Effect of eprosartan and losartan on uric acid metabolism in patients with essential hypertension

OBJECTIVE

The influence of angiotensin II AT-1 receptor antagonists on uric acid metabolism, and the potential differences among them with regard to this effect, remains to be precisely established. This study was designed to compare the effects of losartan and eprosartan on uric acid metabolism in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension.

DESIGN

Randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study in hypertensive patients.

SETTING

Outpatient clinic.

PATIENTS

Following a 2- to 3-week single-blind placebo run-in period, 60 patients with sitting diastolic blood pressure > or = 95 and < or = 114 mmHg were randomized. Fifty-eight patients completed the study.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomized to receive losartan 50 mg or eprosartan 600 mg once daily for 4 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary endpoint was the change in the ratio of urinary uric acid/creatinine in the period 0-4 h of a 24 h urine collection after 4 weeks of treatment. Secondary endpoints included 24 h urinary uric acid excretion, as well as serum urate and anti-hypertensive efficacy.

RESULTS

Mean urinary uric acid/creatinine changes from baseline were 0.14 (day 1) and 0.11 (week 4) for losartan and -0.04 for eprosartan (at both day 1 and week 4; P < 0.01 between groups at both time-points). The mean increase in 24 h urinary uric acid excretion with losartan was 0.7 mmol/24 h (25% increase from baseline) at both day 1 and week 4. No significant difference was observed in the change of serum urate levels versus baseline between both treatment groups after 4 weeks (- 23.4 and - 19.5 micromol/l for losartan and eprosartan, respectively). Patients with hyperuricaemia in both treatment groups showed similar modifications of uric acid metabolism compared with non-hyperuricaemic subjects. Blood pressure control (sitting diastolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg or < 100 mmHg with a decrease of at least 10 mmHg from baseline) was achieved in 22 patients (73%) with eprosartan and in 16 (53%) with losartan.

CONCLUSIONS

Losartan increased uric acid excretion in hypertensive patients, whilst eprosartan did not Neither AT-1 receptor antagonist substantially modified serum urate concentrations.

Time-to-positivity in patients with Escherichia coli bacteraemia

The time from the start of incubation to a positive reading of blood cultures (time-to-positivity; TTP) is related to the concentration of bacteria in blood. Information concerning the correlation of TTP with clinical parameters, and its usefulness as a prognostic factor in patients with Escherichia coli bacteraemia, is limited. To investigate the relationship of TTP to clinical parameters, 459 cases of monomicrobial E. coli bloodstream infections from a single institution between 1997 and 2005 were reviewed. All cases involved patients who were not undergoing antibiotic treatment at the time of blood sampling. The in-hospital mortality rate was 6.3%. Median TTP was significantly shorter for patients who died than for those who survived (9.7 h, inter-quartile range 7.85-11.05 h vs. 11.2 h, inter-quartile range 10.1-11.4 h; p <0.001). Patients with TTP in the lowest quartile were more likely to be female, to have a non-urinary tract or an unknown origin of bacteraemia, to have severe sepsis or shock, and to subsequently die. In a multivariable Cox regression model, the hazard ratio for death from any cause for patients with a short TTP was 3.13 (95% CI 1.28-7.64; p 0.01). TTP in patients with E. coli bacteraemia provides prognostic information beyond that provided by the presence of haematological illness, a Charlson score > or =3, a non-urinary tract origin of bacteraemia, and the presence of severe sepsis or shock.

Spontaneous carotid and vertebral artery dissection in children

Carotid and vertebral artery dissection is a rarely reported cause of stroke in childhood and adolescence, especially if there is not a direct trauma to the neck. Four patients, under 15 years of age, presented with an internal carotid artery dissection, and one patient presented with a vertebral artery dissection. They were all making a physical effort when the event occurred. The five patients had ischemic symptoms, and in two the events were preceded by transient ischemic attacks. Headache was associated in four patients. The diagnosis was made by magnetic resonance imaging and angiography, which included transfemoral angiography in two patients. All improved before leaving the hospital, and four patients did not suffer recurrent episodes. The diagnostic accuracy of artery dissection has improved because of noninvasive neuroimaging testing, but it should still be suspected in any pediatric ischemic stroke, especially if there is headache or cervical pain associated.

Mitochondrial diseases in children: neuroradiological and clinical features in 17 patients

Mitochondrial diseases result from structural, biochemical or genetic defects of mitochondria, which contain the respiratory chain. They usually affect children and young adults. We report the CT and MRI findings in 17 patients under 14 years of age, the youngest reported to date, with various mitochondrial diseases. Although imaging studies may be normal negative in the early stages, follow-up usually shows many abnormalities, which depend on clinical status and the disease. We have recognised a spectrum of findings that can be divided into four patterns: nonspecific myelin lesions (8/17); grey-matter nuclei involvement (6/17); a leukodystrophic pattern; and calcification of the brain (1/17), although mixed forms, particularly myelin and grey-matter lesions are frequent.

[Evaluation of 2 tuberculosis chemoprophylaxis regimens in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus. The GECMEI Group]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the compliance, tolerance and efficacy of a short chemoprophylaxis regimen (IR) for tuberculosis using isoniazid (INH) plus rifampin (RIF) during 3 months versus a standard regimen (I) of isoniazid during 12 months in HIV positive patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective, comparative, randomized and open clinical trial in four general hospitals and one prison hospital of Castilla-La Mancha. Prophylaxis was administered to PPD-positive patients and to anergic patients according to the CDC recommendations (1991). Patients were randomized in two treatment groups: regimen IR, isoniazid 300 mg daily and rifampin 600 mg daily; regimen I, isoniazid 300 mg during 12 months.

RESULTS

133 patients were included, 64 to regimen I and 69 to regimen IR. Regimen IR had a better tolerance with a 28% of adverse effects versus 55% in regimen I. Hepatotoxicity was more frequent in regimen I with a RR = 2.2 (CI 95% 1.23-4.01). Severe hepatotoxicity leading to treatment withdrawal was related to drug administration time and was more frequent in the 12 months regimen group. Short regimen showed a better compliance, without significant differences. Tuberculosis incidence rate was a 4.23 cases/100 persons--year for regimen I and 2.08 in regimen IR, with a relative risk for developing tuberculosis with regimen IR group of 0.51 (CI 95% 0.09-2.8) versus regimen I group, without statistical significance. Prison stay was associated to a significant risk for tuberculosis, regardless of both regimens (RR = 9.2 CI 95%, 1.06-80.2).

CONCLUSIONS

In HIV-infected patients with PPD(+) or anergic, regimen with IR is at least as effective as regimen I for preventing the development of tuberculous disease, and has less adverse effects.

Meningioangiomatosis: advanced imaging and pathological study of two cases

Meningioangiomatosis (MA) is a rare benign intracranial tumour of uncertain pathogenesis, with only 33 cases reported in the literature. Imaging features have been described in 21 cases, only 3 with contrast-enhanced MRI. We present two cases of MA with MRI and/or CT findings and gross, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical characteristics. MRI is particularly helpful for establishing the origin of the lesion and its anatomical location, while CT shows calcification, if present. The pathological characteristics establish the diagnosis and underline the differences from other entities such as malignant meningioma, one of the most important differential diagnostic considerations.

Bone mass and vitamin D levels in women with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia

No differences in either bone mineral density or serum 25OHD levels have been found between 205 women with fibromyalgia (both pre- and postmenopausal) and their controls. However, a lack of the expected 25OHD summer rise was observed in patients.

INTRODUCTION

Contradictory data have been published regarding a possible association between fibromyalgia and osteoporosis or hypovitaminosis D. Most studies, however, have been performed in small size samples and have excluded postmenopausal women. We decided to study this association in a larger sample of fibromyalgia patients including both pre- and postmenopausal women.

METHODS

Two hundred five patients were recruited from a clinic specializing in fibromyalgia and 205 healthy controls were enrolled from the census of a Primary Care Center. Controls were matched with patients by age and the time of the year they were included in the study. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by DXA. Serum 25OHD, iPTH, P1NP, and CTX were also determined.

RESULTS

BMD was similar in both groups (lumbar spine, 0.971 ± 0.146 g/cm(2) in patients and 0.970 ± 0.132 g/cm(2) in controls; femoral neck, 0.780 ± 0.122 g/cm(2) and 0.785 ± 0.117 g/cm(2), respectively). 25OHD levels were also similar: 23.0 ± 9.5 ng/ml and 24.1 ± 9.6 ng/ml. However, while controls showed the usual summer rise in 25OHD, fibromyalgia patients did not. PTH did not show seasonal changes, but on average was higher in patients (51 pg/ml vs. 48 pg/ml; p = 0.034). P1NP or CTX were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

No differences in BMD were found between patients and controls. As for 25OHD, a lack of its expected summer rise was observed. It is doubtful whether this has any homeostatic consequence. We consider that the association reported in other studies is merely circumstantial, and not due to the intrinsic characteristics of these disorders.

Corynebacterium striatum first reported case of prosthetic valve endocarditis

We describe the case of a prosthetic valve endocarditis in a 72-year-old woman. Corynebacterium striatum was isolated in the blood samples. This organism has been described in a few cases of native valve endocarditis, but this is the first case reported of prosthetic valve endocarditis.

Hydrochlorothiazide versus spironolactone: long-term metabolic modifications in patients with essential hypertension

The metabolic side effects of thiazide diuretics are believed to be responsible for the failure of thiazide diuretics to reduce cardiovascular morbidity in patients with hypertension. However, the decrease in the incidence of osteoporotic fractures that are associated with thiazide administration may be relevant in elderly patients with arterial hypertension. Spironolactone (SP) appears not to influence the metabolic risk profile of the patient with hypertension, and no studies have examined its effect on calcium metabolism. Therefore, in 22 patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension, the authors performed a parallel, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that compared the effects on serum urate and lipid, potassium, magnesium, and calcium metabolism of hydrochlorothiazide (HC) (mean [+/- SD] dose, 72 +/- 26 mg/d) and SP (144 +/- 53 mg/d) during a 52-week period. As compared with placebo, HC significantly increased serum urate and total cholesterol concentrations, and decreased serum potassium levels. SP did not affect serum urate or cholesterol levels but increased serum potassium concentrations. Neither diuretic significantly modified magnesium metabolism. Little changes were seen in serum calcium levels during HC or SP treatment, whereas urinary calcium excretion was significantly decreased by HC (mean decrease, 45%; P less than .01) or SP (40%; P less than .01). The authors conclude that SP, in addition to its potassium-sparing properties, has a calcium-sparing effect that may be beneficial for patients in whom reduction of urinary calcium excretion has a therapeutic value.

Extradural hemorrhage in the posterior fossa in neonates

The case of a neonate with an extradural hemorrhage in the left posterior fossa, the result of trauma at birth, is reported. The routine axial transverse CT scan did not detect the exact preoperative location of the clots in the extradural space of the posterior fossa. Good recovery was achieved following the operation.

Fetal subdural hematoma: diagnosis in utero. Case report

A subdural hematoma was diagnosed antepartum in an infant by means of sonography. An elective caesarean section was performed because cephalopelvic disproportion, and later the hematoma was drained with a poor evolution due to basal ganglia and intraventricular hemorrhage. No etiological factor of bleeding was found. This is the third published case of fetal subdural hematoma diagnosed antepartum.

Elevated non-transferrin bound iron in the lungs of patients with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present work was to determine the concentrations of iron and iron-binding proteins in the lungs of patients suffering from Pneumocystis carinii (PCP), which is crucial for justifying the treatment with iron-chelating agents in this disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed in 10 HIV patients with PCP and five healthy controls. Total iron and iron-binding proteins (transferrin, ferritin and lactoferrin) were measured in acellular bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in both groups. Iron was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry; transferrin and lactoferrin were measured using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA); and ferritin concentration was quantified by automated immunonephelometry.

RESULTS

Our findings in patients with PCP demonstrated a six- to seven-fold increase of total iron levels and an eight-fold increase of ferritin in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid when compared with controls. No significant differences were found in transferrin or lactoferrin levels. Moreover, our results suggest that this iron is non-transferrin bound.

CONCLUSION

Non-transferrin bound iron is increased in the lower respiratory tracts of PCP patients. This finding would lend experiment support to the use of iron-chelating agents in this disease.

Carpal tunnel syndrome and vitamin B6

Twelve patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were studied. Clinical and electrophysiological data were obtained and an estimation of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) status by an assay of erythrocyte aspartate aminotransferase and coenzyme stimulation assay were done. None of the patients was found to have vitamin B6 deficiency. Patients were treated with 150 mg of pyridoxine daily for 3 months. Erythrocyte aspartate aminotransferase increased significantly (p less than 0.001) in all the patients. In 6 patients there were clinical and electrophysiological improvement and erythrocyte aspartate aminotransferase increased more than in the other 6 patients. The data obtained appear to indicate that although vitamin B6 deficiency is not common in carpal tunnel syndrome patients, pyridoxine supplementation can be recommended as adjuvant treatment in those patients undergoing surgery.

Miller Fisher syndrome in infancy

Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is characterized by the triad of ataxia, areflexia and ophthalmoplegia. It is exceptional for infants to be involved. Two infants, aged 11 and 16 months, developed acute-onset MFS. Both patients had prodromal upper respiratory tract infection. Pupillary responses to light, strength and sensation modalities were preserved. One patient was lethargic for a day; the electroencephalogram disclosed slightly slow background activity that later became normal. The other received high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins for 5 consecutive days starting at once on admission; within the next 7 days he became asymptomatic. Increased cerebrospinal fluid protein content and delayed nerve conduction studies with prolonged distal latencies were encountered in both patients.

Anatomical and morphological study of the subcoracoacromial canal

INTRODUCTION

Many clinical anatomy studies have looked into how variations in the acromion, coracoacromial ligament (CAL) and subacromial space are associated with rotator cuff injuries. However, no study up to now had defined anatomically the fibro-osseous canal that confines the supraspinatus muscle in the subcoracoacromial space. Through an anatomical study of the scapula, we defined the bone-related parameters of this canal and its anatomical variations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study on dry bones involved 71 scapulas. With standardised photographs in two orthogonal views (superior and lateral), the surface area of the subcoracoacromial canal and the anatomical parameters making up this canal were defined and measured using image analysis software. The primary analysis evaluated the anatomical parameters of the canal as a function of three canal surface area groups; the secondary analysis looked into how variations in the canal surface area were related to the type of acromion according to the Bigliani classification.

RESULTS

Relative to glenoid width, the group with a large canal surface area (L) had significantly less lateral overhang of the acromion than the group with a small canal surface area (S), with ratios of 0.41±0.23 and 0.58±0.3, respectively (P=0.04). The mean length of the CAL was 46±8mm in the L group and 39±9mm in the S group (P=0.003). The coracoacromial arch angle was 38°±11° in the L group and 34°±9° in the S group; the canal surface area was smaller in specimens with a smaller coracoacromial arch angle (P=0.20).

CONCLUSION

Apart from acromial morphology, there could be innate anatomical features of the scapula that predispose people to extrinsic lesions to the supraspinatus tendon (lateral overhang, coracoacromial arch angle) by reducing the subcoracoacromial canal's surface area.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Anatomical descriptive study.

Acalculous cholecystitis in a patient with Plasmodium falciparum infection after a trip to the Dominican Republic

Acalculous cholecystitis has been associated with several infectious agents, but its relation with Plasmodium falciparum infection has not been clearly defined. This is the first case of acalculous cholecystitis produced by Plasmodium falciparum infection that is directly documented and should be included among the differential diagnoses of acalculous cholecystitis.

Contribution of transvaginal sonography to the evaluation of benign cervical conditions

PURPOSE

We evaluated the role of transvaginal sonography in imaging the normal cervix and its benign changes.

METHODS

This prospective study included 512 postmenopausal women who underwent transvaginal sonography before hysterectomy and within 15 days of a colposcopy examination that showed no malignant findings. The sonographic findings were compared to the pathology report.

RESULTS

Naboth's cysts were the most common sonographic finding (102 cases), followed by cervicitis (43 cases). In 26 cases, endocervical polyps were found sonographically, and in 20 cases myomas were found. In 321 cases, the cervix showed no sonographic abnormality. Pathologic studies showed 104 Naboth's cysts, 25 cases of nonspecific cervicitis, 26 endocervical polyps, 21 myomas, and 336 normal cervices.

CONCLUSIONS

The sensitivity and specificity of transvaginal sonography in diagnosing normal cervices and benign changes of the cervix are high. Transvaginal sonography provides easily obtainable, reliable information about the cervix.

Changes in acid-base balance and calcium metabolism after urinary diversion through ileal segments. II. Treatment with nicotinic acid

Investigations in animals have shown that nicotinic acid, an intestinal cyclic-AMP inhibitor, partially corrects the metabolic changes associated with urinary diversion through intestinal segments. Blood and serum chemistry were studied in patients before and 3 to 5 months after undergoing urinary diversion through ileal segments, both with and without nicotinic acid treatment. It was found that diverted patients had metabolic acidosis, an increased anion gap and increased levels of serum alkaline phosphatase; there were no significant changes in serum PTH and vitamin D levels, calcaemia and phosphoraemia. There was a tendency towards dehydration, hypernatraemia, hyperchloraemia and secondary hyperaldosteronism produced by ileal secretion of a hypotonic fluid. Nicotinic acid 3 g/day significantly reduced the chloraemia but did not correct the metabolic acidosis, although it reduced its severity, since blood pH decreased when treatment was suspended. Nicotinic acid cannot be recommended for routine use in the management of metabolic acidosis after urinary diversion, and patients with a marginal renal reserve should not be considered for trans-intestinal urinary diversion.

Urinary solute transport by ileal segments. I. Effects of nicotinic acid

This study was conducted to quantify urinary solute transport by the ileum, using an in vivo human model, and to determine the effect of nicotinic acid on this process. Patients were studied under both basal conditions and niacin therapy. The rates of solute transport were established by analysis of excretion indexes for each solute. Potassium and ammonium were absorbed by the ileum, while phosphorus, sodium and bicarbonate were secreted. The percentage excretion index of sodium and bicarbonate increased by approximately 100 and 600% respectively, causing a significant rise in urinary pH. Although not statistically significant, there was a tendency for chloride to be absorbed and for water to pass into the bowel lumen. Nicotinic acid 3 g/day had no significant effect on urinary solute transport.