Comparison between different D-Dimer cutoff values to assess the individual risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism: analysis of results obtained in the DULCIS study.

Introduction: D-dimer assay, generally evaluated according to cutoff points calibrated for VTE exclusion, is used to estimate the individual risk of recurrence after a first idiopathic event of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Methods: Commercial D-dimer assays, evaluated according to predetermined cutoff levels for each assay, specific for age (lower in subjects <70 years) and gender (lower in males), were used in the recent DULCIS study. The present analysis compared the results obtained in the DULCIS with those that might have been had using the following different cutoff criteria: traditional cutoff for VTE exclusion, higher levels in subjects aged ≥60 years, or age multiplied by 10.

D-dimer to guide the duration of anticoagulation in patients with venous thromboembolism: a management study.

The optimal duration of anticoagulation in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) is uncertain. We investigated whether persistently negative D-dimers in patients with vein recanalization or stable thrombotic burden can identify subjects at low recurrence risk. Outpatients with a first VTE (unprovoked or associated with weak risk factors) were eligible after at least 3 months (12 in those with residual thrombosis) of anticoagulation.

Long-term cardiovascular risk and coronary events in morbidly obese patients treated with laparoscopic gastric banding.

Background: Long-term studies reporting the effects of bariatric surgery on cardiovascular risk factors and events are scarce. The aim of this study was to analyze reduction of multiple cardiovascular risk factors and rates of coronary events in morbidly obese patients treated with bariatric surgery and with>10 years of follow-up.

Methods: This was a prospective uncontrolled study with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

Respiratory distress in Pierre Robin sequence: an experience with mandible traction by wires.

Congenital retrognathia and glossoptosis characterize isolated Pierre Robin sequence (iPRS); the small mandible and its retracted position cause retrodisplacement of the tongue and reduction of the oropharyngeal airway. These neonates may be affected by airway obstruction, feeding difficulties, failure to thrive, and chronic hypoxaemia. To solve the respiratory problems secondary to glossoptosis, various treatments have been described including prone positioning, a nasopharyngeal tube, glossopexy, and mandibular distraction.

Weight loss and changes in use of antidiabetic medication in obese type 2 diabetics after laparoscopic gastric banding.

Background: Interest in bariatric surgery is growing as an effective method for long-term metabolic control in morbidly obese patients with type 2 diabetes. We analyzed the weight loss and changes in use of diabetic medication in obese patients with type 2 diabetes treated with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB).

Methods: From 1993 to 2005, 1791 morbid obese patients underwent LAGB at our institution.

Bariatric surgery improves atherogenic LDL profile by triglyceride reduction.

Background: Small dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are atherogenic particles frequently observed in obese patients. Fatty acids modulate LDL. Objective of this study was to determine the relations between plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition and the presence of small dense LDL particles in morbidly obese patients treated with laparoscopic gastric banding (LAGB).

Dent's disease and prevalence of renal stones in dialysis patients in Northeastern Italy.

Dent's disease (DD) involves nephrocalcinosis, urolithiasis, hypercalciuria, LMW proteinuria, and renal failure in various combinations. Males are affected. It is caused by mutations in the chloride channel CLCN5 gene.

Progress in implantable gastric stimulation: summary of results of the European multi-center study.

Background: The Implantable Gastric Stimulator (IGS(R)), a pacemaker-like device, has been found to be safe and effective to induce and maintain weight loss. The LOSS (Laparoscopic Obesity Stimulation Survey) is a prospective non-randomized trial which enrolled 69 patients involving 11 investigator centers in 5 European Countries. In 19 patients, ghrelin was analyzed.

Intracranial dislocation of the mandibular condyle: report of two cases and review of the literature.

Fractures of the mandibular condylar process are common and account for up to 40% of all mandibular fractures. Penetration of the condylar head into the middle cranial fossa is, however, rare. We have found reports of only 43 cases since 1834.

Repair of the achilles tendon rupture: a functional comparison of three surgical techniques.

A retrospective comparison of three surgical procedures for the acute treatment of closed ruptures of the Achilles tendon is presented: 1) open repair, 2) a percutaneous technique, and 3) a combined mini-open and percutaneous technique. The authors compared the results of 52 tendon ruptures, including 15 open repairs, 15 percutaneous repairs, and 22 combined repairs, with minimal follow-up of 12 months. The authors evaluated the parameters of strength, performance, use of shoes, time of returning to work, range of ankle motion, calf circumference, pain, ability to perform 20 toe-raises on each side, and MRI findings.

Juxta-adrenal malignant schwannoma.

A case of malignant schwannoma occurring in an 11-year-old boy is described. To our knowledge, this is the third case of malignant juxta-adrenal schwannoma reported in the literature. It was misdiagnosed at the onset of the disease as a post-traumatic renal hematoma.

Total facial rehabilitation: the evolving concept of reconstructive surgery.

Total facial rehabilitation requires an understanding of the contributing components of the so-called aging face syndrome. This syndrome may be due to atrophy of the jaws or may result from ablative surgery for cancer. The aging face requires correction of every anatomic component (i.

Vasopressin, atrial natriuretic factor and renal water homeostasis in premature newborn infants with respiratory distress syndrome.

Arginine vasopressin (AVP), human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP), and body fluid and electrolyte balance were examined during the first five days of life in eleven premature infants (birthweight 1610 +/- 240 g, gestation 30 +/- 1 weeks) receiving mechanical ventilation for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Plasma hANP and urine AVP concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay on the first, third and fifth days. Arginine vasopressin urine levels remained constantly elevated during the study period (mean +/- SD 13.

Echocardiographic and pulsed Doppler features in glycogen storage disease type II of the heart (Pompe's disease).

Two cases of cardiac glycogen storage disease type II are described: the first one, male aged 3 months, presented with generalized muscular hypotonia and decreased deep tendon reflexes; a 2/6 systolic murmur was audible at the left sternal border; chest X-ray and ECG were consistent with left ventricular hypertrophy; an echocardiogram disclosed an impressive and diffuse cardiac hypertrophy; the pump function appeared preserved and the estimated ejection fraction was about 70%. Pulsed wave Doppler demonstrated a normal envelope of mitral flow with E/A ratio = 1.27 in averaged 20 beats.