Effect of chelation therapy on arrhythmogenic and basal ECG parameters of lead exposed workers

Lead exposure has etiological role on cardiovascular system diseases as hypertension, atherosclerosis, stroke, and arrhythmic events. In this study, we aimed to compare the basal and arrhythmogenic ECG parameters of lead exposed workers before and after chelation therapy and to evaluate the effect of acute change of blood lead levels on ECG. Fourty consecutive occupationally lead exposed workers were enrolled, demographic, blood, echocardiographic, and electrocardiographic data's were analyzed before and after chelation therapy. Pmax, P min, P Wave Dispersion, and QT Dispersion values which are arrhythmia predictors were significantly lower after chelation therapy compared to values before chelation therapy. Lead exposed workers are under the risk of ventricular and atrial arrythmias and chelation treatment has a positive effect on these parameters.

Association between emotional and behavioral problems and metabolic control in children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the differences in emotional and behavioral problems and to explore the association between the level of psychiatric problems and the metabolic control in Type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

The children with Type 1 diabetes (no.=42) and the "healthy" control group (no.=42), their parents and endocrinology specialist completed the forms prepared for the study. The parents completed the Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL/4- 18).

RESULTS

The groups had significant differences in CBCL activities (p<0.001), social competence (p<0.001), total competences (p<0.001), withdrawal (p=0.036), anxiety/depression (p=0.033), social problems (p=0.009), and aggressive behavior (p=0.04) scores. We did not find significant differences in CBCL scores between the groups with good, moderate and bad metabolic control (p>0.05).

DISCUSSION

The parents of children with Type 1 diabetes reported emotional and behavioral problems significantly more. We did not find any significant association between the level of metabolic control and the emotional and behavioral problems.

Retroperitoneal abscess as a late complication following laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Gallstone spillage during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a relatively common occurrence. These intraperitoneal gallstones are considered to be harmless. Rarely, they may give rise to complications. Surgeons should retrieve spilled stones whenever possible.

CASE REPORT

We report the case of a 75-year-old man with retroperitoneal abscess that developed 6 years following laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a late complication. The cavity, though it drained purulent material, was sterile in culture. Gallstones were found in the drain effluent. To our knowledge this is the first case report in English of such a delayed complication caused by spilled gallstones.

CONCLUSIONS

Every effort should be made to avoid perforation of the gall bladder during its dissection. Whether the procedure should be converted to open surgery to retrieve all the stones is subject to debate.