Mannose Binding Lectin and Pentraxin 3 in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Mannose binding lectin (MBL) is a protein of the complement system and pentraxin-3 (PTX3) is an acute phase protein both with an important role in inflammatory diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy (DR). AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate whether plasma MBL and PTX3 levels are associated with the development of DR and if patients with and without DR can be distinguished. METHODS: The patients were divided into three groups: diabetic without DR; with mild/moderate DR, and with severe/proliferative DR. PTX3 and MBL levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. RESULTS: A total of 74 patients were included. A significant association was observed between high levels of MBL and severe DR; 47% of patients with severe/proliferative DR had high levels of MBL, whereas 12% of the patients with diabetes but no DR had high levels of MBL (p = 0.008; odds ratio [OR]: 6.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-25.0). High levels of MBL were more frequent in patients with severe/proliferative disease (47%) when compared to those with mild/moderate DR (20%), p = 0.04 (OR: 3.46; 95% CI: 1.0-11.8). PTX3 levels were similar among the groups and were not related to the development or severity of DR. CONCLUSION: We found a significant association between high plasma MBL levels and DR development as well as with severe/proliferative DR. We observed no relationship between plasma PTX3 levels and the development or severity of DR.

[Anogenital warts in children: the importance of a multidisciplinary approach]. / Verrugas anogenitais na criança: a importância da abordagem multidisciplinar.

INTRODUCTION: Anogenital warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Its presence in children raises concern of a possible sexual abuse. A multidisciplinary team approach is essential to clarify the mode of infection's transmission. CASE-REPORT: Female child, three years of age referred to pediatrician for perianal warts. A history of similar lesions in another location in the child, parents or cohabiting was denied and possible sexual abuse refused. Gynecologic assessment of mother and daughter lead to identification of HPV type 6 at the child's lesions and negative studies results in the mother. Evaluation of the child in psychology showed no signs of possible abuse and social assessment concluded there was no context of risk. After two cycles of topical treatment with imiquimod 5%, complete regression of lesions was achieved, with no recurrence to date. DISCUSSION: No evidence of sexual abuse emerged from the set of clinical evaluations performed. The strategy of an extended follow-up is mandatory, and comes from the required prudence in this context, in order to ensure timely identification of risk situations which might have been previously unnoticed. CONCLUSION: Authors emphasize the dichotomy between a simple clinical diagnosis and the complex multidisciplinary approach which is crucial to elucidate a situation with potential socio-medico-legal implications.