Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in HIV-positive patients: a case report and literature review.

We are reporting the case of a woman who was admitted acutely to our intensive care unit without any collateral history. She was diagnosed with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) as a consequence of poor adherence to anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic and anti-retroviral medications. PRES is a rare condition, which may cause cortical blindness; contrary to its name it is not always reversible.

Acute coronary syndromes: an old age problem.

The increasing population in older age will lead to greater numbers of them presenting with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). This has implications on global healthcare resources and necessitates better management and selection for evidenced-based therapies. The elderly are a high risk group with more significant treatment benefits than younger ACS.

Predicting mortality and hospital admission in patients with COPD: significance of NT pro-BNP, clinical and echocardiographic assessment.

Aims: To quantify the ability of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP) to predict mortality and hospitalization in patients with chronic obstructive airways disease (COPD).

Methods: Prospective single-centre observational study of 140 consecutive patients aged at least 18 years with COPD between 27 March 2004 and 28 February 2008 (median follow-up 3.9 years).

Premature coronary artery disease shows no evidence of linkage to loci encoding for tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases.

Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP1, TIMP2, TIMP3) are naturally occurring inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). It has been proposed that MMPs have a role in weakening the fibrous cap and subsequent plaque rupture. We hypothesized that TIMP polymorphisms could predispose to premature coronary artery disease.