Fever of unknown origin (FUO): which are the factors influencing the final diagnosis? A 2005-2015 systematic review.

Background: The differential diagnosis of Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) is very extensive, and includes infectious diseases (ID), neoplasms and noninfectious inflammatory diseases (NIID). Many FUO remain undiagnosed. Factors influencing the final diagnosis of FUO are unclear.

Different changes in mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in lymphocytes and granulocytes in cirrhotic patients with sepsis.

Background & Aims: Apoptosis regulates leucocyte response during bacterial infections. This study explored leucocyte apoptotic pathway in cirrhotic patients with or without infections or sepsis.

Methods: In cirrhotic patients with bacterial infection or sepsis, the expression of Caspase 9, Bcl-2 family proteins, which comprises pro-apoptotic molecules, such as Bax, and anti-apoptotic molecules, such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, were measured in peripheral lymphocytes and granulocytes.

[HBV and pregnancy].

The clinical course of HBV infection in pregnant women does not usually differ from the course in non-pregnant women. Hepatitis flare rarely occurs during pregnancy, but it is frequent after delivery. HBV carrier status is associated with a higher incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus, pre-term labour and miscarriage.

Salvage therapy with tenofovir followed by adefovir maintenance in a cirrhotic patient with a lamivudine resistant HBV flare.

A 36 year old man with chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis was admitted in our Department for the onset of jaundice, ascites and ALT flare (x 35 u.n.v.

[Cholera: recent acquisitions].

Cholera is still a medical problem in several countries, leading to the death of a large number of affected individuals. Recent acquisitions on the epidemiology of Vibrio cholerae suggest that there is a risk of global spreading of the disease and of the development of new pathogenic strains. We have reviewed the most recent hypothesis on the ecology of cholera, in particular on the origin of epidemics.

Fever of unknown origin: a systematic review of the literature for 1995-2004.

Background: Fever of unknown origin (FUO) identifies a pattern of fever with temperature higher than 38.3 degrees C on several occasions over more than 3 weeks, in which the diagnosis remains uncertain after an initial diagnostic work-up. The identification of the cause of FUO is a challenge in clinical practice despite recent advances in diagnostic techniques.

[Cutaneous myiasis from Cordylobia anthropophaga in a traveller returning from Senegal: a case study].

Myiasis is the infestation of human or animal tissues by fly larvae. The disease is widespread especially in tropical countries. Here we report a case of myiasis due to Cordylobia anthropophaga that occurred in a traveller returning from Senegal.

[Risks of antibacterial agents in pregnancy].

Antimicrobial therapy in the pregnant woman has to consider the potential risks of antibacterial agents for the developing foetus and the mother. Extensive clinical experience shows that penicillins, cephalosporins and erythromycin (except erythromycin estolate) can be considered safe for the developing foetus and for the pregnant woman. Nitrofurantoin is a valid antibacterial option in pregnancy, except in the latter stages.