Increase in total antioxidant capacity of plasma despite high levels of oxidative stress in uncomplicated type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus and its chronic complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma antioxidant status in patients with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes, in order to understand the interactions between its components and the diabetic milieu. METHODS: Plasma samples were collected from 15 patients with type 2 diabetes receiving oral antidiabetic agents and from 18 healthy control subjects without diabetes. Glycosylated haemoglobin was measured as an indicator of blood glucose control. Total and residual antioxidant activities were measured. Lipid peroxides were measured as indicators of plasma oxidative stress. Copper and caeruloplasmin were also assayed as possible pro-oxidants. RESULTS: Antioxidant activities, lipid peroxide level, copper concentration and caeruloplasmin activity were significantly increased in the plasma of patients with diabetes compared with control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The total antioxidant capacity of plasma was increased, despite high levels of oxidative stress, in patients with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes. Increased levels of copper and caeruloplasmin characterized the diabetic milieu, despite an absence of chronic complications.

[Posterior fossa epidural hematoma]. / Hematomul epidural de fosa posterioara.

Posterior fossa epidural hematomas (PFEH) are rare entities, with dark prognosis due to their specific localization. Because the simptomatology is usually nonspecific or poor, the CT should be performed as soon as posible. MRI does not offer suplimentary benefits/informations in the great majority of PFEH. Depending on the bleeding source, the rate of clinical signs appearance and the gravity of evolution varies. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment should be performed in hematomas associated with mass effect or suplimentary injuries. In all cases, in PFEH patients a careful monitoring is necessary due to unpredictable evolution and rapid clinical worsening, requiring surgical intervention.

[Primary intracerebellar hematomas: surgical indications, prognosis]. / Hematoamele intracerebeloase primare: indicatii chirurgicale, prognostic.

Intracerebellar primary hematoma are produced by spontaneous hemorrhages in the cerebellar parenchima and usually present an sudden onset. In the present study we analyzed a serie of 34 cases of primary intracerebellar hematoma, in patients of both genders, between 35 and 80 years old. Taking in account the incidence of symptoms, the clinical picture was dominated by the gait disturbances, headache and consciousness disorders. From the analyzed cases, 50% had had surgical indication and 50% benefits on conservative treatment. Even though the evolution was favorable in the great majority of cases,the mortality in the surgical treated group was lesser (5,88%) comparative to the conservative treated group (17,64%). The main criteria for surgical treatment were represented by GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale) score < or =13 or blood collections exceeding 3 cm in diameter.

[Cystic meningioma]. / Meningiom chistic--prezentare de caz.

Cystic meningioma represent a rare entity, accounting 1.7 to 11.7% from the total intracranial meningiomas. We present a 41 years old patients' case who suffered of an progressive bilateral visual acuity decreasing, more pronounced on the right side. The clinical examination revealed a severe reduction of vision, represented by difficulties in light perception on the right side. The MRI and CT scan showed an expansive, multi-lobular, fronto temporal process on the right side (87/58/63 mm), presenting a liquid signal, different from intra-cerebro-spinal fluid, without contrast enhancement at the level of the septae. The patient is operated on, the total resection of an polycystic and spongious tumour being accomplished together with the aspiration of the liquid from the giant peritumoral cyst. The postoperative evolution was favourable. The anatomo-pathological result: meningothelial meningioma. Several classifications, the etiology of intra and peritumoral cysts formation are discussed together with the therapeutical possibilities.