Venous stenosis and thrombosis associated with the use of internal jugular vein catheters for hemodialysis.

Previous studies have demonstrated venous stenosis and thrombosis in hemodialysis patients who had repeated or prolonged cannulation of the subclavian vein. Early reports, however suggested that patients with catheters placed in the internal jugular vein were not at risk of such complications. We conducted a retrospective case series to determine if this was correct.

Cartilaginous metaplasia in the capsule of a Dacron-backed silicone gel breast prosthesis.

Capsular metaplastic changes described as "synovial metaplasia" have been reported in association with silicone gel breast prostheses. Initially this finding was thought to be more common with textured implants. Recent studies have shown no relation between implant shell type (textured vs.

Lipoproteins are substrates for human secretory group IIA phospholipase A2: preferential hydrolysis of acute phase HDL.

Group IIA secretory phospholipase A2 is an acute phase enzyme, co-expressed with serum amyloid A protein. Both are present in atherosclerotic lesions. We report that human normal and acute phase high density lipoproteins and low density lipoprotein are effective substrates for human group IIA phospholipase A2.

Regulation of the cellular expression of secretory and cytosolic phospholipases A2, and cyclooxygenase-2 by peptide growth factors.

Secretory group II (sPLA2) and cytosolic (cPLA2) phospholipases A2 and cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) play a pivotal role in release of proinflammatory eicosanoids. Excessive activity of sPLA2 per se can also propagate inflammation. Endogenous control of the above enzymes has not been completely elucidated.

Splenic artery embolization before laparoscopic splenectomy. An update.

Background: This study assessed preoperative splenic artery embolization before laparoscopic splenectomy.

Methods: Preoperative splenic artery embolization was used in 26 of 54 patients (48%) undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy. Between 1992 and 1994, this procedure was used in all patients with spleens shorter than 20 cm (group I), except the first two (18/20).

Hepatitis G and hepatitis C RNA viruses coexisting in cryoglobulinemia.

Objective: Hepatitis G virus (HGV) has been identified as a new member of the Flaviridae family, which includes the hepatitis C virus (HCV). There is a well established association between HCV and cryoglobulinemia; however, to date HGV has not been linked with various types of cryoglobulinemia. We investigated the association of HGV with cryoglobulinemia.

Transmissibility and infection control implications of Burkholderia cepacia in cystic fibrosis.

Objective: To describe the microbiology and potential virulence factors of Burkholderia cepacia; to discuss the studies that have investigated its mode of transmission among cystic fibrosis patients; and to identify the major risk factors associated with acquisition of this pathogen inside and outside of the hospital environment.

Data Sources: MEDLINE search of the literature published between 1986 and 1997 using the key words/subject words Pseudomonas cepacia, Burkholderia cepacia, cystic fibrosis, infection control and transmissibility, and the bibliography of selected papers.

Data Extraction: Selected studies examining epidemiology, microbiology, virulence factors and mode of transmission of B cepacia in cystic fibrosis.

Group II phospholipases A2 are indirectly cytolytic in the presence of exogenous phospholipid.

Systemic inflammatory response syndromes including septic shock and salicylate poisoning are associated with high circulating levels of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). In septic shock, sPLA2 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multisystem organ failure, presumably by a direct cytotoxic effect on cells. The cytotoxicity of recombinant human sPLA2 and a venom PLA2 were examined on human erythrocytes, erythroleukemia cells and U937 cells.

Experience With Nocturnal Hemodialysis.

In order to provide a highly efficient, long-duration form of hemodialysis, we developed nocturnal hemodialysis. Patients were dialyzed nightly at home for 8 - 10 hours, 6 - 7 nights/week. We kept the dialysate flow at 100 mL/min and the blood flow at 250 - 300 mL/min.