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Biomedical subjects

B Herrero

Publications and source records attributed to B Herrero.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

The value of comparative volumetric analysis of urinary and blood erythrocytes to localize the source of hematuria.

PURPOSE: We evaluate comparative volumetric analysis of blood and urinary red blood cells (RBCs) to identify the source of hematuria. Comparative volumetric analysis is defined as the difference between mean corpuscular erythrocyte volume in peripheral blood (MCVB) diluted in urine supernatant after centrifugation and mean corpuscular volume of urinary erythrocytes (MCVU). The potential of MCVB-MCVU to distinguish the origin of hematuria is compared to MCVU alone. The fundamental hypothesis is that RBCs that can go through the glomerulus will be smaller than those from the collecting system or lower urinary tract, thus having a smaller MCVU and larger difference between MCVB and MCVU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective detailed urological evaluation was performed on 210 patients with glomerular or nonglomerular hematuria detected by urinary sediment, clinical radiological evaluation, endoscopy, cytology and sometimes bladder or renal biopsy. After evaluation 24 cases with an uncertain source of hematuria were excluded from study. Specialized urinalysis, volumetric analysis and clinical investigation were performed in a blind fashion. MCVU and MCVB-MCVU were registered for every patient. The Technicon H-3 system with angle laser scattering dual system allowed measurement of mean corpuscular volume in a minimal number of RBCs, and resuspension of RBC pellets in the same urinary supinate avoided effects of osmolarity and pH on RBC size and shape. Reproducibility in assessing the index was tested in 50 cases in which comparative volumetric analysis was repeated on 2 consecutive days. Unpaired t test was performed, and a threshold value of MCVB-MCVU with maximum sensitivity and specificity to detect glomerular hematuria was identified. The potential of urinary and comparative volumetric analysis to distinguish the source of hematuria was evaluated and compared by receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. RESULTS: Hematuria was nonglomerular in 53 (28.4%) and glomerular in 133 (71.6%) patients. Mean MCVB-MCVU was significantly different for nonglomerular (0.6 fl.) and glomerular (30.5 fl.) sources (p<0.0001). There was a correlation between repeat independent measures of MCVU and MCVB-MCVU. The highest positive predictive value to detect a glomerular origin is desirable so that unnecessary investigation can be obviated without the risk of missing a nonglomerular source. With a limit of 16 fl. specificity and positive predictive value were 98 and 99%, respectively. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis to localize the source of hematuria revealed significant differences in favor of comparative volumetric analysis versus urinary volumetric analysis alone. CONCLUSIONS: MCVB-MCVU using the Technicon H-3 system is a useful noninvasive and accurate method to locate the source of hematuria. A value of 16 fl. or greater practically rules out a nonglomerular origin and obviates further urological investigation. We have incorporated this investigation in our diagnostic algorithm for hematuria.

Adolescent↗

Myelodysplastic syndrome with erythroid hypoplasia/aplasia: a case report and review of the literature.

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with erythroid hypoplasia/aplasia has not yet been clearly defined, and in most patients it is mistaken for acquired pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). We report a patient with severe transfusion-dependent anemia (Hb 6.9 g/dl) and reticulocytopenia. WBC and platelet counts were normal. Bone marrow examination showed a marked trilineage dysplasia and a low percentage of erythroid precursors (3%). A diagnosis of MDS (refractory anemia according to FAB classification) with erythroid hypoplasia/aplasia was made. Repeated cytogenetic analysis of bone marrow showed normal karyotypes. Moreover, serial IgM serology and DNA analysis of the patient's sera for B19 parvovirus were negative. Other conditions known to be associated with erythroid aplasia were also absent. The patient failed hematinics and prednisone therapy. He next received r-HuEPO (200 U/kg three times weekly). This form of therapy achieved a rapid and complete erythroid response. He has remained in complete erythroid response after a 7-month period on maintenance therapy of 100 U/kg three times weekly. A review of the literature revealed only 15 well-documented cases of MDS with erythroid hypoplasia/aplasia. All had morphological evidence of myelodysplasia. These patients were predominantly elderly males, all required regular packed red cell transfusions, and had an unfavorable prognosis, mainly because of a high rate of blastic transformation (frequently preceded by a myeloproliferative phase). The mechanism of erythroid hypoplasia in this subgroup of MDS remains uncertain. However, laboratory and clinical data suggest the existence of an intrinsic stem cell defect. None of the patients received hematopoietic growth factors. To our knowledge, our patient is the first case of MDS with erythroid hypoplasia where r-HuEPO was successfully attempted. The description of more cases is necessary to delineate the value of r-HuEPO therapy in this rare variant of MDS.

Adult↗

Prospective biochemical and scintigraphic evaluation of autografted normal parathyroid glands in patients undergoing thyroid operations.

BACKGROUND: Parathyroid autotransplantation has been widely used in thyroid operations. Few studies have assessed the function of the autotransplanted glands. The aim of this study was to evaluate the success rate, pattern of biochemical function, and scintigraphic appearance of parathyroid autografts in patients undergoing thyroid operations. METHODS: Twelve patients in whom 1 parathyroid gland was removed during thyroid operation were included. Glands were fragmented and autografted into individual pockets in the brachioradialis muscle of the nondominant forearm. Parathyroid hormone levels were measured in both arms the day of autotransplantation and 2 weeks and 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after operation. Serum calcium levels were also measured at each interval. Sestamibi scanning was performed 6 months after operation in 7 patients. RESULTS: All patients were women with a mean age of 50 +/- 15 years. Serum calcium levels were normal during follow-up. A gradient of parathyroid hormone level of 1.5 or greater between the autotransplanted and nontransplanted arm was found in 10 patients. Isotope uptake at the site of the parathyroid autotransplant was demonstrated in the 7 patients evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Biochemical function of autotransplanted normal parathyroid tissue was documented in 83% of the patients. Sestamibi scintiscans were able to identify the autotransplanted tissue.

Adult↗

EBV-positive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma developing after phenytoin therapy.

We report the first case of Epstein Barr virus (EBV) positive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma occurring 20 years after continuous phenytoin therapy for idiopathic epilepsy. This malignant lymphoproliferative disease was preceded by an phenytoin-associated benign reactive lymphadenopathy. Serological findings suggested a chronic active EBV infection. Immunohistochemistry showed that neoplastic cells expressed B antigens (CD20, lambda) and the bcl-2 protein. The presence of EBV-encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP 1) was also expressed on neoplastic cells. Cytotoxic chemotherapy (CHOP) reversed the non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Anticonvulsants↗

Adynamic bone lesion in renal transplant recipients with normal renal function.

Adynamic bone lesion has been defined as low bone turnover, normal or low osteoid volume and decreased bone formation rate (BFR). A prospective cross-sectional study was performed in 16 asymptomatic post-transplant kidney patients with normal renal function, to evaluate low bone mineral density. The mean age of the nine women and seven men was 33.9 +/- 7.3 years, the mean serum creatinine was 1.1 +/- 0.2 mg/dl and the mean creatinine clearance 71.5 +/- 13.8 ml/min/1.73 m2. Six patients received triple immunosuppressive therapy for a period of 10.3 +/- 3.7 months and nine received double therapy. Eighty-four months after renal grafting, we carried out bone densitometry, biochemical markers and bone biopsy. Bone densitometry showed 78 +/- 8.7% and 80.4 +/- 8% for hip and lumbar spine, with a mean Z score of 1.79 +/- 0.72 and 1.88 +/- 0.78 (SD), significantly less than normal in the Hispanic young population for those two regions. Serum PTH (0.83 +/- 0.23 microgram/ml normal range 0.32-0.65), urine cAMP (4.1 +/- 1.3, normal range 0.5-4.7 nmol/mg Cr) and total and nephrogenic fraction (3.1 +/- 1.1, normal range 0.29-2.9 nmol/100 ml GFR) were significantly greater than normal (P < 0.01). The bone biopsy in 12/16 patients showed decreased percentage osteoid area (1.59 +/- 0.86% vs 3.19 +/- 0.82%), percentage mineralized area (13 +/- 4.7% vs 21.03 +/- 3.36%) and bone formation rate (505 +/- 237 vs 1275 +/- 168 microns2/mm2/day), with a P value < 0.05 compared with 10 normal bone biopsies. The remaining four patients exhibited low bone turnover image with normal bone formation rate (1442 +/- 206 microns2/mm2/ day). Iron deposits were demonstrated at the mineralization front in 10/16 patients. No aluminium or amyloid deposits were observed. The histomorphometric results showed the presence of adynamic bone lesion in 12 renal transplant recipients with normal renal function and osteopenia, which explains the low bone density. The long-term use of glucocorticoids and the presence of iron deposits may contribute to this bone lesion. The biochemical markers of bone remodelling showed abnormalities compatible with moderate increase in parathyroid function. The adynamic lesion in the presence of hyperparathyroid function may suggest down-regulation of PTH bone receptors, alterations of the bone microenvironment or both.

Adult↗

[Preliminary analysis of the modifications of spinal curves, in extreme amplitudes, observed in rhythmic and athletic gymnastics].

Trained users of Rhythmic and Athletic Gymnastic, present kinetic spinal vast extents. Analysis, with pasted cutaneous markers, shows that, according to the codified movement, various segments of the vertebral column are requested and realized important displacements. Nevertheless, to have an homogeneous attitude, some subjects request more either lumbar or thoracic segments, of both. To prevent frequent spinal pain, it is important to realize a preliminary subject selection using their total spine and to improve protection by adapted gymnastic.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Weekly variation of fungal colonies in the atmosphere of Palencia (Spain) throughout the year 1992.

We have carried out a qualitative and quantitative study of the fungal colonies developed in two different culture media: Czapecdox and Sabouraud, throughout the year 1992 in Palencia city. A volumetric trap was used. We collected daily samples of aerovagans spore from the atmosphere through a cellulose esther filter, half of which was cultivated on Petri dishes. The following genera were identified: 26 Deuteromycetes (54%), four Zygomycetes (28%), and three bacteria, which along with Actinomycetes, reached 18% of all the registered colonies. Fifty-two percent of the colonies were developed in Czapecdox culture medium and 48% in Sabouraud medium. Most of the bacteria were grown in Sabouraud medium. The highest number of colonies recorded belonged to the following three genera: Mucor (25%), Aspergillus (23%) and Penicillium (16%). Most colonies were grown in autumn (32%), while spring was the second most frequent season when 28% of the colonies were registered.

Atmosphere↗