Critical guiding role of OCT angiography in long-term treatment and follow-up of neovascular AMD / 中华实验眼科杂志

The pathogenesis of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is complex and macular neovascularization (MNV), a key pathogenic factor in nAMD, is prone to recurrence.Vitreous injection of anti-VEGF drugs is the main therapy of nAMD.In recent years, a lot of progress has been made in fundus imaging techniques and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) with non-invasive, rapid, stratified and high-definition functions has shown strong advantages in diagnosis, differential diagnosis, disease dynamic monitoring and follow-up of nAMD.Clinicians have had a certain understanding of the important role of OCTA in the diagnosis of nAMD and other diseases, and its clinical application value has been recognized gradually.However, its application value in follow-up of patients with nAMD and polypoid choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is still not well understood.By reviewing a large number of recent relevant literature on OCTA, and combining the clinical practice of our research team in monitoring the course of AMD and PCV disease by OCTA, we have gained new knowledge and understanding of the pathological mechanism of AMD and PCV.In this paper, we elucidated the latest understanding of the diagnostic value of OCTA in AMD based on long-term series of OCTA studies, the new findings of OCTA in AMD management of our team, as well as its impact on ophthalmology clinical practice.Then we forecasted the role of OCTA in the prediction of recurrence and anti-VEGF treatment response, as well as the clinical value of OCTA in the optimization of nAMD treatment and follow-up plan.It is recommended that clinicians pay more attention to the clinical value and guiding role of OCTA in long-term treatment monitoring and follow-up of AMD.

A simple predictive factor for mortality in fontan surgery: serum hypo-osmolality

Abstract Objective: Close follow-up is important after the Fontan procedure, which is a palliative surgical method for a single ventricle. In this period, serum osmolality is an important parameter with the advantages of easy to obtain and poor outcome prediction. Methods: Patients who had undergone Fontan operation between May 2011 and February 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into three groups based on their serum osmolality values: hypoosmolar (Group 1), isosmolar (Group 2), and hyperosmolar (Group 3). Demographics, clinical information and postoperative data of the groups were compared. Results: Forty-three patients had undergone extracardiac Fontan operation in the study period. There were 8, 19 and 16 patients in Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Among the three groups, postoperative intubation and length of hospital stay, prolonged pleural effusion, need for inotropic support and mortality were statistically significantly higher in Group 1. Conclusion: After the Fontan procedure, one of the determinants of cardiac output might be affected by serum osmolality. Decreased serum osmolality might be associated with poor prognosis after Fontan procedure. Serum osmolality monitoring may be beneficial to improve postoperative outcomes in these patients.

Canine cavitary effusion: a retrospective study of 304 cases in Brazil / Efusões cavitárias caninas: estudo retrospectivo de 304 casos no Brasil

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of different categories of specific and general classification in canine cavitary effusions (CE), as well as their association with the underlying etiologies. The laboratorial and clinical data from 304 cases of canine CE were retrospectively assessed. In 32.9% (100 cases), at least one of the specific classification categories was established, with a subtotal predominance of neoplasia (42%), bacterial serositis (24%) and hemorrhage (16%). Neoplasia was confirmed by effusion cytology in 57.5% of the cases with histopathological confirmation. From the cases in which the specific classification was not obtained, 35.8% were classified as modified transudate, 30.4% as pure transudate, 21.1% % as exudate and 12.7% was not included in any general category. The most common causes of effusion among these cases were hypoproteinemia and/or hipoalbuminemia (HPHA) (25.8%), hepatopathy (22.5%), cardiac insufficiency (15.5%) and cytologically undetected cases of neoplasia (12.4%). In conclusion, HPHA, hepatopathy and neoplasia represents important etiologies for canine CE development. Classification of effusions, solely based on [TP] and TNCC, might be an inaccurate diagnostic tool of effusions. New laboratorial classification methods for canine CE should be researched.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a frequência de diferentes categorias de classificação específica e geral em efusões cavitárias (EC) caninas, bem como sua associação com as etiologias subjacentes. Os dados laboratoriais e clínicos de 304 casos de EC canina foram avaliados retrospectivamente. Em 32,9% (100 casos), pelo menos uma das categorias específicas de classificação foi estabelecida, com predomínio subtotal de neoplasia (42%), serosite bacteriana (24%) e hemorragia (16%). A neoplasia foi confirmada pela citologia da efusão em 57,5% dos casos com confirmação histopatológica. Dos casos em que a classificação específica não foi obtida (204 casos), 35,8% foram classificados como transudato modificado, 30,4% como transudato puro, 21,1% como exsudato e 12,7% não foram incluídos em nenhuma categoria geral. As causas mais comuns de efusão nestes casos foram hipoproteinemia e/ou hipoalbuminemia (HPHA) (25,8%), hepatopatia (22,5%), insuficiência cardíaca (15,5%) e casos de neoplasia citologicamente não detectados (12,4%). Em conclusão, HPHA, hepatopatia e neoplasia representam importantes etiologias para o desenvolvimento da EC canina. A classificação geral de efusões, baseada exclusivamente em proteína e celularidade, pode ser uma ferramenta diagnóstica imprecisa. Novos métodos de classificação laboratorial para ECs caninas devem ser pesquisados.(AU)

Differentiating Transudative And Exudative Pleural Effusion By Pleural Fluid Cholesterol

Background: Pleural effusion is one of the common condition encountered in day to day practise. Pleural effusions represent a very common diagnostic task to the physician. A correct diagnosis of the underlying disease is essential to rational management. Today there are a number of laboratory tests available to differentiate exudates and transudates which are considered cost effective to the patients, so this study was designed for the measurement of pleural fluid cholesterol to differentiate transudative and exudative pleural effusions (sensitivity-97.8%, specificity-100%) with the advantage that a contemporary blood sample is not required, thereby lowering cost of diagnostic procedure. Objec-tives: To study the diagnostic value of Pleural fluid Cholesterol in differentiating transudative and exudative pleural effusions. Methodology: This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted on patients of pleural effusion (n=60)age >18 years patients with definitive clinical diagnosis and evidenced by radiological diagnosis of pleural effusion were taken as inclusion criteria. Results: The results showed majority of the patients were males (63.3%) and females (36.7%). According to lights criteria 46 patients were exudates and 14 patients were transudates and according to Pleu-ral fluid Cholesterol criteria 45 patients were exudates and 15 patients were transudates with sensitivity of 97.8% and specificity of 100% and accuracy of 98.3%.Conclusion: The pleural fluid cholesterol criteria were found to be the most efficient criteria. Since this parameter involves the measurement of only pleural fluid values of cholesterol, it has following advantages-Economically it reduces number of biochemical tests and Simpler as there is no need to take simultaneous blood sample at the time of thoracocentesis.

Pleural fluid cholesterol level is an important parameter in differentiating exudative from transudative pleural effusions

Background: The first important step is to decide whether the pleural effusion is transudate or exudates by Light’s criteria. Light’s criteria can misclassify 25% of pleural transudates as exudates. Pleural fluid cholesterol level can differentiate transudates from exudates as a single parameter instead of multiple parameters used in Light’s criteria. Measurement of pleural fluid cholesterol levels to differentiate transudative effusions from exudative effusions.Methods: Consecutive 60 cases of pleural effusion were taken in the study. Pleural fluid analysis was done for parameters of Light’s criteria along with pleural fluid cholesterol levels. First exudative and transudative effusion was classified by Light’s criteria. Other clinical and relevant biochemical tests were done to arrive in the final etiological diagnosis and data were collected and analysed .Pleural fluid cholesterol levels was correlated to Light’s criteria.Results: Total 60 cases of pleural effusion were there in the study. There were 43 exudative and 17 transudative effusions. Mean cholesterol level was 64.2± 7.5mg/dl in exudative effusions and 26.05±8.01 mg/dl in transudates. Pleural fluid cholesterol was ≥55mg /dl in 43 cases of exudates and <55mg/dl in 17 cases of transudates.Conclusions: Pleural fluid cholesterol level of ≥ 55mg/dl had similar sensitivity and specificity to Light’s criteria and as a single important parameter to differentiate exudative from transudative pleural effusion

A study on serum ascitic fluid cholesterol gradient in differentiating cirrhotic and malignancy related ascites

Background: Ascites is defined as the collection of excessive amount of free fluid within the peritoneal cavity. For the purpose of lubrication normally at least 50 ml of free fluid is present in the peritoneal cavity. Objectives: This study was done to investigate the level of efficiency of various conventional parameters in differentiating cirrhotic ascites from malignancy related ascites and to propose serum ascites cholesterol gradient as a new diagnostic parameter. Materials and methods: This study was conducted among 100 patients of both sexes who have clinically significant ascites admitted in the wards of General medicine, Medical Gastroenterology and medical oncology in Govt. Rajaji Hospital, Madurai. Age group of 20-60 years of both sexes were included. Results: The mean (±SD) of ascitic fluid cholesterol concentration for cirrhosis group was 56.4 mg% (±7.76) and that for MRA group is 76.26 mg% (±8.27). The p value was <0.001 which was significant. The mean (±SD) of serum ascites cholesterol gradient (SACG) for cirrhosis group was 67.52 (±4.46) and that for MRA group was 60.16 (±3.38). The p value was <0.001 which was significant. The MRA group has low SACG compared to patients with cirrhosis. SACG has shown high specificity in this study which supports the findings of other similar studies. Conclusion: This study has shown that conventional parameters like ascitic fluid total protein, ascitic fluid albumin, serum ascites albumin gradient are still good at differentiating cirrhotic ascites from Chelliah Dharmaraj, Sigamani Saranya, Hibu Juli. A study on serum ascitic fluid cholesterol gradient in differentiating cirrhotic and malignancy related ascites. IAIM, 2017; 4(7): 139-143. Page 140 malignancy related ascites. SACG with a cut off level of 62.5 mg% has shown to be a better marker in terms of diagnostic accuracy to differentiate MRA from cirrhotic ascites. Thus ascitic fluid cholesterol level and SACG has been proposed as a new diagnostic marker which are more reliable and cost effective to differentiate MRA from cirrhotic ascites.

Quantitative analysis of biochemical components in the suprachoroidal space fluid of choriodal detachment associated with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective To investigate the nature of the suprachoroidal fluid by detecting the concentration of total protein (TP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), albumin (ALB), total cholesterol (CHOL), total bilirubin (TBIL) in suprachoroidal liquid of patients who have rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with choroid detachment (RRDCD). Methods Eighteen RRDCD patients (18 eyes) who underwent vitrectomy were enrolled in this study. There were 10 males (10 eyes) and 8 females (8 eyes), 8 right eyes and 10 left eyes. There were 8 patients with age of ≤55 years, 10 patients with age of >55 years. There were 7 patients with duration of≤30 days, 11 patients with duration of >30 days. There were 7 eyes with diopters of ≥-6.0 D, 11 eyes with diopters of <-6.0 D. There were 11 eyes with class C proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), 7 eyes with class D PVR. Suprachoroidal fluid samples were collected from all the patients, and took preoperative serum samples as RRDCD group. Ten serum samples of normal people were set as control group. The concentration of TP, LDH, ALB, CHOL, TBIL in all the subjects were measured. The properties of the suprachoroidal fluid were identified by Light standard and concentration standard of ALB, CHOL, TBIL. Results There was no difference on the concentration of TP, LDH, ALB, CHOL, TBIL from suprachoroidal fluid samples in the patients with different age, sex, eyes, diopter, PVR grade (P>0.05). There was no difference on the concentration of TP, LDH, ALB, CHOL, TBIL from preoperative serum samples in the patients between RRDCD group and control group (P>0.05). There was no difference on the concentration of ALB and CHOL from suprachoroidal fluid samples and preoperative serum samples in the RRDCD patients (P>0.05), but there were significant differences on the concentration of TP, LDH, TBIL (P<0.05). According to the Light standard, there were 17 cases of exudates and 1 case of transudate. According to the concentration standard of ALB, CHOL and TBIL, there were 14, 18, and 16 cases of exudates, and 4, 0, and 2 cases of transudate, respectively. There was no difference on the identification result of Light standard and concentration standard of ALB, CHOL, TBIL (χ2=2.090, 1.029, 0.364;P>0.05). Conclusion The suprachoroidal fluid of RRDCD patients composed of TP, LDH, CHOL and TBIL. The suprachoroidal fluid is more likely to be exudate.

Quantitative analysis of biochemical components in the suprachoroidal space fluid of choriodal detachment associated with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective To investigate the nature of the suprachoroidal fluid by detecting the concentration of total protein (TP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), albumin (ALB), total cholesterol (CHOL), total bilirubin (TBIL) in suprachoroidal liquid of patients who have rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with choroid detachment (RRDCD). Methods Eighteen RRDCD patients (18 eyes) who underwent vitrectomy were enrolled in this study. There were 10 males (10 eyes) and 8 females (8 eyes), 8 right eyes and 10 left eyes. There were 8 patients with age of ≤55 years, 10 patients with age of >55 years. There were 7 patients with duration of≤30 days, 11 patients with duration of >30 days. There were 7 eyes with diopters of ≥-6.0 D, 11 eyes with diopters of <-6.0 D. There were 11 eyes with class C proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), 7 eyes with class D PVR. Suprachoroidal fluid samples were collected from all the patients, and took preoperative serum samples as RRDCD group. Ten serum samples of normal people were set as control group. The concentration of TP, LDH, ALB, CHOL, TBIL in all the subjects were measured. The properties of the suprachoroidal fluid were identified by Light standard and concentration standard of ALB, CHOL, TBIL. Results There was no difference on the concentration of TP, LDH, ALB, CHOL, TBIL from suprachoroidal fluid samples in the patients with different age, sex, eyes, diopter, PVR grade (P>0.05). There was no difference on the concentration of TP, LDH, ALB, CHOL, TBIL from preoperative serum samples in the patients between RRDCD group and control group (P>0.05). There was no difference on the concentration of ALB and CHOL from suprachoroidal fluid samples and preoperative serum samples in the RRDCD patients (P>0.05), but there were significant differences on the concentration of TP, LDH, TBIL (P<0.05). According to the Light standard, there were 17 cases of exudates and 1 case of transudate. According to the concentration standard of ALB, CHOL and TBIL, there were 14, 18, and 16 cases of exudates, and 4, 0, and 2 cases of transudate, respectively. There was no difference on the identification result of Light standard and concentration standard of ALB, CHOL, TBIL (χ2=2.090, 1.029, 0.364;P>0.05). Conclusion The suprachoroidal fluid of RRDCD patients composed of TP, LDH, CHOL and TBIL. The suprachoroidal fluid is more likely to be exudate.

Associação entre odor, exsudato e isolamento social em pacientes com feridas neoplásicas: um estudo transversal / Association between odor, exudate and social isolation in patients with neoplastic wounds: a cross-sectional study

A ferida neoplásica acomete cerca de 5% a 10% dos pacientes com câncer em cuidados paliativos. O foco central do cuidado dessas feridas é o controle dos sintomas, em que o odor está presente em 10,4% e o exsudato em 14,6% dos casos, sendo responsáveis pelo impacto no aspecto psicossocial do paciente. O estudo teve como objetivo de avaliar as associações entre odor, exsudato e isolamento social em pacientes com feridas neoplásicas. Trata-se de uma pesquisa quantitativa do tipo transversal prospectivo realizado com os pacientes com feridas neoplásicas no Ambulatório de cuidados paliativos do Núcleo de Atenção Oncológica do Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética do HUAP c/nº: 183.757. A coleta de dados foi realizada durante a consulta de enfermagem pela da aplicação das escalas de odor, exsudação (Push) e escala de Likert de três dimensões para avaliação dos aspectos sociais do paciente, bem como dados contidos em prontuário para caracterização da clientela. Para a análise estatística aplicou-se o teste de normalidade Shapiro wilk, verificando que a amostra não é paramétrica (p valor ≤ 0,05) para as variáveis: tamanho da lesão, ferida total, odor total e exsudato total (escala likert) e paramétrica (p valor > 0,05) para a variável idade. Os dados foram apresentados em forma de mediana e intervalo interquartil (x̃± Q3-Q1) para análises das variáveis não paramétricas; média e desvio padrão (x̅ ± D. P) para variável paramétrica. Realizou-se o teste de Kruskal Wallis para verificação de associação multivariada entre os dados clínicos e da escala e o teste de Spearman para verificar se o grau do odor, quantidade de exsudato, tamanho e localização da lesão apresentam correlação com a interferência da socialização do paciente. A confiabilidade da ISPOE foi medida pelo coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach. Constatou-se, então a correlação entre o grau de odor e as perguntas 1 e 5 da escala da dimensão odor. Assim, o odor interfere no constrangimento (p; 0,0053) e frequentar locais públicos (p; 0,0495). A quantidade de exsudato apresentou correlação com a primeira questão da escala da dimensão exsudato, interferindo no constrangimento (p; 0,0453). A variável tipo de ferida apresentou correlação com as questões 3 e 5, logo, interferindo na relação com a família e em frequentar locais públicos, fatores esses que favorecem o isolamento social em pacientes com feridas neoplásicas As variáveis: tamanho da lesão e local da lesão não apresentaram correlação significativa com as questões da escala na dimensão ferida. As três dimensões da escala apresentaram consistência interna satisfatória com alfa: 0,82 (dimensão ferida); 0,94 (dimensão exsudato) e 0,88 (dimensão odor). Com isso, o odor e o exsudato interferem negativamente fatores sociais e psicológicos que podem favorecer, diretamente, o isolamento social. Além do conhecimento sobre as particularidades dessas lesões e dos produtos adequados ao cuidados, é fulcral que o profissional de enfermagem conheça os principais queixas relacionadas à lesão e o impacto que causam ao cotidiano do paciente. Conhecer esse conflito social e psicológico fará toda a diferença no cuidado de enfermagem, pois, dessa forma, poderá atuar de maneira assertiva e holística no cuidado no cotidiano do paciente, enxergando-o para além dos sintomas: seus anseios psicológicos e sociais. A constatação da associação entre as variáveis poderá auxiliar a avaliação dos aspectos que podem interferir na qualidade de vida e no cuidado prestado aos pacientes com feridas neoplásicas

Neoplastic wound affects about 5% to 10% of cancer patients in palliative care. The central focus of the care of these wounds is to control the symptoms, where the odor is present in 10.4% and exudate in 14.6% of cases, being responsible for the impact on the psychosocial aspect of the patient. The study aimed to evaluate the association between odor, exudate and social isolation in patients with neoplastic wounds. This is a quantitative study of the kind prospective cross-sectional with patients with neoplastic wounds in outpatient palliative care in Oncology Attention Core of University Hospital Antonio Pedro, approved by HUAP Ethics Committee c / No: 183757. Data collection was performed during the nursing consultation by the application of odor scales, exudation (Push) and Likert scale of three dimensions to assess the social aspects of the patient, as well as data contained in records for population. The statistical analysis was applied to the normality test Shapiro Wilk, verifying that the sample is not parametric (p value ≤ 0.05) for the variables: size of the lesion, the total wound, the total odor and overall exudate (Likert scale) and parametric (p value> 0.05) for the age variable. Data were presented as median and interquartile range ((x) ± Q3-Q1) for analysis of nonparametric variables; mean and standard deviation (x ̅ ± S.P) for parametric variable. He held the Kruskal Wallis test for multivariate association check between clinical data and scale and the Spearman test to see if the odor degree, amount of exudate, size and location of the lesion correlate with the interference of socialization patient. The reliability of ISPOE was measured by Cronbach alpha coefficient. It was found, then the correlation between the degree of odor and the questions 1 to 5 scale of the odor scale. Thus, the odor interferes with the constraint (p, 0.0053) and attend public places (p; 0.0495). The amount of exudate correlated with the first issue of exudate size scale, interfering with embarrassment (p; 0.0453). The variable type of injury correlated with the issues 3:05, so interfering with the relationship with the family and attend public places, factors that favor social isolation in patients with neoplastic Variables wounds: lesion size and location of injury no significant correlation with the range of issues in the wound size. The three dimensions of the scale showed satisfactory internal consistency with alpha: 0.82 (wound size); 0.94 (exudate dimension) and 0.88 (size odor). Thus, the odor and exudate negatively affect social and psychological factors that may contribute, directly, social isolation. In addition to the knowledge about the characteristics of these injuries and products suitable for care, it is crucial that nursing professionals know the main complaints related to the injury and the impact they cause to the daily life of the patient. Knowing that social and psychological conflict will make all the difference in nursing care, because thus may act assertively and holistic care in the patient's daily life, seeing it beyond the symptoms: their psychological and social aspirations. The finding of association between variables may assist the evaluation of aspects that can interfere with quality of life and care provided to patients with neoplastic wounds

Cytological Study of Effusions.

Background: Effusion fluid analysis plays an important role in clinical medicine. Clinicians rely on the reports of effusion fluids and use them as complement to their clinical assessment for the diagnosis and management. Aim: To study the incidence of neoplastic and non neoplastic effusions. Objectives: i) To study the gross and microscopic features of effusions; ii) To study the pattern of effusions in various neoplastic and non neoplastic conditions. Material and Method: 550 specimens of pleural, peritoneal and pericardial fluid were studied. Fluid samples were centrifuged for five minutes at 2000 rpm and smears prepared from deposit were stained by Haematoxylin and Eosin (H and E), Giemsa and Papanicolaou stains (Pap). Result: Out of 550, 315 were pleural effusions, 234 peritoneal and one was pericardial. Out of total 315 cases of pleural effusions, 297 were non neoplastic and 18 were neoplastic effusion. Out of total 234 peritoneal effusions 214 were non neoplastic and 20 neoplatic. Commonest malignancy in pleural and peritoneal fluid was adenocarcinoma. Conclusion: Pleural effusion was the commonest fluid in this study. Exudates were predominant in pleural effusion and transudates were predominant in peritoneal effusion. Common causes of exudates in pleural effusion were tuberculosis (TB), pneumonia and malignancy. Common causes of transudates in peritoneal effusion were liver cirrhosis and congestive cardiac failure (CCF). Adenocarcinoma was the commonest malignancy in both pleural and peritoneal effusion (30 cases).

Combined pleural fluid cholesterol and total protein in differentiation of exudates and transudates.

Background. The management strategy to be adopted in pleural effusion depends on whether an effusion is a transudate or exudate. Objective. To evaluate the usefulness of pleural fluid cholesterol and/or total protein measurements for differentiating between exudates and transudates, and to compare it with Light’s criteria. Methods. In this prospective study 60 patients with pleural effusion were included. Pleural fluid total protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and cholesterol as well as serum total protein and LDH levels along with other investigations were studied. Clinical classification of transudate or exudate was done on the basis of aetiology. Results. Based on clinical signs and symptoms, chest radiograph, other investigations and response to treatment, 49 of these effusions were classified as exudates and 11 as transudates. Using pleural fluid cholesterol levels at a cut-off point of greater than 60 mg/dL and/or total protein at a cut-off point of greater than 3 g/dL for distinguishing transudates and exudates, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV), were 100 percent. Using Light’s criteria for discriminating transudates and exudates, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were found to be 98%; 100%; 100% and 92%, respectively. The differences resulted from a mis-classification of one expected exudate as transudate by Light’s criteria. Conclusion. Pleural fluid cholesterol and total protein are simple, cost-effective, and useful parameters in distinguishing pleural transudates from exudates, with the advantage of requiring only two laboratory determinations and no simultaneous blood sample, compared to the use of Light’s criteria.

The use of spectral CT imaging in characterization of pleural fluid: a new method to differentiate transudates from exudates / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To assess the feasibility of characterizing pleural fluid on the basis of spectral imaging features utilizing spectral CT imaging. Methods Gemstone spectral imaging(GSI) was used to examine 20 pleural fluids filled tubes (11 exudates and 9 transudates ) following diagnostic thoracentesis. Effusions were classified as transudates or exudates using laboratory markers based on Light criteria. CT values on 140 kVp QC image were compared between two groups. Using GSI viewer, various CT spectral imaging parameters (CT values on different energy level, effective-Z, iodine-water concentration,calcium-water concentration and calcium-fat concentration ) were calculated and compared between two groups. The difference of these spectral characteristic parameters was evaluated statistically by independent-samples t test. Results According to Light criteria, the mean CT value on QC image of exudates [ ( 19. 56 ±4. 10) HU ] was higher than that of transudates [ ( 13.44 ±3.46) HU] (t =3.002,P =0. 010).Difference of CT value was found more obvious in the lower keV. On 40 keV images, the difference of CT value of two groups was the largest, the mean value of exudates [ (47.49 ± 14. 60) HU ] was significantly higher than that of transudates[ ( 19. 76 ± 6. 85) HU ] ( t = 5.520, P = 0. 000). While On 140 keV, the mean CT value were (9.76 ±4. 16)and (6.22 ±3. 17) HU and the difference of the two group has no statistically significant difference (t =2. 107,P =0. 050). The mean slope rates of exudates (0.51 ± 0.23)was significantly larger than that of transudates (0. 18 ± 0. 08 ) ( t= 4. 287, P = 0. 001 ). The effective-Z (7. 89 ± 0. 16), iodine-water concentration [ (5. 74 ± 1.28 ) g/L], calcium-water concentration[ (7. 89 ±1.78) g/L] and calcium-fat concentration [ (25.95 ± 1.74) g/L] of exudates were significantly higher than those of transudates [ 7.67 ± 0. 07, ( 1.70 ± 0. 95 ) g/L, (2. 53 ± 1.37 ) g/L, ( 20. 82 ± 1.40 ) g/L ] ( t = 4. 080,6. 998,6. 546,6. 301 ,P ＜ 0. 05 ). Conclusions The spectral curve and spectral imaging parameters of exudates is found to be different from transudates. The low energy spectral imaging plays an important role in the characterization of pleural fluid. Gemstone spectral CT imaging provides a new multiparameter method to differentiate transudates and exudates.

A comparison study on the detection of anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HTV-1) antibodies in different populations with a new rapid test using oral mucosal transudate samples versus enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using serum samples / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To evaluate the consistence in the detection of antibodies against HIV-1 between a new rapid test using oral mucosal transudate (OMT) samples and ELISA using serum samples. Methods Two-hundred patients who were positive for anti-HIV-1 antibodies by serum ELISA and confirmed by Western blot to be infected with HIV, and 600 healthy human controls negative for anti-HIV-1 antibodies by serum ELISA, were eligible for this study. OMT samples were collected from these subjects and subjected to a rapid test for anti-HIV-1 antibodies. The factors influencing the performance of the rapid test were analyzed. Results Of the 200 OMT specimens from HIV-infected patients, 198 showed positive reaction, 2 showed negative reaction. Among the 198 positive reactions, 192 (96%) were "clear" and easy to make decisions, 4 (2%) were "faint", 2(1%) were "very faint" and required professionals to make decisions. The rapid test was negative in all the 600 OMT specimens from the control group. Conclusions The consistence in the detection of anti-HIV-1 antibodies between the OMT rapid test and serum ELISA was 99% in HIV-positive specimens, 100% in HIV-negative specimens, and 99.75% in all the specimens.

Dosagem de proteínas totais e desidrogenase lática para o diagnóstico de transudatos e exsudatos pleurais: redefinindo o critério clássico com uma nova abordagem estatística / Determination of total proteins and lactate dehydrogenase for the diagnosis of pleural transudates and exudates: redefining the classical criterion with a new statistical approach

OBJETIVO: Propor um novo critério de classificação para a diferenciação entre exsudatos e transudatos pleurais através da dosagem de proteínas totais no líquido pleural (PT-LP) e de desidrogenase lática no líquido pleural (DHL-LP) exclusivamente, assim como comparar o rendimento diagnóstico entre esse novo critério com o critério clássico. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, transversal de tipo individualizado, no qual foram selecionados 181 pacientes com derrame pleural tratados em dois hospitais universitários no estado do Rio de Janeiro (RJ) entre 2003 e 2006. Os parâmetros diagnósticos incluídos no critério clássico, assim como os do novo critério, foram determinados. RESULTADOS: Dos 181 pacientes, 152 e 29 foram diagnosticados, respectivamente, com exsudato pleural e transudato pleural. A sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia do critério clássico para o diagnóstico de exsudato pleural foram, respectivamente, de 99,8 por cento, 68,6 por cento e 94,5 por cento, enquanto, para o diagnóstico de transudato pleural, essas foram de 76,1 por cento, 90,1 por cento e 87,6 por cento. Utilizando-se os pontos de corte de 3,4 g/dL para a dosagem de PT-LP e de 328,0 U/L para aquela de DHL-LP (novo critério), a sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia foram de, respectivamente, 99,4 por cento, 72,6 por cento e 99,2 por cento, para o diagnóstico de exsudato, e de 98,5 por cento, 83,4 por cento e 90,0 por cento, para o diagnóstico de transudato. A acurácia do novo critério proposto para o diagnóstico de exsudato pleural foi significativamente maior que aquela do critério clássico (p = 0,0022). CONCLUSÕES: O rendimento diagnóstico dos dois critérios estudados foi semelhante. Portanto, esse novo critério de classificação pode ser utilizado na prática diária.

OBJECTIVE: To propose a new classification criterion for the differentiation between pleural exudates and transudates-quantifying total proteins in pleural fluid (TP-PF) and lactate dehydrogenase in pleural fluid (LDH-PF) exclusively-as well as to compare this new criterion with the classical criterion in terms of diagnostic yield. METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional study with a within-subject design, comprising 181 patients with pleural effusion treated at two university hospitals in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between 2003 and 2006. The diagnostic parameters included in the classical criterion were identified, as were those included in the new criterion. RESULTS: Of the 181 patients, 152 and 29 were diagnosed with pleural exudates and pleural transudates, respectively. For the classical criterion, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the diagnosis of pleural exudates were, respectively, 99.8 percent, 68.6 percent, and 94.5 percent, whereas the corresponding values for the diagnosis of pleural transudates were 76.1 percent, 90.1 percent, and 87.6 percent. For the new criterion (cut-off points set at 3.4 g/dL for TP-PF and 328.0 U/L for LDH-PF), the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the diagnosis of exudates were, respectively, 99.4 percent, 72.6 percent, and 99.2 percent, whereas the corresponding values for the diagnosis of transudates were 98.5 percent, 83.4 percent, and 90.0 percent. The accuracy of the new criterion for the diagnosis of pleural exudates was significantly greater than was that of the classical criterion (p = 0.0022). CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic yield was comparable between the two criteria studied. Therefore, the new classification criterion can be used in daily practice.

Interleukin-1? concentration in apical exudates of periapical periodontitis and its correlations with the clinical findings / 实用口腔医学杂志

Objective: To compare the concentration of IL-1? in the apical exudates of phoenix abscess of chronic periapical periodontitis and to examine the correlation of IL-I? concentration with clinical and radiographic findings of the involved teeth. Methods: 35 single-rooted teeth diagnosed as phoenix abscess and 35 as chronic periapical periodontitis were examined. The periapical signs and symptoms were recorded. Radiographs were taken and periapical radiolucent areas were calculated with the help of the AutoCAD software. The standard paper-point sampling method was used to collect and quantify the periapical exudates. IL-1? in the exudates was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All statistical analyses were finished with SPSS 10.0 software. Results: The phoenix abscess group showed significantly lower concentration(5.65?2.76) ng/ml of IL-1? in the exudates and larger radiolucent areas(32.10?13.82) mm 2 on the X-ray films than the chronic periapical periodontitis group[(12.51?5.15) ng/ml and (6.51?3.56) mm 2 respectively] (P

Detection of IL-1? and PGE_2 in periapical exudates in the patients with periapical periodontitis and their correlations with clinical findings / 实用口腔医学杂志

Objective: ①To detect the concentrations of interleukin 1?(IL 1?) and prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2) in periapical exudates in the patients with acute or chronic periapical periodontitis; ② To examine their correlations with clinical and radiographic findings of the involved teeth.Methods: The volume of periapical exudates was quantified using the standard paper point sampling method; the concentration of IL 1? and PGE 2 was detected using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) or radioimmunoassay(RIA) in 40 cases with acute and in 40 with chronic periapical periodentitis. Results: ①The volume(?l) of the exudates in the cases with acute periapical periodontitis and chronic were 27.10?15.70 and 3.12?2.88( P

Pleural fluid to serum cholinesterase ratio for the differential diagnosis of transudates and exsudates / 결핵

BACKGROUND: The criteria established by Light et al in 1972 have been used widely for the differential diagnosis of the pleural effusions in transudates and exsudates. However, in recent years, several reports have agreed that these criteria misclassified an important number of effusions. For this reason, different parameters have been proposed for differentiation the transudates from exudates. Nevertheless, all these alternative parameters have not been better than the past criteria of Light et al. In response the usefulness of two parameters for differentiation pleural transudate from exudates were evaluated : pleural fluid cholinesterase level and pleural fluid to serum cholinesterase ratio. METHODS: A total of forty-three patient with know causes of the pleura effusion by diagnostic thoracentesis were studied. The following criteria for differentiating the pleural effusions in transudates and exsudates were analyzed : Light's criteria, the pleural fluid cholesterol level, the pleural fluid to serum cholesterol ratio. the pleural fluid cholinesterase level, and the pleural fluid to serum cholinesterase ratio. RESULTS: The conditions of forty-three patients were diagnosed. Ten were classified as having transudates and thirty-three as exudates. The percentage of effusions misclassified by each parameter was as follows : Light's criteria, 9.3% ; pleural fluid cholesterol, 2.3% ; pleural fluid to serum cholesterol ratio, 2.3% ; pleural fluid cholinesterase, 4.7% ; and pleural fluid to serum cholinesterase ratio, 2.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The pleural fluid to serum cholinesterase ratio is one of the accurate criteria for differentiating pleural transudates from exudates. If further studies confirm these results, the cholinesterase ratio could be used as the first step in the evaluation of pleural effusion and if evaluated together with the other criteria, the differentiation of pleural transudate from exsudates will become more accurate.

Derrame pleural: marcadores bioquímicos en el enfoque diagnóstico

Se describieron las principales características del líquido pleural normal y los diferentes mecanismos que conducen a la formación de un derrame pleural. Se presentó una estrategia diagnóstica a partir de la diferenciación de trasudados y exudados. Se definieron sus criterios diagnósticos. Se revisaron los marcadores bioquímicos de uso más frecuente en la práctica médica y se especificó la utilidad de cada uno para el diagnóstico de las diferentes entidades que causan derrame pleural. Se aclararon las limitaciones de estos marcadores y la importancia de su uso racional a partir de los datos clínicos de cada caso.

The main characteristics of the normal pleural fluid, as well as the different mechanisms leading to the formation of a pleural effusion were described. A diagnostic strategy was presented starting from the separation of transudates and exudates. Their diagnostic criteria were also defined. Those biochemical markers that are most commonly used in the medical practice were reviewed, and the utility of each of them for the diagnosis of different diseases causing pleural effusion was specified. The limitations of these markers and the importance of their rational use according to the clinical data of every case were explained.

Roles of subretinal fluid on expression of bcl-2 oncoprotein of cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells and fibroblast cells / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of subretinal fluid (SRF) with different grades of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) on bcl-2 oncoprotein expression in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and fibroblast (FB). Methods Using immunohistological staining technique and Western-blotting method to detect the expression of bcl-2 protein in RPE cells and FB under the stimulation of SRF. Results The expression levels of bcl-2 increased in both types of cells to a certain extent compared with those of the control group 4 hours after the cells subjected to SRF; 36 hours later, the expression levels of bcl-2 of experimental groups decreased more quickly than those of the control group,and the control group showed relatively higher bcl-2 protein levels at the end of observation. Conclusions SRF may stimulate the expression of bcl-2 in RPE cells and FB under culture at early stage, but accelarate the declining of bcl-2 protein levels a certain time after subjected to SRF.