Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), characterized by inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or a combination of these, is being increasingly recognized in adults. Adult ADHD prevalence rates range from 1% to 4%. The pathophysiology of adult ADHD is likely multifactorial, including genetic, environmental, and neurobiological influences. Though ADHD diagnostic criteria per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) were developed based on child samples, the symptoms are believed to be similar in adults, with some developmental differences in symptom presentation. This article identifies common presenting complaints of adults who have ADHD and provides information useful for differential diagnosis of these patients. Specific strategies for pharmacological and nonpharmacological intervention are also presented.

Synthesis of Schiff bases of 4-(4-aminophenyl)-morpholine as potential antimicrobial agents.

In the present study, a novel series of Schiff bases of 4-(4-aminophenyl)-morpholine were synthesised and characterised by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, Mass spectral and elemental analysis. The compounds were screened for antibacterial (Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 9144), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 155), Bacillus cereus (ATCC 11778), Micrococcus luteus (ATCC 4678), and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922)) and antifungal (Candida albicans (ATCC 2091) and Aspergillus niger (ATCC 9029)) activities. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the compounds were also ascertained by agar streak dilution method. 4-(4-(4-Hydroxy-benzylidene-imino)phenyl)-morpholine (7) was found to be the most potent antimicrobial activity with MIC of 25, 19, 21, 16, 29, 20 and 40 microg/ml against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, B. cereus, M. luteus, E. coli, C. albicans and A. niger, respectively. All the other compounds exhibited moderate activity against the bacterial and fungal organisms tested.

Splenic abscess and multiple brain abscesses caused by Streptococcus intermedius in a young healthy man.

We report a case of splenic abscess with multiple brain abscesses caused by Streptococcus intermedius in a healthy young man without any identifiable risk factors, which resolved with percutaneous drainage and antibiotics. Streptococcus intermedius, a member of the Streptococcus anginosus group, is a common commensal organism of the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract, and it is a known cause of deep-seated infections. Suppurative infections caused by Streptococcus anginosus group are sometimes associated with bacteremia, but hematogenous spread of infection from an occult source leading to concurrent splenic abscess and multiple brain abscesses has never been previously reported in a healthy young individual.

Practice patterns in the evaluation and management of dementia by primary care residents, primary care physicians, and geriatricians.

With the aim of determining if specialty type or the amount of geriatric training during primary care residencies correlated with the rate of and comfort with dementia identification and management in patients 65 years and older, physician practice patterns were compared through a web-based survey. The survey was sent to family medicine, internal medicine, and geriatric physicians in Dallas County and the HealthTexas Provider Network as well as third-year family medicine and internal medicine residents in Texas. Chi-square analyses revealed no relationship between the quantity of geriatric training and either dementia screening rates or comfort with dementia diagnosis. However, there was a significant difference in these areas based on specialty: more geriatricians reported asking senior patients about memory problems and being very comfortable in making a diagnosis of dementia, while fewer family medicine and internal medicine physicians reported being very comfortable in making the dementia diagnosis. Most physicians surveyed supported instituting routine screening and evaluation of senior patients during residency training. Further research is needed to determine if brief screening modalities, enhanced training, and institution of national guidelines would result in earlier identification and management of dementia in primary care.

Management of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: focus on methylphenidate hydrochloride.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in young adults and causes significant psychosocial impairment and economic burden to society. Because of the paucity of long-term evidence and lack of national guidelines for diagnosis and management of adult ADHD, most of the data are based on experience derived from management of childhood ADHD. This article reviews the current evidence for the diagnosis and management of adult ADHD with special emphasis on the role of methylphenidate hydrochloride preparations in its treatment. Methylphenidate hydrochloride, a stimulant that acts through the dopaminergic and adrenergic pathways, has shown more than 75% efficacy in controlling the symptoms of adult ADHD. Although concern for diversion of the drug exists, recent data have shown benefits in preventing substance use disorders in patients with adult ADHD.

Postsplenectomy reactive thrombocytosis.

Thrombocytosis is frequently encountered as an incidental laboratory finding. The most common etiology is reactive (secondary) thrombocytosis due to infections, trauma, surgery, or occult malignancy. Even though thrombocytosis is benign and self-limiting in most cases, it can result in hemorrhage or thrombosis. The hypercoagulable state is characterized by episodes of thrombosis and can be due to inherited or acquired conditions. Extreme thrombocytosis may result in thrombotic events such as acute myocardial infarction, mesenteric vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. It is important for physicians to be familiar with the complications associated with thrombocytosis. Postsplenectomy reactive thrombocytosis has an incidence of about 75% to 82%. Thrombosis in association with elevated platelet count after splenectomy is well recognized, with an incidence of approximately 5%. This case report describes a 61-year-old patient who underwent emergent splenectomy and presented 1 week later with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. Severe thrombocytosis, which was not present prior to splenectomy, was noted, and a diagnosis of reactive thrombocytosis was initially made. Involvement of the right coronary artery led to emergent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Essential thrombocytosis was considered when treatment with hydroxyurea failed to lower the platelet count. A review of arterial and venous thrombosis in patients with severe thrombocytosis is presented, and the approach to the management of such patients is discussed.

Chronic pancreatitis.

Chronic pancreatitis is the progressive and permanent destruction of the pancreas resulting in exocrine and endocrine insufficiency and, often, chronic disabling pain. The etiology is multifactorial. Alcoholism plays a significant role in adults, whereas genetic and structural defects predominate in children. The average age at diagnosis is 35 to 55 years. Morbidity and mortality are secondary to chronic pain and complications (e.g., diabetes, pancreatic cancer). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography is the radiographic test of choice for diagnosis, with ductal calcifications being pathognomonic. Newer modalities, such as endoscopic ultrasonography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, provide diagnostic results similar to those of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Management begins with lifestyle modifications (e.g., cessation of alcohol and tobacco use) and dietary changes followed by analgesics and pancreatic enzyme supplementation. Before proceeding with endoscopic or surgical interventions, physicians and patients should weigh the risks and benefits of each procedure. Therapeutic endoscopy is indicated for symptomatic or complicated pseudocyst, biliary obstruction, and decompression of pancreatic duct. Surgical procedures include decompression for large duct disease (pancreatic duct dilatation of 7 mm or more) and resection for small duct disease. Lateral pancreaticojejunostomy is the most commonly performed surgery in patients with large duct disease. Pancreatoduodenectomy is indicated for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis with pancreatic head enlargement. Patients with chronic pancreatitis are at increased risk of pancreatic neoplasm; regular surveillance is sometimes advocated, but formal guidelines and evidence of clinical benefit are lacking.