[Syphilis proctitis complicated with HIV infection: a case report]

We report on a 26-year-old Japanese man who was referred to our hospital because of anal pain and hematochezia. On admission, in addition to his gastrointestinal symptoms, a generalized maculopapular rash was observed, involving the palms of his hands and soles of his feet. His history and physical examination were compatible with syphilis, confirmed by a high syphilis titer on blood examination. Further tests revealed the presence of HIV infection, with a CD4 cell count of 227/microL. Colonoscopy demonstrated a deep ulcer in the lower rectum, although biopsy specimens did not reveal any syphilis spirochetes, or any other specific microorganisms. Intravenous penicillin G was initiated, resulting in a dramatic improvement of the ulcers along with the skin lesions confirming the diagnosis of syphilis proctitis. A rapid plasma reagin titer test performed 3 months after treatment demonstrated significant decrease, indicating successful treatment.

Real-time monitoring of liver damage during experimental ischaemia–reperfusion using a nitric oxide sensor

Background

Hepatic ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) injury may lead to liver damage during liver surgery, and intrahepatic nitric oxide (NO) levels may play a role in this context. The aim of this study was to demonstrate real-time changes in intrahepatic NO concentration during IR and to correlate potential hepatic NO production with liver damage using a selective NO sensor.

Methods

Wistar rats were exposed to 15 min of hepatic ischaemia followed by reperfusion, after which changes in intrahepatic NO levels were measured using an NO sensor. Additionally, rats were exposed to five successive periods of IR, each consisting of 15 min ischaemia followed by 5 or 15 min reperfusion, and hepatic damage was evaluated by blood tests and histological examination. Hepatic expression of Akt, phosphorylated Akt, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and phosphorylated eNOS was examined at different time points during and after IR by western blot and immunohistochemical analysis.

Results

During ischaemia, intrahepatic NO levels increased and reached a plateau at approximately 10 min. Repeated 15 min ischaemia–5 min reperfusion cycles reduced the maximum amount of NO produced during ischaemia gradually, and almost no NO production was observed during the fifth period of ischaemia. NO production following repeated ischaemia was proportional to the degree of hepatic viability. Phosphorylated eNOS was upregulated and correlated with the level of NO production during hepatic ischaemia.

Conclusion

Intrahepatic NO levels decrease during repeated IR in rats. Real-time monitoring of intrahepatic NO levels is useful for the prediction of IR-related liver injury during experimental liver surgery.

[Antiretroviral therapy of HIV infection]

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been successful in reducing the incidence of opportunistic infections. However, non-AIDS-defining conditions, including liver-related events, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and non-AIDS-defining malignancies have gained importance as a cause of morbidity and mortality in the era of ART. Several recommended combination regimens are available for the initial treatment of HIV infection and there are now reasonably safe and well-tolerated options for first-line regimens. In the next few years, antiretrovirals from new drug classes may expand options of anti-HIV drugs. ART may be considered in some patients with a CD4 cell count greater than 500cells/ mm3 for reduction in risk of non-AIDS events. But adherence should be considered in the decision of when to initiate life-long therapy.

Clinical characteristics of Japanese lung cancer patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer has emerged as a crucial problem among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, contributing to significant mortality in Western countries. Japan has an increasing number of newly infected HIV patients, but clinical characteristics of lung cancer have not been well investigated in Asian populations with HIV.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients diagnosed with HIV and lung cancer simultaneously in our institution between 1985 and 2010. Data regarding HIV status, characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of lung cancer were evaluated.

RESULTS

We identified 13 consecutive patients (all men; mean age, 59.0 ± 10.2 years) since 1985, 7 of whom had been diagnosed since 2008. Mean CD4 cell count was 332 ± 159 cells/μL, and HIV viral loads were undetectable in 8 patients (61.5%) at the time of lung cancer diagnosis. The mean latency from HIV diagnosis to detection of lung cancer was 4.0 years. Histological examination demonstrated adenocarcinoma in 9 patients (69.2%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (23.1%), and small cell carcinoma (7.7%). Among the 7 patients available for examination, 2 patients (28.6%) harbored EGFR mutation. Six patients had stage IA-IIIA, and 7 patients had stage IIIB/IV. Among 6 patients treated with chemotherapy for unresectable stages, 5 (83.3%) achieved a partial response. Median overall survival was 17 months for all stages and 14 months for advanced stages. Toxicities for treatment modalities were largely acceptable.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical characteristics of Japanese HIV-infected patients with lung cancer resemble those of Western populations. The prognosis for patients in the metastatic stage was better than previously reported.

Clinical characteristics of kidney disease in Japanese HIV-infected patients

BACKGROUND

Kidney disease has become an important cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected patients in Western countries. Japan is a country with an increasing number of newly infected HIV patients. However, only a few studies have investigated kidney disease in Asian populations infected with HIV.

METHODS

We studied the prevalence of kidney disease by reviewing the clinical data of 732 HIV-infected Japanese patients. Risk factors for proteinuria, albuminuria, and renal dysfunction were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Microalbuminuria, macroalbuminuria and proteinuria were present in 13.2, 4.55 and 9.52% of patients, respectively. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease of any stage and CKD ≥ stage 3 was 15.4 and 9.70%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed significant associations between increasing levels of serum creatinine and cholesterol, and the coexistence of diabetes, hypertension and hepatitis C coinfection with either proteinuria or albuminuria, which was significantly related to the presence of renal dysfunction. Lower CD4 cell count was associated with the presence of renal dysfunction, but higher HIV-RNA level was not.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study has shown the international dimension of the burden of kidney disease in HIV-infected patients. Either proteinuria or albuminuria is likely the most significant factor for renal dysfunction in these patients.

Pathologically confirmed malignant syphilis in an HIV-infected patient

We report a case of pathologically confirmed malignant syphilis in an HIV-infected patient. Physical examinations revealed ulceronecrotic skin lesions. Skin biopsies demonstrated syphilis spirochetes on immunohistochemical stain, and syphilis serological titers were positive. Treatment with intravenous penicillin G was begun, and complete resolution of the skin lesions was observed. A rapid plasma reagin titer test performed 3 months after treatment revealed a 4-fold reduction in the titer, indicating successful treatment.

ON THE NYMPH AND PROSOPON OF THE TSUTSUGAMUSHI, LEPTOTROMBIDIUM AKAMUSHI, N. SP. (TROMBIDIUM AKAMUSHI BRUMPT), CARRIER OF THE TSUTSUGAMUSHI DISEASE

Nomenclature. As mentioned above, the prosopon and the nymph of the tsutsugamushi have many characteristics which distinguish it from the other trombidia. These are the pale color and small size of the body, delicacy of the skin, the conspicuous constriction between the cephalothoracic region and the abdomen, rudimentary eyes and tracheal openings, absence of tracheal capillaries, etc. The fact that the thumb or the appendage of the palpus does not start from the side of the fourth joint of the latter but from its end, is another charac teristic which does not occur in other trombidia. From the biological point of view two facts should be mentioned; i.e., the adult female does not deposit eggs in heaps, and in contrast to those of other species, the larvaæ hatch out all through the year and feed on mammals. From these characteristics running through all the stages of development, we believe that we are justified in claiming a new genus for the tsutsugamushi. We therefore propose to change the scientific name given to this mite by Brumpt in 1910, Trombidium akamushi, and to introduce instead, according to the suggestion of Drs. Goto and Watase, the name Leptotrombidium akamushi. Determinaton of Leptotrombidium akamushi, N. Sp. Prosopon and Nymph. 1. Pale color. 2. Delicacy of the skin. 3. Distinct constriction between the cephalothoracic region and the abdomen. 4. Rudimentary, sessile eyes. 5. Indistinctnes of tracheal openings. 6. Absence of tracheal capillaries. 7. Crista abruptly widened at the end. 8. One palpal claw. Larva. 1. One scutum. 2. Round pinacles. 3. Legs, six joints, not counting the coxa. 4. Haris on the coza: one each on Joints 1, 2, and 3. 5. Hairs on the scutum, including two tactile hairs, seven; one is in the median line. Specific Determination of Leptotrombidium akamushi, N. Sp. (Trombidium akamushi Brumpt, 1910). Prosopon. 1. Small size 2. Three pairs of sucking discs on the external genitalia. 3. Hairs of the body feathered, club-shaped at the end, and the colorless. 4. The appendage of the palpus tapes distinctly towards the end. Nymph. 1. The size of the body is smaller thant that of the prosopon. 2. Two pairs of sucking discs on the external genitalia. There are no other distinct differences in the external morphology between the proposon and the nymph. Larva. 1. The color of the body is orange-red, but becomes paler after sucking on mammals. 2. The hairs of the body average 110 to 120 in number. 3. One pair of double eyes. 4. The sucking tube is visible when feeding on mammals (Hayashi). 5. The salivary gland is relatively large (Kawamura and Komagata). 6. The number and arrangemetn of the hairs on the legs and mouth parts correspond to the description given by Hirst. 7. The larvæ are found all through the year. 8. The larva is the carrier of tsutsugamushi disease in man.

[An updated overview of HAART in HIV-infected adults]

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been successful in reducing the incidence of opportunistic infections. However, non-AIDS-defining conditions, including liver-related events, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and non-AIDS-defining malignancies have gained importance as a cause of morbidity and mortality in the era of HAART. Several recommended combination regimens are available for the initial treatment of HIV infection and there are currently reasonably safe and well-tolerated options for first-line regimens. In the next few years, antiretrovirals from new drug classes may expand options of HAART. Antiretroviral therapy may be considered in some patients with a CD4 cell count greater than 350 cells/microL for reduction in risk of non-AIDS events. However, adherence should be considered in the decision of when to initiate life-long therapy.

[Medical study of 69 cases diagnosed as Kikuchi's disease]

We studied clinical manifestations, laboratory results, treatment, recurrence, and complications in 69 patients diagnosed with Kikuchi's disease by lymph node pathology from January 1, 1998, to December 31, 2007. Subjects were 34 men and 35 women (median age: 28 years, range: 12 to 58 years). Of the 69, 67 were Japanese and 2 were Korean. Major clinical symptoms and signs were fever >37 degrees (71%) and lymphadenopathy (100%). Lymphadenopathy was cervical in 93% and systemic in 3%. Some experienced night sweats and weight loss. The median white blood cell count was 3800 microL (1,700-9,300 microl), and 50.7% of subjects had leukocytopenia (<4,000 microL). The median serum LDH concentration was 245U/L (129-923 U/L). The median ferritin concentration, measured in 26 cases, was 769 ng/mL (4.5-2,580 ng/mL). The median concentration of soluble IL-2 receptor, measured in 27 cases, was 639 U/mL (0.5-4,000 U/ml). Having observed several cases with abnormally high ferritin and soluble IL2 receptor, we note the importance of carefully considering differential diagnosis from Still's disease and malignant lymphoma. Treatment included no medication in 30% of subjects, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs alone in 37.7%, steroids alone in 7%, and combined nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids in 22%. Of the 29% administered steroids, we mostly used prednisolone (0.5-1.0 mg/kg), tapering the dose as clinical features improved. Two developed aseptic meningitis and 2 systemic lupus erythematosus. In total, 75% improved in less than 3 months, whereas 6% showed improvement only after at least 6 months of continued treatment. All were cured, but the condition recurred in 8%. Recurrence was not associated initial the disease duration. Recurrence cannot be predicted but can occur. In some cases, we could not distinguish lymphadenitis from malignant lymphoma or tuberculous lymphadenitis based on clinical features or laboratory data. Diagnosis must thus be based on lymph node pathology. We also must consider the possibility of recurrence or attacks of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Disease-specific expression of VEGF and its receptors in AML cells: possible autocrine pathway of VEGF/type1 receptor of VEGF in t(15;17) AML and VEGF/type2 receptor of VEGF in t(8;21) AML

Various angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and an associated molecule, placenta growth factor (PlGF), are thought to be important for normal and malignant hematopoiesis. This study examined mRNA expression of VEGF, PlGF and receptors for these molecules in AML cells and identified the disease-specific patterns of expression. AML M3 having t(15;17) abnormality showed highest expression of VEGF and VEGF receptor type 1 (VEGFR1), suggesting the autocrine pathway of VEGF-VEGFR1. Then, t(8;21) AML demonstrated augmented expression of VEGF and VEGF receptor type 2 (VEGFR2), suggesting VEGF-VEGFR2 autocrine pathway. Then, addition of VEGFR2 kinase inhibitor in Kasumi-1, a t(8;21) AML cell line, resulted in marked inhibition of cell growth, although growth inhibitory effect of R2 kinase inhibitor to HL-60 was marginal. In addition, cell cycle analysis study showed S-phase cell population reduction by R2 kinase inhibitor in Kasumi-1, but not in HL-60. This observation is thought to be the rationale for novel molecular target therapy directed to angiogenic molecules.

Reactivity of P-Glycoprotein Monoclonal Antibodies in Childhood Cancers

P-Glycoprotein (P-gp), the product of the mdr-1 gene, is implicated in the development of chemoresistance in a variety of, mostly adult, cancers. Its role in paediatric tumours, most of which are non-epithelial in origin, has yet to be fully elucidated. A study was undertaken to investigate reactivity of two P-gp monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), JBS-1 and MRK16, recognising cytoplasmic and surface epitopes, respectively, of the P-gp molecule, in a variety of newly diagnosed and relapsed childhood cancers. P-gp was not expressed in any of 36 tumours examined (neuroblastoma 13, nephroblastoma 12, rhabdomyosarcoma 6, lymphoma 3, teratoma 1, Ewings 1), 14 of whom had chemoresistant disease. Reactivity to both MAbs was also investigated in patients with acute leukaemia. Out of 10 diagnostic acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) samples, a positive reaction with JSB-1 was observed in 1 patient who failed to remit on standard induction therapy and in 3 of 6 patients in ALL relapse, only 1 of whom showed low grade positivity with MRK16. Both MAbs reacted positively in 1 patient with acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia (ANLL) at diagnosis who achieved remission with teniposide and cytosine arabinoside, but relapsed 7 months later and was again positive with both Mabs. JSB-1 also showed varying degrees of positivity in 4 out of 4 other patients in ANLL relapse. It would therefore appear that P-gp is unlikely to mediate chemoresistance in most solid tumours of childhood, but may well play a major role in the development of chemoresistance in acute leukaemia.

Serial MR imaging and 1H-MR spectroscopy in monozygotic twins with Tay-Sachs disease

Four-year-old monozygotic female twins with early onset Tay-Sachs disease are described. The sisters showed similar slowly progressive clinical symptoms and deterioration, however the younger sister also demonstrated intractable myoclonus in the right leg. The serial MR images and (1)H-MR spectroscopy of the brain were obtained in both twins. MR images showed high intensity on T (2)-weighted image in the bilateral white matter, however there were no signal changes in the basal ganglia and thalamus during any of the phases. The ratio of N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/creatine (Cr) was decreased in the both white matter lesions and the corpus striatum, and that of myoinositol (mI)/Cr was increased in the damaged white matter on MR spectroscopy. The elevation of the lactate peak was clearly demonstrated in the left basal ganglia of the younger sister; however it was not shown in cerebral lesions of the elder sister. Changes in metabolites on MR spectroscopy were closely linked to the respective clinical features of each twin. Follow-up examination by (1)H-MR spectroscopy is useful for the evaluation of neuronal changes in children with Tay-Sachs disease.

[Doxil--pegylated liposomal doxorubicin]

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil: PLD) is a liposome-encapsulated form of doxorubicin modified with polyethylene glycol that has been approved for the treatment of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. The characteristics of PLD are reduction of the severe side effects of cardiac toxicity and myelosuppression seen with doxorubicin, and a higher anti-tumor effect from the selective high maintenance of the drug concentration in the tumor tissue. This does not mean, however, that PLD should be used in the treatment of all patients with Kaposi's sarcoma; in some cases with skin lesions only and local distribution highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) alone is effective. While precise criteria for the use of PLD have not been determined, it is used in combination with HAART in patients with rapid progression, edema or strong pain, pulmonary complications, or extensive organ complications, or in cases when tumor progression is not slowed with HAART alone. Common side effects are myelosuppression and digestive symptoms, but when combined with HAART these complications do not become serious enough to lead to a discontinuation of treatment. The advantages of using PLD are less myelosuppression, less drug interaction, and the possibility of switching to outpatient administration. The level of treatment safety, tolerability, and treatment effectiveness makes it possible to investigate vigorous concomitant use with HAART, and expanded indications to other solid tumors may be expected.

CT colonography to detect rectosigmoid involvement in patients with primary ovarian cancer

INTRODUCTION

We retrospectively evaluated the performance of preoperative computed tomographic (CT) colonography to detect tumor involvement of the rectosigmoid wall and predict the need for rectosigmoid resection in patients with primary ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Thirty-three patients with primary ovarian cancer who underwent preoperative CT colonographic examination were evaluated. The images of the examination were analyzed and compared with the subsequent surgical findings.

RESULTS

All abnormal findings (malignant infiltration of the rectosigmoid mucosa and extrinsic compression) revealed by conventional colonoscopy were correctly observed as extrinsic compression using CT colonography. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of CT colonography for the prediction of rectosigmoid resection were 100%, 64.7%, 72.7%, and 100%, respectively. Though conventional colonoscopic examinations could not be completed in five patients because of the presence of extrinsic stenosis and occlusion at the sigmoid colon, CT colonography enabled the entire large bowel to be examined in these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary study showed that the CT colonographic examination is feasible and safe. CT colonography seems to have several advantages over conventional colonoscopy for the detection of rectosigmoid involvement in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. For confirmation of the efficacy of CT colonography, further large prospective studies are needed.

Clinical and radiological features of Pneumocystis pneumonia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, in comparison with methotrexate pneumonitis and Pneumocystis pneumonia in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: a multicenter study

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the clinical and radiological features of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), compared with methotrexate (MTX) pneumonitis in RA and Pneumocystis pneumonia in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 14 PCP cases in RA (RA-PCP), 10 MTX pneumonitis cases in RA (MTX-P) and 11 PCP cases in AIDS (AIDS-PCP) from 9 centers in the Kanto area in the last 6 years.

RESULTS

Compared with AIDS-PCP, both RA-PCP and MTX-P developed more rapidly, showing higher serum CRP and lower plasma beta-D-glucan levels, and more severe oxygenation impairment. In most of the RA-PCP cases, a high dose of corticosteroid was administered as adjunctive therapy, resulting in a favorable outcome. The mortality was 14% in RA-PCP, 0% in AIDS-PCP and 0% in MTX-P cases. In RA-PCP patients the CD4 cell count showed only mild suppression, not reaching the predisposing level for PCP in HIV infection, suggesting that there are risk factors for RA-PCP other than immunosuppression. Radiologic analysis revealed some characteristic patterns of each disease. In MTX-P, diffuse homogeneous ground glass opacity (GGO) with sharp demarcation by interlobular septa (type A GGO) was found in 70%, while in AIDS-PCP diffuse, homogeneous or nonhomogeneous GGO without interlobular septal boundaries (type B GGO) was predominant (91%). In RA-PCP, type A GGO was found in 6 cases and type B GGO in 5 cases, showing the complex nature of this disease.

CONCLUSION

RA-PCP differed considerably from AIDS-PCP clinically and radiologically. Clinically it occurred without severe immunosuppression, and showed characteristic aspects, with more intense inflammation and less parasite burden. Radiologically it mimicked MTX-P in some cases sharing the conspicuous CT features of MTX-P, rendering the distinction of these two disorders difficult.

[A case of disseminated candidiasis as an initial presentation of AIDS]

A 44-year-old woman referred for skin eruptions and an altered mental status was confirmed to have HIV infection on Western Blot analysis. Her CD4+ T cell count was 15/microl. On admission, she appeared quite ill with respiratory distress. Chest X-ray showed bilateral patchy infiltration and pleural effusions. She was treated with cefotaxime, pentamidine, and antituberculosis drugs, but her condition worsened and dopamine was initiated. Intensive treatment failed, and she died the following day. An autopsy showed purplish papules on her face and trunk and multiple white nodules in her liver, spleen and lungs. Culture was positive for Candida Albicans, yielding a diagnosis and of disseminated candidiasis. It is rare for HIV patients to be diagnosed with disseminated candidiasis, since the pathogenesis usually requires disruption of the mucosal barrier. The defense mechanism against disseminated candidiasis is mainly neutrophils and macrophages, and its dysfunction is not a primary characteristic of HIV infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in Japan of a HIV patient to have disseminated candidiasis.

Safety of ofloxacin (OFLX) and fosfomycin sodium (FOM) ear drops

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety of two ear drops, Ofloxacin (OFLX: Taribid Otic Solution, Daiichi Seiyaku) and Fosfomycin sodium (FOM: Fosmicin S, Meiji Seiyaku).

METHODS

Albino guinea pigs were used as experimental animals, and the ototoxicity was evaluated by means of threshold changes in the compound action potentials (CAP), when topically applied to the middle ear cavity of the guinea pig. The sound stimuli applied were; click sound, with tone bursts of 8 kHz, 4 kHz, and 2 kHz. In one group of animals, after one application of the ear drops in the right middle ear cavity, the change in CAP was compared with a contralateral saline control at 24h, one week, and four weeks. In other group of animals, the ear drops were applied into the middle ear cavity for seven consecutive days and the CAP was measured at 24h.

RESULTS

At 24h the CAP threshold for click, 8 and 4 kHz elevated significantly for both the saline and ear drop treatment, but the threshold returned to normal when measured at 7 days and 28 days. Seven consecutive days of ear drops administration resulted in no reduction in the CAP for either ear drops.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the lack of changes in the CAP, these two ear drops studied did not show any significant ototoxicities.

The correlation between 1H-MR spectroscopy and clinical manifestation with tuberous sclerosis complex

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disease. Cortical tubers are one of the standard intracranial hallmarks of TSC, they comprise subependymal hamartomas protruding into the ventricles, cortical and white matter hamartomas, and giant cell tumors. The clinical course of TSC varies from asymptomatic to severe, with epileptic seizures and psychomotor retardation. We discuss here the correlation between clinical manifestation and features on 1H-MR spectroscopy ( 1H-MRS) of the white matter involving cortical tubers in patients with TSC. Statistical analysis of the N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline (Cho) and myoinositol (mI)/creatinine (Cr) ratios between tubers and normal controls showed decreased NAA/Cr and increased mI/Cr ratios (P<0.05) in tubers, but no significance difference in Cho/Cr. The significance of the clinical appearance is associated with a decreased ratio of NAA/Cr in tubers with TSC. An elevated ratio of mI/Cr in tuber does not parallel the severity of the clinical features of TSC. These findings suggest that 1H-MRS may be useful for the evaluation of the clinical severity and prognostic diagnosis of TSC.