ABSTRACT
Behçet's disease is an inflammatory disease of unknown etiology which involves recurring oral and genital aphthous ulcers and ocular lesions as well as articular, vascular, and nervous system involvement. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is usually seen in viral infections, immune deficiency syndrome, sickle cell anemia, and hyperfiltration and secondary to interferon therapy. Here, we present a case of FSGS identified with kidney biopsy in a patient who had been diagnosed with Behçet's disease and received interferon-alpha treatment for uveitis and presented with acute renal failure and nephrotic syndrome associated with interferon.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate platelet functions and measure soluble CD40 ligand, soluble P-selectin, beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 levels in the blood of heterozygous beta thalassemia patients. METHODS: The cross-sectional case-control study was conducted at Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey, between September 2013 and April 2014, and comprised heterozygous beta thalassemia patients who were compared with 41 gender-, age- and body mass index-matched controls for platelet function markers. The two groups were also compared for co-morbidities, smoking, and regular medications. RESULTS: Of the 78(78.78) subjects, 50(64%) were women and 28(36%) men with an overall mean age of 39.4±12.7 years (range: 18-79 years). The mean body mass index was 26.3±4.2. The heterozygous beta thalassemia group included 37(47%) subjects [24(65%) females; 13(35%) males] while the control group had 41(53%) [26(63%) females; 15(37%) males]. Soluble CD40 ligand and soluble P-selectin were lower in the heterozygous beta thalassemia group (p=0.009; p=0.010). Beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 levels were comparable between the groups (p=0.497; p=0.507.). CONCLUSIONS: Some platelet functions may be reduced in heterozygous beta thalassemia patients, which may be related to their lower incidence of cerebral and cardiac ischaemic events.
