Regression of atherosclerosis: what does it mean?
Article Abstract:
When fatty atherosclerotic plaques form on the inner surface of the coronary arteries, a condition known as coronary artery disease (CAD) results. The atherosclerotic plaques can reduce blood flow to the heart, causing serious complications, and contribute to the onset of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). Several studies reported in the past decade indicated that the normally progressive atherosclerosis can be stabilized and even reversed, and that new plaque formation can be prevented; these conditions are all considered to indicate regression of the disease. The implications of atherosclerosis regression for length and quality of life are controversial. Many physicians have believed that the absolute amount of plaque regression is the critical parameter, independent of the status of the disease at the beginning of treatment. Careful analysis of the data has revealed that the relationship between plaque severity and risk of CAD development is not as simple as was assumed (specifically, the relationship is nonlinear). Hence, a given degree of plaque reduction may be highly significant in one patient, but almost devoid of effect in another. In addition, it is becoming clear that changes seen in atherosclerotic lesions (plaques) occur along a continuum from rapid advancement, through stabilization, and on to plaque regression. Different segments of the coronary vasculature in an individual patient can show different kinds of movement along this continuum, thus it is important to completely evaluate the patency of the coronary blood supply (by means of exhaustive angiographic mapping) before any conclusions can be drawn concerning either the effect of treatment on atherosclerosis or the effect of atherosclerotic changes on susceptibility to CAD. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0002-9343
Year: 1991
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X-linked hypophosphatemia: skeletal mass in adults assessed by histomorphometry, computed tomography, and absorptiometry
Article Abstract:
X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH, a deficiency of phosphates in the blood) is the most common inherited type of rickets in North America. XLH is referred to as a "vitamin D-resistant" type of rickets. Rickets is a disease of the bones in childhood that is usually due to deficiency of vitamin D, which leads to reduced absorption of calcium and phosphorous. Adults with XLH have osteomalacia (a softening or bending of the bones, the adult form of rickets). The influence of XLH on skeletal mass in adulthood has not been fully characterized. In order to determine the effect of XLH on bone mass, 22 subjects with untreated XLH were studied. Bone biopsies were analyzed, and bone density was also measured. It is concluded that most adults with untreated XLH have normal bone mass, as measured by three different techniques. However, a minor degree of peripheral bone loss (in the extremities) may occur. Thus bone fractures are an unlikely complication in adults with XLH. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0002-9343
Year: 1991
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