Swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography metrics of retinal ischaemic perivascular lesions in patients being evaluated for carotid artery stenosis and controls

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Retinal microvascular ischaemia may produce localised middle retinal disruption with corresponding scotoma, a phenomenon termed paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM). Small chronic middle retinal atrophic lesions termed retinal ischaemic perivascular lesions (RIPLs) appear qualitatively similar to PAMM lesions and have recently been hypothesised to result specifically from PAMM. However, no studies have quantitatively demonstrated an ischaemic origin of RIPLs. We quantitatively investigated the pathophysiology of RIPLs and their relationship with PAMM with swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA).

METHODS

A total of 14 controls and 25 patients being evaluated for carotid artery stenosis (CAS) were enrolled. SS-OCTA imaging of each eye was taken. Projection-resolved en face 6 mm × 6 mm superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) images were quantitatively analysed with two algorithms for changes in vessel linear density (VLD) and vessel tortuosity (VT) at RIPLs relative to both the immediately surrounding macula and the entire macula, as well as between eyes with RIPLs and eyes without RIPLs.

RESULTS

All controls and 22 of 25 CAS patients were included in the analysis. RIPLs demonstrated a localised decrease in DCP VLD in CAS patients and controls. RIPLs tended to show a localised decrease in SCP VLD in CAS patients but a localised increase in controls. No changes in VT were found. Eyes with RIPLs had VLD and VT similar to their RIPL-free fellow eyes.

CONCLUSION

RIPLs are associated with quantifiable local, but not global, ischaemia, supporting the idea of shared pathophysiology with classic PAMM lesions along a continuum of ischaemia severity.

Transgenic models for investigating the nervous system: Currently available neurofluorescent reporters and potential neuronal markers

Recombinant DNA technologies have enabled the development of transgenic animal models for use in studying a myriad of diseases and biological states. By placing fluorescent reporters under the direct regulation of the promoter region of specific marker proteins, these models can localize and characterize very specific cell types. One important application of transgenic species is the study of the cytoarchitecture of the nervous system. Neurofluorescent reporters can be used to study the structural patterns of nerves in the central or peripheral nervous system in vivo, as well as phenomena involving embryologic or adult neurogenesis, injury, degeneration, and recovery. Furthermore, crucial molecular factors can also be screened via the transgenic approach, which may eventually play a major role in the development of therapeutic strategies against diseases like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. This review describes currently available reporters and their uses in the literature as well as potential neural markers that can be leveraged to create additional, robust transgenic models for future studies.

Effect of macroscopic vascular invasion (MVI), extrahepatic spread (EHS), and ECOG performance status (ECOG PS) on outcome in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with sorafenib: Analysis of two phase III, randomized, double-blind trials

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Background: The landmark phase III SHARP trial (Llovet et al, N Engl J Med, 2008) showed that sorafenib is effective and safe for the treatment of advanced HCC. These results were confirmed in an Asian population in the phase III Asia-Pacific (AP) study (Cheng et al, Lancet Oncol, 2009). We compared outcomes of sorafenib treatment in patients enrolled in the SHARP and AP trials with known baseline predictors of poor prognosis. Methods: Patients with advanced, unresectable, measurable HCC, ECOG PS 0–2, Child-Pugh A, and no prior systemic therapy for HCC were randomized to sorafenib 400 mg BID or placebo (SHARP: N=602; AP: N=226). Patients in the AP study had more evolved disease and a predominance of hepatitis B infection. Endpoints included overall survival (OS), disease-control rate (DCR; defined as complete/partial response or stable disease by RECIST, maintained for ≥28 days from first demonstration of response), and safety. Results: Efficacy results are shown in the table . The incidence of grade 3/4 drug-related adverse events (AEs) across subgroups in each study was consistent with the overall population for each study. The most common grade 3/4 AEs in all sorafenib populations were hand-foot skin reaction and diarrhea. Conclusions: Sorafenib is effective and safe for the treatment of advanced HCC in patients globally, irrespective of baseline ECOG PS and presence or absence of MVI and/or EHS.

[Table: see text]

[Table: see text]

ASCO Conflict of Interest Policy and Exceptions

In compliance with the guidelines established by the ASCO Conflict of Interest Policy (J Clin Oncol. 2006 Jan 20;24[3]:519–521) and the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), ASCO strives to promote balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor through disclosure of financial and other interests, and identification and management of potential conflicts. According to the ASCO Conflict of Interest Policy, the following financial and other relationships must be disclosed: employment or leadership position, consultant or advisory role, stock ownership, honoraria, research funding, expert testimony, and other remuneration (J Clin Oncol. 2006 Jan 20;24[3]:520). The ASCO Conflict of Interest Policy disclosure requirements apply to all authors who submit abstracts to the Annual Meeting.

For clinical trials that began accrual on or after April 29, 2004, ASCO's Policy places some restrictions on the financial relationships of principal investigators (J Clin Oncol. 2006 Jan 20;24[3]:521). If a principal investigator holds any restricted relationships, his or her abstract will be ineligible for placement in the 2009 Annual Meeting unless the ASCO Ethics Committee grants an exception. Among the circumstances that might justify an exception are that the principal investigator (1) is a widely acknowledged expert in a particular therapeutic area; (2) is the inventor of a unique technology or treatment being evaluated in the clinical trial; or (3) is involved in international clinical oncology research and has acted consistently with recognized international standards of ethics in the conduct of clinical research. NIH-sponsored trials are exempt from the Policy restrictions. Abstracts for which authors requested and have been granted an exception in accordance with ASCO's Policy are designated with a caret symbol (^) in the Annual Meeting Proceedings.

For more information about the ASCO Conflict of Interest Policy and the exceptions process, please visit www.asco.org/conflictofinterest .

Long-term safety of sorafenib (SOR) for the treatment (tx) of advanced clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma (RCC): Data analysis from patients (pts) treated for over 1 year in the phase III TARGET study

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Background: Results of the phase III multicenter TARGET study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo (PBO)- controlled study of tx with SOR in pts with clear-cell RCC in whom 1 prior systemic therapy had failed, indicated that SOR is effective (PFS 5.5 vs 2.8 mo, HR=0.44, P<0.000001, and 39% increase in survival for SOR vs PBO, HR=0.71, P=0.015) and safe in pts with advanced RCC (Escudier et al. N Engl J Med. 2007). With a database cut-off of Sept 8, 2006, we analyzed the safety of long-term use of SOR in pts in TARGET (study start Nov 2003). Methods: Pts (N=903) with advanced metastatic clear-cell RCC that had progressed after 1 systemic tx, ECOG PS 0–2, and low- or intermediate-risk MSKCC score were randomized 1:1 to SOR 400 mg BID or PBO. End points included OS, PFS, and safety. A single planned analysis of PFS showed a significant benefit of SOR over PBO; consequently, pts assigned to PBO were offered SOR. Descriptive analysis of safety and efficacy of pts treated >1 year (y) was conducted. Results: 169/903 pts were randomized to SOR and treated >1 y and 27 pts treated >2 y. Due to crossover of PBO to SOR, only 6 pts randomized to PBO were treated with SOR >1 y. Pts treated with SOR >1 y had median PFS of 10.9 months and a response rate of 22.5%. Median tx duration was 20 months. Drug-related adverse events (AEs) were mainly grades 1 and 2 and occurred early during tx (see Table ); 31% and 22% of pts required dose interruption and reduction, respectively, because of AEs. Conclusions: Long-term tx with SOR did not result in new toxicities or an increase in overall incidence of tx-related AEs. Toxicity was not cumulative and no increase in grades 3/4 AEs was observed. Pts with preexisting cardiac disease or hypertension tolerated long-term tx with SOR; no dose reduction was required. No increase in cardiovascular toxicity was observed in this pt population. Long-term tx of pts with advanced RCC with SOR is medically manageable, with a predictable AE profile. [Table: see text]

[Table: see text]

Impact of lymph node metastases on outcome following treatment with sorafenib in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): Subset analysis from the phase III SHARP trial

e15547

Background: Results from the Sorafenib HCC Assessment Randomized Protocol (SHARP) study, a multinational, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase III trial, demonstrated that sorafenib is effective and safe for patients with advanced HCC (Llovet et al, N Engl J Med, 2008). As lymph nodes are among the most common sites of metastasis in patients with HCC, we performed subset analyses to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sorafenib in patients with or without lymph node metastases at baseline. Methods: Patients (N=602) with advanced, unresectable, measurable HCC, ECOG PS 0–2, Child-Pugh class A, and no prior systemic therapy for HCC were randomized 1:1 to receive either sorafenib 400 mg BID or placebo. End points included overall survival (OS), disease-control rate (DCR; defined as complete/partial response or stable disease by RECIST, maintained for ≥28 d from first demonstration of response), time to progression (TTP), and safety. Results: Median TTP, OS, and DCR by subset are shown in the table. The incidence of grade 3/4 drug-related adverse events across subgroups was consistent with that reported for the overall population. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events in the sorafenib populations were hand-foot skin reaction and diarrhea. Conclusions: Sorafenib prolonged OS and TTP in patients with advanced HCC, whether or not lymph node metastases were present at baseline. The safety profile of sorafenib in patients with lymph node metastases was comparable with that for the overall study population.

[Table: see text]

[Table: see text]

The multinational Men's Attitudes to Life Events and Sexuality study: the influence of diabetes on self-reported erectile function, attitudes and treatment-seeking patterns in men with erectile dysfunction

AIMS

To identify the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men with diabetes, and to compare the perceptions of ED and the treatment-seeking behaviour of these men with men with ED without diabetes.

METHODS

Phase I of this multinational study involved 27,839 men who were questioned about a number of men's health issues including ED, diabetes and cardiovascular conditions (i.e. hypertension, high cholesterol and angina). Epidemiological associations between these conditions were explored. Phase II involved 2912 men with self-reported ED, aged 20-75 years. Participants completed questionnaires concerning their ED, efforts to seek treatment for their ED, and potential influences that might affect treatment-seeking behaviour. Comparison of these responses was made between men with ED and diabetes and men with ED without diabetes.

RESULTS

There was a clear association between self-reported ED and diabetes, hypertension, angina and high cholesterol. Men with diabetes were more likely to consider their ED to be severe and permanent and to speak to a physician or a nurse about their ED, compared with men without diabetes. Sildenafil use was similar in both groups, but men with diabetes were more likely to have discontinued use, mainly because of the lack of treatment efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Men with diabetes were more likely to consider their ED to be severe and permanent, compared with men without diabetes. Furthermore, men with diabetes were more likely to discontinue sildenafil therapy, primarily because of poor efficacy. These findings suggest a need for alternative treatments for ED, especially in men with diabetes.

Efficacy of metrifonate in improving the psychiatric and behavioral disturbances of patients with Alzheimer's disease

Neuropsychiatric and behavioral symptoms are frequent and problematic components of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In two previously reported studies, metrifonate was shown to benefit behavioral symptoms as assessed by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). In this post hoc analysis, detailed studies were completed to determine the effects of metrifonate on individual symptoms. This study was a retrospective analysis of pooled NPI data from two double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter 26-week studies of metrifonate that had achieved similar levels of cholinesterase inhibition. Mild-to-moderate probable AD patients received placebo (n = 222) or metrifonate (n = 450) 30 to 60 mg by weight or a 50-mg fixed dose once daily. At 26 weeks, metrifonate-treated patients had significantly reduced NPI total scores (P = .001) and fewer neuropsychiatric symptoms when compared with placebo-treated patients, including hallucinations (P = .004), agitation/aggression (P = .006), depression/dysphoria (P = .011), apathy (P = .019), and aberrant motor behavior (P = .008). Metrifonate reduced or stabilized neuropsychiatric disturbances in 60% of symptomatic patients. Almost 40% of metrifonate-treated patients had a clinically relevant reduction (> or = 30% decrease in NPI score) in their neuropsychiatric disturbances (P = .002). High proportions of metrifonate-treated patients manifested clinically relevant reductions in anxiety (58%, P = .009), apathy (51%, P = .020), and depression/dysphoria (50%, P = .021) compared to placebo. The metrifonate-associated reductions in NPI scores were evident by week 12 and were maintained for the 26-week study period. There was an overall effect size of metrifonate of approximately 15% on total NPI scores when compared to placebo. Metrifonate significantly reduced many of the psychiatric and behavioral symptoms of AD. The observations suggest that enhancement of cholinergic functions in AD has beneficial effects on behavior.

Human vitreal prostaglandin levels and proliferative diabetic retinopathy

PURPOSE

To determine the association of prostaglandins E1 (PGE1), E2 (PGE2), and F2-alpha (PGF2-alpha) with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in human vitreous.

METHODS

We collected human vitreous samples from eyes undergoing pars plana vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy with vitreous hemorrhage (N=13) and for other reasons including macular gliosis and Stage IV idiopathic macular holes (N=7). Vitreal prostaglandins E1, E2, and F2-alpha were measured by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

Eyes with PDR had significantly lower vitreal levels of PGE1 (74.77 pg/ml +/- 15.70) compared to those without PDR (91.86 pg/ml +/- 13.36) (p=0.025) using t-test analysis. Eyes with PDR also had significantly lower levels of PGE2 (127.52 pg/ml +/- 70.52) compared to those eyes without PDR (194.43 pg/ml +/- 57.10) (p=0.045). In addition, eyes with PDR had significantly lower levels of PGF2-alpha (34.62 pg/ml +/- 11.56) compared to those eyes without PDR (51.43 pg/ml +/- 18.44) (p=0.021). Panretinal photocoagulation in diabetic eyes did not have an effect on vitreal concentrations of PGE1 (p=0.588). PGE2 (p=0.460) and PGF2-alpha (p=0.351), but sample size was too small.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetic eyes with PDR had significantly lower vitreal levels of PGE1, PGE2 and PGF2-alpha compared to controls consistent with decreased production of these prostaglandins by the endothelial cells of diabetic eyes. Laser treatment did not appear to have a significant effect on vitreal concentrations of these prostaglandins, but sample size was small. The lower concentration of these vasodilatory prostaglandins may reflect the vasculature's inability to produce these substances and the vasoconstrictive state of the end-stage diabetic eye with PDR.

Metrifonate treatment of AD: influence of APOE genotype

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether an interaction exists between APOE genotype and the response of AD patients to metrifonate treatment and whether APOE genotype independently affects the rate of AD progression.

BACKGROUND

Metrifonate is a new acetylcholinesterase inhibitor for the treatment of AD symptoms.

METHODS

Data were pooled from four prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials and analyzed retrospectively. A total of 959 patients who received once-daily placebo (n = 374) or metrifonate (30 to 60 mg based on weight or a 50-mg fixed dose, n = 585) for up to 26 weeks agreed to APOE genotyping.

RESULTS

Metrifonate clearly improved the cognitive performance of the AD patients when compared with placebo (Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale [ADAS-Cog], p = 0.0001). The interaction of APOE genotype and the metrifonate effect on cognitive performance were not significant (p = 0.25). Metrifonate also clearly improved the global function of the AD patients when compared with placebo (Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change with Caregiver Input [CIBIC-Plus], p = 0.0001). The interaction of APOE genotype with the metrifonate effect on global function also was not significant (p = 0.70). No significant three-way interactions were observed among APOE genotype, gender, and response to metrifonate treatment (ADAS-Cog, p = 0.68; CIBIC-Plus, p = 0.26). APOE genotype did not influence disease progression as evaluated by either cognitive performance (ADAS-Cog, p = 0.93) or global function (CIBIC-Plus, p = 0.64).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from these studies of up to 26 weeks' duration do not clearly support an interaction between APOE genotype and metrifonate treatment effects. They suggest that APOE genotypes do not necessarily predict an AD patient's response to metrifonate treatment and that APOE genotype may not influence the rate of disease progression for patients with mild to moderate AD.

Frequency of early occlusion and stenosis in a left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery bypass graft after surgery through a median sternotomy on conventional bypass: benchmark for minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass

BACKGROUND

Uncertainty exists regarding the frequency of early occlusion when the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) is anastomosed to the left anterior descending artery (LAD) through a sternotomy with conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The issue has gained importance for comparison with less invasive surgical approaches in which operative exposure may be limited and graft anastomosis more difficult.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data were analyzed from the International Multicenter Aprotinin Graft Patency Experience (IMAGE) trial in which 617 patients underwent conventional CABG of the LAD with a LIMA between April 1993 and May 1995. Coronary angiography was performed a mean of 10.8 days postoperatively. Patients were randomized to receive intraoperative aprotinin, an inhibitor of several serine proteinases, or placebo. Because no differences existed in patency rates of LIMA grafts between patients who received aprotinin and placebo, both groups were analyzed collectively. On coronary angiography, the LIMA was widely patent (<50% stenosis) in 561 patients (91%), had > or = 50% and <99% stenosis in 48 patients (7.8%), and was occluded in 8 patients (1.3%). Therefore, the LIMA was patent in 609 patients (98.7%). Conclusions-In the IMAGE trial, the largest and most contemporary early angiographic analysis of CABG available, early patency of the LIMA was >98% when anastomosed to the LAD. These data provide an important benchmark for less invasive surgical approaches in which the LIMA is anastomosed to the LAD.

Analyses of coronary graft patency after aprotinin use: results from the International Multicenter Aprotinin Graft Patency Experience (IMAGE) trial

OBJECTIVE

We examined the effects of aprotinin on graft patency, prevalence of myocardial infarction, and blood loss in patients undergoing primary coronary surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

METHODS

Patients from 13 international sites were randomized to receive intraoperative aprotinin (n = 436) or placebo (n = 434). Graft angiography was obtained a mean of 10.8 days after the operation. Electrocardiograms, cardiac enzymes, and blood loss and replacement were evaluated.

RESULTS

In 796 assessable patients, aprotinin reduced thoracic drainage volume by 43% (P < .0001) and requirement for red blood cell administration by 49% (P < .0001). Among 703 patients with assessable saphenous vein grafts, occlusions occurred in 15.4% of aprotinin-treated patients and 10.9% of patients receiving placebo (P = .03). After we had adjusted for risk factors associated with vein graft occlusion, the aprotinin versus placebo risk ratio decreased from 1.7 to 1.05 (90% confidence interval, 0.6 to 1.8). These factors included female gender, lack of prior aspirin therapy, small and poor distal vessel quality, and possibly use of aprotinin-treated blood as excised vein perfusate. At United States sites, patients had characteristics more favorable for graft patency, and occlusions occurred in 9.4% of the aprotinin group and 9.5% of the placebo group (P = .72). At Danish and Israeli sites, where patients had more adverse characteristics, occlusions occurred in 23.0% of aprotinin- and 12.4% of placebo-treated patients (P = .01). Aprotinin did not affect the occurrence of myocardial infarction (aprotinin: 2.9%; placebo: 3.8%) or mortality (aprotinin: 1.4%; placebo: 1.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the probability of early vein graft occlusion was increased by aprotinin, but this outcome was promoted by multiple risk factors for graft occlusion.

An increase in extracellular glutamate is a sensitive method of detecting ischaemic neuronal damage during cranial base and cerebrovascular surgery. An in vivo microdialysis study

All patients undergoing neurological surgery are at risk for serious complications. Ischaemic damage presenting with hemiparesis or speech difficulties occurs in up to 6% of patients undergoing cerebral bypass procedures and other complicated neurosurgical procedures. Currently available methods for detection of such damage include the use of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and electro-encephalography (EEG). Unfortunately, these techniques have false positives and may remain normal in the presence of severe focal neurological deficits. Early detection of potential deficits may prevent or minimize damage through a change in operative or anaesthetic strategy. With the availability of several potential neuroprotective compounds, it is also possible to treat patients at risk of developing ischaemic complications if the individuals are identified early. The excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate is not only a metabolic product, but is also thought to promote ischaemia induced cell injury if released into the extracellular space. It may be a significant parameter for ischaemic brain metabolism. In this report we describe 10 patients who underwent extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) high flow bypass procedures with routine intra-operative monitoring (IOM) as well as intra-operative in-vivo microdialysis measurement of glutamate. Our aim was to compare intra-operative microdialytic findings and IOM findings with respect to patients' early postoperative clinical courses. Three patients had significant intra-operative glutamate increases indicating ischaemia. Two of these patients awoke with a new neurological deficit (hemiparesis). Routine IOM findings were either normal or showed only transient changes during the time the glutamate levels were high. Our study shows that an increase in extracellular glutamate, as monitored by in-vivo microdialysis, is an excellent early market of neuronal damage. While our glutamate measurements were done off-line, it may be possible to get in future continuous on-line measurements to serve as an early warning system for potential ischaemic damage.

Does gender have an impact on the sonographic detection of second-trimester fetuses with Down's syndrome?

The biometric and structural sonographic features of 95 second-trimester fetuses with Down's syndrome were evaluated to determine whether affected male fetuses differed from affected females. There were 54 male and 41 female fetuses with Down's syndrome studied. A shortened femur was identified in 28/54 (52%) males compared with 19/41 (46%) affected females (NS). A thickened nuchal fold was identified in 19/54 (35%) of males vs. 20/41 (49%) of females. Renal pyelectasis was seen in 7/54 (13%) males and 8/41 (19%) females. A heart defect was seen in 8/54 (15%) males and 7/41 (17%) females. Ventriculomegaly was identified in 6/54 (11%) males and 3/41 (7%) females with Down's syndrome. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of the sonographic findings when male and female Down's fetuses were compared. Our data show that the criteria for evaluation of sonographic markers for the identification of second-trimester fetuses with Down's syndrome should be the same in male and female fetuses.

Levorotation of the fetal cardiac axis: a clue for the presence of congenital heart disease

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of the cardiac axis within the chest for the prenatal detection of congenital heart defects.

METHODS

We reviewed retrospectively the sonographic findings of all fetuses scanned between 17 and 40 weeks' gestation and diagnosed prenatally as having heart defects. The cardiac diagnoses were confirmed postnatally. The control group consisted of 75 consecutive fetuses with normal fetal surveys and newborn follow-up examinations. The cardiac axes were measured retrospectively using an image of the four-chamber view of the heart and measuring the angle between the interventricular septum and a line bisecting the chest. Mean and standard deviations (SDs) of the axis measurements in normal and abnormal fetuses were compared by Student t test.

RESULTS

The 75 fetuses with heart defects diagnosed by prenatal sonogram had a mean cardiac axis of 56 +/- 13 degrees, compared with 43 +/- 7 degrees in normal fetuses (P < .001). Using 57 degrees (two SDs above the mean for normal fetuses) as the upper limit of normal, 33 of 75 (44%) abnormal fetuses versus none of 75 normal fetuses were identified. The frequency of cardiac rotation was greater in fetuses with truncus arteriosus, Ebstein's anomaly, pulmonic stenosis, coarctation of the aorta, and tetralogy of Fallot.

CONCLUSION

The presence of a cardiac axis exceeding 57 degrees in the fetal chest is associated with a substantial risk of congenital heart defects. The finding of an abnormal axis should prompt further evaluation of the fetal heart.

Identification of second-trimester fetuses with autosomal trisomy by use of a sonographic scoring index

PURPOSE

To evaluate the ability to identify fetuses with autosomal trisomy by use of sonographic features in the form of a scoring system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The presence of nuchal thickening, long-bone shortness, pyelectasis, hyperechoic bowel, choroid plexus cyst, and major anatomic defects was prospectively evaluated in 60 trisomic fetuses aged 14-21 weeks and 106 second-trimester control fetuses.

RESULTS

Forty-five fetuses had Down syndrome, 13 had trisomy 18, and two had trisomy 13. Based on previous criteria for short femur and humerus, pyelectasis, nuchal thickening, echogenic bowel, and choroid plexus cysts, a scoring system for detection of aneuploidy was developed. It enabled identification of 33 fetuses with Down syndrome (73%), 11 (85%) with trisomy 18, two (100%) with trisomy 13, and four control fetuses with abnormality (4%). The positive predictive value in patients in 1/250, 1/500, and 1/1,000 risk groups was 7.2%, 3.7%, and 1.9% for identification of a fetus with Down syndrome.

CONCLUSION

These sonographic markers seem to be sensitive for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities.

An unusual variant of congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia with mild maternal and lethal fetal disease

An unusual variant of congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia is described presenting as mild haemolytic anaemia with multinucleated erythroblasts in the marrow of the proband. The outcome of her non-consanguineous pregnancy was a third trimester, in utero, fetal demise. The hydropic fetus had dyserythropoiesis with circulating multinucleated erythroblasts, and haemosiderosis. Re-evaluation of the proband revealed a variant of congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia with an inheritance pattern, and with morphological, serological and biochemical features which are not consistent with any of the three described variants of congenital dyserythropoietic anaemias.

Nuchal thickening or cystic hygromas in first- and early second-trimester fetuses: prognosis and outcome

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the relationship between nuchal abnormality, karyotype, and prognosis in fetuses with nuchal thickening or cystic hygroma observed between 10-15 weeks' gestation.

METHODS

We reviewed all cases of fetal nuchal thickening (4 mm or greater) in 10-15-week fetuses over a 5-year period. Generalized hydrops and the presence of other anomalies were noted prospectively. We retrospectively measured the nuchal area and determined whether septations were present. Data consisted of karyotype, pathologic studies, and clinical follow-up of live-born infants.

RESULTS

Of 100 consecutive fetuses, 29 were excluded because of pregnancy termination without karyotype or pathologic information. Of the remaining 71 fetuses, 63 had karyotyping. Abnormal karyotypes were found in 31 of 37 hydropic fetuses but in only 12 of 26 nonhydropic fetuses (P < .05). Fetuses with Turner syndrome had larger cystic hygromas than those with trisomy 18, trisomy 21, or normal karyotype (P < .05). There were ten normal live-born infants, none of whom was hydropic at the time of initial diagnosis and all of whom demonstrated spontaneous resolution of the nuchal thickening on subsequent sonograms.

CONCLUSIONS

Fetuses with nuchal thickening or cystic hygromas demonstrated by ultrasound should have their karyotype determined. If the karyotype is normal and there are no hydrops or septations, the prognosis is good.

Placenta accreta/percreta/increta: a cause of elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) and abnormal placental adherence (placenta accreta/percreta/increta).

METHODS

We reviewed the MSAFP levels of 11 women who had cesarean hysterectomies because of placenta accreta/percreta/increta. The control group consisted of 14 women who delivered by cesarean because of placenta previa but who had no abnormal placental adherence.

RESULTS

Five of the 11 women with placenta accreta/percreta/increta had elevated MSAFP, whereas all 14 controls had normal levels.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate a significant association between elevated MSAFP and placenta accreta/percreta/increta (P = .017). Patients with an unexplained elevation of MSAFP as well as placenta previa may be at increased risk for abnormal placental adherence.

Prematurity among insulin-requiring diabetic gravid women

From Jan. 1, 1983, through Dec. 31, 1987, 420 gravidas with insulin-requiring diabetes antedating pregnancy delivered on the Joslin Clinic service. Among them, 110 pregnancies (26.2% of the total) delivered before 37 completed weeks of gestation compared with a 9.7% incidence (906/9368) for the general population at the Brigham and Women's Hospital during calendar year 1985. Thirty-three percent of all premature deliveries were the result of the development of preeclampsia. The relative risk of prematurity for diabetic patients with any hypertensive complication was 2.0 (95% confidence interval, 1.40 to 2.87) compared with normotensive diabetic subjects. Compared with the general population, most of the excess risk of prematurity was confined to hypertensive diabetics and normotensive patients of more advanced White class. A history of having had a previous premature delivery, increasing duration of diabetes antedating pregnancy, and carrying a male fetus in the index pregnancy were significantly associated with premature delivery. Future efforts to reduce the incidence of prematurity among diabetic gravidas should be directed toward reducing the incidence of preeclampsia.

Management of isoimmunized pregnancy by use of intravascular techniques

Twenty-two patients who had 23 pregnancies complicated by isoimmunization were managed by the use of intravascular methods on an outpatient basis. Nine patients underwent 30 percutaneous fetal blood sampling procedures to determine fetal blood type or hematocrit, without complication. Thirteen patients underwent 45 intrauterine fetal transfusions via the umbilical vessels and 16 intraperitoneal fetal transfusions. The overall survival rate in this series was 85.7%. Survival among fetuses that were hydropic at initial evaluation was 83.3%. The procedure-related perinatal mortality rate for intravascular intrauterine transfusions was 2.2%. Knowledge of fetal blood type and hematocrit allowed treatment individualized to the specific needs of each patient. In particular, the ability to transfuse blood directly into the vascular system of the hydropic fetus proved to be lifesaving in those patients.

Lapse of consciousness and automatisms in temporal lobe epilepsy: a videotape analysis

Videotape analysis of 76 attacks in 14 epileptics showed two electro-clinical types of psychomotor attacks. The first and most common type had three clinical phases, consisting of an initial motionless stare, stereotyped movements, and reactive automatisms during impaired consciousness. The second and less common type started with stereotyped and reactive automatisms. In the first type, focal temporal or lateralizing features were common. In the second type, there were only diffuse changes in the electroencephalogram. The value of recording attacks with nasopharyngeal electrodes was emphasized by a high yield for focal-lateralizing electroencephalographic features.

Unconsciousness, automatisms, and myoclonic jerks with diffuse rhythmic 9-Hz discharges

A 25-year-old man presented with seizures characterized by unconsciousness, automatic behavior, and myoclonic jerks lasting 0.5 to 8 sec. Videotape analysis of 300 simultaneously recorded electroencephalographic and clinical attacks revealed 8- to 9-Hz 150 to 200 muV sharp waves beginning in both medial temporal areas during eyelid flutters. When discharges spread diffusely on both sides and lasted 2 to 3 sec, 20 degrees forward flexion of the head, unconsciousness, pupil dilation, and staring became evident. Asymmetrical myoclonic jerks invariably appeared. When paroxysms were greater than 3 sec, automatisms and tonic posturing occurred. The electroencephalographic and clinical seizures appeared during the awake and relaxed states, i.e., with normal alpha rhythm. They were suppressed during physical and mental activities and during sleep, i.e., in the absence of alpha rhythm. Our studies suggest that these seizures associated with diffuse electroencephalographic alpha-like activities are subcortical in origin and should be tested in their responsivity to alpha suppressants and inducers.