A comparison of mycophenolate mofetil with mycophenolate sodium in renal transplant recipients on tacrolimus-based treatment.

We compared the tolerability and efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) versus mycophenolate sodium (MPS) among renal transplant recipients on tacrolimus-based immunosuppression. The 105 patients who underwent kidney transplantation between January 2002 and March 2008 and were treated with steroid, tacrolimus, and a mycophenolic acid compound were enrolled in the study. From patient files we collected on demographics data, donors, immunosuppressive drug doses, biochemical and hematologic parameters, gastrointestinal and hematologic side effects, and kidney function. Fifty-six patients were prescribed MMF and 49 of them were taking MPS. Demographic parameters and pretransplantation dialysis duration were similar between the 2 groups. After the third month, the MPS dose was higher than that of MMF. There were no clinically important differences between the 2 groups, regarding other immunosuppressive drug doses. Gastrointestinal side effects were similar: 42.4% in the MMF versus 44.8% in the MPS group (P = .846). Six patients in the MMF group and 1 patient in the MPS group underwent a switch of the mycophenolic acid therapy due to severe gastrointestinal side effects (P = .183). Biopsy-proven acute rejection was reported in 6 patients on MMF and 7 patients on MPS therapy (P = .768). The log-rank test evaluating a 50% reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) showed no significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .719). No deaths were recorded during the study period; there was only 1 graft loss, which occurred in the MMF group. We did not observe a significant difference in tolerability and efficacy between the 2 widely used mycophenolic acid derivatives. Economic considerations can be an important factor when choosing the drug.

Castleman's disease masquerading as sigmoid colon tumor and Hodgkin lymphoma.

Castleman's disease is a benign lymphoid neoplasm first reported as hyperplasia of mediastinal lymph nodes. Some authors referred to the lesions as isolated tumors, described as a variant of Hodgkin's disease with a possibility of a malignant potential and others proposed that the lymphoid masses were of a hamartomatous nature. Three histologic variants and two clinical types of the disease have been described. The disease may occur in almost any area in which lymph nodes are normally found. The most common locations are thorax (63%), abdomen (11%) and axilla (4%). We report two separate histologic types of Castleman's disease which were rare in the literature, mimicking sigmoid colon tumor and Hodgkin lymphoma. The diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of this rare entity is discussed.

Chylous ascites after liver transplantation with mesentero-portal jump graft.

Chylous effusions and lymphatic leaks occur after trauma, malignant disease, primary lymphatic disorders, and parasitosis, and rarely after abdominal surgery. Chylous ascites after orthotopic liver transplantation is a rare complication. We report a case of chylous ascites occurring after hepatic transplantation with a mesentero-portal venous jump graft, successfully treated with conservative management.

Colorectal cancer in patients younger than forty years of age.

The records of the General Surgery Department of the Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty of 10 years duration (1981-1991) were studied retrospectively to determine prognostic factors in colorectal cancer patients younger than 40-year old. Fifty patients between the ages of 10-39 were identified. The family history was positive in 7 of the 50 patients. We found Hematochezia (60%), abdominal pain (64%), alterations in bowel movements (60%) among the presenting symptoms. The pathologic examination revealed no patients in Dukes Stage A, 14 patients in stage B (28%), 36 patients in stage C and D (72%). Distant metastases were present in 10%. Mucinous adenocarcinoma was found in 40% of the patients in whom an histological differentiation could be made. The 5-year survival rate was 25.7% and the 5-year disease free survival rate was 17.1% in the patients who were followed up. The mean survival was 30 months. Poor prognostic factors were Dukes Stages C and D, sex, age, mucinous/nonmucinous histology, tumour differentiation and grade. Patients presenting with one or more of the symptoms above should be carefully examined for colorectal cancer regardless of age because of the importance of delay and presentation with progressive disease on survival. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer in the U. S. A. Although colorectal cancer is a disease of older group of patients, the incidence of colorectal cancer in younger patients is being increasingly reported.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Intestinal perforation due to phytobezoar obstruction.

Phytobezoars are rare causes of acute abdomen cases. Here we are reporting two cases which were presented with acute abdomen symptoms and later were found to be small intestinal perforation due to bezoar.

[Neoplastic transformation of a cyst in the thyroglossal tract. Apropos of a case]. / Cancérisation d'un kyste du tractus thyréoglosse. A propos d'un cas.

Cancers of the thyroglossal tract are very rare. Seventy-four patients with a cyst of the thyroglossal tract were operated in our hospital between 1978 and 1991. A papillary carcinoma was discovered on histological examination in one case. This cancer was treated by Sistrunk's operation. The patient had no sign of recurrence one five years after the operation. This paper presents the case report of this unusual cancer of which fewer than 100 similar cases have been reported in the literature.