Performance of the eHealth decision support tool, MIPOGG, for recognising children with Li-Fraumeni, DICER1, Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency and Gorlin syndromes

BACKGROUND

Cancer predisposition syndromes (CPSs) are responsible for at least 10% of cancer diagnoses in children and adolescents, most of which are not clinically recognised prior to cancer diagnosis. A variety of clinical screening guidelines are used in healthcare settings to help clinicians detect patients who have a higher likelihood of having a CPS. The McGill Interactive Pediatric OncoGenetic Guidelines (MIPOGG) is an electronic health decision support tool that uses algorithms to help clinicians determine if a child/adolescent diagnosed with cancer should be referred to genetics for a CPS evaluation.

METHODS

This study assessed MIPOGG's performance in identifying Li-Fraumeni, DICER1, Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency and Gorlin (nevoid basal cell carcinoma) syndromes in a retrospective series of 84 children diagnosed with cancer and one of these four CPSs in Canadian hospitals over an 18-year period.

RESULTS

MIPOGG detected 82 of 83 (98.8%) evaluable patients with any one of these four genetic conditions and demonstrated an appropriate rationale for suggesting CPS evaluation. When compared with syndrome-specific clinical screening criteria, MIPOGG's ability to correctly identify children with any of the four CPSs was equivalent to, or outperformed, existing clinical criteria respective to each CPS.

CONCLUSION

This study adds evidence that MIPOGG is an appropriate tool for CPS screening in clinical practice. MIPOGG's strength is that it starts with a specific cancer diagnosis and incorporates criteria relevant for associated CPSs, making MIPOGG a more universally accessible diagnostic adjunct that does not require in-depth knowledge of each CPS.

Asparaginase activity monitoring and management of asparaginase hypersensitivity reactions in Canada

INTRODUCTION

Pegaspargase can cause anti-asparaginase antibody formation, which can decrease its effectiveness without causing any clinically apparent reaction (silent inactivation). When a patient has silent inactivation, a switch to Erwinia anti-asparaginase is warranted, but there is currently a global shortage of Erwinia. The only way to identify silent inactivation is to measure an asparaginase level. However, routine asparaginase level monitoring is not currently standard of care at all Canadian centers. This study aims to identify variations in practice regarding asparaginase level monitoring and Erwinia use.

METHODS

A 21-item survey was developed using OPINIO software and distributed to all Pediatric Hematology-Oncologists in Canada from February to October 2020.

RESULTS

Respondents represented 15 hospitals across each region of Canada (response rate = 52%). Only 39.2% of respondents reported routinely measuring asparaginase levels, yet 53% of respondents have modified therapy from pegaspargase to Erwinia in up to half of their patients. The most common reason for not measuring asparaginase levels was not knowing how to use levels clinically (25.5%). There was variation in the timing of levels and their target.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified substantial variation in asparaginase activity monitoring practices across Canada. Therefore, future research should aim to develop a national practice guideline on asparaginase activity monitoring.

Estimating the impact of menstrual poverty on adolescents in Nova Scotia

Background

Menstrual poverty is defined as the inability of people who menstruate to obtain menstrual products due to financial burden. The impact of menstrual poverty is not well studied in developed countries.

Objectives

This study aims to estimate the impact of menstrual poverty on adolescents who reside in Nova Scotia (NS), Canada.

Methods

A web-based, 25-item questionnaire, the adolescent Menstrual Poverty Questionnaire (aMPQ), was developed and distributed via social media. Adolescents less than 18 years of age, English-speaking and living in NS were eligible to complete the questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive analysis.

Results

Four hundred and twenty adolescents completed the questionnaire, with a mean age of 16.1 years (14.4-17.9 years). Results revealed that 65% of respondents do not always have enough money to buy menstrual products. This led to unsafe menstrual hygiene practices including using alternatives for menstrual products (e.g., rags), washing disposable menstrual products, and/or wearing products for longer than intended. Forty percent of respondents reported lack of affordability of menstrual products as a cause for school absenteeism and lack of participation in sport/social activities. Seventy percent of respondents felt embarrassed to ask for products even when they are provided for free, and almost all supported the idea of having freely available menstrual products in public washrooms.

Conclusions

This study determined that menstrual poverty impacts adolescents in Nova Scotia. To address menstrual poverty, menstrual products should be freely available in all public washrooms, as this will provide unrestricted access to menstruators and promote their full participation in society.

LB0004 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF DEUCRAVACITINIB, AN ORAL, SELECTIVE, ALLOSTERIC TYK2 INHIBITOR, IN PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS: A PHASE 2, RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED STUDY

Background

Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) mediates signaling of Type I interferons, IL-23, and IL-12, key cytokines involved in lupus pathogenesis. Deucravacitinib (DEUC) is an oral, selective, allosteric TYK2 inhibitor with a unique mechanism of action, distinct from Janus kinase (JAK) 1/2/3 inhibitors, and has shown efficacy in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Objectives

Assess efficacy and safety of DEUC in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

This was a 48-week (wk), randomized, double-blind, placebo (PBO)-controlled, phase 2 trial (NCT03252587). Eligible patients met SLICC criteria, were seropositive (ANA/anti-dsDNA/anti-Sm), and had a SLEDAI-2K score ≥6 and ≥1 BILAG index A or >2 BILAG B manifestations from the musculoskeletal or mucocutaneous domain. Patients on standard background medications were randomized 1:1:1:1 to PBO or DEUC (3 mg BID, 6 mg BID, 12 mg QD). Oral corticosteroid tapering to 7.5 mg/day was required from wks 8-20; further tapering was optional from wks 32-40. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving SRI(4) at wk 32. Key secondary endpoints at wk 48 included SRI(4), BICLA, LLDAS, CLASI-50, and change from baseline in active (tender and swollen) joint count.

Results

A total of 363 patients were randomized, with baseline demographic and disease characteristics similar across treatment groups. Of randomized patients, 275 (76%) completed 48 wks of treatment. The primary endpoint at wk 32 was met, with significantly greater proportion of patients in DEUC 3 mg BID and 6 mg BID groups vs PBO achieving SRI(4) responses (PBO: 34.4%; DEUC 3 mg BID: 58.2%, P=0.0006; DEUC 6 mg BID: 49.5%, P=0.021; DEUC 12 mg QD: 44.9%, P=0.078). SRI(4) response was sustained across all DEUC groups up to 48 wks (Figure 1). At wk 48, the DEUC 3 mg BID group demonstrated statistical significance in BICLA, LLDAS, CLASI-50, and active joint count, and the two other DEUC groups demonstrated clinically meaningful differences vs PBO (Figure 1). Rates of adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, and AEs of interest were similar between DEUC and PBO groups (Table 1). Most common AEs (≥10%) with DEUC were upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, headache, and urinary tract infection. No deaths, major cardiac events, thrombotic events, systemic opportunistic infections, or active tuberculosis occurred. Malignancies were rare with similar rates across all groups. No meaningful abnormalities in mean levels of hematology and chemistry laboratory parameters were observed.

Table 1.

Summary of Adverse Events Through Week 48

AE, na(%)Placebo n = 90DEUC 3 mg BID n = 91DEUC 6 mg BID n = 93DEUC 12 mg QD n = 89AE79 (87.8)85 (93.4)81 (87.1)75 (84.3)SAE11 (12.2)7 (7.7)8 (8.6)7 (7.9)AEs leading to treatment discontinuation3 (3.3)8 (8.8)6 (6.5)11 (12.4)Skin-related AEsb12 (13.3)15 (16.5)32 (34.4)30 (33.7)Overall infections/infestations48 (53.3)60 (65.9)60 (64.5)45 (50.6)Serious infections/infestations1 (1.1)1 (1.1)2 (2.2)1 (1.1)Infections of interest Tuberculosis0000 Herpes zosterc4 (4.4)3 (3.3)3 (3.2)2 (2.2) Influenza1 (1.1)3 (3.3)1 (1.1)3 (3.4) COVID-193 (3.3)3 (3.3)5 (5.4)3 (3.4)Malignancy events1 (1.1)d1 (1.1)e01 (1.1)fMACE0000Thrombotic events0000

an is the number of patients who experienced an event. bIncludes (≤8.6% in any arm) acne, rash, dermatitis acneiform, pruritus, skin lesion, urticaria. cIncludes herpes zoster, herpes ophthalmic, genital herpes zoster. dBasal cell carcinoma. eBreast carcinoma. fVaginal squamous cell carcinoma.

AE, adverse event; COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019; DEUC, deucravacitinib; MACE, major adverse cardiac events; SAE, serious adverse event.

Conclusion

In patients with active SLE, DEUC showed statistically significant and sustained clinical efficacy in SRI(4), improvement across multiple composite and organ-specific measures up to 48 wks, and was well tolerated. DEUC shows promise as a novel therapy for SLE and warrants further investigation in phase 3 trials.

Acknowledgements

This study was sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb. Professional medical writing assistance was provided by Julianne Hatfield, PhD at Peloton Advantage, LLC, an OPEN Health company, Parsippany, NJ, USA, and funded by Bristol Myers Squibb. The authors acknowledge Christina Crater, MD, who was employed by Bristol Myers Squibb at the time the study was conducted, for contributions to study conduct.

Disclosure of Interests

Eric Morand Consultant of: AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Biogen, Eli Lilly, EMD Serono, Genentech, Servier, and Novartis , Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Biogen, Eli Lilly, EMD Serono, Genentech, Janssen, and UCB , Marilyn Pike Consultant of: AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Pfizer, Joan T. Merrill Consultant of: UCB, GlaxoSmithKline, AbbVie, EMD Serono, Remegen, Celgene/Bristol Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca, Amgen, Janssen, Lilly, Genentech, Aurinia, Astellas, Alexion, Sanofi, Zenas, and Provention , Grant/research support from: GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca , Ronald van Vollenhoven Consultant of: UCB, Pfizer, AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Biogen, Biotest, Celgene, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Servier, Paid instructor for: Roche, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: UCB, Pfizer, AbbVie, Galapagos, Janssen, Grant/research support from: Bristol Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, Eli Lilly, UCB, , Victoria P. Werth Consultant of: Celgene, Medimmune, Resolve, Genentech, Idera, Janssen, Lilly, Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Gilead, Amgen, Medscape, Nektar, Incyte, EMD Serono, CSL Behring, Principia, Crisalis, Viela Bio, Argenx, Kirin, AstraZeneca, AbbVie, GSK, AstraZeneca, Cugene, UCB, Corcept, Beacon Bioscience , Grant/research support from: Celgene, Janssen, Biogen, Gilead, AstraZeneca, Viela, Amgen, Lupus Research Alliance/BMS , Coburn Hobar Shareholder of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Employee of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Nikolay Delev Shareholder of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Employee of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Vaishali Shah Shareholder of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Employee of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Brian Sharkey Shareholder of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Employee of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Thomas Wegman Shareholder of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Employee of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Ian Catlett Shareholder of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Employee of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Subhashis Banerjee Shareholder of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Employee of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Shalabh Singhal Shareholder of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Employee of: Bristol Myers Squibb

Performance of the McGill Interactive Pediatric OncoGenetic Guidelines for Identifying Cancer Predisposition Syndromes

Importance

Prompt recognition of a child with a cancer predisposition syndrome (CPS) has implications for cancer management, surveillance, genetic counseling, and cascade testing of relatives. Diagnosis of CPS requires practitioner expertise, access to genetic testing, and test result interpretation. This diagnostic process is not accessible in all institutions worldwide, leading to missed CPS diagnoses. Advances in electronic health technology can facilitate CPS risk assessment.

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a CPS prediction tool (McGill Interactive Pediatric OncoGenetic Guidelines [MIPOGG]) in identifying children with cancer who have a low or high likelihood of having a CPS.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this international, multicenter diagnostic accuracy study, 1071 pediatric (<19 years of age) oncology patients who had a confirmed CPS (12 oncology referral centers) or who underwent germline DNA sequencing through precision medicine programs (6 centers) from January 1, 2000, to July 31, 2020, were studied.

Exposures

Exposures were MIPOGG application in patients with cancer and a confirmed CPS (diagnosed through routine clinical care; n = 413) in phase 1 and MIPOGG application in patients with cancer who underwent germline DNA sequencing (n = 658) in phase 2. Study phases did not overlap. Data analysts were blinded to genetic test results.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The performance of MIPOGG in CPS recognition was compared with that of routine clinical care, including identifying a CPS earlier than practitioners. The tool's test characteristics were calculated using next-generation germline DNA sequencing as the comparator.

Results

In phase 1, a total of 413 patients with cancer (median age, 3.0 years; range, 0-18 years) and a confirmed CPS were identified. MIPOGG correctly recognized 410 of 412 patients (99.5%) as requiring referral for CPS evaluation at the time of primary cancer diagnosis. Nine patients diagnosed with a CPS by a practitioner after their second malignant tumor were detected by MIPOGG using information available at the time of the first cancer. In phase 2, of 658 children with cancer (median age, 6.6 years; range, 0-18.8 years) who underwent comprehensive germline DNA sequencing, 636 had sufficient information for MIPOGG application. When compared with germline DNA sequencing for CPS detection, the MIPOGG test characteristics for pediatric-onset CPSs were as follows: sensitivity, 90.7%; specificity, 60.5%; positive predictive value, 17.6%; and negative predictive value, 98.6%. Tumor DNA sequencing data confirmed the MIPOGG recommendation for CPS evaluation in 20 of 22 patients with established cancer-CPS associations.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this diagnostic study, MIPOGG exhibited a favorable accuracy profile for CPS screening and reduced time to CPS recognition. These findings suggest that MIPOGG implementation could standardize and rationalize recommendations for CPS evaluation in children with cancer.

Quality of life in adolescents with heavy menstrual bleeding: Validation of the Adolescent Menstrual Bleeding Questionnaire (aMBQ)

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) affects 34% to 37% of adolescent girls. The Menstrual Bleeding Questionnaire (MBQ) is a validated measure of menstrual bleeding-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for women aged ≥18 years. No similar measure existed for adolescents with HMB.

PATIENTS/METHODS

HMB was defined by the Pictorial Bleeding Assessment Chart (PBAC) score ≥100. In Phase 1, a focus group of adolescents with HMB adapted the MBQ, to generate the Adolescent MBQ (aMBQ). In phase 2, participants with and without HMB were recruited from clinics and self-referral. Each participant completed 3 questionnaires (aMBQ, Pediatric Quality of Life module [PedsQL]©, PBAC) at two time points. Validity of the aMBQ was assessed by Pearson's correlation with the PedsQL©. Reliability was calculated using intra-class correlation (ICC) in those without HMB. The receiver operating characteristic curve assessed the aMBQ's ability to identify those with HMB.

RESULTS

Phase 1 included five girls with a mean age of 17.1 (13-18) years. The aMBQ was adapted from the MBQ by substituting four words/phrases that altered 8 of the 20 questions and by adding 1 new question. The 21-item aMBQ has a score range of 0 to 77 (77 = worst HRQoL). Phase 2 included 52 participants: 20 with and 32 without HMB, with a mean age of 14.8 (11-17) years. The validity of the aMBQ was confirmed by a moderate correlation with PedsQL© (r = -0.63; P < .001). Test-retest reliability was substantial (ICC = 0.73; P = .04). An aMBQ score of >30 identified those with HMB with excellent discrimination (area under the curve = 0.82; sensitivity, 70.0%; specificity, 84.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

The aMBQ is a valid and reliable tool to assess HRQoL in adolescents with HMB.

Short-Term Test-Retest Reliability of Electrically Evoked Cortical Auditory Potentials in Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients

Background: Late latency auditory evoked potentials (LLAEPs) provide objective evidence of an individual's central auditory processing abilities. Electrically evoked cortical auditory evoked potentials (eCAEPs) are a type of LLAEP that provides an objective measure of aided speech perception and auditory processing abilities in cochlear implant (CI) recipients. Aim: To determine the short-term test-retest reliability of eCAEPs in adult CI recipients. Design: An explorative, within-subject repeated measures research design was employed. Study Sample: The study sample included 12 post-lingually deafened, unilaterally implanted adult CI recipients with at least 9 months of CI experience. Method: eCAEPs representing basal, medial and apical cochlear regions were recorded in the implanted ears of each participant. Measurements were repeated 7 days after the initial assessment. Results: No significant differences between either median latencies or amplitudes at test and retest sessions (p > 0.05) were found when results for apical, medial and basal electrodes were averaged together. Mean intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) scores averaged across basal, medial and apical cochlear stimulus regions indicated that both consistency and agreement were statistically significant and ranged from moderate to good (ICC = 0.58-0.86, p < 0.05). ICC confidence intervals did demonstrate considerable individual variability in both latency and amplitudes. Conclusion: eCAEP latencies and amplitudes demonstrated moderate to good short-term test-retest reliability. However, confidence intervals indicated individual variability in measurement consistency which is likely linked to attention and listening effort required from the CI recipients.

Explaining Disparities in Ovarian Cancer Incidence Rates between Women of African and European Ancestry: The Role of Genetic Factors

Non-Hispanic White (NHW) women are at higher risk of ovarian cancer than African-American (AA) women. Approximately 30% of the difference in age-adjusted invasive epithelial ovarian cancer incidence rates (AAIR) between the two groups can be explained by differing oophorectomy rates and the prevalence of non-genetic risk and protective factors. Our purpose was to determine how much of the remaining difference in AAIRs could be explained by varying allele frequencies between NHWs and AAs for 18 genome-wide significant common susceptibility variants for ovarian cancer. Using data on 13,385 cases and 24,875 controls from the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium, a genetic risk score (GRS) was created from 18 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with ovarian cancer risk following the Collaborative Oncological Gene-environment Study (COGS) effort. Relative risks for each GRS quintile were estimated using conditional logistic regression, adjusting for genetic ancestry and conditioning on study site, age, and race. The population attributable risk percent (PAR) for GRS above the lowest quintile was calculated using the Bruzzi method. Previously reported oophorectomy and non-genetic risk factor (talc, oral contraceptive use, family history of ovarian cancer, endometriosis, parity and tubal ligation) adjusted incidence rates for ovarian cancer in NHWs and AA's were 7.2 and 5.8 per 100,000 respectively. These incidence rates were further adjusted for the contribution of the GRS from this analysis. The subsequent genetic PAR adjusted rate was 5.1 per 100,000 for the European ancestry group and 4.9 for the African ancestry group, after taking into account the different oophorectomy rates and prevalence of non-genetic risk factors. These incidence rates show the unexplained difference in incidence rates between NHWs and AAs is only 3.9%. Future efforts should focus on incorporating novel non-genetic and genetic factors into this analysis to determine whether essentially all of the difference in incidence between these groups can be explained.

ImmunoglobuliN in the Treatment of Encephalitis (IgNiTE): protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Infectious and immune-mediated encephalitides are important but under-recognised causes of morbidity and mortality in childhood, with a 7% death rate and up to 50% morbidity after prolonged follow-up. There is a theoretical basis for ameliorating the immune response with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), which is supported by empirical evidence of a beneficial response following its use in the treatment of viral and autoimmune encephalitis. In immune-mediated encephalitis, IVIG is often used after a delay (by weeks in some cases), while diagnosis is confirmed. Wider use of IVIG in infectious encephalitis and earlier use in immune-mediated encephalitis could improve outcomes for these conditions. We describe the protocol for the first ever randomised control trial of IVIG treatment for children with all-cause encephalitis.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

308 children (6 months to 16 years) with a diagnosis of acute/subacute encephalitis will be recruited in ∼30 UK hospitals and randomised to receive 2 doses (1 g/kg/dose) of either IVIG or matching placebo, in addition to standard treatment. Recruitment will be over a 42-month period and follow-up of each participant will be for 12 months post randomisation. The primary outcome is 'good recovery' (score of 2 or lower on the Glasgow Outcome Score Extended-paediatric version), at 12 months after randomisation. Additional secondary neurological measures will be collected at 4-6 weeks after discharge from acute care and at 6 and 12 months after randomisation. Safety, radiological, other autoimmune and tertiary outcomes will also be assessed.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This trial has been approved by the UK National Research Ethics committee (South Central-Oxford A; REC 14/SC/1416). Current protocol: V4.0 (10/03/2016). The findings will be presented at national and international meetings and conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

NCT02308982, EudraCT201400299735 and ISRCTN15791925; Pre-results.

Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Epratuzumab in the Treatment of Moderate-to- Severe Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Results From an Open-Label Extension Study

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective was to assess the long-term safety of repeated courses of epratuzumab therapy in patients with moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus. Secondary objectives were to assess long-term efficacy and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

METHODS

Eligible patients from the 12-week, phase IIb, randomized, placebo-controlled EMBLEM study enrolled into the open-label extension (OLE) study, SL0008. In the SL0008 study, patients received 1,200 mg epratuzumab infusions at weeks 0 and 2 of repeating 12-week cycles, plus standard of care. Safety measures included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and serious TEAEs. Efficacy measures included combined treatment response, the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group score, the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index score, and the physician's and patient's global assessment of disease activity. Total daily corticosteroid dose and HRQOL (by the Short Form 36 health survey) were also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 113 of the 203 patients (55.7%) who entered the SL0008 study continued epratuzumab therapy until study closure (total cumulative exposure: 381.3 patient-years, median exposure: 845 days, and maximum exposure: 1,185 days/approximately 3.2 years). TEAEs were reported in 192 patients (94.6%); most common were infections and infestations (68.0%, 138 patients). Serious TEAEs were reported in 51 patients (25.1%), and 14 patients (6.9%) had serious infections. In patients treated for 108 weeks (n = 116), the median corticosteroid dose was reduced from 10.0 mg/day at OLE screening to 5.0 mg/day at week 108. Improvements in efficacy and HRQOL measures in EMBLEM were maintained in the OLE, while placebo patients exhibited similar improvements in disease activity upon a switch to epratuzumab.

CONCLUSION

Open-label epratuzumab treatment was well tolerated for up to 3.2 years, and associated with sustained improvements in disease activity and HRQOL, while steroids were reduced.

Protocol for a multicentre randomiSed controlled TRial of IntraVEnous immunoglobulin versus standard therapy for the treatment of transverse myelitis in adults and children (STRIVE)

INTRODUCTION

Transverse myelitis (TM) is an immune-mediated disorder of the spinal cord which causes motor and sensory disturbance and limited recovery in 50% of patients. Standard treatment is steroids, and patients with more severe disease appear to respond to plasma exchange (PLEX). Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has also been used as an adjunct to steroids, but evidence is lacking. We propose the first randomised control trial in adults and children, to determine the benefit of additional treatment with IVIG.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

170 adults and children aged over 1 year with acute first episode TM or neuromyelitis optica (with myelitis) will be recruited over a 2.5-year period and followed up for 12 months. Participants randomised to the control arm will receive standard therapy of intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP). The intervention arm will receive the above standard therapy, plus additional IVIG. Primary outcome will be a 2-point improvement on the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment scale at 6 months postrandomisation by blinded assessors. Additional secondary and tertiary outcome measures will be collected: ASIA motor and sensory scales, Kurtzke expanded disability status scale, International Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Bladder/Bowel Data Set, Client Services Receipt Index, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, EQ-5D, SCI Pain and SCI Quality of Life Data Sets. Biological samples will be biobanked for future studies. After 6-months' follow-up of the first 52 recruited patients futility analysis will be carried out. Health economics analysis will be performed to calculate cost-effectiveness. After 6 months' recruitment futility analysis will be performed.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Research Ethics Committee Approval was obtained: 14/SC/1329. Current protocol: v3.0 (15/01/2015). Study findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

This study is registered with EudraCT (REF: 2014-002335-34), Clinicaltrials.gov (REF: NCT02398994) and ISRCTN (REF: 12127581).

P2-08-01: Impact of Aromatase Inhibitors on Background Parenchymal Enhancement and Amount of Fibroglandular Tissue on Breast MRI

Background: On breast MRI, background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) and volume of fibroglandular tissue (FGT) have been shown to reflect a patient's hormonal status. Tamoxifen has been shown to reduce mammographic breast density and may serve as an early predictor of response in the prevention setting (Cuzick, JNCI 2011). We have shown that adjuvant tamoxifen can reduce BPE in the unaffected breast in women with breast cancer. We hypothesize that aromatase inhibitor (AI) induced endocrine changes in breast tissue should also be evident and therefore we performed a study to evaluate whether adjuvant AI therapy influences BPE or amount of FGT in the contralateral breast.

Methods: An electronic medical record review identified 856 postmenopausal women with stage I-III breast cancer who had at least two breast MRIs and took adjuvant AI treatment. A retrospective chart review was conducted to select those patients without a history of prior tamoxifen or raloxifene treatment who had a MRI of the contralateral breast both before and during 6 to 12 months of AI treatment. After exclusion of all irradiated breasts, 168 women were eligible. MRIs were performed between August 1999 and June 2010. Two radiologists who were blind to AI treatment status, independently rated level of BPE and amount of FGT using categorical scales: BPE — Minimal, Mild, Moderate, Marked; FGT — Fatty, Scattered, Heterogeneously Dense, Dense (based on proposed BIRADS criteria for BPE and on ACR criteria for FGT). Blinded side-by-side direct comparison evaluated whether there was a category change between the two MRIs. A consensus was reached in cases of disagreement. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess changes in rating categories for BPE and FGT between before and during AI breast MRIs. A waiver of authorization was granted by the institutional review board for this study.

Results: In this study 127/168 (76%) women were treated with anastrozole, 33/168 (20%) with letrozole and 8/168 (5%) with exemestane. Based on the blinded side-by-side comparison, a category (or more) decrease in BPE occurred during treatment with AIs (p&lt;0.0001). There was an overall shift from higher to lower degree of BPE in 35% (45/127) of the women taking anastrozole while a category increase occurred in only one woman (1%; p &lt;0.0001). A similar result was seen in the women taking letrozole [45% (15/33) had a decrease versus 3% (1/33) an increase; p=0.0003] and exemestane [25% (2/8) had a decrease versus 12.5% (1/8) an increase; p=0.50]. For FGT a category decrease occurred in 5% (6/127) of anastrozole users while no increase occurred [0% (0/127), p=0.016]. The respective numbers for letrozole were 3% (1/33) and 0% (0/33), and nobody on exemestane had a change in FGT.

Conclusions: After 6 to 12 months of treatment with adjuvant AIs, there was a statistically significant category (or more) decrease in BPE. BPE is more sensitive than FGT to changes in normal breast stroma that occur during adjuvant treatment with AIs and BPE may be a marker of anti-hormonal activity in the breasts.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-08-01.

Neurological disease associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. PCR evidence against a direct invasive mechanism

Aims-To investigate the pathology in patients presenting with sudden onset neurological illnesses associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.Methods-M pneumoniae infection was diagnosed by a highly rigorous interpretation of serological markers initially using complement fixation, agglutination and IgM antibodies. Confirmation of the serological diagnosis was achieved using indirect immunofluorescence for IgM, IgA, and IgG. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from these patients were examined using the polymerase chain reaction to look for evidence of M pneumoniae DNA.Results-No M pneumoniae DNA was found in any serum or CSF samples. Diagnosis of M pneumoniae infection by agglutination and complement fixation antibodies was not always confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence.Conclusion-The neurological lesions in these patients do not appear to be caused by the direct invasion of M pneumoniae into the nervous system. The lesions may be an immune response to infection. Serological diagnosis of M pneumoniae continues to be a laboratory problem.

Long-term follow-up of neuroblastoma-associated opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to describe the long-term neurological, neuropsychological and neuroradiological sequelae and to determine prognostic factors for neurological outcome in children with neuroblastoma-associated opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia (OMA) syndrome.

METHODS

Data on medical history were collected for the study patients. Examinations with grading of neurological signs, neuropsychological tests and brain magnetic resonance imaging with spectroscopy were performed during a follow-up clinic.

RESULTS

Fourteen subjects entered the study. All had localized neuroblastoma and they were evaluated after a median of 7.8 years. Patients with a chronic/multiphasic neurological course received steroids combined with intravenous immunoglobulins in the majority of cases. 71% presented neurological sequelae and 62% had a full-scale IQ below the normal range. All patients showed at least some deficit in the neuropsychological functions assessed (language, visual-motor integration, memory, attention and motor ability). Long-term deficits were more frequently detected in patients with an interval of more than 2 months between OMA onset and its diagnosis, even if in most comparisons statistical significance was not reached. Cerebellar atrophy, observed in 36% of patients, was not associated with the neurological outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Persisting disability is present in most children with neuroblastoma-associated OMA. However, our results support the role of an early diagnosis of OMA in reducing sequelae and encourage the use of new immunosuppressive therapies.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging quantification of breast density in BRCA carriers following gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHA)-based hormonal chemoprevention

1506

Background: Breast tissue density limits the usefulness of mammography as a surveillance tool in young women. Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides high tissue contrast and three-dimensional structural information not impaired by high breast density. We developed a volumetric “MR density” measure of breast structural composition that may be complementary to mammographic breast density. We tested this MR density measure in unaffected women with known high risk of breast cancer due to a BRCA gene mutation (or empiric risk > 30% lifetime), who were recruited in a phase II trial to study the effects of a hormonal chemoprevention regimen. Methods: Nine premenopausal high-risk women age 21 to 48 were treated with intranasal GnRHA (deslorelin), low-dose estradiol, and testosterone daily for 10 months. All patients underwent one contrast-enhanced breast MRI exam before and after treatment. We measured MR density as the ratio of fibroglandular tissue volume to total volume of the breast, at both time points. Our technique involved the semi-automated delineation of the breast and the automated segmentation of fibroglandular from adipose tissue. An “MR index” was also defined to quantify partial voluming effects due to the presence of adipose/fibroglandular edges in the MR data. Results: Eight out of nine patients showed a reduction in MR density (p = 0.026) with treatment. Three patients had less than 5% MR density at baseline, making it difficult to quantitate a change with treatment. All of the remaining six patients had reduced MR density after treatment (mean reduction 35.5%; p = 0.035). Conclusions: We have demonstrated the use of breast MR density as a robust volumetric quantitative measure of breast tissue composition. Our findings suggest that MR could be used to measure hormonal chemoprevention effects in BRCA carriers.

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Glucocorticoid corticosteroids for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

BACKGROUND

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common muscular dystrophy of childhood. This incurable disease is characterised by muscle wasting and loss of walking ability leading to complete wheelchair dependence by 13 years of age. Prolongation of walking is one of the major aims of treatment.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this review was to assess whether glucocorticoid corticosteroids stabilize or improve muscle strength and walking in boys with DMD.

SEARCH STRATEGY

This is an update of the Cochrane systematic review first published in 2004 (Manzur 2004). We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Trials Register (August 2006) using the term 'Duchenne muscular dystrophy'. We also searched MEDLINE (January 1966 to July 2007), EMBASE (January 1980 to August 2006), CINAHL and LILACS (January 1982 to August 2006). We wrote to authors of published studies and other experts in this disease to help identify other trials, checked the references in the identified trials and hand searched the abstracts of relevant journals.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Types of studies: randomised or quasi-randomised trials.

TYPES OF PARTICIPANTS

all patients with a definite diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Types of interventions: glucocorticoids such as prednisone, prednisolone, deflazacort or others, with a minimum treatment period of three months.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE

prolongation of walking (independent walking without long leg calipers).

SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

strength outcome measures, manual muscle strength testing using Medical Research Council strength scores, functional outcome measures and adverse events.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We identified six randomised controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria for our review, and one of these (Beenakker 2005) is a new addition to this update, as it was published subsequent to our first review (Manzur 2004). Two review authors independently selected the trials for the review and assessed methodological quality. Data extraction and inputting were double-checked.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE

data from one small study used prolongation of walking as an outcome measure and did not show significant benefit.

SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The meta-analysis of the results from four randomised controlled trials with altogether 249 participants showed that glucocorticoid corticosteroids improved muscle strength and function over six months. Improvements were seen in time taken to rise from the floor (Gowers' time), nine metres walking time, four-stair climbing time, ability to lift weights, leg function grade and forced vital capacity. One randomised controlled trial with altogether 28 participants showed that glucocorticoid corticosteroids stabilize muscle strength and function for up to two years. The most effective prednisolone regime appears to be 0.75 mg/kg/day, given in a daily dose regime. Not enough data were available to compare efficacy of prednisone with deflazacort. Adverse effects: Excessive weight gain, behavioural abnormalities, cushingoid appearance and excessive hair growth were all more common with glucocorticoid corticosteroids than placebo. Long-term adverse effects of glucocorticoid therapy could not be evaluated because of the short-term duration of the randomised studies.Non-randomised studies: A number of non-randomised studies with important efficacy and adverse effects data are tabulated and discussed.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is evidence from randomised controlled studies that glucocorticoid corticosteroid therapy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy improves muscle strength and function in the short-term (six months to two years). The most effective prednisolone regime appears to be 0.75 mg/kg/day, given daily. In the short term, adverse effects were significantly more common but not clinically severe. Long-term benefits and hazards of glucocorticoid treatment cannot be evaluated from the currently published randomised studies. Non-randomised studies support the conclusions of functional benefits but also identify clinically significant adverse effects of long-term treatment. These benefits and adverse effects have implications for future research studies and clinical practice.

Risk factors for adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix in women aged 20-44 years: the UK National Case-Control Study of Cervical Cancer

We report results on risk factors for invasive squamous cell and adenocarcinomas of the cervix in women aged 20–44 years from the UK National Case–Control Study of Cervical Cancer, including 180 women with adenocarcinoma, 391 women with squamous cell carcinoma and 923 population controls. The risk of both squamous cell and adenocarcinoma was strongly related to the lifetime number of sexual partners, and, independently, to age at first intercourse. The risk of both types of cervical cancer increased with increasing duration of use of oral contraceptives, and this effect was most marked in current and recent users of oral contraceptives. The risk of squamous cell carcinoma was associated with high parity and the risk of both squamous cell and adenocarcinoma increased with early age at first birth. Long duration smoking (20 or more years) was associated with a two-fold increase in the risk of squamous cell carcinoma, but smoking was not associated with the risk of adenocarcinoma. Further studies are needed to confirm the suggestion from this and other studies of differences in risk related to smoking between squamous cell and adenocarcinomas of the cervix.

Glucocorticoid corticosteroids for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

BACKGROUND

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common muscular dystrophy of childhood. This incurable disease is characterised by muscle wasting and loss of walking ability leading to complete wheelchair dependence by 13 years of age. Prolongation of walking is one of the major aims of treatment.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this review was to assess whether glucocorticoid corticosteroids stabilize or improve muscle strength and walking in boys with DMD.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group specialised register (October 2003) using the term 'Duchenne muscular dystrophy'. We also searched MEDLINE (January 1966 to October 2003), EMBASE (January 1980 to October 2003), CINAHL and LILACS (January 1982 to October 2003). We wrote to authors of published studies and other experts in this disease to help identify other trials, checked the references in the identified trials and handsearched the abstracts of relevant journals.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Types of studies: randomised or quasi-randomised trials.

TYPES OF PARTICIPANTS

all patients with a definite diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Types of interventions: glucocorticoids such as prednisone, prednisolone, deflazacort or others, with a minimum treatment period of three months.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE

prolongation of walking (independent walking without long leg calipers).

SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

strength outcome measures, manual muscle strength testing using Medical Research Council strength scores, functional outcome measures and adverse events.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We identified five randomised controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria for our review. Two reviewers independently selected the trials for the review and assessed methodological quality. Data extraction and inputting were double-checked.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE

data from one small study used prolongation of walking as an outcome measure and did not show significant benefit.

SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The meta-analysis of the results from three randomised controlled trials showed that glucocorticoid corticosteroids improved muscle strength and function over six months. Improvements were seen in time taken to rise from the floor (Gowers' time), nine metres walking time, four-stair climbing time, ability to lift weights, leg function grade and forced vital capacity. One randomised controlled trial showed that glucocorticoid corticosteroids stabilize muscle strength and function for up to two years. The most effective prednisolone regime appears to be 0.75 mg/kg/day. Not enough data were available to compare efficacy of prednisone with deflazacort.Adverse effects: Excessive weight gain, behavioural abnormalities, cushingoid appearance and excessive hair growth were all more common with glucocorticoid corticosteroids than placebo. Long-term adverse effects of glucocorticoid therapy could not be evaluated because of the short-term duration of the randomised studies.Non-randomised studies: a number of non-randomised studies with important efficacy and adverse effects data are tabulated and discussed.

REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS

There is evidence from randomised controlled studies that glucocorticoid corticosteroid therapy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy improves muscle strength and function in the short-term (six months to two years). The most effective prednisolone regime appears to be 0.75 mg/kg/day. In the short term, adverse effects were significantly more common but not clinically severe. Long-term benefits and hazards of glucocorticoid treatment cannot be evaluated from the currently published randomised studies. Non-randomised studies support the conclusions of functional benefits but also indicate clinically significant adverse effects of long-term treatment. These benefits and adverse effects have implications for future research studies and clinical practice.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of recombinant FGF-2 in a phase I trial in coronary artery disease

Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) is a heparin-binding protein capable of inducing angiogenesis in multiple animal models of chronic ischemia. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a single dose of recombinant FGF-2 (rFGF-2) administered by intracoronary or intravenous infusion were evaluated in a Phase I trial in 66 patients with severe coronary artery disease. rFGF-2 displayed biphasic elimination with a mean studywide distribution t1/2 of 21 minutes and a mean apparent terminal elimination t1/2 of 7.6 hours. Systemic exposure to rFGF-2 was comparable following intracoronary or intravenous administration. Peak plasma concentration and area under the concentration-time curve increased proportionally with dose, indicating linear pharmacokinetics over the dose range examined (0.33 to 48.0 micrograms/kg). Greater systemic exposure was observed when heparin was administered closer to rFGF-2 infusion, consistent with slower clearance of heparin/rFGF-2 complexes. Infusion of rFGF-2 was associated with changes in acute hemodynamics. While a clear PK/PD dose-response relationship was not established, a trend toward hypotension and tachycardia with higher rFGF-2 doses was observed.

Intracoronary basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) in patients with severe ischemic heart disease: results of a phase I open-label dose escalation study

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of intracoronary (IC) basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, FGF-2).

BACKGROUND

FGF-2 is a heparin-binding growth factor capable of inducing functionally significant angiogenesis in animal models of myocardial ischemia.

METHODS

Phase I, open-label dose-escalation study of FGF-2 administered as a single 20-min infusion in patients with ischemic heart disease not amenable to treatment with CABG or PTCA.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients enrolled in this study received IC FGF-2 (0.33 to 48 microg/kg). Hypotension was dose-dependent and dose-limiting, with 36 microg/kg being the maximally tolerated dose. Four patients died and four patients had non-Q-wave myocardial infarctions. Laboratory parameters and retinal examinations showed mild and mainly transient changes during the 6-month follow-up. There was an improvement in quality of life as assessed by Seattle Angina Questionnaire and improvement in exercise tolerance as assessed by treadmill exercise testing (510+/-24 s at baseline, 561+/-26 s at day 29 [p = 0.023], 609+/-26 s at day 57 (p < 0.001), and 633+/-24 s at day 180 (p < 0.001), overall p < 0.001). Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed increased regional wall thickening (baseline: 34+/-1.7%, day 29: 38.7+/-1.9% [p = 0.006], day 57: 41.4+/-1.9% [p < 0.001], and day 180: 42.0+/-2.3% [p < 0.001], overall p = 0.001) and a reduction in the extent of the ischemic area at all time points compared with baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracoronary administration of rFGF-2 appears safe and is well tolerated over a 100-fold dose range (0.33 to 0.36 microk/kg). Preliminary evidence of efficacy is tempered by the open-label uncontrolled design of the study.

Therapeutic angiogenesis with recombinant fibroblast growth factor-2 improves stress and rest myocardial perfusion abnormalities in patients with severe symptomatic chronic coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

We report the effects of the administration of recombinant fibroblast growth factor-2 (rFGF-2) protein on myocardial perfusion using single photon emission computed tomography imaging in humans with advanced coronary disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 59 patients with coronary disease that was not amenable to mechanical revascularization underwent intracoronary (n=45) or intravenous (n=14) administration of rFGF-2 in ascending doses. Changes in perfusion were evaluated at baseline and again at 29, 57, and 180 days after rFGF-2 administration. In this uncontrolled study, perfusion scans were analyzed by 2 observers who were blinded to patient identity and test sequence; scans were displayed in random order, with scans from nonstudy patients randomly interspersed to enhance blinding. Combining all dose groups, a reduction occurred in the per-segment reversibility score (reflecting the magnitude of inducible ischemia) from 1.7+/-0.4 at baseline to 1.1+/-0.6 at day 29 (P:<0.001), 1.2+/-0.7 at day 57 (P:<0.001), and 1.1+/-0.7 at day 180 (P:<0.001). The 37 patients with evidence of resting hypoperfusion had evidence of improved resting perfusion: their per-segment rest perfusion score of 1.5+/-0. 5 at baseline decreased to 1.0+/-0.8 at day 29 (P:<0.001), 1.0+/-0.8 at day 57 (P:=0.003), and 1.1+/-0.9 at day 180 (P:=0.11).

CONCLUSIONS

These preliminary data suggest that the administration of rFGF-2 to patients with advanced coronary disease resulted in an attenuation of stress-induced ischemia and an improvement in resting myocardial perfusion; these findings are consistent with a favorable effect of therapeutic angiogenesis.

Clinical trials in coronary angiogenesis: issues, problems, consensus: An expert panel summary

The rapid development of angiogenic growth factor therapy for patients with advanced ischemic heart disease over the last 5 years offers hope of a new treatment strategy based on generation of new blood supply in the diseased heart. However, as the field of therapeutic coronary angiogenesis is maturing from basic and preclinical investigations to clinical trials, many new and presently unresolved issues are coming into focus. These include in-depth understanding of the biology of angiogenesis, selection of appropriate patient populations for clinical trials, choice of therapeutic end points and means of their assessment, choice of therapeutic strategy (gene versus protein delivery), route of administration, and the side effect profile. The present article presents a summary statement of a panel of experts actively working in the field, convened by the Angiogenesis Foundation and the Angiogenesis Research Center during the 72nd meeting of the American Heart Association to define and achieve a consensus on the challenges facing development of therapeutic angiogenesis for coronary disease.

Phase I trial of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) retroviral vector administered intratumorally to patients with metastatic melanoma

BACKGROUND

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) gene/retroviral vector cell vaccinations have generated protective responses from unmodified tumor cell challenges as well as a regression of established tumors in animal models. The purpose of this trial was to determine the feasibility and safety of a direct intratumoral injection of IFN-gamma retroviral vector in advanced melanoma patients.

METHODS

This was a phase I study, in which 13 patients received a single daily injection of a retroviral vector with the IFN-gamma gene for 5 consecutive days (1.5 x 10(8) colony-forming units total dose); patients subsequently underwent resection of the injected lesion to confirm DNA transduction in situ.

RESULTS

No toxicity related to the injected vector was observed. Replication competent retrovirus was not observed in any prepared samples (n = 65). IFN-gamma expression was confirmed in 3 of 10 harvested tumor samples; one was equivocal, and DNA transduction was unable to be confirmed by enzyme-linked immunospot assay in six samples.

CONCLUSIONS

An injection of IFN-gamma gene/retroviral vector is well tolerated. DNA transduction was demonstrated in human subjects, confirming the feasibility of the direct injection approach for the gene therapy of solid tumors. Further trials to determine optimal schedule and potential efficacy are indicated.

Spinal cord insults in the prenatal, perinatal, and neonatal periods

We investigated the features of children with spinal cord insults (SCI) occurring in the pre-, peri-, and neonatal periods by sending 340 questionnaires to all paediatric neurologists, paediatric urologists, and neonatologists in the UK and Ireland. We requested information about timing, nature, and level of SCI in their patients; family and maternal history; pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal period; clinical presentation, imaging, laboratory studies, and outcome. Two-hundred and sixty-one questionnaires were returned with data on 58 patients with SCI. Seven out of the 58 children with SCI had pure dysraphic cord syndromes and were excluded. Fifty-one patients (33 males, 17 females, one unknown), born between 1972 and 1996, remained. Clinical presentations included severe respiratory failure (N=20; five of whom died neonatally) and hypotonia or weakness recognized either during the neonatal period (N=12) or after 28 days (N=10). Data on clinical presentation were not given in nine cases. Lesions were cervical (N=22) and thoraco-lumbar (N=29). SCI was ascribed to ischaemia (N=12), trauma (N=4), and other associated underlying conditions (N=11), whilst the aetiology was unknown in 24 cases. Mean gestational age (36.2 weeks) and birthweight (2.6 kg) were lower than previously reported with the lowest figures associated with thoraco-lumbar and ischaemic lesions. More males were affected by lesions than females and the incidence of preterm delivery, multiple pregnancy, breech presentation, forceps delivery, and caesarean delivery were higher than average. Forceps delivery was associated with cervical lesions. Outcome data were given in 47 children, nine of whom died either neonatally or within the first 20 months of life. Motor disability ranged from a complete recovery in one out of 40 to paraparesis in 26 out of 40, and tetraparesis in 13 out of 40 patients: 17 out of 39 were ambulant. Sphincter dysfunction was present in 22 out of 38 patients and scoliosis in 16 out of 37. Learning difficulties were present in 10 out of 39, behavioural problems in five out of 39 and seizures in four out of 39 patients. SCI in the pre-, peri-, and neonatal periods are rare but probably under-diagnosed and are heterogeneous in aetiology, presentation, and outcome. Boys appear to be more susceptible than girls.

Brain biochemistry in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a 1H magnetic resonance and neuropsychological study

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle disorder associated with an intellectual deficit which is non-progressive. We obtained localised 1H magnetic resonance spectra from the left frontal lobe and left cerebellum of 15 boys with DMD (mean age 106 months+/-32) and 15 similarly aged control boys (mean age 115 months+/-31); all boys underwent a battery of neuropsychological tests. We found a significant (P<0.01) increase in the ratio of choline-containing compounds to N-acetylaspartate (Cho/NA) in the left cerebellum in boys with DMD compared with control boys. There was no change in the creatine/NA ratio and a significant increase (P=0.03) in the Cho/creatine ratio, suggesting that the change in Cho/NA ratio was due to an increase in choline-containing compounds; this increase has been previously observed in the brain of the murine model of DMD, the mdx mouse. No significant changes were observed in spectra obtained from left frontal lobe in DMD compared to controls. We also observed a significant association between Cho/NA in the left cerebellum, and the performance of DMD boys on the Matrix Analogies Test (MAT). The MAT is a test of visuo-spatial ability and non-verbal reasoning which requires neither manual dexterity nor a verbal response for an adequate performance. A comparison of DMD boys whose cerebellar Cho/NA fell within 2 standard deviations of the control norm (0.56+/-0.24) with DMD boys whose cerebellar Cho/NA was outside this range (i.e. >0.80) revealed a significant difference in ability on the MAT (P<0.05). DMD boys whose Cho/NA ratio is more than two standard deviations higher than controls perform significantly better on the MAT than DMD boys whose Cho/NA ratio is within the normal range. This finding suggests that the observed elevation in Cho/NA and Cho/creatine is not associated with intellectual deficit (as sampled by the MAT), and may represent a compensatory mechanism. The possible interpretations of these metabolic changes are discussed.

Challenges of establishing a nursing center in rural eastern Oregon

The success of the center, in fact its very existence, is the result of cooperation among many persons and agencies. Financial gifts, loans and grants have given the clinic a three-year time period to learn valuable lessons on how to organize for self-sufficiency. Staff have learned how to market to increase patient visit and have obtained Federal Rural Health Clinic status which will increase revenues substantially. Nurse Practitioners are learning appropriate visit coding and hold regular brainstorming meetings to develop creative business opportunities to assure financial stability. As a result of these experiences, the NP faculty have been able to design learning experiences for the nurse practitioner students which introduce them to entrepreneurial realities. Challenges are being met by the NPs in this rural practice which require vigor, creativity, and vigilance. Once the center reaches the level of self-sufficiency, it is the intent of the community to build a facility which can support a significant increase in patient load and still have room for other social and health services to operate within the facility. Bridges to the medical community are being strengthened through better communication and more community involvement. Educating the public and the medical community about the role of nurse practitioners and the broad base of nursing centers is a continual challenge for both faculty and students at the School of Nursing.

Episcleral plaque thermoradiotherapy of posterior uveal melanomas

Episcleral plaque radiotherapy is a widely applied treatment for selected patients with uveal melanomas. This treatment is well tolerated but may produce severe late radiation complications resulting in decreased visual acuity that reduces the attractiveness of conservative therapy. The purpose of this study was to access if the addition of episcleral hyperthermia decreases late radiation complications through radiation dose reduction while maintaining high incidence of local tumor control. In a 3-year period, episcleral plaque thermoradiotherapy was given to 25 patients with uveal melanoma in a Phase I study. The mean tumor height was 6.2 mm and the mean tumor basal area was 173 mm(2). The mean radiation dose given to the tumor apex was 72.2 Gy and the mean hyperthermia temperature, given once for 45 min, was 43.5 degrees C. Of the 25 patients treated, 22 (88%) showed tumor height reduction, 2 (8%) showed no change, and 1 (4%) had an increase in tumor height. At the last follow-up (range, 20-68 months; mean, 31.2 months), a 43% mean tumor height reduction was recorded (p = 0.0002). Of the 22 patients initially showing tumor regression, 2 (9%) had subsequent tumor progression. At least ambulatory vision (>5/200) was maintained by 20 (80%) patients. Severe complications, including hemorrhagic retinal detachment and a large vitreous hemorrhage, were seen in 2 (8%) patients early in this Phase I study. The treatment program was well tolerated by the study patients. Severe late treatment toxicity was sharply reduced by limiting the mean scleral temperature to < or equal to 44 degrees C. This study employing 30% lower radiation doses, showed tumor regression in the majority of patients. Longer follow-up is needed to assess long-term treatment efficacy and late treatment complications.

Cataracts, motor system disorder, short stature, learning difficulties, and skeletal abnormalities: a new syndrome?

We present a 4-generation family in which affected individuals have cataracts, a motor neuronopathy with upper motor neuron signs, short stature, developmental delay, and skeletal abnormalities. An additional symptom is weakness during pregnancy which resolves after delivery. The condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. The manifestations and inheritance are not found in any previously described conditions. We consider that this is a new syndrome.

Interleukin-2 promotes the motility of dendritic cells and their accumulation in lung and skin

Dendritic cells (DC) play a critical role as antigen-presenting cells in vivo. It has previously been shown that DC accumulate in the lung in response to parenteral injections of IFN-gamma. In the current paper, we report that rat DC express the interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) alpha-chain (OX-39) and display enhanced motility in response to IL-2 in Boyden chamber and video time-lapse microscopy assays. Increased motility was specifically inhibited by pretreating DC with OX-39 (anti-IL-2R) but not OX-22 (anti-CD45RC), an isotype-matched murine monoclonal antibody. The intratracheal injection of IL-2 increased the number of OX-6+ dendritic cells located around pulmonary venules and in the lung interstitium. When IL-2 was injected into the footpad of the rat. DC were increased around dermal venules at 24 h. This effect was blocked by the parenteral injection of anti-OX-39. We conclude that IL-2 is a potent enhancer of DC motility and may cooperate with other T helper(h)-1 proinflammatory cytokines in attracting DC to sites of inflammation.

Brain abnormalities in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy and neuropsychological study

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one of a range of muscular dystrophies caused by abnormalities of the short arm of the X chromosome (Xp21), which often cause mental retardation in addition to progressive muscular weakness. Normal dystrophin expression is lacking in both skeletal muscle and brain of affected subjects. Phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy has shown several abnormalities in skeletal muscle in DMD. We looked for similar abnormalities in brain in patients with DMD and related the findings to neuropsychological test results. We studied by magnetic resonance spectroscopy 19 boys (aged 76-167 months) diagnosed as having DMD and 19 control boys of similar age (87-135 months). Intelligence quotient (IQ) was assessed with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for children. The DMD patients had significantly higher values than the controls in the brain ratios of inorganic phosphate to adenosine triphosphate (mean 0.53 [SD 0.21] vs 0.36 [0.09], p = 0.003), to phosphomonoesters (0.40 [0.07] vs 0.29 [0.07], p = 0.0001), and to phosphocreatine (0.44 [0.10] vs 0.37 [0.08], p = 0.02). There were significant differences between the DMD patients and the controls in full-scale IQ (76 [16] vs 101 [16], p = 0.0001), performance IQ (78 [17] vs 94 [14], p = 0.003), and verbal IQ (78 [17] vs 106 [17], p = 0.0001). These altered metabolite ratios parallel the findings in dystrophic muscle and suggest bioenergetic similarities in tissues that lack dystrophin.

Sydenham's chorea: a case showing reversible striatal abnormalities on CT and MRI

Sydenham's chorea has not previously been associated with abnormal findings on CT scan, but there have been reports of abnormal MRI in affected patients. The authors describe a case of Sydenham's chorea in which striatal abnormalities were found on both CT and MRI. Repeat MRI when the patient's illness had resolved was virtually normal. This suggests that abnormal imaging is entirely compatible with a diagnosis of Sydenham's chorea in a patient with an appropriate clinical history. Resolution of such abnormalities on repeat scanning provides further support for the diagnosis.

Depot leuprolide acetate with estrogen and progestin add-back for long-term treatment of premenstrual syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To test the effectiveness and safety of long-term depot leuprolide acetate (GnRH-a) plus estrogen and progestin add-back therapy in the treatment of moderate and severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

DESIGN

A prospective trial with each patient serving as her own control.

SETTING

University teaching hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Ten women with regular menstrual cycles complaining of moderate to severe PMS. Premenstrual syndrome was diagnosed when symptoms increased > or = 25% during the luteal phase.

TREATMENT

Four-week cycles of IM injections of placebo or GnRH-a with all patients receiving saline (placebo), the first cycle followed by 12 cycles of GnRH-a, 7.5 mg. Conjugated equine estrogen (0.625 mg/d) was started Monday through Saturday within the first cycle and increased as needed. Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), 10 mg/d, was taken orally for 10 days after 4, 8, and 12 cycles of GnRH-a therapy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Changes in three symptom categories (water retention, pain, and psychological function), serum levels of total cholesterol and HDL, HDL-2, and LDL cholesterol, E2, and estrone. Endometrial biopsy was obtained 1 day after the end of the 12th GnRH-a cycle, and bone density was assessed using quantitative computer tomography at the end of the 12th GnRH-a cycle.

RESULTS

During treatment, there was a significant decrease compared with baseline and placebo in all three symptom categories. There were no significant changes in lipids. Endometrial biopsies revealed progestational changes with no evidence of hyperplasia. Quantitative computer tomography bone density dropped 3.7 on average compared with baseline after 12 months of treatment, but this was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy with hormonal add-back therapy is effective in treating PMS symptoms with progressive improvement over a 12-month period. This therapy prevents changes in lipids and adequately protects the endometrium with the addition of MPA every 4th cycle. Quantitative computer tomography bone density dropped at 12 months; further examination of bone changes is necessary.