Enfermedad de Wilson: presentación hepática y revisión bibliográfica / Wilson's disease: liver presentation and literature review / Doença de Wilson: apresentação hepática e revisão de literatura

Resumen: La Enfermedad de Wilson es un trastorno genético raro que puede presentarse a cualquier edad y se caracteriza por el depósito de cobre a nivel hepático y cerebral. La afectación hepática abarca desde formas asintomática hasta falla hepática fulminante o cirrosis. Su diagnóstico precoz tiene implicancias pronósticas ya que el tratamiento puede lograr un balance negativo de cobre, permitir el control sintomático y prevenir la progresión de la enfermedad. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 27 años, con dolor abdominal, en el que se hizo el diagnóstico de Enfermedad de Wilson a partir de una hipertransaminasemia leve. Los hallazgos que orientaron al diagnóstico fueron una cupruria aumentada por inducción con D-penicilamina y una cuantificación de cobre en tejido hepático seco elevada. Con un estadio de fibrosis leve, se comenzó tratamiento con D-penicilamina con buena tolerancia y la normalización de las alteraciones bioquímicas.

Abstract: Wilson's disease is a rare genetic disorder that can occur at any age and is characterized by copper deposition in the liver and brain. Liver involvement ranges from asymptomatic forms to fulminant hepatic failure or cirrhosis. Its early diagnosis has prognostic implications since the treatment can achieve a negative copper balance, allow symptomatic control and prevent the progression of the disease. We present the case of a 27-year-old man with abdominal pain, who was diagnosed with Wilson's disease from mild hypertransaminasemia. The findings that led to the diagnosis were an increased cupruria by induction with D-penicillamine and a quantification of copper in elevated dry liver tissue. With a stage of mild fibrosis, treatment with D-penicillamine was started with good tolerance and normalization of biochemical alterations.

Resumo: Doença de Wilson é uma doença genética rara que pode ocorrer em qualquer idade e é caracterizada pela deposição de cobre no fígado e no cérebro. O envolvimento do fígado varia de formas assintomáticas a insuficiência hepática fulminante ou cirrose. Seu diagnóstico precoce tem implicações prognósticas, uma vez que o tratamento pode alcançar um balanço negativo do cobre, permitir o controle sintomático e prevenir a progressão da doença. Apresentamos o caso de um homem de 27 anos com dor abdominal, diagnosticado com doença de Wilson de hipertransaminasemia leve. Os achados que levaram ao diagnóstico foram aumento da cuprúria por indução com D-penicilamina e quantificação de cobre em tecido hepático seco elevado. Com uma fase de fibrose leve, o tratamento com D-penicilamina foi iniciado com boa tolerância e normalização das alterações bioquímicas.

A Pediatric Case of a D-Penicillamine Induced ANCA-associated Vasculitis Manifesting a Pulmonary-Renal Syndrome

D-penicillamine has been reported to cause antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis presenting as rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis or pulmonary-renal syndrome mostly in adults. We report a pediatric case of D-penicillamine induced ANCA-associated vasculitis that manifests as a pulmonary-renal syndrome with a mild renal manifestation. A 13-year-old girl who has been taking D-penicillamine for five years under the diagnosis of Wilson disease visited the emergency room because of hemoptysis and dyspnea. She had diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage, microscopic hematuria, and proteinuria. Myeloperoxidase ANCA was positive, and a renal biopsy revealed pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis. Under the diagnosis of D-penicillamine-induced ANCA-associated vasculitis, D-penicillamine was switched to trientine, and the patient was treated with plasmapheresis, glucocorticoid, cyclophosphamide, and mycophenolate mofetil. Pulmonary hemorrhage improved rapidly followed by the disappearance of the hematuria and proteinuria five months later.

Síndrome de Wilson: relato de caso / Wilson´s Disease: a case repor

Objetivos: Este relato descreve um distúrbio genético raro, denominado de Síndrome de Wilson, herdado em caráter autossômico recessivo, com sintomas muito facilmente confundidos com outras doenças. A causa básica responsável pelas manifestações clínicas é o acúmulo de cobre em diversos compartimentos do organismo humano, especialmente em locais como fígado, cérebro, rins e córneas, devido a mutações no gene ATP7B que codifica a Cu+2 ATPase, uma proteína transportadora de cobre que está localizada no complexo de Golgi dos hepatócitos. As alterações hepáticas podem se apresentar como hepatite crônica, cirrose e, mais raramente, hepatite fulminante. As alterações neurológicas são variáveis, predominando os sintomas extrapiramidais, tremores, distonia, disartria, alterações de humor, sintomas psiquiátricos e, se não tratada, diminuição progressiva da capacidade intelectual. Uma das características mais extraordinárias dessa síndrome é a grande variabilidade de manifestações fenotípicas em pacientes que possuem a mesma mutação. No diagnóstico da doença de Wilson são analisados diversos parâmetros bioquímicos, sendo eles: ceruloplasmina sérica, cobre sérico, excreção urinária de cobre e concentração hepática de cobre. Além disso, realiza-se exame oftalmológico com a observação de anéis de Kayser ­ Fleischer. A fim de complementar e facilitar o diagnóstico podem ser realizados estudos genéticos, visto que muitas vezes os sintomas e alterações laboratoriais podem estar associados a outras doenças. O tratamento baseia-se no uso de drogas quelantes do cobre. A Dpenicilamina é a droga de escolha, apesar do risco de piora neurológica em até 50% dos pacientes e dos diversos efeitos colaterais associados ao seu uso. Trientina e tetratiomolibdato são drogas alternativas, sendo a última escolhida para indivíduos com sintomas neurológicos. O zinco tem indicação em assintomáticos ou em terapia de manutenção. O tratamento precoce evita graves complicações. Relato de caso: Paciente de 14 anos de idade, natural de Poço Fundo-MG, procurou atendimento médico por apresentar episódios frequentes de paralisia facial, principalmente na região mandibular, que levava à disfagia e disfonia, além de irritabilidade e anormalidades na marcha. Foi submetida ao exame de ressonância magnética que mostrou "alteração de sinal simétrica nos corpos estriados bilateralmente, com sinais de edema dos putâmens e núcleos caudados, e atrofia dos globos pálidos. Diante do histórico familiar para a síndrome de Wilson, foi realizado o diagnóstico diferencial, por meio da concentração de sérica de ceruloplasmina e cobre sérico e urinário, que mostraram alterações típicas da síndrome de Wilson e a biomicroscopia ocular que constatou a presença do anel de Kayser-Fleischer. Conclusões: Ainda há um longo caminho a ser seguido no que se diz respeito ao diagnóstico precoce da Síndrome de Wilson. Nesse caso, a paciente não apresentou hepatopatia pregressa. Isso mostra que a doença nem sempre se apresenta da forma esperada, e reflete a dificuldade de estabelecer um diagnóstico precoce que possa impedir o surgimento dos primeiros sintomas. Todos os portadores da síndrome de Wilson necessitam de atendimento multidisciplinar, (AU)

Objectives: This report describes a rare genetic disorder, called Wilson's Disease, inherited in an autosomal recessive form, with symptoms very easily confused with other diseases. The underlying cause of the clinical manifestations is the accumulation of copper in various compartments of the human body, especially in places such as liver, brain, kidneys and corneas, due to mutations in the ATP7B gene encoding Cu + 2 ATPase, a copper carrier protein which is located in the Golgi complex of hepatocytes. Liver changes may present as chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and, more rarely, fulminant hepatitis. Neurological changes are variable, predominantly extrapyramidal symptoms, tremors, dystonia, dysarthria, mood changes, and psychiatric symptoms, if not treated, progressive decrease in intellectual capacity. One of the most extraordinary characteristics of this syndrome is the great variability of phenotypic manifestations in patients who have the same mutation. In the diagnosis of Wilson's disease, several biochemical parameters are analyzed: serum ceruloplasmin, serum copper, urinary excretion of copper and hepatic copper concentration. In addition, an ophthalmologic examination is performed with Kayser-Fleischer rings observation. In order to complement and facilitate the diagnosis, genetic studies can be performed, since the symptoms and laboratory abnormalities can often be associated with other diseases. Treatment is based on the use of copper chelating drugs. D-penicillamine is the drug of choice, despite the risk of neurological worsening in up to 50% of patients and the various side effects associated with its use. Trientin and tetrathiomolybdate are alternative drugs, the latter being chosen for individuals with neurological symptoms. Zinc is indicated for asymptomatic or maintenance therapy. Early treatment prevents serious complications. Case report: A 14-year-old patient from Poço Fundo-MG sought medical attention because of frequent episodes of facial paralysis, especially in the mandibular region, leading to dysphagia and dysphonia, as well as irritability and gait abnormalities. She underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which showed "symmetrical signal changes in the bilaterally striatum, with signs of edema of the caudate nuclei and caudate nuclei, and atrophy of the pale globes." In view of the family history of Wilson's syndrome, a differential diagnosis was performed, by serum concentration of ceruloplasmin and serum and urinary copper, which showed typical changes in Wilson's syndrome and ocular biomicroscopy, which verified the presence of the Kayser-Fleischer ring. The patient did not present previous liver disease, showing that the disease does not always present as expected, and reflects the difficulty in establishing an early diagnosis that may prevent the emergence of the first symptoms. All patients with Wilson's syndrome require multidisciplinary care since it is a disease that can significantly affect various organs and systems (AU)

Degeneración hepatolenticular: a propósito de tres casos / Hepatolenticular degeneration: report of three cases / Degeneração hepatolenticular: a propósito de três casos

RESUMEN La degeneración hepatolenticular (enfermedad de Wilson) es una entidad hereditaria rara, que afecta generalmente el hígado, pero puede presentarse en diferentes formas y tener muchas complicaciones sistémicas. Se debe tener un alto índice de sospecha para su diagnóstico, sobre todo en pacientes jóvenes, considerar los principales grupos de riesgo y ofrecer un tratamiento oportuno para evitar las complicaciones. Se describen tres casos de esta enfermedad en una familia originaria de Granada, Antioquia, atendidos en un centro de III nivel en Cali, Colombia. El caso índice se inició con trastorno neurosiquiátrico, el segundo se diagnosticó con base en el antecedente familiar y el tercero debutó con hallazgos de esteatohepatitis. Se aplicó el puntaje propuesto por el Octavo Encuentro de Enfermedad de Wilson, que fue de 3 en dos pacientes y de 4 en el tercero, lo que ayudó al enfoque diagnóstico. Se hizo seguimiento durante cinco años administrando D-penicilamina sin evidenciar progresión de la enfermedad y con efectos adversos mínimos.

SUMMARY Hepatolenticular degeneration (Wilson disease) is a rare inherited disease that usually affects the liver, but may present in different forms and have multiple systemic complications. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, mainly in young patients, and to take into account the main risk groups. Opportune and adequate treatment is important to avoid complications. We present three cases of this disease occurring in a family from Granada (Antioquia, Colombia), and treated at a III level institution in Cali (Colombia). The index case debuted with neuropsychiatric disorder, the second one was diagnosed on the basis of the family history and the third one started with steatohepatitis. The diagnostic score proposed by the Eighth Meeting on Wilson's disease was 3 in two of the patients, and 4 in the third one. They were treated with D-penicillamine and monitored for 5 years, with minimal adverse events and no evidence of disease progression.

RESUMO A degeneração hepatolenticular (Doença de Wilson) é uma entidade hereditária rara, que afeta geralmente o fígado, mas pode apresentar-se em diferentes maneiras e ter muitas complicações sistémicas. Se deve ter um alto índice de suspeita para seu diagnóstico, sobre tudo em pacientes jovens, considerar os principais grupos de risco e oferecer um tratamento oportuno para evitar as complicações. Se descrevem três casos desta doença numa família originária de Granada, Antioquia, atendidos num centro de III nível em Cali, Colômbia. O caso índice se iniciou com transtorno neuropsiquiátrico, o segundo se diagnosticou com base no antecedente familiar e o terceiro debutou com descoberta de esteato-hepatite. Se aplicou a pontuação proposto pelo Oitavo Encontro de Doença de Wilson, que foi de 3 em dois pacientes e de 4 no terceiro, que o ajudou ao enfoque diagnóstico. Se fez seguimento durante cinco anos administrando D-penicilamina sem evidenciar progressão da doença e com efeitos adversos mínimos.

Wilson's disease: the 60th anniversary of Walshe's article on treatment with penicillamine / Doença de Wilson: o 60° aniversário do artigo de Walshe no tratamento com penicilamina

ABSTRACT This historical review describes Professor Walshe's seminal contribution to the treatment of Wilson's disease on the 60th anniversary of his pioneering article on penicillamine, the first effective treatment for the condition.

RESUMO Esta revisão histórica enfatiza a contribuição seminal do Professor Walshe no tratamento da doença de Wilson (DW), com o seu trabalho pioneiro sobre o uso de penicilamina, o primeiro tratamento efetivo do mundo, publicado 60 anos atrás.

Analysis of penicillamine using Cu-modified graphene quantum dots synthesized from uric acid as single precursor / 药物分析学报

A simple methodology was developed to quantify penicillamine (PA) in pharmaceutical samples, using the selective interaction of the drug with Cu-modified graphene quantum dots (Cu-GQDs). The proposed strategy combines the advantages of carbon dots (over other nanoparticles) with the high affinity of PA for the proposed Cu-GQDs, resulting in a significant and selective quenching effect. Under the optimum conditions for the interaction, a linear response (in the 0.10–7.50 μmol/L PA concentration range) was observed. The highly fluorescent GQDs used were synthesized using uric acid as single precursor and then characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence, and absorption spectroscopy. The proposed methodology could also be extended to other compounds, further expanding the applicability of GQDs.

Analysis of penicillamine using Cu-modified graphene quantum dots synthesized from uric acid as single precursor / 药物分析学报

A simple methodology was developed to quantify penicillamine (PA) in pharmaceutical samples, using the selective interaction of the drug with Cu-modified graphene quantum dots (Cu-GQDs). The proposed strategy combines the advantages of carbon dots (over other nanoparticles) with the high affinity of PA for the proposed Cu-GQDs, resulting in a significant and selective quenching effect. Under the optimum conditions for the interaction, a linear response (in the 0.10–7.50 μmol/L PA concentration range) was observed. The highly fluorescent GQDs used were synthesized using uric acid as single precursor and then characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence, and absorption spectroscopy. The proposed methodology could also be extended to other compounds, further expanding the applicability of GQDs.

Clinical research about liver function of hepatolenticular degeneration combined liver fibrosis by transplantation of bone marrow stem cells / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the influence of bone marrow stem cells ( BMSCs ) in the serological indicators of hepatolenticular degeneration combined liver fibrosis.Methods:60 cases were randomly divided into 3 groups: penicillamine group, BMSCs group and BMSCs+penicillamine group.BMSCs(2 ml)were injected into vein with normal saline(100 ml) every 10 days ( 3 times for a period of treatment).Liver tissue pathology biopsy was inspected and TBIL, ALT, ALB, CHE, PDGF-BB, TGF-β1, IL-6 and TNF-αwere detected at 0,4 ,8 and 12 weeks.Results: The level of serological indicators about liver functions were reduced in every group, while the changes in BMSCs+penicillamine group were especially obvious ( P<0.05 ).Conclusion: Penicillamine combined with BMSCs was effective in the improvement of liver functions of hepatolenticular degeneration combined liver fibrosis.

D-penicillamine Induced Elastosis Perforans Serpiginosa / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.

Advances in research of the reversal of hepatolenticular degeneration with liver fibrosis by transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells / 实用医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation in the treatment of hepatolenticular degeneration of liver fibrosis. Methods Sixty cases with confirmed hepatolenticular degeneration of liver fibrosis were randomly divided into 3 groups: penicillamine group [40 mg/(kg·d)], BMSCs group and BMSCs + penicillamine group. Autologous BMSCs (2 mL) were injected into vein with normal saline (100 mL). Liver tissue pathology biopsy was inspected and the changes in HA, PCⅢ, LN, CⅣ, TIMP-1 and MMP-1 were observed at 0, 4th, 8th and 12th week during the therapeutic process. Results The level of serum fibrotic markers were reduced in every group , while the changes in BMSCs + penicillamine group were especially obvious (P < 0.05). Conclusion Penicillamine combined with BMSCs was effective in the therapy of hepatolenticular degeneration of liver fibrosis.

Elastosis perforante serpiginosa y pseudo-pseudoxantoma elástico secundarias y tratamiento con D- penicilamina en paciente con enfermedad de Wilson / Elastosis perforans serpiginosa and pseudo-pseudoxanthomaelasticum secondary to D-penicillamine in a patient with Wilson’s disease

La D-penicilamina es la opción terapéutica más utilizada en la enfermedad de Wilson, rara enfermedad genética, autosómica recesiva, en la cual existe una alteración en el metabolismo del cobre que se deposita en los tejidos (hígado, encéfalo y córnea). Presenta numerosos efectos adversos, la mayoría cutáneos, que se observan cuando la droga es utilizada en altas dosis y por largo tiempo; entre ellos se encuentran las dermatosis degenerativas, que incluyen elastosis perforante serpiginosa, cutis laxa, anetodermia y pseudo-pseudoxantoma elástico (también llamado pseudoxantoma elástico símil o pseudoxantoma elástico like). Se presenta una paciente de 29 años con antecedentes de enfermedad de Wilson asociada a elastosis perforante serpiginosa y pseudo-pseudoxantoma elástico, ambas secundarias al tratamiento con D-penicilamina.

Penicillamineis the most commonly used therapeutic option in Wilson's disease.This is a rare, genetic, autosomal recessive diseasein which there is an alteration inthe metabolism of copper that is deposited in the tissues (liver, brain and cornea).It has numerous adverse effects, most of them affecting skin, but they are onlyobserved when the drug is used in high doses and for a long time, such as perforatingelastosis serpiginosa, cutis laxa, anetodermia and pseudo-pseudoxantomaelasticum (also called elasticum pseudoxantoma simil or elasticum pseudoxantomalike). We present the case of a29 year-old woman with a history of Wilson's diseaseand two concomitant degenerative dermatoses: elastosis perforans serpiginosa andpseudo pseudoxanthoma elasticum, both of them, secondary to treatment with Dpenicillamine.

Nefropatía membranosa secundaria a exposición laboral con mercurio metálico

Las nefropatías tóxicas secundarias a la exposición ocupacional a metales han sido ampliamente estudiadas. La nefropatía membranosa por mercurio es poco frecuente.La intoxicación ocupacional con mercurio sí es frecuente, siendo las principales formas de presentación las manifestaciones clínicas neurológicas. La afectación renal secundaria a la exposición crónica a mercurio metálico puede desarrollar enfermedad glomerular por depósito de inmunocomplejos. La glomerulopatía membranosa y a cambios mínimos son las más frecuentemente comunicadas.Se presenta el caso de un paciente con exposición ocupacional a mercurio metálico, con síndrome nefrótico y biopsia renal con glomerulopatía membranosa que presentó respuesta favorable luego del tratamiento quelante e inmunosupresor.

Toxic nephrophaties secondary to occupational exposure to metals have been widely studied, including membranous nephropathy by mercury, which is rare. Occupational poisoning by mercury is frequent, neurological symptoms are the main form of clinical presentation. Secondary renal involvement in chronic exposure to metallic mercury can cause glomerular disease by deposit of immune-complexes. Membranous glomerulopathy and minimal change disease are the most frequently reported forms. Here we describe the case of a patient with occupational exposure to metallic mercury, where nephrotic syndrome due to membranous glomerulonephritis responded favorably to both chelation and immunosuppressive therapy.

Penicillamine-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis in a patient with Wilson disease

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is rare but life-threatening severe cutaneous adverse reaction, which is mostly induced by drugs. It characterized by widespread epidermal necrosis, resulting in bullae with sloughing and frequent involvement of the mucous membrane. Due to high mortality, management of patients requires prompt withdrawal of the causative drug, appropriate supportive care, and consideration of immune-modulating agents, such as intravenous immunoglobulin or corticosteroids. Wilson disease is an inherited disorder of copper transport that results in excessive accumulation of copper in the body. Copper chelation with penicillamine is an effective first line therapy in most patients. We present a 20-year-old man with Wilson disease who developed TEN following administration of penicillamine. He was successfully treated with systemic corticosteroid, intravenous immunoglobulin, and supportive management.

Nanoparticles improved drug radio protective activity.

Radioprotective agents are synthetic compounds or natural products that are immediately administrated before irradiation to reduce injuries caused by ionizing radiation. Toxicity, short duration, and the unfavorable routes of administration, have prevented the widespread use of most radioprotective agents in practice. This study aimed to evaluate the use of slowly release- long circulation biodegradable polymer Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) as carrier for certain water-soluble radioprotective agents. Penicillamine and Potassium Iodide (KI) were selected as examples of radioprotectors which can be used to protect against both internal radionuclide (chronic radiation exposure) and external-beam irradiation (acute radiation exposure). Emulsion-solvent evaporation method (ESE) was used to prepare hydrophilic-drug loaded PLGA Nanoparticles (PLGA- NPs) in an efficient and reproducible manner. The radioprotective efficacy was assessed by 30 days-survival percentage, relative body weights, and (liver & spleen) total cell counts. Results revealed that single oral administration of Penicillamine-NPs or KINPs was effective as free drug (for 5 successive days) which indicate that PLGA-NPs could be used to modulate radioprotective drug activity in biological system, and to improve drug efficacy in different body organs for longer duration than the equal dose of free drug.

Reversal of Severe Wilson Arthropathy by Liver Transplantation.

Wilson disease is associated with multisystem involvement. We describe a patient of Wilson disease with severe arthropathy, which completely reversed following liver transplantation. This is the first case report in literature describing the complete reversal of Wilson disease related arthropathy by liver transplantation.

Penicillamine-induced elastosis perforans serpiginosa with abnormal "lumpy-bumpy" elastic fibers in lesional and non-lesional skin.

Four types of elastosis perforans serpiginosa (EPS) have been described in literature: 1) idiopathic EPS, 2) reactive perforating elastosis associated with connective tissue disorders, 3) in some instances of pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), disease-specific calcified elastic tissue is extruded, producing a clinical picture indistinguishable from other types, may also be seen in patients undergoing hemodialysis and 4) EPS induced by long-term treatment with D-penicillamine is observed in patients suffering from Wilson's disease. Long term D-penicillamine therapy causes an alteration in the dermal elastic tissue. D-penicillamine induced EPS has a distinctive histopathologic feature - serrated appearance of elastic fibers due to perpendicular budding from their surface giving a "lumpy-bumpy" look. D-penicillamine induced elastic fiber alteration may not always manifest clinically as EPS. We report a case of D-penicillamine induced widespread alteration in skin elastic tissue with distinct histopathologic features.

Juvenile scleroderma: experience in one institution.

Background: Scleroderma is a chronic connective tissue disease characterized by hardened or scaly skin and widespread abnormalities of the viscera, which is rare in the pediatric age group. Objective: In this study, we retrospectively reviewed 23 pediatric patients suffering systemic (SSc) and localized (LS) scleroderma. Methods: Twenty-three patients were enrolled and were diagnosed with SSc or LS from March 1993 to September 2009 in the Department of Pediatrics at Mackay Memorial Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan. These diagnoses were based on the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology and the clinicalmanifestations of hard skin. Data recorded included sex, age-at-onset, age-at-diagnosis, laboratory data, family history, trauma history, treatment, and outcomes. Results: Three patients suffered SSc and 20 patients had LS, including 16 girls and 7 boys. Mean age-at-onset was 6.55±3.28 years old. Antinuclear antibodies were positive in 15 patients. Tests for anti-Scl-70 antibodies were positive in 1 patient with SSc. One boy had en coup de sabre combined with a posterior fossa tumor. Twenty-two patients were treated with D-penicillamine. Oral prednisolone and methotrexate were added, if indicated. One girl with LS developed proteinuria after Dpenicillamine treatment. All patients with localized disease ultimately documented a softening of their skin lesions. Conclusions: While scleroderma is rare in children, the prognosis of SSc is poor but better than for adults. The prognosis for LS is usually benign, however, the skin may become progressively indurated and it may not only be a skin disease. No progression from LS to SSc was observed in our study.

Penicillamine-induced Elastosis Perforans Serpiginosa and Cutis Laxa in a Patient with Wilson's Disease

Elastosis perforans serpiginosa (EPS) is a rare reactive perforating dermatosis that is characterized by the transepidermal elimination of abnormal elastic fibers. Penicillamine, which is one of the clear triggers for EPS, is a heavy metal chelator that is primarily used for disorders such as cystinuria and Wilson's disease. It may cause alterations in the dermal elastic tissue such as pseudo-pseudoxanthoma elasticum, acquired cutis laxa, EPS and anetoderma. Herein we present a case of cutis laxa and EPS in a 34-year-old man who was previously on a long-term, high-dose of penicillamine for Wilson's disease. The combination of EPS and cutis laxa induced by penicillamine has rarely been reported and we report the first such case in Korea.

Lead-induced peripheral neuropathy following ayurvedic medication.

Lead poisoning following intake of Ayurvedic medication is one of the recent areas of concern. We report a case of a 58-year-old type II diabetic man who was stable with diet control and 30 mg pioglitazone per day. He took Ayurvedic medication for generalized weakness and developed peripheral neuropathy following its intake. He was found to have high blood and urinary lead levels and was diagnosed to have subacute lead poisoning. He was treated with d-Penicillamine for 8 weeks, following which his lead levels became normal. The use of d-Penicillamine was proved highly effective in treating a case of lead poisoning.

Evaluation of lung infiltration score to predict postural hypoxemia in ventilated acute respiratory distress syndrome patients and the lateralization of skin pressure sore.

Context: Mechanical ventilation with positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) is associated with unequal aeration of lungs in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients. Therefore, patients may develop asymmetric atelectasis and postural hypoxemia during lateral positioning. Aims: To validate proposed lung infiltration score (LIS) based on chest x-ray to predict postural hypoxemia and lateralization of skin sores in ARDS patients. Settings and Design: University hospital ICU. Prospective, observational study of consecutive patients. Materials and Methods: Sixteen adult patients of both genders on mechanical ventilation with PEEP for 24 to <48 hours. On chest x-ray, 6 segments were identified on each lung. The proposed LIS points (0- normal; 1- patchy infiltrates; 2- white infiltrates matching heart shadow) were assigned to each segment. Without changing ventilation parameters, supine, left and right lateral positions at 45° tilt were randomly changed. At the end of 20 minutes of ventilation in each position, we observed arterial oxygen saturation, hemodynamic and arterial blood gases. Later, position change protocol (4 hourly) was practiced in ICU, and skin pressure sore grading was noted within a week of ICU stay. Statistical Analysis Used: Nonparametric Bland and Altman correlation analysis, ANOVA and Student t test. Results: Arterial oxygenation (PaO 2 /FiO 2 = 313± 145.6) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in better lung (lower LIS)-down position than supine (PaO 2 /FiO 2 = 199± 70.2) or a better lung-up position (PaO 2 /FiO 2 = 165± 64.8). The positioning-related arterial oxygenation was significant (P< 0.05) at LIS asymmetry ≥3 between two lungs. Conclusions: The LIS mapping on chest x-ray was useful to differentiate between asymmetric lung disease and postural hypoxemia in ICU patients, which predisposed patients to early skin sore changes on higher LIS side.