Increased red cell distribution width in patients with slow coronary flow syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: An elevated red cell distribution width has been recognized as a predictor of various cardiovascular diseases. Slow coronary flow syndrome is an important angiographic clinical entity with an unknown etiology. This study aimed to examine the relationship between red cell distribution width and the presence of slow coronary flow syndrome. METHODS: In total, 185 patients with slow coronary flow syndrome and 183 age- and gender-matched subjects with normal coronary flow (controls) were prospectively enrolled in this study. Red cell distribution width and C-reactive protein were measured upon admission, and the results were compared between the patients with slow coronary flow syndrome and normal controls. RESULTS: Red cell distribution width levels were significantly higher in the patients with slow coronary flow syndrome than the normal controls. Moreover, the data showed that the plasma C-reactive protein levels were also higher in the patients with slow coronary flow syndrome than in the normal controls. In addition, a multivariate analysis indicated that C-reactive protein and red cell distribution width were the independent variables most strongly associated with slow coronary flow syndrome. Finally, the red cell distribution width was positively correlated with C-reactive protein and mean thrombosis in the myocardial infarction frame counts of the patients with slow coronary flow syndrome. CONCLUSION: The data demonstrated that red cell distribution width levels are significantly higher and strongly positively correlated with both C-reactive protein and thrombosis in the myocardial infarction frame counts of patients with slow coronary flow syndrome. These findings suggest that red cell distribution width may be a useful marker for patients with slow coronary flow syndrome.

Increased red cell distribution width in patients with slow coronary flow syndrome

OBJECTIVE: An elevated red cell distribution width has been recognized as a predictor of various cardiovascular diseases. Slow coronary flow syndrome is an important angiographic clinical entity with an unknown etiology. This study aimed to examine the relationship between red cell distribution width and the presence of slow coronary flow syndrome. METHODS: In total, 185 patients with slow coronary flow syndrome and 183 age- and gender-matched subjects with normal coronary flow (controls) were prospectively enrolled in this study. Red cell distribution width and C-reactive protein were measured upon admission, and the results were compared between the patients with slow coronary flow syndrome and normal controls. RESULTS: Red cell distribution width levels were significantly higher in the patients with slow coronary flow syndrome than the normal controls. Moreover, the data showed that the plasma C-reactive protein levels were also higher in the patients with slow coronary flow syndrome than in the normal controls. In addition, a multivariate analysis indicated that C-reactive protein and red cell distribution width were the independent variables most strongly associated with slow coronary flow syndrome. Finally, the red cell distribution width was positively correlated with C-reactive protein and mean thrombosis in the myocardial infarction frame counts of the patients with slow coronary flow syndrome. CONCLUSION: The data demonstrated that red cell distribution width levels are significantly higher and strongly positively correlated with both C-reactive protein and thrombosis in the myocardial infarction frame counts of patients with slow coronary flow syndrome. These findings suggest that red cell distribution width may be a useful marker for patients with slow coronary flow syndrome. .

Multimodal therapy for adult Wilms' tumour: an experience from one centre.

INTRODUCTION: Wilms' tumour (WT) is very rare in adults but very common in children. Treatment guidelines for adult patients with WT are still insufficient. Some study groups recommend that therapeutic protocols for adults with WT (AWT) should follow the guidelines that have been established for children. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and pathological characteristics of AWT as well as the treatment protocols and outcomes for AWT at our treatment centre. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven patients (5 females and 2 males) were diagnosed with AWT in our hospital between 2002 and 2009. The tumours were staged and the patients were treated according to the paediatric regimen recommended by the National Wilms' Tumor Study Group. RESULTS: The median patient age at the time of diagnosis was 29 years (range, 16-37 years). Flank pain was the most common clinical presentation. One patient was in Stage I of disease development, two were in Stage II, two were in Stage III and two were in Stage IV. Anaplasia was present in 3 patients with Stage III or Stage IV disease. All of the patients but one underwent nephrectomy and 2 incomplete surgeries were performed. Seven patients received 2-drug or 3-drug chemotherapy (dactinomycin and vincristine and/or doxorubicin). Two patients with Stage III disease also received radiation therapy (a total dose of 3600 or 3960 cGy). Complete remission was achieved in 4 patients. Three patients (one with Stage III disease, 2 patients with Stage IV disease) died of their disease and those patients were all classified with an unfavourable histological type called anaplasia. With a median follow-up of 53.5 months (range, 40-102 months), the 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 57.1% (95% confidence interval, 20.4-93.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this report suggest that histological anaplasia might be an adverse prognostic factor for AWT. Proper application of the diagnostic and therapeutic regimens established for children may improve the prognosis of adult patients with WT.