Current concept of the pathogenesis of preeclampsia involves the generalized dysfunction of maternal vascular endothelial cells. Using ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method, the fibronectin, as a marker of endothelial cell injury, was measured in the group of 35 cases of preeclampsia (mild; 15 and severe; 20 cases) and the control group of 21 cases of normal pregnancy. The clinical profiles, hematologic and renal function test results were compared and correlated with the levels of plasma fibronectin between two groups. The results obtained were as follows 1. The mean age between preeclampsia and control group was not different statistically, but gestational age, birth weight and maternal weight were different significantly between two groups. 2. Compared with normal control group, plasma levels of fibronectin were signifi- cantly elevated in preeclampsia group. As to the differential validity between two groups (control vs preeclampsia), using cutoff value of 380 mg/dl, sensitivity was 95.7 %, specificity was 90.5 %, predictive value was 93.8 %. As to the differential validity between mild and severe preeclampsia, using cutoff value of 742 mg/dl, sensitivity was 65.0 %, specificity was 73.3 %, predictive value was 76.5%. 3. As to the correlationship between plasma fibronectin levels and hematologic test results, uric acid and creatinine levels showed positive correlation in preeclampsia. Based upon these study results, plasma fibronectin could be a useful parameter for the differential diagnostic validity and grade of preeclampsia.
Birth Weight ; Creatinine ; Endothelial Cells ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Fibronectins* ; Gestational Age ; Hematologic Tests ; Plasma* ; Pre-Eclampsia* ; Pregnancy ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Uric Acid

Constrictive pericarditis is caused by fibrosis of the pericardium leading to decrease in ventricular compliance. The diagnosis is often delayed due to nonspecific signs and symptoms. The authors experienced eight cases of constrictive pericarditis detected on chest CT scan while being treated for considerable length of time under the clinical impressions of intrathoracic tumor, tuberculous pleural effusion, liver cirrhosis, etc. Constrictive hemodynamics of these patients were confirmed by echocardiogram and cardiac catheterization. Among them five cases were due to tuberculosis. In four cases with pathologically proven tuberculous granuloma, the pericardium was markedly thickened and intensely enhanced. Associated pericardial effusion (n=3), and mediastinal lymphadenitis (n=3) were present, but pericardial calcifications were not seen. On the other hand, the fibrosis group (n=3) displayed mild pericardial thickening. All the three patients showed pericardial calcifications, mild or absent enhancement of pericardium, but no mediastinal lymphadenitis. The cardiovascular changes such as inferior or superior vena caval distension, left ventricular deformity, interventricular septum angulation, and biatrial enlargements were more severe than those in patients with active granuloma. In patients with constrictive pericarditis with nonspecific signs and symptoms, CT scan is very helpful in making the diagnosis and can give informations about the evolution of the disease.
Cardiac Catheterization ; Cardiac Catheters ; Compliance ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Diagnosis* ; Fibrosis ; Granuloma ; Hand ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; Lymphadenitis ; Pericardial Effusion ; Pericarditis, Constrictive* ; Pericardium ; Pleural Effusion ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Tuberculosis

Constrictive pericarditis is caused by fibrosis of the pericardium leading to decrease in ventricular compliance. The diagnosis is often delayed due to nonspecific signs and symptoms. The authors experienced eight cases of constrictive pericarditis detected on chest CT scan while being treated for considerable length of time under the clinical impressions of intrathoracic tumor, tuberculous pleural effusion, liver cirrhosis, etc. Constrictive hemodynamics of these patients were confirmed by echocardiogram and cardiac catheterization. Among them five cases were due to tuberculosis. In four cases with pathologically proven tuberculous granuloma, the pericardium was markedly thickened and intensely enhanced. Associated pericardial effusion (n=3), and mediastinal lymphadenitis (n=3) were present, but pericardial calcifications were not seen. On the other hand, the fibrosis group (n=3) displayed mild pericardial thickening. All the three patients showed pericardial calcifications, mild or absent enhancement of pericardium, but no mediastinal lymphadenitis. The cardiovascular changes such as inferior or superior vena caval distension, left ventricular deformity, interventricular septum angulation, and biatrial enlargements were more severe than those in patients with active granuloma. In patients with constrictive pericarditis with nonspecific signs and symptoms, CT scan is very helpful in making the diagnosis and can give informations about the evolution of the disease.
Cardiac Catheterization ; Cardiac Catheters ; Compliance ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Diagnosis* ; Fibrosis ; Granuloma ; Hand ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; Lymphadenitis ; Pericardial Effusion ; Pericarditis, Constrictive* ; Pericardium ; Pleural Effusion ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Tuberculosis

OBJECTIVE: In the development of squamous neoplasia of the uterine cervix, high risk HPV infection has been followed by CD44 variant expression and angiogenesis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the sequential changes and relatianship of CD44 variant expression, microvessel density (MVD), and VEGF expression in CIN III, microinvasive (MI) and invasive (CA) squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: The materials were 17 cases of CIN III, 14 cases of MI and 15 cases of CA. In situ PCR for HPV 16/18 and immunohistochemical studies for CD44std, v6, v7/8, CD 31 for MVD, and VEGF were performed. RESULTS: CD44std expression was decreased in squarnous neoplasia compared to normal, and CD44v6 and v7/8 expressions were increased, however, there was no statistical significance. Accentuated staining of CD44v6 and v7/8 along the infiltrating borders was noted in 76.9% and 69.2% of MI and in 71.4% and 42.9% of CA, respectively. High MVD and VEGF 2+ expression were higher in the squamous neoplasia compared to narmal, however, there was no significant difference between the squamous neoplasia and no significant relationship between MVD and VEGF expression. The expression rates of CD44std and CD44v6 were higher in HPV 16/18 negative squamous neoplasia and that of CD44v7/8 was higher in HPV 16/18 pasitive squamous neoplasia, however, their differences were not significant. The incidences of high MVD and VEGF 2+ expression were higher in HPV 16/18 positive suqmaous neoplasia with no statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that CD44 variants expression and angiogenesis are involved in the development of squamous neoplasia of the uterine cervix, however, HPV 16/18 might not be related to CD44 variant expression and angiogenesis.
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Cervix Uteri* ; Female ; Incidence ; Microvessels* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A*

We describe a patient with overlap syndrome in whom systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma were combined. The patient expired due to severe central nervous system involvernent and pneumonia. Pertinent neuropsychiatric signs of the patient included generalied seizure, impairment of recent, memory, dysarthria, mental deterioration, Balints syndrome, right sided hemiparesis and right sided central type facial weakness. Hrain MRI and cerebral angiogram slowed cerebral vasculopathy. We suggest that a long-term follow-up is necessary for the confirmation of ciagnosis of a connective tissue disease, because the evolution, transition and overlapping features among the group of connective tissue diseases may commonly occur over time.
Central Nervous System ; Connective Tissue Diseases ; Dysarthria ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Memory ; Paresis ; Pneumonia ; Seizures

No abstract available.
Humans ; Pregnancy, Twin* ; Twins*

No abstract available.
Meningitis*

No abstract available.
Alcoholism* ; Memory*

No abstract available.
Activities of Daily Living* ; Aged* ; Humans ; Mental Health* ; Rural Population*

No abstract available.
Activities of Daily Living* ; Aged* ; Humans ; Mental Health* ; Rural Population*