Sequential sonographic features in neonatal renal vein thrombosis.

OBJECTIVES: Renal vein thrombosis in newborns is a rare but serious and acute disease. Clinical representations of RVT can vary from discrete symptoms to life-threatening conditions. Therefore imaging, and in particular sonography, plays an important role in the diagnosis of RVT in neonates. Gray-scale, color and spectral/power Doppler ultrasound are all used in the diagnosis of RVT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present retrospective sequential ultrasonic imaging of three patients (two term and one preterm infant) with findings characteristic of RVT. RESULTS: Initial ultrasound diagnostic features include: renal enlargement, echogenic medullary streaks, lack of the flow pattern characteristic of arcuate vessels and subsequently loss of corticomedullary differentiation, reduced echogenicity around pyramids and echogenic band at the extreme apex of the pyramid. Higher resistance index or less pulsatile venous flow on the affected kidney are helpful Doppler signs. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge and identification of specific features of each phase of the evolution of RTV seems essential to prompt diagnosis. We would like to highlight the evolution of specific sonographic features in each subsequent phase of RVT.

[Quality of life in patients with age-related macular degeneration - medical and social problem]. / Jakosc zycia chorych na zwyrodnienie plamki zwiazane z wiekiem--problem medyczny i spoleczny.

UNLABELLED: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness over the age of 50 in western countries. People with AMD are suffering from serious vision-related disability and their social life is compromised. PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to assess quality of life (QoL) in patients with exudative AMD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group was 100 patients treated for AMD, the control group were 30 age and sex matched subjects without ophthalmic disorders. Patients were treated with anti-VEGF therapy, by means of National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25). As well as visual function, the NEI-VFQ investigates social functioning, mental health and dependency. RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference in QoL overall score between study group and control group. Patients with AMD obtained 51.1 (+/- 20.5 ) overall score, control group reached 83.7 (+/- 11.7) overall score, p = 0.001. Detailed analysis of study group revealed low acceptance of the disease and strong dependency. CONCLUSIONS: QoL in patients with AMD assessed with NEI VFQ-25, is significantly impaired. Low quality of life and difficulties in performing daily activities point at the need of formal psychological and social care.