Magnesium moderately decreases remifentanil dosage required for pain management after cardiac surgery †

BACKGROUND

Magnesium is a calcium and an NMDA-receptor antagonist and can modify important mechanisms of nociception. We evaluated the co-analgesic effect of magnesium in the postoperative setting after on-pump cardiac surgery.

METHODS

Forty patients randomly received either magnesium gluconate as an i.v. bolus of 0.21 mmol kg(-1) (86.5 mg kg(-1)) followed by a continuous infusion of 0.03 mmol(-1) kg(-1) h(-1) (13.8 mg kg(-1) h(-1)) or placebo for 12 h after tracheal extubation. After surgery, remifentanil was decreased to 0.05 microg kg(-1) min(-1) and titrated according to a pain intensity score (PIS, range 1-6) in the intubated, awake patient and a VAS scale (range 1-100) after extubation. If PIS was > or =3 or VAS > or =30, the infusion was increased by 0.01 microg kg(-1) min(-1); if ventilatory frequency was < or =10 min(-1) it was decreased by the same magnitude.

RESULTS

Magnesium lowered the cumulative remifentanil requirement after surgery (P<0.05). PIS > or =3 was more frequent in the placebo group (P<0.05). Despite increased remifentanil demand, VAS scores were also higher in the placebo group at 8 (2 vs 8) and 9 h after extubation (2 vs 7) (P<0.05). Dose reductions attributable to a ventilatory frequency < or =10 min(-1) occurred more often in the magnesium group (17 vs 6; P<0.05). However, time to tracheal extubation was not prolonged.

CONCLUSIONS

Magnesium gluconate moderately reduced the remifentanil consumption without serious side-effects. The opioid-sparing effect of magnesium may be greater at higher pain intensities and with increased dosages.

Disease modifying trials in Alzheimer disease: methodological and statistical issues

In order to establish that a drug has an impact on disease progression, a clinical trial must study both the symptomatic and the disease modifying effect of the drug. Disease modifying trials raise some methodological issues with regard to the choice of the design (parallel arm versus two- period design), of the outcome (clinical versus surrogate) and of the statistical analysis (management of missing data).

Diagnostic and prognostic value of serum antibodies against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Eradication of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is possible if initiated early in the course of colonisation. To detect P aeruginosa as early as possible is therefore a major goal. This study was undertaken to validate a commercialised test for the detection of serum Pseudomonas antibodies in patients with CF.

METHODS

A representative cross sectional analysis of serum antibodies against three Pseudomonas antigens (alkaline protease, elastase, and exotoxin A) was performed in 183 patients with CF of mean age 16.7 years and FEV1 85.9% predicted. The results were correlated with microbiological results from the previous 2 years to calculate sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values. The following 2 years were assessed to determine prognostic predictive values.

RESULTS

A combination of all three tested antibodies yielded the best results with a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 96%, and a positive predictive value of 97%. These values were higher if only patients in whom sputum cultures were available were considered (n = 76, sensitivity 95%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100%). The prognostic positive predictive value was high in intermittently infected patients (83%) but low in patients free of infection (33%), whereas the prognostic negative predictive value was high in patients free of infection (78%) and low in intermittently infected patients (58%).

CONCLUSIONS

Regular determination of serum antibodies may be useful in CF patients with negative or intermittent but not with positive P aeruginosa status. A rise in antibody titres indicates probable infection and eradication treatment may be initiated even in the absence of microbiological detection of P aeruginosa.

Job constraints and arterial hypertension: different effects in men and women: the IHPAF II case control study

AIMS

To examine, in a working population of men and women, the relation between organisational job constraints (job strain, passive and active jobs) and incident hypertension and the buffering effect of social support at work on this relation.

METHODS

A nested case control study was designed within the IHPAF (Incidence of Hypertension in a French Working Population) cohort study. The 20 worksite physicians participating in the study enrolled 203 cases and matched each case for age (SD 10 years) and sex with two normotensive subjects attending the follow up screening immediately after him or her. As a result, 426 men and 183 women were included in the study.

RESULTS

Mean age was 41.8 (SD 7.8) years in men and 43.5 (SD 7.5) years in women. Relations between job constraints and hypertension were stronger in women than in men. Odds ratios (OR) were 3.20 (95% CI 0.92 to 11.12) in women and 2.60 (95% CI 1.15 to 5.85) in men for job strain, 4.73 (95% CI 1.36 to 16.42) in women and 2.30 (95% CI 1.01 to 5.26) in men for passive jobs, and 4.51 (95% CI 1.24 to 16.43) in women and 2.39 (95% CI 1.10 to 5.18) in men for active jobs. Low social support at work was not related to hypertension and did not decrease the association with organisational risk factors. In both hypertensive men and women, obesity was related to hypertension (OR = 13.20 (95% CI 3.34 to 52.14) in women and 6.54 (95% CI 2.99 to 14.29) in men) and the prevalence of recent stressful life events was significantly lower in hypertensive women (OR = 0.32 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.89)) and men (OR = 0.37 (95% CI 0.20 to 0.67) compared with normotensives. Alcohol consumption was a significant risk factor for hypertension in women (OR = 3.47 (95% CI 1.18 to 10.25)).

CONCLUSION

A stronger relation between job constraints and hypertension was observed in women compared with men. These findings emphasise the need of addressing more sex-specific concepts of work related stress on the one hand, and of understanding the direct and indirect mechanisms linking psychosocial factors and hypertension in both sexes on the other hand.

Solitary fibrous tumor in the thigh: review of the literature

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) of extremities, especially the thighs are very rare. Despite SFTs are generally benign, well-circumscribed soft tissue tumors new cases should be presented and followed up carefully to monitor their biological behavior. In general for tumor classification a biopsy is state of the art. Histological including immunohistochemical patterns for SFTs are defined. MRI and ultrasound are not sufficient for differential diagnosis. Once property identified and defined by size and location, resection with intact tumor capsule may result in full recovery of the patient. Reviewing the literature there are no validated reasons for a wider resection. The current patient was a 41-year-old male. Four years after an arthroscopy of the left knee the patient has been suffering an ongoing swelling of the lateral thigh. Because MRI scan data suggested a synovial sarcoma a biopsy was performed. The tumor was classified as a benign SFT. The diagnosis based on histological findings and the presence of the positive immunohistochemical markers Vimentin, CD34, and CD99. The complete tumor resection with intact capsule was achieved in a final operation. Clinical and in MRI after 54-month outcome period there were no local recurrences.

[Arterial hypertension in the French Caribbean regions: gender related differences]

BACKGROUND

Arterial hypertension is a frequent disease, responsible for a significant morbidity, in the French Caribbean regions. Today, epidemiological studies on this topic remain few.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of arterial hypertension in the French Caribbean regions.

METHODS

Analysis of the INHAPAG cohort (Incidence of Arterial Hypertension in the Working population Antillo-Guyanaise) carried out in 2001, and including 6113 active subjects recruited in Guadeloupe, Martinique and Guyana. The procedure of diagnosis of arterial hypertension comprises two visits, with a series of three measurements of the blood pressure at each visit.

RESULTS

Prevalence of hypertension is estimated to be 18.9% among women and 19.5% among men. The rates of treatment are higher among women (74.8 vs 34.4%) than among men, resulting in a much better control rate (61.3% vs 38.6% among men). An analysis of factors associated with the presence of arterial hypertension shows a noxious role of low education level among women.

CONCLUSION

Our study finds marked differences between women and men in the treatment and control of arterial hypertension and underline the need for improving blood pressure management of the latter.

Validation of thoracic quantitative computed tomography as a method to measure bone mineral density

The purpose of this study was to measure precision of thoracic quantitative computed tomography (QCT) bone mineral density (BMD) and correlation to lumbar spine QCT bone density. We measured the reproducibility of thoracic QCT; two consecutive thoracic QCT scans of the T9, T10, and T11 vertebrae were performed on 95 subjects (49 females, 46 males; mean age, 62.5 years) undergoing coronary scanning. In order to correlate the thoracic to standard lumbar measurement, the subjects also underwent a lumbar QCT scan of the L1, L2, and L3 vertebrae as part of an abdominal aortic scanning study. The variation of thoracic BMD was assessed in different ethnic subgroups. Consecutive thoracic QCT measurements showed good agreement (r=0.98; RMS CV=5.78%). Thoracic bone density was significantly higher than lumbar bone density results (paired t-test, P=0.003), but the two methods correlated well (r=0.86). The regression equation for the relationship between lumbar (X) and thoracic (Y) QCT was Y=0.87X + 22.97. The standard error of estimate was 19.0 mg/cm3. Thoracic QCT from coronary calcium thoracic scans is able to measure BMD with rescan precision and regression errors that are small compared to the biologic variability in the population. Given the relatively small precision error and the reasonable correlation to lumbar BMD, an ancillary assessment of thoracic BMD in a cardiac scan is likely to be a useful assessment of bone mineral status in the general population.

One-year hypertension incidence and its predictors in a working population: the IHPAF study

THE AIMS OF OUR STUDY WERE

(i). to estimate the yearly incidence rates based on one vs two visits in a working population and (ii). to identify incident hypertension modifiable risk factors. A total of 21566 normotensive subjects were included in a 1-year cohort study. Blood pressure (BP) levels at inclusion and at the second year screening were measured on the basis of two visits, that is, if BP was over 140/90 mmHg in untreated subjects, they were invited to a control visit 1 month later. Height and weight were measured and behavioural risk factors were collected. Among the 17465 subjects who completed the entire protocol (9691 men and 7774 women), 17026 remained normotensive at a 1-year interval and 439 (325 men and 114 women) became hypertensive. Crude yearly incidence rates based on one visit were 6.21% in men and 3.06% in women, compared with 3.04% in men and 1.34% in women when incidence rates were based on two visits, a more than twofold difference. Age and body mass index at baseline were the two major independent determinants of incident hypertension in both genders. Smoking and alcohol consumption were significant risk factors in men but not in women, and a low educational level only in women. BP measurement on separate occasions is necessary to avoid overestimation of incidence. Weight in both genders and alcohol consumption in men were the main modifiable predictors of hypertension.

Rotator cuff tears in asymptomatic individuals: a clinical and ultrasonographic screening study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and clinical impact of rotator cuff tears in asymptomatic volunteers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sonographic examinations of the shoulder of 212 asymptomatic individuals between 18 and 85 years old were performed by a single experienced operator. The prevalence and location of complete rotator cuff tears were evaluated. The clinical assessment was based on the Constant Score. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the shoulder was obtained in those patients where US showed rotator cuff pathology.

RESULTS

Ultrasound showed a complete rupture of the supraspinatus tendon in 6% of 212 patients from 56 to 83 years of age (mean: 67 years). MRI confirmed a complete rupture of the supraspinatus tendon in 90%. All patients reported no functional deficits, although strength was significantly lower in the patient group with complete supraspinatus tendon tear (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

There is a higher prevalence in older individuals of rotator cuff tendon tears that cause no pain or decrease in activities of daily living.

Comparison of chlorproguanil-dapsone with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in young African children: double-blind randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Increasing resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is leading to a decline in its effectiveness. We aimed to assess the safety profile of chlorproguanil-dapsone (CD), and to compare the safety and efficacy of this drug with that of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) as treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria.

METHODS

We undertook a double-blind, randomised trial in 1850 consecutively recruited children with uncomplicated falciparum malaria, pooling data from five African countries. Analyses were based on all randomised patients with available data.

FINDINGS

CD was significantly more efficacious than SP (odds ratio 3.1 [95% CI 2.0-4.8]); 1313 patients (96%) given CD and 306 (89%) given SP achieved acceptable clinical and parasitological response by day 14. Adverse events were reported in 46% and 50% of patients randomised to CD and SP, respectively (treatment difference -4.4%, [95% CI -10.1 to 1.3]). Haemoglobin in the CD group was significantly lower than in the SP group at day 7, a difference of -4 g/L (95% CI -6 to -2). Mean day 14 haemoglobin (measured only for the small number of patients whose day 7 data caused concern) was 94 g/L (92-96) and 97 g/L (92-102) after CD and SP, respectively. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient patients on CD had greater odds than those on SP of having a fall of 20 g/dL or more in haemoglobin when baseline temperature was high. Methaemoglobinaemia was seen in the CD group (n=320, mean 0.4% [95% CI 0.4-0.4]) before treatment, 4.2% (95% CI 3.8-4.6) (n=301) at day 3, and 0.6% (0.6-0.7) (n=300) at day 7).

INTERPRETATION

CD had greater efficacy than SP in Africa and was well tolerated. Haematological adverse effects were more common with CD than with SP and were reversible. CD is a useful alternative where SP is failing due to resistance.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis C Infection after Cardiac Surgery in Childhood before and after Blood Donor Screening

BACKGROUND

Since 1974, the risk of acquiring non-A non-B hepatitis by blood transfusion is well known. In 1999, children having had polytransfusions (group 1) after cardiac surgery prior to the establishment of routine blood donor screening could be identified as a risk group for hepatitis C (HCV) infection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In 1991, Germany began screening blood donors for hepatitis C. To describe the risk after the implementation of blood donor screening, we studied 211 children (group 2) having had open heart surgery after 1991 and compared prevalence for anti-HCV antibodies and known risk factors to group 1.

RESULTS

None of the 211 patients with cardiac surgery after 1991 had detectable anti-HCV antibodies, compared to 67 of the 458 patients (14.6%) of group 1 (p < 0.001). The mean number of operations in both groups was virtually the same (mean 1.7 +/- 0.9 in group 1, mean 1.6 +/- 0.9 in group 2, p = 0.075), whereas the total number of blood products per patient differed significantly (group 1 mean 8 +/- 17.6, group 2 mean 3.5 +/- 2.8; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis of risk factors demonstrates affiliation to group 1, transfusion of fresh blood, warm whole blood, heparinized blood (p < 0.001) and plasma (p = 0.004) as significant.

CONCLUSION

After the implementation of blood donor screening, the risk for HCV infection after cardiac surgery in childhood dropped significantly from 14.6% to < 0.5%. These data show the necessity of HCV screening for patients at risk (operations before 1991) and do not favor a general screening for all patients.

Occupational mobility and risk factors in working men: selection, causality or both? Results from the GAZEL study

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relation between risk factors (RF) and occupational mobility in working men.

SETTING

20 000 volunteers working at the French National Electricity and Gas Company (GAZEL cohort).

PARTICIPANTS

Men aged 43 to 53 years in 1992.

DESIGN

Three designs were used for analysis. (1) The association between occupational mobility experienced before 1992 and RF reported at that date was analysed among 10 383 men. (2) The predictive role of RF on occupational mobility over 1992-1999 was studied in a subsample of 4715 men. (3) Reciprocally, occupational mobility in 1985-1992 was analysed in relation to RF changes over 1993-1999.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Self reported smoking status, excessive alcohol consumption, arterial hypertension, and overweight. Occupational mobility defined by any upward transition between senior executives and professionals/middle executives/employees, and workers.

RESULTS

(1) Cross sectionally, non-mobile men as their entry into the company had a higher risk of being smokers, excessive alcohol drinkers, and overweight in 1992 than mobile men. (2) Longitudinally, smokers and excessive alcohol drinkers in 1992 had a higher risk of non-mobility than, respectively, non-smokers and non-excessive alcohol drinkers. (3) Non-mobile men in 1985-1992 had a higher risk of becoming smokers, excessive alcohol drinkers, and hypertensive in 1993-1999 than upwardly mobile men.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest a complex relation between RF and occupational mobility. A high level of RF, particularly health behaviours, might account for a selection process reducing upward occupational mobility. In turn, a lack of upward occupational mobility might be associated with an increased incidence of RF.

Different effects of abciximab and cytochalasin D on clot strength in thrombelastography

Maximum amplitude (MA) in thrombelastography (TEG) consists of a plasmatic and a platelet component. To assess the magnitude of the plasmatic component, pharmacological approaches have been proposed to eliminate the platelet component. We evaluated the individual and combined effects of abciximab and cytochalasin D on the MA of TEG. Whole blood, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and homologous platelet-poor plasma (PPP) from 20 healthy volunteers were spiked with abciximab or cytochalasin D or a combination of both and TEGs performed. Abciximab and cytochalasin D decreased MA in all samples. MA of whole blood (18.6 +/- 3.1 mm) and PRP (33.7 +/- 3.5 mm) spiked with abciximab or cytochalasin D alone (15.0 +/- 2.9 mm and 25.0 +/- 4.0 mm) were significantly higher when compared with abciximab and cytochalasin D combined (10.4 +/- 3.0 and 20.2 +/- 3.5 mm). While MA of PRP and homologous PPP were significantly (P < 0.001) different after individual administration of abciximab and cytochalasin D, combination of both abolished this difference (20.2 +/- 3.5 mm and 20.4 +/- 3.7 mm, P = 0.372). In whole blood of critically ill patients or patients undergoing major surgery there was also a significant difference of MA between abciximab alone and in combination with cytochalasin D (16.5 +/- 11.3 mm and 11.3 +/- 7.7 mm, P < 0.001). This indicates that in contrast to individual administration of abciximab or cytochalasin D, a combination of both compounds eliminates the platelet-specific effect on MA of TEG tracings.

Imaging SNAREs at work in 'unroofed' cells--approaches that may be of general interest for functional studies on membrane proteins

When cultured cells are subjected to a brief ultrasound pulse, their upper parts burst, but the basal plasma membranes with their embedded membrane-protein complexes remain intact. Such two-dimensional, paraformaldehyde-fixed plasma membrane sheets have been used in the past to visualize the morphology of the inner plasmalemmal leaflet by electron or light microscopy. More recently, fluorescence microscopy of unfixed native membranes has been applied to study SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) function. For instance, biochemical reactions of the plasmalemmal SNAREs with soluble fluorescent SNAREs, patching of SNARE and raft domains, and online monitoring of SNARE-mediated membrane fusion has been performed. The results obtained with the membrane sheet system have added some novel aspects to our understanding of the regulation of neuronal exocytosis. Surprisingly, SNAREs are concentrated in cholesterol-dependent microdomains that are different from membrane rafts. SNAREs in such domains are highly reactive, and define sites for vesicle exocytosis. Secretory granules that fuse on the membrane sheets are retrieved intact in a dynamin-dependent process, suggesting that the 'kiss-and-run' mechanism is not a reversed SNARE reaction, but is driven by a biochemically different mechanism. So far, studies of this type have focused on neuronal exocytosis; however, the method might be widely applicable. Data obtained with this system are derived from a 100% pure plasma membrane preparation that is only several seconds old, and membrane proteins are studied in their natural microenvironment that is defined by local lipid composition and putative bound proteins. Hence this approach yields results that most probably reflect the situation in a live cell.

Quantification of prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) mRNA expression in specific brain regions of the rat during the oestrous cycle and in lactation

Real-time Taqman RT-PCR was used to make quantitative comparisons of the levels of PrRP mRNA expression in micropunch brain samples from rats at different stages of the oestrous cycle and in lactation. The nucleus of the solitary tract and ventrolateral reticular nuclei of the medulla oblongata contained significantly (P<0.05) greater levels of PrRP mRNA than any hypothalamic region. Within the hypothalamus, the highest level of PrRP expression was localised to the dorsomedial aspect of the ventromedial hypothalamus. All other hypothalamic regions exhibited significantly (P<0.05) lower levels of expression, including the rostral and caudal dorsomedial hypothalamus. Very low levels of PrRP expression were observed in the arcuate nucleus, paraventricular nucleus, medial preoptic nucleus and ventrolateral aspect of the ventromedial hypothalamus. No significant changes in PrRP expression were noted in any sampled region between proestrus, oestrus or dioestrus. Similarly, PrRP expression in hypothalamic regions did not differ between lactating and non-lactating (dioestrous) animals. During validation of RT-PCR techniques we cloned and sequenced a novel splice variant of PrRP from the hypothalamus. This variant arises from alternative splicing of the donor site within exon 2, resulting in an insert of 64 base pairs and shift in the codon reading frame with the introduction of an early stop codon. In the hypothalamus and brainstem, mRNA expression of the variant was restricted to regions that expressed PrRP. These results suggest that PrRP expression in the hypothalamus may be more widespread than previously reported. However, the relatively low level of PrRP in the hypothalamus and the lack of significant changes in expression during the oestrous cycle and lactation provides further evidence that PrRP is unlikely to be involved in the regulation of prolactin secretion.

How psychiatric patients perceive the public's stereotype of mental illness

BACKGROUND

It is well established that the general public has devaluating attitudes towards psychiatric patients. In order to avoid rejection, many of these patients develop coping strategies, such as withdrawal and concealing their treatment history. These efforts are in themselves stressing, which might have negative consequences for the course of the disorder. It is not clear, however, how many and which patients do actually perceive the public's stereotype as threatening and, therefore, expect rejection.

METHOD

Ninety psychiatric patients and a sample of 1042 persons of the Austrian general population were asked whether they agreed with five devaluating statements about mental patients contained in a questionnaire developed by Link et al. Matched pairs comparisons and multiple logistic regression were employed in order to find out whether patients agreed with these statements to the same extent as the general population did.

RESULTS

For the statements that most people believe that psychiatric patients are "less intelligent", "less trustworthy" and "taken less seriously", patients thought significantly less often than the general population that most people devalue mental patients. For two statements ("personal failure", "think less of") no difference was found.

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that some psychiatric patients are less convinced than the general population that most people devalue psychiatric patients in specific respects; these patients might fear rejection less than other patients do. Those who actually fear rejection might need antistigma assistance more urgently than the first group.

Congenital atresia of the portal vein and extrahepatic portocaval shunt associated with benign neonatal hemangiomatosis, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and atrial septal defect

A rare case of congenital atresia of the portal vein and ductus venosus, extrahepatic portocaval shunt, benign neonatal hemangiomatosis, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and an atrial septal defect is reported. Twenty-two cases of congenital extrahepatic end-to-side shunts have been described before. Although additional anomalies are common in this type of shunt, hemangiomatosis has been described only once. Adrenal hyperplasia has never been reported in this anomaly.

Hyperhomocysteinemia in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis is not influenced by methotrexate treatment and folic acid supplementation: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

Our first objective was to compare plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients requiring methotrexate (MTX) treatment and healthy children. Our second aim was to evaluate the influence of low-dose (10-15 mg/m2/week) MTX treatment combined with folic acid supplementation (1 mg/d) or placebo on tHcy concentrations in JIA patients.

METHODS

In 17 JIA patients and 17 age- and sex-matched healthy children, baseline tHcy concentrations were measured. When MTX treatment was initiated, JIA patients were randomly assigned to folic acid 1 mg/d/p.o. followed by placebo (8 weeks each) or vice versa. Blood samples for measurement of tHcy, vitamin B6, B12 and folate were taken after 4 weeks, 12 weeks and 20 weeks of treatment.

RESULTS

1) In the healthy children the mean tHcy concentration was 6.3 +/- 1.68 mumol/l as compared to 9.99 +/- 5.17 mumol/l in JIA patients (p < 0.04). At baseline, 5/17 JIA patients had tHcy concentrations > 10.5 mumol/l, the 99th percentile for teenagers. 3/5 patients even exceeded the upper normal level for adults (tHcy > or = 15 mumol/l). MTX treatment did not result in a significant increase of tHcy and folic acid supplementation had no significant impact on tHcy levels.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study shows that patients with JIA requiring MTX treatment have significantly elevated baseline plasma tHcy concentrations compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls. No significant impact of MTX and folate supplementation on tHcy concentration was found.

Isolated systolic hypertension: data on a cohort of young subjects from a French working population (IHPAF)

Elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH)--systolic blood pressure (SBP) > or =140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) <90 mmHg--have increased mortality and morbidity. The aim was to study the incidence of ISH in a younger population of between 15 and 60 years of age, and to measure pulse pressure (PP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) in these subjects. The study population consisted of 27 783 subjects, aged 15-60 years, untreated for hypertension (HT) from a cohort of employees formed to study the incidence of HT in the French working population (AIHFP). BP and HR were measured with a validated, automatic device after 5, 6 and 7 min at rest. The prevalence of ISH was 6.9% in men, 2.3% in women. This prevalence was over 5% in young men and increased at 40-44 years; it was negligible in young women, but increased at 50-54 years to about 10% (ie to the same level as in men of the same age): PP in subjects with ISH (46.9 mmHg) was significantly higher than in the normotensive group (NT-40.9 mmHg); it was comparable in both young men (65.5 mmHg) and older men (66 mmHg); it was higher in men (63.1 mmHg) than in women (61.5 mmHg). HR was higher in ISH than in NT and it was higher in women ( approximately 5 bpm) in whom it decreased with age. The prevalence of ISH is not negligible in HT (30% men, 25% women), with a high prevalence in young subjects and elevated PP, MAP and HR values. These data should be taken into account as elevated ISH, PP and HR are considered as cardio-vascular risk factors.

Suprascapular nerve entrapment. A meta-analysis

We performed a review of the literature between 1959 and 2001. We found 88 cases of suprascapular nerve entrapment, which fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Suprascapular nerve entrapment is rare and mainly occurs in patients under 40 years of age. Males are more likely to suffer from a ganglion compressing the nerve than females. If the patient's history reveals a trauma, it is more likely that the ligament is compromising the nerve. Ganglions usually cause isolated infraspinatus atrophy, whereas a combined atrophy of the supra- and infraspinatus muscles is more common in cases in which the nerve is compressed by the ligament.

[Social and professional factors, occupational environmental strain and cardiovascular diseases]

In addition to conventional risk factors, environmental and occupational strain is an actor of the development and evolution of cardiovascular diseases. In industrialised countries, cardiovascular mortality is inversely correlated with the socio-economic level and type of occupation. In the French Ihpaf study, systemic hypertension and obesity were correlated with the socio-economic level. Among possible explanations for the importance of occupational environment, psychological stress at work, sedentary jobs, passive smoking and shift working may all play a role. Thus, beyond the conventional approach to individual risk factor management, it appears necessary to consider cardiovascular prevention through collective actions taking into account occupational environment.

[Intra- and perioperative complications in the stabilization of per- and subtrochanteric femoral fractures by means of PFN]

In the period from 2/98 up to 6/99, fractures of the proximal femur of 70 patients (phi 79.2 a), were treated with a proximal femur nail (PFN((R))). The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate intra- and perioperative complications. The reports of the operation and the anaesthesia documentation sheets have been worked out, all X-rays have been measured, and evaluated along exactly defined parameters. Problems or complications were found in 18 cases (25,7%). In 7 cases (10,0%) these problems could be solved during operation. The "Z-effect" seen in 5 cases (7,1%) and the "cut-out" of the sliding-hip-screw in 6 cases (8,6%) were the most frequent complications. The main reason was a bad primary reposition in varus with a CCD-Angle less than 125 degrees.

Psychosocial factors at work, personality traits and depressive symptoms. Longitudinal results from the GAZEL Study

BACKGROUND

An association between stressful job conditions and depressive symptoms has been reported. This association could be explained by personality traits.

AIMS

To examine the relationship between psychosocial factors at work and changes in depressive symptoms, taking into account personality traits.

METHOD

The role of occupational characteristics, psychosocial stress and personality traits in predicting an increase of depressive symptoms was evaluated in 7729 men and 2790 women working at the French National Electricity and Gas Company, with a 3-year follow-up.

RESULTS

In men, high decision latitude was predictive of a decrease in the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression scale (CES-D) scores. In both genders, high job demands and low social support at work were predictive of increased scores, irrespective of personality traits and covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

Adverse psychosocial work conditions are predictors of depressive symptom worsening, independent of personality traits.

The prediction of visceral fat by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in the elderly: a comparison with computed tomography and anthropometry

INTRODUCTION

Effective methods for assessing visceral fat are important to investigate the role of visceral fat for the increased health risks in obesity. Techniques for direct measurement of soft tissue composition such as CT or MRI are expensive, time-consuming or require a relatively high radiation dose. Simple anthropometric methods, such as waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference or sagittal diameter are widely used. However, these methods cannot differentiate between visceral and subcutaneous fat and are less accurate. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) method, possibly combined with anthropometry, offers a good alternative to CT for the prediction of visceral fat in the elderly.

METHODS

Subjects were participants in the Health ABC-study, a cohort study of black and white men and women aged 70-79, investigating the effect of weight-related health conditions on disablement. Total body fat and trunk fat were measured by DXA using a Hologic QDR 1500. A 10 mm CT scan at the L4-L5 level was acquired to measure visceral fat and total abdominal fat. Weight, height, sagittal diameter and waist circumference were measured using standard methods. Fat in a manually defined DXA subregion (4 cm slice at the top of iliac crest) at the abdomen was calculated in a sub-group of participants (n=150; 50% male; 45.3% Afro-American/54.7% Caucasian, age 70-79 y). This subregion, the standard trunk region and total fat were used as indicators of visceral fat.

RESULTS

Total abdominal fat by DXA (subregion) was strongly correlated with total abdominal fat by CT (r ranging from 0.87 in white men to 0.98 in black women). The DXA subregion underestimated total abdominal fat by 10% compared to the CT slice. The underestimation by DXA was seen especially in people with less abdominal fat. The association of visceral fat by CT with the DXA subregion (r=0.66, 0.78, 0.79 and 0.65 for white and black men and women, respectively) was comparable with the association of the CT measure with the sagittal diameter (r=0.74, 0.70, 0.84 and 0.68). Combining DXA measurements with anthropometry gave only limited improvement for the prediction of visceral fat by CT compared to univariate models (maximal increase of r(2) 4%).

CONCLUSION

DXA is a good alternative to CT for predicting total abdominal fat in an elderly population. For the prediction of visceral fat the sagittal diameter, which has a practical advantage compared to DXA, is just as effective.

The LDH ratio as a marker for response to plasma exchange in HUS/TTP of the adult

BACKGROUND

Plasma exchange improved the outcome of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)/hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) of the adult markedly, but a high number of non-responders remain. Identifying these patients at an early stage would help to optimize therapy.

AIM

determine the value of serologic measures in predicting the response to plasma exchange.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of 30 patients with HUS/TTP of the adult treated with plasma exchange. According to the treatment protocol, a mean of 42 +/- 8.2 ml plasma per kilogram of body weight was exchanged daily for 3 days and continued every second day thereafter. Prior to each session, clinical status and serologic markers for hemolysis and kidney function were obtained. To assess the early individual response to plasma exchange, the decline of LDH from the first to the third cycle was calculated as: LDH concentration before the third session/LDH concentration before the first session (LDH ratio).

RESULTS

During the observation period (median 195, range 6-1500 days), 80% of the patients responded to therapy with plasmapheresis. None of the serologic measures or clinical signs obtained before initiation of plasma exchange showed a significant correlation with the outcome. After 2 sessions of plasma exchange, only LDH and platelet level had improved markedly in responding patients. The LDH ratio was the best predictive marker for the individual response. An LDH ratio < 0.6 predicted a favorable outcome with a sensitivity of 0.96 and a specificity of 0.83.

CONCLUSION

The LDH ratio might be a useful marker for separating patients responding to plasma exchange from those not responding at an early stage.

Do cardiovascular risk factors in men depend on their spouses' occupational category?

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the relationships between major cardiovascular risk factors in French men and their spouses' occupational category (OC), taking their own OC into account.

DESIGN

A large sample of volunteers working in the French National Electricity and Gas Company (GAZEL). As a check of the robustness, the same analysis was performed in a population-based survey (French multinational MONItoring of trends and determinants in CArdiovascular disease (MONICA) registers).

SETTING

Any site of the company in France. Representative sample from the population of the three registers (Lille, Strasbourg, Toulouse).

PARTICIPANTS

9486 and 534 men respectively, in working activity, living in couple and aged 40 to 50 years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Self-reported arterial hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, leisure time sedentary lifestyle, smoking status, body mass index (BMI) and alcohol consumption.

RESULTS

In the GAZEL study, diabetes, smoking status, and alcohol consumption in men were associated with their own OC. In contrast, spouses' OC was independently associated with men's hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, sedentary lifestyle, and BMI: men whose spouses were unoccupied or workers have higher risk factors levels. In the MONICA study, the results were mostly comparable, at least for hypercholesterolemia, sedentary lifestyle, smoking status and alcohol consumption.

CONCLUSION

Spouses' OC was independently associated with several cardiovascular risk factors in men. These results might indicate that socioeconomic status of the couple, and not only individual characteristics, should be taken into account for a better understanding of cardiovascular risk.

Quantitative computed tomography of the lumbar spine, not dual x-ray absorptiometry, is an independent predictor of prevalent vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteopenia receiving long-term glucocorticoid and hormone-replacement therapy

OBJECTIVE

To determine which measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) predicts vertebral fractures in a cohort of postmenopausal women with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

METHODS

We recruited 114 subjects into the study. All had osteopenia of the lumbar spine or hip, as demonstrated by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and were receiving long-term glucocorticoids and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Measurements of BMD by DXA of the lumbar spine, hip (and subregions), and forearm (and subregions), quantitative computed tomography (QCT) of the spine and hip (n = 59), and radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine were performed on all subjects to assess prevalent vertebral fractures. Vertebral fracture prevalence, as determined by morphometry, required a >or=20% (or >or=4-mm) loss of vertebral body height. Demographic information was obtained by questionnaire. Multiple regression and classification and regression trees (CART) analyses were used to assess predictors of vertebral fracture.

RESULTS

Twenty-six percent of the study subjects had prevalent fractures. BMD of the lumbar spine, total hip and hip subregions, as measured by QCT, but only the lumbar spine and total hip, as measured by DXA, were significantly associated with prevalent vertebral fractures. However, only lumbar spine BMD as measured by QCT was a significant predictor of vertebral fractures. CART analysis showed that a BMD value <0.065 gm/cm(3) was associated with a 7-fold higher risk of fracture than a BMD value >or=0.065 gm/cm(3).

CONCLUSION

In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis induced by long-term glucocorticoid treatment who are also receiving HRT, BMD of the lumbar spine as measured by QCT, but not DXA, is an independent predictor of vertebral fractures.

Effect of low protein concentration on serum sodium measurement: pseudohypernatraemia and pseudonormonatraemia!

BACKGROUND

The effect of high concentrations of protein or lipid on the measurement of plasma sodium by indirect ion selective electrode (ISE) causing pseudohyponatraemia and pseudonormonatraemia is well described. The effect of a low total protein concentration, however, has not been described.

METHODS

In order to examine this, over a 2-week period the total protein concentration was measured on all samples received for urea and electrolyte measurement. All samples with a low (<50 g/L) or a high (> 80 g/L) total protein concentration had sodium measured by both direct and indirect ISE.

RESULTS

There were approximately equal numbers of samples with a protein concentration less than 50 g/L (1.3%) as samples with a protein concentration greater than 80 g/L (1.3%). The frequency of erroneous sodium results owing to the use of an indirect ISE was less in hypoproteinaemic (2%) than in hyperproteinaemic (20%) samples.

In vivo neutralization of TNF-alpha promotes humoral autoimmunity by preventing the induction of CTL

Neutralization of TNF-alpha in humans with rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease has been associated with the development of humoral autoimmunity. To determine the effect of TNF-alpha neutralization on cell-mediated and humoral-mediated responses, we administered anti-TNF-alpha mAb to mice undergoing acute graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) using the parent-into-F(1) model. In vivo neutralization of TNF-alpha blocked the lymphocytopenic features characteristic of acute GVHD and induced a lupus-like chronic GVHD phenotype (lymphoproliferation and autoantibody production). These effects resulted from complete inhibition of detectable antihost CTL activity and required the presence of anti-TNF-alpha mAb for the first 4 days after parental cell transfer, indicating that TNF-alpha plays a critical role in the induction of CTL. Moreover, an in vivo blockade of TNF-alpha preferentially inhibited the production of IFN-gamma and blocked IFN-gamma-dependent up-regulation of Fas; however, cytokines such as IL-10, IL-6, or IL-4 were not inhibited. These results suggest that a therapeutic TNF-alpha blockade may promote humoral autoimmunity by selectively inhibiting the induction of a CTL response that would normally suppress autoreactive B cells.

[Two rare complications of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: obstruction of the pylorus and gastrocolic fistula occurring in one patient]

We report an 10 month old male infant, who developed an obstruction of the pylorus by dislocation of the retention disk 5 months after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). This could be corrected under endoscopic control. Two years after PEG insertion diarrhoe occurred immediately after feeding caused by a gastrocolic fistula with dislocation of the retention disk in the colon transversum. An excision of the fistula and a resection of the colon segment were performed successfully.

CONCLUSION

In patients with PEG and unclear abdominal symptoms a tube dislocation has to be kept in mind at any time.

Simplified citrate anticoagulation for high-flux hemodialysis

In a randomized crossover trial, we compared a simple citrate anticoagulation protocol for high-flux hemodialysis with standard anticoagulation by low-molecular-weight heparin (dalteparin). Primary end points were urea reduction rate (URR), Kt/V, and control of electrolyte and acid-base homeostasis. Secondary end points were bleeding time at vascular puncture sites and markers of activation of platelets, coagulation, and fibrinolysis. Solute removal during citrate dialysis was excellent (URR, 0.71 +/- 0.06; Kt/V, 1.55 +/- 0.3) and similar to results of conventional bicarbonate hemodialysis anticoagulation with dalteparin (URR, 0.72 +/- 0.04; Kt/V, 1.56 +/- 0.2). Electrolyte control was effective with both anticoagulation regimens, and total and ionized calcium, sodium, potassium, and phosphate concentrations at the end of dialysis did not differ. Alkalemia was less frequent after citrate than conventional dialysis (pH 7.5 in 25% versus 62% of patients; mean pH at end of dialysis, 7.46 +/- 0.06 versus 7.51 +/- 0.07; P < 0.01). Bleeding time at puncture sites was shorter by 30% after citrate compared with dalteparin anticoagulation (5.43 +/- 2.80 versus 7.86 +/- 2.93 minutes; P < 0.001). Activation of platelets, coagulation, and fibrinolysis was modest for both treatments and occurred mainly within the dialyzer during dalteparin treatment and in the vascular-access region during citrate anticoagulation. Citrate-related adverse events were not observed. We conclude that citrate anticoagulation for high-flux hemodialysis is feasible and safe using a simple infusion protocol.

Clinical and gait-analytical results of the modified Evans tenodesis in chronic fibulotalar ligament instability

The present paper describes the medium-term results (mean follow-up period 3.01 years) achieved after surgical stabilisation of 79 patients using modified Evans tenodesis. The follow-up examination included a questionnaire for rating the subjective sense of stability, a clinical examination, stress X-rays, a modified 100-point score according to Zwipp, and kinetic gait analysis. Although joint instability was significantly improved in the radiological stress images, only 73.4% of the patients subjectively rated the stability achieved as excellent or good, compared with satisfactory in 22%, and even poor in 3.8%. In the overall result of the 100-point score, 51.9% of the patients achieved a very good, 35.4% a good, 11.4% a satisfactory, and 1.3% a poor result. Radiologically, an increase in the rate of arthrosis was verified in 17.4%. Significant deteriorations in mobility were observed for the supination. The kinetic gait analysis revealed statistically significant differences compared with the non-operated side for step length (P < 0.05), relative step length (P < 0.05), and in the symmetry of heel-to-toe movement (P < 0.005). The modified Evans repair can restore the mechanical stability of the ankle, but it leads to impaired kinematics of the ankle, with subjective and functional restrictions and radiologically detectable degenerative changes. For this reason, modified Evans tenodesis should only be performed if anatomically orientated stabilisation operations are not possible.

Prevalence and therapeutic control of hypertension in 30,000 subjects in the workplace

-To assess blood pressure (BP) control in a French working population through the use of a careful assessment of BP based on 2 different visits in 1 month, 17 359 men and 12 267 women were evaluated from January 1997 to April 1998. The initial phase was a cross-sectional analysis of a cohort study designed to assess the incidence of arterial hypertension in a French working population. Information was collected by the work-site physician during the annual examination. BP was measured with a validated automatic device. Among subjects with BP >/= mm Hg, patients not treated with antihypertensive drugs were invited to have an additional BP measurement taken 1 month later. The prevalence of hypertension (BP >/= mm Hg) based on 2 visits was 16.2% in men and 9.4% in women. When the diagnosis of hypertension was based on 2 visits, its prevalence was 41% lower in men and 36% lower in women compared with that of a diagnosis based on a single visit. Accordingly, the awareness of hypertension was 49% higher in men and 40% higher in women. Overall, 12.5% of hypertensive men and 33.2% of hypertensive women taking antihypertensive medication had their BP levels lowered to < mm Hg by treatment. Although the percentage of hypertensive men and women under current treatment who were aware of their hypertension increased with age, BP control among treated subjects decreased with age. Ineffective BP control with treatment accounted for 33% of BP levels >/= mm Hg in men and 40% of those observed in women. In this large French working population, estimates of hypertension therapeutic control depend heavily on the number of BP measurements. Despite these methodological precautions, insufficient awareness of BP and insufficient BP control through treatment remain 2 major public health problems.

[Cause of non-pertinent hospital stays: interobserver concordance using the French version of the Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol]

BACKGROUND

The modified French version of the Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol (AEPf) has been validated. Inappropriate days according to simple medical and technical criteria are identified with this tool. The aim of this study is to highlight the interest of investigating the reasons for inappropriate days and to assess the inter-observers reliability of the questionnaire developed for this purpose.

METHODS

This questionnaire collects on one hand the needs of patients - distinguishing health care and accommodation needs - and on the other hand the reasons for inappropriate hospital days. The data were collected from January to September 1998 in nine voluntary medical and surgical departments. For each day of study randomly selected, each inappropriate hospital day according to AEPf has been included. Data were collected by two health professionals (a nurse and a physician), using a concurrent design.

RESULTS

The reliability of the over-ride option of the appropriateness assessment of the 345 hospital days was good (overall Kappa coefficient: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.55-0.78). The comparison of the two expert judgments on health care needs fulfilled during the hospital day was acceptable; the Kappa coefficient was 0.62 (95% CI: 0.52-0.72). The reliability of expert assessment on patient accommodation needs (home, housing facilities or hospital) was good (Kappa coefficient: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.60-0.75). When hospital was not the accommodation the most adapted for patient, the reliability of the reasons for inappropriate days was high (Kappa coefficient: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.61-0.80). Kappa coefficients were different between hospitals, indicating a center effect.

CONCLUSION

This instrument has been found to be reliable and should be used in complement of the first part of the AEPf which assess the prevalence of inappropriate days. It might help to detect dysfunctions within or outside the hospital and thus be used for evaluation or planning of health care.

[Aterial hypertension and cardiovascular risk factors associated with diabetes. Report of the PHARE survey in general practice]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the characteristics of diabetic hypertensive patients (Pts), in term of associated cardiovascular risk factors and blood pressure control in a representative population issued from a survey "PHARE" conducted in general practice in France in 1999.

DESIGN AND METHODS

PHARE survey was conducted in a sample of 225 GPs representative of the French medical population included in a gallup poll. GPs had to include all patients > 18 years old over a period of one week. Pts were considered as hypertensives (HP) if the mean of two recorded BP measurements was = 140/90 mmHg and/or < 140/90 mmHg if they were under antihypertensive treatment. Patients were considered as diabetics if they were previously known and/or if they received a medication for diabetes. Hypertensives were considered as controlled if their BP levels were overall < 140/90 mmHg or at the recommended threshold < 130/85 mmHg under treatment.

RESULTS

877 diabetic Pts (7%) among 12.342 Pts and 5.190 HP were included in the study. When compared to normotensives, diabetic HP had more frequently associated risk factors with hypertension and diabetes: overweight 71% vs 45%, dyslipidemia 61% vs 34%, sendentarily 73% vs 63%, tobacco consumption 27% vs 20%. The BP control at 140/90 mmHg threshold among treated diabetic HP was 21%, and only 8% at 130/85 mmHg. Regarding WHO classification, 79% of these diabetics had a high or very high cardiovascular risk. The were no difference in antihypertensive drugs used in HP diabetics and non diabetics and 50% of them received ACEI.

CONCLUSIONS

8 from 10 diabetics taken in charge in general practice are hypertensives and 8 from 10 have a very high cardiovascular risk due to a poor BP control and associated cardiovascular risk factors.

[Regional management of arterial hypertension in France. Report of a survey of general practitioners]

A survey was conducted in 14 regional samples of general practitioners (GPs) included in Gallup-up poll. 2,423 GPs contributed to the study and had to include all patients > 18 years old over a period of one week. Patients were considered hypertensives if the mean of two recorded BP measurements was > or = 140/90 mmHg and/or < 140/90 mmHg if they were under antihypertensive treatment. Hypertensives were considered as controlled if there BP levels were overall < 140/90 mmHg under treatment. The risk factors associated with hypertension were collected in order to evaluate the cardiovascular risk, according to 1999 ISH-OMS recommendations. 156,470 patients recruited by 2423 GPs were included in the study representing 14 different French regions: Ile-de-France I (1), Ile-de-France II (2), Ile-de-France-Pays-de-la-Loire (3), Bretagne (4), Normandie-Picardie (5), Nord-Pas-de-Calais (6), Alsace-Lorraine (7), Bourgogne-Franche Comté (8), Rhônes-Alpes (9), Provence-Côte d'Azur (10), Languedoc-Provence (11), Limousin-Auvergne (12), Midi-Pyrénées (13), Aquitaine (14). Among 70,073 hypertensives, 23,054 had never received antihypertensive treatment, and 32,059 (47%) had a high or a very high cardiovascular risk. 67% of hypertensives (47,019) were treated, and 32.8% of treated hypertensives (15,422) had a BP < 140/90 mmHg. The study illustrated few differences in prevalence and control of hypertension in the different French regions: BP control at the 140/90 mmHg threshold vary from 28.5 to 36.6% among treated hypertensives and % of patients at high cardiovascular risk from 42.1% (South-France) to 49.7% (East-France).