High physical fitness is associated with reduction in basal- and exercise-induced inflammation.

C-reactive protein (CRP) increases after strenuous exercise. It has been a concern that prolonged strenuous exercise may be harmful and induce a deleterious inflammatory response. The purpose of this study was to (a) assess and quantify the magnitude of CRP response following an endurance cycling competition in healthy middle-aged recreational cyclists. (b) Identify important determinants of this response. (c) Identify the relationship between CRP, myocardial damage (cardiac Troponin I (cTnI)), and myocardial strain (B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP]). (d) Identify the relationship between CRP and clinical events, defined as utilization of healthcare services or self-reported unusual discomfort. Race time was used as a measure of physical fitness. A total of 97 individuals (43±10 years of age, 74 [76%] males) were assessed prior to and 0, 3, and 24 hours following the 91-km mountain bike race "Nordsjørittet" (Sandnes, Norway, June 2013). There was a highly significant increase in CRP from baseline to 24 hours (0.9 (0.5-1.8) mg/L vs. 11.6 (6.0-17.5) mg/L (median[IQR]), P<.001), with no correlation of CRP to cTnI and BNP at any time-point. CRP was strongly correlated to race time at baseline (r=.38, P<.001) and at 24 hours following the race (r=.43, P<.001), In multivariate models, race time was an independent predictor of CRP both at baseline and at 24 hours (P<.01). There was no relationship between CRP levels and clinical events. In conclusion, high physical fitness was associated with reduction in both basal- and exercise-induced CRP. No adverse relationship was found between high intensity physical exercise, CRP levels, and outcomes.

Biochemical and cytologic analysis of cystic contents in benign non-parasitic symptomatic hepatic cysts before and after ethanol sclerotherapy.

PURPOSE: To examine the fluid of liver cysts by cytologic and biochemical analysis before and after ethanol sclerotherapy in order to explore the etiology of cystic fluid reproduction after sclerotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The contents of 11 cysts in 11 patients were examined on the day of sclerotherapy, and 2-8 (mean 4.5) days later, and analysed for cytologic and biochemical parameters. RESULTS: Cytologic signs of acute or subacute inflammatory reaction were absent before and present in all cysts after sclerotherapy. Biochemical parameters reflecting the acute inflammatory reaction (CRP, orosomucoid and haptoglobine), changes in capillary permeability (protein, albumin), and the cystic epithelial function (bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase) were significantly elevated after sclerotherapy. CONCLUSION: The post-sclerotherapy fluid production is probably due to an inflammatory reaction. This may explain the success of performing sclerotherapy in one single session.

[Acute intermittent porphyria is a difficult diagnosis--especially in children]. / Akutt intermitterende porfyri er en vanskelig diagnose--spesielt hos barn.

BACKGROUND: Acute intermittent porphyria is a rare disease, and it is often confused with other diseases since the symptoms, abdominal pain, paresis and depression are rather common. The disease most often becomes manifest after puberty, but cases in childhood have been described. The present paper deals with a child with onset of acute intermittent porphyria at eight years of age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This case story is based on journals from different hospitals and the diary of the father of the boy. The analytical methods are those commonly used at the National Centre for Porphyria in Norway. RESULTS: Six years passed from the debut of symptoms to the diagnosis acute intermittent porphyria was obtained, and the boy has now permanent paresis. Further examination of the family disclosed that both his father and brother were affected. INTERPRETATION: It is important to know that acute intermittent porphyria may even occur in children. There is established a National Centre for Porphyria in Norway. This centre will offer advice to patients and health care professionals concerning the diagnosing, treatment and prophylaxis of porphyria diseases.

Phenotyping autologous red cells within 1 day after allogeneic blood transfusion by using immunomagnetic isolation of reticulocytes.

BACKGROUND: When a transfused patient develops multiple or weak blood group antibodies, posttransfusion phenotyping is useful in antibody identification. To perform a correct phenotyping after transfusion, isolation of autologous red cells is necessary. However, mature autologous red cells are impossible to separate from their donor counterparts. Since the proportion of autologous reticulocytes compared to donor reticulocytes increases rapidly after transfusion, selective isolation of reticulocytes provides autologous cells for antigen typing. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Extensive phenotyping was performed on red cells from 10 surgical patients before transfusion and on red cells and reticulocytes after the transfusion of 5 or more red cell units. Reticulocytes were isolated by using an antibody against the human transferrin receptor coupled to magnetic beads. RESULTS: The data showed nearly full agreement between pretransfusion phenotyping of red cells and posttransfusion typing of reticulocytes. Correct phenotyping of transferred patients could be obtained 8 to 10 hours after transfusion using isolated reticulocytes. CONCLUSION: This method is helpful in selecting compatible blood when patients have developed antibodies and have an urgent need for further transfusions.