Methods: We determined the level of A beta(1-40), A beta(N-40), A beta(1-42) and A beta(N-42) in plasma of CAA-related ICH patients (n = 29) and healthy controls (n = 21) using xMAP (R) technology. Hemorrhages were identified and classified using a CT scan and brain MRI. Patients were clinically classified as probable or possible CAA according to the Boston criteria. Results: We found that plasma full-length A beta(1-42) and truncated fragments A beta(N-42)

were higher in probable CAA patients than in controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.046, respectively), and full-length A beta(1-40) was selectively elevated in probable CAA compared to possible cases (p = 0.015) and controls (p = 0.005). In addition, plasma A beta(N-42) levels were also higher in patients that presented multiple lobar macrohemorrhages compared to patients that had one symptomatic hemorrhagic

Elacridar purchase Bucladesine in vitro event (p = 0.022), indicating that a certain degree of CAA severity is necessary to show increased A beta fragments in peripheral circulation. Conclusion: Our results suggest that specific A beta fragments in plasma might be considered as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of CAA. Copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“Background: Computed tomography (CT) is the primary source of non-therapeutic medical radiation exposure. Radiation exposure is associated with an increased risk of cancer mortality. Although the risk of LOXO-101 inhibitor cancer mortality is negligible in comparison with that of trauma mortality in high-risk patients, the balance of risk versus benefit in patients with less severe mechanisms of injury is unknown.

Methods: This observational cohort study using a trauma center registry included blunt trauma patients prospectively triaged to an intermediate risk group (level II). Radiation dose was calculated using average dosage for each CT scan. Age-adjusted attributable radiation risk for cancer mortality was calculated using Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation VII data.

Results: Six hundred forty-two level II trauma patients were analyzed, with a mean age of 43.8 years and a median Injury Severity Score

of 8. Patients received a median radiation effective dose of 24.7 mSv in the first 24 hours of medical evaluation. Higher Injury Severity Score was associated with greater total radiation dose. Of the four deaths, all were 80 years or older with intracranial injuries. The estimated risk of cancer death attributable to CT exposure was 0.1%.

Conclusions: The risk of mortality from trauma is six times higher than the estimated risk of radiation-induced cancer mortality in intermediate level trauma patients. The mortality due to trauma is greatest in older patients, suggesting lower clinical suspicion is needed to warrant CT studies in this population. Efforts to reduce radiation exposure to trauma patients should focus on young patients with minor injuries.