Intrafraction Dosimetric Evaluation of Biology-Guided Radiotherapy to a Target Under Respiratory Motion

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To evaluate the reproducibility and variability of biology-guided radiotherapy (BgRT) treatments using a large anthropomorphic phantom modeling the motion amplitude of a lung tumor.

MATERIALS/METHODS

RefleXion X1 is equipped with two opposing 90 degrees PET detector arcs to capture the radionuclide emissions and direct the 6MV Linac to treat the lesions in real time. A custom-built phantom filled with a liquid [¹⁸F]Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) solution was used. Fillable target and OAR structures were 3D printed and attached to motion stages. The GTV = CTV was matched to the spherical 22 mm diameter target, and the PTV was a 5 mm expansion from the CTV volume. The Biology Tracking Zone (BTZ) was generated after adding 5 mm margin to the motion extent of the CTV. The OAR was a large C-shape annulus (emulating a heart) that was approximately 3 cm from the target. The 3D independent motion trajectory of the target was designed to mimic lung motion: range of +5.8 mm to -4.9 mm in LR, range of +14.4 mm to -11.3 mm in SI, and range of +5.2 mm to -5.1 mm in AP directions. The OAR motion waveform used a 1D sinusoidal pattern with a 5 mm amplitude in SI direction. The target and the OAR were filled with 40 kBq/mL while the background had 5 kBq/mL FDG. A BgRT Modeling (imaging-only) PET acquisition was performed using RefleXion X1 and used to generate a 4-fraction BgRT treatment plan prescribing 10 Gy/fraction to PTV. For each delivery, target, OAR and background were filled with the same FDG concentrations as in the BgRT Modeling PET planning scan. Dosimetry to the target and OAR were both measured using an ion-chamber (Exradin A14SL) and film in the coronal plane through the center of the GTV for all 4 fractions.

RESULTS

The mean activity concentration within the (BTZ) was 7.4 ± 0.8 kBq/mL. The calculated signal-to-noise ratio metric (Normalized Target Signal) within the BTZ was 4.0 ± 0.3. Total treatment times were all less than 35 minutes (34.3 ± 0.2). Prescription dose coverage to the CTV for all 4 fractions was 100%. Ion chamber measurements in the CTV were -1.6 ± 1.3% relative to the planned dose over the active area of the ion-chamber. Minimum and maximum doses to the CTV, measured on film, were -7.7 ± 2.2% and 1.3 ± 1.4%, calculated relative to the planned dose distribution, respectively. The OAR maximum point dose measured on film was -8.7 ± 2.9%, calculated relative to the maximum OAR dose predicted on the bounded dose-volume histogram.

CONCLUSION

Based on this initial study, accurate and reproducible dosimetry can be achieved for targets under respiratory motion using biology-guided radiotherapy over the course of a complete course of treatment. Further studies are needed to evaluate the intrafraction dosimetry of BgRT delivery under various motion models and tumor sizes.

Decay Series Dose Delivery Validation of a Biology-Guided Radiotherapy (BgRT) Methodology

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

In this work, we compared the accuracy between the planned dose estimated by a commercial BgRT treatment planning system to the measured delivered dose by the BgRT treatment delivery device. The dose delivered was measured with the Sun Nuclear ArcCHECK device containing a customized phantom filled with fluorodeoxyglucose F18 (FDG) with a fixed target to background activity concentration ratio. The BgRT approach was evaluated for its capacity to accurately deliver a planned dose to a phantom target of an increasingly limited PET signal due to radioactive decay.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The Sun Nuclear ArcCHECK is a helical detector assembly of 1,386 diodes around a 15 cm diameter cavity designed for quality assurance of linear accelerator (LINAC) driven therapies. In this work, the ArcCHECK was loaded with a cylindrical phantom containing a 22 mm diameter homogenous ball and a C-shape insert. The ball target was designated as an organ at risk (OAR) with appropriate dose constraints applied, and the C-shaped insert was designated as the target. The C-shaped target was used to simulate a tumor with a necrotic core. A cylindrical planning/gross tumor volume was placed around the C-shape, providing a test case of delivery to a partially PET-avid target. The target and OAR were filled with 58.46 kBq/mL of FDG and the background with 7.30 kBq/mL, giving an approximate target to background ratio of 8:1. A kVCT localization scan, a short PET pre-treatment scan, and a LINAC treatment sequence (1000 cGy per fraction) were performed each run with four runs performed over a duration of ∼3.5 hours (1.9 half-lives). The ArcCHECK measured the delivered dose during each LINAC treatment sequence and compared it to the plan predicted dose. The relative dose (RD) and absolute dose (AD) gamma values were then calculated for each run using Sun Nuclear's proprietary software with a gamma pass rate criterion of 3mm/3%.

RESULTS

The PET scans for runs 1-4 were completed with background activity concentrations of 5.49 kBq/ml, 3.95 kBq/ml, 2.79 kBq/ml, and 2.02 kBq/ml, respectively. The scans further reported 17.48 kBq/ml, 12.26 kBq/ml, 7.93 kBq/ml, and 6.95 kBq/ml as the mean activity concentrations for the cylindrical gross tumor volume of the planned treatment. After treatment delivery, the resulting RD gamma values were 98%, 94%, 93%, and 95% and AD gamma values were 98%, 93%, 92%, and 94% for runs 1-4.

CONCLUSION

Results from this study demonstrated treatment delivery stability with consistent repeatability in the 8:1 target to background contrast condition even with diminishing PET signal from the phantom target as the activity decayed. This work shows that BgRT is capable of delivering to a cylindrical target volume that is very different from the PET avid C-shaped that was used for the plan and delivery.

Dosimetric Accuracy of Multi-Target Biology-Guided Radiotherapy Treatments in a Single Session

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

We present the first dosimetric measurements of single session, multi-target BgRT deliveries using a clinically realistic motion phantom on a research-only version of the RefleXion X1 system.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A custom-made anthropomorphic phantom of a human torso with embedded fillable targets mimicking 18F-FDG-avid lesions was used. From the three embedded spherical targets, Target 1 was 26 mm in diameter coupled with a 3D independent respiratory motion with 22 mm range, whereas Target 2 and 3 were 22 mm in diameter and moved with a 1D 5 mm maximum sinusoidal motion. The 18F-FDG concentration in the background cavity of the phantom was 5 kBq/ml, and the targets were loaded with 10:1, 8:1 and 6:1 contrast relative to the background for Targets 1, 2, 3, respectively. Spherical structures were contoured as GTVs (CTV = GTV) and a 5 mm margin was added to create PTVs. Motion extent of the tumors were captured to create biological tracking zones for each target. Treatment plans were generated using a research version of the Reflexion treatment planning software to deliver 8 Gy/fx to the PTVs. The treatment delivery was repeated 2 times, and each time the phantom was refilled according to the plan. PET image evaluation metrics for each of the three targets were also recorded. Target dosimetry was measured using a combination of radiographic film and ion chamber. The maximum distance between the 97% prescription isodose line from the plan and the film measurements was used to characterize the dosimetric accuracy of the tracked deliveries. CTV and PTV min, max, and mean doses measured on film were also recorded for each target.

RESULTS

Treatment plans were successfully created with 100% prescription dose coverage to each target loaded with different FDG ratios. Total treatment times for the single-plan, three-target deliveries were less than 80 minutes. PET evaluation metrics at imaging-only and pre-scan, and planning and film dosimetry to the GTV and PTV for each of the three targets is shown in table below (mean ± standard deviation of both deliveries). The CTV dose coverage was maintained for all targets. The shrinkage distance of the 97% prescription dose isodose line on the film plane for all three targets was less than 3 mm for both tests, and ranged from -0.4 to -2.34 mm.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that high tracking accuracy and dosimetric accuracy can be achieved in single session, multi-target deliveries over a range of target-to-background 18F-FDG concentrations and target motion patterns.

Characterization of Biology-Guided Radiotherapy Accuracy as a Function of PET Tracer Uptake

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To characterize the tracking capability and dosimetric accuracy of biology-guided radiotherapy (BgRT) under clinically relevant PET tracer uptake scenarios relative to the background.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A custom-made anthropomorphic phantom filled with a liquid 18F-FDG solution including two embedded fillable 22 mm diameter spherical structures mimicking GTV (= CTV) and OAR was coupled to motion stages to create an independent 3D respiratory motion with 22 mm maximum range for target and a 5 mm 1D sinusoidal motion in the OAR. The biology-tracking zone (BTZ) was generated by adding 5 mm margin to the motion extent. The three BgRT scenarios studied were representative of tumors with good (8:1), borderline (4:1) and undesired (2:1) PET biodistributions compared to background. The clinical safety limit of BgRT uses Activity Concentration within the BTZ (AC ≥ 5 kBq/ml) and Normalized Target Signal as a contrast metric (NTS ≧ 2.7 for planning and ≧ 2 for delivery). The BgRT deliveries were repeated 3 times with radiochromic film and integrated ion chamber capturing the target and OAR doses. Tracked dosimetry was assessed using a margin-loss calculation defined as the maximum linear difference in distance between the planned and delivered 97% prescription iso-dose lines.

RESULTS

The imaging-only PET images used to create BgRT plans had an AC of 7.0, 5.3, and 1.6 kBq/ml with an NTS of 6.8, 5.3, and 1.8 for 8:1, 4:1, and 2:1 concentrations, respectively. Qualitatively, the target was not visible on the planning PET images 2:1 loading scenario. At delivery, the mean pre-scan activity concentrations were 6.8, 4.7, and 3.7 kBq/ml with corresponding mean NTS of 3.7, 2.6, 1.5 for 8:1, 4:1 and 2:1 deliveries. The pre-scan values of AC or NTS did not satisfy the clinical system safety limits for 4:1 and 2:1 ratio experiments, but the engineering software allowed for the delivery to capture the resulting doses. The deliveries showed a prescription dose coverage to the CTV of 100% for the 8:1 and 4:1 cases, but 88% for the 2:1 case. When compared to the planned dose values, the delivered minimum doses were -7.6%, -8.6% and -10.9%, whereas the maximum dose differences in CTV were 1.2%, 0% and -4.8% of the planned dose distributions of the 8:1, 4:1 and 2:1 cases, respectively. Calculated margin losses were -2.3, -3.8, and -5.5 mm, for the 8:1, 4:1, and 2:1 cases, respectively. The maximum OAR doses were less than the maximum doses predicted on the bounded DVH curves for all scenarios.

CONCLUSION

With sufficient tracer uptake in the target, BgRT can deliver tracked dosimetry for targets with a large respiratory motion profile. Both the good BgRT candidate and borderline cases produced clinically acceptable delivered doses, even though the borderline case was flagged by the clinical system safety checks. As expected, the delivered BgRT dose distributions were suboptimal with reduced tumor over background PET contrast.

Hybrid Pixel-Waveform (HPWF) Enabled CdTe Detectors for Small Animal Gamma-Ray Imaging Applications

This paper presents the design and preliminary evaluation of small-pixel CdTe gamma ray detectors equipped with a hybrid pixel-waveform (HPWF) readout system for gamma ray imaging applications with additional discussion on CZT due to its similarity. The HPWF readout system utilizes a pixelated anode readout circuitry which is designed to only provide the pixel address. This readout circuitry works in coincidence with a high-speed digitizer to sample the cathode waveform which provides the energy, timing, and depth-of-interaction (DOI) information. This work focuses on the developed and experimentally evaluated prototype HPWF-CdTe detectors with a custom CMOS pixel-ASIC to readout small anode pixels of 350 μm in size, and a discrete waveform sampling circuitry to digitize the signal waveform induced on the large cathode. The intrinsic timing, energy, and spatial resolution were experimentally evaluated in this paper in conjunction with methods for depth of interaction (DOI) partitioning of the CdTe crystal. While the experimental studies discussed in this paper are primarily for evaluating HPWF detectors for small animal PET imaging, these detectors could find their applications for ultrahigh-resolution SPECT and other imaging modalities.

Element Mapping in Organic Samples Utilizing a Benchtop X-Ray Fluorescence Emission Tomography (XFET) System

X-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) is an emerging imaging modality that maps the three-dimensional distribution of elements, generally metals, in ex vivo specimens and potentially in living animals and humans. Building on our previous synchrotron-based work, we experimentally explored the use of a benchtop X-ray fluorescence computed tomography system for mapping trace-metal ions in biological samples. This system utilizes a scanning pencil-beam to stimulate the object and then relies on a detection system, with single or multiple slit apertures placed in front of position-sensitive X-ray detectors, to collect the fluorescence X-rays and to form 3-D elemental map without the need for tomographic imaging reconstruction. The technique was used to generate images of the elemental distributions of a triple-tube phantom and an osmium-stained zebrafish.

[Adherence to Long-term Follow-up in Paediatric Oncology--Results of a Monocentric Analysis]

BACKGROUND

Cured paediatric-oncology patients frequently present with health problems even years after treatment. Hence long-term follow-up (LTFU) is essential. This analysis tries to identify factors that influence regular LTFU attendance.

STUDY POPULATION

Between 1991 and 2010, 2 153 children and adolescents were treated at Muenster University Department of Paediatric Hematology and Oncology (UKM). 1 708 patients with permanent residence in Germany and completed therapy have been included into this analysis.

METHODS

Patients were reviewed for the duration and regularity of LTFU at UKM. Prospective analyses with postponed starting-points have been conducted as well as descriptive analyses to validate correlations. Prospective data were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier-Analyses, the analysis of multivariate correlations by Cox Proportional Hazard Model.

RESULTS

2 years after the end of therapy 83% of the patients were still in LTFU. After 5 and 10 years this percentage decreased to 67 and 42%. Patients diagnosed after the year 2000 and younger patients attended LTFU for a longer period (p<0,005). There were no significant gender differences. Statutory insured patients stayed longer in LTFU than private health insured (p<0,005). The multivariate examination showed only small differences between systemic diseases and solid tumours. The residential distance had no significant influence.

CONCLUSIONS

Younger, more recently treated and statutory insured patients showed a significantly longer LTFU.

Regularization for generalized additive mixed models by likelihood-based boosting

OBJECTIVE

With the emergence of semi- and nonparametric regression the generalized linear mixed model has been extended to account for additive predictors. However, available fitting methods fail in high dimensional settings where many explanatory variables are present. We extend the concept of boosting to generalized additive mixed models and present an appropriate algorithm that uses two different approaches for the fitting procedure of the variance components of the random effects.

METHODS

The main tool developed is likelihood-based componentwise boosting that enforces variable selection in generalized additive mixed models. In contrast to common procedures they can be used in high-dimensional settings where many covariates are available and the form of the influence is unknown. The complexity of the resulting estimators is determined by information criteria. The performance of the methods is investigated in simulation studies for binary and Poisson responses with comparisons to alternative approaches and it is applied to clinical real world data.

RESULTS

Simulations show that the proposed methods are considerably more stable and more accurate in estimating the regression function than the conventional approach, especially when a large number of predictors is available. The methods also produce reasonable results in applications to real data sets, which is illustrated by the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study.

CONCLUSIONS

The boosting algorithm allows to extract relevant predictors in generalized additive mixed models. It works in high-dimensional settings and is very stable.

Current issues in the clinical management of invasive aspergillosis--the AGIHO, DMykG, ÖGMM and PEG web-based survey and expert consensus conference 2009

The objectives of this study were to identify unsolved issues in the management of invasive aspergillosis, identify controversies and achieve consensus. The German Speaking Mycological Society (Deutschsprachige Mykologische Gesellschaft, DMykG) invited other German infectious diseases (ID) and mycological societies to submit unsolved issues concerning the diagnosis and treatment of invasive aspergillosis. Based on these contributions, a digital web-based questionnaire of 12 questions on Aspergillus spp. was designed to be completed by experts of the participating societies. Controversial results were identified by a mathematical model and were discussed at a consensus conference during the 43rd Annual Meeting of the DMykG in Cologne, Germany. Forty-two individuals completed the questionnaire. Analysis showed a strong consensus on effective preventive measures, choice of antifungal agents for pre-emptive, empiric and targeted treatment, as well as the evaluation of early chest CT control scans as a measure of treatment response assessment. Opinions on the indication for a pulmonary biopsy of a halo sign in high-risk neutropenic patients and on the role of Aspergillus spp. PCR as well as galactomannan from serum in the assessment of treatment duration diverged in spite of discussion such that a consensus could not be reached. Using a recently published two-step approach - web-based survey plus classical panel discussion - expert consensus was achieved on 10 of 12 questions concerning the diagnosis and treatment of invasive aspergillosis.

Infections due to emerging and uncommon medically important fungal pathogens

The emergence of less common but medically important fungal pathogens contributes to the rate of morbidity and mortality, especially in the increasingly expanding population of immunocompromised patients. These pathogens include septate filamentous fungi (e.g., Fusarium spp., Scedosporium spp., Trichoderma spp.), nonseptate Zygomycetes, the endemic dimorphic pathogen Penicillium marneffei, and non-Cryptococcus, non-Candida pathogenic yeast (e.g., Trichosporon spp.). The medical community is thus called upon to acquire an understanding of the microbiology, epidemiology and pathogenesis of these previously uncommon pathogens in order to become familiar with the options for prevention and treatment.

A case of chronic pancreatic insufficiency due to valproic acid in a child

A 14-year-old child treated with valproic acid over several years for a seizure disorder developed abdominal pain with radiological evidence of acute pancreatitis. The association with valproic acid was not recognized, and the child continued to take the drug. The patient eventually developed steatorrhea and weight loss that improved with pancreatic enzyme replacement. Radiological evaluation showed an atrophic pancreas. Without evidence of other etiological factors, valproic acid by itself appeared to be the cause of chronic pancreatitis with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in this patient.

Concepts in design of comparative clinical trials of antifungal therapy in neutropenic patients

Fundamental to the successful implementation of antifungal compounds in neutropenic patients is the appropriate design of comparative clinical trials investigating their safety and efficacy. The key elements of comparative clinical trial design include issues of enrollment, stratification, randomization, blinding, administration of study drugs, monitoring of drug toxicity, definitions, and key statistical elements of end points, sample size, and tools for data analysis. The initial selection of compounds and the timing of initiation of antifungal therapy in comparative clinical trials are predicated to a large degree on the in vitro and in vivo activities, plasma pharmacokinetics, profiles of safety and toxicity of the study drugs. Phase I and II studies have a critical role in designing comparative clinical trials of antifungal therapy by providing data on safety, tolerance, and plasma pharmacokinetics of the investigational agent. As new antifungal agents are developed in response to the challenge of invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised patients with cancer, thoughtfully designed and carefully implemented clinical trials will be essential in determining the future utility of these promising compounds.

Activation of the CD95 system increases with disease progression in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Increased apoptosis in infected as well as noninfected cells has been invoked in CD4+ T helper cell depletion during HIV-1 infection. A strong increase in the expression of CD95 (APO-1/Fas) and CD95 ligand, key regulators of apoptosis in normal T cells, has previously been described in freshly isolated T cells from HIV-1-positive children when compared with healthy age-matched controls. We also found an increase in spontaneous as well as specific CD95-mediated apoptosis in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from these patients. However, the relationship of these findings to disease progression in children with HIV infection is not known. MEASUREMENTS AND SUBJECTS: We studied expression of CD95 and CD95 ligand as well as sensitivity towards spontaneous and anti-CD95-triggered apoptosis of T cells in 33 HIV-1-positive children and adolescents in different disease stages.

RESULTS

Loss of CD4+ T cells in vivo was paralleled by an increase in the percentage of CD95 high T cells and an increase in anti-CD95-induced apoptosis of CD4+ T cells. CD95L mRNA was constantly up-regulated in T cells from patients in intermediate disease stages whereas patients with normal CD4 counts and patients with advanced T cell loss showed CD95 ligand-mRNA levels in or slightly above the range of normal controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Disturbed regulation of the CD95 system may play an important role in the development of immunodeficiency during the course of HIV infection in children.

The Pediatric Bowel Management Clinic: initial results of a multidisciplinary approach to functional constipation in children

The multifactorial nature of functional constipation in children suggests that a multidisciplinary management approach may be effective. The authors tested this hypothesis in a newly created pediatric Bowel Management Clinic (BMC). Detailed data were collected prospectively on all patients seen in the clinic over the first 16 months. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed to describe the index population and to demonstrate the impact of the intervention. Satisfaction with care in the clinic was measured using the Measure of Processes of Care tool, then compared with a normative sample. One hundred fourteen patients, all previously treated unsuccessfully for constipation, were referred to a team comprised of a physician, nurse practitioner, nurse educator, dietitian, and psychosocial nurse specialist. The mean age was 5.4 years with equal gender distribution. Between the first and last visits recorded, several variables including stool consistency and frequency, soiling frequency, abdominal pain, rectal pain, and rectal bleeding all showed statistically significant (P < .05) improvement. Qualitative data analysis showed the significant psychosocial impact of constipation on patients and their families. In the Measures of Processes of Care questionnaire, scores for the BMC were higher than normal on all scales except in provision of information. A multidisciplinary approach to functional constipation leads to both patient and parent satisfaction and significant short-term improvement. Further studies will examine the long-term impact of the clinic.

The pathogenic role of Staphylococcus epidermidis capsular polysaccharide/adhesin in a low-inoculum rabbit model of prosthetic valve endocarditis

BACKGROUND

The capsular polysaccharide/adhesin (PS/A) antigen of Staphylococcus epidermidis was required to produce endocarditis in a rabbit model in which infection resulted from hematogenous spread of bacteria from a contaminated catheter in the jugular vein. However, many prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) infections probably result from direct contamination of the valve with small numbers of bacteria during surgery. The role of PS/A in this situation was evaluated by modifying a rabbit model of endocarditis to partially mimic PVE.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A Teflon catheter was contaminated with graded inocula of either PS/A-positive S epidermidis strain M187sp11 or the PS/A-negative, isogenic strain M187sn3 and inserted into the left ventricle through the aortic valve. The PS/A-positive strain had a 50% infectious dose of 1.1 x 10(2) cfu (95% CI, 3.3 to 3.7 x 10(3)) compared with 8.5 x 10(4) cfu of the PS/A-negative strain (95% CI, 8.6 x 10(3) to 8.5 x 10(5)). The odds for developing endocarditis were estimated to be 42 times higher for any given inoculum level of the PS/A-positive strain (P = .1). When the PS/A-positive strain was adherent to a catheter surface it survived in rabbit blood, whereas under the same conditions the PS/A-negative strain was killed approximately 90% in 1 hour.

CONCLUSIONS

Direct contamination of an intraventricular foreign body by low levels of PS/A-positive S epidermidis results in endocarditis in rabbits, but at suitably high doses PS/A-negative strains have sufficient virulence to infect cardiac vegetations. PS/A enhances but is not absolutely required for bacterial virulence in a rabbit model of PVE.

[Neurological complications in infectious endocarditis]

Despite considerable progress in both diagnostic studies and therapeutic management serious complications of infectious endocarditis have become rather more common. Next to intracardiac complications arterial embolization to the central nervous system is the second most common life-threatening event, which might lead to infarction, hemorrhage, mycotic aneurysm and/or metastatic infection with a wide spectrum of neurological symptoms and an overall very poor prognosis. The most effective prevention of neurological complications is the early diagnosis of infectious endocarditis with isolation of the infecting agent and adequate antimicrobial chemotherapy in combination with well-timed cardiosurgical measures. Computed tomography and cerebral angiography is mandatory in any patient with neurological symptoms to check the need for a neurosurgical intervention as well as in patients assigned for anticoagulation for cardiac reasons.

Low-dose cyclosporine for the treatment of Crohn's disease. The Canadian Crohn's Relapse Prevention Trial Investigators

BACKGROUND

Long-term corticosteroid therapy for Crohn's disease is associated with important types of morbidity, such as osteoporosis. Safe and effective alternative treatments are required. Although a short-term benefit of cyclosporine in active Crohn's disease has been suggested, the long-term safety and efficacy of this treatment have not been established.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the effect of 18 months of low-dose cyclosporine treatment on the course of Crohn's disease. Adult patients whose disease had been active within the previous two years were randomly assigned to receive cyclosporine (151 patients) or placebo (154 patients) in addition to their usual therapy. Randomization was stratified according to center and score on the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (193 patients had scores of 150 or less, and 112 had scores greater than 150). The primary outcome measure was clinically important worsening of Crohn's disease, defined as a 100-point increase in the Crohn's Disease Activity Index from the patient's base-line value. Secondary outcomes were the use of prednisone and 5-amino-salicylates, mean score on the Crohn's Disease Activity Index and mean quality-of-life score, and the need for surgery.

RESULTS

The condition of more patients worsened with cyclosporine than with placebo (91 of 151, or 60.3 percent, vs. 80 of 154, or 51.9 percent; P = 0.10). The median time to worsening of disease in patients receiving cyclosporine was 338 days, as compared with 492 days in patients receiving placebo (P = 0.25; relative risk, 1.22; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.86 to 1.72). Analyses of the mean Crohn's Disease Activity Index and quality-of-life scores and of the use of prednisone and 5-aminosalicylates also failed to demonstrate benefit.

CONCLUSIONS

In our patient population, the addition of low-dose cyclosporine to conventional treatment for Crohn's disease did not improve symptoms or reduce requirements for other forms of therapy.

Quality of life: a valid and reliable measure of therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Canadian Crohn's Relapse Prevention Trial Study Group

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Quality of life (QOL), a subjective index of health perception and function, embraces physical, social, and emotional performance but has not had a prominent role in clinical trials of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To test the robustness of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ), a disease-specific QOL index, this study assessed its validity, reliability, and responsiveness during a multicenter trial.

METHODS

Three hundred five patients with stable Crohn's disease received cyclosporin or placebo for 18 months. IBDQ and dimensional scores (bowel, social, systemic, and emotional) were correlated with disease activity (Crohn's disease activity index [CDAI] and Harvey-Bradshaw index). Concordance of IBDQ scores was tested in 280 stable subjects. Linear regression evaluated change in IBDQ scores over time.

RESULTS

IBDQ scores correlated highly with CDAI (r = -0.67; P < 0.0001). The reliability coefficient for IBDQ score was 0.70 vs. 0.66 for CDAI and 0.55 for Harvey-Bradshaw index. Regression line slopes of IBDQ scores were significantly different in patients who deteriorated from those who remained stable ([b] < 0.15; P < 0.0001). QOL scores were lower in patients who required surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The IBDQ is a valid reliable assessment tool that reflects important changes in the health status of patients with IBD. The IBDQ is a robust measure of therapeutic efficacy and should be used in future clinical trials in IBD.

[Treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation with antithrombin III concentrate in children with verified infection]

Consumption coagulopathy in childhood is still a serious problem. Besides treatment of the underlying diseases therapy of consumption coagulopathy was performed with heparin and nowadays with substitution of coagulation factors, especially antithrombin III concentrate, alone or in combination with heparin. We performed administration of AT III concentrates only, without additional heparin treatment in children with proven septicaemia (preterm infants n = 21, children beyond the newborn period n = 18). Antithrombin III, platelet count, fibrinogen, PT, aPTT and TT were assayed. These coagulation parameters turned to be normal 48 hours after normalisation of the antithrombin III plasma level-AT III increased to normal values within 24 hours after the initial substitution in all children. Lethal outcome was not observed after sole administration of AT III as well as no other side effects have been seen. In summary, these data indicate that consumption coagulopathy in childhood can be managed successfully with early substitution of AT III concentrate.

Fatal haemoptysis associated with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis treated with high-dose amphotericin B and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)

Opportunistic pulmonary infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chemotherapeutically treated neoplasias. With increasingly aggressive cytotoxic regimens causing prolonged neutropenia, the risk of systemic mycoses and in particular of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis has increased. We review the case of a 10-year-old child suffering from relapsed lymphoblastic leukaemia and from high-dose amphotericin B-treated invasive pulmonary aspergillosis acquired during long-standing neutropenia in the initial phase of remission induction chemotherapy. The patient died in remission after GM-CSF-induced bone marrow recovery and clinical and radiological improvement with stable plasmatic coagulation and normal thrombocyte count. Peracute massive pulmonary bleeding caused by the simultaneous arrosion of a greater pulmonary artery and a lobar bronchus by a liquefactive fungal focus was responsible. In patients with chemotherapeutically induced neutropenia and invasive aspergillosis, bone marrow recovery may lead to the liquefaction of pulmonary foci, and, in view of the well-known vasotropic nature of the infection, to a potentially lethal arrosion bleeding. With the emerging use of colony-stimulating factors for shortening and overcoming neutropenia, this so far rare complication may become of increasing importance.

[Infectious endocarditis from the morphologic viewpoint: on the pathology and clinical aspects of 97 autopsy cases]

In continuous autopsy material between 1978 and 1987 an infectious endocarditis was present in 97 cases of 8745 postmortem examinations. Hospital acquired or iatrogenic infections were at the top of the list with 60% contribution and intravasal devices, cardiovascular or abdominal surgery acting as predominant entrance spots of the infection. In community acquired disease the portal of entry could not be ascertained in most of the cases. The spectrum of causative organisms showed staphylococcus aureus in first position (37%), followed by enterococci (20%), candida (12%) and gram-negative rods (10%). Streptococcus viridans could be isolated in only one case. The majority of patients already had cardiac valve lesions before the onset of infection (48%), immune-defence tangent illnesses (47%) and/or were treated immunosuppressively (14%). In many of the patients, however, no predisposing factors could be established. Factors determining the clinical outcome were - independent of the localization - the local destruction (47%), purulent and non-purulent myocarditis (58%), fresh myocardial infarction (17%) and embolization to various organs (76%), whereby the central nervous system was affected to a high degree (43%). Only 39% of the analyzed cases were discovered at lifetime; especially mural (n = 10) and tricuspidal (n = 9) infections were overlooked. In spite of highly suspicious infection parameters, blood-cultures were drawn from only 59% of the patients; however, an antibiotic therapy had been given to 85%. Only through an early diagnosis before serious complications set in, the poor prognosis of infectious endocarditis can be improved by specific chemotherapy and well-timed surgical measures.

[The morphology and clinical significance of pathologic changes of the adrenals and hypophysis in AIDS]

A semiquantitative morphometric technique (point counting) was applied to the pituitary and adrenals taken at necropsy from 130 AIDS patients (4 women, 126 men, mean age 39 [22-71] years) to ascertain the nature, extent and location of the pathological lesions. Abnormalities were found in 32% of the pituitaries and 76% of the adrenals. Only 17 patients had normal findings in both organs. The predominant lesions were due to opportunistic infections or infiltration by Kaposi's sarcoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The commonest finding was necrotizing cytomegalovirus adrenalitis (n = 68); in one third of the cases this had caused severe destructive lesions involving over 50% of the parenchyma. The almost total destruction of the adrenals noted in some cases suggests that cytomegalovirus adrenalitis may run a progressive course; its clinical significance has hitherto been underestimated.

CT appearance of annular pancreas: a case report

We report here the computed tomographic appearance of an annular pancreas complicated by chronic pancreatitis.

[Teichoic acid antibody assay in infections of the bones and joints caused by Staphylococcus aureus]

For detecting antibodies against the teichoic acids of Staphylococcus aureus (SA), a commercially available Ouchterlony double-diffusion procedure kit was chosen. Thirteen of 26 patients with chronic SA osteomyelitis, 2 of 2 with SA spondylitis and 5 of 6 with arthritis had a positive assay (58%) in contrast to 8 of 24 patients of the control groups (33%). High titers correlated well with the extent and duration of antigen presentation in the bloodstream for cells of representing the specific immunity. Localized infections with minor antigenemia elicited a detectable but weak antibody response.

Bile duct carcinoma and biliary tract dysplasia in chronic ulcerative colitis

A case of chronic ulcerative colitis with a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the common hepatic duct is described. Throughout the entire biliary tree, there was extensive epithelial dysplasia associated with changes of primary sclerosing cholangitis. The development of primary sclerosing cholangitis in the biliary tract of patients with ulcerative colitis appears to precede dysplasia and may be a marker of patients at risk for developing biliary tract carcinomas.

Response to steroids in Budd-Chiari syndrome caused by idiopathic granulomatous venulitis

A 31-yr-old man presented with the Budd-Chiari syndrome. A liver biopsy specimen demonstrated noncaseating centrilobular granulomas and an idiopathic necrotizing granulomatous venulitis involving hepatic vein radicles with superimposed thrombotic occlusion. High-dose prednisone therapy produced dramatic clinical improvement with resolution of the hepatomegaly, ascites, and portal hypertension and normalization of the hepatic venous angiogram. A repeat liver biopsy specimen showed resolution of the venulitis and disappearance of the hepatic vein thrombosis. Idiopathic granulomatous venulitis that is reversible with prednisone therapy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the Budd-Chiari syndrome.

Indium-111-labeled autologous leukocyte imaging and fecal excretion. Comparison with conventional methods of assessment of inflammatory bowel disease

This study was designed to evaluate the role of 111In-labeled leukocyte imaging and fecal excretion in the assessment of inflammatory bowel disease. We compared these tests to various indices of disease activity in Crohn's disease, to Truelove's grading in ulcerative colitis, and to endoscopy, x-ray, and pathology in both diseases. Eleven controls, 16 patients with Crohn's disease, 13 with ulcerative colitis, and 3 with other types of acute bowel inflammation were studied (positive controls). Indium scanning was performed at 1, 4, and 24 hr. Fourteen of 16 patients with active Crohn's disease had positive scans but in only five was localization accurate. One patient had inactive ulcerative colitis, and the scan was negative. Of 12 patients with active ulcerative colitis, 10 had positive scans but disease localization was accurate in only four. Disease extent was correctly defined in 1 of the 3 Positive Controls. There was no significant difference in the accuracy of scanning at 1, 4, or 24 hr. 111In fecal excretion was significantly higher in patients with inflammatory bowel disease than in controls, and there was correlation between 111In fecal excretion and most of the indices of disease activity in Crohn's disease. In ulcerative colitis, 111In fecal excretion did not correlate with Truelove's grading but reflected colonoscopic assessment of severity. In conclusion, 111In-labeled leukocyte scanning lacks sensitivity with respect to disease extent, but fecal excretion of 111In correlates well with disease severity as determined by other methods.

Cimetidine prophylaxis for gastrointestinal bleeding in an intensive care unit

The efficacy of cimetidine in the prevention of gastrointestinal haemorrhage in a general intensive care unit was evaluated in 221 patients by a placebo controlled double blind randomised study. Criteria for bleeding were (i) haematemesis or gastric aspirate greater than 50 ml fresh blood, (ii) melaena or fresh blood per rectum with an upper source verified by endoscopy if the gastric aspirate was clear, (iii) a fall in haemoglobin level greater than 2 g/dl in a 24 hour period associated with either 4+ occult blood in stools, or coffee ground gastric drainage of at least 100 ml. The drug and placebo groups were similar for age, sex, duration of study and risk factors. One hundred and fourteen received cimetidine and 107 placebo. Only 8% of the patients bled with no significant difference between the two groups (6/114 cimetidine, 11/107 placebo; p = 0.16). There was no correlation between the frequency of bleeding and either the number of risk factors per patient or the duration of intensive care unit stay. Thirteen patients died in each study group, resulting in overall mortality of 12%. The low incidence of haemorrhage, the lack of statistical benefit from cimetidine and the similar mortality all argue against the routine use of this drug in intensive care unit patients.

Short stature as the primary manifestation of coeliac disease

Thirty-four patients with short stature of undetermined cause and no gastrointestinal symptoms underwent jejunal biopsy for exclusion of coeliac disease. Eight had subtotal or severe partial villous atrophy and seven showed a significant acceleration in height and weight velocity after the introduction of a gluten-free diet. Short stature by itself, in the complete absence of gastrointestinal symptoms, is an indication for jejunal biopsy, particularly if bone age is delayed by more than 4 years and/or there are associated haematological abnormalities.

Poisoning with enteric-coated acetylsalicylic acid complicating gastric outlet obstruction

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Selective superior mesenteric embolization for small intestinal hemorrhage

A 25-year-old white woman who had previously undergone two operations for peptic ulcer disease, and was addicted to drugs and alcohol, had massive hemorrhage from the small intestine. Angiography pinpointed the jejunum as the source of bleeding. Because the patient had a coagulopathy she was considered a poor risk for surgery. Bleeding was controlled by embolization with sterile, commercially available Gelfoam (Upjohn) which was injected into the offending branch of the superior mesenteric artery. This is believed to be only the third documented case of embolization of small intestinal vessels. A review of the available literature is presented and the value of Gelfoam embolization as an adjunct in the control of hemorrhage in selected patients is stressed.

Clinical value of gastrointestinal fiberoptic endoscopy

This review describes the contribution of fiberoptic endoscopy and its associated ancillary procedures to the improved diagnosis of some common gastrointestinal disorders. The diagnostic approach to esophagitis and carcinoma of the esophagus and stomach is outlined. Swallowed foreign bodies that do not pass out of the stomach can be removed with relative ease by endoscopic ancillary procedures. The role of endoscopy in duodenal ulcer disease and the effects on morbidity and mortality of the vigorous diagnostic approach in upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage are discussed. Endoscopy is invaluable for assessing the condition of the stomach postoperatively. Colonoscopic polypectomy has lent support to the "poly-cancer" hypothesis. The role of colonoscopy in the evaluation of inflammatory bowel disease must still be delineated. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is of value in the investigation of obstructive jaundice and pancreatic disease. In the former, noninvasive techniques of ultrasonography and computerized tomography scanning complemented by fine-needle transhepatic cholangiography will probably be the preferred methods of investigation. The impact of the contribution of fiberoptic endoscopy on health care will be maintained only if the physician has been properly trained in its use and has an understanding of the different diseases.

Symposium on diarrhea. 3. Investigation of chronic diarrhea

The practical approach to the investigation of diarrhea must be logical and based on anatomic considerations. The site of the underlying disorder may be determined by the clinical picture, and the logic of investigation will be influenced by the history. Important specific investigation in a case of colonic diarrhea include a careful rectal examination, stool inspection, sigmoidoscopy, rectal biopsy and barium enema study. Colonoscopy has been used, but its role has yet to be defined. In a case of small-bowel steatorrhea or diarrhea quantitative chemical estimation of the daily output of stool fat is useful, and to this investigation is added a small-bowel radiograph series and, if the radiographic findings are abnormal, small-bowel biopsy. Other investigations for small-bowel disease may include the breath test with carbon-14-labelled glycocholic acid, the lactose tolerance test, duodenal aspiration for giardiasis, analysis of serum immunoglobulins and, on occasion, isolation of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide hormone (which may aid the diagnosis of functioning tumours of the pancreas or small bowel). Investigations for pancreatic steatorrhea include abdominal radiography, performance of the secretin test and testing of the response to pancreatic replacement therapy. In some patients it may be useful to use endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography to differentiate pancreatic carcinoma and chronic pancreatitis.