An echocardiographic study of valvular heart disease associated with systemic lupus erythematosuS

Valvular heart disease is the most important cardiac manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE]. We performed a study to determine the relation of valvular disease to other clinical features of lupus, the type and the incidence of valvular heart disease in SLE patients. We performed transthoracic echocardiography [TTE] and rheumatologic evaluations in 56 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The echocardiographic findings were compared with those in 40 healthy volunteers. Abnormal valvular Echocardiographic findings were multiple valvular abnormalities found in 21 patients [37.5%], were distributed in three groups according of valvular involvement: [Groupl] included patients with anatomical and functional valvular involvement [AFVI] in seven patients [12.5%]. [Group2] included patients with anatomical valvular involvement without Doppler detected valve dysfunction [AVI] in 11 patients [19.6%]. [Group3] included patients with functional abnormalities [stenosis or regurgitation] without valvular thickening [FVI] in three patients [5.3%]. Positive antiphospholipids antibody [aPLs] was found in a total of 29 patients [51.7%], of those 17 patients [58.6%] had valvular echocardiographic abnormalities and four patients [14.8%] of the 27 patients with negative aPLs had abnormal echocardiographic findings. Valvular heart disease is common in patients with SLE, valvular abnormalities were correlated with the aPLs in patients with SLE. Echocardiography is an excellent tool for the diagnosis and follows up of valvular abnormalities in patients with SLE

Assessment of postoperative follow-up for patients with recurrent kidney stone

Kidney stones are one of the most common and most painful medical problems known. Nurses assess and monitor patients through diagnosis and treatment and teach patients how to avoid recurrence of stones]. A descriptive study was conducted on 150 patients diagnosed with recurrent kidney stones, who were attending the out patients consultation urology disease clinics at surgical specialties, Al-Kadhimia, Al-Yarmook, and Al-Karama Teaching Hospital and Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy [ESWL] departments for the period from the 1st of Feb. 2002 through to the end of May 2004. The aim of the study is to assess the post-operative follow-up for patients with recurrent kidney stones. None- probability [purposive sample] of 150 patients with recurrent kidney stones The reliability and validity of the instrument were determined through a pilot study. The data were collected through the use of constructed questionnaire and analysis through the application of descriptive statistical analysis procedures which included. [Frequency, percentage, mean score, stander deviation, relative sufficiency] and application of inferential statistical analysis which included the [Chi-square] The finding of the study indicated that follow-up of the majority of the study sample was poorly and unsatisfactorily concerning doing regular periodic laboratory and diagnostic tests, fluid intake, and medication intake. Based on the results of the study the researcher recommend to establishment of discussion room for the nurse in charge in out patient urology disease consultation department to meet those patients who were attending this clinic for follow-up to discuss with them issues concerning follow-up in relation to doing regular periodic laboratory and diagnostic tests, diet, fluid intake, and medication and, providing them with a written bulletin concerning complete information about follow-up of patients post operatively after removal of kidney stone

Spectrum of primary glomerular disease among adult Iraqi patients from a single center

A series of 520 kidney biopsies at Rasheed Military Hospital-Baghdad was reviewed and categorized as follows: primary glomerular disease 445, renal involvement in systemic disease 55; and miscellancous 20. The 445 biopsy specimens from patients with primary glomerular disease were further classified and revealed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in 117 [26.29%] minimal change disease in 76 [17.07%] membranous glomerulonephritis in 65 [34.60%]. membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in 72 [16.17%]. mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis in 100 [22.47%], rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis in 15 [3.37%]. IgA nephropathy [IgAN] was not mentioned in our series because immunofloresense was not used. Further studies are needed to confirm these finding identify the factors responsible for these differences

Acute post streptococcal glumerulonephritis in Iraqi adult patients

Background: post streptococcal glumerulonephritis [PSGN] is typically an acute disease, with spontaneous recovery occurring in almost all patients, even those who develop renal insufficiency during the acute episode

Patients and Methods: in this study the clinical features and outcome of [70] patients with adult onset PSGN were studied. They were all male with age ranging from 18-32 years, the follow up duration ranged from 1-8 months. The diagnosis was based on clinical manifestations and serology

Results: the main manifestation was acute nephritic syndrome [hematuria. odema, oliguria, proteinuria and hypertension]. Two cases presented with acute renal failure [ARF], and required hemodialysis. All patients including those who developed renal failure recovered completely over the period of follow up

Conclusion: the study suggest that the prognosis of PSGN in adult is good

role of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies [ANCA] in the diagnosis of systemic vasculitis in Iraqi patient

to shed light on the possible role of Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies [ANCA] in Iraqi patients complaining from systemic vasculitis. ELISA was used in the assessment of the presence of two varieties of ANCA, the antiproteinase 3 [anti PR3-ANCA] and antimyeloperoxidase [anti MPO-ANCA] in three study groups which includes 30 patients with systemic vasculitis in comparison with 25 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus as a control group compared with age and sex matched healthy control group from blood bank donors. A statistical significant difference in ANCA detection was observed among systemic vasculitic group. However, this significant difference was rather due to anti-PR3-ANCA, while no statistical difference has been observed with anti MPO-ANCA in all these studied groups. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic efficiency were 84%, 92% and 85% respectively