Regulation of junction dynamics in the testis: a new approach for male contraception

published_or_final_versionZoologyDoctoralDoctor of Philosoph

Hypocalcemia and Tetany Caused by Vitamin D Deficiency in a Child with Intestinal Lymphangiectasia

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare disease of children, which is characterized by chronic diarrhea and complicated with malnutrition, including fat-soluble vitamin deficiency. We report a girl aged 4 years and 8 months who was diagnosed with the disease by endoscopic duodenal biopsy at 8 months of age. She presented initially with chronic diarrhea at 4 months of age. Generalized edema with hypoalbuminemia frequently occurred despite regular albumin supplements. Multiple vitamins initially were not supplied regularly. Episodes of tetany caused by hypocalcemia developed 4 years after the diagnosis of intestinal lymphangiectasia. Imaging study (long-bone X-ray and dual- energy X-ray absorptiometry) revealed low bone density. Complicated vitamin D deficiency [low serum 25- hydroxy vitamin D concentration (<12.48 mmol/L, the detection limit) ] and secondary hyperparathyroidism were confirmed via blood testing. Vitamin D supplementation for 3 months improved her bone density secondary hyperparathyroidism and frequent tetany. Vitamin D status should be monitored in patients with intestinal lymphangiectasia

Ischemic Gallbladder Perforation in a Premature Infant

Gallbladder perforation is an extremely rare condition in infants. We present a premature infant who had congestive heart failure and renal failure owing to complex congenital heart disease and developed gallbladder perforation at 60 days of age. The patient showed neither signs of peritonitis nor impaired liver function; however, we found bile drainage from the peritoneal dialysis tube. Emergent laparotomy revealed a 3-mm perforation with surrounding tissue necrosis over the gallbladder neck. Cholecystectomy was performed after patent common bile duct was demonstrated using intraoperative cholangiography. No stones were noted in the gallbladder. Further histologic examinations of the perforation site showed ischemic changes. There were no biliary complications after surgery . Nevertheless, the patient died of multiple organ failure at 120 days old . DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2008.02.07