Genomic instability in a healthy elderly population: a pilot study of possible cytogenetic markers related to ageing.

Accumulation of DNA damage may play a significant role in the aetiology of the ageing process. Although genomic lesions increase the risk of cancer, many elderly individuals do not suffer from neoplasia in spite of their late age. We aimed to evaluate the rate of genome integrity impairment among elderly subjects without recorded chronic or inflammatory diseases and malignancies.

[Incipient pericardial tamponade as the first symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus in 2 children].

Two patients (a boy and a girl), with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), in which pericarditis with threatening tamponade was an initial symptom of disease, are presented. Pericardial tamponade is very rare initial manifestation, described in only 1-3% of all the cases of SLE. The typical clinical features of tamponade are described (tachycardia, hypotension, venous congestion) and the importance of echocardiography in early diagnosis of pericarditis and pericardial tamponade is pointed out.