ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Glomus tumors are rare and often benign vascular lesions that present classically in the subungual region of the hand. Nonetheless, presentations in atypical sites have been reported over the years. However, the classic symptoms of typical glomus tumors are often absent in tumors of atypical sites. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of an extradigital glomus tumor with a 3-year history of pain in the lateral aspect of the elbow. DISCUSSION: The case we present took three years and multiple visits to different clinics and specialties to reach the final diagnosis and management. It often takes longer to diagnose Glomus tumors of atypical sites and presentations. The causes could be related to the rare incidence, the atypical presentation in site and symptoms, or the diagnostic methods. CONCLUSION: This case report discusses the possible causes behind the diagnostic delay in extradigital glomus tumors, aiming to raise clinical awareness among primary health care physicians.
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Background Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates. Despite intensive research, the etiology and pathophysiology of NEC is still obscure. Evidence from recent studies and meta-analyses showed a significant role of probiotics as a prophylactic measure in reducing NEC, sepsis, and mortality. However, obstacles against the generalization of the results still remain. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of prophylactic administration of probiotics and lactoferrin in reducing the rate of NEC in preterm infants. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, all medical records of infants born with a birth weight of 1,500 g and less who were born between 2012 and 2017 were reviewed. The enrolled infants were divided into two groups: group 1 included infants born between January 2012 and August 2014, a period before probiotics were started in our unit, and group 2 included infants born between January 2014 and December 2017 after starting probiotics and lactoferrin. Multiple variables were collected including maternal data, neonatal data, and risk factors for NEC. Results Medical records of 284 infants who met our inclusion criteria were reviewed. Of the 284 infants, 134 were in group 1 and 150 infants were in group 2. There were no significant statistical differences between group 1 and group 2 in neonatal and maternal demographic data and clinical data. Of 134 infants who received probiotics and lactoferrin, 11 developed NEC, while 26 of the 150 infants in group 2 developed NEC, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.023). Conclusion Probiotics and lactoferrin given orally to very low birth weight preterm infants were associated with a decreased rate of NEC.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Leptin and adiponectin are adipokines which have been commonly implicated in carcinogenesis. As such, many studies have investigated the association of circulating leptin and adiponectin levels with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. However, the results remained inconsistent. METHODS: In this work, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to precisely examine the association between circulating levels of leptin and adiponectin and CRC risk. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases from inception until October 2020. The pooled effect size was then estimated by calculating the odds ratio (OR). RESULTS: A total of 23 records (comprising 26 studies) were included in the meta-analysis. The overall analysis found that circulating levels of leptin and adiponectin were not significantly associated with CRC risk (P > 0.05). Interestingly, subgroup analysis revealed that a higher level of adiponectin was significantly associated with an increased CRC risk among overweight individuals (OR = 1.16; 95 % CI: 1.02, 1.32), and a decreased CRC risk among normal weight individuals (OR = 0.76; 95 % CI: 0.62, 0.92). Besides, a higher level of adiponectin was also significantly associated with a decreased risk of CRC in men (OR = 0.76; 95 % CI: 0.59, 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, circulating leptin level was not associated with CRC risk, but that of adiponectin was associated with CRC risk only in specific subgroups.