Predictive performance of Shock Index for postpartum hemorrhage during cesarean delivery

BACKGROUND

The Shock Index (SI), defined as heart rate divided by systolic blood pressure, is reportedly an early surrogate indicator for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). However, most previous studies have used clinical data of women who delivered vaginally. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the SI pattern during cesarean delivery and determine its usefulness in detecting PPH.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective study using the clinical data of women (n = 331) who underwent cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia at term between 2018 and 2021. We assessed the SI pattern stratified by total blood loss and evaluated the predictive performance of each vital sign in detecting PPH (total blood loss ≥1000 mL) based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).

RESULTS

At 10-15 min after delivery, the mean SI peaked between 0.84 and 0.90 and then decreased to a level between 0.72 and 0.77, which was similar to that upon entering the operating room. Among 331 women, 91 (27.5%) were diagnosed with PPH. There was no correlation between SI and total blood loss (rs = 0.02). The SI had low ability to detect PPH (AUROC 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.47 to 0.61), which was similar to other vital signs (AUROCs 0.53-0.56).

CONCLUSION

We determined the pattern of SI during cesarean delivery. We found no correlation between SI and total blood loss. Unlike in vaginal delivery, the prognostic accuracy of SI for PPH detection in cesarean delivery was low.

Topical corticosteroid therapy for facial acneiform eruption due to EGFR inhibitors in metastatic colorectal cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial comparing starting with a very strong or a weak topical corticosteroid (FAEISS study, NCCH1512, colorectal part)

BACKGROUND

Although pre-emptive therapy with oral tetracycline, moisturizer, sunscreen, and topical corticosteroid is useful for preventing acneiform eruption (AfE) due to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, no studies have examined the efficacy of topical corticosteroids themselves, or investigated the optimal potency of corticosteroid for treating facial AfE (FAfE).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Screened patients with RAS wild-type colorectal cancer started pre-emptive therapy with oral minocycline and moisturizer on initiation of cetuximab or panitumumab therapy. Patients who developed grade 1 or 2 FAfE were randomly allocated to two groups: a ranking-down (RD) group that started with a very strong corticosteroid and serially ranked down every 2 weeks unless FAfE exacerbated; and a ranking-up (RU) group that started with a weak corticosteroid and serially ranked up at exacerbation. FAfE grade, patient quality of life, and adverse events (AEs) with topical corticosteroid were evaluated every 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was the total number of times grade 2 or higher FAfE was identified in the central review of the 8-week treatment period.

RESULTS

No significant differences in total numbers of grade 2 or higher FAfE or in AEs caused by topical corticosteroids were observed between groups during the 8 weeks. Incidence of grade 2 or higher FAfE tended to be lower in the RD group during the first 2 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Considering the long-term care of FAfE, the RU regimen appears suitable and should be considered the standard treatment for FAfE due to EGFR inhibitor therapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000024113).

Premature acute coronary syndrome patients do not have a better prognosis for their age than mature ACS patients by propensity score match analysis

Background

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the most important cardiovascular (CV) disease with a prevalence that increases with age. There is no data which compared the prognosis with premature ACS and mature ACS using propensity score matched analysis

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the prognosis of premature ACS patients and mature ACS patients using propensity score matched analysis.

Methods

We analyzed of 4249 ACS patients (69.1±12.6, male 77%) including 773 premature ACS patients (50.1±6.8, male 78%) and 3476 mature ACS (73.3±9.3, male 77%) from January 2013 to December 2018, using data from Mie ACS Registry, a prospective and multicenter registry in Japan.

Premature onset of ACS was defined as younger than 65 years old in male and 55 years old in female.

Primary end point was as major adverse cardiac event (MACE) including cardiovascular death, non-fetal myocardial infarction, heart failure requiring admission and unstable angina.

Results

During median follow duration of 742 days ranging from409 to 828 days, 502 MACE were occurred. Premature ACS patients were younger and showed higher body mass index compared to mature ACS patients (50.1±6.8 vs 73.3±9.3 y.o., 25.5 vs 23.0, P<0.001, respectively). However, premature ACS patients were more likely to be associated with ST elevation myocardial infarction, dyslipidemia, family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) and lower Killip classification compared to mature ACS patients (P<0.01, respectively). Common CAD risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and past history of CAD were less associated with premature ACS patients compared to mature ACS patients (P<0.01, respectively). Unadjusted Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated the favorable prognosis in premature ACS patients compared to mature ACS patients with hazard ratio of 0.57 (95% CI 0.45–0.71, P<0.001, see Figure 1A). We compared a 1:1 propensity score-matched cohort of 1208 patients with or without premature onset of ACS adjusting the several factors mentioned above (n=604, respectively). Age could not be introduced as a factor of propensity score match when comparing premature and mature ACS patients. After propensity score-match, premature ACS patients is about 18 years younger than mature ACS patients (50.7±6.5 vs 68.5±8.2 y.o., P<0.001). The average age of premature ACS was younger than that of mature ACS, but MACE by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis for premature ACS patients was equivalent to mature ACS patients (P=0.77, see Figure 1B).

Conclusion

Premature ACS patients are required very careful management because they might have factors with unfavorable prognosis, such as lifestyle habit and genetics, that may be beyond age.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Right coronary artery as a culprit artery for better prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with or without shock

Background

Although patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock, morbidity and mortality remain high even with early revascularization and modern intensive care.

Culprit artery and prognosis were associated in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Purpose

Evaluation of short- and long-term prognosis of AMI with cardiogenic shock by right coronary artery (RCA) and left coronary artery (LCR)

Method

We investigated 3400 AMI patients (age 68.8±12.7 y.o.) were enrolled from Mie ACS registry. They were divided into 4 groups according to the culprit artery and presence or absence of cardiogenic shock: RCA without shock n=1114, RCA with shock n=74, LCA without shock n=2028, LCA with shock n=184. Primary endpoint was defined as all-cause mortality.

Results

During the median follow-up periods with 743 days, 12.6% of the patients experienced all-cause death. RCA and LAC with shock groups demonstrated significantly higher in-hospital mortality compared to groups without shock (p<0.001, Figure 1A). Interestingly, after discharge, LCA with shock group showed significant higher all-cause mortality compared with other 3 groups. Surprisingly, RCA with shock group showed similar favorable prognosis to that of without shock groups (Figure 1B). Multivariate analyses for after discharge mortality showed that LCA with shock group was strongest independent poor prognostic factor with hazard ratio of 2.3 (95% CI 1.4–3.7), but RCA with shock group was not.

Conclusion

Association of cardiogenic shock is the hazardous risk factor for cases with AMI, especially LCA infarction. Surprisingly, RCA AMI cases with shock showed favorable prognosis as well as AMI without shock.

Kaplan-Meier survival curves

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Prognostic impact of right ventricular overload in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Background

Right ventricular (RV) overload is associated with adverse outcome in patients with chronic heart failure. However, its prognostic value in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients remains unknown.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and prognostic impact of right ventricular overload in ACS patients.

Methods

We studied 2797 ACS patients from Mie ACS registry, a prospective and multicenter registry in Japan. They were divided into 4 subgroups according to the severity of RV overload and the extent of Left Ventricle Ejection Fraction (LVEF) assessed by echocardiography before hospital discharge. High RV overload was defined as trans-tricuspid pressure gradient (TRPG) ≥40mmHg and preserved LVEF was defined as ≥50%. The primary outcome was defined as 2-year all-cause mortality. Median follow up duration was 730 days (1–2215 days).

Results

High RV overload was detected in 76 patients (2.7%). In basic patients characteristics, high RV overload patients were significantly older and higher killip classification than low RV overload patients (P<0.01, respectively). Laboratory data in high RV overload patients showed lower hemoglobin level and higher serum creatinine level than those in low RV overload patients (P<0.01, respectively).

Echocardiographic findings in high RV overload represented lower LVEF, higher rate of moderate or severe mitral regurgitation and left atrial enlargement than those in low RV overload patients (P<0.01, respectively).

During the follow-up periods (median 730 days), 260 (9.3%) patients experienced all-cause death. Multivariate cox hazard regression analysis for all-cause mortality demonstrated that high RV overload was an independent poor prognostic factor in the entire study population. Among patients with preserved LVEF, high RV overload resulted in an increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to low RV overload (P<0.0001).

Conclusion

In ACS patients, high RV overload strongly contributes to worsening of prognosis regardless of the extent of LVEF.

Kaplan-Meier survival curve

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

The skin types closely related to development of the facial acneiform rash and the therapeutic effects of EGFR inhibitors in RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer: Ancillary analysis of FAEISS study

3637

Background: At ESMO2019, we reported the primary results of a randomized controlled trial (FAEISS study) investigating the efficacy of topical corticosteroid treatment to facial acneiform rash (AR) by EGFR inhibitors comparing groups starting with a very strong topical corticosteroid and the standard weak topical corticosteroid. As an ancillary analysis, we investigated the association between AR and the pre-treatment skin types, as well as between the skin types and therapeutic effects of EGFR inhibitors on the primary disease. Methods: Utilizing pre-treatment clinical photos of the face taken according to the method determined by FAEISS study protocol, we divided the skin types into categories including enlarged pore, oiliness, xerosis, wrinkles, skin color/redness, and allocated the score (1-3) by central review. The severity of AR occurred during the study was graded and was evaluated the association with the specific skin type by Fisher’s exact test. We also investigated the association between the skin types and the best overall response (RECISTv1.1) to EGFR inhibitor therapy on the primary disease using the Cochran-Armitage trend test. Results: Of the registered 172 cases of RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer [104 men and 68 women, median age = 68 (26-79)], omitting the cases with unevaluable data, finally we analyzed 146 cases for associations between the skin types and AR and 147 cases for best overall response. Interestingly, AR developed 13.6% of enlarged pore score 1, 29% of score 2 and 45.8% of score 3, and patients with enlarged pore tended to have more AR (p = 0.058). Surprisingly, the response(CR/PR/SD) of the primary disease were 59.1% of the enlarged pore score 1, 70.6% of score 2 and 87.0% of score 3, and showed statistically significant trend(p < 0.038). Conclusions: This study suggested that a skin type (enlarged pore) is a possible marker predicting AR risk in EGFR inhibitor therapy for RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer, and better therapeutic effects of EGFR inhibitors.

P3632Prognostic impact of aortic valve stenosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Background

Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is associated with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease independently of clinical risk factors, which leads to increased cardiovascular mortality. However, the prevalence of AS and its prognostic value among patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remain unknown.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and prognostic impact of AS in AMI patients.

Methods

We studied 2,803 AMI patients using data from Mie ACS registry, a prospective and multicenter registry. Patients were divided into subgroups according to the presence and severity of AS based on maximal aortic flow rate by Doppler echocardiography before hospital discharge: non-AS <2.0 m/s, 2.0 m/s≤mild AS <3.0 m/s, 3.0 m/s≤moderate AS <4.0m/s and severe AS≥4.0 m/s. The primary outcome was defined as 2-year all-cause mortality.

Results

AS was detected in 79 patients (2.8%) including 49 mild AS, 23 moderate AS and 6 severe AS. AS patients were significantly older (79.9±9.8 versus 68.3±12.6 years), and higher killip classification than non-AS patients (P<0.01, respectively). However, left ventricular ejection fraction, and prevalence of primary PCI was similar between the 2 groups. During the follow-up periods (median 725 days), 333 (11.9%) patients experienced all-cause death. AS patients demonstrated the higher all-cause mortality rate compared to that of non-AS patients during follow up (47.3% versus 11.3%, P<0.0001, chi square). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the probability of all-cause mortality was significantly higher among AS patients than non-AS patients, and was highest among moderate and severe AS (See figure A and B). Cox regression analyses for all-cause mortality demonstrated that the severity of AS was the strongest and independent poor prognostic factor (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.30–2.24, P<0.001, See table).

Cox hazard regression analysis Hazard ratio 95% Confidential interval P-value Severity of aortic valve stenosis 1.71 1.30–2.24 <0.001 Killip classification 1.63 1.46–1.82 <0.001 Age 1.07 1.06–1.09 <0.001 Serum creatinine level 1.05 1.03–1.08 <0.001 Max CPK level 1.00 1.00–1.01 <0.001 Left ventricular ejection fraction 0.96 0.95–0.97 <0.001 Primary percutaneous coronary intervention 0.67 0.47–0.96 0.03 CPK suggests creatinine phosphokinase.

All cause mortality

Conclusions

The presence of AS of any severity contributes to worsening of patients' prognosis following AMI independently of other known risk factors.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

Elevated plasma D-dimer levels in dermatomyositis patients with cutaneous manifestations

To explore the influence of dermatomyositis (DM)-specific cutaneous manifestations (scm) on systemic coagulation and fibrinolysis, we retrospectively studied plasma D-dimer levels with/without venous thromboembolism (VTE), malignancy, infection or other connective tissue diseases (CTDs) and scm. One hundred fifty patients with DM were retrospectively investigated using medical records regarding scm, VTE, malignancy, infection, other CTDs, laboratory data and systemic corticosteroid therapy. All DM patients were categorized as follows: group 1, without scm, VTE, infection, malignancy or other accompanying CTDs; group 2, with scm only; and group 3, with VTE, infection, malignancy and other accompanying CTDs but without scm. The D-dimer plasma levels were significantly increased in group 3 compared with healthy subjects and those in groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.001). The D-dimer plasma level in group 2 was significantly increased compared with healthy subjects and those in group 1 (p < 0.001). Increased D-dimer plasma levels were detected in DM patients with scm without detectable VTE, malignancy, infection or accompanying CTDs. In addition to the known risk factors for increased plasma D-dimer levels in DM patients, including VTE, malignancy, infection and other accompanying autoimmune diseases, the presence of cutaneous manifestations should be considered as a new clinical risk factor.

Instrumental evaluation sensitively detects subclinical skin changes by the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors and risk factors for severe acneiform eruption

Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRI), EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) and anti-EGFR antibodies commonly develop skin toxicities including acneiform eruption (AfE). However, precise skin changes and risk factors for severe AfE are still unclear. The objective of the current study was elucidation of the useful parameters for early and sensitive detection of the skin changes by EGFRI. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin surface hydration, skin surface lipid levels and erythema/melanin index were serially measured for 2 weeks in 19 EGFR-TKI afatinib/erlotinib-treated patients and for 8 weeks in 20 anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab-treated patients. The TEWL levels of the cheek in the patients who developed AfE of grade 2 and more (AfE ≥ Gr2) were already elevated at 7 days after the initiation of afatinib/erlotinib therapy compared with those before therapy as well as in patients with grade 1 or less (AfE ≤ Gr1). In patients treated with cetuximab, the skin surface hydration on the cheek in AfE ≥ Gr2 patients significantly decreased compared with that of AfE ≤ Gr1 patients at the 2nd and 6th week. Baseline skin surface lipid levels and erythema index on the cheek of patients with AfE ≥ Gr2 were significantly higher than those with AfE ≤ Gr1. The small sample size of the present study, especially for logistic regression analysis, is a limitation. In conclusion, instrumental evaluation declared rapid inflammatory changes of the skin by EGFRI and elucidated oily skin as a risk for severe AfE.

Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa causing refractory skin deformation and pigmentation as sequel

A 39-year-old woman presented with prominent and painful livedo reticularis lesions spreading on her upper and lower extremities. Histopathologically, the small-to medium-sized arteries in the deep dermis and subcutis showed necrotizing vasculitis with cellular infiltration, suggesting cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa. The serum levels of inflammatory markers normalized with aspirin 100mg/day and prednisolone 10mg/day within 2 months, and there was no other skin or organ involvement over 18 months of follow up. However, serious refractory skin depressions and pigmentation remained after two years of treatment. This suggests the importance of early and aggressive therapy for cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa to prevent unsightly skin sequel, as well as control of disease activity.

The Plasma Levels of ADAMTS-13, von Willebrand Factor, VWFpp, and Fibrin-Related Markers in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis Having Thrombosis

This study aimed to examine the hemostatic abnormalities in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and the relationship between these abnormalities and thrombotic events (THEs), focusing on the difference in diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) and limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc). The plasma levels of ADAMTS-13 (a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motifs 13), von Willebrand factor (VWF), VWF propeptide (VWFpp), d-dimer, and soluble fibrin (SF) were measured in 233 patients with SSc. The relationship between their levels and organ involvement, including THEs and interstitial lung disease (ILD), was evaluated. The plasma levels of VWF and VWFpp were significantly elevated and ADAMTS-13 activity was significantly decreased in patients with SSc compared to healthy participants. The VWFpp in dcSSc was significantly higher than in lcSSc. Twelve patients with SSc were complicated with acute THE, and 25 patients with SSc were complicated with past THE. The plasma levels of d-dimer and SF were significantly elevated in patients with SSc having THE. The plasma levels of VWF and VWFpp were significantly elevated in patients with SSc having ILD. The plasma levels of d-dimer were elevated in patients with SSc having other connective tissue diseases (CTDs). The plasma levels of ADAMTS-13 were significantly decreased and VWF, VWFpp, and SF were increased in patients with a d-dimer level of ≥1 μg/mL. Systemic sclerosis carries a high risk of THE, especially in patients with other CTDs. Plasma hemostasis-related markers are closely related to ILD and THE. These markers are important as markers of organ involvement as well as THE.

The efficacy of a lip balm containing pseudo-ceramide on the dry lips of sensitive skin-conscious subjects

BACKGROUND

Many people use lip care products daily to prevent dry lips. However, some people, especially those with sensitive skin-consciousness, complain of various skin problems on their lips including contact dermatitis caused by lip care products. Dry lips have decreased water holding capacity and cutaneous barrier function as well as reduced stratum corneum ceramide levels. In this study, we investigated the usefulness of a newly formulated lip balm containing pseudo-ceramide for the dry lips of subjects with sensitive skin.

METHOD

Thirty subjects with dry lips and sensitive skin-consciousness used the test lip balm more than twice a day for 4 weeks. Lip conditions were evaluated before and after 2 and 4 weeks.

RESULT

Visual evaluation by a dermatologist showed that overall improvements were observed in all subjects as early as week 2. After 4 weeks of usage, 27% of the subjects were objectively judged as "markedly improved" and 60% of the subjects were judged as "improved". No adverse event developed throughout the test period, and all subjects were able to use the lip balm safely for 4 weeks. Usefulness was judged based on all evaluation items, and 27%, 70%, and 3% of the subjects were judged as "very useful," "useful," and "slightly useful," respectively. Ninety percentage of the subjects expressed improvement and acceptance of the lip balm.

CONCLUSION

Based on these results, the newly formulated lip balm containing pseudo-ceramide is very useful for the lip care of sensitive skin-conscious subjects as well as for daily use by healthy subjects.

Enhanced wound healing by topical application of ointment containing a low concentration of povidone-iodine

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of a novel topical wound-healing agent, low-concentration povidone-iodine ointment (LPIO) with a hydrophobic white petrolatum-rich base on skin-wound models in rats and rabbits.

METHOD

The therapeutic efficacy of topically applied LPIO was compared to that of standard-concentration povidone-iodine ointment (SPIO) and non-treatment control, using a full-thickness skin-wound model in 24 hairless rats and a full-thickness skin-defect model in rabbit earlobes. The animals were kept under standardised conditions at the Central Research Laboratory of Maruishi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (Osaka, Japan). Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated based on macroscopic wound-size reduction, as well as histopathological and immuno-histochemical examinations.

RESULTS

LPIO enhanced wound healing in rat full-thickness skin ulcers, reducing wound size and inflammation, when compared with that in SPIO and non-treatment control. LPIO also markedly improved wound healing in rabbit earlobe ulcers by significantly improving re-epithelialisation, compared with that in SPIO.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that LPIO is a useful topical therapy for ulcerative lesions.

Maintenance Hemodialysis Using Native Arteriovenous Fistula in a Patient with Severe Generalized Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa

Renal failure and infectious disease are strongly associated with morbidity and mortality in patients with severe generalized recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB-sev gen). However, it is reportedly difficult to introduce hemodialysis with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). We encountered a 32-year-old man with RDEB-sev gen in whom hemodialysis with a native AVF was introduced that favorably affected his long-term survival. This patient eventually died because of cachexia related to the recurrence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma 51 months after hemodialysis introduction. We believe that in this patient, the frequency of vascular access troubles related to infection or reduction of blood flow was probably low as a result of hemodialysis with his native AVF. Thus, it seems likely that patients with RDEB-sev gen with end stage kidney disease who are on hemodialysis can be successfully managed with a native AVF.

Gray-scale and doppler ultrasound imaging features of vascular canals in human femoral condylar epiphysis

Purpose: To describe the gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasound imaging features of vascular canals in human femoral condylar epiphysis.

Material and Methods: Vascular canals in the femoral condylar epiphysis were examined using gray-scale and Doppler US. The study was performed in 45 volunteers (aged &lt;1 month-72 years) who comprised 1 subject with short stature, 1 subject with Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome and 43 subjects with normal growth.

Results: In the 8-year-old and younger group (n=34), vascular canals were observed in 32 subjects (94%), whereas vascular canals were not observed in the 9-year-old and older group (n=11). Vascular canals were visualized as hyperechoic lines and dots. With Doppler US, blood flow in the vascular canals was observed in 20 of the 32 subjects (62.5%). Spectral Doppler analysis was possible in 15 subjects, in all of whom only arterial waveforms were observed.

Conclusion: US was helpful to delineate the vascular canals and flow therein. The detection and evaluation of vascular canals and blood flow therein may prove useful in understanding growth.

Contrast-Enhanced Dynamic MR Imaging of Postmolar Gestational Trophoblastic Disease

Conventional spin-echo (SE) and contrast-enhanced dynamic MR imaging were performed on a 1.5 T superconductive unit for evaluation of myometrial lesions in postmolar gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) in 10 women. MR imaging was done at the time of the initial examination (n=10), during (n=6), and after repeated courses of chemotherapy (n=10). The T2-weighted SE image revealed an enlarged uterus (n=7), disappearance of zonal anatomy (n=6), and heterogeneous signal intensities (n=8) with prominent flow voids (n=7). However, these abnormalities remained after repeated courses of chemotherapy, when the S-β-HCG level returned to the normal range. Myometrial lesions characteristically had marked enhancement with areas of unenhancement on dynamic MR images in patients with highly elevated S-β-HCG. Areas of contrast enhancement correlated with changes in S-β-HCG level. The enhancement was reduced with decrease in S-β-HCG level after repeated courses of chemotherapy. Six of 8 masses seen on T2-weighted images proved to be active trophoblastic lesions and 2 masses proved to be hematoma or necrosis. In 2 patients, abnormal myometrial lesions were detected only on contrast-enhanced dynamic MR imaging. These preliminary data indicate that contrast-enhanced dynamic MR imaging more clearly demonstrates myometrial involvement of postmolar GTD than conventional SE imaging.

Keratinizing Squamous Epithelium Associated with Syringocystadenoma Papilliferum Differentiates towards Infrainfundibulum: Case Report with Immunohistochemical Study of Cytokeratins

We describe a case of Syringocystadenoma papilliferum (SCAP) with keratinizing squamous epithelium in a 26-year-old female presenting with a dark brown to black nodule on her forehead. After surgical excision, the specimen was examined immunohistochemically using antibodies against cytokeratin (CK) 1, 8, 10, 14, 17, 18 and 19. Within the keratinizing squamous epithelium, CK1, 10, 14 and 17 were present, whereas the other CKs were absent. Based on CK expression, keratinizing squamous epithelium in SCAP seems to differentiate towards the infrainfundibulum.

Cytokeratin Expression in Subungual Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Cytokeratin expression in subungual squamous cell carcinoma was investigated in order to evaluate the origin and state of differentiation of the tumour. The tumour nests contained cytokeratin 14, 16 and 17, which were also expressed in the nail bed. Therefore, cytokeratin expression in subungual squamous cell carcinoma may reflect its indolent clinical prognosis.

Two Japanese siblings affected with Chikungunya fever with different clinical courses: Imported infections from the Cook Islands

Two Japanese siblings visited the Cook Islands on business and stayed for 2 months. The sister developed a high fever, arthralgia, erythema and leg edema on the day after returning to Japan. The brother also developed neck and joint pain on the day following the sister's onset. Subsequently, his erythematous lesions spread over his whole body. Chikungunya virus was detected from the sister's blood and urine by specific reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, but not in the brother's samples. Retrospectively, his history of Chikungunya fever was confirmed by the presence of the anti-Chikungunya virus immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG antibodies using the specific enzyme-linked immunoassay. In Japan, no autochthonous case of Chikungunya fever was reported previously. We should give attention to the imported infectious diseases for epidemic prevention. This report warns about the danger of the imported infectious diseases, and also suggests that covering the topic of infectious disease in the world is critical to doctors as well as travelers.

Plasma ADAMTS13, von Willebrand Factor (VWF), and VWF Propeptide Profiles in Patients With Connective Tissue Diseases and Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) frequently develops in patients with connective tissue diseases (CTDs). ADAMTS13 and von Willebrand factor (VWF) are closely related to the onset of TTP. We investigated the roles of ADAMTS13 and VWF in thrombotic events of patients with CTD. ADAMTS13 activity and VWF and VWF propeptide (VWFpp) levels in CTD, primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (pAPS), and controls were measured to examine their relationship with thrombosis. ADAMTS13 activity levels were significantly low in the patients with CTD but not in the patients with pAPS. No significant difference in the ADAMTS13 activity levels among the various CTD subgroups was found. The levels of VWF and VWFpp were significantly elevated in the patients with pAPS and CTD compared with that of control groups. Eleven patients with CTD developed TTP, and their ADAMTS13 activity levels were significantly lower than patients having CTD without TTP. However, the ADAMTS13 activity levels showed no difference between the patients having CTD with and without thrombotic events. The VWF antigen levels were significantly high in the patients having CTD with TTP. There were no significant differences in the VWF levels of the patients having CTD with TTP and thrombosis. The VWFpp levels were significantly high in the patients having CTD with TTP and thrombosis. The VWF and VWFpp levels were significantly high in the patients with pAPS. Decreased ADAMTS13 activity and elevated VWF and VWFpp levels were observed in patients with CTD. These abnormalities in patients with CTD may represent the increased risk of thrombosis in CTD.

Presence of Antiphospholipid Antibodies as a Risk Factor for Thrombotic Events in Patients with Connective Tissue Diseases and Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

OBJECTIVE

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a well-known complication of habitual abortion and/or thrombosis and is frequently associated with autoimmune diseases.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated the relationships between the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) and the incidence of thrombotic events (THEs) in 147 patients with various connective tissue diseases (CTD) suspected of having APS and 86 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). THEs were observed in 41 patients, including 14 cases of venous thrombosis, 21 cases of arterial thrombosis and eight cases of complications of pregnancy.

RESULTS

The prevalence of THE was significantly high in the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients compared with the other CTD patients and ITP patients. The frequency of lupus anticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL)-β2-glycoprotein (GPI) complex IgG and aPL was significantly high in the SLE patients compared with the ITP patients. Subsequently, the rate of development of THE was significantly high in the patients with aPLs. In particular, the incidence of THE was significantly high in the SLE or ITP patients with LA, aCL-β2GPI IgG or aPL. The optimal cut-off values for LA, aCL IgG and aCL-β2GPI complex IgG for the risk of THEs were higher in the SLE patients in comparison to the values obtained when using the kit provided by the manufacturer.

CONCLUSION

Although aPLs is frequently associated with SLE and is a causative factor for thrombosis, the optimal cut-off value for aPL for predicting the occurrence of THEs varies among different underlying diseases.

Biologic therapy improves psoriasis by decreasing the activity of monocytes and neutrophils

Therapy with monoclonal antibodies to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and the interleukin (IL)-12/23 p40 subunit has significantly improved the clinical outcome of patients with psoriasis. These antibodies inhibit the effects of the target cytokines and thus the major concern during their use is the induction of excessive immunosuppression. Recent studies evaluating the long-term efficacy and safety of biologic therapy in psoriasis have shown no significant appearance of serious adverse effects including infections and malignancies. However, the immunological consequence and the mechanism by which the blockade of a single cytokine by biologics can successfully control the activity of psoriasis remain unclear. In the current study, we investigated the effect of biologic therapy on cytokine production of various lymphocytes and on the activity of monocytes and neutrophils in psoriatic patients. Neutrophils, monocytes and T cells were purified from heparinized peripheral venous blood by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation, and γ-interferon, TNF-α and IL-17 production from lymphocytes was measured by flow cytometer. The activation maker of neutrophils and the activated subsets of monocytes were also analyzed. Biologic therapy induced no significant changes in the cytokine production by lymphocytes from the skin and gut-homing T cells. However, neutrophil activity and the ratio of activated monocyte population increased in severely psoriatic patients were normalized in psoriatic patients receiving biologic therapy. The present study showed that biologic therapy ameliorates clinical symptoms and controls the immune response in patients with psoriasis.

Incidence of retinal detachment associated with atopic dermatitis in Japan: review of cases from 1992 to 2011

PURPOSE

The present study aims to investigate the number and characteristics of retinal detachment with atopic dermatitis (AD) in these 20 years, and the number of the first visit AD outpatients in almost the same period.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 101 consecutive surgically treated retinal detachments with AD patients from 1992 to 2011 was conducted. Retinal detachments were divided into two groups: eyes operated on from 1992 to 2001 (former AD group, n=63) and eyes operated on from 2002 to 2011 (recent AD group, n=38). We also reviewed the records of the first visit AD outpatients from 1993 to 2011 except 1998.

RESULTS

The percentage of bilateral detachment was significantly higher in the former AD group (14/63) than that in the recent AD group (0/38) (P=0.0002). In addition, patients in the recent AD group were significantly older than those in the former AD group (P=0.0084). The annual cases with non-AD retinal detachment remained invariant for 20 years. The ratio of the retinal detachment with AD for the total retinal detachment was significantly lower in the recent (38/847) AD group than that in the former (63/796) AD group (P=0.0038). The number of the first visit AD outpatients linearly decreased in these 19 years (153 cases in 1993 and 65 cases in 2011).

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates an apparent decrease in retinal detachment with AD in the recent 10 years, and might suggest the importance of dermatitis control for prevention of retinal detachment with AD.

Hypofibrinogenemia and the α-Fibrinogen Thr312Ala Polymorphism may be Risk Factors for Early Pregnancy Loss

We analyzed a cohort of 36 females with pregnancy loss. In addition to 11 patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and 2 patients with congenital antithrombin (AT) or protein C deficiency, we identified 5 patients with low fibrinogen levels (median 110 mg/dL) prior to 10 weeks of gestation. Four of these 5 patients underwent a fibrinogen gene analysis, and all 4 were found to be heterozygotes for the α-fibrinogen (FGA) Thr321Ala polymorphism. One female without hypofibrinogenemia with a history of 8 pregnancy losses was found to be homozygous for the same polymorphism, and she also showed hypercoagulability without thrombosis. In conclusion, there was a relatively high frequency of pregnancy loss in the setting of hypofibrinogenemia and/or the FGA Thr312Ala polymorphism, and this may be an important risk factor for pregnancy loss and a hypercoagulable state in later pregnancy.

Improvement in early diagnosis of Japanese spotted fever by using a novel Rick PCR system

Rickettsia diseases, including Japanese spotted fever (JSF), are serious infections. Delayed diagnosis occasionally results in life-threatening liver disorders and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Because of the shortness of the latent period, serological diagnosis is not preferable for early diagnosis of JSF. Until now, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnosis method has been used for early diagnosis, and the sensitivity reaches as high as 90% using skin biopsy samples as we previously reported. On the other hand, the sensitivity of the same PCR method using blood samples is limited at less than 50%. In the present study, using peripheral blood samples, we developed a novel diagnostic method for JSF using a Rick PCR system with original PCR primers, showing improved sensitivity compared with the conventional nested PCR. It may constitute a preferable diagnostic tool for early and sensitive diagnosis of Rickettsia infection.