Add-On Pramipexole for the Treatment of Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: Several small clinical trials have reported that the dopamine agonist pramipexole was beneficial in treating patients with schizophrenia. A confirmatory trial was conducted to test this hypothesis. Methods: This 16-week, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study included 200 subjects meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Patients were randomized to receive either pramipexole (0.75 mg twice daily, n = 100) or placebo (n = 100) as an add-on to their regular antipsychotic treatment. The primary outcome measure was the total score on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS); secondary outcome measures included PANSS subscale and cognitive functioning scores. Recruitment was performed in 30 sites in Romania and 1 site in the Republic of Moldova between January and June 2011. Results: Analysis of covariance models showed no significant difference between pramipexole and placebo for total PANSS (P > .99) and PANSS positive (P > .99), negative (P = .73), and general psychopathology (P = .99) subscale scores. Changes in Clinical Global Impressions-Severity of Illness scale and Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia scores showed no significant difference between pramipexole and placebo. Conclusions: The results of this large randomized controlled trial indicated that pramipexole was not efficacious as an add-on to antipsychotic medications for schizophrenia. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01320982.

Adjunctive Aspirin vs Placebo in Patients With Schizophrenia: Results of Two Randomized Controlled Trials

Two previous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggested that adjunctive aspirin is efficacious in treating schizophrenia. We conducted two 16-week double-blind randomized placebo-controlled RCTs of adjunctive 1000 mg aspirin vs placebo in schizophrenia. Study 1 included 200 patients, with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score as the primary outcome. Study 2 included 160 patients with C-reactive protein (CRP) >1 mg/L at baseline; the primary outcome was PANSS-positive score. Dropout rates for aspirin/placebo were 12% in study 1 and 20% in study 2. Differences in outcome between aspirin and placebo were calculated with linear regression, adjusting for the baseline value of the outcome. No statistically significant between-group differences were found in primary or secondary outcomes in either study. Study 1: mean difference in PANSS at 16 weeks was -3.9 (95% CI: -8.4 to 0.5, P = .10, effect size (ES) = -0.25) and at 8 weeks was -3.5 (95% CI: -7.5 to 0.5, P = .11, ES = -0.22). Study 2: mean difference in PANSS at 16 weeks was 0.3 (95% CI: -4.1 to 4.7, P = .90, ES = 0.02) and in positive PANSS was 0.5 (95% CI: -1.0 to 2.1, P = .50, ES = 0.11). A meta-analysis of these data with the existing studies, excluding one with large baseline differences in total PANSS, found that the overall estimate of the effect of adjunctive aspirin on the PANSS total score comparing group means at the end of the study was -2.9 (95% CI: -6.6 to 0.7; P = .21), favoring aspirin. Our studies and meta-analysis failed to find a statistically significant improvement in the symptoms of schizophrenia from adjunctive aspirin therapy in comparison to placebo in schizophrenia. Trial registration: study 1: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01320982; study 2 (high CRP): EudraCT Number: 2014-000757-36.

Sodium Nitroprusside Infusion for the Treatment of Schizophrenia

One previous small single-center clinical trial showed that a single intravenous administration of sodium nitroprusside added-on to antipsychotics improved a wide spectrum of schizophrenia (SCZ) symptoms more than placebo, and the improvement persisted for 4 weeks after infusion even though no additional drug was given. Our study attempted to replicate these data in a 4-week, add-on, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial on 20 patients performed in a site in Romania and a site in Moldova. This study’s sample size and protocol were identical to the previous trial, including patients with a diagnosis of SCZ, within the first 5 years after diagnosis. Patients recruited needed to have a baseline total positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) score of 60 or above. Ten participants received a single dose of 0.5 µg/kg/min intravenous sodium nitroprusside over 4 hours, and 10 participants received matching placebo infusion, added-on to antipsychotics. The primary outcomes were the PANSS total score and the PANSS negative subscale. There were no significant between-group differences in PANSS total scores or negative subscale scores during the infusion on daily evaluations for the next 7 days nor on weekly evaluations at weeks 2, 3, and 4. No significant differences were found between the 2 study groups in adverse events. Meta-analyses including all 5 published randomized controlled trials on the topic, representing 155 subjects, do not show a statistically significant benefit of sodium nitroprusside. We conclude that the current evidence does not support the efficacy of sodium nitroprusside in the treatment of SCZ.

Effect of Adjunctive Estradiol on Schizophrenia Among Women of Childbearing Age: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Several lines of evidence suggest that estradiol influences the course of schizophrenia, and a previous randomized controlled trial demonstrated that transdermal estradiol improved symptoms in female patients of childbearing age. However, many initial positive findings in schizophrenia research are not later replicated.

OBJECTIVE

To independently replicate the results of the effect of estradiol on schizophrenia in women of childbearing age.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

An 8-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial performed in the Republic of Moldova between December 4, 2015, and July 29, 2016, among 200 premenopausal women aged 19 to 46 years with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder as defined by the DSM-5.

INTERVENTION

Patients were randomized to receive a 200-μg estradiol patch or placebo patch changed twice a week added to their antipsychotic treatment.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was the positive subscale of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS; lower scores indicated fewer symptoms and higher scores indicated more symptoms), analyzed with mixed models for repeated measures on an intention-to-treat basis.

RESULTS

A total of 100 women (median age, 38 years; interquartile range, 34-42 years) were randomized to receive an estradiol patch and 100 women (median age, 38 years; interquartile range, 31-41 years) were randomized to receive a placebo patch; the median age at baseline for the entire group of 200 women was 38.0 years (range, 19.5-46.0 years). At baseline, the mean positive PANSS score was 19.6 for both groups combined; at week 8, the mean positive PANSS score was 14.4 in the placebo group and 13.4 in the estradiol group. Compared with placebo, participants receiving add-on estradiol patches had statistically significant improvements in the primary outcome measure, PANSS positive subscale points (-0.94; 95% CI, -1.64 to -0.24; P = .008; effect size = 0.38). Post hoc heterogeneity analyses found that this effect occurred almost entirely in 100 participants older than 38.0 years (46 in placebo group vs 54 in estradiol group; difference, -1.98 points on the PANSS positive subscale; 95% CI, -2.94 to -1.02; P < .001). Younger participants did not benefit from estradiol (difference, 0.08 points on the PANSS positive subscale; 95% CI, -0.91 to 1.07; P = .87). Breast tenderness was more common in the estradiol group (n = 15) than in the placebo group (n = 1) as was weight gain (14 in estradiol group vs 1 in placebo group).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The results independently replicate the finding that transdermal estradiol is an effective add-on treatment for women of childbearing age with schizophrenia and extend it, finding improvements in negative symptoms and finding that the effect could be specific to those older than 38 years. The results should be viewed in the context of the differences in the natural course of schizophrenia between females and males.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03848234.

The Role of Collagen Metabolism in the Formation and Relapse of Incisional Hernia

Despite the continuous development of synthetic prosthetic meshes and their wide use, recurrent incisional hernias still appear in 5 to 20% of cases, with a linear incidence curve over the years, suggesting a multifactorial process rather than a simple failing technical repair as the underlying cause. Recent molecular biological research provide increasing evidence of connective tissue alterations such as a defective wound healing with impaired scarring process in patients with incisional hernia. Although there are some promising results, at present, in-depth understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms and of the role that collagens play in the development and recurrence of incisional hernia is rather scarce. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize and evaluate the biochemical mechanisms involved in incisional hernia formation and recurrence, with a primary focus on collagen I to III ratio. Also, the consequences for surgical practice are discussed.

[Complex reconstruction with internal locking plate fixation for Charcot arthropathy]

BACKGROUND

Osteosynthesis and reposition of the Charcot foot is challenging with respect to choice of a proper implant. There is currently no international consensus regarding the optimal implant.

OBJECTIVES

Locking plates seem to be an innovative and stable method for reconstruction. The aim of this work is to analyze bone fusion, complications, pseudoarthrosis, and patient satisfaction.

METHODS

This paper presents a retrospective analysis of 63 consecutive Charcot feet treated between 2004 and 2014. The mean follow-up time was 2.4 years.

RESULTS

All Charcot feet treated between 2004 and 2014 were Sanders type II or III. A bony fusion was achieved in 50 % of the cases, 26 % had a functional pseudoarthrosis with intact implants and pain-free mobility, and 22 % showed no healing with broken implants. Conclusion Internal fixation with locking plates is superior to screw fixation only with regard to biomechanics. We prefer internal fixation plates to external fixation because of stability even in the case of pseudoathrosis and because of the learning curve.

Translating clinical research of Molecular Biology into a personalized, multidisciplinary approach of colorectal cancer patients

Although multimodal treatment has brought important benefit, there is still great heterogeneity regarding the indication and response to chemotherapy in Stage II and III, and individual variations related to both overall survival and toxicity of new therapies in metastatic disease or tumor relapse. Recent research in molecular biology led to the development of a large scale of genetic biomarkers, but their clinical use is not concordant with the high expectations. The Aim of this review is to identify and discuss the molecular markers with proven clinical applicability as prognostic and/or predictive factors in CRC and also to establish a feasible algorithm of molecular testing, as routine practice, in the personalized, multidisciplinary approach of colorectal cancer patients in our country. Despite the revolution that occurred in the field of molecular marker research, only Serum CEA, Immunohistochemical analysis of mismatch repair proteins and PCR testing for KRAS and BRAF mutations have confirmed their clinical utility in the management of colorectal cancer. Their implementation in the current practice should partially resolve some of the controversies related to this heterogenic pathology, in matters of prognosis in different TNM stages, stage II patient risk stratification, diagnosis of hereditary CRC and likelihood of benefit from anti EGFR therapy in metastatic disease. The proposed algorithms of molecular testing are very useful but still imperfect and require further validation and constant optimization.

Microsatellite instability in the management of stage II colorectal patients

BACKGROUND

Up-to-date it is unclear whether stage II colorectal cancer patients should receive adjuvant chemotherapy.The presence of high risk features (T4, CEA 5 ng dl, less than 12 lymph nodes examined) is an indication for Oxaliplatin based treatment. In their absence, there is no consensus, 5 Fluorouracil regimens, or observation only being equally recommended by oncologists. Microsatellite instability is associated with good prognosis in stage II colorectal cancer and also with poor response to 5 Fluorouracil and should be used as a predictive marker.

METHODS

We performed a prospective descriptive study on 115 consecutive patients who received surgical resection for colorectal cancer in our clinic during 2011 and 2012 using a risk stratification algorithm based on TNM staging, clinico pathologic and molecular markers.

RESULTS

From the 44 stage II colorectal cancer patients, 10 cases were classified as high risk, in 26 cases we performed Immunohistochemical analysis that identified 8 patients with low risk microsatellite instability phenotype, with no indication for adjuvant chemotherapy; 26 intermediate risk patients received 5-FluoroUracil regimens.

CONCLUSION

We believe that microsatellite instability testing provides a useful tool in the goal of better characterizing patients with stage II colorectal cancer in matters of risk of recurrence and likelihood of benefit from chemotherapy.

Molecular factors of failure in incisional hernia surgery

Incisional hernias occur as frequent as they did 20 years ago even if we use modern technologies in terms of suture. Sutures techniques, either primary repair or applied after failure of primary repair are characterized by high rates of recurrence. Using the hernia mesh has become mandatory in repairing of all types of hernias - inguinal, ventral or incisional. Implantation of the mesh is a relatively well-coded surgical procedure. But surgery is only the first step in the process of healing. Implantation starts a strong response with haematological mechanisms: protein absorption, complement activation, coagulation, platelet activation, neutrophil activation and tissue mechanisms: proliferation, adhesion, fibrosis. Recurrence rates are consistently lower when replacement meshes are used and a variety of meshes have been developed for this purpose. How the mesh is embedded by the human body and how the biomechanical limits of the abdominal wall are restored is still a subject of debate for surgeons. Histopathological studies and progress in design and materials are the only keys to solve this problem. Also pathological studies should determine the right material for personalized repair according to each patient's biology. This paper attempts to analyze the molecular failure factors in incisional hernia surgery, different from errors in surgery procedures. Complications can be avoided or reduced by an appropriate selection of the type of place in a particular case, and by performing a meticulous technique. Incisional hernias are considered at this moment a biological progressive phenomenon, and not only a strictly technical one, a "simple hole in the abdominal wall" that has to be firmly sutured.

Rives technique, a gold standard for incisional hernias -- our experience

Incisional hernias are a real problem in abdominal surgery and occur in up to 18% of patients undergoing surgery. Simple sutures or so-called anatomical processes lead to recurrence in up to 50% of cases. Performance of an alloplastic procedure decreases relapse rate to 10%, down from 12%. Popularized in Europe by Rives and Stoppa, the sublay mesh repair technique has proven very effective, with low recurrence rates (0% -23%) and minimal complications. In our clinic we have been using this technique for about 10 years, adding some changes that we consider beneficial to the further evolution of the patient and especially to obtaining a strong abdominal wall, equally functional in terms of bio-mechanics. During the study period, we recorded a total of 45 patients with abdominal incisional hernias operated by this technique. All patients were operated on by the same surgical team. No patients required surgical reintervention. Our results show that the Rives-Stoppa technique is an effective method for repairing incisional hernias. Complications and recurrence rates are comparable with the results of other techniques.

Septic remnants, a crucial factor in the outcome of suppurated pancreatitis

Scheduled reinterventions, or dictated by necessity in order to drain the septic foci occupy an important place in the surgery of the pancreatic suppurations. Approximately 50% of the operated patients require one or more reinterventions, in order to accomplish the debridement and evacuation of the necrotic-suppurative remnants. The authors reanalyze the retroperitoneal space as a center of the necrotic-suppurative processes, emphasizing over the insufficiency of the approach of the retroperitoneum only through the omental bursa. The anatomical considerations infirm the belief according to which the approach of the omental bursa would be the primary gesture of retroperitoneal access. The pancreas and the surrounding atmosphere are hosted within the anterior an posterior pararenal space. In order to avoid septic remnants it is insisted on six access pathways to the pararenal space. These ways of approach are dictated according to topography of the suppurated necrosis. Post surgical evolutional future of the patient is directly dependent on the presence or absence of the remnants after the first surgical intervention. Evidently, the remnants will be present where the debridement and evacuation of the sepsis didn't take place- meaning all the dependencies of the pararenal space. The large, multiple drainage, closed or opened, with or without continuous lavage, can not correct the septic omissions. Partial and incomplete debridements must not be based on the corrections through the scheduled reinterventions.

The role of imaging evidence in pancreatic suppurations

The authors wish to propose an interpretation protocol of the imaging dedicated to the pancreatic suppurations that appear in acute necrotising pancreatitis. Analyzing the data from the literature regarding the extension mode of the pancreatic suppurations, it promotes the idea according to which the surgeon must himself utilize and interpret the offered imaging. Using well known anatomical references, highlighted on the CT and MRI images and reconstructions, the surgeon is able to appreciate more accurately, on the basis of evidence, the references and limits of the suppurative collections. Thus, it is obtained a more precise topographic map of the suppurative areas and so it proposes the necessity of reporting to precisely named retroperitoneal spaces, that are part of the pararenal bilateral area. Hence it is identified the lumenal, parenchymal and vascular anatomical marks, which permit the exact anatomical reference of the retroperitoneal spaces interested by the pathological process. In this way, it creates the possibility of aimed surgical approach, with the selection of the ways of access towards the suppurative zones in order to avoid septic omissions. Finally, the authors propose the imaging reference to 13 retroperitoneal areas, areas that are contained under the name of pararenal space.

Congenital splenic cyst - case study

BACKGROUND

Splenic cysts represent a pathology seldom encountered in practice, the most often etiology being, parasitic, congenital and pseudo-cysts, which usually appear post-traumatically or after a splenic infarction.Splenic cysts indicate a surgical treatment when they are large (and thus present a high risk for complications such as rupture, hemorrhaging, compression of the neighboring organs), when they are symptomatic or present complications.

CASE REPORT

We present the case of a patient diagnosed with splenic cyst in our Clinic, its discovery being incidental, while conducting investigations for an abdominal pain syndrome.

DISCUSSIONS

The clinical case presented completely abides to the literary description-the diagnostic has been incidental, the large size of the cyst has determined the need for surgery (splenectomy), its etiology has been established by means of anatomo-pathological report (the presence of the epithelial inner wall that indicates congenital cysts).

Present and future tense in operable rectal cancer

In the last three decades it has been repeatedly insisted on the total mesorectal excision (TME), as being the key for pelvic recurrence. The authors have focused upon issues still "questionable", that invite reflection, having as a starting point now become the classic precepts of RJ Heald. The authors stop mainly on defining points that justify the complex therapeutical approach of rectal cancer. There are discussed some issues still subject to controversy: the extent of regional extirpation, critical points of surgical risk, the attitude towards the protection of genito-urinary innervation. In this purpose surgical considerations are presented on: the anatomy of the rectum and mesorectum, TME and its limits, on dissemination issues and pathology tumor grading, pelvic relapse and the place of adjuvant therapy. Complication rate is also analyzed and the quality of life of patients undergoing TME. Finally conclusions are advanced, some of them having the capacity to provide topics for future study and debate.

Prognostic factors in colorectal cancer evolution

BACKGROUND

This paper tries to evaluate prognostic value of various pre and post-operative colorectal cancer markers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the study conducted in our clinic over a period of five years we tried to emphasize the biological factors of prognostic value in colorectal cancer, and to demonstrate the important role of these factors in predicting survival, but also of early relapse or, in some cases, resistance to chemotherapy. Most important component of these factors remains molecular tumor markers.

RESULTS

Of the markers of tumor load increased preoperative serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) means increased risk of neoplastic recurrence and reducing survival expectancy. Aneuploidy tumor cells would have the same importance.

CONCLUSIONS

Although for their study modern and expensive techniques are necessary, molecular tumor markers have an increasingly role appreciated by researchers both in estimating the risk of relapse and neoplastic dissemination and the response rate to adjuvant treatment. It is estimated that the study of molecular/genetic profile of colorectal tumors in the future will dictate therapeutic decisions ahead.

Community-based safety, immunogenicity, and transmissibility study of the Shigella sonnei WRSS1 vaccine in Israeli volunteers

We describe the first community-based evaluation of Shigella sonnei strain WRSS1, a live, oral candidate vaccine attenuated by a 212-bp deletion in the virG (or icsA) plasmid virulence gene. Three single-dose regimens of WRSS1 (5 x 10(3) CFU, 2 x 10(4) CFU, and 4 x 10(5) CFU) were tested with cohorts of 15 adult volunteers. The vaccine was generally well tolerated at the 10(3)- and 10(4)-CFU doses. There were no fevers and there was one report of moderate diarrhea in 30 vaccinees; five additional vaccinees reported mild diarrhea. At the 10(5)-CFU dose, there were two reports of low-grade fevers and four reports of moderate diarrhea. The geometric means for immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody-secreting cells (ASC) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were 30, 75, and 193 ASC per 10(6) peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) for the 10(3)-, 10(4)-, and 10(5)-CFU doses, respectively. The IgG means were 40, 46, and 135 ASC per 10(6) PBMC, respectively. The 10(4)-CFU dose of WRSS1 gave the best balance of safety and immunogenicity, since all vaccinees had a significant IgA ASC response and 73% had a response of more than 50 ASC. The anti-LPS seroconversion rate (threefold) for IgA was 60% and the IgG rate was 27% for the 10(4)-CFU cohort. Each vaccinee and a cohabitating household contact delivered daily perianal stool swabs for bacteriological culture. WRSS1 colonized vaccinees for a median of 5 days, and one individual excreted WRSS1 intermittently for 23 days. None of the 45 household contacts were colonized with WRSS1 after a cumulative 192 days of cohabitation with colonized vaccinees, suggesting that adventitious vaccine spread was not common in the community setting.