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Tiron AT, Briceag AF, Moraru L, Bălăceanu LA, Dina I, Caravia L. Management of Postpartum Extensive Venous Thrombosis after Second Pregnancy. Medicina (Kaunas) 2023; 59:medicina59050871. [PMID: 37241103 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Background: Pregnancy induces a physiological prothrombotic state. The highest risk period for venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism in pregnant women is during the postpartum period. Materials and Methods: We present the case of a young woman who gave birth 2 weeks before admission and was transferred to our clinic for edema. She had an increased temperature in her right limb, and a venous Doppler of the limb confirmed thrombosis of the right femoral vein. From the paraclinical examination, we obtained a CBC with leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and thrombocytosis, and a positive D-dimer test. Thrombophilic tests were negative for AT III, lupus anticoagulant negative, and protein S and C, but were positive for heterozygous PAI-1, heterozygous MTHFR A1298C, and EPCR with A1/A2 alleles. After 2 days of UFH with therapeutic APTT, the patient had pain in her left thigh. We performed a venous Doppler, which revealed bilateral femoral and iliac venous thrombosis. During the computed tomography examination, we assessed the venous thrombosis extension on the inferior cava, common iliac, and bilateral common femoral veins. Thrombolysis was initiated with 100 mg of Alteplase given at a rate of 2 mg/h; however, this did not lead to a considerable reduction in the thrombus. Additionally, the treatment with UFH was continued under therapeutic APTT. After 7 days of UFH and triple antibiotic therapy for genital sepsis, the patient had a favorable evolution with remission of venous thrombosis. Results: Alteplase is a thrombolytic agent that is created with recombinant DNA technology, and it was successfully used to treat thrombosis that occurred in the postpartum period. Conclusions: Thrombophilias are associated with a high VTE risk but also with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including recurrent miscarriages and gestational vascular complications. In addition, the postpartum period is associated with a higher VTE risk. A thrombophilic status with heterozygous PAI-1, heterozygous MTHFR A1298C, and EPCR with A1/A2 positive alleles is associated with a high risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular events. Thrombolysis can be successfully used postpartum to treat VTEs. Thrombolysis can be used successfully in VTE developed in the postpartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Taisia Tiron
- Faculty of Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Cardiology, "St. John" Emergency Hospital, 13 Vitan Barzesti Street, 042122 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Filofteia Briceag
- Department of Cardiology, "St. John" Emergency Hospital, 13 Vitan Barzesti Street, 042122 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Liviu Moraru
- Department of Anatomy, "George Emil Palade" University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Lavinia Alice Bălăceanu
- Faculty of Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, "St. John" Emergency Hospital, 13 Vitan Barzesti Street, 042122 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ion Dina
- Faculty of Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Gastroenterology, "St. John" Emergency Hospital, 13 Vitan Barzesti Street, 042122 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Laura Caravia
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Department of Morphological Sciences "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
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Omer S, Iftime A, Constantinescu I, Dina I. Low-Cost Predictors for Liver Function and Clinical Outcomes after Sustained Virological Response in Patients with HCV-Related Cirrhosis and Thrombocytopenia. Medicina (Kaunas) 2023; 59:medicina59010146. [PMID: 36676770 PMCID: PMC9865508 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59010146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: To find low-cost markers that can identify the hepatitis C virus cirrhotic patients that are at risk for long-term severe adverse liver effects (ascites, ascites or upper gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatocellular carcinoma), after treatment. There is established evidence for the benefits of treating hepatitis C virus cirrhotic patients, but there is still some need for clarification concerning the real impact on the long-term evolution after achieving sustained virological response; there is no general consensus in the literature about identifying the patients that do not improve post-treatment. Materials and Methods: Our retrospective analysis investigated the long-term (2 years) evolution of 46 patients with cirrhosis with thrombocytopenia, previously infected with VHC, treated and who obtained an SVR after DAA treatment. Results: Despite the overall improvement, 8.7% patients developed hepatocellular carcinoma and 6.5% patients ascites/upper GI bleeding. We found that FIB-4, MELD and AFP changes at 1 year were the most significant predictors for these outcomes. Additionally, a drop in leukocyte count after 1 year seemed to indicate a risk for hepatocellular carcinoma, but this was not consistent. Conclusions: It might be beneficial to intensify the surveillance for post-treatment adverse liver effects for the patients with these marker changes at 1 year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Secil Omer
- Department of Medical Semiology, Saint Joan Hospital Bucharest, Carol Davila University of Medicine, 042122 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adrian Iftime
- Department of Biophysics, Carol Davila University of Medicine, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Ileana Constantinescu
- Department of Immunology and Transplant Immunology, Fundeni Clinical Institute Bucharest, Carol Davila University of Medicine, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ion Dina
- Department of Medical Semiology, Saint Joan Hospital Bucharest, Carol Davila University of Medicine, 042122 Bucharest, Romania
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Liţescu M, Abduraim T, Paverman L, Vrabie CD, Dina I, Pleşea IE, Grigorean VT. Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma - an unexpected diagnosis of a mediastinal tumor with extensive local thrombosis. Rom J Morphol Embryol 2022; 63:197-202. [PMID: 36074684 PMCID: PMC9593112 DOI: 10.47162/rjme.63.1.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare vascular tumor and the mediastinal localization is amongst the most infrequent. We present the case of a 37-year-old woman with a history of resected left thyroid tumor that presented to our department for evaluation of a left supraclavicular palpable mass in close contact with local vascular structures, and with heterogeneous contrast enhancement as described by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Considering the history of the patient, the presumptive diagnosis of thyroid tumor recurrence was established, and the patient was referred to surgical department. During procedure, we encountered important bleeding from a ruptured jugular vein branch, which we assumed to be a newly formed tumor blood vessel. After surgery (48 hours postoperatively), the patient developed important local thrombosis that encompassed the left internal jugular vein, left subclavian vein and the left brachiocephalic trunk that partially subsided after anticoagulant therapy. The histological examination revealed the presence of a vascular tumor proliferation of epithelioid endothelial cells that was characteristic of an EHE confirmed later on the immunohistochemical studies as Yes-associated protein 1-transcription factor E3 (YAP1-TFE3) subtype. In addition to the case report, some relevant information from the scarce literature data about mediastinal EHE were reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mircea Liţescu
- Departments of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, and Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania;
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Liţescu M, Baboi ID, Paverman L, Vrabie CD, Iordache N, Coman IS, Lupaşcu-Ursulescu CV, Dina I, Grigorean VT. Incidental case of primary renal lymphoma (PRL) in a patient with chronic hepatitis C infection. Report of a rare case. Rom J Morphol Embryol 2021; 61:929-934. [PMID: 33817736 PMCID: PMC8112798 DOI: 10.47162/rjme.61.3.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Chronic viral hepatitis C (CHC) is a global health problem, being responsible for about 399 000 deaths worldwide, mostly from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Virus C infection has well known hepatic manifestations – cirrhosis and liver cancer – but the extrahepatic ones are responsible for up to 75% of morbidity in these patients. The well-known hepatitis C virus (HCV) lymphotropism is probably linked with the most frequent extrahepatic manifestations, mixed cryoglobulinemia and B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (BCNHL). We report a very rare entity, the case of an 82-year-old female with Child–Pugh class A viral C cirrhosis associated with a primary renal lymphoma (PRL). PRL is a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) localized in the kidney, without any involvement of extrarenal lymphatic tissue. In addition to the case report, some relevant data from the literature were reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mircea Liţescu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sf. Ioan Emergency Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania; ; Department of Radiology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania;
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Balaceanu A, Omer S, Stirban R, Zara O, Dina I. Hyposplenism, Hashimoto's Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Overlap Syndrome (Celiac Disease and Autoimmune Hepatitis Type 1). Am J Med Sci 2020; 360:293-299. [PMID: 32563569 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2020.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Hyposplenism is associated with autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, severe celiac disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, untreated HIV infection and chronic graft-versus-host disease. The aim of this study was to review the existing data on hyposplenism associated with celiac disease and Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis. Our research was based on a clinical case concerning a 41-year-old female who presented with asthenia, fatigue, dyspepsia and chronic diarrhea. The medical history revealed autoimmune Hashimoto's thyroiditis, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, chronic gastritis and thrombocytosis. Multiple investigations showed hyposplenism and complex autoimmune dysfunction with positive serum markers for celiac disease and type 1 autoimmune hepatitis along with minor symptomatology. The intestinal symptomatology of celiac disease is often hid by hypothyroidism-associated autoimmune thyroiditis. Asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic celiac disease associated with Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis is diagnosed by biomarkers. Hyposplenism in celiac disease can occur regardless of the disease stage, latent or symptomatic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Balaceanu
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Sf. Ioan" Clinical Emergency Hospital, Internal Medicine Department, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Secil Omer
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Sf. Ioan" Clinical Emergency Hospital, Gastroenterology Department, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raluca Stirban
- "Sf. Ioan" Clinical Emergency Hospital, Internal Medicine Department, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Octavian Zara
- "Sf. Ioan" Clinical Emergency Hospital, Interventional Cardiology Department, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ion Dina
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Sf. Ioan" Clinical Emergency Hospital, Gastroenterology Department, Bucharest, Romania
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Dina I, Iacobescu C, Iordache N, Gheorghița S, Gurghean A. Cecal Malakoplakia - an Unusual Cause of Anemia in Liver Cirrhosis. J Gastrointestin Liver Dis 2019; 28:263. [PMID: 31517320 DOI: 10.15403/jgld-418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ion Dina
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania; St. John Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.
| | | | - Nicolae Iordache
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania; St. John Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Adriana Gurghean
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania; Colțea Hospital Bucharest, Romania
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Dediu GN, Diaconu CC, Dumitrache Rujinski S, Iancu MA, Balaceanu LA, Dina I, Bogdan M. May inflammatory markers be used for monitoring the continuous positive airway pressure effect in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and arrhythmias? Med Hypotheses 2018; 115:81-86. [PMID: 29685205 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is defined by recurrent episodes of significant reduction or absence of the oro-nasal airflow during sleep, in the presence of thorax and abdominal movements and snoring. The pathophysiological consequences of intermittent hypoxia determined by OSAS are represented by systemic inflammation, the release of free oxygen radicals and activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Cardiac arrhythmias are a frequent comorbidity in patients with OSAS. HYPOTHESIS We hypothesized that the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has an effect on inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fibrinogen, and red cell distribution width) in patients with OSAS and cardiac arrhythmias. EVALUATION OF THE HYPOTHESIS We tested this hypothesis on 52 patients diagnosed with OSAS and cardiac arrhythmias, divided into two groups: group A (patients who received CPAP therapy and pharmacological therapy) and group B (only pharmacological therapy). The patients were evaluated at enrollment (T0), at 3 and 6 months. We did not find a statistically significant difference of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and fibrinogen levels between the two groups. Regarding the red cell distribution width (RDW), the CPAP treatment seems to have improved the RDW values in patients who received this treatment. Also, in patients from group A, a significant decrease in the average heart rate was noticed after 3 months. CONSEQUENCES Fibrinogen and ESR cannot be used for monitoring the CPAP therapy in patients with OSAS and arrhythmias. Instead, the beneficial effect of CPAP in patients with OSAS and cardiac arrhythmias can be monitored with the help of the RDW, which could also be used for evaluating the cardiovascular risk in patients with OSAS and arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- G N Dediu
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania; Clinical Emergency Hospital "Sf. Ioan", Bucharest, Romania
| | - C C Diaconu
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania; Clinical Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Romania.
| | - S Dumitrache Rujinski
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania; National Institute of Respiratory Diseases "Marius Nasta", Bucharest, Romania
| | - M A Iancu
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania
| | - L A Balaceanu
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania; Clinical Emergency Hospital "Sf. Ioan", Bucharest, Romania
| | - I Dina
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania; Clinical Emergency Hospital "Sf. Ioan", Bucharest, Romania
| | - M Bogdan
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania; National Institute of Respiratory Diseases "Marius Nasta", Bucharest, Romania
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Dediu G, Stoica A, Balaceanu A, Diaconu C, Aron G, Dina I. [PP.24.07] AGENESIS OF RIGHT CORONARY ARTERY DIAGNOSED IN A 48 YEAR-OLD WOMAN. J Hypertens 2017. [DOI: 10.1097/01.hjh.0000523845.78709.5c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Omer S, Zara O, Iftime A, Dina I. Measuring the hepatic venous pressure gradient in the upper digestive hemorrhages. J Med Life 2015; 8:75-8. [PMID: 25914744 PMCID: PMC4397526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The upper digestive hemorrhage is one of the main causes of mortality from liver cirrhosis (CH). The measurement of the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) by angiographic way can be used for the determination of the risk of hemorrhage. The aim of this study is to verify the influence of the HVPG measurement upon the survival in patients with CH and upper digestive hemorrhage. A retrospective pilot study on 33 patients with upper digestive hemorrhage divided into two groups according to the therapeutic attitude followed, was carried out. One group was classically treated, with variceal band ligation, non-elective beta-blockers and in emergency Octreotide. The other group was treated depending on the value of HVPG. From the moment of the first episode of digestive hemorrhage, the survival period was in average of 8.1 months for the patients with viral etiology and for those with alcoholic etiology it was of 19.7 months. In patients treated after HVPG measurement, the average survival period was of 34.2 months and in patients "classically" treated, the average survival period was of 15.5 months (significant difference). In conclusion, the measurement of HVPG allowed the selection of a high-risk group of patients. This permitted the making of a therapeutical decision with a significant prolongation of life in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Omer
- ”Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest; Department of Gastroenterology,
“Sf. Ioan” Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - O Zara
- Department of Cardiology, ”Sf. Ioan” Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Iftime
- Department of Biophysics, ”Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - I Dina
- ”Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest; Department of Gastroenterology,
“Sf. Ioan” Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
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Dina I, Ginghina O, Iacobescu C, Vrabie C, Gidea C, Munteanu R, Iosifescu R, Iordache N. Spleen preservation in a caudal pancreatic serous cystadenoma - case report. J Med Life 2015; 8:106-8. [PMID: 25914751 PMCID: PMC4397508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic lesions of the pancreas are relatively rare entities but have been increasingly diagnosed in recent years due to advanced imaging techniques. This category encompasses pancreatic pseudocyst as well as a wide range of pancreatic tumors with benign behavior, borderline or primary malignant. Serous cystadenoma of the pancreas represents the most common benign pancreatic tumor, with a very low but well recognized malignant potential. The clinical presentation varies according to its size; small tumors may be asymptomatic and discovered incidentally, while large tumors are more likely symptomatic. We report the case of a female patient presenting with non-specific left abdominal pain, who was diagnosed through a CT scan with a caudal pancreatic tumor. The patient underwent spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy. The result of the histopathological examination revealed a serous cystadenoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Dina
- Gastroenterology Clinic, “Sf. Ioan” Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - O Ginghina
- Surgical Clinic, “Sf. Ioan” Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C Iacobescu
- Gastroenterology Clinic, “Sf. Ioan” Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C Vrabie
- Histology Department, “Sf. Ioan” Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C Gidea
- Surgical Clinic, “Sf. Ioan” Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - R Munteanu
- Surgical Clinic, “Sf. Ioan” Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - R Iosifescu
- Surgical Clinic, “Sf. Ioan” Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - N Iordache
- Surgical Clinic, “Sf. Ioan” Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
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Dina I, Braticevici CF. Idiopathic colonic varices: case report and review of literature. Hepat Mon 2014; 14:e18916. [PMID: 25147571 PMCID: PMC4139696 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.18916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Revised: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Colonic varices represent a very rare entity, either an incidental finding at colonoscopy or discovered due to its complication, the lower gastrointestinal bleeding. The most common cause of colonic varices is portal hypertension associated with liver disease or secondary to pancreatic conditions, like chronic pancreatitis or malignancies. The incidence of colonic varices is very low, even in liver cirrhosis where the patients frequently develop varices in the upper gastrointestinal tract, but surprisingly uncommon present with varices localized in the colon. CASE PRESENTATION We report a case of idiopathic colonic varices, diagnosed at a routine colonoscopy performed for nespecific abdominal disturbances in a female patient without liver disease or pancreatic conditions responsible for portal hypertension development. CONCLUSIONS The development of colonic varices in the absence of a certain trigger represents a major issue for practitioners due to its major complication, lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion Dina
- Department of Gastroenterology, St. John Emergency Hospital, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen Fierbinteanu Braticevici
- Department of Gastroenterology, Emergency University Hospital Bucharest, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Corresponding Author: Carmen Fierbinteanu Braticevici, Department of Gastroenterology, Emergency University Hospital Bucharest, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania. Tel/Fax: +40-216012582, E-mail:
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Karner M, Kocjan A, Stein J, Schreiber S, von Boyen G, Uebel P, Schmidt C, Kupcinskas L, Dina I, Zuelch F, Keilhauer G, Stremmel W. First multicenter study of modified release phosphatidylcholine "LT-02" in ulcerative colitis: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in mesalazine-refractory courses. Am J Gastroenterol 2014; 109:1041-51. [PMID: 24796768 PMCID: PMC4085478 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2014.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2013] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Phosphatidylcholine is a key component of the mucosal barrier. Treatment with modified release phosphatidylcholine aims to improve the impaired barrier function. The primary objective is to evaluate the efficacy of LT-02, a newly designed modified release phosphatidylcholine formula, in a multicenter setting. METHODS This is a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, superiority study conducted in 24 ambulatory referral centers in Germany, Lithuania, and Romania. A total of 156 patients with an inadequate response to mesalazine, a disease activity score (Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI)) of ≥ 5, and bloody diarrhea underwent treatment with 0, 0.8, 1.6, or 3.2 g LT-02. The primary end point was defined a priori as changes in SCCAI from baseline to the end of treatment. The primary statistical model was a general linear least-squares model. The study was funded by the sponsor Lipid Therapeutics, Heidelberg, Germany, and registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01011322. RESULTS Baseline characteristics and dropouts were well balanced between all groups. The primary analyses revealed an SCCAI drop of 33.3% in the placebo group (from 9.0 to 6.0 points) compared with 44.3% in the 0.8 g LT-02 (from 8.8 to 4.9, P>0.05) and 40.7% in the 1.6 g groups (from 8.6 to 5.1, P>0.05). The 3.2 g group improved 51.7% from 8.5 to 4.1 (P=0.030 in comparison with placebo). The remission rate was 15% (6/40) in the placebo group compared with 31.4% (11/35) in the highest LT-02 dose group (P=0.089). Mucosal healing was achieved in 32.5% of placebo patients compared with 47.4% of LT-02 patients (P=0.098); the rates for histologic remission were 20% compared with 40.5%, respectively (P=0.016). There were 17 (48.6%) treatment-emergent adverse events in the highest dose group (and 0 serious adverse events (SAEs)) compared with 22 (55%) in the placebo group (4 SAEs). CONCLUSIONS The primary end point analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in disease activity during LT-02 treatment in comparison with placebo. The drug was found to be very safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Karner
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany,Department of Gastroenterology, Viernheim Hospital, Viernheim, Germany,Department of Internal Medicine/Gastroenterology, Viernheim Hospital, 68519 Viernheim, Germany. E-mail:
| | | | - Juergen Stein
- Interdisciplinary Crohn & Colitis Center, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Georg von Boyen
- Department of Gastroenterology (Med I), University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany,Department of Gastroenterology, Kliniken Landkreis Sigmaringen, Sigmaringen, Germany
| | - Peter Uebel
- Internistische Gemeinschaftspraxis, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Carsten Schmidt
- Clinic for Internal Medicine IV, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany,Integrated Research and Treatment Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Limas Kupcinskas
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Institute for Digestive Research, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Ion Dina
- SC Endocenter Medicina Integrativa, Bucharest, Romania,University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | | | - Wolfgang Stremmel
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Abstract
The prognosis of liver cirrhosis depends on the presence of its major complications as well as on other factors such as hypersplenism with thrombocytopenia. Partial splenic embolization is an effective interventional procedure performed in liver cirrhosis complicated with portal hypertension to improve the low platelet count. This technique represents an efficient alternative to splenectomy, which has major drawbacks and is associated with a high morbidity. We report a series of patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension who presented with severe thrombocytopenia and were treated with partial splenic embolization eventually having a favourable outcome.
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Dina I, Iacobescu C, Goldis A. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a young patient with Budd Chiari syndrome due to a mutation of factor V Leiden: a case report. J Gastrointestin Liver Dis 2013; 22:213-215. [PMID: 23799222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Budd Chiari syndrome or hepatic venous outflow obstruction is a complex entity with multiple etiologies and various clinical manifestations. It is often difficult to establish the diagnosis. The most common cause is a hypercoagulable state due to either genetic disorders of blood coagulation or several acquired conditions such as hematological diseases, tumors, infections, chronic inflammatory diseases, pregnancy. The most common clinical presentation is hepatomegaly, abdominal pain and ascites, but the onset can also be dramatical and life threatening with upper digestive bleeding due to portal hypertension through postsinusoidal blockage. We report the case of a young patient with a coagulation disorder secondary to a mutation of factor V Leiden, who presented with upper digestive bleeding as the first manifestation of Budd Chiari syndrome and who also was associated with myocardial infarction in his past medical history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion Dina
- 2nd Medical-Gastroenterology Clinic, St. John Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.
| | | | - Adrian Goldis
- Gastroenterology Department, Victor Babes University of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Clinic, County Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
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Fierbinteanu-Braticevici C, Dina I, Petrisor A, Tribus L, Negreanu L, Carstoiu C. Noninvasive investigations for non alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis. World J Gastroenterol 2010; 16:4784-91. [PMID: 20939106 PMCID: PMC2955247 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i38.4784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) includes a spectrum of diseases that have insulin resistance in common and are associated with metabolic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. NAFLD ranges from simple liver steatosis, which follows a benign course, to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more severe entity, with necroinflammation and fibrosis, which can progress to cryptogenic cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for evaluating the degree of hepatic necroinflammation and fibrosis; however, several noninvasive investigations, such as serum biomarkers, have been developed to establish the diagnosis and also to evaluate treatment response. These markers are currently neither available in all centers nor validated in extensive studies. Examples include high-sensitivity C reactive protein and plasma pentraxin 3, which are associated with extensive liver fibrosis in NASH. Interleukin-6 correlates with inflammation, and cytokeratin-18 represents a marker of hepatocyte apoptosis (prominent in NASH and absent in simple steatosis). Tissue polypeptide specific antigen seems to have a clinical utility in the follow-up of obese patients with NASH.
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Vrabie CD, Petrescu A, Waller M, Cojocaru M, Ciocâlteu A, Dina I. Inflammatory, degenerative and vascular lesions in long-term dialysed patients. Rom J Intern Med 2009; 47:149-159. [PMID: 20067165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED No other medical field but nephrology showed so important achievements as a result of concerted efforts of doctors, biologists and technicians. Considering that in renal insufficiency, regardless of its aetiology, the common path is represented by the transitory or definite damage of the "renal filter", many attempts have been made in order to reproduce the process of blood cleaning by the kidney. AIM The high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in hemodialysed population suggested that the disease could begin before or during the stage of chronic renal insufficiency. We investigated the vascular lesions, especially the immunologic features of patients involved in hemodialysis programs. Our study reflects a general picture of the immunologic status of hemodialysed patients, helping to understand the special profile ofa hemodialysed patient. MATERIAL AND METHODS Two groups have been selected and analyzed: one of 15 patients from the Hemodialysis Department in "Sfântul Ioan" Hospital, and another one composed of 30 patients with other diseases (the control group), from the Medical Department. The detection of specific antibodies against some HCV proteins corresponding to the most conserved regions of the viral genome has been done using the immune test LiaTEK HCV III. In the hemodialysed group, a blood sample has been drawn before and after the hemodialysis session, at 15-20 minutes, while in the other group the blood sample has been drawn together with the other tests. A flow cytometry examination was made at the Center of Immunology, in order to determine simultaneously several physical and chemical parameters. We analyzed the two groups of patients (HD/n=15; the reference group/n=30) regarding immunophenotyping, all types of lymphocytes and interleukin 2 (IL-2). RESULTS The results have classified the HD patients into three subgroups, depending on the mean of the results from flow cytometry exam, referred to normal values. The assessment of the patients with or without HD to each group was made on the basis of the similar behavior of the markers investigated. The most affected age group in patients with HD was 31-40 years, followed by the age group 41-50 years (26%). The majority patients of the control group were of the same age 31-40 years old (40%), while 33% of them were between 41 and 50 years old. One subgroup (A) of HD patients showed the improvement of the total number of T lymphocytes (CD3+/CD19-) after the session, while the total number of B lymphocytes was stable. The number ofT lymphocytes with receptors for interleukin 2 (CD25) improved after hemodialysis. The second group (B) presented from the beginning a low number of total T lymphocytes (CD3+/CD19-). We found that the value of B lymphocytes (CD19+/CD3-) decreased after hemodialysis. Activated T lymphocytes (CD25), with receptors for interleukin 2, achieved greater values (3.66%), which cannot be found in the other groups. The third group (C) showed normal values for total T lymphocytes (CD3+/CD19-) before HD, which did not modify significantly after the session. The patients had the same decreased values for B lymphocytes, which have continued to decrease after the HD (7.98%). CONCLUSIONS Post dialytic immunologic changes of the mononuclear cells represent the hallmark of the complexity of the immune response generally and especially too, in hemodialysed patients. We have noticed patients that presented an increase of the total number of T lymphocytes after the dialysis, but only T and NK lymphocytes and not B lymphocytes as well, suggesting the susceptibility to infections. The evaluation of the immune response using flow cytometry has confirmed the presence of high variations of the immune profile in hemodialysed patients, the decrease of T-cells activation but, it does not support the data regarding intrinsic functions of T and B cells. The high diversity of the immune response in hemodialysed patients is a consequence of the genetic individuality of each patient and also of the associated pathology or equipment used (viral infection, membrane type).
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Affiliation(s)
- Camelia Doina Vrabie
- Victor Babeş National Institute for Pathology and Biomedical Sciences, Bucharest.
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Vrabie CD, Ceauşu M, Petrescu A, Waller M, Dina I. The usefulness of immunohistochemistry in sporadic colorectal cancer. Rom J Morphol Embryol 2008; 49:525-535. [PMID: 19050802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is an important disease with a large morbidity and mortality and also with increasing health care costs because of widespread of the multi-modal therapy and of the new drugs that continue to appear. There are 678.000 colorectal cancer cases and 400.000 deaths from the disease worldwide. It is the second commonest cause of cancer death in the European Union but, unlike the commonest cause of cancer related death that is lung cancer, the basis of the disease initiation is currently not understood. At the same time, the incidence increases with age, the carcinomas being rare before the age of 40 years, excepting individuals with genetic predisposition or predisposing conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases. The early detection of colorectal cancer is potential associated with an important decrease of the cancer related mortality. AIM Our study proposes to find out the significance of some immunohistochemical markers (VEGF, p53, CK20 and CEA) in sporadic colorectal carcinoma cases and to establish the statistical correlations between molecular markers and tumor grade and stage. MATERIAL AND METHODS We investigated histopathological 40 inpatients (19 female and 21 males) who undergone surgery for colorectal carcinomas in "Sf. Ioan" Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, between September 2005-September 2006. We proceeded the histopathological examination to establish the grade, stage and the main features of the tumors, and then we analyzed using ABC method for immunohistochemistry the following markers for 20 selected cases: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), carcinoembrionic antigen (CEA), cytokeratin 20 (CK20), and p53 oncoprotein. Finally, we analyzed statistical the results using t-Student test. RESULTS The distribution of colorectal cancer cases (n = 40) regarding the age has showed the preponderance of patients older than 70 years (22/55%) and a small percentage of younger adults (2/5%). The repartition of colorectal tumors of sex ratio outlines a small difference between males (21/52.5%), and females (19/47.5%). The histopathological analysis of tumor grade in the 40 cases has revealed a high percent of moderate grade tumors (23/57.5%), in comparison with the poor differentiated tumors (11/27.5%) and the well-differentiated cancers (6/15%). The neovascularity within the stroma, the main features of tumor growth, has been noticed in 15 cases (3.75%), and also an important inflammatory lymphocyte infiltrate in nine cases (22.5%). We have noticed positive correlation between VEGF1 and CK20 (r = 0.4, p = 0.05), and between VEGF1 and CEA (r = 0.88, p = 0.001). In addition, our results demonstrate a positive correlation between tumor grade and CEA (r = 0.43, p = 0.009), and no relation among the other markers. CONCLUSIONS Our present study shows that CK20 and CEA are positive immunostaining markers no matter the stage (100%). The oncoprotein p53 has been negative in T1 and T2 stages, but in advanced stages has been positive in a half of cases (50%). Regarding the location, p53 and VEGF showed positively results whatever the topography. We have noticed a direct proportional relation in VEGF expression and CEA, and CEA and tumor grade (r = 0.88, p<0.001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Camelia Doina Vrabie
- "Victor Babeş" National Institute for Research and Development in Pathology and Biomedical Sciences, Bucharest, Romania.
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Vrabie CD, Petrescu A, Waller M, Dina I. Clinical factors and biomarkers in ovarian tumors development. Rom J Morphol Embryol 2008; 49:327-338. [PMID: 18758637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a disease difficult to detect in early stages due to nonspecific symptoms and has a rapid progression with frequent relapses after radical surgical procedure. For these reasons, ovarian cancer generally represents the fourth cause of death through cancer in females, while in our country it is surpassed only by cervix cancer. The reduced survival is associated with the absence of symptoms, especially in early stages. Therefore, the diagnosis is delayed, when the metastases are already present and the prognosis is poor. While the etiology of the ovarian cancer is less understood, the histopathological studies and experiments regarding ovarian cancer development suggest that the majority of the tumors refined to the surface epithelium, a cuboidal layer that lays the ovary. It is still unclear if the molecular changes in this layer generate a neoplastic precursor that can be used for establishing an early diagnosis. None of the changes of the involved genes (p53, k-Ras, Her-2/neu, c-Myc, etc.) does seem to follow certain steps. We analyzed histological and immunohistochemical a group of 60 female patients admitted during January 2004 and January 2005 in Surgery Clinic of "Sfantul Ioan" Emergency Hospital, Bucharest. Our study reveals that a high percent (68.33%) of females had a correct diagnosis at admission, only five patients (8.33%) being diagnosed with other diseases. In 86.66% of cases, total hysterectomy with bilateral anexectomy has been made, in two cases (3.33%) tumor resection was the only needed therapy and in 19 cases (31.66%) peritoneal implants were found. More than 75% were serous tumors, 20% mucinous carcinoma and 5% borderline ovarian tumors. We found three cases of borderline tumors (5%) that histopathological proved to be serous tumors. The analysis of hormone receptors showed estrogen receptors in 32 cases (71.1%) of serous ovarian adenocarcinoma, in seven cases (58.33%) of mucinous adenocarcinoma, all three cases (100%) of borderline tumors and in four cases (21.05%) of the 19 with peritoneal implants. Progesterone receptors were found in 27 cases (60%) of serous carcinoma, five cases (41.66%) of mucinous carcinoma, one case (33.33%) of borderline tumors and five cases (26.31%) with peritoneal metastases. Immunohistochemical study of CerbB-2 showed positively only in 37 cases (82.22%) of serous carcinomas, five cases (41.66%) of mucinous carcinomas, one case (33.33%) of borderline tumor and eight cases (42.10%) with peritoneal metastases. All tumor types presented positives for CA125 (91.1% in serous tumors, 83.33% in mucinous tumors, 33.33% in borderline tumors and 73.68% in tumors with peritoneal implants. The investigated proliferative factors p53 and Ki-67 demonstrated correlation with tumor aggressiveness. Lack of positivity in borderline tumors and strong positivity in serous and mucinous carcinomas shows correlations with literature. This study outlines that an immunohistochemical analysis of certain antibodies cannot offer useful data regarding the prognosis or the screening for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camelia Doina Vrabie
- Victor Babeş National Institute for Research and Development in Pathology and Biomedical Sciences, Bucharest, Romania.
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Dina I, Copaescu C, Herlea V, Wrba F, Iacobescu C. Liver involvement in Langerhans' cell histiocytosis. Case report. J Gastrointestin Liver Dis 2006; 15:57-9. [PMID: 16680234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Langerhans'cell histiocytosis (Histiocytosis X) is a rare disease of unknown cause characterized by oligoclonal proliferation of Langerhans cells. It occurs mostly in children and young adults and involves one or more body systems such as bone, hypothalamus, posterior pituitary gland, lymph nodes, liver or various soft tissues. The diagnosis is always made by a histological approach. We report a case of Langerhans'cell histiocytosis in a young patient with clinical signs of diabetes insipidus and hepatic involvement in whom the immunohistochemical analysis of the liver tissue led to the definitive diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion Dina
- Medical Clinic, Sf. Ioan Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.
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Vasilescu V, Herman S, Chirieri-Kovács E, Dimoftache C, Aricescu I, Dina I. [Electrical response latency of the retina in the frog under different experimental conditions]. Physiologie 1984; 21:237-41. [PMID: 6438666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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