Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0008031 (chest pain)
 17,248 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

There is no consensus regarding the specific management of HIV-associated nephrotic syndrome. We report a child whose first manifestation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection was nephropathy and wasting syndrome associated with profound immunodeficiency. The patient had a dramatic clinical and immunologic response to triple antiretroviral therapy delivered through a gastrostomy tube, with complete resolution of nephrotic syndrome. A 51/2-year-old African-American girl presented with a 2-week history of cough, chest pain, vomiting, loose stools, abdominal distention, anorexia, and fever. In addition, she had recurrent oral thrush. Her weight and height were below the 5th percentile. She was chronically ill, appearing with oropharyngeal thrush and pitting edema in lower extremities. She had scattered rhonchi and decreased breath sounds on both lung bases. Her abdomen was distended and diffusely tender. A chest radiograph showed consolidation of the right upper and left lower lobes with bilateral pleural effusion. Admission laboratories were consistent with nephrotic syndrome. Streptococcus pneumoniae grew from the blood culture and the child responded well to treatment with intravenous ceftriaxone. She was found to be HIV-infected, her CD4(+) cell count was 3 cells/mcL and her plasma HIV-1 RNA was >750 000 copies/mL. A percutaneous gastrostomy tube was placed for supplemental nutrition. She was treated with stavudine, lamivudine, and nelfinavir via gastrostomy tube with good clinical response. Twenty-one months after instituting antiretroviral therapy, her weight and height had increased to the 50th and 10th percentile respectively, and she had complete resolution of her nephrotic syndrome. Her CD4(+) cell count increased to 1116 cells/mcL and her viral load has remained undetectable. HIV-1 associated nephrotic syndrome has been described in children with profound immunodeficiency. The course of untreated HIV-associated nephrotic syndrome is rapid progression to renal failure in up to 40% of the children. Regardless of the presence of renal insufficiency, if untreated, it is uniformly fatal. A modest improvement of HIV-1 associated nephrotic syndrome has been observed in patients treated with zidovudine. Steroid and cyclosporine treatment have resulted in improved renal function but long-term use of immunosuppressive therapy has raised concerns about safety. We have described, to our knowledge, the first child with HIV-associated nephrotic syndrome who had a remarkable clinical, immunologic, and virologic response to triple-drug combination therapy given by gastrostomy tube, with complete resolution of proteinuria and normalization of the serum albumin. She also had a striking improvement in weight, height, and quality-of-life. Whether the presence of a gastrostomy tube contributed to the excellent response because of improved compliance is unknown, but warrants systematic evaluation.
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PMID:Resolution of HIV-associated nephrotic syndrome with highly active antiretroviral therapy delivered by gastrostomy tube. 1058 95

Best Supportive Care (BSC) is the treatment of choice when cure is not achievable with anticancer treatments and involves management of disease-related symptoms. In the palliative treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) radiation therapy has for a long time been the cornerstone of symptom management, although the best schedule is still to be defined. Chemotherapy, on the other hand, has been excluded from classical definitions of BSC and has been reserved only for selected patient populations in which a survival benefit was demonstrated using cisplatin-based regimens. We reviewed randomized trials on both palliative radiotherapy and chemotherapy in order to assess the impact of anticancer treatments on quality of life in advanced NSCLC patients. While no randomized trials compared radiation therapy with a control arm not including it, several randomized trials assessed the use of different schedules. Hypofractionated schedules seem to have comparable palliative activity when compared with the standard fractionated regimens, at least in metastatic, poor-prognosis patients. In locally advanced, inoperable NSCLC higher radiation doses administered with conventional fractionation achieve better results in terms of local control and survival. The rate of palliation of local symptoms is high, being 60-80% for chest pain and hemoptysis, while breathlessness and cough are controlled at a somewhat lower rate (50-70%). General symptoms (fatigue, anorexia, and depression) are affected in a minority of patients. Chemotherapy was compared with BSC in several randomized trials, in some of which an analysis of the quality of life was included. Results are consistent in favor of its palliative role and, when local symptom control is assessed, rates of palliation seem similar to those achieved by radiation. Benefits apply to metastatic NSCLC patients with good performance status, low body weight loss, age below 70-75. However, some studies support the use of chemotherapy also in patients with poor prognostic features. A comparison in terms of quality of life and symptom palliation between different chemotherapy regimens is the object of few trials. Both chemotherapy and radiation have an important role in the palliative treatment of advanced NSCLC patients and should be included in BSC programs. Future randomized trials should assess the best way of combining these two approaches.
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PMID:Best supportive care in non-small cell lung cancer: is there a role for radiotherapy and chemotherapy? 1139 3

XR 5000 is one of a series of tricyclic carboxamide-based cytotoxic agents. It binds to DNA by intercalation and stimulates DNA cleavage by inhibition of both topoisomerase I and II, thus possibly overcoming the resistance resulting from downregulation of either enzyme. Twenty patients with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer, unpretreated for metastatic disease, received XR 5000 at the dose of 3010 mg/m(2) in a 120-h central intravenous (i.v.) infusion every 3 weeks. Response was evaluated every two cycles. No complete (CR) or partial responses (PR) were observed in eligible patients (response rate, 0 of 19, 0%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0-18%). 5 patients had stable disease, which lasted from 79 to 157 days. Haematological toxicity was low, since only one grade 4 neutropenia and two grade 3 anaemia were observed. Other treatment-related grade 3-4 toxicities were: deep venous thrombosis (2 cases), liver toxicity, diarrhoea, anorexia, dyspnoea, chest pain, infection (1 case each). Despite the good toxicity profile, these results do not support further trials with XR 5000 in metastatic colorectal cancer.
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PMID:Phase II study of XR 5000, an inhibitor of topoisomerases I and II, in advanced colorectal cancer. 1175 Aug 42

The present study was designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), toxicity profile, pharmacokinetics (PKs), and antitumor activity of the protein kinase C-alpha antisense oligonucleotide ISIS 3521 (ISIS Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA) when administered in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV). Patients with refractory solid tumors received ISIS 3521 as a 21-day continuous infusion administered simultaneously with 5-FU and LV given daily for 5 days repeated every 4-5 weeks (one cycle). 5-FU and ISIS 3521 PK analysis were performed on samples taken during the first cycle in all patients. Fifteen patients received ISIS 3521 at one of three dose levels: (a) 1.0 (n = 3 patients); (b) 1.5 (n = 3 patients); and (c) 2.0 (n = 9 patients) mg/kg/day. All patients simultaneously received 5-FU (425 mg/m(2)/day) and LV (20 mg/m(2)/day) for 5 consecutive days. Grade 1-2 toxicities included alopecia, fatigue, mucositis, diarrhea, anorexia, nausea/vomiting, and tumor pain. One patient had grade 3 chest pain considered to be related to 5-FU therapy, another patient had dose-limiting grade 3 mucositis resolving in <7 days, and one patient with a history of gastritis had an acute upper gastrointestinal bleed thought to be 5-FU-induced toxicity. Five patients developed cycle 1 grade 4 neutropenia, which resolved without colony-stimulating factors before the next treatment cycle. There were no effects on prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time. A clinically defined MTD was not reached. The character and severity of these toxicities do not seem to be dose related, and, as such, there was no classical dose-limiting toxicity defining the MTD. ISIS 3521 PKs in the presence of 5-FU was consistent with those reported previously. 5-FU PK parameters were also similar in the presence or absence of ISIS 3521. Six of 14 patients ( approximately 43%) across all dose cohorts had an improvement in measurable tumor response ranging from minor reduction in tumor size (4 patients) to objective partial response (>50% reduction in tumor size, 2 patients). ISIS 3521 is tolerable at its recommended single-agent dose when given with 5-FU and LV. There is no apparent PK interaction between ISIS 3521 and 5-FU and LV. Antitumor activity was observed with the combination; however, it is uncertain whether clinical activity is a result of enhanced drug interaction. Our study warrants further exploration of efficacy in a Phase II and/or Phase III clinical trial setting.
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PMID:Phase I clinical and pharmacokinetic study of protein kinase C-alpha antisense oligonucleotide ISIS 3521 administered in combination with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin in patients with advanced cancer. 1194 11

Evidence has begun to accumulate that suggests there may be gender differences in the presenting symptoms of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Identification of gender differences has implications for both health care providers and the general public. Women should be instructed as to the symptoms expected with ACS on the basis of evidence obtained from studies that include both sexes. Twelve studies that identified symptoms of ACS for both women and men were identified through a review of the literature. In several of the studies, which included all types of ACS, women had significantly more back and jaw pain, nausea and/or vomiting, dyspnea, indigestion, and palpitations. In a number of the studies, which solely sampled patients with acute myocardial infarction, women demonstrated more back, jaw, and neck pain; nausea and/or vomiting; dyspnea; palpitations; indigestion; dizziness; fatigue; loss of appetite; and syncope. Men reported more chest pain and diaphoresis in the myocardial infarction sample. Results of these studies showed that women and men experienced the same symptoms with ACS. However, in some studies there were gender differences in the proportion of symptoms. Given the current state of the science, definitive conclusions regarding gender differences in the symptoms of ACS cannot be drawn. Further study is urgently needed to clarify and expand on these findings.
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PMID:Symptoms of acute coronary syndromes: are there gender differences? A review of the literature. 1212 87

Health workers have four main tools at their disposal for detecting tuberculosis (TB) in patients: clinical symptoms, tuberculin testing, x-ray of the chest, and sputum smear microscopy. The two main detection tools for children are tuberculin skin test and chest x-ray. Signs and symptoms of TB to look for in adults are persistent cough (3 weeks), blood in the sputum, persistent chest pain (1 month), increasing weakness and weight loss, and past history of TB or treatment for cough. TB treatment should not begin until a positive sputum smear is confirmed in cases of pulmonary TB. Health workers should suspect TB if children younger than 5 are in close contact with someone who has confirmed TB, have a strongly positive tuberculin test, and have clinical signs and symptoms. Further tests are usually needed to confirm the diagnosis. In many areas, tests are impossible so health workers need to diagnose TB based on history, physical examination, and clinical symptoms. TB is difficult to diagnose in children because TB is either limited inside the lung or located outside the lungs. Malnourished children with TB usually have a negative tuberculin test. Malnourished children displaying signs of TB or whose X-ray suggests TB should be treated. A recent BCG vaccination can yield a weak positive tuberculin test result. TB signs and symptoms in children are nonspecific. General signs to look for are: unexplained weight loss, anorexia, failure to thrive and gain weight, at least 2 episodes of unexplained fever, swollen lymph nodes (especially in children with HIV), and persistent cough or wheeze (2 weeks). Specific signs depend on the site of infection: whole body, brain or spine, lungs, bones and joints, skin or mucous membranes. This article contains instructions on how to do the tuberculin skin test and sputum smear microscopy.
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PMID:How to detect and diagnose TB. 1229 65

We report a case of hypercalcemia in an elderly patient due to vitamin D intoxication with clinical features and electrocardiogram (ECG) findings mimicking acute myocardial infarction. A 78-year-old man was referred to our department with symptoms of general fatigue, anorexia and chest pain. The ECG demonstrated ST elevation in leads V1 to V3 and diffuse T wave flattening, resulting in myocardial infarction being suspected. However, his symptoms, including chest pain, gradually improved and the ECG returned to normal in accordance with a fall in his serum calcium level. We introduce the use of QaTc interval shortening in differentiating ST-T changes of hypercalcemia from those of true myocardial ischemia.
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PMID:Hypercalcemia due to vitamin D intoxication with clinical features mimicking acute myocardial infarction. 1272 23

Dinitrotoluenes (DNTs) are nitroaromatic compounds appearing as pale yellow crystalline solids at room temperature. Dinitrotoluenes exist as a mixture of 2 to 6 isomers, with 2,4-DNT, and 2,6-DNT being the most significant. About 500 persons are estimated to be potentially exposed yearly to 2,4-DNT and 2,6-DNT during the production of munitions and explosives. The main route of human exposure at ammunition facilities is inhalation, but dermal contact and inadvertent ingestion can also be substantial. In factory workers, exposure to DNTs has been linked to many adverse health effects, including cyanosis, vertigo, headache, metallic taste, dyspnea, weakness and lassitude, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Other symptoms including pain or parasthesia in extremities, abdominal discomfort, tremors, paralysis, chest pain, and unconsciousness have also been reported. The primary targets of DNT toxicity are the hematopoietic system (pallor, cyanosis, anemia, and leukocytosis), the cardiovascular system (ischemic heart disease), the nervous system (muscular weakness, headache, dizziness, nausea, insomnia, and tingling pains in the extremities) and the reproductive system (reduction of sperm counts, alteration of sperm morphology, and aspermatogenesis). An association between DNT exposure and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinomas and subcutaneous tumors in rats, as well as renal tumors in mice, has been established. Epidemiologic studies of DNT toxicity have been limited to small groups of workers who had been occupationally exposed at various ammunitions production facilities. Clearly defining the health effects of DNTs with a high degree of confidence has therefore been difficult because of the multigenic nature of occupational exposure. In an attempt to update the toxicologic profile of the DNTs, we hereby provide a critical review of the environmental and toxicologic pathology of DNTs, with a special emphasis on their potential implications for public health.
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PMID:Environmental toxicology and health effects associated with dinitrotoluene exposure. 1467 15

This is a case report of oesophageal perforation as the complication of a commonly encountered benign disease -- gastroenteritis. A 68-year-old man first presented to the Emergency Department complaining of watery diarrhoea. He was treated and discharged. He re-attended 5 h later complaining of epigastric pain radiating to his back, vomiting bloodstained fluid and persistent watery diarrhoea. Again, he was treated and discharged. He re-attended 3 days later complaining of anorexia, cough, dyspnoea and right-sided chest pain radiating to his back, and subjective weight loss in the previous few days. Chest X-ray revealed right pleural effusion, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema in the supraclavicular fossae. Computed chest tomogram and water-soluble contrast swallow confirmed 'spontaneous' oesophageal perforation. Although rare, this entity must be considered in any acutely ill patient complaining of respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, especially after recent vomiting.
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PMID:Spontaneous oesophageal perforation as a complication of vomiting in gastroenteritis -- case report. 1524 14

Fibreoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) helps in visualisation of the endobronchial tree. Fibreoptic bronchoscopies were done in 429 cases between January 1999 and January 2000 [322 men (75.1%) and 107 women (24.9%)]. Patients were between 12 and 89 years of age (mean+/- SD = 49 +/- 15.1 years). Of which, 196 (45.7%) had lung cancer and 233 (54.4%) had non-malignant disease [Tuberculosis (TB) 26, miliary TB 16, non-resolving pneumonia 29, atypical pneumonia 10, bronchiectasis 11, aspergillosis 12, sarcoidosis 17, interstitial lung disease (ILD) 20, haemoptysis with normal chest x-ray 13 and miscellaneous 79]. In this series of 429 patients a significant number of patients (n = 127) presented with fever (38 malignant and 89 non-malignant disease, p < 0.0001), 137 had haemoptysis (74 malignant and 63 non-malignant disease, p < 0.01), 89 had chest pain (61 malignant and 28 non-malignant disease, p < 0.0001) and 29 patients presented with complaint of anorexia (21 malignant and 8 non-malignant disease, p < 0.003). High prevalence of lung lesions in the right upper lobe [10.4% (43 of 411)] and left main bronchus [12% (49 of 411)] was observed. Left upper lobe showed 8.7% (36 patients) lesions and right middle lobe showed 5.5% (23 patients) lesions. In 143 (34.8%) patients, FOB findings were normal. Out of 407 patients, FOB was suggestive of necrotic/nodular growth in 159 patients (39.1%), infiltrative growth in 8 patients (1.9%), and extrinsic compression was found in 39 patients (9.6%). In 143 patients (35.2%) no endobronchial growth was seen. Bronchial biopsy (BB) was performed in 162 (37.8%) patients, transbronchial lung biopsy in 56 patients (13.1%), bronchial washing for cytology in 350 patients (81.5%), bronchial washing for AFB in 302 patients (70.3%), bronchial washing for culture in 67 patients (15.6%), bronchial washing for fungus in 64 patients (14.9%) and Pneumocystis carinii infection was looked for in 6 patients (1.4%). Postbronchoscopy complications were recorded as follows: Early termination of FOB due to decreased O2 saturation in 10 cases (2.4%), postbiopsy bleeding in 5 cases (1.2%), post FOB fever in 5 cases (1.2%), chest pain in 7 patients (1.7%) and pneumothorax occurred in 2 patients (0.5%). FOB performed in outpatient setting is a useful and safe modality. Most patients in whom FOB was done in the present setup had suspected lung cancer. No major complications were encountered.
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PMID:Bronchoscopy in adults at a tertiary care centre: indications and complications. 1547 75


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