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Antibodies against phospholipid antigens (APA) have been demonstrated in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), but their clinical and pathogenetic significance has remained elusive. In this study we analyzed the prevalence and clinical features of ITP patients with elevated APA. In addition, we prospectively evaluated APA levels after treatment with corticosteroids and compared them with platelet- associated immunoglobulin (PAIgG) titers. We studied 149 patients with newly diagnosed ITP. Of these, 78 had a platelet count less than 50 x 10(9)/L and received an initial treatment with oral prednisone (PDN). In 71 asymptomatic cases with platelet counts between 50 x 10(9)/L and 120 x 10(9)/L, no therapy was scheduled. However, in five of them, the platelet count fell below 50 x 10(9)/L after more than 12 months; these patients were treated with PDN. Tests for APA included the measurement of anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) with a solid-phase immunoassay and the detection of the lupus-like anticoagulant (LA) activity with coagulation tests that included kaolin-clotting time, dilute Russel's Viper venom time, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and dilute aPTT. Controls consisted of 174 apparently healthy subjects. Either LA or elevated ACA was seen in 69 patients (46.3%) at diagnosis. LA and ACA were both elevated in 24 cases (16.1% of the overall patient population and 34.8% of patients with high APA concentrations). No correlation was found between LA ratio values and ACA-IgG or -IgM titers, or between ACA-IgG and ACA-IgM levels. The presence of these antibodies was not associated with sex, age, platelet count, or the severity of hemorrhages. PAIgG was detected in 106 of 127 cases (83%). Again, no relationship was observed with clinical parameters or with APA levels. However, all cases with elevated APA also had increased PAIgG. With regard to the clinical course, we were not able to detect any significant difference between patients with normal and elevated APA. An initial complete response to prednisone treatment was observed in 43 of 83 cases (51.8%), with 13 (15.7%) achieving a prolonged complete remission. APA levels were not significantly modified after PDN therapy and on relapse. We conclude that APA positivity is a common finding in patients with ITP and does not select a category with different clinical features. APA levels are not influenced by immunosuppressive therapy with steroids and are not related to the activity of the disease. Therefore, we do not support a role for APA in the pathogenesis of ITP.

SummaryThis study was designed to explore the prevalence and clinical significance of elevated antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) titres in patients affected by acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and highgrade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). We also analyzed possible correlations with circulating levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and the soluble form of the receptor for interleukin-2 (sIL-2r). Nineteen patients with de novo AML and 14 patients with newly-diagnosed NHL were investigated. Tests for APA included the measurement of anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) with a solid-phase immunoassay, and the detection of the lupus-like anticoagulant (LA) activity. Five patients with AML (26.3%) and 5 patients with NHL (35.7%) presented elevated APA at diagnosis, as compared to 3 of 174 persons of the control group (p <0.0001). APA titres became normal in all patients responding to treatment, whereas nonresponders retained elevated levels. In addition, 6 patients (4 with AML and 2 with NHL), who had normal APA at diagnosis and were either refractory to treatment or in relapse, subsequently developed LA and/or ACA positivity. At presentation, the mean levels of IgG- and IgM-ACA in patients were not significantly different from Controls, and concordance between ACA and LA results reached just 30%. With regard to the clinical course, we were not able to detect any statistically significant difference between patients with normal and elevated APA. Pretreatment concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in AML, and sIL-2r in NHL were found significantly elevated compared to Controls (p = 0.003, p = 0.009 and p = 0.024 respectively). In addition, the levels of these cytokines correlated with IgG-ACA at the different times of laboratory investigations. These results demonstrate that APA may have a role as markers of disease activity and progression in some haematological malignancies.

All arthroscopic stabilization of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation with fiberwire and endobutton system T2 and T3, but the difference was statistically significant only between T1 and T3 (p= 0.017). The postoperative X-Ray of the shoulder showed a good reduction of the AC joint dislocation. We had 1 case of recurrence and 2 cases of loss of intraoperative reduction. Conclusion: arthroscopic technique for acute AC joint dislocations with the use of the TightRope® device is minimally invasive and it allows an anatomic restoration of the joint. It is a safe and effective procedure ensuring stable AC joint reconstruction and good cosmetic results.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are involved in the development of tendinopathy. These potent enzymes completely degrade all components of the connective tissue, modify the extracellular matrix (ECM), and mediate the development of painful tendinopathy. To control the local activity of activated proteinases, the same cells produce tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP). These latter bind to the enzyme and prevent degradation. The balance between the activities of MMPs and TIMPs regulates tendon remodeling, whereas an imbalance produces a collagen dis-regulation and disturbances in tendons. ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) are cell membrane-linked enzymes with proteolytic and cell signaling functions.ADAMTSs (ADAM with thrombospondin motifs) are secreted into the circulation and constitute a heterogenous family of proteases with both anabolic and catabolic functions. Further studies are needed to better define the mechanism of action, and whether these new strategies are safe and effective in larger models.KEY WORDS: metalloproteases, tendinopathy, tendon healing. Enzymes of the extracellular matrixThe turnover of the extracellular matrix is a dynamic process in which synthesis and degradation are finely

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Background: Hip joint diseases are common in adult population and their prevalence increases with age. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and femoroacetabular impingement are the most common chronic diseases in the hip joint. Viscosupplementation with exogenous hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the most widely used conservative treatment aiming to improve synovial fluid properties and to decrease pain. There is no global consensus on the type of HA, method of injection and frequency, or on its efficacy in hip joint. Methods: We selected published data in English in the PubMed and Google Scholar electronic databases up to March 2016 about hyaluronic acid injections in hip disorders. Results: 26 articles were included following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Conclusion:There is a lack of standardization of HA injections for hip conditions. Our results suggest that this is the best conservative therapy before surgery and it can act on pain relief and function however there is no evidence to prove its ability to modify the morphological structure of the pathological hip and the natural history of the disease. There are few data about the use of HA in other hip disorders rather than osteoarthritis. The most relevant evidence seems to show the utility of HA injections in improving synovial inflammation, but only a few studies have been conducted. Level of evidence: I.

Background: Rehabilitation after Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty (RSA) is still object of discussion with no based evidence guidelines. The aim of this study was to test a personalized rehabilitation protocol for three different patients groups according to clinical and intraoperative parameters that can affect final outcomes after RSA. Patients and methods: We retrospectively evaluated a consecutive series of 112 patients who underwent to RSA between 2013 and 2015. The average follow-up was 29.2 months. A preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiographic assessment was performed. According to clinical, radiographic and intraoperative parameters, we selected three groups dedicating each one a specific level of post surgical care. Results: A statistically significant improvement was achieved from preoperative evaluation, regarding all analysed parameters. Notable improvements were reported in high care group: elevation improved of 63.9° despite of Group A 55.5° and Group B 54.5° and it resulted statistically significant (p< 0.05). Costant Score increased of 35.9%, despite of Group A and Group B respectively 40.6% and 34.8% (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Our study shows that a personalized rehabilitation protocol can be effective improving clinical outcomes and decreasing complications rate, particularly in difficult management patients. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV.