ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This study aims to study the clinical and histopathological characteristics of hypocomplementemic and normocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis (HUVS and NUV) among dermatology clinic attendees in a tertiary care hospital in South India. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in the dermatology department from February 2003 to May 2004. Seventy-five patients met the inclusion criteria for UV. Sixty-eight patients in whom complement levels were available were classified into either NUV or HUVS groups. Clinical features, laboratory parameters and histological features were compared, and the significance of differences was established using Pearson's Chi-squared test. RESULTS: There was a female preponderance among patients with HUVS. Wheals > 24 h were seen in 90% of patients, and in 54.4% of patients, the wheals were partially blanching or non-blanching. Angioedema was more prevalent in patients with NUV than HUVS (44.4% vs. 21.4%). Systemic involvement was seen in 64.3% of patients with HUVS and 44.4% of patients with NUV. Fever, ANA positivity and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were significantly associated with HUVS. In most cases of UV, a provoking factor could not be identified. Neutrophilic small vessel vasculitis was seen in 42.9% of patients with HUVS and 16.6% patients with NUV. Direct immunofluorescence test showing immunoreactants at the dermo-epidermal junction were present in 60% of patients with HUVS and 33.3% patients with NUV. CONCLUSION: The clinical features of Indian patients with UV were similar to those reported from the West. Fever, ANA positivity and SLE were significantly associated with HUVS.
Subject(s)
Complement System Proteins/deficiency , Complement System Proteins/metabolism , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/epidemiology , Urticaria/epidemiology , Vasculitis/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Arthritis, Juvenile/epidemiology , Biopsy , Complement C1q/deficiency , Complement C1q/metabolism , Complement C3/deficiency , Complement C3/metabolism , Complement C4/deficiency , Complement C4/metabolism , Dermis/blood supply , Dermis/pathology , Epidermis/pathology , Female , Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct , Humans , India/epidemiology , Infections/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , Mixed Connective Tissue Disease/epidemiology , Neoplasms/epidemiology , Prevalence , Prospective Studies , Urticaria/blood , Urticaria/pathology , Vasculitis/bloodABSTRACT
Development of the human skeleton begins in early embryonic life and continues through childhood into early adulthood. The acquisition of peak bone mass during these vulnerable periods may impact on skeletal fragility in later adult years. Once the skeleton has reached maturity, bone remodelling continues with periodic replacement of old bone with new at the same location. Bone biomarkers are specifically derived biomarkers that reflect both formation by osteoblasts and resorption by osteoclasts. Children have significantly higher concentrations of bone biomarkers than adults due to both skeletal growth and rapid bone turnover during childhood and adolescence. Biochemical assessment of markers of bone turnover may be important in the diagnosis, prognosis and management of metabolic bone disease. This review will discuss the various serum bone markers used for assessing bone health and the factors that influence their utility.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Papillary/pathology , Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/pathology , Pancreatic Neoplasms/pathology , Adult , Carcinoma, Papillary/diagnostic imaging , Carcinoma, Papillary/surgery , Female , Humans , Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/diagnostic imaging , Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/surgery , Pancreatectomy , Pancreatic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Pancreatic Neoplasms/surgery , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
A case of erotomania in relation to childbirth is reported. There was a good response to treatment and no evidence of relapse at 18-month follow-up.
Subject(s)
Neurocognitive Disorders/etiology , Puerperal Disorders/psychology , Adult , Female , Humans , Neurocognitive Disorders/drug therapy , Pregnancy , Transference, Psychology , Trifluoperazine/therapeutic useABSTRACT
A year old male child developed progeria manifesting most of the typical changes described in progeria. The boy also had extensive sclerodermatous changes in the skin.
