[Puzzling B symptoms in a 61-year-old patient under treatment for rheumatoid arthritis]. / Rätselhafte B-Symptomatik bei einem 61-Jährigen unter Therapie einer rheumatoiden Arthritis.

A patient with rheumatoid arthritis and immunosuppression developed symptoms of wasting, neuropathy and lung cavitations eventually leading to central nervous system symptoms and fatal multi-organ failure. Disseminated infection with Histoplasma capsulatum proved to be the underlying cause. The primary infection had apparently been acquired 4 years earlier on a holiday to the Caribbean. Rare infectious diseases should be considered in patients under immunosuppression and travel activities to specific endemic areas.

[A chronic wound from Vietnam]. / Eine chronische Wunde aus Vietnam.

Chronic skin lesions that occur in patients who have previously stayed in tropical countries pose a diagnostic challenge for physicians. In particular, if there is a granulomatous inflammatory reaction histologically, infectious diseases should also be included in the differential diagnosis. Particularly in persons returning from high-risk regions such as Vietnam, this includes cutaneous tuberculosis, which entails a thorough examination of the patient and comprehensive therapy. This case study shows which steps should be considered if cutaneous tuberculosis is suspected.

[Acute renal failure and rare severe complication of systemic steroid treatment in a 73-year-old woman]. / Akutes Nierenversagen und seltene schwere Komplikation einer systemischen Steroidtherapie bei einer 73­Jährigen.

This article reports about a 73-year-old woman of Bosnian descent who presented with acute renal failure. A renal biopsy was diagnostic for a postinfect necrotizing and extracapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis. The patient reported a febrile infection fever 2 weeks previously. The diagnostics did not reveal any indications of an ongoing infection. The glomerulonephritis responded to treatment with systemic steroids. The patient was readmitted to hospital 6 weeeks later in a severely ill condition. A gastric biopsy revealed a Strongyloides stercoralis infestation. Due to the systemic steroid therapy the patient had developed a so-called hyperinfection syndrome and died despite treatment on the intensive care unit. This case illustrates the need for awareness of this rare parasitosis, particularly in patients from endemic areas. A likely causal relationship with the glomerulonephritis is discussed and an overview of the diagnostics, course of the disease and treatment of this parasitosis is given.

[Pancytopenia of unknown origin in a 52-year-old patient]. / Unklare Panzytopenie bei einem 52-jährigen Patienten.

A 52-year-old patient developed pancytopenia of unknown origin 1.5 years after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The bone marrow aspirate showed visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Although VL is distributed world-wide, the incidence in patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation is rare.

[Eosinophilia in pulmonary infections]. / Eosinophilie bei pulmonalen Infektionen.

Eosinophilia can be caused by a variety of diseases including allergies, autoimmune diseases, vasculitides, dermatoses, malignancies and drug-induced side effects as well as parasitic and non-parasitic infections. In patients returning from the tropics parasitic infections are the most frequent cause of eosinophilia. The extent of eosinophilia can provide information about the type of pathogen. The diagnostic approach to eosinophilia in travelers returning from the tropics primarily includes three stool examinations for worm eggs and, if necessary, serological tests for helminths. Additionally, a chest x­ray, an ultrasound of the abdomen and an electrocardiogram (ECG) provide information about organ involvement. Recently, specialized laboratories use molecular techniques (multiplex PCR) to detect worm eggs and intestinal parasites in the stool, which provide a significantly higher sensitivity than traditional stool examination techniques. Cryptococcosis, endemic systemic mycoses (coccidioidomycosis, very rarely histoplasmosis) and invasive mould infections (Aspergillus fumigatus, Mucor spp.) are non-parasitic causes of eosinophilia in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).

[Multiple abscesses after a cruise along the Latin American coast]. / Multiple Abszesse nach Südamerikakreuzfahrt.

We report a case of an extracutaneous involvement of pyoderma gangrenosum. The patient initially presented with multiple sterile abscesses of the skin, heart, prostate, and kidney. Extracutaneous involvement in pyoderma gangrenosum is very rare. Confirmation of the diagnosis was only possible after exclusion of other relevant differential diagnoses. Continuous search for microbes proved negative and after an empiric therapeutic attempt with prednisolone, the patient improved quickly. However, each time we reduced the steroids even in combination with methotrexate or with azathioprine the patient relapsed. Only after therapy with the tumor necrosis factor-α-inhibitor infliximab was permanent remission achieved.

[Knowledge and attitude of medical students in Germany towards palliative care : Does the final year of medical school make a difference?]. / Wissen und Selbsteinschätzung in Bezug auf palliativmedizinische Fragestellungen bei Medizinstudierenden : Macht das praktische Jahr einen Unterschied?

BACKGROUND: The practical year (PY) during the final year of medical education is intended to deepen and broaden knowledge, skills, and abilities that were acquired during previous years of their studies. Against this background, this study pursues the question of how the knowledge of future physicians and their confidence in terms of cancer pain therapy and other palliative care issues develops during the PY. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At the end of the PY, students from two university hospitals completed a 3-part online questionnaire (self-assessment of the confidence, questions about palliative care knowledge, and assessment of palliative care training during the PY). These results are compared with previously published data from the same collective that had been collected at the beginning of the PY. RESULTS: Overall, 92 of 318 students participated (28.9 %). Less than 10 % of students said that they were more confident regarding palliative care topics at the end of their medical studies. Improvements in the self-assessment could only be observed in the recognition of and screening for cancer pain (increase from 36 % to 65%). With regard to the palliative care knowledge, only the knowledge of how to treat symptoms other than pain improved significantly; however, knowledge in this regard prior to the PY was particularly low (an increase from 25 % to 35 %, p < 0.05). In the only multiple-choice question about ethics, the correct answer rose slightly from 51 % (before) to 55 % (after the PY). Of participating students, 21% (prior to the PY 27 %) stated that not providing fluids to dying patients is a form of euthanasia. In terms of palliative care training, between 36 and 83 % of participants stated having insufficient opportunities to gain knowledge and experience on various topics in the treatment of patients with advanced and incurable diseases during their PY. CONCLUSION: In the present study, considerable deficits in confidence and knowledge regarding palliative care issues were also observed at the end of PY. Integration of palliative care into the medical school curriculums should be given special attention in terms of a longitudinal training of the PY.

High HIV prevalence among children presenting for general consultation in rural Cameroon.

Data on the HIV-prevalence children presenting to health care facilities in sub-Saharan Africa are scant in general, and the debate about opportunities for paediatric HIV screening is ongoing. Nine hundred and eighty-one children with unknown HIV-status presenting to a large general paediatric outpatient department in rural Cameroon were tested using the Determine HIV-1/2 rapid test (Abbott), and positive results were confirmed with the Hexagon HIV rapid test (Human Diagnostics). In children younger than 18 months, HIV infection was confirmed by PCR testing. Median age was 1.3 years and 52.8% were of male gender. In 514 children below 18 months of age, 16 (3.1%) tested positive. Of those, HIV-1 PCR was available for 11 children, of whom 6 had a positive PCR result. HIV prevalence was highest in the age group 5-9 years, being 8.8%. Malnutrition (33.3 vs 5.2%, p < 0.001) was associated with HIV infection. Our study results indicate that HIV testing should be offered to all children at possible entry points to medical care, irrespective of symptoms, in order to reduce HIV-associated mortality through timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy.

Parity as a cofactor for high-grade cervical disease among women with persistent human papillomavirus infection: a 13-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Several environmental factors have been associated with increased risks for cervical cancer. We examined whether reproductive history, contraceptive use, or sexual behaviour increase the risk for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse (CIN3+) among women with persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. METHODS: A population-based cohort of women participated in a personal interview and underwent a gynaecological examination at which cervical specimens were obtained for HPV DNA testing. Follow-up information (~13 years) on cervical lesions was obtained from the Danish Pathology Data Bank. Women who had a high-risk HPV infection comprised the overall study population (n=1353). A subgroup of women with persistent high-risk HPV infection (n=312) was identified. Hazard ratios (HRs) for a diagnosis of CIN3+ and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: Women with persistent HPV infection who had given birth had a significantly increased risk for CIN3+ (HR=1.78; 95% CI: 1.07-2.94). No association was found with pregnancy, use of intrauterine devices, or sexual behaviour. Based on small numbers, women with persistent HPV infection had a decreased risk for CIN3+ with any use of oral contraceptives (HR=0.54; 95% CI: 0.29-1.00). CONCLUSION: Childbirth increases the risk for subsequent CIN3+ among women with persistent HPV infection.

[Prevention of nosocomial transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from HIV-positive healthcare workers. Recommendations of the German Association for the Control of Viral Diseases (DVV) e.V. and the Society for Virology (GfV) e.V]. / Prävention der nosokomialen Übertragung von humanem Immunschwächevirus (HIV) durch HIV-positive Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter im Gesundheitswesen. Empfehlungen der Deutschen Vereinigung zur Bekämpfung der Viruskrankheiten (DVV) e.V. und der Gesellschaft für Virologie (GfV) e.V.

To the best of our knowledge, the German Association for the Control of Viral Diseases (DVV) e.V. and the Society for Virology (GfV) e.V. are the first in Europe to provide precise recommendations for the management of health care workers (HCWs) who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Requirements for HIV-infected HCWs need to be clearly defined. With a permanent viral burden of less than or equal to 50 copies/mL, HIV-positive HCWs are allowed to perform any surgery and any invasive procedure, as long as the infected HCW uses double-gloving, undergoes follow-up routinely by occupational medicine professionals, undergoes a quarterly examination of viral burden, and has a regular medical examination by a physician who has expertise in the management of HIV. Unrestricted professional activity is only possible with a strict compliance to take antiretroviral therapy and if the HIV-infected HCW strictly adheres to the recommended infection control procedures. Complete compliance with the recommendation almost certainly leads to no HIV transmission risk in patient care.

[Pyogenic liver abscess: a retrospective patient study]. / Der pyogene Leberabszess: eine retrospektive Patientenstudie.

INTRODUCTION: Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a disease with changing origins as well as diagnostic and therapeutic options in the last decades. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of the last 20 patients treated at a gastroenterological department of a university clinic for the major diagnosis of PLA was conducted. Epidemiological, clinical, microbiological and therapeutic aspects were recorded. RESULTS: 75 % of the patients were male. The mean age was 51.7 ± 16.6 years. Most of PLA (70 %) had a hepatobiliary origin. Diabetes mellitus (25 %) and cholangiocarcinoma (20 %) were the major risk factors for PLA. Crohn's disease was a possible cause in at least one patient. Fever (70 %) and tachycardia (50 %) were the most common symptoms. The C-reactive protein was elevated in all patients. Enterococci (> 40 %) and anaerobes (> 20 %) were the most frequent organisms in abscess cultures, Escherichia coli (25 %) was the most frequent organism in blood cultures. DISCUSSION: The clinical presentation of PLA is usually non-specific. Therefore especially with patients having typical risk factors the differential diagnosis of PLA should be considered. Particularly patients suffering from PLA without any pre-existing illness should be examined for an underlying disease.

[Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in cryptococcal meningitis: a rare phenomenon?]. / Immunrekonstitutions- und Inflammationssyndrom bei Kryptokokkose - eine Seltenheit?

HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS: A 38-year old patient with previously untreated HIV infection presented with progressive cephalgia, photophobia, polydpsia and nausea/vomiting. INVESTIGATIONS: Clinical findings revealed a reduced general state of health and focal neurological deficits. Laboratory findings demonstrated a lymphocytopenia. In addition to positive crytococcus culture and antigen titer in cerebrospinal fluid/serum, Cryptococcus neoformans was detected by light microscopy (India ink stain) in cerebrospinal fluid. DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND COURSE: A cryptococcal meningitis was diagnosed. After initiating antifungal and antiretroviral treatment the clinical course worsened after months 2, 3, and 5, respectively. Apart from unspecific inflammation in the lab work, no signs of disease relapse or therapy refractory course were found in additional diagnostics. After critical evaluation of the clinical course and diagnostic results, immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) was diagnosed. Clinical improvement was achieved during adjuvant treatment with steroids within six months. CONCLUSIONS: In the presence of neurological symptoms, cryptococcal meningitis is a rare but possible differential diagnosis in daily routine. Diagnosis can be easily achieved by India ink stain in combination with culture of cerebrospinal fluid as well as antigen detection in most cases. Tests of antifungal resistance should be reserved for patients who do not respond to initial treatment, patients with atypical course of disease or failing longterm antifungal therapy. The IRIS is no rare complication after initiation of antiretroviral treatment in HIV associated cryptococcal infections. It is an important differential diagnosis in an atypical course of disease, and sufficient treatment is usually achieved by steroids.

[Intermittent fever under iatrogenic immunosuppression]. / Intermittierendes Fieber unter iatrogener Immunsuppression.

Prolonged fever of unknown origin together with night sweats in the elderly requires a systematic search for malignant and infectious foci. Here we present a case of fever of unknown origin which ultimately led us to the diagnosis of everolimus-induced fever. After changing the immunosuppressive regime it resolved rapidly.

Mobile phone base stations and adverse health effects: phase 2 of a cross-sectional study with measured radio frequency electromagnetic fields.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the cross-sectional study was to test the hypothesis that exposure to continuous low-level radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) emitted from mobile phone base stations was related to various health disturbances. METHODS: For the investigation people living mainly in urban regions were selected from a nationwide study in 2006. In total, 3526 persons responded to a questionnaire (response rate 85%). For the exposure assessment a dosimeter measuring different RF-EMF frequencies was used. Participants answered a postal questionnaire on how mobile phone base stations affected their health and they gave information on sleep disturbances, headaches, health complaints and mental and physical health using standardised health questionnaires. Information on stress was also collected. Multiple linear regression models were used with health outcomes as dependent variables (n = 1326). RESULTS: For the five health scores used, no differences in their medians were observed for exposed versus non-exposed participants. People who attributed adverse health effects to mobile phone base stations reported significantly more sleep disturbances and health complaints, but they did not report more headaches or less mental and physical health. Individuals concerned about mobile phone base stations did not have different well-being scores compared with those who were not concerned. CONCLUSIONS: In this large population-based study, measured RF-EMFs emitted from mobile phone base stations were not associated with adverse health effects.

[Severe ileocolitis refractory to standard medical treatment. A diagnostic dilemma]. / Therapierefraktäre schwere Ileokolitis. Ein diagnostisches Dilemma.

The differential diagnosis of granulomatous intestinal diseases leads to recurrent false diagnoses. Our patient who was presenting with gastrointestinal complaints was first diagnosed as having Crohn's disease. Put on an immunosuppressive treatment, the symptoms deteriorated. Examination of sputum revealed acid-fast bacilli, later confirmed as M. tuberculosis in culture, and colonoscopy showed necrotizing granulomas, which lead us to the final diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis. Our patient improved under an adequate tuberculostatic regime.

Intestinal Kaposi's sarcoma may mimic gastrointestinal stromal tumor in HIV infection.

Diffuse intestinal Kaposi's sarcoma shares macroscopic and histopathologic features with gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Correct diagnosis may pose a clinical challenge. We describe the case of a young HIV-1-infected African lady without advanced immunodeficiency, who presented with a diffuse spindle cell tumor of the gut. Initial diagnosis was of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor, based on endoscopy and histopathology. Further evaluation revealed evidence for human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) and the diagnosis had to be changed to diffuse intestinal Kaposi's sarcoma. Antiretroviral triple therapy together with chemotherapy was commenced, and has led to the rapid remission of intestinal lesions. With a background of HIV infection, the presence of HHV8 as the causative agent of Kaposi's sarcoma should be determined, as distinct treatment is indicated.

Multiple and synergistic deregulations of apoptosis-controlling genes in pancreatic carcinoma cells.

Inability to die by apoptosis is one of the reasons for the deregulated growth of tumour cells and the frequently observed failure of chemotherapy. In this study we thought to identify the common and functionally important characteristics responsible for the apoptosis resistance of pancreatic tumour cells. We analysed cell surface expression level of death receptors CD95 and TRAIL-R1-4 as well as the expression profile of sixteen apoptosis-relevant proteins in five pancreatic carcinoma cell lines Capan1, Colo357, PancTuI, Panc89 and Panc1. These data were evaluated in the context of sensitivity towards anti-CD95 and TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Here we report that except for resistant Panc1 cells, which only marginally expressed CD95, all other cell lines showed comparable levels of CD95 and TRAIL receptors irrespectively of their apoptotic phenotype. Interestingly, we found that the elevated expression of FLIP, Bcl-x(L) and IAP in parallel with a downregulation of FADD and Bid was common for the resistant cell lines. Consequently, stable overexpression of XIAP, Bcl-x(L) or dominant negative FADD in sensitive cells significantly reduced the death receptor mediated apoptosis while the overexpression of Bid rendered the resistant cells sensitive.