Isr Med Assoc J
-
The prevalence of pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) in women of reproductive age has surged globally, contributing to increased rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a crucial marker for diagnosing and monitoring PGDM, with periconceptional levels influencing the risk of congenital anomalies and complications. ⋯ Periconceptional glycemic control in PGDM pregnancies is important. Elevated HbA1c levels are associated with increased risks of adverse outcomes. Beyond a certain HbA1c level, risks of complications may not proportionally escalate.
-
Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are a staple element in contemporary treatment of advanced heart failure. LVAD surgeries are mostly done in heart transplantations centers, as a destination therapy or as a bridge to heart transplantation. ⋯ Establishing a new LVAD program can be successful also with small- and medium-size programs. With careful and meticulous planning LVAD implantation can be extended to more centers thus offering an excellent solution for advanced heart failure patients.
-
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PSA) is an infectious pathogen associated with acute appendicitis; however, it is not consistently addressed by empirical antibiotic therapy, despite potential complications. ⋯ PSA is a common pathogen in children diagnosed with acute appendicitis and positive peritoneal cultures. The likelihood of isolating PSA increases with high-grade intraoperative assessment and in the presence of multiple pathogens in peritoneal cultures, suggests antipseudomonal treatment.
-
Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a chronic, immune-mediated condition characterized by fibro-inflammatory lesions with lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. Diagnosis traditionally relies on histopathological findings, including the presence of IgG4+ plasma cells. However, due to challenges in biopsy accessibility, additional measures are needed to facilitate diagnosis. ⋯ Levels of plasmablasts are a significant diagnostic feature in IgG4-RD. Healthy individuals have a lower level of plasmablasts. Elevated Gal-3 in serum of patients with IgG4-RD suggests a role in plasmablast activation. CD38/CD27 expression by plasmablasts emerges as a potential marker. Further research on a larger cohort is needed to confirm these findings.