Design: Repeated cross-sectional study.

Methods: Self-reported data from surveys given in Salamis during two election days in 2002 and 2006 were analysed. The same sampling method and procedures were used on both surveys. The study sample included 2805 and 3478 subjects (>=20 years) in 2002 and 2006, respectively, with similar age and sex distribution to the target population.

Results: The prevalence of MI increased from 4.1% (men, 6.3%; women, 1.9%) in 2002 to 4.8% (men, 7.3%; women, 2.2%) in 2006 (P = 0.18). At the same time, prevalence rates of major risk factors were as follows: diabetes increased from 8.7% to 10.3% (P = 0.037), hypertension from 20.1% to 25.7% (P < 0.001) and hypercholesterolemia (cholesterol >240 mg/dl or the use of cholesterol-lowering medication) increased from 17.5% to 22.3% (P < 0.001). Prevalence of current smokers in 2002 (defined as persons who smoked >=5 cigarettes/day) was 37.0% and in 2006 (defined as those who smoked >=1 cigarettes/day) was 40.1%. Logistic regression analysis showed that the aforementioned risk factors were significantly associated with MI in both surveys; the factor that showed the greatest magnitude of association with MI was hypercholesterolemia, followed by diabetes, hypertension and smoking.

Conclusions: These findings show that, in the Greek population, prevalence of MI continues to rise (at ~4% per year). This trend seems to be driven by a persistently high prevalence of smoking and the rapidly increasing burden of diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.

Aim and Design: The relationships among physical activity, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome were assessed in a cross-sectional study concerning 1144 subjects aged 65–91 years resident in Pianoro (northern Italy). Household and leisure-time activities were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire (Physical Activity Scale for Elderly—PASE). Routine clinical and biochemical data (including fasting insulin) were used to assess insulin resistance [Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) method] and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome.

Results: All PASE scores were inversely correlated with waist circumference, triglycerides and HOMA index, with highest significance for leisure-time activities (P <= 0.005). The PASE score for household activities was also correlated inversely with blood glucose (P < 0.05), and directly with HDL cholesterol (P < 0.001). In logistic regression analysis, the metabolic syndrome was more prevalent among sedentary subjects (corresponding to the low tertile of leisure-time activities) than in the remaining more active population (odds ratio 1.51, 95% confidence interval 1.12–2.03, P = 0.007), independently of possible confounders.

Conclusion: Physical activity is inversely associated with insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome even in the elderly. Community programs favoring physical activity are expected to significantly improve the health status in these subjects.

Methods: A systematic review of studies of survival in patients who met the KCC according to whether they were transplanted. Data from these studies was extrapolated to compare long-term survival with and without adjustment for Quality of Life.

Results: The survival of patients meeting KCC and undergoing transplant has not been specifically studied. UK data on transplants for acute liver failure indicate 1 and 10 year survival rates of 65 and 44%, respectively. Survival in those without transplant was documented in 15 studies. The average long-term survival rate was 24.9%. Survival was worse in studies originating in the King's unit (13.8 vs. 30.0%). It was apparent that this may be due to spectrum bias occurring in this much larger unit. There was clear evidence that those with the best prognosis were preferentially transplanted at the Kings liver unit, indicating the criteria may perform significantly worse at predicting death without transplant than previously estimated. Even so, for a 20-year-old meeting KCC, the best estimate of life expectancy with transplant (13.5 years) is no better than without (13.4 years). Adjustment for quality of life made OLT clearly a worse option.

Conclusion: Criteria for OLT that have a much higher positive predictive value (for death without transplant) are required. Such studies must be conducted only on those who would be considered suitable for transplant. Non-orthotopic liver transplant may be a preferred option in such circumstances, although much more data on survival after this procedure are required.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 500 ICs inserted into patients of St Vincent's Private hospital from December 2005 to June 2006. Patients were followed until the IC had been removed or changed. Statistical analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards.

Results: Of the 500 ICs inserted, 37% were 18 g, 46% were 20 g and 18% were 22 g. Gauge of IC was the most significant predictor of increased longevity of IC (P = 0.0002, RR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.08–1.27). The median survival of 18, 20 and 22 g were 57 h (95% CI 49–72), 43 h (95% CI 36–48.5) and 29 h (95% CI 24–40.5), respectively. The site of IC placement influenced the longevity of ICs (P = 0.005, RR= 0.7, 95% CI 0.55–0.9), as did male gender (P = 0.03, RR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.6–0.97). However in subgroup analysis, the most marked effect on IC longevity was evident in those patients with 18 g placed in the forearm/wrist (median 72 h) with less marked changes in other site/gauge combinations. In contrast, 22 g ICs placed in the hand had a median lifespan of 29 h.

Conclusion: IC gauge and site of placement are important factors in determining IC longevity. 18 g ICs placed in the forearm/wrist can considerably increase the longevity of ICs and should be attempted in patients who require sustained cannulation.

Objective: To examine in open trial whether providing complement by concurrent administration of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) will enhance the effect of RTX in CLL.

Setting: Outpatient haematology clinics in Israel and Greece.

Patients: Five patients with severe treatment-resistant CLL. All had been previously treated with fludarabine and three also failed treatment with RTX.

Intervention: Two units of FFP followed with RTX 375 mg/m² as a single agent, repeated every 1–2 weeks, as needed.

Results: A rapid and dramatic clinical and laboratory response was achieved in all patients. Lymphocyte counts dropped markedly followed by shrinkage of lymph nodes and spleen and improvement of the anaemia and thrombocytopenia. This could be maintained over 8 months (median) with additional cycles if necessary. Treatment was well tolerated in all cases.

Conclusion: Adding FFP to RTX may provide a useful therapeutic option in patients with advanced CLL resistant to treatment.