Systemic Repercussions Research Articles

Evaluation of Degenerative Lumbar Disc Surgeries

Background: Back pain has been known since the start of written history, probably the first report of back pain and sciatica can be found in an ancient text, the so-called Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus presumably written around 1550 B.C.1 Although backache (with or without sciatica) is a benign often self -limiting condition (Macnab). 2 The cost of both time lost from work (with loss of productivity) and medical care, as well as the cost of litigation and disability claims, make back pain an industry unto itself. Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical, radiological outcome of the lumbar disc patients managed surgically and to compare the results of different surgeries performed. Methods: This study was prospective, non-randomized, cohort study it was carried out in the Department of Orthopaedics, Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, Wardha, between August 2013 – 2015. Patients with more than 18 years were included with persistent bothersome sciatic pain, despite conservative management for a period of 6-12 weeks. All the patients with progressive neurological involvement during a period of conservative treatment. All the patients with cauda equina syndrome or impending cauda equina syndrome. Results: Out of total 67 patients the mean age was 49.85±8.75 years ranging from 40 to 72 years. Male gender was predominantly forming 66% of the sample size whereas 34% of females. All the patients had radicular pain, 26 out of 67 patients had left sided radiculopathy and right-sided radiculopathy was observed in 21 patients whereas 20 patients had bilateral radiculopathy. After MRI 34 patients had extrusion of disc, whereas 17 patients showed sequestrated disc, protrusion of disc was observed in 12 patients, whereas disc bulge was observed in 4 patients. 42% of patients were operated by laminectomy, 33 % patients were operated by microscopic discectomy and minimum 25% of patients were operated with microendoscopic discectomy. L4-L5 level was the most common level to get involved. Mean Pre operative VAS score for male patients was 6.64 and female patients was 6.78, which was reduced to 3.14 and 3.48 respectively after 6 months of operative management. Mean Pre operative Oswestery score for male patients was observed to be 44.05 and female patients was 44.87, which was reduced to 24.95 and 27.83 respectively after 6 months of operative management. Complications in all three surgeries were observed. Conclusion: Minimally invasive techniques in all areas of surgery have gained momentum in recent years. Spinal surgery has been no exception. Unfortunately, minimally invasive techniques have often been equated with minimally effective procedures. We understand that the micro endoscopic discectomy and microscopic discectomy techniques are superior to the standard discectomy technique for the treatment of single level lumbar disc herniation’s with regard to pain relief, clinical outcome and functional outcome, volume of blood loss, systemic repercussions, and duration of hospital stay. However, technical expertise and learning curve of the technique could be the limitation. Minimally invasive surgeries are cost-effective treatment for lumbar herniated discs. Results and complications were comparable with those associated with standard discectomy techniques. Patient satisfaction was high, and a cost savings was realized. Keywords: Degenerative, Lumbar Spine, Disc Surgeries, Microscopic Discectomy, Laminectomy, Decompression

Bisphosphonates, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and osteonecrosis of the jaw. Could there be a missing link?

It is estimated that over 190 million bisphosphonates have been prescribed worldwide. But this drug can produce adverse effects, of which osteonecrosis of the jaw and severe hypocalcemia are the most serious. It is evident that bisphosphonate administration affects multiple and diverse biochemical mediators related to bone metabolism. This review of literature investigates four basic parameters in patients treated with bisphosphonates - parathyroid hormone (PTH), bisphosphonates, vitamin D, calcium, and jaw osteonecrosis - which are fundamental for assessing bone metabolism and so the efficacy and correct use of the drug. The imbalances generated by vitamin D and calcium deficiencies, together with their multiple systemic repercussions, have been widely researched but the outcomes of these imbalances in relation to bisphosphonate administration are not well known, and some research has indicated that they may be associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). The present review set out to explain the functioning of bone metabolism, the importance of different chemical mediators, the imbalances produced by incorrect use of this drug, in order to forewarn against the possible relation of these parameters with ONJ, whose physiopathology remains unknown. Medical and dental clinics should keep detailed anamneses of the use of vitamin D and calcium supplements, as it is of vital importance to maintain their correct levels in blood, given that these are related to ONJ as well as other adverse effects; this procedure is also necessary in order to ensure the correct use of the drug. Key words:Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, vitamin D, parathyroid hor

Colite colagenosa: uma causa frequente de diarreia crónica ainda subdiagnosticada

Microscopic colitis is a disorder that includes collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis. It is considered to be a common cause of chronic diarrhea. Although it is benign, it can have a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life. The diagnosis is exclusively histological. Although microscopic colitis was first described in 1976, it has only recently been recognized as a common cause of diarrhea. Many clinicians are not yet aware of this entity. We present the case a patient with chronic watery diarrhea, initially without significant systemic repercussions and with normal or inconclusive laboratory or imaging tests. This evolved into hypovolemic shock with severe renal dysfunction. Greater awareness of this condition by clinicians, leading to the performance of timely biopsies, required for the correct diagnosis and appropriate therapy, is required.

Effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation program on physical capacity, peripheral muscle function and inflammatory markers in asthmatic children and adolescents: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundIndividuals with chronic lung disease are more susceptible to present reduction in exercise tolerance and muscles strength not only due to pulmonary limitations but also due systemic repercussions of the pulmonary disease.The aim of this study is to assess the physical capacity, peripheral muscle function, physical activity in daily life, and the inflammatory markers in children and adolescents with asthma after pulmonary rehabilitation program.MethodThis is a study protocol of randomized controlled trial in asthmatic patients between 6 to 18 years old. The assessments will be conducted in three different days and will be performed at the beginning and at the end of the protocol. First visit: quality of life questionnaire, asthma control questionnaire, pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry (400 μcg salbutamol), inflammatory assessment (blood collection), and cardiopulmonary exercise test on a cycle ergometer to determine aerobic capacity. Second visit: assessment of strength and endurance of the quadriceps femoris and biceps brachii muscles with concomitant electromyography to assess peripheral muscle strength. Third visit: incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) and accelerometer to evaluate functional capacity and physical activity in daily life during 7 days. Then, the volunteers will be randomized to receive pulmonary rehabilitation program (intervention group) or chest physiotherapy + stretching exercises (control group). Both groups will have a supervised session, twice a week, each session will have 60 minutes duration, with minimum interval of 24 hours, for a period of 8 weeks. Intervention group: aerobic training (35 minutes) intensity between 60 to 80 % of the maximum workload of cardiopulmonary exercise testing or of ISWT; strength muscle training will be applied to the quadriceps femoris, biceps brachii and deltoid muscles (intensity: 40 to 70 % of maximal repetition, 3 x 8 repetition); finally the oral high-frequency oscillation device (Flutter®) will be used for 5 minutes. The control group: oral high-frequency oscillation device (Flutter®) for 10 minutes followed by the stretching of upper and lower limbs for 40 minutes. It is expected to observe the improvement in aerobic capacity, physical activity in daily life, muscle strength and quality of life of patients in the intervention group, and reduction in inflammatory markers.Trial registrationClinical Trial Number: NCT02383069. Data of registration: 03/03/2015

Pancreatitis aguda: reflexiones a través de la historia del Consenso de Atlanta

La pancreatitis aguda es un proceso inflamatorio con repercusiones sistémicas y locales; la mayoría de los casos son leves con baja tasa de mortalidad, pero el 20% de los pacientes sufren pancreatitis grave cuya tasa de mortalidad puede llegar a ser hasta de un 30%. A lo largo de los años se ha intentado llegar a consensos acerca de esta enfermedad con el fin de orientar a la comunidad médica hacia su mejor entendimiento, clasificación y tratamiento. El más importante de estos ha sido conocido como el Consenso de Atlanta de 1992, vigente por muchos años, pero que está siendo objeto de diferentes propuestas de modificación y actualización, que se discuten en este artículo de revisión.

SAPHO Syndrome in an Adolescent: A Clinical Case With Unusual Severe Systemic Impact

SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis) syndrome includes both dermatological and rheumatologic symptoms. Being a rare condition, the diagnosis is frequently late. The authors report a case of a 13-year-old boy diagnosed with synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis syndrome with unusual severe systemic repercussions. The patient presented with acne conglobata, inability to walk due to pain and weakness and weight loss. Bone scintigraphy was suggestive of sacroiliitis, and lumbar spine x-ray showed signs of hyperostosis. His clinical state improved after treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, methotrexate, clindamycin, and isotretinoin. A review of the clinical aspects of this syndrome is presented, emphasizing how this underdiagnosed syndrome can lead to severe weight loss and significant functional and psychological impairment at an early age.

Glycans Are a Novel Biomarker of Chronological and Biological Ages

Fine structural details of glycans attached to the conserved N-glycosylation site significantly not only affect function of individual immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecules but also mediate inflammation at the systemic level. By analyzing IgG glycosylation in 5,117 individuals from four European populations, we have revealed very complex patterns of changes in IgG glycosylation with age. Several IgG glycans (including FA2B, FA2G2, and FA2BG2) changed considerably with age and the combination of these three glycans can explain up to 58% of variance in chronological age, significantly more than other markers of biological age like telomere lengths. The remaining variance in these glycans strongly correlated with physiological parameters associated with biological age. Thus, IgG glycosylation appears to be closely linked with both chronological and biological ages. Considering the important role of IgG glycans in inflammation, and because the observed changes with age promote inflammation, changes in IgG glycosylation also seem to represent a factor contributing to aging.Significance StatementGlycosylation is the key posttranslational mechanism that regulates function of immunoglobulins, with multiple systemic repercussions to the immune system. Our study of IgG glycosylation in 5,117 individuals from four European populations has revealed very extensive and complex changes in IgG glycosylation with age. The combined index composed of only three glycans explained up to 58% of variance in age, considerably more than other biomarkers of age like telomere lengths. The remaining variance in these glycans strongly correlated with physiological parameters associated with biological age; thus, IgG glycosylation appears to be closely linked with both chronological and biological ages. The ability to measure human biological aging using molecular profiling has practical applications for diverse fields such as disease prevention and treatment, or forensics.

Update on the Classification and Treatment of Localized Scleroderma

Morphea or localized scleroderma is a distinctive inflammatory disease that leads to sclerosis of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It comprises a number of subtypes differentiated according to their clinical presentation and the structure of the skin and underlying tissues involved in the fibrotic process. However, classification is difficult because the boundaries between the different types of morphea are blurred and different entities frequently overlap. The main subtypes are plaque morphea, linear scleroderma, generalized morphea, and pansclerotic morphea. With certain exceptions, the disorder does not have serious systemic repercussions, but it can cause considerable morbidity. In the case of lesions affecting the head, neurological and ocular complications may occur. There is no really effective and universal treatment so it is important to make a correct assessment of the extent and severity of the disease before deciding on a treatment approach.

Is N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide ready for ‘prime time’ in severe pneumonia?

See article, page 933

The C57BL/6J Mouse Exhibits Sporadic Congenital Portosystemic Shunts

C57BL/6 mice are the most widely used strain of laboratory mice. Using in vivo proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H MRS), we have repeatedly observed an abnormal neurochemical profile in the brains of both wild-type and genetically modified mice derived from the C57BL/6J strain, consisting of a several fold increase in cerebral glutamine and two fold decrease in myo-inositol. This strikingly abnormal neurochemical “phenotype” resembles that observed in chronic liver disease or portosystemic shunting and appeared to be independent of transgene, origin or chow and was not associated with liver failure. As many as 25% of animals displayed the abnormal neurochemical profile, questioning the reliability of this model for neurobiology. We conducted an independent study to determine if this neurochemical profile was associated with portosystemic shunting. Our results showed that 100% of the mice with high brain glutamine displayed portosystemic shunting by concomitant portal angiography while all mice with normal brain glutamine did not. Since portosystemic shunting is known to cause alterations in gene expression in many organs including the brain, we conclude that portosystemic shunting may be the most significant problem associated with C57BL/6J inbreeding both for its effect on the central nervous system and for its systemic repercussions.

Behavior Disorder After Encephalitis Caused by Dengue

Behavior Disorder After Encephalitis Caused by Dengue

Is there an association between postural balance and pulmonary function in adults with asthma?

OBJECTIVE:Asthma may cause systemic repercussions due to its severity and the effects of treatment. Our objective was to compare posture, balance, functional capacity, and quality of life (QOL) according to the severity of disease, as assessed by pulmonary function levels.METHOD:This cross-sectional study evaluated fifty individuals with asthma. We compared two groups of adult individuals who were divided according to the median of the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) as follows: group A = FEV1>74% predicted; group B = FEV1<74% predicted. All patients underwent the following tests: spirometry, whole-body plethysmography, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco), respiratory muscle strength, posture assessment, stabilometry, six-minute walking distance (6MWD), and QOL.RESULTS:All pulmonary function variables exhibited statistically significant differences between the two groups, except for the DLco. The maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and 6MWD were lower in group B. The maximal mediolateral velocity and the mediolateral displacement were significantly different, while the postural changes and QOL were similar between the groups.CONCLUSIONS:In adult individuals with asthma, the pulmonary function is associated with balance control in the mediolateral direction but does not influence the postural changes or QOL.

A qualitative study exploring female patients' experiences of self‐harm in a medium secure unit

This study utilized a social constructivist model and reports upon interviews conducted with five female patients in a medium secure service. Their perception of self-harm is considered. Six themes emerged from the data, 'the traumatized individual', 'interrupted maturation process', 'the hidden experience', 'crossing the line', 'individual and systemic repercussions', 'nascent potential protection'. In addition to the six themes that emerged, we concluded that, although individual perceptions of self-harm varied, commonalities existed across accounts and that individual formulation may assist both patients and staff to gain a personalized understanding, thus, enabling less harmful ways of coping to be established.

Actualización en la clasificación y el tratamiento de la esclerodermia localizada

Morphea or localized scleroderma is a distinctive inflammatory disease that leads to sclerosis of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It comprises a number of subtypes differentiated according to their clinical presentation and the structure of the skin and underlying tissues involved in the fibrotic process. However, classification is difficult because the boundaries between the different types of morphea are blurred and different entities frequently overlap. The main subtypes are plaque morphea, linear scleroderma, generalized morphea, and pansclerotic morphea. With certain exceptions, the disorder does not have serious systemic repercussions, but it can cause considerable morbidity. In the case of lesions affecting the head, neurological and ocular complications may occur. There is no really effective and universal treatment so it is important to make a correct assessment of the extent and severity of the disease before deciding on a treatment approach.

Envolvimento sistêmico da doença periodontal – Quais as consequências?

The periodontal disease (PD) is triggered by a microbial aggression followed by a specific response with local and systemic repercussions. Several authors consider DP as a potential risk factor for development of systemic diseases such as stroke, diabetes, preterm birth, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. The study of how PD can influence a number of systemic disorders is called a periodontal medicine. The biofilm attached in teeth can release toxic bacterial products biologically active and the periodontum responds to these substances through the inflammation. There is a varied spectrum of periodontal inflammatory responses to microbial attack, from a slight gingivitis to a severe destructive PD. The bacterial products associated with inflammatory mediators can lead the patient to produce a series of systemic responses. The purpose of this review is to discuss the possible biological pathways by which the PD can influence the etiopathogenesis of some diseases and systemic disorders.

Leishmaniasis with oral mucosa involvement

The term leishmaniasis comprises a group of diseases caused by different protozoan species of the genus Leishmania. There are three main clinical forms of leishmaniasis: visceral, cutaneous and mucocutaneous. Exclusive involvement of the mucosa is very rare. To present a case of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in an elderly patient, discuss the clinical presentation, diagnostic process and treatment emphasizing the distinctions from other granulomatous lesions. A 71-year-old male presenting with a symptomatic lesion on the hard and soft palate, which had developed over a period of 6 months was evaluated. The oral exam revealed a lesion with multiple ulcerated nodules on the hard and soft palate extending to the oropharynx. The diagnostic hypothesis was chronic infectious disease (paracoccidioidomycose, tuberculosis and leishmaniasis) or squamous cell carcinoma. Histopathological, histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis were performed. A chest x-ray revealed a normal pulmonary pattern. The Montenegro skin test was positive. The definitive diagnosis was leishmaniasis with exclusive oral manifestation and the patient was treated with liposomal amphotericin. Localized oral mucosa leishmaniasis is an uncommon event in an immunocompetent patient. Dentists play an important role in the diagnosis of oral leishmaniasis, which has systemic repercussions.

GATA3 and a dominant regulatory gene expression profile discriminate operational tolerance in human transplantation

Some organ-transplanted patients achieve a state of "operational tolerance" (OT) in which graft function is maintained after the complete withdrawal of immunosuppressive drugs. We used a gene panel of regulatory/inflammatory molecules (FOXP3, GATA3, IL10, TGFB1, TGFBR1/ TBX21, TNF and IFNG) to investigate the gene expression profile in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of renal-transplanted individuals experiencing OT compared to transplanted individuals not displaying OT and healthy individuals (HI). OT subjects showed a predominant regulatory (REG) profile with higher gene expression of GATA3, FOXP3, TGFB1 and TGFB receptor 1 compared to the other groups. This predominant REG gene expression profile displayed stability over time. The significant GATA3 gene and protein expressions in OT individuals suggest that a Th2 deviation may be a relevant pathway to OT. Moreover, the capacity of the REG/INFLAMMA gene panel to discriminate OT by peripheral blood analysis indicates that this state has systemic repercussions.

Sleep Apnea: Why Should We Look for Cardiac Biomarkers?

Sleep Apnea: Why Should We Look for Cardiac Biomarkers?

Mitral valve surgery using right anterolateral thoracotomy: is the aortic cannulation a safety procedure?

The right anterolateral thoracotomy is an alternative technique for surgical approach of mitral valve. In these cases, femoral-femoral bypass still has been used, rising occurrence of complications related to femoral cannulation. Describe the technique and results of mitral valve treatment by right anterolateral thoracotomy using aortic cannulation for cardiac pulmonary bypass (CPB). From 1983 e 2008, 100 consecutive female patients, with average age 35 ±13 years, 96 (96%) underwent mitral valve surgical treatment in the Heart Institute of São Paulo. A right anterolateral thoracotomy approach associated with aortic cannulation was used for CPB. Eighty (80%) patients had rheumatic disease and 84 (84%) patients presented functional class III or IV. Were performed 45 (45%) comissurotomies, 38 (38%) valve repairs, 7(7%) mitral valve replacements, seven (7%) recomissurotomies and three (3%) prosthesis replacement. Sparing surgery was performed in 90 (90%) patients. The average CPB and clamp time were 57 ± 27 min e 39 ± 19 min, respectively. There were no in-hospital death, reoperation due to bleeding and convertion to sternotomy. Introperative complications were related to heart harvest (5%), especially in reoperations (3%). The most important complications in postoperative period were related to pulmonary system (11%), followed by atrial fibrilation (10%) but without major systemic repercussions. The mean inhospital length of stay was 8 ± 3 days. Follow-up was 6.038 patients/month. Actuarial survival was 98.0 ± 1.9% and freedom from reoperation was 81.4 ± 7.8% in 180 months. The right anterolateral thoracotomy associated with aortic cannulation in mitral valve surgery is a simple technique, reproducible and safety.

Enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en Archivos de Bronconeumología en el año 2009

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) continues to be a disease of special importance due to its great social impact arising from its high prevalence, its high morbidity and mortality and the high health costs it incurs. This has led to a great number of articles on different aspects associated with COPD each year. There is increasingly greater emphasis made of the systemic repercussions of the diseases and its comorbidity. In that same sense, tools are being sought to be able to make a more accurate prognosis of the diseases and assess other different aspects of lung function. Some standards on the quality of healthcare in COPD have also been published during this year, as well as some recommendations of the care of these patients in the advanced phase. An attempt is made in this article to summarise the more outstanding COPD articles published in Archivos de Bronconeumología during the past year.