Transient early preeclampsia in twin pregnancy with a triploid fetus: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Triploid pregnancies have an increased risk of early preeclampsia. Twin pregnancies consisting of one healthy fetus and one complete or partial molar, with or without a triploid fetus, are rare and management is complex. CASE PRESENTATION: A 33-year-old Caucasian woman presented with a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy. One fetus showed early growth restriction resulting in fetal death at 20 weeks. The placenta was enlarged with some cysts. Chorionic villus biopsy confirmed triploidy. At 21 weeks, the patient developed preeclampsia with a blood pressure of 154/98 mmHg and proteinuria (24 hour protein excretion of 2.5 g/L), for which she was hospitalized. Without pharmacological interventions, the blood pressure normalized and proteinuria disappeared. At 35 weeks, she again developed preeclampsia. A cesarean section was performed at 38 weeks and a healthy child was born. CONCLUSIONS: Survival of the healthy fetus is possible in a twin pregnancy with a triploid fetus complicated by early preeclampsia. The pregnancy should not be terminated if the triploid twin has died and as long as conservative management is safe

Splitting the dose of neonatal BCG vaccination: A naïve practice

Bilateral axillary lymphadenitis complicating BCG vaccination in both arms (0.025 ml) in an immunocompetent 13-month-old boy is described. Prompt administration of isoniazid and erythromycin did not prevent suppuration of the affected lymph nodes. It was managed by bilateral surgical excision of the nodes. © 2009 Maney

Anemia and autoimmunity markers in an adolescent with Castleman disease

We describe herein the case of an adolescent girl with anemia non-responsive to oral iron, associated with low-grade fever, diminished appetite and fatigue. A palpable mass below the xiphoid was noted. Laboratory findings were consistent with anemia of inflammation. Direct antiglobulin test was positive without any other evidence of autoimmune anemia. Other autoantibodies, such as anti-thyroid and anti-nuclear antibodies, were also positive. After thorough investigation, Castleman disease was the most likely diagnosis on the basis of high serum interleukin (IL)-6 and the magnetic resonance imaging findings. 18 F-FDG positron emission tomography-computed tomography showed a localized hypermetabolic mass, which was resected. Castleman disease of plasma type was identified on histology. Hemogloblin and IL-6 gradually returned to normal, whereas positive autoantibodies became negative. This case emphasizes the need to investigate thoroughly for the underlying cause of anemia of inflammation and to include Castleman disease in the differential diagnosis, on the measurement of IL-6. © 2015 Japan Pediatric Society

Quality of Life in Menopausal Women with Dental Restorations and Implants

Aim: This multicenter study examined the relationship, possible interactions, and intermittent effects that dental implants and prostheses can have on menopausal women’s quality of life as well as provided information regarding the possible side effects of therapeutic regimens on menopause and osteoporosis or osteopenia. Materials and Methods: Questionnaires consisted of selected quality of life questions based on specific and additional medical and dental (mainly prosthodontic) questions, which were administered to 100 Greek menopausal/post-menopausal women (Age: Mean Value=63,62 years old) with osteopenia or with or without osteoporosis, with dental implants and implant restorations, or conventional prosthetic restorations visiting two University Hospitals. Menopausal/post-menopausal status was judged on the basis of either secondary, definitive amenorrhoea or based on follicular stimulation hormone ​(FSH) values, estradiol, and clinical risk factors. Results: Participants had a statistically significantly better “functional” and “psychological” feeling after prosthodontic rehabilitation with and without implants. Three out of four reported that their dentist informed them of the possible implant problems that might arise from osteoporosis and its treatment (medications). Moreover, osteopenia was found to be associated with a very lower problem percentage. The bisphosphonate treatment had the highest rate (80%) of reported implant problems than non-bisphosphonate treatment (30%). The hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause was reported to be more associated with problems in implant placement (19%) than in those without treatment (27.3%). Conclusion: The questionnaires revealed a significant improvement concerning women’s life quality and well-documented information about the problems their dental implants and restorations may cause in association with menopause and/or osteoporosis. © 2022 Stefos et al

Uveitis: an isolated complication of post-streptococcal syndrome

A child with anterior uveitis as the sole manifestation of group A streptococcal infection is described. There was a history of a ‘viral’ upper respiratory tract infection 2 weeks before the onset of uveitis. A post-streptococcal phenomenon was diagnosed on the basis of serial ASO titre (ASOT) monitoring. There are few reports of patients with post-streptococcal uveitis. ASOT monitoring should be included in the work-up of uveitis of undetermined aetiology

Is there an association between wheezing and pneumonia?

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship in school aged children between wheezing and pneumonia prior, during, or following the pneumonia episode. Patients-Methods: One hundred and three children with community acquired pneumonia who were hospitalised were recruited along with 55 controls. Results: During hospitalisation wheezing was audible in 11/103 (10.6%) patients with pneumonia and in none of the controls (p=0.009). Wheezing ever or asthma was elicited in 29/103(28%) patients with pneumonia and in 8/55 (14.5%) of the controls and this difference was not significant. Two years after the hospitalisation with pneumonia, wheezing episodes occurred in 12/103 with pneumonia and 1/55 of the controls (p=0.034). Among those who developed asthma following pneumonia 11/12 also had wheezing prior to pneumonia. Conclusion: There is an excess of wheezing prior, during, and after an episode of pneumonia in school aged children and therefore children with pneumonia should be followed up carefully. © 2009 SEICAP

Cutaneous infection caused by Bacillus anthracis in Larissa, Thessaly, Central Greece, July 2012

In July 2012, a confirmed case of cutaneous anthrax infection in a stockbreeder in the prefecture of Larissa, Thessaly, Central Greece was reported. The investigation revealed five related deaths in animals (two dogs and three sheep). Control measures have been taken immediately in order to prevent further spread in humans and animals

Risk factors associated with HCV infection in semi-rural areas of central Greece

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) appears to be endemic in most parts of the world, but there is considerable geographic variation. In order to assess the geographic distribution of HCV in Thessaly, in central Greece, we conducted a retrospective study in HCV-infected patients attending the Academic Liver Unit of Thessaly University from 1999 to 2003. We also investigated whether variation among regions could be attributed to differences in risk factors. Methods: We evaluated the records of 309 HCV patients whose origin and/or residence was in Thessaly. To identify risk factors that were independently associated with the place of birth and/or residence, adjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated by logistic regression analysis. We also studied the medical records of 150 HCV-negative patients from the same areas in order to evaluate whether there are differences in risk factors reported by HCV-positive and HCV-negative patients. Results: We found three municipalities with a high HCV frequency. The use of non-disposable, multiple-use glass syringes for medical purposes in the past was the only potential risk factor more frequently identified in these areas than in other places (OR = 2.3; p < 0.05). This risk factor was significantly (p < 0.001) associated with older age of the infected patients. Conclusions: This study shows that the spread of HCV in the three regions may have occurred several years ago as a result of the use of multiple-use glass syringes. Differences in prevalence rates among different age groups, as well as among different areas, indicate the need for extensive studies to determine HCV epidemiology and to develop appropriate prevention programs. © 2006 European Federation of Internal Medicine