No abstract

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophil-predominant inflammatory disease that initially presents as a sterile pustule and may progress to ulcerations. Its root cause is unknown, but the presentation is commonly associated with systemic inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis and haematological abnormalities. On the other hand, pregnant women show a progressive neutrophilia during gestation, which culminates in a major inflammatory event to help drive labour. Although uncommonly, PG has been associated with pregnancy, which provides an additional link to systemic inflammation as an underlying cause of PG. We reviewed documented presentations of PG in gravid and post-partum patients, and have speculated on the possible pathogenesis based on their clinical presentations. Also, we summarize the reported treatments and their outcomes in these patients.

Mallard ducks fed 2, 20, or 200 ppm cadmium chloride were sacrificed at 30, 60, and 90 d. No mortality occured during the study and body weights remained unchanged. Kidney weights of the 200-ppm group were significantly greater after 60 and 90 d than those of controls; also, testis weights were significantly lower after 90 d. Kidneys of ducks fed 2 and 20 ppm cadmium were relatively unaffected; however, slight to severe kidney lesions were found in the 200-ppm group after 60 d of treatment. No significant lesions were found in mallard testes after feeding 2 ppm cadmium in the diet, and only a few birds in the 20-ppm group showed slight to moderate gonad alterations. After 90 d of treatment, however, testes of males fed 200 ppm had atrophied and the spermatogenic process had ceased. This study should provide important information for the interpretation of cadmium levels found in kidneys and testes of wild ducks.

Seven diphosphonate analogs were treated for their effects on myocardial and cardiovascular degeneration and calcification in an experimental model of cardiac calciphylaxis. A single oral dose of dihydrotachysterol (DHT) administered to rats induced myocardial and vascular degeneration, focal myocarditis and vasculitis, and myocardial and vascular mineralization. The results demonstrated a considerable variation among the various diphosphonates in their ability to block the pathological changes observed in this model. Ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate (EHDP) was the most effective diphosphonate in reducing myocardial and vascular degeneration and calcification, whereas diphosphonates such as ethane-1-amino-1,1-diphosphonate (EADP) and hydroxymethylene diphosphonate (HMDP) had little or no effect compared to saline controls. For those diphosphonates which were effective, e.g., EHDP, the tissue-protective effects were observed whether the rats were treated with drug prior to the administration of DHT, or whether drug treatment commenced after DHT administration. The results are discussed in terms of the known biological properties of the diphosphonate drugs.