Basement membrane collagen IV deficiency promotes abdominal aortic aneurysm formation.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a complex disease which is incompletely accounted for. Basement membrane (BM) Collagen IV (COL4A1/A2) is abundant in the artery wall, and several lines of evidence indicate a protective role of baseline COL4A1/A2 in AAA development. Using Col4a1/a2 hemizygous knockout mice (Col4a1/a2, 129Svj background) we show that partial Col4a1/a2 deficiency augmented AAA formation.

Acquired factor V deficiency in a patient with myeloma and amyloidosis.

Introduction: We describe our experience with managing an unusual case of acquired Factor V deficiency (aFVd) in a myeloma patient with demonstrated amyloidosis.

Methods: Following diagnosis, records of previous investigations were sought. Specific clotting factors and inhibitors were tested.

Eight years of Legionnaires' disease transmission in travellers to a condominium complex in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Travel is a risk factor for Legionnaires' disease. In 2008, two cases were reported in condominium guests where we investigated a 2001 outbreak. We reinvestigated to identify additional cases and determine whether ongoing transmission resulted from persistent colonization of potable water.

Anaesthetic morbidity at the University Hospital of the West Indies.

Objective: There is little information on adverse anaesthetic outcomes from the Caribbean. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of anaesthetic morbidity and mortality at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) and to identify possible risk factors.

Methods: All anaesthetic procedures at the UHWI were monitored for adverse events and patient outcomes for the 12-month period from March 2004 to February 2005.