No abstract

The results of this study show that a normal appendix can be depicted with US in 82% of asymptomatic children.

SummaryBackground Coagulation plays an important part in ischaemic cardiovascular disease. Results of studies have shown that extremes in hypocoagulability protect against ischaemic cardiovascular disease. We have investigated overall mortality and death from cardiovascular causes in carriers of haemophilia, who in most cases have mildly decreased coagulability without clinical signs.

A simple interview is useful as a screening tool for the dentist or surgeon. In a specialized hematology center with referred patients, however, the interview is of little value in identifying patients with a bleeding disorder.

Background-The results of a number of studies in pigs and mice suggest that absence of von Willebrand factor (vWF) protects against the development of atherosclerosis. We studied whether patients with a complete deficiency of vWF (type 3 von Willebrand disease [vWD]) develop fewer atherosclerotic vessel wall changes than healthy controls. Methods and Results-This study included 47 individuals with type 3 vWD and 84 healthy controls. Early atherosclerotic changes were assessed by measuring the thickness of the intima-media in the carotid and femoral arteries by B-mode ultrasonography. Advanced atherosclerotic changes were quantified by summing the maximal thickness of atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid and femoral arteries and were expressed as a plaque score. Established risk factors were determined to adjust for possible differences between the groups. We found no substantial difference in intima-media thickness between vWD patients and controls (adjusted difference for carotid artery 0.007 mm, 95% CI Ϫ0.022 to 0.036 mm; femoral artery 0.069 mm, 95% CI Ϫ0.056 to 0.19 mm). Similar proportions of patients and controls had atherosclerotic plaques (19% and 17%, respectively). No difference was found in the plaque score between groups (adjusted difference Ϫ0.22 mm, 95% CI Ϫ0.69 to 0.26). Among vWD patients, we found no effect of treatment with vWF concentrates on intima-media thickness or plaque score. Conclusions-The results of this study indicate that vWF does not play a substantial role in human atherogenesis.