Biomedical subjects

J M Shamma'a

Publications and source records attributed to J M Shamma'a.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1990

Hepatitis with bridging fibrosis and reversible hepatic insufficiency in a woman with rheumatoid arthritis taking methotrexate.

A patient with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis developed ascites while taking weekly doses of methotrexate (MTX). Her serum transaminase and albumin levels were normal. A liver biopsy revealed chronic hepatitis with bridging fibrosis and piecemeal necrosis. Upon discontinuation of MTX, her ascites resolved, and her arthritis became more active. This is the third report of reversible hepatic decompensation associated with prolonged MTX therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

PubMed1985

Predictive value of a low serum trypsinogen.

Previous studies, in selected populations, have determined that a low serum trypsinogen can be seen in chronic exocrine pancreatic disorders (CP) and primary diabetes mellitus (DM). In this study, we investigated the predictive value of a low serum trypsinogen. The study population consisted of 488 consecutive emergency room patients admitted to our hospital on whom a serum amylase was drawn by the emergency room staff. Of the sera drawn, 418 were saved and tested for immunoassayable trypsinogen. Ten of 418 (2.4%), had a low level of this marker (less than 10 ng/ml). Of these 10, four had obvious historical or clinical evidence of CP during their initial hospitalization. Six patients, however, had no initial evidence of CP. Follow-up was obtained in three of the six, and all three had evidence of CP despite absence of symptoms. Of the 418 patients, 37 had DM. A low trypsinogen was found in three of these 37, and all three had concomitant CP. We conclude that this new assay has excellent predictive value in diagnosing chronic exocrine pancreatic disorders.

Adult↗

PubMed1980

Syphilitic hepatitis.

Liver involvement in syphilis varies with the stage of the disease. The presence of fibrosis, gumma and hepar lobatum are well described in patients with late and congenital symphilis. On the other hand since Hahn's review of 1943, only eight cases with secondary syphilis have been described in the literature. With the new acceptance of aberrant sexual practice there has been an increase in the prevalence of venereal diseases and emergence of new syndromes related to homosexuality. This case report illustrates one of the manifestations of syphilis that may be easily confused with other causes of jaundice.

Adult↗