Α case of seronegative autoimmune encephalitis associated with human herpesvirus-7 (HHV-7).

In the last 10 years, an increased number of patients presenting with acute encephalitis is being observed, a finding that is attributed to autoimmune mechanisms. Despite the fact that autoantibodies usually target the neuronal cell surface or synaptic proteins in the central nervous system (CNS), in many cases these remain undetectable, constituting a future diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Human herpesvirus-7 (HHV-7) is proven to be a neurotropic virus, causing various neurological complications mostly in the adult population.

Hematogenous spinal infection in central Greece.

Study Design: We retrospectively analyzed spinal infection (SpI), in a teaching Hospital, in Central Greece.

Objective: To study presentation, etiology, and outcome of SpI in Central Greece.

Summary Of Background Data: SpI most frequently involves the intervertebral disc and adjacent vertebral bodies and can cause neurologic impairment.

Diabetes mellitus and lung function.

Objectives: To assess the nature of pulmonary dysfunction in type 1 diabetes and the relationship of pulmonary function tests to diabetic factors and complication.

Subjects And Methods: Sixteen type 1 diabetic patients and 26 control subjects matched for age and sex were studied. We performed spirometry measurements and measured pulmonary diffusing capacity (DL(CO)) in sitting and supine position by the single-breath method corrected by alveolar volume (VA).

Increased incidence of anti-LKM autoantibodies in a consecutive cohort of hepatitis C patients from central Greece.

Objectives: In Greece, there are insufficient data regarding the presence of non-organ and liver-related autoantibodies in hepatitis C patients. This study in a consecutive cohort of 39 such patients from central Greece investigates (1) the prevalence of non-organ and liver-related autoantibodies, and (2) the reactivity of anti-liver-kidney microsomal type 1 antibodies (in the case of positivity with at least one of the methods used) against their molecularly defined antigens.

Design: All serum samples were tested by standard and molecular assays for the presence of anti-nuclear antibodies, smooth muscle antibodies, anti-liver-kidney microsomal type 1 antibodies, antibodies against parietal cells, anti-CYP2A6, anti-CYP1A2 and anti-CYP2D6 autoantibodies.

Efficacy of repeated therapeutic endoscopy in patients with bleeding ulcer.

Background/aims: Although therapeutic endoscopy is regarded as the procedure of choice for bleeding ulcers, the disease mortality is barely altered. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of repeated therapeutic endoscopy in patients with bleeding ulcer.

Methods: From January 1990 to April 1995, 727 patients with bleeding ulcers were admitted to hospital under the care of one gastroenterologist who endoscoped every patient within 18 hours of admission.