets of aetiologies. However, although it remains controversial, the existence of an overlap between syncope and falls is becoming increasingly acknowledged. In the elderly, determining the cause of a fall can be difficult. Approximately 30% of cognitively normal elderly people are unable to recall documented falls three months later and a witness account for syncopal events is unavailable in about 50% of patients. We have found that in almost 40% of patients in whom an attributable diagnosis of carotid sinus syndrome was made, the only presenting symptoms were falls alone or falls with dizziness; syncope was denied. Amnesia for loss of consciousness can be demonstrated in over 20% of all patients with a diagnosis of carotid sinus syndrome and in 50% of those patients who present only with falls or falls and dizziness. There is a suggestion from studies in postprandial hypotension and orthostatic hypotension, where similar haemodynamic changes are found in patients complaining of either syncope or falls, that this phenomenon may be generalisable. The importance of the presence of an overlap between syndrome and falls in the elderly lies in the healthcare implications of missed diagnoses of cardiovascular syncope for which there are established effective treatments. Consideration of syncope in the differential diagnosis of unexplained falls should reduce the numbers of falls for which no attributable diagnosis is found and result in an improved standard of health care for elderly patients who fall.
Diazoxide treatment for insulinoma: a national UK survey
Authors: Gill G V , Rauf O , MacFarlane I A 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A survey of UK patients receiving the drug diazoxide, revealed 40 patients with insulinoma on this treatment. Mean age (± SD) was 67 ± 18 years, and 74% were female. Duration of treatment was 7 ± 6 years (range 1–22). Most (55%) patients were treated with diazoxide because of tumour non-localisation (including failed previous surgery). Metastatic disease (20%) and poor surgical risk (10%) were other indications. Side-effects (notably fluid retention and hirsutism) were common (47%) but not troublesome. Treatment was highly effective—59% were symptom free and 38% had only occasional symptoms. Only one patient had frequent hypoglycaemia despite treatment. We conclude that diazoxide is effective in the management of insulinoma. Side-effects are common but not problematic. Treatment should be considered for all patients not cured by surgery, or unsuitable for surgical treatment.
Spontaneous spinal epidural haemorrhage complicating transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunting
Authors: McLellan S , de Silva R , Sandercock P A , Hayes P C , Dillon J , Redhead D 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A patient with chronic liver disease and portal hypertension who developed acute spinal cord compression following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunting is described. Radiological and pathological examinations revealed an epidural haematoma.
Peripheral arterial pseudoaneurysm treated by ultrasound-guided compression
Authors: Cheung Y-C , Wan Y-L 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Ultrasound-guided compression repair of a pseudoaneurysm is a simple, safe and effective therapy, and has been proposed as a first-line treatment for pseudoaneurysms caused by catheterization. Herein, we report a case of a pseudoaneurysm arising from a sport injury which was treated by this method. Obliteration of the track of the pseudoaneurysm induced manual thrombosis and successfully converted the pseudoaneurysm to haematoma. Understanding the mechanism and the procedure is the basis of success in the use of this treatment.
Fabry's disease: a multidisciplinary disorder
Authors: Peters F P J , Sommer A , Vermeulen A , Cheriex E C , Kho T L 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Fabry's disease is an X-linked hereditary disorder resulting in accumulation of a glycolipid (galactosylgalactosyl glucosylceramide) due to deficiency of alpha-galactosidase A. The diagnosis can be made by histopathologic examination of skin biopsy, low activity of alpha-galactosidase in leucocytes and genetic examination. Treatment is symptomatic. We want to stress the multidisciplinary collaboration necessary to deal with this condition, in order to prevent acceleration of symptoms.
Velocardiofacial syndrome
Authors: Pike A C , Super M 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Velocardiofacial syndrome is a syndrome of multiple anomalies that include cleft palate, cardiac defects, learning difficulties, speech disorder and characteristic facial features. It has an estimated incidence of 1 in 5000. The majority of cases have a microdeletion of chromosome 22q11.2. The phenotype of this condition shows considerable variation, not all the principal features are present in each case. Identification of the syndrome can be difficult as many of the anomalies are minor and present in the general population.
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome
Authors: Ahmed A R , Taylor I 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is a rare and controversial form of upper intestinal obstruction in which the third part of the duodenum is compressed by the overlying superior mesenteric artery. Any disease process decreasing the angle between the superior mesenteric artery and the abdominal aorta can result in the external compression of the duodenum and subsequent intestinal obstruction. The aetiology, presentation, investigation and management of this unusual condition are discussed.
Post-transplant hyperlipidaemia
Authors: Jindal R M 
Published: December 2008

SummaryThe correction of post-transplant hyperlipidaemia warrants the judicious and timely use of pharmacological agents with dietary modification and exercise. Reduction in hyperlipidaemia may have some role in decreasing the incidence of chronic rejection of allografts. The awareness that the morbidity and mortality of atherosclerotic disease may be lowered by active intervention will result in a better quality of life for transplant recipients.
Using audit to improve senior house officer training
Authors: Johansen A 
Published: December 2008

Summary
The British Geriatrics Society has described 16 training objectives for senior house officers (SHOs) in geriatric medicine. We have developed these into an audit standard, and in a controlled trial we consider the effectiveness of audit as a means of monitoring and improving SHO training.
SHOs from three hospitals were sent a questionnaire asking about the adequacy of formal and informal training for each objective; there was a response rate of 87%. Results were presented at an audit meeting in one hospital, inadequacies of training identified and the hospital's programme of teaching modified appropriately. Two control hospitals remained unaware of the audit findings and were therefore unable to modify their training programmes. Re-audit at six months completed the audit cycle; the control hospitals showing no change between the two audits. In the intervention hospital the adequacy of training over the 16 objectives improved from 59% at first audit to 73% at re-audit. The initial audit had highlighted three target objectives as needing special attention; here the improvement from 38% to 69% was even more impressive, and statistically significant at p &lt; 0.05 on chi 2 test.
Thus, although a questionnaire approach is inevitably subjective and affected by SHO satisfaction, the discipline of audit appeared effective in identifying and correcting deficiencies in an SHO training programme.
Simple urine testing could avoid delay in the diagnosis of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis
Authors: Howse M , Main J 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Four cases of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis are presented. In all four there was a two to three month delay between the onset of symptoms and appropriate diagnosis, referral and treatment. It is likely that simple stick testing of urine would have given a vital diagnostic clue and allowed earlier referral and treatment.
Corticosteroid therapy in Riedel's thyroiditis
Authors: Vaidya B , Harris P E , Barrett P , Kendall-Taylor P 
Published: December 2008

Summary
We report a case of Riedel's thyroiditis presenting with a systemic illness, life-threatening stridor and a stony hard goitre. Diagnosis was confirmed by open thyroid biopsy. Treatment with corticosteroid resulted in a dramatic improvement. A possible autoimmune mechanism in the pathogenesis of Riedel's thyroiditis is discussed.
Malignant hyperthermia
Authors: Ben Abraham R , Adnet P , Glauber V , Perel A 
Published: December 2008

SummaryMalignant hyperthermia is a rare autosomal dominant trait that predisposes affected individuals to great danger when exposed to certain anaesthetic triggering agents (such as potent volatile anaesthetics and succinylcholine). A sudden hypermetabolic reaction in skeletal muscle leading to hyperthermia and massive rhabdomyolysis can occur. The ultimate treatment is dantrolene sodium a nonspecific muscle relaxant. Certain precautions should be taken before anaesthesia of patients known to be susceptible to malignant hyperthermia. These include the prohibition of the use of triggering agents, monitoring of central body temperature and expired CO2, and immediate availability of dantrolene. In addition, careful cleansing of the anaesthesia machine of vapours of halogenated agents is recommended. If these measures are taken, the chances of an MH episode are greatly reduced. When malignant hyperthermia-does occur in the operating room, prompt recognition and treatment usually prevent a potentially fatal outcome. The most reliable test to establish susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia is currently the in vitro caffeine-halothane contracture test. It is hoped that in the future a genetic test will be available.
Hyperosmolar nonketotic coma precipitated by lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Authors: Azam H , Newton R W , Morris A D , Thompson C J 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A 45-year-old man, with a 10-year history of manic depression treated with lithium, was admitted with hyperosmolar, nonketotic coma. He gave a five-year history of polyuria and polydipsia, during which time urinalysis had been negative for glucose. After recovery from hyperglycaemia, he remained polyuric despite normal blood glucose concentrations; water deprivation testing indicated nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, likely to be lithium-induced. We hypothesize that when this man developed type 2 diabetes, chronic polyuria due to nephrogenic diabetes insipidus was sufficient to precipitate hyperosmolar dehydration.