Prolonged ingestion of liquorice is a well-known cause of hypertension due to hypermineralocorticoidism. We describe 2 cases of hypertension encephalopathy (in addition to the classical symptoms of hypertension, hypokalemia and suppression of the renin-aldosterone system) which resulted in pseudohyperaldosteronism syndrome due to the regular daily intake of low doses of liquorice. Glycyrrhizic acid, a component of liquorice, produces both hypermineralocorticism and the onset of encephalopathy through the inhibition of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Hypertension encephalopathy due to the daily intake of low doses of liquorice, however, has not been previously documented. It is proposed that some people could be susceptible to low doses of glycyrrhizic acid because of a 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Comparison of hypotonic and isotonic solutions containing sodium hyaluronate on the symptomatic treatment of dry eye patients.

This study was designed to compare the efficacy of two artificial tears both containing hyaluronic acid but differing in their osmolarity. A multicentric double-masked, crossover clinical trial was performed in which 158 subjects were randomized to receive either hypotonic or isotonic artificial tears up to 6 times a day. Both treatments were effective in improving signs and symptoms to a similar extent. No adverse events were reported. It was concluded that hypotonic and isotonic eye drops are comparable for the symptomatic treatment of patients suffering from dry eye syndrome.

Cross-Over Studies↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of Serratia peptidase in acute or chronic inflammation of otorhinolaryngology pathology: a multicentre, double-blind, randomized trial versus placebo.

The efficacy and tolerability of Serratia peptidase were evaluated in a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 193 subjects suffering from acute or chronic ear, nose or throat disorders. Treatment lasted 7-8 days, with the drug or placebo being administered at a rate of two tablets three times a day. After 3-4 days' treatment, significant symptom regression was observed in peptidase-treated patients. There was also a significant reduction in symptoms after 7-8 days for patients in both treatment groups but the response was more marked in those patients receiving the active drug. Statistical comparison between the two groups confirmed the greater efficacy and rapid action of the peptidase against all the symptoms examined at both stages. Tolerance was found to be very good and similar for both groups. It is concluded that Serratia peptidase has anti-inflammatory, anti-oedemic and fibrinolytic activity and acts rapidly on localized inflammation.

Acute Disease↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Nasal mucosal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus: histopathologic and immunopathologic study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the pattern of nasal mucosal involvement in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). The authors selected patients affected by SLE with a symptomatology based on bad nasal breathing, in absence of anatomical deformities of the nose. Specimens representing eighteen histological sections of nasal mucosa were examined under the light microscope to establish a set of histopathologic and immunophahologic features. A number of significant alterations were identified. The authors indicate the possible physiopathogenetic relationship between nasal mucosal involvement and systemic disease.

Journal Article↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Gyrate atrophy of choroid associated with hyperornithinaemia: report of the first case in Italy.

The first case in Italy and the youngest case in the world of gyrate atrophy of the choroid associated with hyperornithinaemia is reported. A therapeutical attempt has been made and the possibility of following the evolution of the ocular lesion is very interesting.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Castleman disease: a clinical case report].

Castleman's disease is an enigmatic lymphoid disease of unknown etiology and has different clinical manifestations. The authors present a case of a young woman with cervical localization of Castleman disease, asymptomatic. The disease was misdiagnosed and was treated for five years as thyroiditis, diagnosis confirmed by ultrasonography, scintigraphy and cytology. The particular size of the neoformation and its constant growth leaded the authors to the surgical treatment. The thyroid was normal both macroscopically and with biopsy. The neoformation was 10 cm of diameter and covered the left side of the thyroid.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Distal renal tubular acidosis with rhabdomyolysis as the presenting form in 4 pregnant women].

We describe four pregnant patients with distal renal tubular acidosis (type I) (DRTA) whose initial presentation was rhabdomyolysis (RML) secondary to severe hypokalemia. We draw attention to the unusual presentation of DRTA during pregnancy, the low frequency of DRTA in adult patients and RML as initial manifestation. In one case the DRTA was secondary to Sjögren Syndrome and the etiology was unknown in the rest of the cases. We discuss the potential pathogenic mechanisms to explain hypokalemic RML and the various causes of DRTA in adult patients.

Acidosis, Renal Tubular↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Parathyroid cyst: uncommon surgical disorder].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adult↗