Background/Aims: Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis remains an uncommon complication of hepatitis B virus infection. Methods: We report the case of a 40-years old female Chinese patient with chronic hepatitis B developing cryoglobulinemic vasculitis with multiple organ involvement (liver, kidney, and skin) coupled with weakness, arthralgias, haemolytic anaemia, and autoimmune thyroiditis. She received entecavir mono-therapy at dose adjusted for estimated glomerular filtration rate. Results: Within five months of entecavir treatment, hepatitis B viraemia decreased below the limit of detection with normal serum amino-transferase levels, HBeAg clearance occurred, vasculitis regressed with disappearance of purpura and ascites; in addition, renal function normalized and nephritic syndrome remitted. After a five-year follow-up, the patient is asymptomatic with intact kidney function, proteinuria in the normal range, and normal liver biochemistry, despite the antiviral treatment was withdrawn and the patient remained HBsAg positive. Conclusions: This is the second case of hepatitis B virus-related cryoglobulinemic vasculitis successfully treated with entecavir suggesting that effective antiviral therapy may counteract both the hepatic and extra-hepatic manifestations of infection by hepatitis B virus.

Background: In gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), pancreatic β-cell breakdown can result from a proinflammatory imbalance created by a sustained level of cytokines. In this study, we investigated the role of specific cytokines, such as B-cell activating factor (BAFF), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and platelet-activating factor (PAF), together with methylglyoxal (MGO) and glycated albumin (GA) in pregnant women affected by GDM. Methods: We enrolled 30 women whose inflammation and metabolic markers were measured at recruitment and after 12 weeks of strict dietetic therapy. We compared these data to the data obtained from 53 randomly selected healthy nonpregnant subjects without diabetes, hyperglycemia, or any condition that can affect glycemic metabolism. Results: In pregnant women affected by GDM, PAF levels increased from 26.3 (17.4–47.5) ng/mL to 40.1 (30.5–80.5) ng/mL (p < 0.001). Their TNF-α levels increased from 3.0 (2.8–3.5) pg/mL to 3.4 (3.1–5.8) pg/mL (p < 0.001). The levels of methylglyoxal were significantly higher in the women with GDM (p < 0.001), both at diagnosis and after 12 weeks (0.64 (0.46–0.90) μg/mL; 0.71 (0.47–0.93) μg/mL, respectively) compared to general population (0.25 (0.19–0.28) μg/mL). Levels of glycated albumin were significantly higher in women with GDM (p < 0.001) only after 12 weeks from diagnosis (1.51 (0.88–2.03) nmol/mL) compared to general population (0.95 (0.63–1.4) nmol/mL). Conclusion: These findings support the involvement of new inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers in the mechanisms related to GDM complications and prompt deeper exploration into the vicious cycle connecting inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic results.

Spinal synovial cysts are cystic dilatations of the synovial membrane that may arise at all levels of the spine. We describe our experience, paying attention to diagnosis, surgical treatment, and long-term follow-up. Between 1995 and 2007, 18 patients were surgically treated. Of these, three patients were excluded from the study because they presented spinal instability at pre-operative assessment. All patients were evaluated pre-operatively with CT, MRI, and dynamic X-rays, and underwent surgery for removal of the cyst by hemilaminectomy and partial arthrectomy. All patients were evaluated with early MRI and had a minimum 2-year follow-up by dynamic X-rays. None of the patients required instrumented fusion due to the absence of radiological signs of instability on the pre-operative dynamic tests. In all patients, there was an immediate resolution of the symptoms, with evidence of complete removal of the cysts on post-operative MRI. At 2-year follow-up, all patients underwent dynamic X-rays and responded to a questionnaire for evaluation of outcome. None of them showed signs of relapse. The gold standard for treatment is surgery, even though other conservative treatment regimens have been proposed. Correct surgical strategy relies on pre-operative assessment of biomechanical stability for deciding whether patients need instrumented fusion during cyst removal. Patients with no instability signs are suitable for hemilaminectomy with partial arthrectomy, preserving 2/3 of the medial portion of the articular facet, because this represents a valid option of treatment with a low risk of complications and a low rate of relapse.

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Background Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a widespread disease with variable symptoms that have an important impact on the quality of life. Despite the prevalence of IBS, its etiology and pathophysiology are still to be fully understood, but immune response is known to be involved. In this study, we investigated the variation of two specific cytokines, B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and platelet-activating factor (PAF), the levels of food-specific IgG and the symptom severity, using Irritable Bowel Syndrome—Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS), following a personalized and unrestricted-calorie diet. Methods We enrolled 30 subjects with diagnosis of IBS, according to Rome-IV criteria, whose inflammatory markers were measured at baseline and after 6 weeks of dietary intervention. The subjects were monitored in a general practice outpatient setting and nutritional advice was offered remotely via two telephone sessions with a nutritionist. Results BAFF and PAF values did not differ between baseline and end of study, both in compliant (C) and non-compliant (NC) subjects. IgG levels significantly decreased only in compliant subjects: 37.32 (23.24–93.67) IU/mL; 27.9 (7.56–93.96) IU/mL (p = 0.02) and in non-compliant went from 51.83 (13.17–113.1) IU/mL to 44.06 (4.96–255.4) IU/mL (p = 0.97, ns). IBS-SSS significantly decreased in both compliant subjects, from 245 (110–480) to 110 (0–140) (p < 0.0001), and non compliant subjects, from 250 (155–370) to 100 (7–220) (p < 0.0001). Comparing IBS-SSS between week 3 and week 6, only compliant subjects had a significant reduction, from 155 (50–355) to 110 (0–140) (p = 0.005), versus non-compliant, from 115 (35–315) to 100 (7–220) (p = 0.33, ns). Conclusion These findings support the rapid efficacy and suitability of a personalized dietetic intervention with outside consultation in IBS. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT04348760 Registered April 15, 2020 (retrospectively registered) https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT04348760