Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome: associated with severe GI bleeding requiring one hundred blood transfusions.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Anemia, Iron-Deficiency↗
Biomedical subjects
M Hassan
Publications and source records attributed to M Hassan.
The effect of modulation of glutathione cellular content on busulphan-induced cytotoxicity on hematopoietic cells in vitro and in vivo.
Busulphan is used in conditioning regimens prior to SCT. A relationship between exposure to busulphan, expressed as an area under the plasma concentration time curve (AUC), and effect and/or adverse effects, such as veno-occlusive disease (VOD), was reported. Exhaustion of glutathione (GSH) contributes to VOD and modulation of intracellular levels of GSH influences bulsulphan-induced toxicity in hepatocytes. Thus, increase of GSH might serve as prophylaxis against VOD. However, it should not interfere with the myeloablative effects of busulphan. We investigated the relationship between exposure to busulphan, and its in vitro toxicity to CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitors from volunteers using clonogenic assays. Busulphan inhibited colony formation by CD34(+) cells in an AUC-dependent manner. Myeloid progenitors were more sensitive than erythroid progenitors, expressed as 100% inhibition of colony formation (68.7 +/- 7.5 microg.h/ml and 140.3 +/- 35.7, respectively). The observed exposure corresponds to the total AUC obtained in patients treated with busulphan (1 mg/kg/day) for 4 days. Secondly, we studied the effect of modulation of GSH cellular levels on busulphan-induced toxicity in vitro in CD34(+) cells from volunteers, and in vivo in bone marrow cells from Balb/c mice. The intracellular concentration of GSH was increased or decreased by treatment with N-acetylcysteine or buthionine sulfoximine, respectively. Neither in vitro nor in vivo treatment with GSH modulators affected the hematological toxicity of busulphan. Thus, N-acetylcysteine would not interfere with the myeloablative effect of busulphan and therefore it is a potential candidate for VOD prophylaxis during busulphan-based conditioning regimens.
Acetylcysteine↗
A phase II trial of liposomal busulphan as an intravenous myeloablative agent prior to stem cell transplantation: 500 mg/m(2) as a optimal total dose for conditioning.
We conducted a phase I/II trial, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an intravenous liposomal formulation of busulphan (LBu) as a myeloablative agent for stem cell transplantation (SCT). The liposomal busulphan was administered as a 3 h infusion twice daily over 4 consecutive days. Six adults received 1.6-2 mg/kg/dose and 18 children received 1.8-3 mg/kg/dose. Pharmacokinetic parameters were studied after the first and the last dose of busulphan. No significant difference in clearance, AUC, elimination half-lives or distribution volume between the first and the last dose was found in either groups. A significantly (P < 0.005) higher clearance was observed in children after the first and the last dose (3.61 and 3.79 ml/min/kg, respectively) compared to adults (2.40 and 2.33 ml/min/kg, respectively). The elimination half-lives after the first and the last dose were significantly (P < 0.005) shorter in children (2.59 and 2.72 h, respectively) compared to adults (3.35 and 3.61 h, respectively). Clearance correlated significantly with age. However, no significant correlation with age was observed when clearance was adjusted to the body surface area. Two cases of VOD following a total dose of 24 mg/kg were observed. Six patients experienced mucositis. No other organ toxicity was observed. We conclude that intravenous liposomal busulphan pharmacokinetics is age dependent. A dosage schedule based on body surface area should be used especially in young children to reduce the age-dependent difference in kinetics. An intravenous liposomal dose of busulphan of 500 mg/m(2) is suggested to reach a similar systemic exposure and myeloablative effect in both children and adults. Moreover, the novel liposomal form of busulphan showed a favorable toxicity profile and seems safe as a part of the high-dose therapy prior to SCT.
Adult↗
Bioavailability and dose-dependent anti-tumour effects of 9-cis retinoic acid on human neuroblastoma xenografts in rat.
Neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid tumour in children, may undergo spontaneous differentiation or regression, but the majority of metastatic neuroblastomas have poor prognosis despite intensive treatment. Retinoic acid regulates growth and differentiation of neuroblastoma cells in vitro, and has shown activity against human neuroblastomas in vivo. The retinoid 9-cis RA has been reported to induce apoptosis in vitro, and to inhibit the growth of human neuroblastoma xenografts in vivo. However, at given dosage, the treatment with 9-cis RA caused significant toxic side effects. In the present study we investigated the bioavailability of 9-cis RA in rat. In addition, we compared two different dose schedules using 9-cis RA. We found that a lower dose of 9-cis RA (2 mg day(-1)) was non-toxic, but showed no significant effect on tumour growth. The bioavailability of 9-cis RA in rat was 11% and the elimination half-life (t1/2) was 35 min. Considering the short t1/2, we divided the toxic, but tumour growth effective dose 5 mg day(-1) into 2.5 mg p.o. twice daily. This treatment regimen showed no toxicity but only limited effect on tumour growth. Our results suggest that 9-cis RA may only have limited clinical significance for treatment of children with poor prognosis neuroblastoma.
Administration, Oral↗
Stability and sterility of meglumine gadoterate injection repackaged in plastic syringes.
The analytical and microbiological stability of meglumine gadoterate (Dotarem) repackaged in polypropylene syringe for 3 months at either +4 degrees C or room temperature was studied. For analytical study: six polypropylene syringes (20 ml) were filled with 15 ml of meglumine gadoterate. Three syringes were stored at 4+/-2 degrees C and three at 25+/-2 degrees C, all syringes were kept upright and protected from daylight. Samples were taken on days 0, 6, 14, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90. Meglumine gadoterate and its degradation product (free Gd3+) concentrations were obtained using a specific HPLC assay. Osmolality and pH determination were made on days 0, 14, 45 and 90. For microbiological study: 28 plastic syringes (5 ml) were filled with 2.5 ml of meglumine gadoterate. Syringes were stored at 25+/-2 degrees C and protected from daylight. At each day of analysis (0, 15, 35, 45, 60, 75 and 90), four syringes were tested as described in European Pharmacopoeia. After 90 days the concentration of gadoterate remained unchanged and no free Gd3+ were detected. The injectable solution of this gadolinium contrast agent was sterile according to European Pharmacopoeia guidelines. The meglumine gadoterate repackaged in polypropylene syringe was stable for 3 months at all the temperatures studied.
Contrast Media↗
The vitamin A analogues: 13-cis retinoic acid, 9-cis retinoic acid, and Ro 13-6307 inhibit neuroblastoma tumour growth in vivo.
BACKGROUND: Neuroblastoma, a childhood tumour of the sympathetic nervous system, may undergo spontaneous differentiation or regression due to apoptosis after no or minimal therapy. However, the majority of neuroblastomas are diagnosed as metastatic tumours with a poor prognosis in spite of intensive multimodal therapy. Vitamin A and its analogues (retinoic acid, RA) play an important role in normal cel lular differentiation and programmed cell death. RA regulates neuroblastoma growth and differentiation in vitro, and has shown activity against human neuroblastoma in vivo. PROCEDURE: Recently, 9-cis RA was shown to induce apoptosis in vitro in neuroblastoma using a 5 days short-term treatment and subsequent washout. In the present study, nude rats with human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y xenografts were treated with 13-cis RA (4 mg po daily), 9-cis RA (5 mg po daily) or the novel analogue Ro 13-6307 (0.3 mg po daily) using either a continuous or short-term schedule. RESULTS: ALL three different retinoids decreased neuroblastoma growth significantly in terms of tumour weight after 8-12 days when compared to untreated controls (P < 0.05). Minor signs of toxicity in 13-cis RA treated rats were observed. However, severe toxicity with significant weight loss was seen in all rats treated with 9-cis RA and Ro 13-6307. Toxicity was more pronounced with the continuous regimen. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that different retinoids reduce neuroblastoma tumour growth in vivo. Drug scheduling and dosage may affect both therapeutic efficacy and toxic side effects. Further in vivo studies are warranted, including pharmacokinetic and molecular analyses, before clinical trials with promising retinoids like 9-cis RA and Ro 13-6307 can be started in children with neuroblastoma.
Alitretinoin↗
Pharmacokinetics of liposomal busulphan in man.
High doses of busulphan are used in conditioning regimens before stem cell transplantation. Great inter-patient variations in pharmacokinetics and a correlation between toxicity and high systemic exposure of busulphan have been shown in several studies. Some authors have suggested therapeutic drug monitoring and intravenous busulphan aiming to reduce the conditioning-related toxicity. Liposomal busulphan (LBu) might be an alternative to intravenous administration of high-dose busulphan in conditioning. In the present study, we investigated the pharmacokinetics of LBu in man. Seventeen consecutive patients were enrolled in the study. LBu as a single low dose (2 to 8 mg) was given to 12 patients (six adults and six children). Five patients received two high doses of LBu which replaced the first and the last doses of the conditioning regimen. The high dose of LBu was raised from 0.4 to 0.9 mg/kg. A significant linear correlation (r2 = 0.928) was found between the dose of LBu and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) (P < 0.001). AUC corrected for 1 mg/kg was 5491 +/- 912 ng.h/ml and 5955 +/- 627 ng.h/ml (low dose of LBu in children and adults, respectively) and 6167 +/- 1385 ng.h/ml and 6933 +/- 656 ng.h/ml (ie the first and the last high doses of LBu, respectively). No significant correlation was found between clearance and age or apparent volume of distribution and age (r2 = 0.146 and r2 = 0.046, respectively). No toxicity related to the liposomal formulation of busulphan was observed. We conclude that LBu is suitable for conditioning before stem cell transplantation.
Adolescent↗
Population pharmacokinetic analysis resulting in a tool for dose individualization of busulphan in bone marrow transplantation recipients.
The aims of the present study were (1) to investigate and quantify the pharmacokinetics, including inter-occasion variability and covariate relationships, of busulphan in BMT patients and (2) to develop a user-friendly initial dosing and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) strategy for the treatment of those patients with busulphan. The pharmacokinetics of busulphan was studied in 64 adults and 12 children who received busulphan (1 mg/kg) four times daily for 4 days. A one-compartment model with first order absorption and a lag time was sufficient in describing the concentration-time profile. Oral clearance (CL/F) was found to be correlated to weight (+1.2%/kg), ALT (-13%/microcat/l) and concomitant phenytoin treatment (+21%). CL/F and the volume of distribution (V/F) were estimated to 9.23 l/h and 39.3 l, respectively, in a typical individual. Inter-occasion variability (9.4%) in CL/F was estimated to be less than inter-individual variability (28%), a prerequisite for the value of TDM. Bayesian CL/F estimates based on three samples were in good accordance with those based on all samples. The final population model was implemented into the program Excel. The resulting flexible and easy to use dosing program might be used for both initial and, requiring only three plasma samples, maintenance dose individualization of busulphan therapy.
Administration, Oral↗
The pharmacodynamic effect of busulfan in the P39 myeloid cell line in vitro.
Busulfan is an alkylating agent currently used in the myeloablative conditioning regimen before stem cell transplantation. Its mechanism of action is not fully understood, nor the reason for its narrow therapeutic window. We studied the pharmacodynamics of busulfan in an in vitro cell line model, allowing us to evaluate the effects of various doses and exposure times on clonogeneic capacity, proliferation and apoptosis. Cells were incubated with busulfan in concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 microg/ml for 2, 4 or 8 h, then washed and cultured in busulfan-free medium for 72 h. Area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) was estimated by using the trapezoidal rule from different concentrations and times of incubation. In all assays busulfan affected the cells in an AUC-dependent manner. Induced changes in the biological parameters studied appeared at different time points after exposure to busulfan stopped. Thus, the decrease in proliferation and clonogenic capacity preceded cell cycle arrest in G2 phase and development of apoptosis, implying that apoptosis is a secondary event to interruption of vital metabolic processes. Biochemically, apoptotic changes were typical for chemotherapy-induced apoptosis with caspase activation, cleavage of Bcl-2 and PARP proteins, while cleavage of actin was not observed. Cells were rescued from apoptosis with a general caspase inhibitor ZVAD-fmk, but not with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Our results add new information about busulfan pharmacodynamics and mechanisms underlying the cytotoxic effect of the drug.
Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating↗
Observation of skin thermal inertia distribution during reactive hyperaemia using a single-hood measurement system.
An attempt was made to image the thermal inertia (defined as the square root of the product of thermal conductivity, specific heat and density) of the skin to observe the distribution of blood in the skin during post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia in normal healthy volunteers. The method was based on the ability to calculate thermal inertia by successive thermographic measurements of the skin after stepwise change in ambient radiation temperature surrounding the skin area. The stepwise change was achieved within 0.1 s through a single hood. Experimentation on the undisturbed volar forearm of normal subjects at the same site showed that the measurements thus achieved were reproducible. The thermal inertia values of forearm skin in normal subjects were scattered throughout the range 1.1 x 10(3) to 1.7 x 10(3) W s(1/2) m(-2) K(-1). Experiments on forearm skin subjected to arterial cuff occlusion indicated that thermal inertia can be detected at a low level of blood perfusion. A linear relationship was observed between thermal inertia and blood perfusion measured by laser Doppler imager before and during blood flow occlusion. During reactive hyperaemia, the thermal inertia image exhibited a non-uniform island-shaped pattern of distribution over the forearm, suggesting that, after release from occlusion, recovery of blood flow is non-uniform.
Adult↗
Human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B, C and D in Bangladesh's trucking industry: prevalence and risk factors.
BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B and C, viral infections with shared percutaneous, mucosal and perinatal routes of transmission, are responsible for serious morbidity and mortality globally. In Bangladesh there is a dearth of research on prevalence and risk factors for these diseases. This study examines the prevalence of HIV and hepatitis (B, C, D) and risk factors associated with infection in men in Bangladesh's trucking industry (drivers and helpers on trucks), a population at risk for sexually transmitted infections. METHODS: The study population comprised 388 men (245 drivers, 143 helpers) working out of Tejgaon truck stand in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Subjects were selected through a two-tiered sampling strategy. Of 185 trucking agencies 38 were randomly selected and a of 10 subjects was recruited from each agency. Subjects were interviewed, underwent a comprehensive physical examination and had blood samples taken. Gold standard laboratory tests were conducted to detect HIV, hepatitis B, C, and D infections. To assess risk factors associated with current hepatitis B infections or being a carrier (HBsAg) and lifetime exposure to hepatitis B infection (anti-HBc), simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of diseases were: HIV 0%, hepatitis C <1%, hepatitis B surface antigen 5.9%, antibody to hepatitis B core antigen 48.1% (with 5 of the 23 HBsAg positive cases testing positive for HBeAg and 18 for anti-HBe), and hepatitis D 0%. Having ever received a therapeutic injection and having had relations with a commercial sex worker (CSW) in the past year were both significantly associated with lifetime exposure to hepatitis B (anti-HBc); having received a therapeutic injection in the past year was associated with being either currently infected with hepatitis B or a carrier (HBsAg). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study illustrate the importance of educating health care practitioners about the dangers of unsterile injections, and of educating men in the trucking industry as well as their partners (CSW in particular) about the importance of condom use, especially in high-risk sexual contacts.
Adolescent↗
Parallel induction of nitric oxide and tetrahydrobiopterin synthesis in alveolar macrophages.
BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) and an essential cofactor for both constitutive and inducible NO synthase (NOS) activity, tetrahydrobiopterin (6R-L-erythro-1',2'-dihydroxypropyl-2-amino-4-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropteridine; BH4), are thought to be important modulators of function in normal and inflamed airways. However, the exact pathologic roles of NO and BH4 remain obscure. Even less is known about the effects of cytokines on alveolar macrophages. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine whether NO and BH4 are induced by cytokines in mouse alveolar macrophages and to investigate whether NO synthesis is affected by changes in intracellular BH4 levels in alveolar macrophages. METHODS: We compared the induction by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-2 (IL-2) of NO production and BH4 synthesis in alveolar macrophages. To determine whether NO synthesis is affected by changes in intracellular BH4 levels in alveolar macrophages, we used inhibitors of BH4 biosynthesis. RESULTS: Activation of alveolar macrophages induced parallel increases in NO and intracellular BH4 levels, although induction of the latter appears to be somewhat more sensitive than that of the latter to diverse cytokines. Inducible NO production in alveolar macrophages was blocked by inhibitors of BH4 biosynthesis. IL-2, an important component of the immunomodulatory system, was only a weak activator of alveolar macrophages by itself but potently synergized with IFN-gamma to stimulate the production of both NO and BH4. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that BH4 synthesis in alveolar macrophages is a potential target for therapeutic intervention in airway inflammatory diseases, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and acute bronchial infections whose pathology may be mediated by overproduction of NO.
Animals↗
Fetal cerebral cortex: normal gestational landmarks identified using prenatal MR imaging.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Few investigators have analyzed the MR imaging patterns of fetal gyration. Our purpose was to establish, with a large prospective series, the normal sulcation landmarks according to gestational age by using in utero MR imaging and to correlate our findings with established neuroanatomic timetables. METHODS: A standardized fetal cerebral MR examination was performed in 173 normal fetuses at 22 to 38 weeks' gestation. Eight T1- and T2-weighted coronal, axial, and sagittal slices were obtained for each fetus and systematically analyzed. The sequential development of the different fissures and sulci of the cerebral cortex with respect to gestational age were tabulated. RESULTS: Sulcation of the medial, lateral, and inferior surfaces of the brain was depicted, and a timetable for the MR depiction of the primary and secondary sulci was established for the 22- to 38-week gestational period. This timetable was in good agreement with the neuroanatomic standards of reference, with a mean lag time of 1 week. CONCLUSION: This analysis of fetal brain sulcation in a large series of fetuses contributes to a better understanding of the maturation of the fetal cortex on MR imaging studies. It furthermore provides a standard of reference that can be used to assess the normality of fetal sulcation and to diagnose gyrational abnormalities with prenatal MR imaging.
Cerebral Cortex↗
Evidence that the major oxysterols in human circulation originate from distinct pools of cholesterol: a stable isotope study.
The major oxysterols in human circulation are 7 alpha-, 27-, and (24S)-hydroxycholesterol. Two unique experiments were performed to elucidate their origin and kinetics. A volunteer was exposed to (18)O(2)-enriched air. A rapid incorporation of (18)O in both 7 alpha- and 27-hydroxycholesterol and disappearance of label after exposure were observed. The half-life was estimated to be less than 1 h. Incorporation of (18)O in (24S)-hydroxycholesterol was not significant. In the second experiment a volunteer was infused with liposomes containing 10 g of [(2)H(6)]cholesterol. This resulted in an enrichment of plasma cholesterol with (2)H of up to 13%, and less than 0.5% in cerebrospinal fluid cholesterol. The content of (2)H in circulating 7 alpha-hydroxycholesterol remained approximately equal to that of plasma cholesterol and decreased with a half-life of about 13 days. The (2)H content of circulating 27-hydroxycholesterol was initially lower than that of cholesterol but in the last phase of the experiment it exceeded that of cholesterol. No significant incorporation of (2)H in (24S)-hydroxycholesterol was observed. It is evident that 7 alpha-hydroxycholesterol must originate from a rapidly miscible pool, about 80% of 27-hydroxycholesterol from a more slowly exchangeable pool, and more than 90% of (24S)-hydroxycholesterol from a nonexchangeable pool, presumably the brain. The results are discussed in relation to the role of oxysterols in cholesterol homeostasis and their use as markers for pathological conditions. - Meaney, S., M. Hassan, A. Sakinis, D. Lütjohann, K. von Bergmann, A. Wennmalm, U. Diczfalusy, and I. Björkhem. Evidence that the major oxysterols in human circulation originate from distinct pools of cholesterol: a stable isotope study. J. Lipid Res. 2001. 42: 70;-78.
Blood Circulation↗
Alteration of interleukin 2 (IL-2) pharmacokinetics and function by IL-2 antibodies induced after treatment of colorectal carcinoma patients with a combination of monoclonal antibody 17-1A, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and IL-2.
In this study, we have assessed the development of neutralizing and non-neutralizing interleukin 2 (IL-2) antibodies in metastatic colorectal carcinoma patients receiving a colon carcinoma reactive monoclonal antibody (17-1A) in combination with granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor and IL-2 therapy. Before treatment, no IL-2 antibodies were detected in any of the patients. After therapy, 10 of the 19 patients tested developed antibodies that bound to the IL-2 product used for therapy, but only one developed antibodies that neutralized the biological activity of IL-2 as assessed using an in vitro bioassay. We found that the induction of IL-2 antibodies in some patients irrespective of their neutralizing potential had a significant impact on IL-2 pharmacokinetics. A significant reduction of the area under the concentration-time curve and maximum concentration (C(max)) and increased IL-2 distribution and clearance were observed in IL-2 antibody-positive patients in comparison with IL-2 antibody-negative patients. A significant decrease in IL-2-mediated expansion of lymphocytes was also evident in patients positive for IL-2 antibodies in comparison with those negative for these antibodies. Further characterization of sera from patients with antibodies showed that, in most cases, the antibodies recognized different IL-2 preparations. Results also showed that serum IL-2 concentration at initiation of therapy in patients was significantly higher relative to healthy control donors. The endogenous production of IL-2 gradually increased during the treatment cycles. To conclude, induction of neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibodies in cytokine-treated patients should be carefully monitored in terms of their clinical significance.
Adult↗
Psychometric study of dysthymic patients and their first-degree relatives.
Psychometric evaluation of severity of depression and personality characteristics of 20 dysthymic patients (mean age 29.05+/-7.08 ys.) was carried out using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) and was compared with that of 20 major depressive patients (mean age 33.60+/-7.7ys.) and 20 normal controls (mean age 32.85+/-6.17 ys.). Psychosocial stressors that might trigger depression were also looked for. All first-degree relatives (118 persons) were subjected to clinical interview for detection of dysthymia. EPQ was also applied to assess their personality characteristics. Depression among dysthymic patients was mainly of mild degree. Severe depression was found in about 55% of major depressive and none of dysthymic patients. Application of EPQ revealed high neuroticism among dysthymics and high psychoticism among major depressives. Lie scale was high for both groups. Psychosocial stressors were more reported by dysthymic patients; however they were of mild or moderate degrees. Stressors reported by major depressive patients were mainly acute and severe. Assessment of the first-degree relatives revealed that 66% of dysthymics' relatives had dysthymia or high EPQ scores compared to 36% of major depressives and 22% of normals.
Adult↗
Adolescent nutrition in a rural community in Bangladesh.
The objective of this study was to assess the nutritional status of adolescent boys and girls in a rural community in Bangladesh. Between December 1996 and January 1997, a cross-sectional survey was carried out in 803 households, each containing at least one adolescent, sampled consecutively from four purposely-selected villages in Rupganj Thana, Narayanganj district. Initially, the guardians of 1483 healthy and unmarried 10-17 year old adolescents (51% boys and 49% girls) were interviewed about family structure and socio-economic status. Out of these children, 906 (47% boys and 53% girls) from 597 households were weighed, had their height and MUAC measured and were clinically examined. Blood was then collected from 861 adolescents for haemoglobin estimation. The median monthly income per person in these 597 families was approximately Taka 554 (US $12). Twenty seven per cent of the household heads were labourers, 21% were solvent farmers, 14% ran small scale businesses and 6% were unemployed. Sixty seven per cent of adolescents were thin (defined as BMI < 5th centile of WHO recommended reference) with 75% boys and 59% girls being affected. The percentage of thin adolescents fell from 95% at age 10 years to 12% at age 17 years. The prevalence of stunting (height for age < 3rd centile NCHS/WHO) was 48% for both boys and girls and rose from 34% at age 10 to 65% at age 17. On clinical examination angular stomatitis was present in 46%, 27% had glossitis, 38% had pallor, 11% had dental caries, 3.2% had an conspicuously enlarged thyroid and 2.1% had eye changes of vitamin A deficiency. According to INACG (International Nutritional Anaemia Consultative Group, 1985) cut-off values, 94% of the boys and 98% of the girls were anaemic. We conclude that rural Bangladesh adolescents suffer from high rates of malnutrition and almost universal anaemia. Nutritional interventions to target this population are urgently required.
Adolescent↗
Ilio-psoas abscess in neonates: treatment by ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage.
Ilio-psoas abscess is rare in neonates and is usually treated by surgical drainage. We report two cases of ilio-psoas abscess in 15- and 21-day-old infants successfully treated by US-guided percutaneous drainage as a supplement to antibiotic therapy. Clinical improvement was observed within 24-48 h of drainage and subsequent imaging demonstrated resolution of the abscess cavity. The analysis of these cases and of those previously reported indicates that imaging is essential for diagnosis. In neonates, US-guided percutaneous drainage may represent the first-choice treatment of this disease in association with antibiotic therapy.
Age Factors↗