Link between irritable bowel syndrome,depression,and colorectal cancer risk in young patients:Age-matched nationwide populationbased study

BACKGROUND There exists a link between irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)and depression.Similarly,chronic depression is known to increase the risk of cancer in general.In this population-based analysis,we investigated the prevalence and the odds of colorectal cancer(CRC)in young-depressed patients with IBS.AIM To investigate the relationship between IBS and CRC in young,depressed patients using a nationally representative United States inpatient sample.METHODS The 2019 National Inpatient Sample was used to identify young(18-44 years)patients admitted with comorbid depression in the presence vs absence of IBS using relevant International Classification of Diseases,Tenth Revision,Clinical Modification codes.Primary endpoint was the prevalence and odds of CRC in age matched(1:1)youngdepressed cohort hospitalized with IBS(IBS+)vs without IBS(IBS-).Multivariable regression analysis was performed adjusting for potential confounders.RESULTS Age-matched(1:1)young-depressed IBS+(83.9%females,median age 36 years)and IBS-(65.8%females,median age 36 years)cohorts consisted of 14370 patients in each group.IBS+cohort had higher rates of hypertension,uncomplicated diabetes,hyperlipidemia,obesity,peripheral vascular disease,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,hypothyroidism,prior stroke,prior venous thromboembolism,anxiety,bipolar disorder,and borderline personality disorder(P<0.005)vs the IBS-cohort.However,prior myocardial infarction,acquired immunodeficiency syndrome,dementia,smoking,alcohol abuse,and drug abuse(P<0.005)are high in IBS-cohort.The rate of CRC was comparable in both cohorts[IBS+n=25(0.17%)vs IBS-n=35(0.24%)].Compared to the IBS-cohort,the odds ratio(OR)of developing CRC was not significantly higher[OR 0.71,95% confidence interval(CI)0.23-2.25]in IBS+cohort.Also,adjusting for baseline sociodemographic and hospital characteristics and relevant comorbidities,the OR was found to be non-significant(OR 0.89,95%CI 0.21-3.83).CONCLUSION This nationwide propensity-matched analysis revealed comparable prevalence and risk of CRC in youngdepressed patients with vs without IBS.Future large-scale prospective studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of depression and its treatment on CRC risk and outcomes in IBS patients.

Prognostic factors of young patients with colon cancer after surgery

AIM： To investigate the prognostic factors of 96 young patients with colon cancer within a cancer center by univariate and multivariate analysis. METHODS： A total of 723 patients with colon cancer were treated surgically during a period of 10 years. Ninty six of them were 40 years old or younger. R0, R1 and R2 operations were performed in 69 （71.9%）, 4 （4.1%） and 23 patients （24%）, respectively. Left hemicolectomy was performed in 43 patients, right hemicolectomy in 37 patients, transverse colon resection in 9 patients and low anterior resection in 7 patients. Cox multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of survival. RESULTS： The operation mortality was 0%, 54 patients died within 111 mo after operation due to occurrence or metastases of the tumor. Liver, lung and bone metastases occurred in 3, 1 and 5 patients, respectively. The mean survival time for all patients was 77.9 ± 5.01 mo and the overall 3-, 5- and 10- year survival rates were 66.68%, 58.14% and 46.54%, respectively. In the univariate survival analysis, patient age, type of operation, radical resection, blood transfusion, histological type, diameter of tumor, depth of tumor invasion, lymphatic invasion, distant metastases, liver metastases and TNM stage were found to be predictors of survival in young patients with colon cancer. In the Cox-regression analysis, blood transfusion and lymphatic invasion were determined as independent prognostic factors of survival. CONCLUSIONS： Age, type of operation, radical resection, blood transfusion, histological type, diameter of tumor, depth of tumor invasion, lymphatic invasion, distant metastasis and TNM stage are the predictors of survival in young patients with colon cancer after surgery.

Etiological and clinicopathologic characteristics of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in young patients

AIM:To investigate the prevalence,risk factors,and clinicopathologic characteristics of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC)in young patients.METHODS:A retrospective analysis was performed in ICC patients referred to the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital in Shanghai,China.Among 317 consecutively enrolled patients,40 patients were aged ≤40 years(12.61%).We compared the risk factors and clinicopathologic characteristics of these patients(groupⅠ:n=40)with those aged>40 years(group Ⅱ:n=277).RESULTS:Group I had distinct features compared with groupⅡ,including a low frequency of hepatolithiasis(P=0.000);a high positive rate of serum hepatitis B surface antigen(P=0.000)and hepatitis B virus(HBV)associated cirrhosis(P=0.038);a high frequency ofα-fetoprotein(>400μg/L)(P=0.011);a low frequency of carbohydrate antigen 19-9(>37 U/mL)(P=0.017);and a high frequency of liver histological inflammation(P=0.002).Although there was no significant difference between the two groups in regards to hepatic schistosomiasis,alcohol-associated cirrhosis and cirrhosis due to other causes(P>0.05),they only occurred in the elderly group.CONCLUSION:The risk factors are significantly different between young and elderly ICC patients.HBV and HBV-associated cirrhosis are the most important risk factors for young ICC patients.

Diverticulitis in the young patient-Is it different?

AIM： To prospectively study the incidence and the natural history of acute diverticulitis in young patients. METHODS： A total of 207 patients hospitalized at our hospital between January 2000 to February 2005 with the diagnosis of acute diverticulitis were included. Their demographic characteristics, medical history, physical, radiographic and endoscopic findings as well as therapy were recorded. Patients were followed every 6 mo for the first year and later annually. RESULTS： The mean patients＇ age was 61 （range 27-92） years. Twenty- five patients （12%） were younger than 45 years. Acute diverticulitis was significantly more prevalent among male in the young age group as compared to the older age group （19/25, 76% vs 61/182, 33%, respectively, P = 0.0001）. Complications occurred more often in the young age group; 32% vs 13%, （P = 0.002）. During follow-up, 6 patients （28%） remained asymptomatic in the young age group as compared to 87 patients （55%） in the older age group （P = 0.024）. As a result, sigmoidectomies were performed twice as often in the young age group （38% vs 13%, P = 0.002）. CONCLUSION： Diverticulitis in young patients has a male predominance, a more aggressive course with a higher rate of complications and a higher recurrence rate. An earlier surgical approach might be considered in young patients with acute diverticulitis.

Complex proximal femoral fracture in a young patient followed up for 3 years: A case report

BACKGROUND Ipsilateral femoral neck and intertrochanteric fractures in young patients are extremely rare,and there is no reference for fracture classification and treatment options.CASE SUMMARY We report a 27-year-old male patient who sustained ipsilateral femoral neck and intertrochanteric fractures and was treated with a proximal femoral locking compression plate(PFLCP).The literature on these fractures was also reviewed.At the last follow-up three years after surgery,the patient had no obvious pain in the hip,and the range of motion in the hip joint was slightly limited,but met the normal life and work needs.There were no complications such as necrosis of the femoral head.CONCLUSION The PFLCP can be used to treat these complex proximal femoral fractures,and selection should be based on the patient's specific fractures.

Evaluation the effect of fertility-preserving surgery on young patients with malignant ovarian tumors

Objection： To evaluate the impact of fertility-preserving surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy on survival and fertility of young patients with ovarian malignant tumors. Methods： Retrospective analysis of 39 patients with ovarian malignant germ cell tumors, 23 patients with malignant epithelial tumors and 4 patients with sexual cord mesenchymal tumors receiving conservative treatments. Results： Two patients lost follow-up （we do not statistics them）. Fifty-nine among 64 patients were alive up to now （92.19%）. The overall survival rate for ovarian epithelial malignancies, malignant germ cell tumors and sexual cord mesenchymal tumors were 95.45%, 89.47% and 100% respectively. Fifteen patients received second operation and recurrence was found in 6 patients. Among the 59 surviving patients, 53 patients have normal menstruation. Thirteen patients among 20 patients who want to pregnant have 15 pregnancies and 9 successful deliveries. Conclusion： The management of fertility-preserving surgery on patients with ovarian malignant germ cell tumors, whatever the FIGO staging is, is a safe option. For patients with ovarian epithelial carcinomas, fertility-preserving surgery only confined to low-stage （stage Ⅰ）, low-grade （G1）, and patients who want keep fertility function seriously. Cisplatinum-based combination chemotherapy is necessary. Standardized chemotherapy has no affection on fertility function.

Bladder Cancer in Young Patients: Management and Outcomes

Background and Objective: Bladder cancer frequently occurs between the ages of 50 years and 70 years and rarely occurs before the age of 40 years. It accounts for 1% - 4% of all cases of cancer. This study focuses on the clinical, etiological, histological, therapeutic, and evolutive profiles of patients with bladder cancer aged less than 45 years. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was carried out over seven years (from January 2014 to December 2020) on 15 patients below 45 years of age who were being treated for bladder cancer. The diagnosis was made in all patients via cystoscopy and abdominal computerized tomography, while the nature, grade, and degree of infiltration were determined via endoscopic resection and pathology. Results: The mean age of the 15 patients in this study was 34.4 ± 5.19 years. In 86.6% of cases, the patients had macroscopic hematuria as the main presenting complaint. Twelve patients (80%) had bladder tumors that did not infiltrate the muscle. These patients were followed up clinically. In 86.6% of cases, there was a single tumor with a mean diameter of 2.53 cm. In four patients (26.6%), mitomycin was started early. The overall rates of tumor recurrence and progression were 26.6% and 20%, respectively. Conclusion: Bladder cancer also occurs in young people, with similar clinical and epidemiological profiles as exists in elderly patients. The prognosis of bladder cancer in young people depends on the treatment method chosen by the physician.

Treatment options for irreparable postero-superior cuff tears in young patients

Rotator cuff tears(RCTs) occur more commonly with advanced age,with most rotator cuff abnormalities in patients less than 30 years old being painful tendinoses or partial-thickness RCTs.Irreparable postero-superior cuff tears has been reported as frequent as 7% to 10% in the general population,and the incidence of irreparable RCTs in young patients is still unknown.Several surgical procedures have been proposed for young patients with irreparable postero-superior RCTs,such as rotator cuff debridement,partial rotator cuff repair,biceps tenotomy/tenodesis,rotator cuff grafting,latissimus dorsi tendon transfer,and reverse shoulder arthroplasty.After being thoroughly investigated in open surgery,arthroscopic techniques for latissimus dorsi tendon transfer have been recently described.They have been shown to be an adequate option to open surgery for managing irreparable postero-superior RCTs refractory to conservative management.

Management of femoral neck fractures in the young patient: A critical analysis review

Femoral neck fractures account for nearly half of all hip fractures with the vast majority occurring in elderly patients after simple falls.Currently there may be sufficient evidence to support the routine use of hip replacement surgery for low demand elderly patients in all but non-displaced and valgus impacted femoral neck fractures.However for the physiologically young patients,preservation of the natural hip anatomy and mechanics is a priority in management because of their high functional demands.The biomechanical challenges of femoral neck fixation and the vulnerability of the femoral head blood supply lead to a high incidence of non-union and osteonecrosis of the femoral head after internal fixation of displaced femoral neck fractures.Anatomic reduction and stable internal fixation are essentials in achieving the goals of treatment in this young patient population.Furthermore,other management variables such as surgical timing,the role of capsulotomy and the choice of implant for fixation remaincontroversial.This review will focus both on the demographics and injury profile of the young patient with femoral neck fractures and the current evidence behind the surgical management of these injuries as well as their major secondary complications.

Clinical characteristics of young patients with early Barrett’s neoplasia

BACKGROUND Esophageal adenocarcinoma(EAC)and high-grade dysplasia(HGD)may appear in young patients with Barrett's esophagus(BE).However,characteristics of Barrett's-related neoplasia in this younger population remain unknown.AIM To identify clinical characteristics that differ between young and old patients with early-stage Barrett's-related neoplasia.METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database comprised of consecutive patients with early-stage EAC(pT1)and HGD at a tertiary-referral center between 2001 and 2017.Baseline characteristics,drug and risk factor exposures,clinicopathological staging of EAC/HGD and treatment outcomes[complete eradication of neoplasia(CE-N),complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia(CE-IM),recurrence of neoplasia and recurrence of intestinal metaplasia]were retrieved.Multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors that differed significantly between older and younger(≤50 years)patients.RESULTS We identified 450 patients with T1 EAC and HGD(74%and 26%,respectively);45(10%)were≤50 years.Compared to the older group,young patients were more likely to present with ongoing gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)symptoms(55%vs 38%,P=0.04)and to be obese(body mass index>30,48%vs 32%,P=0.04).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that young patients were significantly more likely to have ongoing GERD symptoms[odds ratio(OR)2.00,95%confidence interval(CI)1.04-3.85,P=0.04]and to be obese(OR 2.06,95%CI 1.07-3.98,P=0.03)whereas the young group was less likely to have a smoking history(OR 0.39,95%CI 0.20-0.75,P<0.01)compared to the old group.However,there were no significant differences regarding tumor histology,CE-N,CE-IM,recurrence of neoplasia and recurrence of intestinal metaplasia(mean follow-up,44.3 mo).CONCLUSION While guidelines recommend BE screening in patients>50 years of age,younger patients should be considered for screening endoscopy if they suffer from obesity and GERD symptoms.

Placement of a fully covered self-expandable metal stent in a young patient with chronic pancreatitis

Plastic stent insertion is a treatment option for pancreatic duct stricture with chronic pancreatitis.However, recurrent stricture is a limitation after removing the plastic stent.Self-expandable metal stents have long diameters and patency.A metal stent has become an established management option for pancreatic duct stricture caused by malignancy but its use in benign stricture is still controversial.We introduce a young patient who had chronic pancreatitis and underwent several plastic stent insertions due to recurrent pancreatic duct stricture.His symptoms improved after using a fully covered self-expandable metal covered stent and there was no recurrence found at follow-up at the outpatient department.

Pulmonary Embolism in Young Patients: About 24 Cases at the Cardiology Department of Dakar Principal Hospital in Senegal

Introduction: Pulmonary embolism is a relatively common life-threatening cardiovascular emergency. It remains a diagnostic problem because of its nonspecific clinical signs. Objective: The general objective was to study pulmonary embolism in young patients admitted to the cardiology department of Dakar Principal Hospital in Senegal. Methodology: This was a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study in the cardiology department of the Dakar Principal Hospital over a period of two (02) years from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016 in young patients admitted for pulmonary embolism. Results: We collected 24 patients with a hospital prevalence of 2.18%. The average age was 42.29 years ± 8.41 years with a male predominance (sex ratio of 1.6). The Wells probability score was low in 54.16% of patients and medium in 45.83%. Functional signs were dominated by chest pain (83.33% of cases) followed by dyspnea (79.16% of cases). The thromboembolic risk factors found were gynecological-obstetrical in 16.6% of cases followed by prolonged bed rest. One case of thrombophilia was present with a deficiency of protein C and antithrombin III. The electrocardiogram recorded sinus tachycardia in 29.16% of patients;the Mac Ginn White sign (S1Q3T3) was found in 25% of cases. Echocardiography showed pulmonary arterial hypertension in 12.48% of cases, dilation of the right ventricle and a paradoxical septal motion in 14.28% of cases. CT pulmonary angiography showed 63.63% of cases with bilateral pulmonary embolism;it was unilateral in 22.72% of cases. Long-term anticoagulation was based on acenocoumarol 4 mg (66.7%) and Rivaroxaban (33.3%). 62.5% of the patients were seen at the 3rd month, when a checking was made to evaluate the tolerance of the treatment, and the evolution of the patient. Conclusion: Pulmonary embolism is not a rare condition in young subjects but is often underdiagnosed. Gyneco-obstetrical factors are predominant in this age group. Direct oral anticoagulants are more and more prescribed in our countries.

Case Report of Prosthetic Treatment of a Young Patient Suffering Papilon-Lefever Syndrome

Papillon-Lefevre syndrome (PLS) is a rare recessive autosomal disease which occurs with palms and soles hyperkeratosis as well as primary and permanent teeth periodontal loss. Recently, it has been proved that a mutation at Cathepsin gene C is the genetic cause of PLS. All primary and permanent teeth of the patients are lost at ages 2 or 3 because of serious alveolar bone destruction. This paper presents a complete case of prosthetic treatment of an 8-year old girl with PLS.

Cardiac MRI: Luxury or Necessity, beyond the Electrocardiogram and Biology in the Management of Acute Coronary Syndrome in Young Patients? About 2 Cases Reports in Sub-Saharan Environment

Introduction: Precordial pain is a common reason for admission in cardiology, and has many causes. Acute myocarditis in its pseudo-infarctoid form is sometimes difficult to differentiate from myocardial infarction. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helps to differentiate these two disease entities. We report the respective cases of two young patients, one presenting with myocarditis whilst the other with myocardial infarction. Case Report: We present the cases of two patients. The first who had a recent history of febrile syndrome is a 23-year-old who stopped smoking 3 months prior to presentation whilst the second is a 22-year-old professional footballer with a history of stress with no other cardiovascular risk factors. They were respectively admitted in our emergency department for a constrictive, intense chest pain. Physical examination was normal. The chest pain in both patients was associated with elevated cardiac markers, primary repolarisation abnormalities on ECG, wall motion abnormalities as well as left ventricular systolic dysfunction on transthoracic echocardiography. Coronary angiograms were normal in both patients. In the first patient, MRI concluded with an acute myocarditis with apical akinesia extending to the anterior wall, a T2 hypersignal indicative of myocardial edema, and uptake of a nodular heterogeneous contrast without affecting the sub-endocardial layers on the late enhancement sequences. In the second patient, MRI showed an appearance consistent with acute extensive infarction in the antero-apical region with severe hypokinesia and late quasi-transmural enhancement, impairment of the anterior papillary muscle of the mitral valve and a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction at 33%. In addition to analgesics, the first patient was treated with perindopril and bisoprolol, and the second patient received antithrombotic and anticoagulant treatment. There was clinical improvement in both patients. Conclusion: Cardiac MRI is a useful diagnostic tool for the precise diagnosis of precordial pain with elevated cardiac enzymes, especially in young patients.

Anterior Choroidal Artery Territory Stroke in Young Patient

Introduction: Stroke incidence in young patients is about 10 cases in 100.000, according to several European studies. In this age group arterial dissection is one of the main pathological mechanisms involved. The internal carotid’s artery (ICA) main supraclinoid branch is the anterior choroidal artery (AChA). The occurrence of infarction in its territory due to internal carotid dissection is considered to be a rare event and may have different clinical presentations due to anatomical variability. Clinical case: A 31-year-old male patient, without any known cardiovascular risk factors or chronic medication, presented with acute onset of stabbing right sided headache while practicing football. Visual disturbances and hemiparesis with hypesthesia of his left arm were also mentioned. On admission left homonymous hemianopsia, left hemiparesis and left extensor plantar reflex were present. Brain magnetic resonance showed hyperintensity of T2 and FLAIR signals and restricted diffusion pattern suggested acute/subacute infarctions in the thalamic and subcapsular area, corpus callosum, splenium and subcortical parietal right region. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the brain showed reduction of the right ICA’s caliber, mainly of its supraclinoid segment in which a marked irregular stenosis was visualized, suggestive of arterial dissection. This stenotic segment included the origin of the AChA and of the posterior communicating cerebral artery with an exchange in their territories. Lumbar puncture results were normal as were analytical investigations which included CBC, sedimentation rate, syphilis serology and immunologic and prothrombotic screen. There were no phenotype characteristics suggestive of connective tissue disease. Conclusion: Trauma seems to be the most probable lesion mechanism for the occurrence of intracranial carotid’s dissection in this particular case, as the patient was practicing vigorous sports at time of onset. In view of great anatomic variability and multiple anatomical sites supplied by the AChA its occlusion will induce a wide range of clinical manifestations.

Long-term impact of initial surgical and medical therapy on young patients with papillary thyroid cancer and bilateral cervical metastases

Background There are few reviews on the clinical features and prognosis of young patients with papillary thyroid cancer and bilateral cervical metastases. We have investigated the long-term impact of initial surgical and medical therapy on such patients. Methods A retrospective study was performed on 24 young patients （11 females and 13 males） with papillary thyroid cancer and bilateral cervical lymph node metastases, ranging in age from 11 to 20 years （mean age, 16.6 years）, who were treated in our institution from 1 January 1970 to 31 December 1985. Results All the patients in this group were followed up for 20 years. The survival of the patients at 20 years was 91.7%. The recurrence of local tumor and distant metastases was 20.8% and 12.5%, respectively. Based on analysis of the clinical data, we determined that the completeness of the surgical excision had a significant correlation with tumor recurrence. Conclusion These young patients with papillary thyroid cancer and cervical metastases have a good prognosis after suitable treatment.

Decompression alone versus decompression with instrumented fusion for young patients with single-level lumbar disc herniation：a short-term prospective comparative study

Background For young patients,the surgical method for lumbar disc herniation remains controversial.The aim of this study was to prospectively determine the short-term clinical outcome after surgery for young patients with lumbar disc herniation.Methods In this prospective comparative study between April 2010 and August 2011,a total of 80 patients underwent primary surgery at a single level for lumbar disc herniation.The patients were divided into two groups：decompression alone and decompression with instrumented fusion.An independent examiner clinically evaluated the patients at preoperation and at 1,3,6,and 12 months after surgery.The patients filled out the instruments for back and leg pain using a Visual Analog Scale （VAS）,Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire （ODI）,and Japanese Orthopaedic Association （JOA） scores.The differences between the two groups were analyzed.Results The mean age of all the patients at the time of surgery was 33.7 years.Of the 80 patients,38 patients underwent decompression alone and 42 patients underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion.Increasing complexity of surgery was associated with a longer surgery time,greater blood loss,and a longer hospital stay after surgery.Both methods of surgery independently improved outcomes compared with baseline status based on VAS,ODI,and JOA scores （P 〈0.05）,and no significant differences were found between the two groups at most of the measuring points in time,although patients with decompression alone had a higher JOA score （P=0.016） and higher JOA recovery rate （P=0.010） at the 3-month follow-up.Conclusions The short-term results of our study showed that both methods of surgery obtained effective clinical outcomes,but decompression alone had some advantages （shorter surgery time,less blood loss,shorter hospital stay,and lower cost） compared with decompression with instrumented fusion.Young patients with decompression alone could achieve great physical function earlier.

Clinicopathologic Characteristics and Surgical Outcome of Gastric Cancer in Patients Younger than 36 Years of Age

OBJECTIVE This study was designed to determine theclinicopathologic features of young patients who underwentgastrectomy for gastric cancer and to improve the clinicalmanagement of this disease.METHODS From 1981 to 2000,among 1,830 gastric cancerpatients were admitted in our hospital for surgical treatment,66of them were<36 years of age.The clinicopathologic data of theseyoung patients were collected and reviewed.RESULTS The male:female ratio was 1.2:1.Most tumors werelocated in the lower third of the stomach(63.1%).The overall5-year survival rate of 66 cases was 28.7%.The 5-year survivalrates in the patients with early stages and with advanced stages ofgastric carcinoma were 77.8%(7/9)and 21.1%(12/57),respectively.Unfavorable prognostic factors associated with poor 5-yearsurvival included the degree of the invasion in the gastric wall(P<0.05),and curability of resection(non-curative vs.curative;P<0.05).CONCLUSION Gastric cancer in young adults tends to be moreadvanced presentation when diagnosed.However,young patientswith early gastric cancer can tolerate radical treatments well.Itis important to promptly make a precise diagnosis for gastriccarcinoma in young patients and to treat it in early stage.

Effects of professional rehabilitation training on the recovery of neurological function in young stroke patients

Young stroke patients have a strong desire to return to the society, but few studies have been conducted on their rehabilitation training items, intensity, and prognosis. We analyzed clinical data of young and middle-aged/older stroke patients hospitalized in the Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Capital Medical University, China from February 2014 to May 2015. Results demonstrated that hemorrhagic stroke （59.6%） was the primary stroke type found in the young group, while ischemic stroke （60.0%） was the main type detected in the middle-aged/older group. Compared with older stroke patients, education level and incidence of hyperhomocysteinemia were higher in younger stroke patients, whereas, incidences of hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease were lower. The average length of hospital stay was longer in the young group than in the middle-aged/older group. The main risk factors observed in the young stroke patients were hypertension, drinking, smoking, hyperlipidemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, diabetes, previous history of stroke, and heart disease. The most accepted rehabilitation program consisted of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, acupuncture and moxibustion. Average rehabilitation training time was 2.5 hours/day. Barthel Index and modified Rankin Scale scores were increased at discharge. Six months after discharge, the degree of occupational and economic satisfaction declined, and there were no changes in family life satisfaction. The degrees of other life satisfaction （such as friendship） improved. The degree of disability and functional status improved significantly in young stroke patients after professional rehabilitation, but the number of patients who returned to society within 6 months after stroke was still small.

Oxidative Stress During Antituberculous Therapy in Young and Elderly Patients

Using allantoin (ATN ) as a marker for reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative stress during antituberculous (anti-TB) therapy was compared in 10 young and 9 elderly patients.Before treatment, ATN plasma concentrations in patients were similar to that of volunteers. Administration of a combination of isoniazid (INH ), rifampicin (RIF) and pyrazinamid e (PZA) increased plasma ATN in both groups of patients. ATN concentrations (M± SE) at six hours were higher (P <0.05 ) in elderly than in young patients on day one,8.22 ± 1.50 vs 1.89 ± 0.98 μg/mL); day 30, (5.85 ± 0.82 vs 0.87 ± 0.57 μg/mL; and day 90, (4.84 ± 1.24 vs 0.52 ± 0.50μg/mL). Because total amount of ATN excreted was similar in both groups on the three occasions, more ATN was formed in elderly than young patients. In conclusion, there was more oxidative stress in elderly than young patients. It is thereby suggested that Anti-TB drugs induce formation of ROS and elderly patients are at a greater risk of toxicity probably because of poor antioxidant mechanisms