Patterns of large-vessel lesions are associated with treatment outcomes in large-vessel giant cell arteritis

Abstract ObjectiveTo evaluate whether the distribution of large-vessel lesions (LVLs) in giant cell arteritis (GCA) is associated with poor treatment outcomes.MethodsIn a retrospective, multi-centric, nationwide registry of GCA patients treated with glucocorticoids between 2007 and 2014, 68 newly-diagnosed patients with LVLs were identified by imaging. Non-achievement of clinical remission by week 24 and/or relapse within 104 weeks were primarily evaluated. Factors influencing the poor treatment outcome were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard modeling. Cumulative rates and median time to the first event were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank testing.ResultsAortic lesions were detected in 72.1% of the 68 GCA patients with LVLs (defined as group 2). Patients without aortic lesions were classified as having large-vessel GCA with subclavian lesions (group 1) or atypical large-vessel GCA without subclavian lesions (group 3). The mean age and proportions of PMR in group 3 were higher than those in the other two groups. Cranial lesions were observed in 66.7%, 55.1%, and 80.0% of patients in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. In group 2, 73.5% had lesions in both the aorta and aortic branches. Group 1 had axillary lesions in 33.3%, and carotid lesions in 44.4%. Atypical LVLs in group 3 included pulmonary, hepatic or mesenteric lesions in addition to carotid lesions. Baseline doses of GCs were not different across the groups. Mean time to achievement of low-dose GC treatment (prednisolone ≤5 mg/day) was also not significantly different between the groups. The cumulative rate of poor treatment outcome over the two years was 11.1%, 55.3% and 88.0% in the groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively; mean time to the events was significantly different among the groups. Multivariable analysis showed that the risk of poor treatment outcome was significantly higher in the group 3.ConclusionsThe distribution of LVLs was associated with treatment outcomes in large-vessel GCA. In addition to subclavian arteries, lesions in aorta and aortic branches other than subclavian arteries should be evaluated by imaging for large-vessel GCA. The pattern of LVLs determined by imaging should be considered when determining treatment strategies for GCA.

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Predictors of Treatment Outcomes among Pediatric Patients Hospitalized with Pneumonia in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Advances in Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences ◽

10.1155/2021/6690622 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Hilina Tsegaw ◽

Mohammed Yimam ◽

Dejen Nureye ◽

Workineh Woldeselassie ◽

Solomon Hambisa

Keyword(s):

Treatment Outcome ◽

Sample Size ◽

Treatment Outcomes ◽

Pediatric Patients ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Good Treatment Outcome ◽

Specialized Hospital ◽

Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital ◽

Poor Treatment ◽

Poor Treatment Outcome

Background. Pneumonia remains the leading cause of hospitalization and mortality in young children in low- and middle-income countries. This study is aimed to assess predictors of treatment outcomes among pediatric patients hospitalized with pneumonia in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods. A facility-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among pediatric patients admitted with pneumonia, considering patient medical charts recorded for a 1-year period from February 2017 to February 2018. The sample size was computed based on a single population proportion formula and giving a total sample size of 207. The systematic random sampling method was employed to select patient cards from the sampling frame. The data extraction format was used to extract any relevant information from patient chart. The processed data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 21). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the patients’ baseline characteristics and related information. The logistic regression model was fitted to determine factors associated with treatment outcomes. To identify predictors of poor treatment outcome, the level of significance was set at P < 0.05 . Results. From a total of 207 patient charts reviewed, more than half (55.6%) of the study participants were males. Majority of patients, 130 (62.8%), were in the age range of 1 month–11 months. Furthermore, 191 (92.3%) patients had good treatment outcome. Patients who treated with ceftriaxone + azithromycin were less likely to have poor treatment outcome compared with patients who were placed on crystalline penicillin (AOR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.01–0.83). On the contrary, patients who stayed ≥ 8 days were about 14.3 times more likely to have poor treatment outcome compared with patients who stayed ≤ 3 days (AOR = 14.3, 95% CI 1.35–151.1). Conclusion. Even though the study revealed good treatment outcome among the pediatric patients, particular consideration should be given to children in need of other interventions.

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Treatment outcomes of obstructive sleep apnoea in obese community-dwelling children: the NANOS study

European Respiratory Journal ◽

10.1183/09031936.00013815 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 46 (3) ◽

pp. 717-727 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

María Luz Alonso-Álvarez ◽

Joaquin Terán-Santos ◽

Ana Isabel Navazo-Egüia ◽

Mónica Gonzalez Martinez ◽

María José Jurado-Luque ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Treatment Outcomes ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Dietary Treatment ◽

Sleep Apnoea ◽

Obese Children ◽

Obstructive Sleep ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

The first line of treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) in children consists of adenotonsillectomy (T&A). The aim of the present study was to evaluate treatment outcomes of OSAS among obese children recruited from the community.A cross-sectional, prospective, multicentre study of Spanish obese children aged 3–14 years, with four groups available for follow-up: group 1: non-OSAS with no treatment; group 2: dietary treatment; group 3: surgical treatment; and group 4: continuous positive airway pressure treatment.117 obese children (60 boys, 57 girls) with a mean age of 11.3±2.9 years completed the initial (T0) and follow-up (T1)assessments. Their mean body mass index (BMI) at T1was 27.6±4.7 kg·m−2, corresponding to a BMI Z-score of 1.34±0.59. Mean respiratory disturbance index (RDI) at follow-up was 3.3±3.9 events·h−1. Among group 1 children, 21.2% had an RDI ≥3 events·h−1at T1, the latter being present in 50% of group 2, and 43.5% in group 3. In the binary logistic regression model, age emerged as a significant risk factor for residual OSAS (odds ratio 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.01–2.23; p<0.05) in obese children surgically treated, and RDI at T0as well as an increase in BMI emerged as significant risk factors for persistent OSAS in obese children with dietary treatment (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.09–3.02 (p<0.03) and OR 8.71, 95% CI 1.24–61.17 (p=0.03)).Age, RDI at diagnosis and obesity are risk factors for relatively unfavourable OSAS treatment outcomes at follow-up.

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Contribution of Xpert MTB/RIF to clinical diagnosis in adolescents with tuberculosis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease ◽

10.5588/ijtld.18.0778 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 23 (10) ◽

pp. 1115-1121 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

M. C. B. Oliveira ◽

C. C. Sant'Anna ◽

R. R. Luiz ◽

E. C. C. Soares ◽

A. L. Kritski

Keyword(s):

Treatment Outcomes ◽

Clinical Diagnosis ◽

Rio De Janeiro ◽

Care Process ◽

Sample Collection ◽

Negative Results ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Culture Negative ◽

Group 1

SETTING: Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil, a high tuberculosis (TB) burden city.OBJECTIVE: To compare the sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, care process indicators (CPIs) and treatment outcomes among adolescents with pulmonary TB (PTB) and those with PTB + extrapulmonary TB (EPTB), who underwent testing with Xpert® and sputum culture.DESIGN: This was a retrospective study of data from three national databases from 2014 to 2016 of adolescents (aged 10–18 years) residing and notified in Rio de Janeiro City. Three groups were identified according to their Xpert and culture results: Group 1, Xpert- and culture-positive; Group 2, Xpert-positive and culture-negative; and Group 3, Xpert- and culture-negative. Study CPIs were as follows: the time between ‘sample collection and Xpert result release', ‘sample collection and treatment initiation' and ‘notification and treatment outcome'.RESULTS: Of 258 adolescents included in the study, 223 (86.4%) were in Group 1, 20 (7.8%) in Group 2 and 15 (5.8%) in Group 3. Groups 1 and 2 had a similar profile. Compared to Group 1, Group 3 had a higher proportion of HIV-positive cases (21.4% vs. 3.0%, P = 0.016), adolescents with a hospital diagnosis (53.3% vs. 7.6%, P < 0.001), and PTB + EPTB cases (20% vs. 0.4%; P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in CPIs or treatment outcomes.CONCLUSION: The clinical diagnosis was decisive in more critical or complex patients, despite Xpert-negative results.

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Treatment Outcomes of Tuberculosis Retreatment Case and Its Determinants in West Ethiopia

The Open Respiratory Medicine Journal ◽

10.2174/1874306401913010058 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 58-64

Author(s):

Mohammed Gebre Dedefo ◽

Meti Teressa Sirata ◽

Balisa Mosisa Ejeta ◽

Getu Bayisa Wakjira ◽

Ginenus Fekadu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Treatment Outcome ◽

Treatment Outcomes ◽

Developed Countries ◽

World Health ◽

Health Concern ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Retreatment Case ◽

Poor Treatment ◽

Poor Treatment Outcome

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health concern in the developing world. World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) list of 30 high TB burden countries accounted for 87% of the world’s cases. The annual infection rate in developing countries reached 2% or more; where as in developed countries this figure is 0.5%. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess treatment outcomes of tuberculosis retreatment case and its determinants at Nekemte Referral Hospital (NRH), West Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. All registered adult TB patients under retreatment regimen who were treated at NRH TB clinics from January 2014 to December 2017 were included in this study. A multiple logistic regression was used to assess the significance and strength of association. A P-value <0.05 was used as statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of retreatment case was 12.12%. Of 219 study participants 159(72.6%) were patients with relapse, 43(19.6%) were with retreatment after failure and 17(7.8%) were patients who return after loss to follow-up. On multivariable logistic analysis poor treatment outcome was more likely to occur among patients with positive Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) result at 5th month (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR =4.3, 95%, (1.8-10.0) p=0.001) and patients taking category 1 (2ERHZ/4RH) drugs (AOR=2.1, 95% CI= (1.1-4.5) p=0.048). Conclusion: This study showed that treatment outcomes of TB retreatment case were below standard set by the WHO. Factors that were significantly associated with poor treatment outcome were positive AFB resulting at 5th month and patients on category 1(2ERHZ/4RH).

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Treatment Outcome and Its Determinants among Patients Admitted to Stroke Unit of Jimma University Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia

Stroke Research and Treatment ◽

10.1155/2020/8817948 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Ameha Zeleke Zewudie ◽

Tolcha Regasa ◽

Solomon Hambisa ◽

Dejen Nureye ◽

Yitagesu Mamo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Treatment Outcome ◽

Treatment Outcomes ◽

Stroke Unit ◽

Hemorrhagic Stroke ◽

Medical Center ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Poor Treatment ◽

Poor Treatment Outcome ◽

Jimma University

Background. Stroke is a public health problem in Ethiopia. Despite the high prevalence of stroke in Ethiopia, there is a paucity of data with regard to drug treatment, treatment outcome, and risk factors of poor treatment outcome of stroke. Hence, this study is aimed at assessing treatment outcome and its determinants among patients admitted to stroke unit of Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC). Methods. A two-year hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study was employed to analyze the medical records of patients admitted with stroke to stroke unit of Jimma University Medical Centre from February 1st, 2016 to March 30th, 2018. Data was entered by Epidata manager version 4.0.2 and analyzed by SPSS version 24. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with the backward stepwise approach was done to identify independent predictors of poor treatment outcome of stroke. Variables with P value less than 0.05 were considered as statically significant determinants of poor treatment outcome. Results. Of 220 patients with stroke admitted to the Jimma University, 67.30% were male. Nearly two thirds (63.18%) of them had poor treatment outcomes. Dyslipidimics were administered to 60% of the patients, and the most popular antiplatelet used was aspirin, which was prescribed to 67.3% the patients. Age ≥ 65 adjusted odd ratio ((AOR): 2.56; 95% CI: 1.95-9.86, P = 0.001 ), presence of comorbidity (AOR: 5.25; 95% CI: 1.08-17.69, P < 0.001 ), admission with hemorrhagic stroke (AOR: 18.99; 95% CI: 7.05-42.07, P < 0.001 ), and admission to the hospital after 24 hour of stroke onset (AOR: 4.98; 95% CI: 1.09-21.91, P = 0.03 ) were independent predictors of poor treatment outcomes. Conclusion. Substantial numbers of stroke patients had poor treatment outcomes. Elderly patients, patients diagnosed with hemorrhagic stroke, patients with comorbidity, and those with delayed hospital admission were more likely to have poor treatment outcome. Hence, frequent monitoring and care should be given for the aforementioned patients. Awareness creation on the importance of early admission should be delivered particularly for patients who have risk factors of stroke (cardiovascular diseases).

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Visceral Leishmaniasis Treatment Outcome and Associated Factors in Northern Ethiopia

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2019/3513957 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Kidu Gidey ◽

Desalegn Belay ◽

Berhane Yohannes Hailu ◽

Tesfaye Dessale Kassa ◽

Yirga Legesse Niriayo

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Treatment Outcome ◽

Treatment Outcomes ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Northern Ethiopia ◽

Duration Of Illness ◽

Long Duration ◽

Poor Treatment ◽

Poor Treatment Outcome

Background. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), one of the most neglected tropical diseases, is placing a huge burden on Ethiopia. Despite the introduction of antileishmanial drugs, treatment outcomes across regions are variable due to drug resistance and other factors. Thus, understanding of VL treatment outcomes and its contributing factors helps decisions on treatment. However, the magnitude and the risk factors of poor treatment outcome are not well studied in our setting. Therefore, our study was designed to assess treatment outcomes and associated factors in patients with VL. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in VL patients admitted between June 2016 and April 2018 to Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Data was collected through chart review of patient records. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with poor treatment outcome. Results. A total of 148 VL patients were included in the study. The mean age (SD) of the patients was 32.86 (11.9) years; most of them (94.6%) were male patients. The proportion of poor treatment outcome was 12.1%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that long duration of illness (> four weeks) (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 6.1 [95% confidence interval (CI); 1.3-28.6], p=0.02) and concomitant tuberculosis (TB) infection (AOR 4.6 [95% CI; 1.1-19.1], p=0.04) were the independent predictors of poor treatment outcome. Conclusions. Poor treatment outcome was observed in a considerable proportion of VL patients. Long duration of illness and coinfection with TB were associated with poor VL treatment outcome. Hence, early diagnosis and effective prompt treatment are important to improve treatment outcomes among VL patients. Special attention should also be given in the treatment of VL/TB coinfected patients in our setting.

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Radiotherapy and CCNU in the treatment of high-grade supratentorial astrocytomas

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/jns.1976.45.2.0129 ◽

1976 ◽

Vol 45 (2) ◽

pp. 129-134 ◽

Cited By ~ 42

Author(s):

Bryce Weir ◽

Pierre Band ◽

Raul Urtasun ◽

Gilles Blain ◽

Don McLean ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Radiation Therapy ◽

Content Type ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group 3 ◽

The Mean ◽

Group 2 ◽

To Receive ◽

Mean Time ◽

Grade Iii ◽

Group 1

✓ Forty-one consecutive patients with supratentorial primary brain tumors (38 Grade III and IV astrocytomas, one giant-cell astrocytoma, and two cases with insufficient tissue for diagnosis) were randomly allocated within 2 weeks of surgery to one of three therapeutic groups. Group 1 (15 patients) received radiation therapy totaling 4000 to 4500 rads in 4 to 5 weeks. Group 2 (13 patients) received 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) 130 mg/sq m orally every 6 weeks. Group 3 (13 patients) received radiation therapy plus CCNU as for Groups 1 and 2. When the disease progressed, patients in Groups 1 and 2 were crossed over to receive CCNU and irradiation respectively. The median survival time in these groups was 188, 259, and 252 days, and the mean survival 263, 262, and 329 days. The median time from diagnosis to crossover (Groups 1 and 2) or to progression (Group 3) was 163, 99, and 220 days, and the mean time was 172, 108, and 231 days. There was no statistically significant difference between the means or medians in any of these situations.

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Vessel Wall Inflammatory Activity as Determined by F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose PET in Large Vessel Vasculitis Is Attenuated by Immunomodulatory Drugs

Diagnostics ◽

10.3390/diagnostics11071132 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 1132

Author(s):

Romilda Sherzay ◽

Torsten Witte ◽

Thorsten Derlin ◽

Marius Hoepfner ◽

Frank M. Bengel

Keyword(s):

Vessel Wall ◽

Immunosuppressive Drugs ◽

Large Vessel Vasculitis ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Inflammatory Activity ◽

Immunomodulatory Drugs ◽

Treatment Naïve ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18 FDG) PET/CT plays an increasing role in the diagnostic workup of large vessel vasculitis (LVV); however, information on the relationship between immunosuppressive drugs and vessel wall uptake is limited. In 94 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of LVV, the vessel wall-to-liver ratio (VLR) was assessed in eight vessel segments. Patients were grouped according to intake of immunomodulatory drugs (Group 1, prednisone; Group 2, prednisone + methotrexate; and Group 3, prednisone + others) and compared to treatment-naïve individuals. A total of 54/94 (57.4%) were treated with immunomodulatory drugs (Group 1, 29/49 (53.7%); Group 2, 9/54 (16.7%); Group 3, 11/54 (20.4%); and Group 4, 5/54 (9.3%)), whereas the remainder received no therapy (40/94 (42.6%)). The mean VLR of the arterial segments correlated significantly with the hematopoietic organs (r ≥ 0.22, p ≤ 0.05), c-reactive protein (r ≥ 0.25, p ≤ 0.05), and prednisone dosage (r ≥ −0.4, p ≤ 0.05). Relative to treatment-naïve patients, a significantly lower VLR was recorded in 5/8 (62.5%) of the investigated vessel segments in Group 1 (p ≤ 0.02), in 6/8 of the vessel segments in Group 2 (75.0%, p ≤ 0.006), and in 7/8 of the segments in Group 3 (87.5%, p ≤ 0.05). In LVV, the F-18 FDG uptake in vessel wall as a marker of inflammatory activity was attenuated by immunomodulatory drugs, which provides a foundation for future serial monitoring of treatment efficacy.

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In-vivo evaluation of the effect of cyanoacrylate on prosthetic vascular graft infection – does cyanoacrylate increase the severity of infection?

VASA ◽

10.1024/0301-1526/a000867 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 49 (4) ◽

pp. 281-284

Author(s):

Atıf Yolgosteren ◽

Gencehan Kumtepe ◽

Melda Payaslioglu ◽

Cuneyt Ozakin

Keyword(s):

Vascular Graft ◽

Graft Infection ◽

Vascular Graft Infection ◽

Group 4 ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Prosthetic Vascular Graft Infection ◽

Group 1

Summary. Background: Prosthetic vascular graft infection (PVGI) is a complication with high mortality. Cyanoacrylate (CA) is an adhesive which has been used in a number of surgical procedures. In this in-vivo study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between PVGI and CA. Materials and methods: Thirty-two rats were equally divided into four groups. Pouch was formed on back of rats until deep fascia. In group 1, vascular graft with polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) was placed into pouch. In group 2, MRSA strain with a density of 1 ml 0.5 MacFarland was injected into pouch. In group 3, 1 cm 2 vascular graft with PET piece was placed into pouch and MRSA strain with a density of 1 ml 0.5 MacFarland was injected. In group 4, 1 cm 2 vascular graft with PET piece impregnated with N-butyl cyanoacrylate-based adhesive was placed and MRSA strain with a density of 1 ml 0.5 MacFarland was injected. All rats were scarified in 96th hour, culture samples were taken where intervention was performed and were evaluated microbiologically. Bacteria reproducing in each group were numerically evaluated based on colony-forming unit (CFU/ml) and compared by taking their average. Results: MRSA reproduction of 0 CFU/ml in group 1, of 1410 CFU/ml in group 2, of 180 200 CFU/ml in group 3 and of 625 300 CFU/ml in group 4 was present. A statistically significant difference was present between group 1 and group 4 (p < 0.01), between group 2 and group 4 (p < 0.01), between group 3 and group 4 (p < 0.05). In terms of reproduction, no statistically significant difference was found in group 1, group 2, group 3 in themselves. Conclusions: We observed that the rate of infection increased in the cyanoacyrylate group where cyanoacrylate was used. We think that surgeon should be more careful in using CA in vascular surgery.

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Abnormal Haemostasis and Blood Viscosity in Malignant Hypertension

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1661190 ◽

1984 ◽

Vol 52 (03) ◽

pp. 253-255 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

C Isles ◽

G D O Lowe ◽

B M Rankin ◽

C D Forbes ◽

N Lucie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Blood Viscosity ◽

Renal Damage ◽

Antithrombin Iii ◽

Plasma Viscosity ◽

Malignant Hypertension ◽

Fibrin Deposition ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

SummaryWe have previously shown abnormalities of haemostasis suggestive of intravascular coagulation in patients with malignant hypertension, a condition associated with retinopathy and renal fibrin deposition. To determine whether such abnormalities are specific to malignant hypertension, we have measured several haemostatic and haemorheological variables in 18 patients with malignant hypertension (Group 1), 18 matched healthy controls (Group 2), and 18 patients with non-malignant hypertension (Group 3) matched for renal pathology, blood pressure and serum creatinine with Group 1. Both Groups 1 and 3 had increased mean levels of fibrinogen, factor VIIIc, beta-thrombo- globulin, plasma viscosity and blood viscosity (corrected for haematocrit); and decreased mean levels of haematocrit, antithrombin III and platelet count. Mean levels of fast antiplasmin and alpha2-macroglobulin were elevated in Group 1 but not in Group 3. We conclude that most blood abnormalities are not specific to malignant hypertension; are also present in patients with non-malignant hypertension who have similar levels of blood pressure and renal damage; and might result from renal damage as well as promoting further renal damage by enhancing fibrin deposition. However increased levels of fibrinolytic inhibitors in malignant hypertension merit further investigation in relation to removal of renal fibrin.

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