Case report of Leser-Trelat sign as sequela of an atypical inflammatory process.

BACKGROUND: Leser-Trelat sign is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome in which one main characteristic presented is an eruption of multiple seborrheic keratoses around different areas of the body. This syndrome has been associated with multiple gastrointestinal malignancies, especially adenocarcinoma of stomach and colon. CASE REPORT: We report a 70-year-old male who presented to the surgery clinic complaining of a persistent lower abdominal pain for the past 2 months. The pain was associated with weight loss and the gradual appearance of multiple seborrheic keratoses in his body. The patient was admitted to the hospital for further evaluation, a CT scan shows an 8.1 × 5.2 cm mass in the mid mesentery and laboratories shows anemia and positive fecal occult blood. The patient was scheduled for an exploratory laparotomy. During the surgery, a large mass was found arising from the ascending colon with invasion into the adjacent sigmoid colon. The mass was sent to pathology and shows a foreign body granuloma. In addition to the surgery, the patient undergoes an endoscopic evaluation to rule out a malignancy from the upper gastrointestinal system, no masses or lesions were found. CONCLUSION: This is the first case reported, as far as our knowledge, of a foreign body granuloma in the association of Leser-Trelat sign. Foreign body granulomas are associated with multiple cellular signaling and this could be the source of the association of the Leser-Trelat sign. Further evaluation is needed to have a better understanding of the association between the Leser-Trelat sign and the formation of a foreign body granuloma.

Patterns of food avoidance in chronic fatigue syndrome: is there a case for dietary recommendations?

OBJECTIVES: To assess the dietary habits and food avoidance-behavior in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). METHODS: Cross-sectional pilot study with 28 patients diagnosed with severe CFS. Eating habits were assessed with a food frequency questionnaire and 3-day food records. We analyzed variables related to dietary restrictions induced by symptoms or external information. RESULTS: The most prevalent restrictions were for dairy products and gluten-containing grains, with 22 and 15 restricting patients, respectively. Patients reported different digestive symptoms, which did not improve with the use of exclusion diets. Thirteen patients had received information against the intake of certain foods through different sources. Six cases of grains restriction and 11 of dairy were compatible with a counseling-induced pattern of exclusion. CONCLUSIONS: There is not a homogeneous pattern of food avoidance. Dietary restrictions should be based on a proven food allergy or intolerance. Dietary counseling should be based on sound nutritional knowledge.

Patterns of food avoidance in chronic fatigue syndrome; is there a case for dietary recommendations? / Patrones de evitación alimenticia en el síndrome de fatiga crónica; ¿hay base para dar recomendaciones dietéticas?

Objectives: To assess the dietary habits and food avoidance-behavior in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Methods: Cross-sectional pilot study with 28 patients diagnosed with severe CFS. Eating habits were assessed with a food frequency questionnaire and 3-day food records. We analyzed variables related to dietary restrictions induced by symptoms or external information. Results: The most prevalent restrictions were for dairy products and gluten-containing grains, with 22 and 15 restricting patients, respectively. Patients reported different digestive symptoms, which did not improve with the use of exclusion diets. Thirteen patients had received information against the intake of certain foods through different sources. Six cases of grains restriction and 11 of dairy were compatible with a counseling-induced pattern of exclusion. Conclusions: There is not a homogeneous pattern of food avoidance. Dietary restrictions should be based on a proven food allergy or intolerance. Dietary counseling should be based on sound nutritional knowledge (AU)

Objetivos: Valorar los hábitos dietéticos y la conducta de evitación alimenticia en pacientes con Síndrome de Fatiga Crónica. Métodos: Estudio piloto transversal con 28 pacientes diagnosticados de Síndrome de Fatiga Crónica en grado severo. Los hábitos alimenticios se evaluaron mediante un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo y registros dietéticos de 3 días. Se analizaron variables relacionadas con las restricciones dietéticas inducidas por síntomas o información externa. Resultados: Las restricciones más frecuentes fueron para los productos lácteos y cereales con gluten, con 22 y 15 pacientes que los restringían, respectivamente. Los pacientes informaron de diferentes síntomas digestivos, que no mejoraron con el uso de dietas de exclusión. Trece pacientes habían recibido información contraria al consumo de ciertos alimentos, a través de diferentes fuentes. Seis casos de restricción de cereales y 11 de lácteos fueron compatibles con un patrón de exclusión inducido por consejo. Conclusiones: No hay un patrón homogéneo de evitación alimenticia. Las restricciones dietéticas deberían basarse en una alergia o intolerancia alimentaria probada. El consejo dietético debería basarse en el conocimiento nutricional fundamentado (AU)

Factors associated with nosocomial diarrhea in patients with enteral tube feeding / Factores asociados a diarrea nosocomial en pacientes con nutrición enteral

Objectives: Diarrhea is a frequent complication associated to enteral tube feeding (ETF) and it is a frequent cause of reduction or suspension of this type of nutritional support. Our objective was to evaluate the factors associated with nosocomial diarrhea in patients receiving ETF. Results: The only significant factor associated with the appearance of diarrhea was antibiotic consumption, specially those patients receiving the combination of two or more antibiotics. We did not find any association between factors related to ETF, analytical parameters, nor other medications and diarrhea. Conclusions: Our observational data supports the idea that ETF should not be seen as a primary cause of diarrhea, other possible causes should be considered before reducing or discontinuing ETF administration (AU)

Objetivos: La diarrea es una complicación frecuente asociada a la nutrición enteral (NE) y es causa habitual de reducción o suspensión de este tipo de soporte nutricional. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar los factores asociados a la diarrea nosocomial en pacientes que recibían NE. Resultados: El único factor significativo asociado con la aparición de diarrea fue el consumo de antibióticos, especialmente aquellos pacientes que recibían la combinación de dos o más antibióticos. No se encontró ninguna asociación entre factores relacionados a la NE, parámetros analíticos, ni otras medicaciones y la diarrea. Conclusión: Nuestros datos observacionales respaldan la idea que la NE no debería ser vista como causa principal de diarrea, debiéndose considerar otras causas posibles antes de reducir o suspender la administración de NE (AU)

Factors associated with nosocomial diarrhea in patients with enteral tube feeding.

OBJECTIVES: Diarrhea is a frequent complication associated to enteral tube feeding (ETF) and it is a frequent cause of reduction or suspension of this type of nutritional support. Our objective was to evaluate the factors associated with nosocomial diarrhea in patients receiving ETF. RESULTS: The only significant factor associated with the appearance of diarrhea was antibiotic consumption, specially those patients receiving the combination of two or more antibiotics. We did not find any association between factors related to ETF, analytical parameters, nor other medications and diarrhea. CONCLUSIONS: Our observational data supports the idea that ETF should not be seen as a primary cause of diarrhea, other possible causes should be considered before reducing or discontinuing ETF administration.

Quality of life, dietary intake and nutritional status assessment in hospital admitted cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to assess the quality of life (QoL), nutritional status, and quantitative food intakes of non-terminal admitted cancer patients receiving oral feeding. As well as to evaluate what kind of relation exists between the quality of life, and the nutritional status and current intake. SCOPE: Medical Oncology and Radiotherapy Service ward at the Hospital Clinic de Barcelona. SUBJECTS: Fifty admitted patients in the Service ward. INTERVENTIONS: There was a follow-up of the dietary intake during 3 working days through direct observation, as well as an assessment of anthropometrical and biochemical parameters, a record of symptomatology related data, and a QoL assessment through the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. RESULTS: Our data show that 32.6% of the patients did not reach 25 kcal/kg/day, and 23.3% did not even fulfill 1 g protein/kg/day. Concerning QoL, mean score for global health status and overall QoL for all patients was 46.2. Compared to the general population, there were important deficits among cancer patients regarding physical, role and social functioning. The most pronounced differences in the symptom scales were for fatigue, and in single items for appetite loss and constipation. A low protein intake was associated to a poorer perception on physical functioning (p = 0.01), and fatigue was close to significance (p = 0.058). No significant differences were found regarding caloric intake and QoL. CONCLUSIONS: A significant percentage of patients who received exclusive oral feeding did not cover a minimum acceptable quantity of their protein-energy requirements. Our results point-out that poor food intakes can affect QoL by themselves.

Quality of life, dietary intake and nutritional status assessment in hospital admitted cancer patients / Calidad de vida, ingesta dietética y valoración del estado nutricional en pacientes ingresados con cáncer

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess the quality of life (QoL), nutritional status, and quantitative food intakes of non-terminal admitted cancer patients receiving oral feeding. As well as to evaluate what kind of relation exists between the quality of life, and the nutritional status and current intake. Scope: Medical Oncology and Radiotherapy Service ward at the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona. Subjects: Fifty admitted patients in the Service ward. Interventions: There was a follow-up of the dietary intake during 3 working days through direct observation, as well as an assessment of anthropometrical and biochemical parameters, a record of symptomatology related data, and a QoL assessment through the EORTC QLQC30 questionnaire. Results: Our data show that 32.6% of the patients did not reach 25 kcal/kg/day, and 23.3% did not even fulfill 1 g protein/kg/day. Concerning QoL, mean score for global health status and overall QoL for all patients was 46.2. Compared to the general population, there were important deficits among cancer patients regarding physical, role and social functioning. The most pronounced differences in the symptom scales were for fatigue, and in single items for appetite loss and constipation. A low protein intake was associated to a poorer perception on physical functioning (p=0.01), and fatigue was close to significance (p=0.058). No significant differences were found regarding caloric intake and QoL. Conclusions: A significant percentage of patients who received exclusive oral feeding did not cover a minimum acceptable quantity of their protein-energy requirements. Our results point-out that poor food intakes can affect QoL by themselves

Objetivos: Los objetivos de este estudio fueron valorar la calidad de vida (QoL), el estado nutricional y la ingesta dietética cuantitativa realizada en pacientes oncológicos no terminales ingresados que recibieron alimentación oral. Así mismo evaluar qué tipo de relación existe entre la calidad de vida, y el estado nutricional y la ingesta actual. Ámbito: Servicio de Oncología Médica y Radioterapia del Hospital Clínic de Barcelona. Sujetos: Cincuenta pacientes ingresados en el Servicio. Intervenciones: Se realizó un seguimiento de la ingesta dietética durante 3 días hábiles mediante observación directa, así como una valoración de los parámetros antropométricos y bioquímicos, un registro de datos relativos a la sintomatología, y una valoración de la calidad de vida mediante el cuestionario EORTC QLQ-C30. Resultados: Nuestros datos muestran que un 32.6% de los pacientes no alcanzaron 25 kcal/kg/día, y un 23.3% no llegaron a cubrir 1 g proteína/kg/día. Respecto a la QoL, la puntuación media para el estado de salud global y la QoL global para todos los pacientes fue 46.2. Comparado con la población general, hubo déficits importantes entre los pacientes oncológicos respecto a la funcionalidad física, de rol y social. Las diferencias más pronunciadas en la escala de síntomas fueron para la fatiga y en los ítems simples, para la pérdida de apetito y el estreñimiento. La baja ingesta de proteínas se asoció con una percepción disminuida en la función física (p=0.01), la fatiga estuvo cerca de la significación estadística (p=0.058). No se encontraron diferencias significativas respecto a la ingesta calórica y la QoL. Conclusión: Un porcentaje significativo de pacientes que recibieron alimentación oral exclusiva no cubrieron una cantidad aceptable mínima de sus requerimientos energético- proteicos. Nuestros resultados apuntan que ingestas dietéticas escasas pueden afectar la QoL por sí mismas

Postmenopausal hormone use following a 3-year randomized clinical trial.

Postmenopausal women often discontinue estrogen therapy within the first year. No studies have examined reasons why women continue or discontinue hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after several years of use, when hormone side effects have subsided. We wanted to identify determinants of estrogen use after participation in a 3-year randomized placebo-controlled trial. The Postmenopausal Estrogen/Progestin Intervention (PEPI) study compared the effects of estrogen alone or in combination with one of three progestogens with placebo. Post-PEPI use of hormone therapy was ascertained 1-4 years after the trial in 775 (90%) of the originally enrolled women. Potential correlates of treatment decisions were identified from sociodemographic characteristics, medical histories, and clinical measures ascertained at baseline and during and after the trial. Among women who had been assigned to placebo during PEPI, post-PEPI hormone use was significantly less common in women who were adherent to placebo during PEPI, older, or of non-Caucasian ethnicity. Hormone use was positively associated with hysterectomy. Among women assigned to an active regimen during PEPI, post-PEPI hormone use was significantly more common in women who used hormones before PEPI and in women who were adherent to hormones during PEPI. Older age, less education, and being non-Caucasian predicted less hormone use. Post-PEPI hormone use was highest in San Diego and lowest in Iowa City. Women on placebo who lost more bone mineral density (BMD) were more likely to begin hormones than women with less bone loss. Lipids, blood pressure, and other cardiovascular risk factors had relatively little influence on hormone use. The main predictors of post-PEPI hormone use were those associated with use in the general population (education, ethnicity, geographical region, hysterectomy, and prior use/adherence).

Low-dose esterified estrogens (0.3 mg/day): long-term and short-term effects on menopausal symptoms and quality of life in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of low-dose unopposed esterified estrogens on menopausal symptoms and quality of life. METHODS: In a long-term, 2-year, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 204 postmenopausal women were treated with esterified estrogens 0.3 mg daily or placebo. Menopausal symptoms were assessed with a modified Kupperman index at baseline, 3, 6 and thereafter every 6 months. In a second 12-week, open-label, short-term pilot study, 25 postmenopausal women with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms were treated with esterified estrogens 0.3 mg daily for 12 weeks. Vasomotor symptoms and quality of life were assessed using the Greene scale and Quality of Life Menopause Scale (QUALMS). RESULTS: In the long-term study, significant (p < 0.05) reductions in total symptom scores were observed at each time point with esterified estrogens compared with placebo. Somatic symptom scores (hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness) decreased significantly (p < 0.01) in patients treated with esterified estrogens 0.3 mg compared to baseline and placebo. In the short-term, open-label pilot study, the incidence of vasomotor symptoms was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced with esterified estrogens 0.3 mg from week 4 until the study end. Significant (p < 0.05) improvements versus baseline were seen in the somatic and vasomotor/sleep domains and in the total quality-of-life score. CONCLUSIONS: Esterified estrogens 0.3 mg given daily provide adequate menopausal symptom relief and improved quality of life in postmenopausal women.

Agreement in assessing endometrial pathology: the Postmenopausal Estrogen/Progestin Interventions (PEPI) Trial.

We report on agreement in interpreting endometrial biopsy specimens between the local and central pathologists of the Postmenopausal Estrogen/Progestin Interventions (PEPI) trial. This trial was a 3-year, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial of four groups taking estrogen or estrogen/progestin combinations. A total of 1804 follow-up biopsies were performed in 596 subjects. Relative sensitivity and relative specificity using the diagnosis from the central pathologist as the gold standard and overall agreement are presented. Almost 90% of the diagnoses were reported normal by both readers. There were significant differences in agreement among clinics and treatment arms (p < 0.0001). The visit at which the biopsy specimen was obtained, age at baseline, prior postmenopausal estrogen use, parity, and drug adherence were not associated with agreement between the two readers. Higher proportions of disagreement were seen in two clinics (13% and 11%) compared with the other five clinics (2%-5%). Biopsy specimens from participants who were taking conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) only were more likely to be diagnosed differently by both readers (11%) than biopsy specimens from women taking a placebo (2%) or CEE combined with progestins (5%). Relative specificity varied from 86.4% to 98.9% among the clinics (p < 0.0001). Relative sensitivity was based on a small number of diagnoses, as few biopsy specimens were classified abnormal by the central pathologist. In patients assigned to CEE combined with progestin, 5 of the 7 biopsy specimens that were recorded abnormal by the central pathologist received a normal diagnosis locally. Our findings show that sample size requirements for study designs in which a central reader is used can be at least threefold lower than the requirements for designs relying on local diagnoses. Centralized protocols for endometrial histopathology reading and staff training are highly desirable in multicenter trials.

Cytologic changes in cervical smears associated with prolonged use of depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate.

BACKGROUND: Hormonal effects have always played a significant role in gynecologic cytology. In atrophic and postpartum smears, interpretation may be complicated by large numbers of parabasal cells with high nuclear cytoplasmic ratios and hyperchromatic nuclei that mimic precancerous lesions (squamous intraepithelial lesions, SILs). The authors have observed atrophic and postpartumlike changes in patients receiving depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate for prolonged periods. These alterations may lead to diagnostic uncertainty or falsely suggest the presence of SIL. METHODS: To evaluate the effect of chronic hormone use, smears from 29 depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate users (average age, 35.9 years) who had been amenorrheic for 5-72 months (average, 22.6 months) were identified. This group was matched with 25 nonusers (average age, 31.9 years). Maturation values (MVs) were calculated for both groups and cellular findings were evaluated. RESULTS: The user group had a significantly lower MV (38.45 vs. 64.60, P < 0.001). Among users, 6 of 29 smears (21%) were abnormal. One low grade SIL was biopsy-confirmed, but two high grade SILs and three smears of ASCUS had a negative Papanicolaou (Pap) smear and/or biopsy follow-up. Among nonusers, 4 of 25 smears (16%) were abnormal. Two patients with high grade SIL smears had positive biopsy or Pap smear follow-up, one with an ASCUS smear had a negative Pap smear follow-up, and one with a low grade SIL was lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The immature cellular pattern seen in smears from long term depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate users led to difficulty in determining the diagnosis in some cases. ASCUS cases among users were associated with high nuclear cytoplasmic ratios and hyperchromasia in parabasal metaplasialike cells. Biopsies in these cases showed epithelial atrophy, which was often associated with acute inflammation. In view of the fact that long term depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate administration may induce changes that mimic high grade SIL in a population already at high risk for SIL, there may be problematic cases in which diagnostic uncertainty is inevitable.

Transvaginal ultrasonography compared with endometrial biopsy for the detection of endometrial disease. Postmenopausal Estrogen/Progestin Interventions Trial.

BACKGROUND: Transvaginal ultrasonography is a noninvasive procedure that may be used to detect endometrial disease. However, its usefulness in screening for asymptomatic disease in postmenopausal women before or during treatment with estrogen or estrogen-progesterone replacement is not known. METHODS: We compared the sensitivity and specificity of transvaginal ultrasonography and endometrial biopsy for the detection of endometrial disease in 448 postmenopausal women who received estrogen alone, cyclic or continuous estrogen-progesterone, or placebo for three years. RESULTS: Concurrent ultrasonographic and biopsy results were available for 577 examinations in the 448 women, 99 percent of whom were undergoing routine annual follow-up. Endometrial thickness was less than 5 mm in 45 percent of the examinations, 5 to 10 mm in 41 percent, more than 10 mm in 12 percent, and not measured in 2 percent, and it was higher in the women receiving estrogen alone than in the other groups. Biopsy detected 11 cases of serious disease: 1 case of adenocarcinoma, 2 cases of atypical simple hyperplasia, and 8 cases of complex hyperplasia. Biopsy also detected simple hyperplasia in 20 cases. At a threshold value of 5 mm for endometrial thickness, transvaginal ultrasonography had a positive predictive value of 9 percent for detecting any abnormality, with 90 percent sensitivity, 48 percent specificity, and a negative predictive value of 99 percent. With this threshold, a biopsy would be indicated in more than half the women, only 4 percent of whom had serious disease. CONCLUSIONS: Transvaginal ultrasonography has a poor positive predictive value but a high negative predictive value for detecting serious endometrial disease in asymptomatic postmenopausal women.

The determination of Papanicolaou smear adequacy using a semiquantitative method to evaluate cellularity.

To examine the influence of sample cellularity and the presence of endocervical columnar cells on the detection of cervical dysplasia, Papanicolaou (Pap) smears taken from patients with biopsy-proven CIN II and III were analyzed retrospectively. Adequacy was semiquantitated by dividing each smear into 15 equal areas using a lined template and assigning an adequacy index (AI) of 0 to 15. The total false-negative (FN) rate was 15.8 percent, with 6.1% representing interpretive error and 9.7% representing sampling error. For FN slides truly lacking abnormal cells, the average AI was significantly lower than that of true positives (TP), even when endocervical columnar cells were present. The entire group was then blindly re-evaluated using a subjective application of the Bethesda System, classifying slides as satisfactory, less than optimal, and unsatisfactory. Although correlation of AI with the rapid Bethesda System categorization was imperfect, the exclusion of less than optimal and unsatisfactory smears also lowered the FN rate, but less effectively. An AI scoring technique, therefore, may be useful in the routine evaluation of Pap smear adequacy.

The modulation of prostaglandin synthesis by peritoneal fluids.

Biological fluids from several sources (e.g. blood, fetal urine, amniotic fluid) have been shown to contain factors that modulate prostaglandin (PG) synthesis. In this study, we investigated the possibility that peritoneal fluid contains substances that may regulate PG synthesis. Peritoneal fluids were obtained from women undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy for infertility. Fluids from women without evident pelvic pathology were incubated with prostaglandin synthase prepared from bull seminal vesicles in the presence of excess arachidonic acid, and the production of PGE2, PGF2 alpha, and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was quantified by specific radioimmunoassay. The untreated fluids inhibited potently the synthesis of PGE2 but such inhibitory activity was not extractable by chloroform:methanol. An ultrafiltrate of the fluid containing molecules smaller than 10,000 Daltons stimulated PGF2 alpha synthesis but this activity was also lost after extraction. The extracted fluid did, however, stimulate the synthesis of prostacyclin (as reflected by 6-keto-PGF1 alpha).

Animal surgery: an adjunct to training in obstetrics and gynecology.

A resident in obstetrics and gynecology obtains adequate experience in basic gynecologic surgery during a 3-year training program, but the technical skill acquired in surgery of the bowel, bladder, ureters, and pelvic vessels is limited by the clinical material available. A program is described in which 3 animal models (dog, rabbit, cat) were used to expand the surgical skills of gynecology residents. The increased surgical competence and professional stimulation provided the residents by this program are shown to be both cost- and time-effective.

Interpretation of an abnormal oral glucose tolerance test encountered during multiphasic laboratory screening.

We have studied 162 healthy male flyers who had repeat glucose tolerance tests at intervals of 6 months to 2 years. On the premise that an abnormal oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was not reproducible because standard criteria were not strict enough, we evaluated 11 different criteria for diagnosing an abnormal OGTT. The number of abnormal tests varied according to the criteria but, no matter how the criteria were varied, the best reproducibility of any abnormal test on repeat testing was 50%. Factors affecting the reproducibility of an abnormal test are discussed. We conclude that a single, standard 2-h oral glucose tolerance test should be considered only as a screening test for diabetes mellitus, and that a final diagnosis of chemical diabetes mellitus should be made only if the carbohydrate in-tolerance consistently worsens or if insulin curves show hypofunction of the Islets of Langerhans. Our recommendations for followup studies of a patient with an initial abnormal OGTT are outlined. This study illustrates the importance of basic definitions of diagnostic criteria for diseases which have a long-term effect on the health of the flying population.