Surgical Treatment of Active Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS) by Z-plasty and Radical Excision of the Overgrown Tissue: A Report of 2 Cases With Progressive Lymphedema Causing Vascular Insufficiency.

UNLABELLED: The study describes 2 children at risk of limb amputation due to lower extremity active amniotic band syndrome, in which the constriction bands were released surgically using the extensive approach. Both patients presented almost the same clinical appearance: a deep constriction band localized in one third of the distal part of the leg and a pseudoconstriction at the ankle joint level resulting from the tightening of the retinaculum of extensors. In both the cases, after birth amniotic band syndrome caused progressive enlargement of the distal part of the foot, which was associated with edema and vascular insufficiency. Case 1, at the age of 3 months, underwent a primary excision and Z-plasty of the proximal constriction band, and after 6 weeks a secondary excision was performed covering the soft tissue bulk from the dorsal part of the foot formed due to vascular insufficiency progression. In contrast, case 2 underwent a more radical 1-staged surgery at the age of 4 weeks, that is, an excision and Z-plasty of the proximal constriction and the same radical excision of the soft tissue bulk. In addition, in both patients decompression fasciotomy was performed. A follow-up after surgery, respectively, at the age of 20 and 5 years, revealed a fully functional foot and restoration of blood supply. Thus, the 1-staged radical excision of constrictions combined with removal of the overgrown skin and pathologic soft tissue can be recommended for similar cases. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-case series.

Expression of FoxP3 protein plays a key role in thyroid tumors in children.

The expression of FoxP3 in tumor cells might play an important role in cancer progression. We evaluated the immunoexpression of FoxP3 in thyroid tumors in children. Studies revealed high nuclear FoxP3 expression in follicular adenoma, papillary carcinoma, follicular carcinoma and low in goiter. Malignant tumors and adenomas, revealed a statistically significant higher expression of FoxP3 compared with the thyroid goiter. High FoxP3 expression in malignant lesions compared with low expression in goiter, may be indirect evidence of its role in carcinogenesis. Revealed high expression of FoxP3 in benign tumor, may suggest a strong activation of oncogenic processes in this lesion.

Gene Expression in MC3T3-E1 Cells Treated with Diclofenac and Methylprednisolone.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and glucocorticoids (GCs) are often used to treat articular-skeletal disorders. The extended use of NSAIDs and GCs have adverse effects on bone metabolism, reducing bone quality and impairing fracture healing. In the present study, we used mouse pre-osteoblast cells MC3T3-E1 to demonstrate the effects of diclofenac (DF) and methylprednisolone (MP) on cell proliferation and gene expression. Cells were incubated with three doses of DF or MP: 0.5 µM, 5 µM, and 50 µM. MP decreased cell viability even after 24 h, but DF inhibited cell viability after only seven days of treatment. The cells were lysed after one, two, three, and seven days of treatment, and gene expression was analyzed by reverse transcription and quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays. DF did not significantly affect the expression of the osteogenic marker genes. MP modified the expression of Osx, Runx, and Col1a1. We concluded that MP is a more potent inhibitor of mouse pre-osteoblast differentiation and viability than is DF. Our results suggest that prolonged DF treatment could be less harmful to osteoblasts than MP treatment.

Thyroid diseases in children and adolescents requiring surgical treatment-indications, techniques, results, and complications based on 10 years of the single center's own experience.

Introduction: Although thyroid abnormalities are observed less frequently in children than in adults, the increased incidence of thyroid cancer makes it mandatory for all pediatric surgeons to be knowledgeable about the disorders of this gland. Thyroid abnormalities can be associated with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism and euthyroidism and/or symmetric or asymmetric enlargement of the gland. Aim: The present study was undertaken to retrospectively analyze the indications, surgical techniques used, results obtained, and complications found in the surgical treatment of thyroid diseases in children and adolescents in a surgical center for the macro-region of western Poland. Methods: The data of 148 patients undergoing total or partial thyroidectomy between 2013 and 2022 were analyzed from the medical records of the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Traumatology, and Urology of the Medical University of Poznan, Poland. Results: A total of 95 children underwent subtotal thyroidectomy and 64 underwent total thyroidectomy, of which the procedure was widened to include prophylactic removal of neck lymph nodes in 45 patients. There were 113 girls (76%) in the analyzed group, and the average age of the patients at the time of surgical treatment was 15 years. The average time from the diagnosis of thyroid disease to surgery was 4 months, ranging from 2 weeks to 3 years. Of the 64 patients undergoing total thyroid resection, 35 (54.69%) were diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Conclusions: Collaboration within a multidisciplinary team ensures optimal surgical outcomes in children and adolescents with thyroid disease. With extreme caution, thyroid removal is a safe procedure with few complications, but the experience of the surgeon performing thyroid surgery in children remains crucial. Despite the absence of such a diagnosis in the first fine-needle aspiration biopsy, the high percentage of thyroid carcinomas in the analyzed group may be because the initial biopsy was performed in a less experienced center, also in terms of histopathological laboratory. Hence, we point out the necessity of performing a repeat fine-needle aspiration biopsy (according to the Bethesda classification) in a more experienced center before the final decision of thyroidectomy.

A rare case of Interferon-alpha-Induced Hyperthyroidism in patients with a chronic hepatitis C with granulocytopenia and transaminasemia treated successfully with radioiodine.

BACKGROUND: Conventional management of Interferon-α-Induced Hyperthyroidism (IIH) with radioactive iodine (RAI) may be used when treatment with beta blockers or antithyroid drugs (ATD), proves ineffective or is contraindicated. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 38-year-old woman who has been treated with combined pegylated interferon alpha (INF-α) and Ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C. Destructive thyrotoxicosis appeared after four months of continuous IFN-α therapy and a beta blocker was prescribed. Initially, the patient presented normal TSH 2.4 µIU/mL, however during therapy with INF-α, TSH diminished to 0.05 and thyroid hormones were elevated: fT4 23.1 pmol/L, fT3 7.2 pmol/L. Ultrasound examination showed completely irregular and greatly decreased echogenicity of the thyroid gland. The radioiodine uptake (RAIU) was deeply decreased to 2 and 3% at 5 h and 24 h, respectively. The thyroid scintiscan showed lack of isotope accumulation. Hypothyroidism developed and L-thyroxine was prescribed. The following year, hyperthyroidism reoccurred with TSH 0.08 µIU/mL, fT4 26.4 pmol/L, fT3 8.2 pmol/L, positive TSHR-Abs 6.2 (normal <2 IU/L) and mild Graves' Ophthalmopathy (GO). RAIU values were 23% at 5 h and 46% at 24 h. Thyroid scintiscan showed diffuse goiter. At this point beta blocker was introduced and ATD was started. After three months of therapy an increased level of aminotransferases and granulocytopaenia were observed. Hence, the patient received RAI and glucocorticosteroid, while INF-α therapy was continued. After approximately 4 months, hypothyroidism reappeared with insignificantly raised TSH level. One year later the patient was euthyroid and required no further treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our report suggests that: 1. Radioiodine therapy might be an effective and safe method of treatment in cases of IIH with mild GO. 2. IFN-α therapy need not be discontinued in patients with IIH.

Diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer in adult patients - Recommendations of Polish Scientific Societies and the National Oncological Strategy. 2022 Update [Diagnostyka i leczenie raka tarczycy u chorych doroslych - Rekomendacje Polskich Towarzystw Naukowych oraz Narodowej Strategii Onkologicznej. Aktualizacja na rok 2022].

The guidelines Thyroid Cancer 2022 are prepared based on previous Polish recommendations updated in 2018. They consider international guidelines - American Thyroid Association (ATA) 2015 and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN); however, they are adapted according to the ADAPTE process. The strength of the recommendations and the quality of the scientific evidence are assessed according to the GRADE system and the ATA 2015 and NCCN recommendations. The core of the changes made in the Polish recommendations is the inclusion of international guidelines and the results of those scientific studies that have already proven themselves prospectively. These extensions allow de-escalation of the therapeutic management in low-risk thyroid carcinoma, i.e., enabling active surveillance in papillary microcarcinoma to be chosen alternatively to minimally invasive techniques after agreeing on such management with the patient. Further extensions allow the use of thyroid lobectomy with the isthmus (hemithyroidectomy) in low-risk cancer up to 2 cm in diameter, modification of the indications for postoperative radioiodine treatment toward personalized approach, and clarification of the criteria used during postoperative L-thyroxine treatment. At the same time, the criteria for the preoperative differential diagnosis of nodular goiter in terms of ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration biopsy have been clarified, and the rules for the histopathological examination of postoperative thyroid material have been updated. New, updated rules for monitoring patients after treatment are also presented. The updated recommendations focus on ensuring the best possible quality of life after thyroid cancer treatment while maintaining the good efficacy of this treatment.

Assessment of spinal appearance in female patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated operatively.

BACKGROUND: Body deformities in patients with scoliosis significantly affect appearance perception. The majority of studies on this topic have analyzed the relation between radiological and clinical assessment performed by doctors, and patients' perception of deformity. The object of this study was to adapt the Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ) to Polish conditions and to explore the perception of trunk deformity by female patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. MATERIAL/METHODS: Forty female patients who underwent surgical treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using the Cotrel-Dubousset method were asked to complete a Polish version of the Spinal Appearance Questionnaire. The mean preoperative Cobb angle of the thoracic curve in the study group was 55.3 degrees (SD 9.7). In the final postoperative examination the Cobb angle was 29.1 degrees (SD 10.1). RESULTS: The general results of the SAQ demonstrated that the patients achieved a median of 34.48 points, showing a positive assessment of their appearance. Patients rated themselves most critically in the general, chest, surgical scar, symmetry of shoulders and waist domains. The logistic regression model revealed that only the size of the thoracic apical translation, with a model coefficient of -0.9138 (SE=0.350; p=0.013), has a statistically significant (p=0.002) influence on a good general result in the SAQ. CONCLUSIONS: Patients assessed their appearance positively after surgical treatment. A higher thoracic apical translation value is related to a lower probability of achieving a good general result in the Spinal Appearance Questionnaire.

Brace and deformity-related stress level in females with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis based on the Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaires.

BACKGROUND: Psychopathological symptoms occur more often in chronically ill patients than in healthy populations. The aim of this study was to analyze the associations between different types of treatment and stress levels. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study group consisted of 69 females, of whom 35 were treated conservatively with a Cheneau brace; the other 34 subjects were treated operatively and, after correction of scoliosis with thoracoplasty, wore a brace for 12 weeks during the postoperative period. Patients completed the Polish versions of the Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire-Deformity and the Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire-Brace. RESULTS: Patients who were treated surgically felt a moderate level of stress connected with wearing the brace and with body deformation. The group treated conservatively felt moderate stress connected with wearing the brace, but a low level of stress in relation to body deformation. The groups differed significantly statistically in the level of stress felt regarding body deformation (p=0.004). In the group treated conservatively, the correlation between the level of stress, the age at which treatment was initiated, and degree of apical translation proved to be significant. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated surgically in comparison with patients treated conservatively report higher stress levels connected with body deformation. A higher level of stress depends on the degree of trunk deformation on the frontal plane; stress is also higher in patients who begin conservative treatment at a later age.

Transverse testicular ectopia with abnormal karyotype - a case report.

OBJECTIVES: Growth disturbances and developmental malformations of external genitalia, such as hypospadias, bifid scrotum and micropenis, coexisting with non-palpable testes, may develop as a result of primary endocrinological dysfunctions as well as an effect secondary to chromosomal aberrations. Therefore, patients with these symptoms require specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. DESIGN AND METHODS: We present an example of TTE as a presentation of karyotype abnormalities. Clinical presentation - 9.5 year old boy presented with hypospadias, bilateral cryptorchidism and right inguinal hernia and short stature. RESULTS: Endocrine test showed low testosterone levels with adequate gonadal response. Laparoscopy was performed and revealed the presence of TTE. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of mosaic karyotype with abnormal Y chromosome does not exclude a possibility of testis migration disorders, including TTE, caused by other (possibly genetic) factors. Laparoscopy is a technique of choice for diagnosis and treatment in cases of cryptorchidism.

Personality characteristics of females with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis after brace or surgical treatment compared to healthy controls.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this research was to determine whether short-term differences exist in psychopathological symptoms between adolescents with scoliosis treated operatively or conservatively. We analyzed the personality characteristics of scoliosis patients compared with controls. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study group consisted of 35 scoliosis patients treated conservatively; 35 patients treated surgically with posterior (27 cases) or anterior (7 cases) correction and fusion combined with thoracoplasty who then, after surgery, went on to use a brace; and a group of 35 healthy controls. Psychopathological symptoms were assessed with the Erich Mittenecker and Walter Toman Personality Test. RESULTS: In comparison with healthy individuals, the entire group of patients, including patients treated conservatively, expressed more self-criticism, whereas the patients treated surgically expressed more self-criticism, neurotism, and depressiveness. The daily length of brace use and age of patients in conservatively treated patients had a significant effect on the outcomes, in patients treated operatively degree of apical translation after surgery played a similarly significant role. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with scoliosis fell in the range average for the personality test. The prevalence of self-reported psychopathological symptoms is higher in patients with scoliosis in the short-term after brace or surgical treatment compared with healthy controls. There are differences in personality characteristics between adolescents with scoliosis after conservative or surgical treatment. Patients treated conservatively show more symptoms of maniacality, and the longer the brace was applied during the day, the higher the level of depression reported by the patients themselves. Patients treated operatively manifest more symptoms of neurotism.

Polish adaptation of Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire-Brace and Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire-Deformity.

Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire-Brace and Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire-Deformity are relatively new tools aimed at facilitating the evaluation of long-term results of therapy in persons with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing conservative treatment. To use these tools properly in Poland, they must be translated into Polish and adapted to the Polish cultural settings. The process of cultural adaptation of the questionnaires was compliant with the guidelines of International Quality of Life Assessment (IQOLA) Project. In the first stage, two independent translators converted the originals into Polish. Stage two, consisted of a comparison of the originals and two translated versions. During that stage, the team of two translators and authors of the project identified differences in those translations and created a combination of the two. In the third stage, two independent translators, who were native speakers of German, translated the adjusted version of the Polish translation into the language of the original document. At the last stage, a commission composed of: specialists in orthopedics, translators, a statistician and a psychologist reviewed all translations and drafted a pre-final version of the questionnaires. Thirty-five adolescent girls with idiopathic scoliosis who were treated with Cheneau brace were subjected to the questionnaire assessment. All patients were treated in an out-patient setting by a specialist in orthopedics at the Chair and Clinic of Orthopedics and Traumatology. Median age of patients was 14.8 SD 1.5, median value of the Cobb's angle was 27.8 degrees SD 7.4. 48.6% of patients had thoracic scoliosis, 31.4% had thoracolumbar scoliosis, and 20% patients had lumbar scoliosis. Median results obtained by means of the Polish version of BSSQ-Brace and BSSQ-Deformity questionnaires were 17.9 SD 5.0 and 11.3 SD 4.7, respectively. Internal consistency of BSSQ-Brace and BSSQ-Deformity was at the level of 0.80 and 0.87, whereas the value of the absolute stability factor was 0.82 and 0.88. Overall, the Polish versions of the BSSQ-Brace and BSSQ-Deformity Questionnaires are characterized by high values of internal consistency factor and absolute stability factor. Following the process of adaptation, the authors obtained a tool that is instrumental in clinical evaluations and complies with methodological criteria.

[Endoscopic augmentation of neurogenic bladder with botulinum-A toxin in children]. / Ocena skutecznosci endoskopowego powiekszania pojemnosci pecherza neurogennego u dzieci z wykorzystaniem toksyny botulinowej A.

THE AIM: To present our experience with endoscopic intradetrusor injections of botulinum-A toxin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Endoscopic treatment was proposed for children in which no improvement or side effects were observed. Botulinum-A toxin was injected in 25 children 3 to 7 years old. All children were evaluated with voiding-charts, in all of them urodynamic investigations were also performed in the pre and post-procedure period. RESULTS: Increased bladder volume was found in 18 patients, in 5 children bladder volume decreased. No major side effects were noted post BTX injections. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum-A toxin in useful in children with neurogenic bladder overactivity.

Transforming growth factor ß mediates communication of co-cultured human nucleus pulposus cells and mesenchymal stem cells.

Intervertebral disc (IVD) consists of surrounding tissue annulus fibrosus and central nucleus pulposus, which are partially degenerative in scoliotic IVDs. Successful regeneration of scoliotic alterations requires cognition of critical paracrine mediators of cell-to-cell contact in the IVD. In this work, we hypothesized that transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) is involved in the intercellular communication of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We observed that in cultured NPCs TGF-ß1 stimulated COL1A1 expression, encoding collagen I, and in MSCs stimulated COL1A1 and SOX9 expressions. We subsequently co-cultured NPCs and MSCs together using direct and indirect transwell systems. The expression of miR-140 and miR-145 were decreased in co-cultured NPCs. We observed that direct co-culture system stronger than the indirect system decreased expression of three miRNA. The expression of COL1A1, ACAN, encoding aggrecan, and SOX9 genes was increased in MSCs co-cultured with NPCs. Co-cultures were incubated with two inhibitors of TGF-ß type I receptor: SB-431542 and SB-525334. In co-cultured NPCs, SB-431542 and SB-525334 annulated downregulation of miR-140 and miR-145. In MSCs these inhibitors diminished stimulation of COL1A1, ACAN, and SOX9. We concluded that stimulation of COL1A1, ACAN, and SOX9 in co-cultured MSCs and regulation of miR-140 and miR-145 in NPCs were TGF-ß-dependent and TGF-ß is involved in the communication of NPCs and MSCs in co-culture. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:3023-3032, 2018.

The CD-Hopf method in the surgical treatment of idiopathic scoliosis of the thoracolumbar or lumbar spine.

Background. The aim of this paper is to assess the extent of correction of scoliosis after surgery from the anterior approach using the CD Hopf method. Material and methods. We analyzed 20 patients with idiopatic thoracolumbar or lumbar scoliosis (Cobb angle 53 +/- 8 degrees , lordosis angle 56.9 +/- 11.9 degrees , vertebral translation 5.5 +/- 0.9 cm). Results. After surgery with the CD Hopf method, the scoliosis angle was reduced to 21 +/- 8 degrees . The correction rate was 61.7 +/- 12.1 degrees , with spondylodesis limited to 4 vertebrae in 13 patients, and 3 vertebrae in 7 patients. The average lumbar lordosis after surgery was 50.8+/-7.9 degrees , and the average vertebral translation was 2.6 +/- 1.1 cm. In post-surgical follow-up examinations the scoliosis angle increased slightly, not exceeding 3 degrees . Conclusions. Surgical treatment of scoliosis using the CD Hopf technique through the anterior approach allows for major correction in the frontal plane, accompanied by moderate decrease of lumbar lordosis. This method also enables significant improvement of horizontalization of border scoliosis vertebrae despite the short extent of the instrumentation and spondylodesis.

A longitudinal study of alexithymia in relation to physical activity in adolescent females with scoliosis subjected to cheneau brace treatment: preliminary report.

STUDY DESIGN: A longitudinal pilot study of changes in levels of alexithymia among females with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) under brace treatment. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of alexithymia and to evaluate changes in alexithymia levels among female patients with AIS treated with a Cheneau brace, in comparison with healthy female adolescents. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Alexithymia is a personality trait incorporating the following core characteristics: difficulty in identifying and describing feelings, difficulty in distinguishing between feelings and the physical sensation of emotional arousal, limited imaginal processes, and an externally oriented cognitive style. Alexithymia can be common among adolescents and young adults with severe idiopathic scoliosis. METHODS: Thirty-six female patients with AIS, aged 13.4 years (standard deviation [SD], 1.7) at the beginning of the study, completed the Polish version of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-26 (TAS-26). The second and third evaluations took place at 6 and 12 months, respectively, after the beginning of the study. Thirty-six healthy female controls were also included. RESULTS: The mean TAS-26 total score was 63.4 (SD, 9.3), 59.5 (SD, 12.1), and 59.6 (SD, 12.5) during the first, second, and last patient evaluation, whereas in healthy females 60.0 (SD, 10.9). With regard to the TAS-26 total score, results differed significantly between the first and the second (P = 0.007) and between the first and the third patient evaluation (P = 0.007). Regression analysis revealed that during the second and third patient evaluation, duration of recreational sports activity had a statistically significant (P = 0.029 and P = 0.005, respectively) influence on the probability of females reporting no alexithymia. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of alexithymia in healthy female controls is the same as in patients with scoliosis subjected to underarm brace treatment. Statistically significant changes with regard to TAS-26 total score and externally oriented thinking domain were found in patient sample. Physical activity in females with AIS treated nonoperatively coexists with lower scores in the TAS-26. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

Identification of GPR39 receptor and ghrelin receptor in thyroid tissues in paediatric patients with immune and non-immune thyroid diseases.

The preproghrelin gene is responsible for generating ghrelin and obestatin, two gastric peptides with opposite effects on food intake. Obestatin suppresses food intake and digestive motility through interaction with GPR39 (GPCR). Ghrelin is supposed to be a link connecting metabolism and energy homeostasis with growth as the result of activation of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR).The aim of the current study was to assess the expression of preproghrelin, GPR39 and GHSR in thyroid tissues from patients with Graves' disease (GD; n = 15), non-toxic nodular goiter (NTNG; n = 10) and toxic nodular goiter (TNG; n = 10). GPR39 and GHSR in thyroid tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, revealing higher expression of both proteins in GD patients (+++; ++) in comparison with NTNG (+; +) and TNG (++; +) patients. GPR39 was present in thyroid autoimmune disease, NTNG and TNG at band p51 (kDa). The ghrelin receptor was identified in all study groups at p70. mRNA expression for preproghrelin was found in thyroid tissues from patients with immune and non-immune thyroid diseases. We conclude that the expression of the ghrelin receptor family in thyroid tissues may suggest a role of gastric peptides in thyroid functions. mRNA of preproghrelin expression is a proof of ghrelin gene-derived peptide presence in thyroid tissues.

Cytometric evaluation of intracellular IFN-γ and IL-4 levels in thyroid follicular cells from patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases.

BACKGROUND: In recent few years is underlined that altered balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of AITD.The aim of this study was to estimate intracellular INF-γ and IL-4 levels in thyroid-infiltrating lymphocytes and thyrocytes isolated from thyroid tissues in 54 adolescent patients aged 8-21 years, with Graves' disease (GD; n = 18), Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT; n = 18) and non-toxic multinodular goiter (NTMG; n = 18). METHODS: Fresh thyroid tissues were taken on culture medium RPMI -1640, it was mechanically prepared. In next step were added cell activators -12- myristate 13- the acetate (PMA) and Ionomycin as well as the inhibitor of transportation of proteins - Breferdin A. They were cultured 24 hours in 50 ml flasks at 37°C in a 5-95% CO2-air water-saturated atmosphere. After that, thyrocytes were identified by mouse mAb directed against human TPO epitope 64 conjugated with rabbit anti-mouse antibodies IgG (Fab')2 labeled by FITC. After incubation at room temperature to each of samples added reagent A fixative the cellular membrane. In next step into the cell suspensions were added reagent B to permeabilization of cellular membrane and specific anti-IL-4-PE or anti-IFN-γ-PE mAbs. Identification of intracellular cytokines in T lymphocytes was performed in the same procedure with application of anti-CD4-PerCP and anti-CD8-PerCP mAbs specific for T lymphocytes. The cells were analyzed in a flow cytometry (Coulter EPICS XL). RESULTS: In examined group of patients with GD we observed statistically significant higher mean percentage of cells with phenotype CD4+IL-4 (p < 0.05; p < 0.025), CD8+IL-4 (p < 0.033; p < 0.01) and TFCs-IL-4+ (p < 0.05; p < 0.01) in comparison to patients with HT and NTMG. The analysis of mean percentages of positive TILs and TFCs with intracellular INF-g levels in patients with HT revealed statistically significant increase percentage of CD4+INF-γ (p < 0.04; p < 0.001), CD8+ INF-γ (NS; p < 0.025), TFCs+INF-γ (p < 0.03; p < 0.001) cells in comparison to the percentage of positive cells from patients with GD and NTMG. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that human thyrocytes in autoimmune thyroid disorders could be a source of cytokine production and that their activation influences local interaction with T lymphocytes inflowing to the thyroid gland.

[Diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer in children in the multicenter analysis in Poland for PPGGL]. / Diagnostyka i leczenie raka tarczycy u dzieci w Polscew analizie wieloosrodkowej dla PPGGL.

INTRODUCTION: Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) in children presents different biological behavior in comparison to adults. Authors presents preliminary results of multicenter analysis concerning incidence, diagnostics and treatment of DTC in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is a retrospective analysis of 107 pediatric patients from 14 academic centers based on the data from 2000 to 2005 obtained by questionnaire in hospitals involved in the treatment of DTC in children. RESULTS: Papillary thyroid cancer was diagnosed in 83 children, follicular thyroid cancer in 10 children and medullary thyroid cancer in 14 children. Incidence of DTC in children was estimated between 18 and 23 cases per year. The biggest group of patients consisted of children between 11 and 15 years of age, with girls to boys ratio 3.3 : 1. Clinically DTC in children presented most often as solitary thyroid nodule. Cervical lymphadenopathy was observed in 42% of patients. Intraoperative verification indicated metastatic nodes in 50% of children. Low stage DTC predominated (T1 in 36% and T2 in 26% of children). One step surgery was performed in 65% of children with DTC, two step surgery in 25% of patients. I131 therapy was undertaken in 80% of children. Lung metastases were indicated in post therapeutic studies in 14% of children with DTC. Prophylactic thyroidectomies were performed in 79% of children in the group of patients with MTC and RET gene mutations. CONCLUSIONS: The necessity of introduction of unified therapeutic standard in children with DTC in Poland is underlined.

A prospective study of thyroid nodular disease in children and adolescents in western Poland from 1996 to 2000 and the incidence of thyroid carcinoma relative to iodine deficiency and the Chernobyl disaster.

BACKGROUND: In Poland, where soil is deficient in iodine, supplementation of iodine was introduced in 1935, discontinued in 1980, and then re-introduced in 1997. One of the effects of inadequate iodine intake, prior to 1997, was an increase in the prevalence of thyroid nodular disease (TND) in children. Chernobyl, located in the neighbouring country of Ukraine, suffered a catastrophic nuclear explosion in April 1986. PROCEDURE: A total of 411 children with TND (an incidence of 7.53/100,000) were diagnosed and registered in western Poland between 1996 and 2000 and further evaluated as a population-based study. RESULTS: Based on the patient's clinical status, ultrasound examination, scintiscan, laboratory tests, cytology and the family history, many of the patients qualified for surgery and, as a result, histopathologic data were obtained from 155 of the 411 patients operated on to date (37.7% of all TND). Thyroid carcinoma was detected in 37 of the operated children, i.e. 23.9% or 9.0% of all children with TND with a median incidence of 0.68/100,000. Papillary carcinoma was the predominant histologic type (26-70.3%) compared to follicular carcinoma (10-27.0%) and medullary carcinoma (1-2.7%). Retrospective analysis of the figures for the 23 years (1972-1995) showed that in that period a total of 23 thyroid carcinomas were registered. However, only 12 of these were detected in the 20-year period between 1972 and 1991, none in the years 1992-1993 and, significantly, 11 from 1994 to 1995. CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid carcinoma appears to be an ongoing and increasing problem in the children and adolescents of our region, and it is developing more intensively when compared, both to other parts of Poland and to previous statistics (2000 vs. 1985; P<0.002). Iodine deficiency and radiation resulting from the Chernobyl disaster might be important risk factors in the development of thyroid carcinoma in the young population analysed in our region in the period since 1994. The high percentage of follicular carcinoma and follicular adenoma with an undetermined prognosis (19 out of 46) indicates that the long-term iodine deficiency in our region may be more significant in the pathogenesis of malignant transformation than has previously been postulated.