Renin and aldosterone in diabetic neuropathy

This research was carried out to evaluate the role of plasma renin activity [PRA] in relation to diabetic peripheral neuropathy. A total of 47 subjects were included in the study, 15 healthy controls, 15 noncomplicated diabetics, and 17 diabetics complicated with neuropathy; 5 of whom had -in addition- autonomic neuropathy. PRA, and serum aldosterone were not significantly different among the three groups [P <0.05]. However, PRA was low in patients complicated with autonomic neuropathy [P <0.05]. Subsequently, PRA has no direct relationship in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy, yet assessment of PRA may be investigational tool for the diagnosis of autonomic neuropathy. Further large scale studied are recommended

Growth pattern in cardiac patients in relation to somatomedin and growth hormone levels

General patterns of growth as well as serum levels of Growth hormone[GH] and Somatomedin-C [Sm-C] were assessed in 25 healthy infants and children and in 58 patients with heart diseases [25 with rheumatic heart disease, 18 with congenital acyanotic heart disease and 15 with congenital cyanotic heart disease]. Obvious growth retardation of variable degrees was present in cardiac patients being more pronounced in congenital heart disease patients, mostly the cyanotic types. A highly significant lower serum levels of both GH and Sm were detected in cardiac patients compared to control. There was no significant difference between the serum levels of GH in the three studied groups of patients, while a highly significant difference in the serum levels of Sm existed between them. A significant lower serum levels of GH and Sm were encountered in patients below the 10th percentile, compared to those above the 10th percentile. The results of this work point to the endocrinal contribution in the development of growth retardation in cardiac patients, as suggested by the low levels of GH and Sm found in cardiac patients

Factors affecting patients with arterial hypertension

This study was conducted to gather information about hypertensive patients to assess their characteristics knowledge, life-style and to clear the risk groups, whom are liable to be hypertensive patients. The study was done in Ain Shams University Hospital and El.Salam Mohandseen hospital, in medical section, both in out patients clinics and inpatient sections 200 patients previously diagnosed as hypertensive were included in this study [regardless of aetiology from both sex and more than 20 years old age and 50 persons have all the previous characteristics except they are not hypertensive as a control group. The data was collected by a-pre designed interviewing questionnaire schedule and a physical assessment sheet. The results showed that hypertensives patients are in need to change their life style to control hypertension this include achieving ideal body weight restricting sodium intake, daily exercise, learning techniques to relax and reduce stress in daily life. Prevention of drinking caffeine content which elevate blood pressures prevention of smoking and also the hypertensive patients need continuous follow-up care

Prolactin secretion in idiopathic Parkinson's disease. An Egyptian study

In 20 patients with idiopathic parkinson's disease [PD], the basal level of prolactin [PRL] was normal. Also PRL level was evaluated in the same patients after sinemet ingestion after 3 weeks, 6 months and 1 year. In all patients, serum PRL was appropriately normal after sinemet treatment. From these results it seems that the tubero- infundibular dopaminergic [TIDA] system in PD is functionally normal and the dopamine receptors at the lactotrope are intact and respond normally. PRL level correlated with the severity of the clinical picture in PD and it can guide us to the proper way of management

Study of thyroid antibodies in thyrotoxicosis before and after medical control

50 patients with hyper-thyroidism [25 with Graves' disease and 25 with toxic nodulas goiter] and 25 normal volunteers were included in this study. Thyroglobulin and microsomal antibodies were present in thyrotoxic patients of both groups with non significant differences. The frequency of presence of thyroglobulin and microsomal antibodies in the groups: total thyrotoxic patients, Graves' disease, toxic nodular goiter and in normal controls were as follows: Thyroglobulin antibody: 60%, 56%, 64% and 4% respectively. Microsomal antibody: 72%, 64%, 80% and 8% respectively. After medical control: We had variable results: In Graves' disease: as regards thyroglobulin antibody: 11 patients with positive thyroglobulin antibody titers: 8 show decrease in titer and 3 show increase titer. As regards microsomal antibody: 12 patients with positive microsomal antibody titers; 7 show decrease in titer and 5 show increase titer. In toxic nodular goiter: As regard thyroglobulin antibody: 11 patients with positive thyroglobulin antibody titers; 6 show decrease; 1 increase and 4 had no change in titers. As regards microsomal antibody: 14 patients with positive microsomal antibody titers; 6 decrease, 5 increase and 3 had no change in titer. All patients with undetectable thyroglobulin or microsomal antibodies [negative cases] remained negative with medical control. Our study shows no correlation between either T3 levels or T4 levels and positive microsomal and thyroglobulin antibody titers before treatment. Our results of the proportion of total T-lymphocytes in patients with toxic nodular goiter, Graves' disease and normal subjects, show no significant differences between both group of patients and normal subjects. There is no significant difference in T-lymphocytes in group of patients before and after medical control. Our study also shows no correlation between the proportion of total T-lymphocyte cells and thryroid hormones [T3 and T4]

Adrenocortical function in Egyptian children with nephrotic syndrome

Plasma cortisol at basal level and 30 minutes after ACTH injection was determined in 30 children aged from 4-12 years by radioimmunoassay. They were classified as follows: 10 as normal control group and 20 children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. They were from the pediatric nephrology clinic at Ain-Shams University Hospitals. 10 were at relapse and 10 were at remission. There was adrenocortical suppression in 50% of nephrotic patients. In patients at relapse the adrenocortical suppression was present in 70% [severe and moderate] while in patients at complete remission there was moderate suppression in 30% only. Cortisol substitutes were recommended in patients with adrenocortical suppression to prevent manifestations of suprarenal failure and to minimize the chance for subsequent relapses. Also the administration of ACTH was recommended. Results were discussed