Bardia Amirlak

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome: An overview

SUMMARY:  Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is the most common cause of acute renal failure in children. The syndrome is defined by triad of microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure (ARF). Incomplete HUS is ARF with either haemolytic anaemia or thrombocytopenia. HUS is classified into two subgroups. Typical HUS usually occurs after a prodrome of diarrhoea (D+HUS), and atypical (sporadic) HUS (aHUS), which is not associated with diarrhoea (D–HUS). The majority of D+HUS worldwide is caused by Shiga toxin‐producing Esherichia coli (STEC), type O157:H7, transmitted to humans via different vehicles. Currently there are no specific therapies preventing or ameliorating the disease course. Although there are new therapeutic modalities in the horizon for D+HUS, present recommended therapy is merely symptomatic. Parenteral volume expansion may counteract the effect of thrombotic process before development of HUS and attenuate renal injury. Use of antibiotics, antimotility agents, narcotics and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs should be avoided during the acute phase. Prevention is best done by preventing primary STEC infection. Underlying aetiology in many cases of aHUS is unknown. A significant number may result from underlying infectious diseases, namely Streptococcus pneumoniae and human immunedeficiency virus. Variety of genetic forms include HUS due to deficiencies of factor H, membrane cofactor protein, Von Willebrand factor‐cleaving protease (ADAMTS 13) and intracellular defect in vitamin B12 metabolism. There are cases of aHUS with autosomal recessive and dominant modes of inheritance. Drug‐induced aHUS in post‐transplantation is due to calcineurin‐inhibitors. Systemic lupus erythematosus and catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome may also present with aHUS. Therapy is directed mainly towards underlying cause.

Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin

The human skin is organized into three primary layers: epidermis, dermis, and the subcutaneous fat residing directly beneath them. Most germane to melanoma is the melanocyte, a specialized pigment-producing cell which transfers melanin from cellular cytoplasm to keratinocytes. This pigment is responsible for both skin color and protection from ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Exposure to particular wavelengths of UVR may result in DNA damage through a variety of mechanisms, which, in turn, predisposes to cutaneous malignancies such as melanoma. The development, invasion, and spread of melanoma are largely dependent on the interaction of melanocytes and their surrounding microenvironment. Melanocytes promote their own growth and survival by secreting growth factors. Keratinocytes are the main regulators of melanocytes, while surrounding fibroblasts become associated with melanocytes and promote their proliferation. Integrin proteins in the microenvironment mediate cytoskeleton adhesion to the extracellular matrix, which contributes to melanocyte migration and invasion. Melanoma tumors tend to invade lymphatic vessels and involve regional lymph nodes early in their course. Metastasizing through blood vessels may also be possible, but is less common and leads to an overall worse prognosis. Therefore, there is a great emphasis placed upon the early detection and removal of involved lymph nodes in melanoma management. Melanocytic nevi, nonmalignant nests of melanocytes, are classified as either dysplastic or common. Nevi that appear clinically suspicious for malignancy based on certain criteria are called atypical nevi, while those which bear histopathological resemblance to melanoma are termed dysplastic nevi. Whether dysplastic or common nevi carry greater proportionate risk for malignancy is uncertain.

Apoptosis in glioma cells: review and analysis of techniques used for study with focus on the laser scanning cytometer.

Traditional approaches to the treatment of brain tumors are based on the hypothesis that tumors arise and grow because of the disordered regulation of cell proliferation. More recently, it has become apparent that tumor growth depends not only on the rate of cell proliferation but also on the rate of apoptosis (programmed cell death). Genomic alterations that occur in malignancy may limit the cells ability to undergo apoptosis. Many new treatment strategies for gliomas stem from the use of techniques aimed at manipulating apoptosis. Being able to assess the efficacy of experimental treatments with refined techniques and being able to use instruments that can provide accurate measurements of the apoptotic markers will open the door for discovering novel strategies with the potential to induce effective and selective cytotoxicity. We discuss here in detail the major traditional techniques of assessing apoptosis. We provide an overview of cytometric techniques, including flow cytometry (FC), and will compare it with the laser scanning cytometer (LSC). This is a powerful new tool with potential for obtaining a fast and objective analysis of apoptosis through multiple mechanisms, as well as for assessing proliferation and DNA ploidy in solid malignant tumors.

The differing adipocyte morphologies of deep versus superficial midfacial fat compartments: a cadaveric study.

Background: Anatomical studies show that facial fat is partitioned into distinct compartments, with the nasolabial fat pad in a superficial compartment and the deep medial cheek fat in a deep compartment. Gross morphologic differences may exist between these fat depots, but this has never been established at the cellular level. Methods: Adipose tissue specimens from nasolabial fat and deep medial cheek fat pads were obtained from 63 cadaveric specimens (38 female and 25 male cadavers) aged 47 to 101 years (mean, 71 years). Thirty-seven cadavers had a normal body mass index (⩽25 kg/m2) and 26 cadavers had a high body mass index (>25 kg/m2). Cross-sectional areas of individual adipocytes were calculated digitally and averaged from histologic sections of the adipose tissue samples. Results: The average adipocyte size of nasolabial fat is significantly (p < 0.0001) larger than that of deep medial cheek fat. The average adipocyte size in both nasolabial and deep medial cheek fat is significantly (p < 0.0001) larger in subjects with high compared with low body mass index. Although the overall average adipocyte size is significantly (p < 0.0001) larger in female than in male subjects, this sexual dimorphism is lost in the nasolabial fat depots of overweight subjects and in the deep medial cheek depots of normal-weight subjects. Conclusions: The significantly smaller adipocyte size in deep medial cheek fat relative to nasolabial fat in elderly subjects supports the theory that deep and superficial facial fat pads are morphologically different. Future investigation of the metabolic and structural properties of these fat compartments will help us understand the different patterns of volumetric facial aging.

Volumetric analysis of simulated alveolar cleft defects and bone grafts using cone beam computed tomography

Background: Cone beam computed tomography allows for a significantly lower radiation dose than conventional computed tomographic scans, with generation of accurate images of the maxillofacial skeleton. The authors investigated its accuracy in the volumetric analysis of alveolar cleft defects and simulated bone grafts. Methods: Five simulated alveolar clefts were created using a burr drill in three dry pediatric skulls and filled with simulated bone grafts. Pregrafting and postgrafting cone beam computed tomographic scanning of skulls was performed using specialized imaging software. The authors compared actual volumes of the simulated bone grafts obtained using a water displacement technique with scan-derived volumes of both the grafts and the defects. Results: The average of the five simulated bone grafts calculated by cone beam computed tomography scanning was 0.380 ml, which was lower than their mean volume of 0.392 ml calculated by water displacement. The percentage difference between measurements ranged from 2.9 to 8.6 percent (mean, 4.86 percent). The mean of the simulated defects of 0.399 ml derived from scanning was higher than the actual mean volume of 0.392 ml derived by water displacement. The mean difference in defect comparison was 2.52 percent. There was no statistically significant difference between real volume and scan-derived graft and defect volume. Conclusions: Cone beam computed tomography calculation of simulated alveolar cleft and bone graft volume is precise and accurate. The volume of bone graft needed to fill alveolar defects can be accurately predicted using volume measurements of the bony defect. These findings further validate its use in the perioperative assessment of alveolar grafting.

The Clinical Importance of the Fat Compartments in Midfacial Aging

Summary: The recent identification of the facial fat compartments has greatly affected our understanding of midfacial aging. This article chronicles the discovery of these fat compartments including the shift of attention from a purely gravitational to a volumetric approach to facial aging and the series of methodologies attempted to ultimately define the anatomy of these compartments. The revived interest in volumetric facial rejuvenation including compartment-guided augmentation techniques is discussed. Lastly, the article discusses interesting distributional patterns noted in these fat compartments likely related to the different mechanical and biologic environments of the deep and superficial facial fat pads.

The contribution of endogenous and exogenous factors to male alopecia: a study of identical twins.

Background: In this study, the authors investigated the potential contribution of environmental factors and testosterone levels on androgenic alopecia in women. Methods: Ninety-eight identical female twins were recruited from 2009 to 2011. Subjects were asked to complete a comprehensive questionnaire, provide a sputum sample for testosterone analysis, and pose for standardized digital photography. Frontal, temporal, and vertex hair loss were assessed from the photographs using Adobe Photoshop. Hair loss measures were then correlated with survey responses and testosterone levels between twin pairs. Two independent, blinded observers also rated the photographs for hair thinning. Results: Factors associated with increased frontal hair loss included multiple marriages (p = 0.043); longer sleep duration (p = 0.011); higher severity of stress (p = 0.034); positive smoking history (p = 0.021); higher income (p = 0.023); absence of hat use (p = 0.017); and history of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.023), polycystic ovarian syndrome (p = 0.002), and hypertension (p = 0.001). Factors associated with increased temporal hair loss included divorce or separation (p = 0.034), multiple marriages (p = 0.040), more children (p = 0.005), longer sleep duration (p = 0.006), and history of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.008) and hypertension (p = 0.027). Lack of sun protection (p = 0.020), consuming less caffeine (p = 0.040), history of skin disease (p = 0.048), and lack of exercise (p = 0.012) were associated with increased vertex hair loss. Higher testosterone levels were associated with increased temporal and vertex hair loss patterns (p < 0.039). Increased stress, increased smoking, having more children, and having a history of hypertension and cancer were all associated with increased hair thinning (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study implicates several environmental risk factors in the pathophysiology of female alopecia.

Use of desmopressin for unremitting epistaxis following septorhinoplasty and turbinectomy

Background: Cauterization, nasal packing, and topical and/or injection of intranasal vasoconstrictors have been the mainstay of treatment for epistaxis following outpatient nasal surgery. In this study, the authors report the clinical outcomes in a cohort of patients with postoperative epistaxis managed with a single dose of intravenous desmopressin. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 268 consecutive nasal operations (rhinoplasty, septoplasty, and/or turbinectomy for cosmetic and/or functional purposes) was conducted. Information on demographics, perioperative blood pressure, postoperative management, and effectiveness of the measures used was assessed. The primary outcome variable was cessation of bleeding. Results: Nine patients were identified who experienced excessive postoperative bleeding following discharge from the surgical facility. Each patient received 0.3 &mgr;g/kg of intravenous desmopressin over 30 minutes under the supervision of the local emergency room physician with verbal instructions from the treating plastic surgeon. After administration of desmopressin, bleeding either stopped completely (eight patients) or slowed down significantly to allow discharge (one patient). No significant adverse side effects of desmopressin were observed. No patient was known to be taking medication negatively affecting coagulation perioperatively. Preoperatively, two patients were documented to have von Willebrand disease and thus received desmopressin preoperatively. Average blood pressure was 116/71 mmHg intraoperatively (range, 109 to 126/66 to 83 mmHg) and 118/74 mmHg postoperatively (range, 105 to 129/65 to 85 mmHg). Conclusion: Unremitting postoperative epistaxis following outpatient nasal surgery can be successfully controlled by a protocol using intravenous desmopressin without the need for alternative maneuvers. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Beyond Beauty: Onobotulinumtoxin A (BOTOX®) and the Management of Migraine Headaches

Based on the conducted anatomic studies at our institutions as well as clinical experience with migraine surgery, we have refined our onobotulinumtoxin A (BOTOX®) injection techniques. Pain management physicians are in unique position to be able to not only treat migraine patient, but also to be able to collaborate with neurologists and peripheral nerve surgeons in identifying the migraine trigger sites prior to surgical deactivation. The constellation of migraine symptoms that aid in identifying the migraine trigger sites, the potential pathophysiology of each trigger site, the effective methods of botulinumtoxin and nerve block injection for diagnostic and treatment purposes, as well as the pitfalls and potential complications, will be addressed and discussed in this paper.

The Evolution of Photography and Three-dimensional Imaging in Plastic Surgery

Summary: Throughout history, the technological advancements of conventional clinical photography in plastic surgery have not only refined the methods available to the plastic surgeon, but have invigorated the profession through technology. The technology of the once traditional two-dimensional photograph has since been revolutionized and refashioned to incorporate novel applications, which have since become the standard in clinical photography. Contrary to traditional standardized two-dimensional photographs, three-dimensional photography provides the surgeon with an invaluable volumetric and morphologic analysis by demonstrating true surface dimensions both preoperatively and postoperatively. Clinical photography has served as one of the fundamental objective means by which plastic surgeons review outcomes; however, the newer three-dimensional technology has been primarily used to enhance the preoperative consultation with surgical simulations. The authors intend to familiarize readers with the notion that three-dimensional photography extends well beyond its marketing application during surgical consultation. For the cosmetic surgeon, as the application of three-dimensional photography continues to mature in facial plastic surgery, it will continue to bypass the dated conventional photographic methods plastic surgeons once relied on. This article reviews a paradigm shift and provides a historical review of the fascinating evolution of photography in plastic surgery by highlighting the clinical utility of three-dimensional photography as an adjunct to plastic and reconstructive surgery practices. As three-dimensional photographic technology continues to evolve, its application in facial plastic surgery will provide an opportunity for a new objective standard in plastic surgery.