Background: Inflammation is an important contributor to the pathogenesis of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). High serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are commonly seen in patients with chronic (RHD) and indicate the presence of a chronic inflammatory state. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of colchicine as anti-inflammatory drug on the serum levels of the inflammatory markers (CRP) and (IL-6) in patients with chronic (RHD). Results: This is a prospective controlled study that enrolled thirty-five patients with chronic (RHD) visiting Ain Shams University Hospital's outpatient clinic for receiving regular long acting penicillin as rheumatic fever prophylaxis. Ten matched healthy individuals were taken as control group. Blood samples for serum levels of CRP and IL-6 were collected before and 1 month after receiving colchicine 0.5 mg BID. Mean (CRP) level was 6.09 ± 4.39 IU/ml versus 0 IU/ml in the control group respectively (P = 0.0001). Mean (IL-6) level was 113.57 ± 37.41 ng/l versus 10.50 ± 5.99 ng/l, in the control group (p = 0.0001). Mean (CRP) was 6.09 ± 4.39 IU/ml before and became 3.34 ± 3.07I U/ml 1 month after colchicine therapy. Mean (IL-6) level was 113.57 ± 37.4 ng/l before and became 45.57 ± 20.39 ng/l 1 month after colchicine therapy (P = 0.001). Conclusion: In this pilot study, using colchicine as anti-inflammatory drug in patients with chronic (RHD) significantly reduced the serum inflammatory markers (CRP) and (IL-6), thus helping in ameliorating their chronic inflammatory state.
Background. Candida as a cause for urinary tract infection in healthy individuals is unusual. The extension of fungi into the urinary collecting system rarely leads to formation of bezoars or fungus balls. This can in turn lead to hydronephrosis, obstructive uropathy and sepsis. Case Presentation. An eighty years old gentleman presented to A&E with confusion, severe urosepsis and acute kidney injury. CTKUB demonstrated significant right sided hydronephrosis, perinephric fat stranding and gas in collecting system. A year prior to this admission he has become known to the urology team for a fungal ball that was noted in the upper pole of the right kidney which was picked up following elective flexible ureterorenoscopy for right kidney stones. Flexible ureterorenoscopy and successful retrieval of fungal ball by basket was performed. Conclusion. We advocate this technique to be considered as an alternative to the current treatment offered to patients with fungal ball infections and especially so in cases were a nephrostomy is either contraindicated, unavailable, or not possible.
Background: A leiomyoma is a benign tumor of smooth-muscle cells that can arise from the genitourinary or gastrointestinal systems. Leiomyomas arising from the urethra or paraurethral areas are uncommon, and there are few reported cases. Case: A 25-year-old female presented with a painless paraurethral swelling during her first trimester of pregnancy. This swelling progressively increased in size, causing obstructive urinary symptoms. Examination under anesthesia was performed, and diagnostic cystoscopy-urethroscopy was performed prior to surgical excision of the mass to ensure that the site of origin had no urethral communication. Results: Histopathologic evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of a leiomyoma. No postoperative complications were noted, and the patient's urinary symptoms were relieved. Conclusions: It is important to differentiate a urethral leiomyoma that presents mainly with obstructive urinary symptoms and requires surgical endoscopic resection from a paraurethral leiomyoma that presents mainly as an asymptomatic freely mobile lump and does not communicate with the urethra, having a clear line of cleavage in between. ( J GYNECOL SURG 36:144
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