Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is characterized by raised levels of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), in association with thrombosis, recurrent fetal loss, and thrombocytopenia. Development of APS is related with idiopathic origin, autoimmune disease, malignancy and, on rare occasions, infection. However, in secondary APS combined with bacterial infections, aPL is usually shown with low titer and rarely associated with thrombotic events. A 52-year-old male was admitted due to pneumonia and multiple hepatosplenic abscesses. He had been treated with proper antibiotics, but he presented ascites and sudden variceal bleeding because of portal vein thrombosis. The bleeding was controlled by endoscopic variceal ligation. Acute portal vein thrombosis was successfully managed by low molecular weight heparin and hepatosplenic abscesses were completely resolved by antibiotics. This case suggests that systemic bacterial infection in immunocompetent patients possibly develops into secondary APS.
As the lifespan of men have been extended, the interest in functional aging process of each organs is increasing. The aim of this study was to investigate lbjectively several physiological changes in aged colon, using rats.
Methods
We used old healthy Sprage-Dawley rats(n=33, over 17months), and young rats(n=28, 8 - 10weeks). Glass bead expulsion tests were done in vivo, and colon transit and muscle tension were measured in vitro.
Results
For glass bead expulsion, more time was needed significantly in young rat group (p=0.028). The speed of colon transit was accelerated in distal colon significantly regardless of age, but the number of rats with complete transt was superior in young rat group. Development of tension in respose to Carbachol was not different significantly between two groups (p=0.345).
Conclusion
Colonic functional decline with age was observed through in vivo and in vitro study. Further studies are required to determine the real influences on a living body and the mechanisms involved in this motor change.