Comprehensive comparison between 222 CTLA-4 haploinsufficiency and 212 LRBA deficiency patients: a systematic review

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) haploinsufficiency (CHAI) and lipopolysaccharide-responsive beige-like anchor (LRBA) deficiency (LATAIE) are newly identified inborn errors of immunity with shared molecular pathomechanisms and clinical manifestations. In this review, we aimed to provide differential comparisons regarding demographic, clinical, immunological and molecular characteristics between these two similar conditions. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases and included studies were systematically evaluated. Overall, 434 (222 CHAI and 212 LATAIE) patients were found in 101 eligible studies. The CHAI patients were mainly reported from North America and western Europe, while LATAIE patients were predominantly from Asian countries. In CHAI, positive familial history (P < 0·001) and in LATAIE, consanguineous parents (P < 0·001) were more common. In CHAI patients the rates of granulomas (P < 0·001), malignancies (P = 0·001), atopy (P = 0·001), cutaneous disorders (P < 0·001) and neurological (P = 0·002) disorders were higher, while LATAIE patients were more commonly complicated with life-threatening infections (P = 0·002), pneumonia (P = 0·006), ear, nose and throat disorders (P < 0·001), organomegaly (P = 0·023), autoimmune enteropathy (P = 0·038) and growth failure (P < 0·001). Normal lymphocyte subsets and immunoglobulins except low serum levels of CD9⁺ B cells (14·0 versus 38·4%, P < 0·001), natural killer (NK) cells (21 versus 41·1%, P < 0·001), immunoglobulin (Ig)G (46·9 versus 41·1%, P = 0·291) and IgA (54·5 versus 44·7%, P = 0·076) were found in the majority of CHAI and LATAIE patients, respectively. The most frequent biological immunosuppressive agents prescribed for CHAI and LATAIE patients were rituximab and abatacept, respectively. Further investigations into the best conditioning and treatment regimens pre- and post-transplantation are required to improve the survival rate of transplanted CHAI and LATAIE patients.

Expanding the mutation spectrum in ICF syndrome: Evidence for a gender bias in ICF2

BACKGROUND

Immunodeficiency, centromeric instability, and facial anomalies (ICF) syndrome is a rare, genetically heterogeneous, autosomal recessive disorder. Patients suffer from recurrent infections caused by reduced levels or absence of serum immunoglobulins. Genetically, 4 subtypes of ICF syndrome have been identified to date: ICF1 (DNMT3B mutations), ICF2 (ZBTB24 mutations), ICF3 (CDCA7 mutations), and ICF4 (HELLS mutations).

AIM

To study the mutation spectrum in ICF syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Genetic studies were performed in peripheral blood lymphocyte DNA from suspected ICF patients and family members.

RESULTS

We describe 7 ICF1 patients and 6 novel missense mutations in DNMT3B, affecting highly conserved residues in the catalytic domain. We also describe 5 new ICF2 patients, one of them carrying a homozygous deletion of the complete ZBTB24 locus. In a meta-analysis of all published ICF cases, we observed a gender bias in ICF2 with 79% male patients.

DISCUSSION

The biallelic deletion of ZBTB24 provides strong support for the hypothesis that most ICF2 patients suffer from a ZBTB24 loss of function mechanism and confirms that complete absence of ZBTB24 is compatible with human life. This is in contrast to the observed early embryonic lethality in mice lacking functional Zbtb24. The observed gender bias seems to be restricted to ICF2 as it is not observed in the ICF1 cohort.

CONCLUSION

Our study expands the mutation spectrum in ICF syndrome and supports that DNMT3B and ZBTB24 are the most common disease genes.

Assessment of Palliative Care in Lung Cancer in Turkey

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the symptoms of lung cancer in Turkey and to evaluate approaches to alleviate these symptoms.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This study included 1,245 lung cancer patients from 26 centers in Turkey. Demographic characteristics as well as information regarding the disease and treatments were obtained from medical records and patient interviews. Symptoms were evaluated using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and were graded on a scale between 0 and 10 points. Data were compared using the χ2, Student t, and Mann-Whitney U tests. Potential predictors of symptoms were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The most common symptom was tiredness (n = 1,002; 82.1%), followed by dyspnea (n = 845; 69.3%), appetite loss (n = 801; 65.7%), pain (n = 798; 65.4%), drowsiness (n = 742; 60.8%), anxiety (n = 704; 57.7%), depression (n = 623; 51.1%), and nausea (n = 557; 45.5%). Of the 1,245 patients, 590 (48.4%) had difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep. The symptoms were more severe in stages III and IV. Logistic regression analysis indicated a clear association between demographic characteristics and symptom distress, as well as between symptom distress (except nausea) and well-being. Overall, 804 (65.4%) patients used analgesics, 630 (51.5%) received treatment for dyspnea, 242 (19.8%) used enteral/parenteral nutrition, 132 (10.8%) used appetite stimulants, and 129 (10.6%) used anxiolytics/antidepressants. Of the 799 patients who received analgesics, 173 (21.7%) reported that their symptoms were under control, and also those on other various treatment modalities (dyspnea: 78/627 [12.4%], appetite stimulant: 25/132 [18.9%], and anxiolytics/antidepressants: 25/129 [19.4%]) reported that their symptoms were controlled.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the symptoms progressed and became more severe in the advanced stages of lung cancer, and palliative treatment was insufficient in most of the patients in Turkey.

Long-Term Effect of Sublingual and Subcutaneous Immunotherapy in Dust Mite-Allergic Children With Asthma/Rhinitis: A 3-Year Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Specific allergen immunotherapy is the only treatment modality that might change the natural course of allergic diseases in childhood. We sought to prospectively compare the long-term clinical and immunological effects of sublingual (SLIT) and subcutaneous (SCIT) immunotherapy compared with pharmacotherapy alone.

METHODS

In this single-center, prospective randomized controlled trial, 48 children with mild persistent asthma with/without rhinitis, monosensitized to house dust mites (HDMs) were followed for 3 years. At baseline and years 1 and 3 of follow-up, patients were evaluated and compared for total rhinitis (TRSS) and asthma (TASS) symptom scores, total symptom scores (TSS), total medication scores (TMS), safety profiles, skin-nasal-bronchial reactivity, and immunological parameters.

RESULTS

A significant reduction was observed in TASS for both HDM-SCIT and HDM-SLIT at year 3 of treatment compared with baseline and controls (P<.05 for both), with significant improvement in rhinitis symptoms for both groups compared with controls (P=.01 for both). TSS decreased significantly in both HDM-SCIT and HDM-SLIT at year 3 compared with baseline (P=.007 and P=.04, respectively) and controls (P<.01 for both). A significant reduction in TMS was observed in HDM-SCIT and HDM-SLIT compared with baseline and controls (P=.01 in all cases), with a reduction in skin reactivity to HDM (P<.05). Finally, a significant increase in allergen specific IgG4 was observed in the SCIT group at year 3 compared with baseline, the SLIT group, and controls (P<.001 in all cases).

CONCLUSIONS

HDM-sensitized asthmatic children treated for at least 3 years with either SCIT or SLIT showed sustained clinical improvement.

Vitamin D as an adjunct to subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy in asthmatic children sensitized to house dust mite

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate the efficacy, safety, and T regulatory cell response of vitamin D as an adjunct to allergen-specific immunotherapy (IT).

METHODS

Fifty children with asthma and receiving pharmacotherapy were randomized into three groups as: subcutaneous IT (SCIT) along with vitamin D supplementation (650 U/day; n: 17), SCIT alone (n: 15), and pharmacotherapy alone (n: 18). All patients were evaluated at baseline, 6th and 12th months for scorings of symptoms and medication, skin prick testing, total IgE, specific IgE, and Der p 1-specific IgG4. In addition, D. pteronyssinus-induced CD4(+) CD25(+) FOXP3(+) T regulatory cell percentage, intracellular Foxp3 expression, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell IL-10 and TGF-β responses were assessed.

RESULTS

In the SCIT + vitamin D and SCIT alone groups, total asthma symptom score (TASS), total symptom score (TSS), and total medication scores (TMS) were significantly lower than pharmacotherapy group at the end of 1 year. While the comparison of delta values (Δ 6th and Δ 12th month - baseline) of those scores revealed no significant differences between the two IT groups, TASS at the 6th month was lower in the SCIT + vitamin D group compared with others. There was a significant and positive trend in the levels of Der p 1-specific IgG4 in both IT groups throughout the study period. Whereas the levels of Der p 1-induced IL-10 and TGF-β were similar between IT groups, the mean fluorescence intensity of Foxp3 was highest in the SCIT + vitamin D group compared with others at the 12th month. The rate of discontinuation of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) was 6/17 in SCIT + vitamin D, 3/15 in SCIT, and 0/18 in the pharmacotherapy group (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Both SCIT groups fared better than pharmacotherapy alone at the end of 1 year. Although the clinical and immunologic outcomes were mostly similar between the two IT groups, some favorable outcomes of vitamin D warrant further investigation in more selected populations with varying doses as adjunct to IT.

Alteration in humoral immunity is common among family members of patients with common variable immunodeficiency

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of primary immunodeficiency (PID) in the relatives of patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and IgA deficiency is high. Allergic disorders have been recorded in patients with humoral immunodeficiency. We aimed to determine the frequency of humoral immunodeficiency and atopy in the relatives of patients with CVID.

METHODS

The study population comprised 20 CVID patients and their relatives. All relatives were screened using a questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, warning signs of PID (adults and children), and core questions on asthma, rhinitis, and eczema from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). We also recorded absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, serum immunoglobulin levels, pulmonary function values, and skin prick test results.

RESULTS

The study sample comprised 20 patients with CVID (15 males, 5 females; mean (SD] age, 16.4 (9] years) and 63 first-degree relatives (18 mothers, 16 fathers, 16 sisters, 10 brothers, and 3 offspring). The rate of parental consanguinity was 75%. Of 17 family members with positive PID warning signs, 6 had concomitant hypogammaglobulinemia (3 low IgM levels, 2 selective IgA deficiency, and 1 partial IgA deficiency). The ISAAC questionnaire revealed allergic rhinitis in 3 mothers, asthma in 2 fathers, and 1 sibling. Skin prick testing revealed sensitization to aeroallergens in 31.6% of cases in addition to 1 parent and 1 sibling.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost half of the 20 families with a CVID patient had at least 1 additional member with hypogammaglobulinemia, leading us to recommend routine screening for relatives of CVID patients.

Predictors of atopic dermatitis phenotypes and severity: roles of serum immunoglobulins and filaggrin gene mutation R501X

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD), the most common chronic relapsing skin condition of infancy and childhood, is a complex multifactorial disease, which arises from the interaction between strong genetic and environmental factors.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the roles of several factors on the severity of AD including FLG R501X gene mutation, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels, atopy and accompanying allergic disorders.

METHOD

Children were genotyped for the mutation in FLG R501X gene. Serum levels of major Ig isotypes, atopy and accompanying allergic disorders were assessed.

RESULTS

Study group consisted of 49 patients (M: 26, F: 23) with a mean age of 4.9±3.6 years and control group consisted of 50 children (M: 30, F: 20) with a mean age of 3.8±2.8 years. Genotyping of R501X mutation revealed risk alleles in none of the children in study group or control group. IgG z-scores were significantly higher in patients with AD compared to controls (-0.97±1.13 vs 1.48±1.02, p=0.026). There was a positive trend in IgG z-scores and a negative trend in IgA z-scores across the severity of AD. History of recurrent infections was significantly associated with asthma and/or AR (47.8% in patients with asthma/AR vs 3.8% in those without). Children with low IgG or IgA levels presented at an earlier age with lower rates of atopy and mild type AD.

CONCLUSION

In a sample of Turkish children, FLG R501X genotyping revealed no risk alleles in variable severities of AD or healthy controls. Our data suggest that IgG and IgA levels might have a role in phenotypic features of AD in terms of severity and atopic sensitisation.

Efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin treatment in children with common variable immunodeficiency

BACKGROUND

Children with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) have increased susceptibility to infections.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the role of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) replacement therapy on the clinical outcome of patients with CVID.

METHODS

We studied children diagnosed with CVID and treated with IVIG (500 mg/kg every 3 weeks).

RESULTS

The study population comprised 29 children with CVID (mean [SD] age, 11.8 [6.1] years) with at least 1 year of follow-up before IVIG replacement therapy. Mean follow-up duration was 5.6 (3.5) years (range, 15 months-14 years). During therapy, median serum IgG levels increased from 410 to 900 mg/dL. The mean number of respiratory infections per patient per year decreased significantly from 10.2 to 2.5. The annual number and length of hospital stays decreased significantly from 1.36 to 0.21 and 16.35 to 6.33 days per patient, respectively. The mean annual number of antibiotics used decreased significantly from 8.27 to 2.50 per patient. Twelve patients had developed bronchiectasis before initiation of IVIG; 3 patients were cured of this condition. Age at diagnosis, diagnostic delay, number of respiratory tract infections, and number of antibiotics were found to be significantly higher in patients with bronchiectasis, as was lower B-cell percentage. However, gastrointestinal involvement due to noninfectious causes did not improve significantly after IVIG replacement therapy.

CONCLUSION

CVID patients treated with IVIG (500 mg/kg every 3 weeks) had satisfactory serum IgG levels, fewer respiratory tract infections, fewer and shorter hospital stays, and reduced antibiotic usage. However, no effect on gastrointestinal involvement was observed. Early IVIG replacement therapy is important in preventing bronchiectasis.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism has no effect on the risk of atherosclerotic stroke or hypertension

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Stroke is a heterogeneous multifactorial disease. Hence, a large number of candidate genes are involved in stroke pathophysiology, such as blood pressure regulation and atherosclerosis. Although angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion (ACE I/D) polymorphism is considered to have a role in hypertension, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction, its relationship with cerebrovascular disease and hypertension in stroke in different ethnic populations is still inconsistent.

METHODS

ACE I/D polymorphism, detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), was studied in 97 patients with large-vessel and 60 patients with small-vessel atherosclerotic stroke (44 asymptomatic, 16 symptomatic lacunes) and 85 healthy subjects with normal brain imaging. The demographic data, lipid profile and risk factors of patients and controls were obtained retrospectively.

RESULTS

ACE genotypes were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in both patients and controls. Prevalences of DD, ID and II genotype were 41%, 40%, and 19%, respectively, in the stroke group. Differences in ACE I/D polymorphism distribution were statistically insignificant between the groups. This lack of association between stroke and ACE I/D polymorphism did not change in the presence of traditional risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and dyslipidemia). Although hypertension was significantly more common in the patient groups, ACE I/D polymorphism showed no effect on hypertension risk. This lack of association also did not change according to groups or in the presence of diabetes mellitus, male gender or smoking.

CONCLUSION

ACE I/D polymorphism did not predict the risk of stroke or hypertension in our population living in the western Black Sea region of Turkey.

Relationship of apoE polymorphism with lipoprotein(a), apoA, apoB and lipid levels in atherosclerotic infarct

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) polymorphism is suggested to be a risk factor in stroke in some populations, either by affecting lipid parameters or independently. Its effect on lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is not known. The roles of apoE polymorphism and of high Lp(a) levels in atherosclerotic stroke (AS) in the Turkish population are unclear. Our aim was to investigate the relationship of apoE alleles and Lp(a) level with AS and the relationship of apoE alleles with Lp(a) and other lipid parameters.

METHODS

ApoE polymorphisms and lipid parameters were prospectively evaluated in 85 patients and 77 controls with normal brain imaging.

RESULTS

Only hypertension, diabetes mellitus, associated vascular diseases and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were found to be independent risk factors for stroke. However, in the presence of apoE/E4 allele, increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-chol), apolipoprotein B (apoB) and Lp(a) levels and in the presence of apo E/E3 allele, only Lp(a) levels were determined as risk factors.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that while apoE polymorphism was not a risk factor itself, high Lp(a), LDL-chol and apoB were determined to be risk factors in E3 or E4 carriers.

The effects of granisetron with droperidol or dexamethasone on prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after general anesthesia for cesarean section

This prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, and randomized study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of granisetron, droperidol, and combinations of granisetron with droperidol or dexamethasone on postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing general anesthesia for cesarean section. Patients (n = 150) who were scheduled for cesarean section under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to one of the five groups: physiological saline 5 ml in Group A, granisetron 40 microg/kg + dexamethasone 8 mg in Group B, granisetron 40 microg/kg + droperidol 1.25 mg in Group C, droperidol 1.25 mg in Group D, and granisetron 40 microg/kg in Group E were administered intravenously after clamping of the fetal umbilical cord. Postoperative nausea and vomiting was observed for 024 h after the anesthesia. Cesarean sections were all performed under general anesthesia. Postoperative nausea and vomiting was more common in placebo group (56.7%) than the others during the 0-24 h after the anesthesia (p < 0.05). All granisetron groups were more effective than placebo and droperidol groups during the postoperative 3-24 h (p < 0.01). Although this trial lacks statistical power, granisetron alone and combinations with droperidol or dexamethasone were effective similarly. All treatment groups, except droperidol during the postoperative 3-24 h, were effective for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting during the postoperative 0-24 h.

Correlation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and bcl-2 expression with tumor front grading and metastasis in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

This study was designed to examine the immunohistochemical expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and bcl-2 protein in 45 cases with advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma who had undergone total laryngectomy with unilateral modified radical neck dissection, and the relation of this expression to some prognostic factors such as tumor front grading and neck lymph node metastases. Sections were reevaluated for routine histologic grade, tumor front grading and neck lymph node metastases, and were stained with monoclonal antibodies against PCNA and bcl-2. Significant correlation was present between the severity of PCNA expression and incidence of lymph node metastasis (p<0.05). No correlation was found between the severity of PCNA expression and tumor front grading. Bcl-2 expression did not associate with either parameters. In conclusion, PCNA is important in predicting prognosis and no association is present between the bcl-2 protein expression and prognostic factors.

An unusual form of Actinomycosis of the mandible with a resultant gross sequester in a 4-year-old child: a case report

Mandibular osteomyelitis due to Actinomyces group is considered rare in the pediatric population. The initial complaint of the 4-year-old child described here was increased swelling of his cheek and pain. The patient was managed successfully by surgical treatment with antibiotic therapy.

Comparison of midazolam with or without fentanyl for conscious sedation and hemodynamics in coronary angiography

OBJECTIVE

To compare the hemodynamic and sedative effects of midazolam - with or without fentanyl combination - with placebo in coronary angiography.

DESIGN

Prospective, double-blind, randomized study.

SETTING

University medical centre.

PATIENTS

All patients undergoing coronary angiography.

INTERVENTIONS

Demographic data, hemodynamic variables, sedation and anxiety scores, amnesia, patient and cardiologist satisfaction, and adverse effects were evaluated and compared among coronary angiography patients taking midazolam, midazolam and fentanyl, or placebo before the procedure.

MAIN RESULTS

Ninety patients scheduled for coronary angiography were randomly assigned into three groups: a midazolam-placebo group (group MP), a midazolam-fentanyl group (group MF) and a placebo group (group P). Hemodynamic stability was better in each sedation group (groups MP and MF) than in group P. Sedation scores, anxiolysis, and patient and cardiologist satisfaction were not different between the sedation groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Both techniques of conscious sedation - midazolam and midazolam with fentanyl - are satisfactory for coronary angiography where hemodynamic stability and patient cooperation are required. In such procedures, local anesthesia without sedation may lead to hypertension and increase overall morbidity.

Effect of albendazole sulfoxide solution on the scolices and the hepatobiliary system

The use of scolocidal solutions in the hepatobiliary system may result in caustic sclerosing cholangitis. In this study, the effectivenes of a biological metabolite of albendazole, albendazole sulfoxide, on scolices and the hepatobiliary system was evaluated. In the in vitro study, it was found that 100 microg/ml albendazole sulfoxide solution had strong scolocidal effect in 15 min. In the in vivo study, two experimental groups, each consisting of 8 rabbits aged 3-4 months and weighing 2,500 +/- 250 g, 100 microg/ml albendazole sulfoxide and normal saline were given into the biliary tract. ALP, GGT, SGOT and SGPT values on days 7, 30 and 60 were not found to be significantly increased compared to preoperative values. Total bilirubin values were high in the working group 7 and 30 days postoperatively and on day 30 in the control group, returning back to normal levels on day 60 in both groups. Histopathological evaluation of the liver parenchyma and the biliary system on day 60 revealed no differences between the groups. Consequently, albendazole sulfoxide solution may be used intraoperatively for scolocidal purposes.

Brachial plexus injury during subclavian vein catheterization for hemodialysis

Although the subclavian vein is often used for placement of double-lumen hemodialysis catheters, the risk factors for complications for the patients with chronic renal failure are underestimated. We report a case of a patient with chronic renal failure in whom brachial plexus injury was caused by both a compressive hematoma and direct insertion of a needle resulting from a subclavian vein catheterization attempt for hemodialysis. This case emphasizes the need for determining the coagulation status of the patient especially with chronic renal failure before performing invasive procedures.

Acquired secondary syphilis in a 6-year-old girl with no history of sexual abuse

A case of secondary syphilis acquired by nonsexual household contact in a prepubertal girl is presented.

A further morphological study of the persistent median artery in neonatal cadavers

Persistent median artery was studied in 60 upper limbs of 30 neonatal cadavers. It was found in 12 (20%) specimens while partial atrophy in the distal part of the median artery was detected in 9 (15%) specimens. These findings correlated well with those of other series including the authors' previous study which covered both adults and neonates. There was no significant difference statistically between the authors' current and previous studies (p > 0.05). Therefore both studies were combined. The incidence of persistent median artery in this enlarged series (100 specimens) was 17%. This rate of persistent median artery was higher than those of most other published series. We believe this may be due to evolutionary and racial trends; the neonatal origin of our specimens would be another differing factor. Partial atrophy of the median artery, and the different incidences in neonates and adults raised the possibility that the median artery regresses at a later age, possibly during perinatal and early infancy period.

Protective effects of sucralfate and omeprazole on gastric mucosal damage induced by ethanol in rats

Studies on the protective effect of omeprazole, a proton-pump inhibitor, against damage to the rat gastric mucosa induced by strong irritants, are few and contradictory. We have investigated the protective effects of omeprazole and sucralfate against gastric mucosal damage induced by ethanol in rats. The study was performed on 4 groups of 10 rats each. Group A received omeprazole 7 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 7 days. Group B received an equivalent volume of 0.9% sodium chloride i.p. for 7 days, while no drugs were given to groups C and D. After 1 week, following 24 hours of fasting, group A received omeprazole 7 mg/kg, group B received an equivalent volume of 0.9% sodium chloride group C received omeprazole 7 mg/kg i.p. and group D received sucralfate, 100 mg/kg intragastrically (i.g.). 4 hours after groups A, B and C received the last medication and 30 minutes after group D received sucralfate, ethanol 95% was given i.g. All rats were sacrificed 1 hour after ethanol application and their stomachs were removed for macroscopic and microscopic examination. It was found that sucralfate was effective in preventing gastric lesions induced by ethanol. There was a significant difference between the sucralfate group and the other group (p < 0.001). Omeprazole was ineffective in preventing gastric lesions, either given as a single dose or after administration for 7 days. Our results indicate that sucralfate has a protective effect on gastric lesions induced by ethanol and omeprazole applied i.p. has no protective effect.

A very rare type of multiple intestinal atresias: "a string of pearls"

Intestinal atresia is the most frequently encountered cause of ileus in the neonate. Of all atresias combination of small and large bowel atresias is extremely rare. In 1973, Guttman presented a case with multiple, widespread atresias of small and large bowel, intraluminal calcifications and a hereditary nature. This paper describes the detailed pathological findings of a similar case of multiple intestinal atresias and discusses for the pathogenesis of this rare condition.

The effects of antiglaucomatous agents on conjunctiva used for various durations

PURPOSE

The effect of antiglaucomatous agents on conjunctiva used for various durations evaluated histopathologically.

METHODS

Conjunctiva biopsies were taken in 19 Mayis University Faculty of Medicine Ophthalmology Department from 31 eyes of 30 patients who underwent filtration surgery after a period of antiglaucomatous agent use and examined under light microscope. The results were compared with the results of conjunctival biopsies from 10 similar aged patients undergoing retinal detachment of cataract surgery and with no other ocular pathology.

RESULTS

Five of the cases were using antiglaucomatous treatment for two months (Group A), four cases for two to 12 months (Group B) and 22 cases for more than 12 months (Group C) before the surgery. Four cases were using a beta blocker only, eight cases beta blocker + sympathomimetic or beta blocker + myotic and the remaining 19 cases were using a combination of beta blocker + sympathomimetic + myotic. Histopathologic evaluation with light microscope showed no pathologic change in group A, but, subepithelial increase of lymphocytes, mast cells, macrophages and fibroblasts in group C.

CONCLUSIONS

It was detected that subconjunctival inflammatory reaction increases as the number of antiglaucomatous agents and the treatment duration increase. These changes might be considered as risk factors that decrease the success rate of filtration surgery.