Correlation between traditional Chinese medicine and reduced risk of readmission in rheumatoid arthritis patients with hypoproteinemia:a retrospective cohort study / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to explore the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and reduced risk of readmission in patients having rheumatoid arthritis with hypoproteinemia(RA-H). A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 2 437 rheumatoid arthritis patients in the information system database of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from 2014 to 2021, and 476 of them were found to have hypoproteinemia. The patients were divided into TCM users and non-TCM users by propensity score matching. Exposure was defined as the use of oral Chinese patent medicine or herbal decoction for ≥1 month. Cox regression analysis was performed to explore the risk factors of clinical indicators of rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, the use of TCM during hospitalization was analyzed, and analysis of association rules was conducted to investigate the correlation between TCM, improvement of indicators and readmission of patients. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was plotted to compare the readmission rate of TCM users and non-TCM users. It was found the readmission rate of RA-H patients was significantly higher than that of RA patients. By propensity score matching, 232 RA-H patients were divided into TCM group(116 cases) and non-TCM group(116 cases). Compared with the conditions in the non-TCM group, the readmission rate of the TCM group was lowered(P<0.01), and the readmission rate of middle-aged and elderly patients was higher than that of young patients(P<0.01). Old age was a risk factor for readmission of RA-H patients, while TCM, albumin(ALB) and total protein(TP) were the protective factors. During hospitalization, the TCMs used for RA-H patients were mainly divided into types of activating blood and resolving stasis, relaxing sinew and dredging collaterals, clearing heat and detoxifying, and invigorating spleen and resolving dampness. The improvement of rheumatoid factor(RF), immunoglobulin G(IgG), erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), C-reactive protein(CRP) and ALB was closely related to TCM. On the basis of western medicine treatment, the application of TCM could reduce the readmission rate of RA-H patients, and longer use of TCM indicated lower readmission rate.

Caracterización de pacientes operados por cáncer del esófago en Cuba / Characterization of Patients Operated on for Esophageal Cancer in Cuba

Introducción: El cáncer en Cuba constituye un grave problema de salud debido a sus altas tasas de incidencia y mortalidad. Representa la primera causa de años de vida potencialmente perdidos y en el esófago es poco frecuente, su comportamiento es más agresivo y la supervivencia es baja. Objetivo: Caracterizar los pacientes operados por cáncer de esófago en Cuba en el periodo de 1988 al 2020. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación observacional clínico epidemiológica multicéntrica, no randomizada, en el periodo de 1988 al 2020. El universo y la muestra quedaron constituido por 595 enfermos de 9 centros hospitalarios. Algunas variables estudiadas incluyeron sexo, edad, variedad histológica, intervención quirúrgica realizada y presencia de comorbilidades asociadas. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino (66,1 por ciento), la edad promedio fue 62,8 años. La hipoproteinemia estuvo presente en el 46,1 por ciento. El 43,2 por ciento fueron fumadores y el 35,8 por ciento ingería bebidas alcohólicas. El epidermoide fue la variedad histológica más frecuente (64,6 por ciento). Las técnicas quirúrgicas más utilizadas fueron la de Ivor Lewis (68,4 por ciento) y la transhiatal (63,6 por ciento). Predominó la anastomosis en un plano, término-lateral, de localización torácica para el epidermoide (68,4 por ciento) y la cervical para el adenocarcinoma (71,4 por ciento), realizada de forma manual en cara posterior. Conclusiones: El cáncer de esófago predominó en hombres mayores de 55 años fumadores y con hipoproteinemia. Las técnicas quirúrgicas más utilizadas fueron la de Ivor Lewis y la transhiatal(AU)

Introduction: Cancer in Cuba is a serious health concern due to its high incidence and mortality rates. It represents the first cause of years of life potentially lost and. Esophageal cancer is rare, but its behavior is more aggressive and its survival rate is low. Objective: To characterize patients operated on for esophageal cancer in Cuba in the period from 1988 to 2020. Methods: A nonrandomized, multicenter, clinical-epidemiological and observational research was carried out in the period from 1988 to 2020. The universe and the sample consisted of 595 patients from nine hospital institutions. Some of the variables studied included sex, age, histological variety, surgical intervention performed, and presence of associated comorbidities. Results: There was a predominance of the male sex (66.1 percent). The average age was 62.8 years. Hypoproteinemia was present in 46.1 percent. 43.2 percent of patients were smokers and 35.8 percent drank alcoholic beverages. Epidermoid was the most frequent histological variety (64.6 percent). The most widely used surgical techniques were Ivor Lewis (68.4 percent) and transhiatal (63.6 percent) esophagectomies. There was a predominance of one-plane, termino-lateral anastomosis of thoracic location for epidermoid cases (68.4 percent) and the cervical one for adenocarcinoma cases (71.4 percent), performed manually on the posterior face. Conclusion: Esophageal cancer prevailed in men over 55 years of age, smokers and with hypoproteinemia. The most used surgical techniques were Ivor Lewis and transhiatal esophagectomies(AU)

Prognostic Factors of Central Venous Catheter-related Bloodstream Infections / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To explore the prognostic factors of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection(CR-BSI)and provide reference for clinical practice. Methods The clinical data of 346 CR-BSI patients from February 2014 to July 2019 were retrospectively reviewed,and the prognostic factors were analyzed. Results Of the 346 CR-BSI patients,62 died,yielding a case-fatality rate of 17.92%.Univariate analysis showed that 18 factors including age(

Linfangiectasia intestinal primaria: primer reporte de caso en Perú / Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia: first case report in Peru

La linfangiectasia intestinal primaria es una entidad clínica poco común de etiología desconocida. La edad típica de presentación de esta enfermedad es durante los 3 primeros años de vida, pero también se han reportado casos en adultos. Posee sintomatología variable, pero la manifestación clínica principal es el edema, puede presentarse también diarrea y pérdida de peso. La pérdida de fluido linfático en el tracto gastointestinal conlleva también a hipoproteinemia y linfopenia. El diagnóstico se establece en base a la clínica, a los estudios de laboratorio, al estudio endoscópico y se confirma con la evaluación histológica de la biopsia realizada. El manejo se da mediante una dieta rica en proteínas, baja en grasas y triglicéridos de cadena media. A continuación, se presenta el caso de un paciente varón de 1 año de edad que presenta edema generalizado, con predominio de miembros inferiores, y diarrea. Los exámenes de laboratorio muestran la presencia de hipoproteinemia marcada. Posteriormente, se realiza una endoscopía digestiva alta y una biopsia duodenal. El estudio histológico confirma el diagnóstico de linfangiectasia intestinal primaria. El paciente recibe el tratamiento establecido para esta enfermedad y, finalmente es dado de alta.

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare clinical condition of unknown etiology. The common age of presentation is during the first 3 years of life, but cases in adults have also been reported. It has a variable symptomatology, but the main clinical manifestation is edema, also diarrhea and weight loss can occur. The loss of lymph fluid into the gastrointestinal tract also leads to hypoproteinemia and lymphopenia. Diagnosis is based on clinical manifestations, laboratory and endoscopic findings, and is confirmed on histopathological examination of biopsy. The main treatment is a protein rich, low in fat and medium chain triglyceride diet. We present the case of a 1-year-old male patient who presents with generalized edema, predominantly in lower limbs, and diarrhea. Laboratory findings show the presence of marked hypoproteinemia. Then an endoscopy and a duodenal biopsy are performed, and the histopathological study confirms the diagnosis of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia. The patient is treated and after a satisfactory evolution, is discharged.

Enfermedad de Ménétrier en niños: reporte de dos casos / Two cases of Menétrier's disease in children

Resumen Se presentan 2 casos de enfermedad de Ménétrier (EM) remitidos a nuestra institución por síndrome edematoso. Esta enfermedad de poca prevalencia es una gastropatía hipertrófica perdedora de proteínas que en la mayoría de los casos es de causa desconocida, aunque se ha asociado con procesos infecciosos. Se caracteriza por edema, hipoproteinemia, hipoalbuminemia y, en la infancia, es de carácter benigno y autolimitado.

Abstract We present two cases of Menétrier's Disease (MS) referred to our institution due to edema. The prevalence of this disease is low. It is a hypertrophic gastropathy which causes loss of proteins and which has unknown causes in the majority of cases although it has been associated with infectious processes. It is characterized by edema, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia. In childhood it is benign and self-limited.

Common features of atopic dermatitis with hypoproteinemia / 소아과

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the causes, symptoms, and complications of hypoproteinemia to prevent hypoproteinemia and provide appropriate treatment to children with atopic dermatitis. METHODS: Children diagnosed with atopic dermatitis with hypoproteinemia and/or hypoalbuminemia were retrospectively reviewed. The patients’ medical records, including family history, weight, symptoms, treatment, complications, and laboratory test results for allergies and skin cultures, were examined. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (24 boys) were enrolled. Seven cases had growth retardation; 7, keratoconjunctivitis; 6, aural discharges; 5, eczema herpeticum; 4, gastrointestinal tract symptoms; and 2, developmental delays. In 21 cases, topical steroids were not used. According to the blood test results, the median values of each parameter were elevated: total IgE, 1,864 U/mL; egg white-specific IgE, 76.5 kU(A)/L; milk IgE, 20.5 kU(A)/L; peanut IgE, 30 kU(A)/L; eosinophil count, 5,810/μL; eosinophil cationic protein, 93.45 μg/L; and platelet count, 666.5×10³/μL. Serum albumin and total protein levels decreased to 2.7 g/dL and 4.25 g/dL, respectively. Regarding electrolyte abnormality, 10 patients had hyponatremia, and 12, hyperkalemia. Systemic antibiotics were used to treat all cases, and an antiviral agent was used in 12 patients. Electrolyte correction was performed in 8 patients. CONCLUSION: Hypoproteinemia accompanying atopic dermatitis is common in infants younger than 1 year and may occur because of topical steroid treatment continuously being declined or because of eczema herpeticum. It may be accompanied by growth retardation, keratoconjunctivitis, aural discharge, and eczema herpeticum and can be managed through skin care and topical steroid application without intravenous albumin infusion.

Severe hypoproteinemia as a harbinger of Ménétrier's disease in autoimmune pancreatitis / Hipoproteinemia grave como indicador de doença de Ménétrier na pancreatite autoimune

Summary Ménétrier's disease is an extremely rare disease of unknown etiology causing gastric mucosal hypertrophy and protein-losing gastropathy. Rare cases of this condition have been reported in patients with autoimmune diseases. However, to the best of our knowledge, Ménétrier's disease associated with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) has never been reported. We described a case of severe hypoproteinemia as a harbinger of Ménétrier's disease associated with AIP. The patient was successfully treated with octreotide and high-protein diet, which led to symptomatic remission and significant improvement in serum levels of albumin and recovery of the nutritional status. Thus, in AIP patients presenting with severe and persistent hypoproteinemia without apparent cause, clinicians need to consider Ménétrier's disease in the differential diagnosis. In this setting, endoscopic evaluation with histological examination of gastric biopsy material, including a full-thickness mucosal biopsy of involved mucosa, may be helpful in promptly establishing the diagnosis and allowing appropriate and timely therapy.

Resumo A doença de Ménétrier é uma condição extremamente rara, de etiologia desconhecida, caracterizada por hipertrofia da mucosa gástrica e gastropatia perdedora de proteína. Casos raros dessa patologia têm sido relatados em pacientes com doenças autoimunes. Até o momento, desconhecemos qualquer relato dessa doença associada à pancreatite autoimune (PAI). Descrevemos um caso de hipoproteinemia grave como indicador de doença de Ménétrier associada à PAI. O paciente foi tratado de forma satisfatória com octreotide e dieta hiperproteica, alcançando remissão sintomática, melhora significativa das concentrações de albumina e recuperação do estado nutricional. Portanto, em pacientes com PAI e hipoproteinemia grave e persistente, deve-se considerar a doença de Ménétrier como um diagnóstico diferencial. Nesses casos, a avaliação endoscópica com biópsia gástrica, incluindo biópsia de toda a espessura da mucosa, pode ser útil no estabelecimento do diagnóstico e do pronto início da terapêutica.

Diagnosis and treatment of duodenal injury and fistula / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Duodenal injury is a serious abdominal organ injury. Duodenal fistula is one of the most serious complications in gastrointestinal surgery, which is concerned for its critical status, difficulty in treatment and high mortality. Thoracic and abdominal compound closed injury and a small part of open injury are common causes of duodenal injury. Iatrogenic or traumatic injury, malnutrition, cancer, tuberculosis, Crohn's disease etc. are common causes of duodenal fistula, however, there has been still lacking of ideal diagnosis and treatment by now. The primary treatment strategy of duodenal fistula is to determine the cause of disease and its key point is prevention, including perioperative parenteral and enteral nutrition support, improvement of hypoproteinemia actively, avoidance of stump ischemia by excessive separate duodenum intraoperatively, performance of appropriate duodenum stump suture to ensure the stump blood supply, and avoidance of postoperative input loop obstruction, postoperative stump bleeding or hematoma etc. Once duodenal fistula occurs, a simple and reasonable operation can be selected and performed after fluid prohibition, parenteral and enteral nutrition, acid suppression, enzyme inhibition, anti-infective treatment and maintaining water salt electrolyte and acid-base balance. Double tube method, duodenal decompression and peritoneal drainage can reduce duodenal fistula-related complications, and then reduce the mortality, which can save the lives of patients.

Equine proliferative enteropathy on a brazilian farm / Enteropatia proliferativa em um haras brasileiro

Lawsonia intracellularis infection on a horse farm in the Midwest region of Brazil is described. Thirty-nine foals a few days to months old from a herd with 300 horses, experienced diarrhea with variable characteristics and intensities, weight loss, hyperemic mucous membranes and dehydration. In foals 3 to 6 months of age, hypoproteinemia associated with submandibular edema were also common. Intestinal fragments of a 7-month-old foal were sent to an animal disease laboratory for diagnosis. The observed macroscopic lesions were hyperemic serosa, thickening of the intestinal wall with a corrugation, thickening of the mucosa folds and reduction of intestinal lumen. Histological analysis of the small and large intestine revealed enterocyte hyperplasia of the crypts associated with diffuse marked decrease in the number of goblet cells and positive L. intracellularis antigen labeling by immunohistochemistry. Three out of 11 animals of the same property were seropositive for L. intracellularis, demonstrating the circulation of the agent throughout the farm, but none were PCR positive in fecal samples. Based on clinical signs and pathological findings, the diagnosis of equine proliferative enteropathy was confirmed.

Descreve-se a infecção por Lawsonia intracellularisem uma propriedade na região Oeste do Brasil. Em um rebanho de 300 equinos, 39 potros com poucos dias de vida à 21 meses apresentaram diarreia de características e intensidades variáveis, com perda de peso e desidratação. Em potros com três a seis meses de idade, hipoproteinemia associada a edema submandibular também foram frequentes. Fragmentos intestinais de um potro de 7 meses foram enviados ao laboratório de patologia animal para diagnóstico. Na macroscopia foi observada hiperemia de serosa e moderado espessamento de parede intestinal. Na histologia do intestino delgado existia hiperplasia de enterócitos de criptas difusa intensa com redução marcante de células caliciformes e marcação positiva na imuno-histoquímica para L. intracellularis. Na sorologia de 11 animais da mesma propriedade, três foram positivos. Já a PCR foi negativa para todos os animais. Com base nos sinais clínicos e nos achados patológicos confirmou-se o diagnóstico de enteropatia proliferativa equina, associada a sorologia positiva que demonstrava circulação do agente na propriedade.

Manifestaciones dermatológicas de fibrosis quística en un lactante: acrodermatitis enteropática símil y pelo gris / Cutaneous manifestations of cystic fibrosis in an infant: acrodermatitis enteropathica and gray hair

Introducción: Las manifestaciones dermatológicas en el momento del diagnóstico de fibrosis quística son infrecuentes. Objetivo: Describir el caso de una lactante con una presentación dermatológica no habitual de fibrosis quística. Caso Clínico: Lactante que a los 2 meses de edad presenta un mal incremento pondoestatural. A los 4 meses presenta exantema cutáneo, edema y pelo gris. Dentro de su estudio se evidencia hipoproteinemia y anemia, y se confirma el diagnóstico de fibrosis quística mediante el estudio genético. Las alteraciones dermatológicas se revirtieron completamente tras la instauración de la terapia de reemplazo con enzimas pancreáticas. Este es el segundo caso reportado de pelo gris en niños con esta enfermedad. Conclusión: En niños con malnutrición que desarrollan alteraciones de la piel y fanéreos debemos sospechar enfermedades metabólicas como fibrosis quística.

Introduction: Cutaneous manifestations at the time of CF diagnosis are rare. Objective: To describe the case of an infant with an unusual cutaneous presentation of cystic fibrosis. Case report: The case is presented of an infant with delayed physical growth at two months, and at the age of four months, presented with a skin rash and gray hair. Tests revealed the presence of hypoproteinemia and anemia, with the diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis being confirmed by genetic testing. The rash was completely resolved after pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. This is the second gray hair case reported in children with this disease. Conclusion Metabolic diseases such as cystic fibrosis should be suspected in malnourished children who develop skin disorders.

Prevalencia y factores asociados a malnutrición en adultos mayores hospitalizados en el Servicio Agudos del Hospital Geriátrico San José PNP / Prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition in older adults hospitalized in the Acute Service of the Geriatric Hospital San Jose PNP

Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia de malnutrición utilizando el Mini Nutritional Assesment (MNA) e identificar los factores asociados a su presencia en los pacientes que ingresen a la unidad de agudos del servicio de Geriatría del Hospital Geriátrico San José PNP en el periodo comprendido de marzo a mayo del 2014. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, de casos. Se revisaron 80 historias clínicas de pacientes que ingresaron a la unidad de agudos del servicio de Geriatría del Hospital Geriátrico San José PNP, de forma urgente o programada en el periodo que correspondió al estudio. Resultados: La media de la edad global fue de 80,9+/-6,6 años, siendo la mínima edad de 65 años y la máxima de 91 años. El 60 por ciento fueron varones y el 40 por ciento mujeres. La prevalencia de malnutrición fue del 75 por ciento, observando riesgo de desnutrición en el 5 por ciento de los casos. El 100 por ciento de los pacientes desnutridos fueron varones, y de los pacientes con riesgo nutricional el 60 por ciento fueron varones. La media de la edad de los pacientes desnutridos fue de 75+/-4,3 años, y de los pacientes con riesgo de desnutrición fue de 81,2+/-6,5 años. Los pacientes con desnutrición se caracterizaron por haber sido hospitalizados por EPID infectado, demencia (100 por ciento), con valoración social buena (100 por ciento), con valoración funcional G (100 por ciento). Los pacientes con desnutrición presentaron un IMC entre 21 a 23 (100 por ciento), perímetro braquial mayor de 22 (100 por ciento), y perímetro de la pantorrilla menor de 31 (100 por ciento). Conclusiones: La prevalencia de malnutrición utilizando el Mini Nutritional Assesment (MNA) fue del 75 por ciento. Los factores clínico-patológicos asociados a la presencia de malnutrición fueron el haber sido hospitalizados por EPID infectado, demencia, valoración social buena, con valoración funcional G. Los factores socio-demo gráficos asociados a la presencia de malnutrición en...

Gastrectomía total laparoscópica asistida por sistema da vinci en el tratamiento de la enfermedad de ménétrier / Laparoscopic total gastrectomy assisted by da vinci system in the management of ménétrier's disease

La enfermedad de Ménétrier es una enfermedad poco frecuente que se caracteriza por presentar hipertrofia gástrica asociada con hipoproteinemia. Objetivo:Presentación de caso clínico y revisión de la literatura, de un paciente con el diagnóstico de enfermedad de Ménétrier, tratado en el servicio de Cirugía III del Hospital Universitario de Caracas. Métodos:Se presenta el caso de un apaciente femenina de 65 años de edad, quien acude por presentar,dolor en epigastrio posterior a las comidas, intolerancia a la vía oral y pérdida de peso. Se realiza una endoscopia digestiva superior donde se evidencia lesión infiltrativa estenosante del cuerpo gástrico que produce reducción de la luz en 100 %, la biopsia concluye hiperplasia foveolar reactiva y cambios reactivos en el epitelio glan-dular, sugestivos de enfermedad de Ménétrier. Resultados: Lapaciente es llevada a mesa operatoria donde se procede a la reali-zación de gastrectomía total más esófago-yeyuno anastomosis por abordaje laparoscópico asistido por robot, evolucionando de manera satisfactoria, egresando al octavo día del postoperatorio. Conclusión: El abordaje laparoscópico asistido por el sistema Da Vinci es una opción factible y segura. La incorporación de la tecnología robótica facilita la realización de procedimientos complejos mediante cirugía mínimamente invasiva(AU)

Ménétrier's disease is a rare disease characterized by gastric hypertrophy associated with hypoproteinemia. Objective: Presentation of clinical case and literature review of a patient with diagnosis of Ménétrier's disease managed at Service of Surgery III, Hospital Universitario de Caracas. Methods: We present a case of a 65 years old female patient who presented epigastric pain after meals, e oral intolerance and weight loss. Upper endoscopy is performed where is evidenced gastric mucosa with prominent folds in gastric body along with stenosis at antrum-pylorous, biopsy was taken and reported foveolar reactive hyperplasia and reactive glandular epithelium changes suggestive of Ménétrier's disease. Results: A robot-assisted laparoscopic total gastrectomy and an esophagusjejunum anastomosis was performed, patient's evolution was satisfactory and is discharged at the eighth postoperative day. Conclusion: The robot-assisted laparoscopic gastrectomy is a feasible and safe option that facilitates the performance of complex procedures(AU)

A Case of Pediatric Menetrier's Disease Associated with Helicobacter pylori Infection

Menetrier's disease in childhood is a rare form of gastropathy characterized by hypoalbuminemia, endoscopic and/or radiologic findings of hypertrophic gastric folds, and histologic findings of foveolar hyperplasia in the stomach. It tends to have a self-limited course compared to the chronic and complicated course in adult Menetrier's disease. A 7-year-old boy was referred to Incheon St. Mary's Hospital for facial edema. Physical examination on admission showed periorbital swelling, pitting edema in both legs, and epigastric tenderness. Laboratory tests on admission indicated hypoproteinemia (3.0 g/dL) with hypoalbuminemia (2.1 g/dL) and hypogammaglobulinemia. Urinalysis showed no abnormalities. The test results for anti-cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin M and cytomegalovirus PCR were negative. Stool Helicobacter pylori antigen was positive and fecal alpha1-antitrypsin clearance was 40.1 mL/day, consistent with protein-losing gastroenteropathy. Gastroduodenoscopy showed hypertrophic edematous gastric folds, erythema, and superficial erosion in the body of the stomach. The duodenum was normal. Histologic findings showed foveolar hyperplasia. His symptoms improved with conservative treatment including proton pump inhibitor from day 9 of hospitalization and resolved completely. Here we reported a case of pediatric protein-losing hypertrophic gastropathy associated with Helicobacter pylori infection.

Linfangiectasia intestinal: Reporte de un caso / A case report of Intestinal Lymphangiectasia

A propósito del caso de un paciente de 7 meses de vida remitido desde Yopal a la ciudad de Bogotá, se revisa el tema de la linfagiectasia intestinal. Esta es una rara enfermedad que involucra los vasos linfáticos intestinales, y origina hipoproteinemia, edemas, ascitis y enteropatía perdedora de proteínas.

This is the case report of a 7 month old child from Yopal with intestinal lymphangiectasia who was sent to Bogota. We also review the issue of intestinal lymphangiectasia, a rare disease involving intestinal lymphatic vessels which caused hypoproteinemia, edema, ascites and protein-losing enteropathy.

[99m]Tc-MDP abdominal scintigraphy in a paediatric case of GI protein loss - a viable and simple alternate to HSA imaging

A nine-month old male child presented with low-grade fever, loose stools and facial puffiness. Clinically patient was otherwise normal except for a firm liver on palpation. The laboratory tests revealed hypoproteinemia [both albumin and globulin] and iron deficiency anemia. Differential diagnosis considered were: 1. Nephrotic syndrome, 2. Cystic fibrosis [in view of recurrent diarrhea and respiratory complaints] 3. Chronic liver disease, in view of firm palpable liver 4. Lastly protein losing enteropathy [PLE]. As biochemically patient revealed no positive results, PLE was suspected. For confirmation 99mTc-Methylene diphosponate [MDP] scintigraphy was found to be useful in the setting of non availability of 99mTc-HSA. MDP scan revealed abnormal minimal extravasation of tracer from bowel loops in right lower abdominal quadrant suggesting a diagnosis of PLE. According to the American Gastroenterological Association [AGA] in patients with iron-deficiency anemia who do have GI symptoms, the prevalence of celiac disease is higher and ranges from 10% to 15% which may be a plausible explanation in our patient. The diagnosis of PLE is most commonly based on the determination of fecal alpha-1 antitrypsin clearance. However the localization of gastrointestinal protein [GI] protein loss is possible by scintgraphic techniques alone, as was done in our case using [99m]Tc-MDP instead of conventionally used [99m]Tc-HSA

Co-Infection with Cytomegalovirus and Helicobacter pylori in a Child with Menetrier's Disease / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Menetrier's disease is a rare protein-losing gastropathy characterized by hypertrophic gastric fold, foveolar hyperplasia, and hypoproteinemia with resulting peripheral edema. It is clinically evident as nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhea, and edema. Pediatric Menetrier's disease usually has an insidious onset and progressive, chronic clinical course and it spontaneously resolves in weeks or months. The pathogenesis of Menetrier's disease is not clearly understood. Menetrier's disease is thought to be associated with some gastric infections. But the cause of Menetrier's disease is unknown, an association with cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Helicobacter pylori has been suggested. In Korea, We present the first a case of pediatric Menetrier's disease with positive evidence of CMV and H. pylori.

The investigation of hypoproteinemia in pediatric atopic dermatitis

PURPOSE: As a complication of atopic dermatitis (AD), the incidence of hypoproteinemia is increasing among infants with severe AD. It can be a life-threatening condition owing to hypovolemic shock as a result of hypoproteinemia. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical feature and laboratory findings in pediatric AD patients with hypoproteinemia. METHODS: Seventy-five patients who visited pediatric allergy clinic and diagnosed as AD by a physician from January 2005 to January 2012. Patients with low serum protein level were classified as group A (n=27) and those with normal serum protein level were classified as group B (n=48). Age, sex, and parental allergic history were studied. We examined serum protein and albumin, eosinophil count, C-reactive protein (CRP), serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), total IgE, specific IgE, skin culture and SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) score. RESULTS: In group A, serum protein and albumin were lower and eosinophil count, CRP, ECP, total IgE and SCORAD score were higher than group B. Group A was sensitized more number of allergens than group B. In parental allergic history, allergic rhinitis was prominent in both group. In skin culture, other species than Staphylococcus aureus were prominent in group A. Egg sensitization was the most common in both group. Serum protein level was positively correlated with serum albumin and negatively correlated with eosinophil count, total IgE, SCORAD score and number of sensitized allergen. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for hypoproteinemia in pediatric atopic dermatitis are considered infants, severe atopic dermatitis, increased number of sensitized allergens.

A case of cytomegalovirus-negative Menetrier's disease with eosinophilia in a child / 소아과

Menetrier's disease is a rare form of acquired gastropathy characterized by giant rugal folds in the stomach and protein-losing gastropathy. Children with Menetrier's disease tend to follow a benign self-limited course with symptoms typically completely resolving within 2 to 10 weeks in contrast to the chronic course in adults. A 9-year-old girl presented with a history of gradually worsening abdominal distension, increasing body weight, and abdominal pain for 2 weeks. Physical examination on admission indicated periorbital swelling, pitting edema in both the legs, and abdominal distension with mild diffuse tenderness and shifting dullness. Laboratory tests on admission showed hypoalbuminemia, hypoproteinemia, and peripheral eosinophilia. The test result for anticytomegalovirus immunoglobulin M was negative. Increased fecal alpha 1 anti-trypsin excretion was observed. Radiological findings showed massive ascites and pleural effusion in both the lungs. On gastroscopy, large gastric folds, erythema, erosion, and exudation were noted in the body and fundus of the stomach. Microscopic findings showed infiltration of eosinophils and neutrophils in the gastric mucosa. Her symptoms improved with conservative treatment from day 7 of hospitalization and resolved completely.

A Case of Protein Supplement Effect in Protein-Losing Enteropathy

The objective of this article is to report improvement of nutritional status by protein supplements in the patient with protein-losing enteropathy. The patient was a female whose age was 25 and underwent medical treatment of Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowl disease, after diagnosis of cryptogenic multifocal ulcerous enteritis. The weight was 33.3 kg (68% of IBW) in the severe underweight and suffered from ascites and subcutaneous edema with hypoalbuminemia (1.3 g/dL) at the time of hospitalization. The patient consumed food restrictively due to abdominal discomfort. Despite various attempts of oral feeding, the levels of calorie and protein intake fell into 40-50% of the required amount, which was 800-900 kcal/d (24-27 kcal/kg/d) for calorie and 34 g/d (1 g/kg/d) for protein. It was planned to supplement the patient with caloric supplementation (40-50 kcal/kg) and protein supplementation (2.5 g/kg) to increase body weight and improve hypoproteinemia. It was also planned to increase the level of protein intake slowly to target 55 g/d in about 2 weeks starting from 10 g/d and monitored kidney load with high protein supplementation. The weight loss was 1.0 kg when the patient was discharged from the hospital (hospitalization periods of 4 weeks), however, serum albumin was improved from 1.3 g/dL to 2.5 g/dL and there was no abdominal discomfort. She kept supplement of protein at 55 g/d for 5 months after the discharge from the hospital and kept it at 35 g/d for about 2 months and then 25 g/d. The body weight increased gradually from 32.3 kg (65% of IBW) to 44.0 kg (89% of IBW) by 36% for the period of F/u and serum albumin was kept above 2.8 g/dL without intravenous injection of albumin. The performance status was improved from 4 points of 'very tired' to 2 points of 'a little tired' out of 5-point scale measurement and the use of diuretic stopped from the time of 4th month after the discharge from the hospital owing to improvement in edema and ascites. During this period, the results of blood test such as BUN, Cr, and electrolytes were within the normal range. In conclusion, hypoproteinemia and weight loss were improved by increasing protein intake through utilization of protein supplements in protein-losing enteropathy.

A case of aggravation of hemolytic anemia, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count syndrome after delivery / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Hemolytic anemia, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome is a severe obstetric complication which usually resolves in most patients after delivery.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We report a rare case of aggravation of HELLP syndrome after delivery.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The patient underwent the treatment for HELLP syndrome, including glucocorticoid therapy. The symptoms of HELLP syndrome reappeared and became more severe than before the termination of pregnancy. The patient also had severe and persistent hypoproteinemia, hyponatremia and hypocalcemia.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>HELLP syndrome is an acute and critical obstetric syndrome which can have heterogeneous presentations and variable prognosis. We should be fully aware of the diverse clinical characteristics of this condition.</p>