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Biomedical subjects

A L Jessen

Publications and source records attributed to A L Jessen.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

[Bladder leukoplakia].

Leukoplakia of the bladder is a rare condition. It is characterized by squamous metaplasia of the transitional epithelium and keratinization. The etiology and possible pathogenetic factors are discussed. Up to 42% develop carcinoma which makes early diagnosis important. The clinical diagnosis is difficult. The patients present with symptoms of vesical irritation and the passage of flakes is pathognomonic. Diagnosis is made by cystoscopy with biopsies. Characteristic cystoscopic findings are described. Treatment and a follow-up programme are outlined. As conservative treatment remains unsatisfactory radical extirpation or cystectomy is recommended for extensive lesions.

Diagnosis, Differential

[Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and thrombocytopenia: the HELLP syndrome--a manifestation of severe pre-eclampsia].

On the basis of a review of the literature and five case histories, the pathophysiological and clinical features in pregnant women with haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and thrombocytopenia which together constitute the HELLP syndrome (haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count) are illustrated. This syndrome describes a complicated obstetric course with greatly increased neonatal and maternal morbidities. Hypertension/proteinuria are common but are not obligatory. The condition should be suspected in pregnant women with pain under the right rib margin and unexplained jaundice. The diagnosis is verified by the blood picture, liver enzyme count and a blood smear. Women with verified HELLP syndrome and gestational age greater than 34 weeks should be delivered immediately. Women with the same syndrome and gestational age less than 32 weeks should be delivered if the condition cannot be rapidly controlled. In exceptional cases cesarean section may be necessary. On the basis of the coagulation status, the defective plasma components may be supplied (e.g. fresh frozen plasma and antithrombin-III). Plasmapheresis and specific pharmacological intervention must be considered as experimental at present, although these present promising therapeutic possibilities.

Adult

A case of vesical leukoplakia.

A 54-year-old woman who had earlier been treated for cervical dysplasia complained of recurrent cystitis, urgency and frequency, but without signs of genital prolapse. At cystoscopy with biopsies, leukoplakia of the bladder was diagnosed. We describe how the condition is distinguished from squamous metaplasia of the trigone as seen in normal premenopausal women. An association between leukoplakia and cancer is widely accepted. Against this background, a follow-up program is outlined. The possibility of leukoplakia as a multicentric disorder of the genito-urinary tract is briefly discussed.

Biopsy