Effect of New Onset Diabetes after Transplantation (NODAT) On Graft Survival in Renal Transplant Recipients

Background:Newonset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) refers to diabetes that occurs in previously nondiabetic persons after solid-organ transplantation, bone marrow and hematopoietic stem cells. New Onset Diabetes After Transplantation (NODAT) is one of the metabolic complications after kidney transplantation which affects adversely the allograft kidney and patient outcomes. Methods: This study was conducted in Department of Nephrology at Sher I Kashmir Institute Of Medical Sciences (SKIMS ) , a tertiary care center in Srinagar , Jammu and Kashmir , India, between July 2013 to June 2016.All the patients who underwent renal transplantation during this period in our institute were enrolled in this study.In the post renal transplant period , patients were classified as those who developed NODAT and as normal patients. Effect of NODAT on the graft survival was studied by comparing the serum urea, creatinine and urinary protein between the NODAT and the normal patients. Results: A total of 100 patients of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) who underwent renal transplantation in department of nephrology were enrolled in our study.Out of 100patients, 79 were males and 21 were females. A total of 17 patients developed NODAT in our study. It was observed that the patients developing NODAT in post renal transplantation period were having a higher values of serum creatinine and urea as compared to normal patients. Moreover proteinuria was more commonly present in NODAT patients than normal patients. Conclusion: The development of NODATis associated with a poor graft function in the post transplant period.

Profile of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients presenting in a tertiary care center in north India

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality due to renal causes. There are multiple causes of CKD with diabetes, hypertension and chronic glomerulonephritis among the most common causes. All of these causes gradually lead to the final common pathway of End stage renal disease (ESRD). Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is defined as Kidney damage for ≥3 months, as defined by structural or functional abnormalities of the kidney, with or without decreased GFR or GFR <60 mL/min/1.73m2 for ≥3 months, with or without kidney damage. Aim: To study the profile of Chronic Kidney disease (CKD) patients presenting in a tertiary care center. Rahul Sudan, Mehroz Ahmed, Imtiyaz Ahmed Wani, Muzaffar Maqsood Wani, Khurshid Ahmed Banday, Gunjan Gupta. Profile of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients presenting in a tertiary care center in north India. IAIM, 2018; 5(8): 72- 80. Page 73 Materials and methods: This study was conducted at Sher I Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), a tertiary care center in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, from July 2013 to January 2016. All the patients of CKD visiting our institute were enrolled in this study. This included patients on follow up at the Out Patient Department (OPD), patients presenting to emergency with complications of CKD, patients referred from other departments who were detected in initial stages of CKD during the routine investigations. A total of 300 patients were enrolled in this study. Results: In our study, a total of 300 patients were enrolled. CKD was more common in males. The most common aetiology of CKD was diabetic nephropathy which was seen in 102 patients (34%) followed by chronic glomerulonephritis seen in 80 patients (27%). Volume overload was the most common cause of morbidity in these patients. Patients in the initial stages of CKD were managed with symptomatic treatment and 230 patients (76.66%) received peritoneal dialysis at some stage of their management. It was in the stage of ESRD that patients were offered some definitive form of renal replacement therapy in the form of renal transplantation or hemodialysis. Out of 160 patients of ESRD, only 12 patients (7.5%) received renal transplantation and the remaining 148 patients (92.5%) were managed with hemodialysis. Conclusion: CKD is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality due to renal causes. The early stages of CKD which are managed by conservative methods gradually lead to the development of ESRD. It is therefore necessary to diagnose the patients of CKD in the early asymptomatic stages. At these stages it is feasible to slow down the loss of nephrons by controlling the underlying factors like diabetes and hypertension but once the stage of ESRD sets in, renal transplantation is the preferred modality of renal replacement therapy

Frequency and severity of acute toxicity of pelvic radiotherapy for gynecological cancer

Objective: To determine the frequency and severity of acute toxicity of pelvic radiotherapy for gynecological cancer

Study Design: A case series

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Oncology, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from March 2011 to June 2012

Methodology: A total of 99 patients with histologically proven uterine and cervical cancer, receiving radiation therapy, were enrolled into the study after informed consent on justification of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were evaluated for the frequency and severity of pelvic radiotherapy's side effects according to toxicity criteria based on RTOG/EORTC and CTC version 2 criteria at the start, during and at the end of treatment. The data was analyzed by using SPSS version 16

Results: Out of the 99 enrolled patients, 58 [58.6%] had uterine and 41 [41.4%] had cervical cancer. Mean age was 54.54 +/- 10.29 years. Thirty-five [35.4%] patients received chemotherapy with RT. Mean RT dose was 60.72 +/- 7.15 Gy. The most common gastrointestinal adverse effect was diarrhea in 64 [64.6%] followed by proctitis in 55 [55.5%], nausea in 33 [33.3%] and vomiting in 16 [16.2%] patients. Grade [G] 1 was the most frequently observed severity. The most common hematological toxicity was anemia in 37.8% [n=31/82] [[G1=18 [21.9%], G2=11 [13.4%], G3=2 [2.4%]] followed by thrombocytopenia in 22.8% [21/92] [[G1=16 [17.3%], G2=2 [2.1%], G3=3 [3.2%]] and neutropenia in 21 [21.2%] [[G1=12 [12.1%], G2=5 [5%], G3=3 [3%], G4=1 [1%]]. Urinary toxicity was observed in 49 [49.5%] patients. On stratification, chemotherapy and higher RT dose were strong predictor of increased hematological and upper gastrointestinal toxicity [p < 0.05] and age > 60 years for diarrhea [p < 0.05]

Conclusion: The frequency and severity of acute toxicity of pelvic radiotherapy in women with gynecologic cancers was found intermediate to high

Frequency of undiagnosed hypothyroidism in obese females

To determine the frecuancy of undiagnosed hypothyroidism in obese females. Cross sectional. Department of general Medicine, Combined Millitary Hopital, Multan [a tertiay care hospital]. six months All individuals fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study after their consent. Based upon their height and weight, the body mass index was calculated and their blood drawn for thyroid profile. Total 133 participants were included in the study and all were females, and their mean age [ +/- SD] waz 47.68 +/- 11.382 years. The overall frequencv of undiagnosed hypothyroidism was 4.5% [6 out of the 133 subjects] The determined frequency of undiagnosed hypothyroidism in obese females is not hgh enough tc recommend mass screening in all obese females

Treatment updates regarding anaplastic oligodendroglioma and anaplastic oligoastrocytoma

Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma / Anaplastic Oligoastrocytoma [AO/AOA] is a WHO Grade-III primary brain tumor. These tumors comprise about 5 - 10% of all gliomas, which make them the third most common primary brain tumors after glioblastoma multiforme and astrocytomas. For many years standard of treatment remained Maximum Safe Resection [MSR] followed by Radiotherapy [RT]. These tumors have also been known to be sensitive to alkylator-based chemotherapy particularly the subset having 1p/19q co-deletion signature. There is robust data showing that these tumors are responsive to chemotherapy in recurrent or progressive setting. Recently, up front chemotherapy has been added to standard post-surgery RT. It has been found that subset of AO/AOA having 1p/19q co-deletion responded very well to the addition of chemotherapy. This substantial benefit in terms of median Overall Survival [OS] and median Progression Free Survival [PFS] have intrigued the personalized treatment of AO/AOA on the basis of molecular signature markers

Finger prosthesis with an alternative approach

This report describes the case of a 42 years old male patient whose one right hand finger was partially lost as a result of occupational trauma. A modified impression technique was used for impression making and wax pattern was fabricated using the normal hand of the same patient. A special type of wax was formulated to make a pattern which was easily molded and carved. Two indexed casts were used to determine the length of fingers. Intrinsic and extrinsic staining was also done to match the adjacent skin colour. A ring was used as a retentive method. The patient was highly appreciative of the social acceptance after he started wearing the finger prosthesis

Clinical Impact of Non-High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol and Apolipoprotein B on Clinical Outcomes in Metabolic Syndrome Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Non-high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) are markers of atherosclerotic risk and predictors of cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical impact of non-HDL-C and ApoB on clinical outcomes in metabolic syndrome (MS) patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing percuatneous coronary intervetion. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We analyzed 470 MS patients (64.4+/-12.0 years, 53.6% male) with AMI who were followed-up for 12-month after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from December 2005 to January 2008 in a single center. These patients were divided into 2 groups based on median values of non-HDL-C and ApoB. We studied their baseline and follow-up relation with 12-month clinical outcomes, all-cause death and major adverse cardiac events (MACE). RESULTS: Mean values of baseline non-HDL-C and ApoB were 141.2+/-43.1 mg/dL and 99.3+/-29.0 mg/dL respectively. During 12-month follow-up 32 MACE (6.8%) and 12 deaths (2.5%) occurred. We observed significant correlation between non-HDL-C and ApoB. Twelve-month MACE and all-cause death after PCI showed no significant relation as non-HDL-C or ApoB levels increased. Follow-up patients (n=306, rate 65%) also did not show significant relation with clinical outcomes. Twelve-month MACE decreased as non-HDL-C and ApoB reduction rates increased. CONCLUSION: There was no significant association between higher non-HDL-C or ApoB and 12-month clinical outcomes in MS patients with AMI undergoing PCI. ApoB was found to be a better predictor of 12-month MACE than non-HDL-C based on their reduction rates.

Comparison of Drug-Eluting Stents in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To determine which drug-eluting stents are more effective in acute myocardial infarction (MI) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: This study included a total of 3,566 acute MI survivors with CKD from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry who were treated with stenting and followed up for 12 months: 1,845 patients who received sirolimus-eluting stents (SES), 1,356 who received paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES), and 365 who received zotarolimus-eluting stents (ZES). CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 calculated by the modification of diet in renal disease method. RESULTS: At the 12-month follow-up, patients receiving ZES demonstrated a higher incidence (14.8%) of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) compared to those receiving SES (10.1%) and PES (12%, p = 0.019). The ZES patients also had a higher incidence (3.9%) of target lesion revascularization (TLR) compared to those receiving SES (1.5%) and PES (2.4%, p = 0.011). After adjusting for confounding factors, ZES was associated with a higher incidence of MACE and TLR than SES (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.623; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.442 to 0.879; p = 0.007; adjusted HR, 0.350; 95% CI, 0.165 to 0.743; p = 0.006, respectively), and with a higher rate of TLR than PES (adjusted HR, 0.471; 95% CI, 0.223 to 0.997; p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that ZES is less effective than SES and PES in terms of 12-month TLR, and has a higher incidence of MACE due to a higher TLR rate compared with SES, in acute MI patients with CKD.

Safety and Efficacy of Overlapping Homogenous Drug-Eluting Stents in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: Results from Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry

The aim of this study was to compare safety and efficacy of 4 homogenous overlapping drug-eluting stents (DES) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. We selected 1,349 consecutive patients (62.1 +/- 14.9 yr, 69.4% male) who received homogenous overlapping DESs in diffuse de novo coronary lesions from Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry from April 2006 through September 2010. They were divided into 4 groups based on type of DES implanted - Paclitaxel (PES), Sirolimus (SES), Zotarolimus (ZES) and Everolimus (EES)-eluting stents. Primary endpoint was 12-month MACE. We also studied EES versus other DESs (PES + SES + ZES). Mean stent length was 26.2 +/- 7.5 mm and mean stent diameter was 3.1 +/- 0.4 mm. Average number of stents used per vessel was 2.2 +/- 0.5. Incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in PES, SES, ZES, and EES groups were 9.5%, 9.2%, 7.5%, and 3.8%, respectively (P = 0.013). In EES group, overall MACE and repeat revascularization were lowest, and no incidence of stent thrombosis was observed. Non-fatal MI was highest in PES, almost similar in SES and EES with no incidence in ZES group (P = 0.044). Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed no differences in the incidence of primary endpoint (P = 0.409). This study shows no significant differences in 12-month MACE among 4 groups.

Safety and Efficacy of Overlapping Homogenous Drug-Eluting Stents in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: Results from Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry

The aim of this study was to compare safety and efficacy of 4 homogenous overlapping drug-eluting stents (DES) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. We selected 1,349 consecutive patients (62.1 +/- 14.9 yr, 69.4% male) who received homogenous overlapping DESs in diffuse de novo coronary lesions from Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry from April 2006 through September 2010. They were divided into 4 groups based on type of DES implanted - Paclitaxel (PES), Sirolimus (SES), Zotarolimus (ZES) and Everolimus (EES)-eluting stents. Primary endpoint was 12-month MACE. We also studied EES versus other DESs (PES + SES + ZES). Mean stent length was 26.2 +/- 7.5 mm and mean stent diameter was 3.1 +/- 0.4 mm. Average number of stents used per vessel was 2.2 +/- 0.5. Incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in PES, SES, ZES, and EES groups were 9.5%, 9.2%, 7.5%, and 3.8%, respectively (P = 0.013). In EES group, overall MACE and repeat revascularization were lowest, and no incidence of stent thrombosis was observed. Non-fatal MI was highest in PES, almost similar in SES and EES with no incidence in ZES group (P = 0.044). Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed no differences in the incidence of primary endpoint (P = 0.409). This study shows no significant differences in 12-month MACE among 4 groups.

Coronary Stents in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with poor outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We sought to compare different coronary stents used during primary PCI in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and CKD. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We selected 2408 consecutive STEMI patients with CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) undergoing primary PCI and divided them into 5 groups based on the type of stent implanted: 1) bare metal stent (BMS), 2) paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES), 3) sirolimus-eluting stent (SES), 4) zotarolimus-eluting stent (ZES), or 5) everolimus-eluting stent (EES). The study endpoint was the number of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 12 months. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the incidence of 12-month myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, or target vessel revascularization between stent groups; however, the overall rate of repeat revascularization differed significantly between groups. All-cause death differed significantly among the groups. The incidence of 12-month MACE in BMS, PES, SES, ZES, and EES was 8.3%, 9.8%, 8.6%, 5.5%, and 2.6%, respectively (p<0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis did not show a significant differences in 12-month MACE-free survival among the groups (log-rank p=0.076). This finding remained the same after adjusting for multiple confounders (p=0.147). CONCLUSION: Any of the 5 stents can be used to treat STEMI patients with CKD undergoing primary PCI; all have similar risk of 12-month MACE. This result is hypothesis-generating and warrants further evaluation with a long-term randomized study.

Prognostic Impact of Baseline High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Based on Body Mass Index

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a marker of inflammation and may lead to the development of atherosclerosis, adversely affecting mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between baseline hs-CRP level and 12-month clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) according to their body mass index (BMI) status. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Using data from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry from November 2005 to September 2008, a total of 8174 consecutive AMI patients were studied. Cox proportional hazard model revealed that higher baseline levels of hs-CRP was associated with 12-month all-cause mortality (p=0.045). To further understand this association, patients were divided into 3 groups based on their body mass index: 1) overweight/obese, 2) normal weight, and 3) underweight patients. Then each group was stratified into quartiles based on their hs-CRP. RESULTS: In overweight/obese patients, Cox model showed significant association of hs-CRP with 12-month mortality when adjusted for age and gender (p or =4.08 mg/dL) in overweight/obese AMI patients showed significant association with 12-month all-cause mortality independent of other prognostic markers.

Hydatid cyst of unusual sites, an experience at Chandka medical college Larkana

Hydatid cyst occurs throughout world but more in endemic areas where human beings live in close contact with cattle and dogs. Common organs affected by hydatid cyst are liver and lung but rarely occurs in other organs as well. To evaluate the unusual sites of hydatid cyst in human beings, this will help the clinicians in early diagnosis and management. Observational. The study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, Chandka Medical College Larkana from January 1995 to December 2009. Total of 191 patients, admitted in various hospitals of Larkana, and operated for hydatid cyst or incidental findings at hisptopatholgical examination were included. All the fixed biopsies were cut into representative tissue blocks, processed, stained for haematoxylin and eosin and examined under light microscope. Total of 191 cases of hydatid cyst were received in 15 years, out of which 119 [62.3%] cases occurred in liver with mean age 41.27 years +/- 16.27 SD, 44 [23%] in lung with mean age 44.04 +/- 15.81 SD and remaining 28 [14.7%] in other uncommon organs. The presence of hydatid cyst in uncommon sites in Larkana is 14.7%, hence possibility of hydatid cyst in almost every organ of the body should be suspected

Cause of death in exhumed bodies: an experience in upper Sindh, Pakistan

Exhumation is conducted around the globe when foul play is suspected. In developed world and in some developing countries this procedure is also carried out for identification purposes as well as in insurance claims, and some other civil suits. To determine the cause of death in exhumed bodies. Prospective, descriptive. The Study was conducted in the department of Forensic Medicine, Chandka Medical College, Larkana [CMCL] from Jan:2001 to Dec:2010. A total of 125 bodies were exhumed in various districts of upper Sindh by exhumation board, constituted by Director General Health Services Hyderabad. At the site of graveyard, bodies were digged out. After identification of deceased by near relatives, the bodies were thoroughly examined, viscerae taken for histopathological and chemical analysis, and cause of death determined by consensus in almost all cases. The most common cause of death was firearm injuries 37 [29.6%], followed by blunt trauma 15 [12%], sharp weapon injuries 09 [7.2%], drowning 09 [7.2%], poisoning 07 [5.6%] strangulation 06 [4.8%], infanticide 06 [4.8%]. In about 1/3 of cases cause of death could not be decided due to advanced stage of decomposition. Majority of victims were young males and firearm injury was the commonest cause of death

Pattern of haemotological disorders diagnosed by bone marrow examination at a paediatric hospital in Larkana Pakistan

Bone marrow examination is an integral part for establishing the diagnosis of haematological disorders in association with clinical and other routine laboratory tests. To evaluate the frequency and pattern of haematological disorders in children at a tertiary care hospital in Larkana. Descriptive study. The study was conducted at children hospital and pathology department of Chandka Medical College Larkana from Jan: 2008 to Dec: 2010. Marrow aspirates were collected from children under the age of 15 years as per guidelines recommended by international council for standardization in haematology [ICSH]. Smears obtained were stained with Romanowsky stains and examined under light microscope. Bone marrow examination reports of 271 patients ranged from 2 months to 15 years, with male /female ratio of 1.6:1 were analyzed. Malignant disorders were seen in 36.5% and non malignant disorders in 59.8% of ratio 1.6:1 were analyzed. Malignant disorders were seen in 36.5% and non malignant disorders in 59.8% of children. Amongst the malignant haematological disorders, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia [ALL] cases were 64 [23.65] and was found to be most common disorder, followed by lymphoma 7 [2.6%] cases and acute myeloid leukaemia [AML] 6 cases [2.2%]. In non malignant disorder, aplastic anaemia was the most common 40 [14.8%] cases, followed by iron deficiency anaemia 30 [11%] cases. The megaloblastic anaemia was least common seen only in 8 [3.0%] cases. Other non malignant disorders were idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura [ITP] 71 [26.2%] cases and malaria 4 [1.5%] cases. Appropriate diagnosis can not be made in haemotological disorders of childhood without bone marrow examination

Drug-Eluting Stent as an Option for Intractable In-Stent Coronary Restenosis

A 51-year-old man was admitted due to an acute anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. After thrombolytic therapy using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, stent implantation was performed from the proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD) to the mid LAD using a bare-metal stent (BMS). Since then, the patient suffered five repeated episodes of in-stent restenosis (ISR). At the first ISR, he was treated with plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA). At the second ISR, he was treated with brachytherapy, and at the third ISR, he was treated with POBA and one more BMS distal to the previously implanted stent. At the forth, only POBA was performed, and finally, at the fifth ISR, a sirolimus-eluting stent was implanted. Following that, the patient remained asymptomatic and follow-up coronary angiography showed no ISR.

Relationship between Coronary Artery Calcium Score by Multidetector Computed Tomography and Plaque Components by Virtual Histology Intravascular Ultrasound

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between coronary artery calcium score (CACS) assessed by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and plaque components assessed by virtual histology-intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS) in 172 coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with 250 coronary lesions. CACS was assessed according to Agatston scoring method by MDCT and patients were divided into four groups: Group I (CACS = 0 [n = 52]); Group II (CACS = 1-100 [n = 99]); Group III (CACS = 101-400 [n = 84]); and Group IV (CACS > 400 [n = 15]). Total atheroma volume was greatest in Group IV (152 +/- 132 microL vs 171 +/- 114 microL vs 195 +/- 149 microL vs 321+/-182 microL, P < 0.001). The absolute dense calcium (DC) and necrotic core (NC) volumes were greatest, and relative DC volume was greatest in Group IV (5.5 +/- 6.6 microL vs 11.0 +/- 10.3 microL vs 15.6 +/- 13.6 microL vs 36.6 +/- 18.2 microL, P < 0.001, and 14.8 +/- 18.2 microL vs 19.5 +/- 18.9 microL vs 22.5 +/- 19.1 microL vs 41.7 +/- 27.9 microL, P < 0.001, and 6.4 +/- 5.3% vs 11.0 +/- 6.2% vs 14.0 +/- 6.5% vs 20.0 +/- 7.8%, P < 0.001, respectively). The absolute plaque and DC and NC volumes and the relative DC volume correlated positively with calcium score. CAD patients with high calcium score have more vulnerable plaque components (greater DC and NC-containing plaques) than those with low calcium score.

Effect of a Dual Drug-Coated Stent With Abciximab and Alpha-Lipoic Acid in a Porcine Coronary Restenosis Model

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects of a stent coated with abciximab and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in a porcine coronary overstretch restenosis model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 10 pigs were randomized into two groups (10 pigs, 10 coronaries in each group) in which the coronary arteries were stented with a dual-coated stent and a bare metal stent (control) by randomization. Stents were deployed with oversizing (stent/artery ratio 1.3 : 1) in the porcine coronary arteries, and histopathology was assessed 28 days after stenting. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the injury score between the two groups. In the neointima, the lymphohistiocyte count was significantly lower in dual-coat stent group compared with the control stent group (120+/-85 cells vs. 159+/-80 cells, p=0.048). There was no significant difference in the fibrin score between the two groups (0.16+/-0.34 in the dual-coated stent group vs. 0.25+/-0.48 in the control stent group, p=0.446). The neointima area was not significantly different between both groups (1.55+/-0.8 mm2 in dual-coated stent group vs. 1.40+/-0.86 mm2 in the control stent group, p=0.447). CONCLUSION: Although the dual-coated stent with abciximab and ALA showed no significant difference in inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia when compared with the bare metal stent, it was associated with a reduced inflammatory reaction when compared with the control stent in a porcine coronary restenosis model.

Effects of Ramiprilat-Coated Stents on Neointimal Hyperplasia, Inflammation, and Arterial Healing in a Porcine Coronary Restenosis Model

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neointimal hyperplasia, and a role for angiotensin II in the migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells in restenotic lesions has been proposed. The aim of this study was to determine the anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects of ramiprilat-coated stents in a porcine coronary overstretch restenosis model. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Pigs were randomized into two groups in which the coronary arteries {16 pigs (16 coronaries in each group)} had a 3.0x17 mm ramiprilat-coated MAC stent or a 3.0x17 mm control MAC stent (AMG, Munich, Germany) implanted with oversizing (stent-to-artery ratio, 1.3 : 1) in porcine coronary arteries, and histopathologic analysis was assessed 28 days after stenting. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the injury and inflammation scores between the two groups (1.20+/-0.43 vs. 1.23+/-0.57, p=0.8; and 1.21+/-0.39 vs. 1.25+/-0.49, p=0.6, respectively). Within the neointima, most inflammatory cells were lymphohistiocytes. Significant positive correlations existed between inflammatory cell counts and the neointima areas (r=0.567, p<0.001), and between inflammatory cell counts and the percent area stenosis (r=0.478, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the inflammatory cell counts normalized to the injury (110+/-89 vs. 123+/-83, p=0.4) and fibrin scores (0.15+/-0.06 vs. 0.17+/-0.07, p=0.8) between the 2 groups. There were trends toward a smaller neointima area (1.06+/-0.51 mm2 vs. 1.28+/-0.35 mm2, p=0.083) and a smaller percent area stenosis (18.9+/-8.7% vs. 21.8+/-7.2%, p=0.088) in the ramiprilat-coated stent group. CONCLUSION: Although the ramiprilat-coated stent did not show significant inhibitory effects on neointimal hyperplasia, the ramiprilat-coated stent showed good effects on the inflammatory reaction and arterial healing similar to the control stent in a porcine coronary restenosis model.

Imatinib-related bone marrow aplasia after complete cytogenetic response in chronic myeloid leukemia

Imatinib mesylate is a BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the management of chronic myeloid leukemia. It is a safe and well-tolerated agent with a few manageable side effects. We are reporting a case of imatinib-related fatal bone marrow aplasia after complete cytogenetic response