Autism spectrum traits and visual processing in young adults with very low birth weight: the Helsinki Study of Very Low Birth Weight adults.

Visual processing problems may be one underlying factor for cognitive impairments related to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We examined associations between ASD-traits (Autism-Spectrum Quotient) and visual processing performance (Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test; Block Design task of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III) in young adults (mean age=25.0, s.d.=2.1 years) born preterm at very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500 g) (n=101) or at term (n=104). A higher level of ASD-traits was associated with slower global visual processing speed among the preterm VLBW, but not among the term-born group (P<0.04 for interaction). Our findings suggest that the associations between ASD-traits and visual processing may be restricted to individuals born preterm, and related specifically to global, not local visual processing. Our findings point to cumulative social and neurocognitive problems in those born preterm at VLBW.

Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms and prostate enlargement in the primary care setting.

PURPOSE: Men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) from benign prostatic hyperplasia often do not discuss their symptoms with their primary care physicians (PCPs). The primary objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of LUTS, prostate enlargement, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) > or = 1.5 ng/ml in men visiting their PCP and to assess patients' intent to discuss LUTS with their PCP. METHODS: Men over age 50 presenting for a routine office visit at one of six PCP offices during the 8-week data collection period were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Men with prostate cancer, bladder cancer, indwelling urethral catheter or previous pelvic irradiation were excluded. Four hundred and forty-four men were enrolled and completed a self-administered questionnaire [including the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)], provided a blood sample for PSA, and underwent a digital rectal examination (DRE), with the prostate classified as enlarged or non-enlarged by their PCP. RESULTS: Forty-two per cent of men had IPSS > 7; 48% had an enlarged prostate based on DRE and 43% had PSA > or = 1.5 ng/ml. Twenty-nine per cent (n = 129) of men had IPSS > 7 and enlarged prostate or PSA > or = 1.5 ng/ml. Of these men, 33% (n = 42) intended to discuss their symptoms with their PCP. CONCLUSIONS: Although a significant percentage of men in this older population had enlarged prostate and LUTS, only one-third of them intended to discuss their symptoms with their physician. PCPs may need to increase efforts to detect LUTS and enlarged prostate in older men.

Pemoline therapy resulting in liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of pemoline-induced liver failure resulting in liver transplantation. CASE SUMMARY: A 9-year-old white boy, diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and treated with pemoline, developed signs and symptoms of liver failure. Pemoline therapy was discontinued, but the patient's liver function continued to decline. Ultimately, a liver transplantation was required. DISCUSSION: Pemoline, an agent used in ADHD treatment, has been associated with hepatotoxicity with the majority of cases occurring in pediatric patients. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of pemoline-induced liver failure resulting in liver transplantation. The mechanism of action remains unclear, with several hypotheses being postulated including hypersensitivity reactions, dose-related phenomena, and autoimmune-mediated reactions. CONCLUSIONS: With increasing evidence linking pemoline to liver failure, this agent should not be considered first-line therapy for ADHD. Prior to initiating therapy, baseline liver function tests should be obtained and closely monitored, and parents and patients should be educated on the signs and symptoms of liver toxicity.

Mediastinal lymphadenopathy caused by Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex in a child with normal immunity: successful treatment with anti-mycobacterial drugs and laser bronchoscopy.

We report on the case of a 9-month-old Caucasian girl referred to our institution with a history of fever of unknown origin and wheezing, unresponsive to bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory therapy. Subsequent investigation led to a diagnosis of mediastinal lymphadenopathy caused by Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI). The infected lymph tissue infiltrated and obstructed the right bronchus and significantly compressed the left bronchus to the point of near closure. Given the high degree of morbidity and potential mortality from thoracic surgery in this patient, we treated her with a combination of anti-mycobacterial drugs (rifabutin, clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, clofazimine, amikacin, ethambutol) and glucocorticoids to relieve airway compression. The endobronchial granulation tissue was resected by laser bronchoscopy. This combined approach led to eventual normalization of radiologic and endoscopic findings, and the anti-mycobacterial chemotherapy was discontinued 12 months after the first bronchoalveolar lavage culture was negative for MAI. The patient remains asymptomatic 1 year after completion of this course of therapy. We suggest that mediastinal lymphadenopathy with bronchial infiltration and extrinsic airway compression caused by MAI in otherwise healthy children can be successfully treated with aggressive chemotherapy, glucocorticoids, and laser bronchoscopy.