A prospective observational study on effects of fever on red cell transfusion outcome.

The effects of fever on red cell transfusions are not well documented. In this pilot study, we have compared the outcome of red-blood-cell transfusions in haematologic patients with and without fever. The results indicate that haemoglobin increment per unit is significantly lower in febrile patients receiving red cell transfusions than in patients without fever. These findings are in line with earlier findings in preclinical studies. Larger studies are necessary to confirm our results, and laboratory studies should be conducted to investigate the underlying mechanisms.

Factors influencing optimal seating pressure after spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, cross-sectional design. OBJECTIVES: To identify factors that predict unsatisfactory seating pressure in spinal cord-injured (SCI) individuals. SETTING: Seating Clinic at the University Hospital, Norway. METHODS: All wheelchair users with traumatic SCI hospitalized between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2010 were included. Individual assessment by a team was performed. To measure seating pressure, a computerized seating pad with sensing points 40 × 40 cm was used. Primary end points were defined as satisfactory or unsatisfactory seating position based on measured pressure (more or less 100 mm Hg), clinical findings and physical activity level. To explore possible risk factors for high seating pressure, both univariate and multivariate regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: A total of 75 persons with SCI were assessed, 39 (52%) with unsatisfactory result. Statistical analysis revealed that use of manual wheelchair (odds ratio (OR)=6.86, confidence interval (CI) 1.77-26.63) and history of pressure ulcer (OR=8.47, CI 2.46-29.13) significantly increase the risk of unsatisfactory seating pressure. Paraplegia caused significantly higher risk (OR=2.5, CI 0.99-6.34) in the univariate model, probably because the SCI with tetraplegia do prefer electrically powered wheelchairs. CONCLUSIONS: Use of manually driven wheelchairs and persons with previous pressure ulcer are at significant risk of high seating pressure and consequently developing new pressure ulcers. The patients from these subcategories need close follow-up regarding seating position and prevention of pressure ulcers.

[Epididymis. Anatomy, function and pathology]. / Epididymis. Anatomi, funksjon og patologi.

Studies on the human epididymis suggest that both histologically and biochemically, it can be subdivided into discrete segments with different functions. Current research attempts to isolate segment-specific secretory markers which can be used in localizing dysfunction and pathology in cases of male infertility. In cases of azoospermia, the segmental level of an occluding lesion also has prognostic relevance for the results of epididymovasostomy. Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis is the most frequent cause of acute epididymitis but an epididymal involvement is also a common feature of chronic prostato-vesiculitis, the etiology of which is unknown. This article provides a short review of the structure and function of the epididymis, the pathological changes in the organ associated with male infertility and the potential methods of treatment.

Urinary concentration of a specific peptide of type I collagen of bone (CrossLaps): correlation to hydroxyproline.

Urinary bone resorption markers, CrossLaps and hydroxyproline are compared in a non-selected group of 93 women. The correlation between CrossLaps and hydroxyproline is satisfactory. The r value is 0.79. Furthermore, it is investigated whether CrossLaps can substitute for hydroxyproline in the estimation of bone loss, using a model based on the combination of several biochemical markers. The results indicate that the two systems reflect related or parallel events, and show that CrossLaps is suitable for use in a normal clinical chemistry laboratory.