Assessing the implementation process

A Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) has many benefits and could improve health care outcomes. Reaping these benefits, however, is dependent on successful implementation of a provider order entry system. The literature supports substantial evidence that even systems that are usable, effective and reliable have not been adopted by the intended users. A successful implementation may be substantially a function of the degree to which the processes of care have changed to adapt to the new system. To ensure successful implementation we suggest monitoring the implementation process itself. The purpose of this paper is to report the methodology we developed for assessing how successfully a provider order entry system is being implemented. We adopt a model of diffusion of information technology developed by Fichman (1994) and expanded by Ash (1997). In this model, diffusion is characterized be three categories, "breadth" (infusion) and "depth" (diffusion) and "quality" (appropriateness of use). In this paper we discuss the typology of diffusion and describe specific measures designed to measure infusion and diffusion of a hospital information system.

Does user satisfaction relate to adoption behavior?: an exploratory analysis using CPRS implementation

User satisfaction is commonly assessed in evaluations of information systems as a proxy for user adoption. However few studies actually report directly assessing the relationship between the two constructs. In this study the relationship between four user satisfaction measures and five adoption behaviors were explored in the context of the implementation of the Veteran's Health Administration Computerized Patient Record System 1.0. Findings suggest that the relationship is modest and depends on the measurement system used. Specifically, direct reports of affect and judgements of specific task efficacy related to behavior more often than usability and a general user satisfaction instrument.

Computer needs assessment based on nursing tasks

The purpose of this paper was to validate the Nurse Task Computer Use (NTCU) scale as a measure of the impact of computer use on tasks performed by nurses. It was expected that evaluation of a computer system by tasks is a better measure of nursing satisfaction. We used four strategies to accomplish validation. Initially, we used taxonomy of nursing interventions developed by Susan Grobe as a basis for identifying tasks. Next, using factor analysis, the results of the NTCU was compared to two validated user satisfaction scales. The third validation strategy consisted of comparing responses to the survey with interview findings for similarity, additional responses, and reoccurring patterns. Finally, findings from the results of the NTCU were compared to the Computers in Medical Care values survey. Results generally supported the validity and reliability of this instrument.

Influence of microenvironment on mammary epithelial cell survival in primary culture

Mammary epithelial cells cultured on Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) matrix form multicellular structures termed mammospheres, in which cells and matrix become arranged around a central luminal space. In the presence of lactogenic hormones, cells within mammospheres become polarized, form tight intercellular junctions, and secrete milk proteins vectorially into the luminal space. This study examined the mechanism of lumen formation. Histological examination of developing mammospheres showed that cavitation was associated spatially and temporally with the appearance of fragmented nuclear material in apoptotic bodies, and with the presence of cells positively labeled by terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated deoxyuridine nick end-labeling (TUNEL). Analysis of [(32)P]-deoxynucleotide end-labeled genomic DNA by electrophoresis and autoradiography showed DNA laddering indicative of apoptosis. A transient increase in laddering coincided with both lumen formation and the presence of TUNEL-positive cells. Lumen formation, DNA laddering, and detection of TUNEL-positive cells were all accelerated when matrix composition was altered. They were also impaired coordinately when caspase inhibitor was present during the first two days of culture. Therefore, lumen formation in mammosphere cultures is due to selective apoptosis of centrally located cells. Mammosphere cavitation was accompanied by redistribution of matrix constituents to the mammosphere periphery. Western blotting and Western ligand blotting of culture medium showed that lumen formation was also associated with a transient increase in insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 (IGFBP5), a factor implicated in mammary apoptosis in vivo. We propose that epithelial cell survival during mammosphere development is induced selectively through stabilization by basement membrane constituents, which may act directly on the epithelial cell or confer protection against autocrine apoptotic factors.

Sustained-release alfuzosin, finasteride and the combination of both in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. European ALFIN Study Group

OBJECTIVES

To assess the additive benefit of combining an alpha1-blocker and a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor.

METHODS

This European, randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial involved 1.051 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Patients received sustained release (SR) alfuzosin (n = 358), a selective alpha1-blocker given at a dose of 5 mg twice daily without dose titration; finasteride (n = 344), 5 mg once daily, or both drugs (n = 349), for 6 months. Primary efficacy criteria were symptomatic improvement (International Prostate Symptom Score: I-PSS) and maximum flow rate (Qmax). Safety was assessed by monitoring adverse events.

RESULTS

Symptomatic improvement was significantly higher from the 1st month of treatment with SR alfuzosin, alone or in combination; mean changes in I-PSS versus baseline at end-point were -6.3 and -6.1, respectively, compared with -5.2 with finasteride alone (SR alfuzosin vs. finasteride, p = 0.01; combination vs. finasteride, p = 0.03). The percentages of patients with a decrease in I-PSS of at least 50% were 43, 42 and 33% for SR alfuzosin, the combination and finasteride, respectively (SR alfuzosin vs. finasteride, p = 0.008; combination vs. finasteride, p = 0.009). In the overall population, increases in Qmax were greater with SR alfuzosin and the combination, compared with finasteride alone after 1 month of therapy, but changes at end-point were similar in the three treatment groups. In those 47% of patients likely to be obstructed (baseline Qmax <10 ml/s), however, mean increases in Qmax were significantly higher with SR alfuzosin, alone or in combination, whatever the visit. Finasteride, alone or in combination, significantly impaired sexual function. The incidence of postural symptoms was low and similar in the three treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

In this 6-month trial, SR alfuzosin was more effective than finasteride, with no additional benefit in combining both drugs.

Three-year prospective study of 3228 clinical BPH patients treated with alfuzosin in General Practice

Objectives: To investigate (a) the magnitude and durability of symptom score reduction and HRQL score improvement (including sexual drive); (b) adverse outcomes; and (c) progression to acute urinary retention and prostate surgery up to three years of treatment with alfuzosin. Methods: Three thousand two hundred and twenty-eight BPH-patients out of 812 centers were included in a prospective three-year open-labelled study and treated with alfuzosin (immediate release formulation) at the recommended dosage. A symptom score (Boyarsky modified) and a 20-item BPH specific HRQL score including three questions of sexuality (Urolife(TM) BPH QoL 20) were self-administered at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months. Results: Two thousand five hundred and seventy-nine patients (79.9%) completed the study at the end of three years. Symptom score was significantly reduced by 54% at 3 months and this reduction was maintained up to 36 months (-48.4%); HRQL score was significantly improved by 45.4% at 12 months and this improvement was maintained up to 36 months (+43.4%). Alfuzosin was well tolerated: the quantitative and qualitative distribution of adverse events was similar to that previously observed in placebo-controlled studies (vertigo/dizziness: 2.1%). Adverse events accounted for 4.2% of the drop-outs. 120 patients (3.7%) were operated on for BPH and nine patients (0.3%) experienced acute urinary retention. Conclusion: This medical outcomes study confirms the long-term safety profile of alfuzosin in the naturalistic conditions of general practice and highlights the need to measure HRQL in the context of patient's preferences.

Selective endothelin A receptor antagonists. 3. Discovery and structure-activity relationships of a series of 4-phenoxybutanoic acid derivatives

The third in this series of papers describes our further progress into the discovery of a potent and selective endothelin A (ETA) receptor antagonist for the potential treatment of diseases in which a pathophysiological role for endothelin has been implicated. These include hypertension, ischemic diseases, and atherosclerosis. In earlier publications we have outlined the discovery and structure-activity relations of two moderately potent series of nonpeptide ETA receptor antagonists. In this paper, we describe how a pharmacophore model for ETA receptor binding was developed which enabled these two series of compounds to be merged into a single class of 4-phenoxybutanoic acid derivatives. The subsequent optimization of in vitro activity against the ETA receptor led to the discovery of (R)-4-[2-cyano-5-(3-pyridylmethoxy)phenoxy]-4-(2-methylphenyl)b utanoi c acid (12m). This compound exhibits low-nanomolar binding to the ETA receptor and a greater than 1000-fold selectivity over the ETB receptor. Data are presented to demonstrate that 12m is orally bioavailable in the rat and is a functional antagonist in vitro and in vivo of ET-1-induced vasoconstriction.

Selective endothelin A receptor antagonists. 4. Discovery and structure-activity relationships of stilbene acid and alcohol derivatives

This publication describes the synthesis and optimization of a novel series of stilbene endothelin antagonists. Analysis of the SAR established for previous papers in this series prompted the design and synthesis of (Z)-4-phenyl-5-(3-benzyloxyphenyl)pent-4-enoic acid 3 which was found to be a moderately active inhibitor of the binding of [125I]ET-1 to ETA receptors with an IC50 of 6 microM. More interestingly, the intermediate compound (E)-2-phenyl-3-(3-benzyloxyphenyl)propenoic acid 5 was equiactive with 3. Optimization of 5 resulted in the preparation of (E)-2-phenyl-3-(2-cyano-5-(thien-3-ylmethoxy))phenylprope noic acid 18 (RPR111723) which had an IC50 in the binding assay of 80 nM on the ETA receptor and a pKB of 6.5 in the functional assay, measured on rat aortic strips. Reduction of the acid group of 5 gave the first nonacidic ETA antagonist in our series, (E)-2-phenyl-3-(3-benzyloxyphenoxy)prop2-enol 6 with an IC50 of 20 microM. Optimization of 6 resulted in the preparation of 2-(2-methylphenyl)-3-(2-cyano-5-(thien-3-ylmethyl)phenyl)pro p-2-enol 33 with an IC50 of 300 nM on the ETA receptor.

Cystic fibrosis newborn screening: impact on reproductive behavior and implications for genetic counseling

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of newborn screening for cystic fibrosis (CF) on the reproductive knowledge and behavior of CF families and to determine if heterozygote detection with the immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) method in conjunction with DNA analysis (IRT/DNA) influences knowledge and attitudes about reproduction in false-positive families.

METHODS

The Wisconsin CF Neonatal Screening Project investigated 650 340 infants from 1985 to 1994 in a comprehensive randomized controlled trial to study both benefits and risks of newborn screening and to determine if early diagnosis would improve the prognosis of children with CF. Assessments of reproductive knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of 135 families of children diagnosed as having CF in both the early treatment group and control groups were made 3 months after diagnosis using a questionnaire which was completed by 100 families. The same questionnaire was administered 1 year later to evaluate retention of information. It was completed by 71 families. A follow-up assessment tool was also administered in 1994 and responses obtained from 73 families. Knowledge, attitudes, and behavior among false-positive families were also assessed at the time of the sweat test in 206 families who experienced IRT screening and 109 families tested with the IRT/DNA method. Follow-up assessments were completed 1 year later in 106 IRT families and 63 IRT/DNA families.

RESULTS

In families with a CF child, 95% initially understood that there was a 1 in 4 risk in subsequent pregnancies, and there was good retention of this information 1 year later. At the 1994 assessment, 52% of families had not yet conceived more children, but 74% of these already had children. In the couples in whom CF was diagnosed in the first child, 70% (95% confidence interval = 54% to 85%) conceived more children. There were 43 subsequent pregnancies in 31 families. Prenatal diagnosis was used by 26% of the families (8/31) for 21% of the pregnancies (9/43). There were 3 pregnancies with CF detected, all of which were carried to term. In the false-positive groups, >95% of families initially understood that their child definitely did not have CF. There was no difference between false-positive IRT and IRT/DNA groups, and the information was retained at 1 year. Follow-up assessment 1 year after negative sweat tests revealed that 7% of the IRT and 10% of the IRT/DNA families still thought about the results often or constantly. When asked whether the experience of screening affected feelings about having more children, an affirmative response was obtained in 4% of IRT families but in 17% of IRT/DNA families. One year later, more than half of the false-positive IRT/DNA families did not understand that they were at increased risk of having a child with CF.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that CF neonatal screening does not have a significant impact on the reproductive behavior of most families and that prenatal diagnosis is not used by the majority of CF families. IRT/DNA testing experiences seem to affect attitudes about having more children, and some parents are confused about the implications of the results, even with genetic counseling. However, persistent concerns about the sweat test result are limited. Questions raised by this study confirm the need for more research regarding the process of genetic counseling and its impact on reproductive attitudes and behavior in the newborn screening setting.

Correlation of myocardial histologic changes in hibernating myocardium with dobutamine stress echocardiographic findings

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to correlate histologic changes in hibernating myocardium with dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE).

METHODS

Patients (n = 8) with anterior regional wall motion abnormalities in the seven echocardiographic segments representing the territory supplied by a significantly stenosed left anterior descending coronary artery had preoperative DSE performed (yielding 56 segments for analysis). Two transmural biopsy specimens were taken from the anterior wall of the left ventricle during coronary artery bypass grafting.

RESULTS

Morphometric histologic analysis of biopsy specimens showed significantly less fibrosis in segments demonstrating inotropic reserve (p < 0.05) and significantly less fibrosis in segments demonstrating improvement in wall motion on echocardiography 3 months after revascularization (p < 0.05). DSE had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 62% for detection of hibernating myocardial segments. Percent fibrosis was inversely correlated with percent nucleated cells (r = 0.66, p < 0.01) and directly correlated with cytoplasmic clearance (r = 0.76, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Inotropic response during DSE correlates with histologic evidence of hibernating myocardium.

Detection of coronary artery disease using dobutamine stress echocardiography in patients with an abnormal resting electrocardiograph

PURPOSE

We assessed the value of dobutamine stress echocardiography for the detection of coronary artery disease in patients with chest pain and an abnormal resting electrocardiograph (ECG).

METHODS

Dobutamine stress echocardiography was performed in a standard fashion. Significant coronary artery disease was defined as a >50% luminal diameter stenosis on coronary angiography.

RESULTS

The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of dobutamine stress echocardiography for the detection of coronary artery disease in 218 patients were 89, 50, 95 and 32%, respectively. The sensitivity for detection of multi-, double- and single vessel disease were 97, 82 and 81%, respectively. The sensitivity for the detection of coronary artery disease in a subgroup of 69 patients by treadmill exercise testing was 37%.

CONCLUSION

Dobutamine stress echocardiography is better than exercise ECG for the detection of significant coronary artery disease. The negative predictive value of dobutamine stress echocardiography in this patient group is low.

Long-term clinical outcome following coronary artery bypass grafting for isolated stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery

AIMS

To detail the clinical and angiographic profile, and long-term outcome in consecutive patients with isolated stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery undergoing bypass surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective study of all patients (n = 301) (January 1984-December 1990) and undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting for isolated left anterior descending disease, in the Irish Republic, was performed. Survival was compared with that of an exact age- and gender-matched cohort.

RESULTS

Mean age was 53 (+/- 9.3) years. There were 238 (79%) males. In 241 (80%) patients an internal thoracic arterial bypass graft was used. Operative mortality was 1.3%. Of the 280 (93%) patients alive (16 cardiac deaths) at 7.1 (+/- 1.9) years, 105 (35%) had angina, 26 (9%) suffered an interval myocardial infarction, and repeat revascularization was required on 29 (10%). Female gender (P = 0.002), pre-operative myocardial infarction (P = 0.02), significant diagonal disease (P = 0.04) and postoperative myocardial infarction (P = 0.0001) were independently associated with survival. Females were more likely to develop congestive cardiac failure (P = 0.01) or postoperative angina (P = 0.03) than their male counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

Survivorship (97%) and event-free survival (96%) at 5 years following coronary artery bypass grafting for isolated left anterior descending coronary artery disease is excellent and equivalent to an age-matched and gender-matched cohort.

The buffering effect of a computer support network on caregiver strain

ComputerLink was a computer support network for family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease. In a 12-month experiment, 102 caregivers were randomly assigned to an experimental group that had access to ComputerLink or to a control group that did not. This investigation examined whether caregivers in the experimental group had greater reductions in four types of care-related strain by the end of the 1-year study. ComputerLink reduced certain types of strain if caregivers also had larger informal support networks, were spouses, or did not live alone with their care receivers. More frequent use of the communication function was related to significantly reduced strain for caregivers who were initially more stressed and for non-spouse caregivers. Greater use of the information function was related to significantly lower strain among caregivers who lived alone with care receivers. Overall, ComputerLink appeared to be an effective tool for reducing strain for some caregivers.

[Quality of life of women with stress urinary incontinence with or without pollakiuria]

OBJECTIVES

Assess improvement in quality of life using a validated scale in women with urge incontinence or pollakiuria treated with oxybutynine.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective open multicentric trial was conducted in 1701 women aged 20 to 60 years (mean 47.6) with the last 2 months. Quality of life was assessed on the Ditrovie scale before and after a 3-month treatment with oxybutynin (7.5 to 15 mg/day).

RESULTS

Patient compliance was good (97%) and side effects rare (8%) (mainly dry mouth). There was a significant symptom improvement (p < or = 0.0001) between day 0 and day 90 after treatment: 48% of the women no longer had incontinence with a safety interval of more than 15 minutes compared with 0.2% prior to treatment; urge incontinence disappeared in 75% of the 81% affected women; 82% of the women had an intermictional interval longer than 2 hours after treatment compared with 33% prior to treatment. There was a significant improvement in the quality of life scores after treatment (p < 0.0001), as assessed by the overall score and subscores (daily life, emotional impact, self-image, sleep, well-being).

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate the efficacy of oxybutynine in improving urge incontinence and pollakiuria in women, both in terms of symptom relief and quality of life.

Case costing means, measuring and managing now! The journey traveled by a community hospital

Funding for health care in Ontario is moving from global funding to equity funding. In the future, hospitals will be reimbursed for how efficiently they care for their various patient populations. The Ontario Case Costing Project (OCCP) was a joint venture by the Ontario Hospital Association and the Ministry of Health. Incentive for participation in this project was based on the need to assess efficiencies in caring for patient populations in surgical suites and to obtain Canadian data. Case Costing has the potential to forecast budgets, identify variances and highlight areas for cost savings. Case Costing can also determine cost per surgeon, cost per service, cost per procedure. The nurses at Markham Stouffville Hospital are empowered to enhance the focus of their practice to include managing human resources, processes and materials. This enhanced focus in the Operating Room maximizes efficiency and effectiveness of processes, and allows the organization to provide better service. This article documents the journey and growth of perioperative nurses toward the destination of case costing. Key to this journey is not only the destination, but the growth and change that occurred and enabled perioperative nurses to effectively champion initiatives such as case costing. Opportunities and Threats, a One Page Plan and our recommended learnings will be shared.

Regulation of hepatic glutaminase in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat

The liver of diabetic animals removes increased quantities of glutamine. We therefore examined factors that affect hepatic glutaminase activity in hepatocytes and mitochondria. Glutamine use, through glutaminase, was measured in isolated rat hepatocytes by monitoring the production of 14CO2 from [1-(14)C]glutamine. Hepatocytes from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats use glutamine more rapidly than do hepatocytes from normal or insulin-maintained diabetic rats. Glutamine use in all of these hepatocytes was stimulated by glucagon and epinephrine. Glutaminase activity, assayed in broken mitochondrial membranes, was increased approximately 2.5-fold in diabetic rats. The sensitivity of glutaminase, measured in intact liver mitochondria, to phosphate was markedly left-shifted in mitochondria from diabetic rats compared with those from controls. In fact, glutaminase was increased 10-fold at 2.5 mmol/l phosphate compared with controls. This increased sensitivity of glutaminase to physiological concentrations of phosphate is characteristic of its hormonal activation. Therefore, activation of glutaminase plays a major role in diabetes and is as important as increases in its total enzyme amount in determining the increased glutamine uptake in diabetes.

Comparison of dobutamine stress echocardiography and treadmill exercise electrocardiography for detection of coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Critical analysis of treadmill exercise testing (TMET) for the detection of coronary artery disease has revealed many shortcomings. Excellent diagnostic accuracy has been reported for dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE).

METHODS

A prospective comparison of DSE and TMET for the detection of coronary artery disease in routine clinical practice was performed using contrast cineangiography (significant stenosis > or = 50%) as a gold standard.

RESULTS

A total of 116 patients (82 men, 34 women) were studied. Significant stenosis was detected by coronary angiography in 92 patients (79%). Single vessel disease occurred in 28, double-vessel disease in 32, and multivessel disease in 32 patients. Although sensitivity of DSE was better than that of TMET (82 versus 40%), specificity was worse (63 versus 79%). Positive predictive values for both DSE and TMET were good at 89 and 87%, respectively, whereas negative predictive values were poor for both (47% for DSE, 26% for TMET).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, DSE performs better than TMET in terms of sensitivity and positive and negative predictive value. Its lower specificity than that of TMET may lead to more patients being referred for diagnostic coronary angiography. The poor negative predictive value of DSE and TMET means that one should not be falsely reassured by normal results.

Dobutamine stress echocardiography in the detection of coronary artery disease in a clinical practice setting

In this prospective study, patients referred for coronary angiography for detection of disease underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography to define its value in a clinical practice setting.

RESULTS

Of 219 patients studied, 170 (78%) had significant coronary artery disease. The overall sensitivity and specificity of dobutamine stress echocardiography for coronary artery disease were 82 and 65%, respectively. The sensitivity was 88% for detection of triple-vessel disease, 83% for double-vessel disease, and 74% for single-vessel disease. Positive and negative predictive values for coronary artery disease were 89 and 51%, respectively. Dobutamine stress echocardiography correctly identified only 72 of 138 patients with significant stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery. In 219 patients, 345 of 657 major epicardial vessels had significant disease. Dobutamine stress echocardiography could only correctly identify the vessel involved in 188. Triple-vessel disease was present in 65 patients. Dobutamine stress echocardiography correctly categorised 18% (n = 12) of these. The remainder were incorrectly classified as having double-vessel disease or single-vessel disease (n = 45), or no disease at all (n = 8).

CONCLUSION

Dobutamine stress echocardiography performs well. However, lower specificity may lead to unwarranted referrals for coronary angiography, and the low NPV give false reassurance as to the absence of disease.

Dobutamine stress echocardiography in the detection of coronary artery disease: importance of the pretest likelihood of disease

Although the accuracy of dobutamine stress echocardiography for the detection of coronary artery disease in a high-risk population is known, it has not been well defined for lower risk groups. Two probability groups, high (>75%; n = 199) and intermediate (>10% but < or =75%; n = 118), were studied. Dobutamine stress echocardiography was performed in a standard fashion. Significant coronary artery disease was defined as a >50% luminal diameter stenosis on coronary angiography. The positive predictive accuracy of dobutamine stress echocardiography for the detection of coronary artery disease was greater in the high-probability group (96% vs 86%), as was the sensitivity (89% vs 78%), whereas the negative predictive value was greater in the intermediate-probability group (50% vs 23%), as was the specificity (63% vs 50%). Dobutamine stress echocardiography does have a diagnostic role in the evaluation of patients with an intermediate probability of coronary artery disease.

Evaluation of patients with diabetes mellitus for coronary artery disease using dobutamine stress echocardiography

BACKGROUND

There is a high prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with diabetes mellitus. Detection of inducible ischaemia using treadmill exercise testing may be limited by the relatively poor inherent predictive accuracy of the test. The purpose of this study was to determine the value of dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) for the detection of CAD in patients with diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

Patients with diabetes mellitus referred for cardiac assessment were considered eligible for study. DSE was performed in a standard fashion. Significant CAD was defined as a > 50% luminal diameter stenosis on coronary angiography.

RESULTS

A total of 52 patients (mean age 59 years) with diabetes mellitus were studied prospectively using DSE. Risk factors for CAD included hypertension in 19, family history in 21, hypercholesterolaemia in 14, history of smoking in 38. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of DSE for detection of CAD were 82, 54, 84 and 50% respectively.

CONCLUSION

The specificity of DSE for CAD in patients with diabetes mellitus is low. Whether this reflects an underdetection of small vessel disease by contrast coronary angiography or whether it relates to test performance is unclear.

Safety of dobutamine stress echocardiography in 474 consecutive studies

BACKGROUND

With expanding applications and increasingly aggressive stress protocols, concerns about the safety of dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) have arisen. The purpose of this study was to analyse prospectively the safety, adverse event profile and complication rate of DSE.

METHODS

Prospective data were recorded in a consecutive series of 474 patients undergoing DSE. Dobutamine was administered intravenously in graded infusion, each stage over 3 min, at 10, 20, 40 and, if required, 50 micrograms/kg/min. Atropine (1 mg) was administered thereafter if the response remained suboptimal.

RESULTS

The mean dose of dobutamine was 42 micrograms/kg/min, with 111 patients (23%) receiving 50 micrograms/kg/min. Atropine was required for 27 patients (6%). No patient died or suffered a myocardial infarction. Sustained ventricular tachycardia occurred in one patient, angina pectoris in 127 (27%), non-sustained ventricular tachycardia in eight (2%) and supraventricular tachycardia in 19 (4%). Profound bradycardia requiring cessation of the test occurred in one patient. Pulmonary oedema developed in one patient. A hypotensive response requiring cessation of the test was seen in one patient. Test termination because the patient complained of nausea, tremor or headache was not required.

CONCLUSION

DSE is safe. Side effects are rare and when they occur, are usually minor. Ischaemic pain is effectively treated by termination of the test and sublingual administration of nitrates.

[Elaboration and validation of a specific quality of life questionnaire for urination urgency in women]

Urgent micturition interferes with the quality of life (QoL) of women suffering from this symptom. In order to evaluate this disturbance of quality of life and the benefits of treatment, a self-administered questionnaire, specific to the disorders of urgent micturition in women, was developed from a pre-existing scale (Measurement of Urinary Handicap, MUH). The following developmental methodology was adopted: Generation of a first instrument from the patient's descriptions collected by a multidisciplinary group of clinicians: formulation of questions, regrouping of questions into dimensions, choice of reference period and modalities of response. Content validation and test of comprehension in 20 patients. Transverse pilot study (98 patients) designed to reduce the number of questions and analyse the internal reliability and clinical validity. Reproducibility study. The final questionnaire comprises 24 items grouped into 5 dimensions: activities (8 items), emotional repercussions (5), self-image (5), sleep (3), well-being (3). The relevance of regrouping of the questions in their dimension and of calculation of a global score was confirmed by a principal component analysis and multifactorial analysis. The internal reliability and reproducibility of the scores were satisfactory, with a Cronbach alpha of > 0.70 and an intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.80, respectively. The clinical validity of the questionnaire was verified: the QoL scores of patients became significantly lower as the symptoms became more severe. A specific, reliable and clinically valid questionnaire, expressed in the form of a global score and a profile, was able to be developed. The profile of patients suffering from urgent micturition reflects the repercussions of the disease on the major and specific domains of their QoL. This questionnaire presents the required properties to be used in clinical trials designed to evaluate the effects of treatments on the patients' QoL, as a complement to classical clinical evaluations.

Thoracic aortic dissection or aneurysm: clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging and initial management in a tertiary referral centre

Spontaneous thoracic aortic dissection carries a high mortality despite progress in diagnosis and treatment. Early and accurate diagnosis is paramount and dependent on clinical and diagnostic imaging skills. A retrospective review of 55 consecutive patients referred with suspected thoracic aortic dissection to a medical cardiology department was performed. Clinical follow up was complete to November 1995. Median age was 68 years (range 30-93), with 37 males, 18 females. Presenting complaints included interscapular chest pain in 23 (42 per cent), neurological deficit in 2 (4 per cent), and limb ischaemia in 8 (15 per cent). On examination 34 (62 per cent) patients had hypertension, 5 (9 per cent) a pulse deficit and 10 (18 per cent) aortic incompetence. Electrocardiography confirmed myocardial infarction in 1. Chest X-ray showed a widened mediastinum in 37 (67 per cent) patients. Dissection was confirmed in 35 (64 per cent) patients (13-DeBakey Type I, 6-Type II, 14-Type III); 10 had nondissecting aneurysm. Contrast aortography was equally sensitive (84 per cent) and more specific (100 per cent vs 80 per cent) than computed tomography for detection of dissection. Surgical repair was performed on 24 patients with concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting in 6. At follow up 33 patients were alive. Clinical diagnosis of thoracic aortic dissection or aneurysm may be difficult. Frequently more than one imaging modality may be required in order to provide all of the necessary information for optimal patient management.

Two comparative endoscopic evaluations of Naprelan

This paper describes the results of two endoscopic studies of Naprelan (Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), a controlled-release formulation of naproxen sodium. In one study, 19 healthy male subjects received either 2 controlled release Naprelan 500-mg tablets once daily or 1 Naprosyn (naproxen; Syntex Laboratories, Inc., Palo Alto, California) 500-mg tablet BID. At baseline, all subjects had gastroduodenal endoscopy scores of 0 on both the Lanza and Euler scales. Although the trend favored Naprelan, differences in Lanza and Euler scale elevations were not statistically significant. Eight of 10 subjects in the Naprelan group and 7 of 9 subjects in the Naprosyn group reported a total of 27 adverse events (AEs). In the second study, healthy subjects received Naprelan 1,000 mg once daily, Naprosyn 500 mg BID, and film-coated aspirin 650 mg QID. In the stomach, there was a significant difference in favor of Naprelan over aspirin (P = 0.0001) and in favor of Naprosyn over aspirin (P = 0.0001). Fewer erosions were seen in the duodenum than in the stomach. In the duodenum, there was a significant difference in favor of Naprelan over Naprosyn (P = 0.0236), and in favor of Naprelan over aspirin (P = 0.0086), but the difference between Naprosyn and aspirin was not significant (P = 0.6643). Of the 23 subjects who received medication, 12 reported AEs: 8 while receiving aspirin, 3 while receiving Naprosyn, and 1 while receiving Naprelan. Differences in the number of erosions and ulcers seen following each of the periods of drug administration favored Naprelan and the Intestinal Protective Drug Absorption System.

A 13-year cytogenetic study of spontaneous abortion: clinical applications of testing

Chromosome analysis was performed on 1,543 specimens of first trimester miscarriage received between 1982 and 1994. Comparisons with earlier studies show that some findings are absolutely consistent between different years and populations, but some major differences are also found. The results are considered in the light of several recent genetic, environmental and physiological studies. Trisomy 16, and probably trisomy 22, is entirely dependent on maternal age; other trisomies show both maternal age and other environmental or genetic effects. Monosomy X and mosaic aneuploidy arise postzygotically by chromosome loss, a normal control mechanism. Some trisomy, dipaternal triploidy and tetraploidy probably occur because of pre- or postovulatory 'overripeness'; either due to transient or chronic maternal conditions or delayed fertilization. Unbalanced structural abnormalities, most apparently of de novo origin, are markedly increased compared to earlier studies and are possibly due to paternal environmental exposures. It is concluded that when considering histories of abortion, studies of the chromosomes of the aborted products are much more informative and cost-effective than studies of parental bloods. Where available, studies of products should be undertaken for preference, but only by experienced and committed laboratories.

Asymptomatic sacroiliitis in inflammatory bowel disease. Assessment by computed tomography

Plain film radiographs and computed tomography scans of sacroiliac joints in 65 asymptomatic patients with known inflammatory bowel disease were performed and evaluated by two radiologists. Computed tomography revealed the presence of asymptomatic sacroiliitis in 21 (32%) of the 65 patients (New York grades 2 to 4); asymptomatic sacroiliitis was identified by plain film radiography in only 10 (18%) of 57 patients (p < 0.001). No correlation was observed between the presence or absence of sacroiliitis, and the age and sex of patients, disease type, or duration of disease. The prevalence and diagnostic value of computed tomography in the detection of asymptomatic sacroiliitis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease are discussed.

Allogeneic BMT from a donor with fragile X syndrome: cytogenetic and molecular evaluation

We report the first case of engraftment of bone marrow collected from a donor with Fragile X syndrome with subsequent cytogenetic and molecular evaluation. Engraftment was prompt and stable. Whilst the Fragile X abnormality could be detected initially by molecular techniques in the peripheral blood, it could not be detected cytogenetically while the patient was receiving CsA.

Establishing baseline data in cancer registration in northern England: implications for Health of the Nation targets

OBJECTIVE

To assess the completeness and accuracy of cancer surveillance data relevant to Health of the Nation targets.

DESIGN

A comparison of locally ascertained data on cancer with recorded cancer registry sources in selected diagnoses.

SETTING

The district of South West Durham within the Northern Regional Health Authority.

PATIENTS

All patients with lung, skin, and malignant cervical cancer who were resident and diagnosed in the district or identified in the Northern Region Cancer Registry during the calendar period 1989-91.

MAIN RESULTS

Of 544 cases of cancer identified from all available sources, 448 (95.8%) were registered, ranging from 93.9% for malignant cervical cancer to 96.7% for skin cancer. In 448 cases which were both identified locally and registered, 53 (11.8%) showed disagreements between local sources and register data, involving classification of site and timing of registration. Twenty three cases were identified locally but were not registered, 22 registered but not identified locally, and 51 registered with the casenotes missing locally.

CONCLUSIONS

Any real achievement of Health of the Nation targets may be masked by changes over time in the accuracy and completeness of information systems. In assessing the achievement or otherwise of targets, it is important to be aware of any differences in the completeness and accuracy of the baseline data compared to future measurements.

Long-term prospective study of Helicobacter pylori in nonulcer dyspepsia

Helicobacter pylori is present in up to 87% of patients with nonulcer dyspepsia. This study assessed the effect of eradicating Helicobacter pylori infection on the symptoms of nonulcer dyspepsia at four weeks and one year after treatment. Dyspepsia was assessed on the frequency and severity of six symptoms [epigastric pain (night and day), nausea and vomiting, upper abdominal discomfort, and regurgitation] where each symptom was scored from 0 to 4. Helicobacter pylori status was assessed before treatment and four weeks after treatment with histology and microbiology, and at one year with a carbon-13 urea breath test. Eighty-three patients (23 males, 60 females; mean age 56.3 years; mean symptom duration 3.6 months) with nonulcer dyspepsia and Helicobacter pylori infection entered the study. Seventy-five were available at one year follow-up. Four weeks after treatment, the mean symptom score improved in those with eradication (6.95-2.3, P = 0.01, N = 41) or persistent infection (6.69-3.0, P = 0.015, N = 42). At one year, those with persistent Helicobacter pylori infection (N = 38, score 5.24) had a higher score than those remaining clear of infection (N = 24, score 1.4, P < 0.0001) and those with reinfection (N = 13, score 2.2, P < 0.0001). In addition, persistent Helicobacter pylori infection was associated with more additional treatments than those with eradication (34/38 versus 4/37, P < 0.001). These results suggest that Helicobacter pylori plays an important role in the symptoms of nonulcer dyspepsia.

[Development and validation of a quality of life scale associated with health status, specific for benign hypertrophy of the prostate and including a sexuality evaluation scale]

In order to develop a quality of life scale related to the state of health, specific for benign prostatic hypertrophy, a group of French specialists constructed a self-administered questionnaire, designed to complete the usual evaluations of the efficacy and safety of new medical treatments for this disease. This questionnaire was well accepted, reliable, clinically valid and sensitive to clinical changes occurring in a given patient. It includes questions concerning sexuality. An abbreviated form of the questionnaire was then developed in order to obtain a tool suitable for use in daily practice, in combination with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPPS).

Magnetic resonance imaging of hemochromatosis arthropathy

This study was undertaken to compare plain film radiography and magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of hemochromatosis arthropathy of the knees of ten patients with a biopsy-proven diagnosis. Both modalities enabled visualisation of bony degenerative changes; magnetic resonance imaging enabled additional visualization of deformity of both cartilage and menisci. Magnetic resonance imaging failed reliably to confirm the presence of intra-articular iron in the patients studied. No correlation was observed between synovial fluid magnetic resonance signal values, corresponding serum ferritin levels, or the severity of the observed degenerative changes.

[Measurement of quality of life in intermittent claudication. Clinical validation of a questionnaire]

OBJECTIVES

Functional limitation in patients with intermittent claudication impairs their quality of life. In order to measure this new evaluation parameter, we developed a self-administered questionnaire: Artemis.

METHODS

The questionnaire was composed of a general instrument (SF-36) and a specific one. A cross sectional study was performed in 177 patients with intermittent claudication (mean age 68 +/- 10 years, 77% males) who stated their walking distance was limited within 50 to + 2000 meters. The acceptability, reliability and sensitivity of the questionnaire were tested.

RESULTS

In patients who had a walking distance greater than 500 m (n = 96), the scores obtained were significantly higher (better quality of life) than in patients whose walking distance was limited to less than 500 m (n = 81) (p < 0.05). Intermittent claudication had a global effect on the different parameters of the quality of life evaluated by the questionnaire including physical performance and psychological and social aspects.

CONCLUSION

The Artemis questionnaire as shown its ability to describe patients with intermittent claudication. It can be used in clinical trials as a tool for measuring quality of life.

Computed tomography of the retroperitoneum in patients with femoral neuropathy

The authors illustrate the value of computed tomography (CT) of the retroperitoneum in patients presenting with femoral nerve signs. They describe 28 such patients, examined at a tertiary-care hospital between June 1990 and January 1993, in whom CT of the retroperitoneum contributed significantly to the diagnosis. The patients, 19 males and 9 females, ranged in age from 11 to 81 years. CT showed disease of the psoas compartment in 17 cases; the condition was due to a malignant lesion in 9 cases and was secondary to infection in 5 and to other causes in 3. Disease of the iliacus compartment was shown in 11 cases; it was due to a malignant lesion in 6 cases and was secondary to hemorrhage in 2, to infection in 1 and to a bursa in 1. The diagnostic features of the diseases encountered are discussed, and the importance of performing CT early is stressed.

Sulphasalazine desensitisation in patients with arthritis

Skin rash is a common side effect of sulphasalazine. Desensitisation, with a gradual introduction of the drug, may prevent rash. This study reports a 33% (3/9 patients) success rate of desensitisation in patients with arthritis. Desensitisation should only be attempted if sulphasalazine has been efficacious in treating the joint symptoms.

Taping the patella medially: a new treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint?

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that medial taping of the patella reduces the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee when the patellofemoral joint is affected.

DESIGN

Randomised, single blind, crossover trial of three different forms of taping of the knee joint. Each tape (medial, lateral, or neutral) was applied for four days, with three days of no treatment between tape positions.

SUBJECTS

14 patients with established, symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee and both clinical and radiographic evidence of patellofemoral compartment disease.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Daily visual analogue scale ratings for pain; patients' rating of change with each treatment; and tape preference.

RESULTS

Medial taping of the patella was significantly better than the neutral or lateral taping for pain scores, symptom change, and patient preference. The medial tape resulted in a 25% reduction in knee pain.

CONCLUSION

Patella taping is a simple, safe, cheap way of providing short term pain relief in patients with osteoarthritis of the patellofemoral joint.

The predictive role of scintigraphy in radiographic osteoarthritis of the hand

Sixty-seven patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) (26 male, 42 female, mean age 62.7 years) have been followed prospectively for a mean of 67.3 months (range 60-72 months). Hand radiographs were obtained at entry and at follow-up. Scintigraphic images of the hands were obtained at entry, and the predictive value of scan abnormalities for subsequent radiographic change was examined. Forty-six of 203 scan-positive joints at entry showed radiographic change, compared with 41 of 2075 scan-negative joints (P < 0.0001). The thumb base was more often involved than other joints and scintigraphy was a better predictor of change at this site than at other joints in the hand. This study confirms the predictive value of scintigraphy in hand OA and suggests that thumb base and interphalangeal joint OA behave differently.

Ankylosing spondylitis. A comparison of clinical and radiographic features in men and women

The clinical and radiographic features of 83 patients with a diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis conforming to Rome criteria were reviewed. There was 64 males and 19 females attending for a mean duration of 13 and 11 years. Females presented with more peripheral arthritis (X2 = 3.15464, DF = 1, P < .05 (one sided) and more asymptomatic sacroiliitis (X2 = 6.70172; DF = 1, P < .01 (two sided)). Spinal involvement occurred with a similar frequency in men and women, no increase in cervical spine involvement in women was identified. Four males and one female of 83 patients, developed radiographically proven spinal fusion. One male patient developed upper lobe pulmonary fibrosis, one male patient developed the cauda equina syndrome, one male patient required a total hip replacement. No statistically significant difference in the rate of complications in men and women was identified.

Long-term quality of life in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy: preliminary results of a cohort survey of 7,093 patients treated with an alpha-1-adrenergic blocker, alfuzosin. QOL BPH Study Group in General Practice

In recent years, considerable attention has been paid to the patient's point of view by monitoring medical care outcomes in terms of quality of life (QOL). The objective of this study was to evaluate the QOL of a representative population of patients undergoing medical treatment for symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). A French BPH-specific QOL scale was constructed by a group of experts to assure content validity. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of 20 visual analogue scales exploring the physical, mental, social and general aspects of QOL was designed and validated. A total of 7,093 patients (mean age 66.7 years) was included in an open, prospective, 1-year study. The evaluation was based on symptoms and QOL questionnaires filled in by the patient at inclusion and after 3 months of treatment with alfuzosin (7.5 mg/day). 6,780 patients (96%) completed the study: 129 (1.8%) dropped out because of intolerance; 53 were or had to be operated on, and 14 had prostate carcinoma. After 3 months, the results of the symptom questionnaire confirmed the efficacy of alfuzosin on symptoms of BPH observed in previous placebo-controlled studies. The irritative symptom score improved by 57% and the obstructive score by 40%. The physical subscore of the QOL questionnaire was most improved (+44%). The mental subscore improved by 29% and the social subscore by 32%. Principal component analysis revealed 3 main components in the QOL of the population: BPH-specific interference with activities; general QOL, and sexuality, a domain which is not usually explored in studies of BPH patients. A reduced QOL score was defined to be used in future studies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)