Nonconvulsive status epilepticus in elderly a possible diagnostic pitfall.

Introduction: Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is characterized by behavioral and vegetative abnormalities without classical major convulsive movements. A broad variability in clinical presentation makes this condition difficult to recognize and therefore NCSE is often overlooked especially in elderly.

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence, clinical features, therapeutic approach and outcomes of NCSE.

Influence of enteric nutrition on blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in very old patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

The purpose was to check the influence of enteric nutrition on BUN in very elderly patients. Clinical data on patients in whom enteral feeding was initiated after a period of poor oral intake are presented. Patients with evidence of volume depletion, signs of gastrointestinal bleeding or medicines that might increase BUN were excluded.

Urinary retention: a cause of hyponatremia?

Background: Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is the most common cause of hyponatremia in elderly hospitalized patients; however in many patients the etiology remains unclear even after routine investigations.

Objective: To report our experience of the association of hyponatremia and urinary retention in elderly hospitalized patients.

Patients: Six patients with hyponatremia and urinary retention who were admitted to the geriatric department in our hospital during a four-year period (2001-2004).

[Pernicious anemia and malignancy].

Pernicious anemia is a common finding is the elderly as is malignancy. The associated malignancy in patients with pernicious anemia was previously reported and recently confirmed. In addition to the various malignancies, polyp in the stomach and carcinoid of the stomach were reported in patients with pernicious anemia.