[Urogenital Injury in Polytrauma Patients: a Five-year Epidemiological Study]

INTRODUCTION The authors present an overview of polytrauma patients with urinary tract injuries managed in the Level I trauma centre. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of injuries to the urinary system, the mechanism of their injury and the method of treatment in the cohort of polytrauma patients treated in the trauma centre. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between 2012 and 2016, a total of 231 polytrauma patients were treated, of whom 47 (20.3%) also suffered a urotrauma. The renal trauma, ureteral trauma, bladder trauma and urethral trauma were classified according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) scoring scale. RESULTS The non-operative treatment was opted for in 24 patients (86%) with Grade I and II kidney injury, whereas a surgical revision was indicated in line with the European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines in 9 patients (100%) with Grade III renal trauma or higher. The bladder trauma was treated non-operatively in two patients (22.2%) with Grade I and II bladder injury and operatively in 7 patients (77.7%) with Grade III injury or higher. After the operative management of urogenital injuries in 18 patients (38%), complications occurred in 7 patients (39%). A total of 7 patients (14.9%) died as a consequence of polytrauma with urinary tract injuries and in 5 of them the death occurred within 30 days of polytrauma, but no urinary tract injury led directly to death of the patient. DISCUSSION Kidneys are the most frequently injured uropoietic organ. A civilian kidney trauma is present in up to 5% of trauma patients and accounts for 24% of abdominal injuries. The computed tomography scanning with intravenous contrast (CT IVU) remains the Gold Standard. In recent decades there was a shift in treating the prevailing majority of patients with a kidney trauma, namely from surgical revision to non-operative treatment. This trend was also observed by the authors in their own cohort. CONCLUSIONS Based on the evaluation of their own cohort of patients, the authors state that the diagnostic algorithm including CT IVU and also UCG in indicated patients are adequate to timely diagnose the urinary tract injuries, including polytraumas. The study confirmed that the most frequent injury to the urinary tract in polytrauma patients is the kidney trauma and that the urinary tract injury is not usually the cause of death in polytraumatized patients. Key words: polytrauma, urotrauma, urogenital organ injury, kidney, urinary bladder, AAST.

Heterotopic Ossifications after Fractures of the Anterior Pelvic Segment: Overview of Morphology and Clinical Correlations

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY In certain patients after treated pelvic fractures, heterotopic ossifications can be observed in the area of the pubic bone, which protrude ventrally, and often also laterally and distally into surrounding soft tissues of the groin or even medially into the proximal thigh. These ossifications are shaped like sharp spikes of various lengths, which is why the authors refer to them as "spicules". In some patients, these ossifications are also associated with pain. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the morphology of heterotopic ossifications of the anterior segment of the pelvis and to discuss the etiology of their origin, and further to determine the incidence, risk factors and clinical significance of these "spike-like" ossifications. MATERIAL AND METHODS X-ray images of patients treated for pelvic injuries between 2009 and 2018, in whom radiological documentation was available at least 12 months after the injury or surgery were evaluated. Patients with acetabular fractures or combined pelvic and acetabular injuries were not included in the study. Possible risk factors studied included gender, severity of injury, type of fracture according to the AO / ASIF classification, concomitant bladder injury, method of treatment and type of osteosynthesis of the anterior segment of the pelvis. The categorial data concerning risk factors for the observed "spicule" type ossifications was statistically evaluated using the chi-square test at the 5% level of significance. RESULTS The studied group consisted of 218 patients (121 women, 97 men) aged 13 to 92 years of age (mean age was 54 years, median age was 55 years). Heterotopic "spicule" type ossifications occurred in 21 patients (4 females, 17 males) aged 18 to 76 years (mean 39 years, median 41 years). Significant risk factors in the observed ossification group included male sex (p = 0.0004), severity of trauma (predominance of "spicules" was seen in multiple trauma patients, (p = 0.0024), unstable pelvic injury according to AO / ASIF classification (predominance of "spicules" in type B and C fractures over type A fractures, (p = 0.0013), concomitant bladder injury (p = 0.0009) and in patients undergoing surgical treatment of the fracture (p < 0.0001), where all the observed spicules were seen in patients undergoing anterior pelvic segment osteosynthesis. A statistically significant difference was also evident when comparing the osteosynthetic material used in the anterior segment (a increased incidence of ossifications was seen in patients undergoing plate fixation compared to patients in whom pubic screws were used, p = 0.0050). DISCUSSION Heterotopic ossifications are described as relatively common consequences of pelvic fractures, but are not considered a major problem because they usually do not produce any clinical correlations. The causes of post-traumatic and postoperative ossifications in the pelvic area include the effects of high energy traumas, extensive surgical procedures, prolonged artificial lung ventilation, and post-infectious states after complications of surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS The study identified risk factors for heterotopic "spicule" type ossifications. The identified risk factors include male sex, severity of injury, unstable type of fracture, concomitant bladder injury, surgical treatment, and the use of massive implants. Only the effect of bladder injuries can be partially influenced by performing less invasive surgical techniques during combined pelvic and bladder injuries. Key words: pelvic fracture, pelvic injury, complications, heterotopic ossifications, multiple trauma, unstable pelvic trauma, urinary bladder injury.

Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Disease Stage Correlation and Molecular Characterization

The presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with solid tumors is associated with poor prognosis. However, there are limited data concerning the detection of CTCs in renal cell cancer (RCC). The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of CTCs in peripheral blood of patients with RCC undergoing surgery (n = 186). CTCs were tested before and after surgery as well as during the follow-up period afterwards. In total 495 CTC testing in duplicates were provided. To enrich CTCs, a size-based separation protocol and tube MetaCell® was used. CTCs presence was evaluated by single cell cytomorphology based on vital fluorescence microscopy. Additionally, to standardly applied fluorescence stains, CTCs viability was controlled by mitochondrial activity. CTCs were detected independently on the sampling order in up to 86.7% of the tested blood samples in patients undergoing RCC surgery. There is higher probability of CTC detection with growing tumor size, especially in clear cell renal cell cancer (ccRCC) cases. Similarly, the tumor size corresponds with metastasis presence and lymph node positivity and CTC detection. This paper describes for the first-time successful analysis of viable CTCs and their mitochondria as a part of the functional characterization of CTCs in RCC.

Circulating Tumor Cells as an Auxiliary Diagnostic Tool in Surgery

BACKGROUND

In general, the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in peripheral blood (PB) is associated with a relative shorter overall survival in cancer patients. The clinical utility of CTC diagnostics is changing: from prognostic test to an assay predicting therapy response, enabling the right choice of therapy and monitoring the effect of administered therapy. We present two case reports of patients with suspicion of lung and pancreatic cancer, without obtainable preoperative biopsy for histological verification. The focus of the presented study was not to deliver a complete tumor tissue classification to the surgeon, but to answer the question if there is malignant disease or not. The results are based on CTC presence and characterization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A size-based separation method for viable CTC enrichment from anticoagulated PB was used. The separated cells were cytomorphologically examined using vital fluorescent microscopy. Additionally, to confirm the epithelial origin of the cells on the separation membrane, CTC gene expression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

CTCs were successfully enriched and cultured in vitro in both tested samples. The epithelial character of the captured cells was confirmed by quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis for a set of tumor-associated genes.

CONCLUSION

Detection of cancer cells in PB (liquid biopsy) and their molecular characterization could significantly help complete the tumor diagnostic process in a time-efficient manner.

Mirabegron improves quality-of-life, treatment satisfaction, and persistence in patients with overactive bladder: a multi-center, non-interventional, real-world, 12-month study

OBJECTIVE

Observational studies can provide evidence about patient outcomes in routine clinical practice. This prospective, non-interventional study (BELIEVE) is the largest real-world European study to date to assess quality-of-life, treatment satisfaction, resource utilization, and persistence in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) who were prescribed mirabegron as part of routine clinical practice.

METHODS

The primary objective was to evaluate change from baseline in quality-of-life based on overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB-q) sub-scales. Secondary objectives included evaluation of treatment persistence, patient satisfaction, healthcare resource utilization and adverse events (AEs). Follow-up was for 12 months with visit windows at 2-4 and 10-12 months. Median change from baseline in total OAB-q and its sub-scales (Health-related quality-of-life [HRQoL] and symptom bother scale) were assessed.

RESULTS

Overall, 862 patients were enrolled from eight European countries. In the Full Analysis Set (FAS), 73.7% were female, mean age was 61.2 years; 47.7% ≥65 years. At baseline, 41.3% had switched from other OAB treatments, 42.2% were treatment naïve, 10.1% were lapsed, and 6.4% were on combination treatment. Symptom bother and HRQoL total scores improved from baseline to 2-4 and 10-12 months. There was a notable improvement in dry rate, increasing from 34.9% at baseline to 43.7% at 10-12 months in the FAS, and a reduction in pad use. Persistence was high, with 53.8% of FAS patients remaining on mirabegron at 10-12 months. Overall, no unexpected safety issues were observed and AEs were consistent with the known safety profile of mirabegron.

CONCLUSION

Patients receiving mirabegron in a real-world setting reported meaningful improvements in QoL and health status, with a persistence rate of 53.8% at 12 months for the FAS. No unexpected safety issues were observed, and AEs were consistent with the known safety profile of mirabegron.

Circulating tumor cells in urological cancers

Circulating tumor cells (CTC) represent a very small subpopulation of the cancer cells found in the bloodstream of patients in the metastatic phase of neoplastic disease. Due to the timeline of the disease, they are regarded as a negative prognostic marker. This study focused on determining CTC percentages; these values vary be-tween different types of cancer. In addition to their diagnostic use, CTCs may also be used to treat the disease. Calculating CTC population size and analyzing their biology in patients in advanced stages of cancer may prove valuable in creating a molecular profile for the disease. This would strongly encourage diagnostics and enable personalized treatment. We here present an analysis of recent data on CTCs in urological cancers and their potential uses.

Functional Characterization of Ngf-Secreting Cell Grafts to the Acutely Injured Spinal Cord

Previously we reported that grafts of cells genetically modified to produce human nerve growth factor (hNGF) promoted specific and robust sprouting of spinal sensory, motor, and noradrenergic axons. In the present study we extend these investigations to assess NGF effects on corticospinal motor axons and on functional outcomes after spinal cord injury. Fibroblasts from adult rats were transduced to express human NGF; control cells were not genetically modified. Fibroblasts were then grafted to sites of midthoracic spinal cord dorsal hemisection lesions. Three months later, recipients of NGF-secreting grafts showed deficits on conditioned locomotion over a wire mesh that did not differ in extent from control-lesioned animals. On histological examination, NGF-secreting grafts elicited specific sprouting from spinal primary sensory afferent axons, local motor axons, and putative cerulospinal axons as previously reported, but no specific responses from corticospinal axons. Axons responding to NGF robustly penetrated the grafts but did not exit the grafts to extend to normal innervation territories distal to grafts. Grafted cells continued to express NGF protein through the experimental period of the study. These findings indicate that 1) spinal cord axons show directionally sensitive growth responses to neurotrophic factors, 2) growth of axons responding to a neurotrophic factor beyond an injury site and back to their natural target regions will likely require delivery of concentration gradients of neurotrophic factors toward the target, 3) corticospinal axons do not grow toward a cellular source of NGF, and 4) functional impairments are not improved by strictly local sprouting response of nonmotor systems.

Antithrombotic therapy of patients with atrial fibrillation discharged after major non-cardiac surgery. 1-year follow-up. Sub-analysis of PRAGUE 14 study

BACKGROUND

The study investigated the discharge antithrombotic medication in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after major non-cardiac surgery and the impact on one-year outcomes.

METHODS

A subgroup of 366 patients (mean age 75.9±10.5 years, women 42.3%, acute surgery 42.9%) undergoing major non-cardiac surgery and having any form of AF (30.6% of the total population enrolled in the PRAGUE-14 study) was followed for 1 year.

RESULTS

Antithrombotics (interrupted due to surgery) were resumed until discharge in 51.8% of patients; less frequently in men (OR 0.6 (95% CI 0.95 to 0.35); p = 0.029), and in patients undergoing elective surgery (OR 0.6 (95% CI 0.91 to 0.33); p = 0.021). Dual antiplatelet therapy was resumed more often (91.7%) in comparison to aspirin monotherapy (57.3%; p = 0.047), and vitamin K antagonist (56.3%; p = 0.042). Patients with AF had significantly higher one-year mortality (22.1%) than patients without AF (14.1%, p = 0.001). The causes of death were: ischaemic events (32.6% of deaths), bleeding events (8.1%), others (N = 51; 59.3%, 20 of them died due to cancer). Non-reinstitution of aspirin until discharge was associated with higher one-year mortality (17.6% vs. 34.8%; p = 0.018).

CONCLUSION

Preoperatively interrupted antithrombotics were re-administrated at discharge only in half of patients with AF, less likely in male patients and those undergoing elective surgery. The presence of AF was recognized as a predictor of one-year mortality, especially if aspirin therapy was not resumed until discharge.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01897220.

Paravaginal defect: A new classification of fascial and muscle tears in the paravaginal region

The lateral support of the vaginal wall depends on the integrity of the paravaginal section of the visceral pelvic fascia, levator ani, and their connection. Various defects of the muscle and fascia can result in identical clinical findings-ie, the descent of the lateral vaginal sulcus. In this study, we created a realistic scheme for classifying paravaginal defects, based on the complex relationship of the pelvic fascia with the levator ani. Surgical observations, cadaver examinations, and a complex magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based 3-dimensional (3D) model were used to analyze the spatial relationships of normal and defective anatomy of the female pelvic floor. Descent of the lateral vaginal sulcus can result from a defect in the paravaginal visceral pelvic fascia, levator ani, or both. The fascial defect can be partial or complete, and the muscle defect can vary in location. A detailed illustrated classification is presented. We present a new model of the pathology that underlies a common clinical finding.

[Risk of death in patients with unstable pelvic fracture and large vessel injury]

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to provide accurate data regarding the incidence of large vessel injury as part of pelvic trauma in patients treated during a 12-year period.

METHODS

In total, 715 patients admitted and treated for pelvic fractures from 2001-2012 were analyzed. Data on large vessel injuries (aorta, inferior vena cava, common iliac artery and vein) reported in perioperative or autopsy findings were obtained from the patient database. The statistical significance of achieved results was tested using contingency tables (chi-square test of independence or Fisher factorial test). The significance level for the calculated tests was chosen to be 5%.

RESULTS

Sixty six (9%) patients died in the first hours after admission, 43 (6%) of them prior to surgery. Seventy (10%) underwent urgent surgeries, 47 (7%) of whom survived and 23 (3%) died. A large vessel injury in the pelvic region was detected in 13 (2%) patients. In the surviving surgical patients, a serious injury of pelvic venous plexus, as the only source of bleeding, was found only once (2%), while in patients who deceased post-surgically and pre-surgically, serious vascular injury in the pelvic region was diagnosed in 5 and 7 patients in both subgroups (22% and 41%, resp.). This difference was significantly higher in comparison with surviving patients (p=0.0002 and p=0.0109, resp.).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of large vessel injury with severe bleeding associated with pelvic trauma was low in our study; however, the risk of death in patients with this injury was significantly higher. The results of our study support the hypothesis that in most patients a large artery or vein injury in combination with massive bleeding from the venous plexus due to a dislocated pelvic fracture results in death even before arrival of emergency services. This hypothesis could be verified in a study including also autopsy findings in persons who died even before hospital admission.

KEY WORDS

unstable pelvic injury vascular injury risk of death.

[Intraoperative CT navigation in spinal and pelvic surgery: initial experience]

INTRODUCTION

The authors describe their first experience with virtually navigated pelvic and spine screws based on perioperative CT navigation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From 22 October 2012 (launching the device) to 9 January 2013, a total of 15 CT-navigated pelvic and spine operations were performed in 14 patients. Nerve root compression, scoliosis, vertebral fracture and spondylodiscitis were the indications for spine procedures; B-type and C-type fractures according to the AO classification were the indications in pelvic surgical procedures. The preparation and the course of the procedures were in accordance with current standards and recommendations in all the cases. Perioperative navigation and subsequent examination of the screw trajectory were performed via O-arm imaging system (Medtronic Navigation, Louisville, Colorado) instead of the standard C-arm fluoroscopy.

RESULTS

A total of 73 screws were inserted (60 transpedicular screws into cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, 9 iliosacral screws into the first sacral vertebra and 4 pubic screws). Only one of the pubic screws (1.4% of all screws) was found malpositioned at the subsequent perioperative examination and was extracted immediately and replaced. Further complications were not observed and none of the procedures had to be converted into a standard fluoroscopy guided operation.

CONCLUSION

A short but intensive experience with perioperative CT navigation allows us to state: 1. CT navigation shortens the operating time and minimalizes the risk of screw malposition in multiple screw spine procedures; 2. CT navigation improves the introduction of iliosacral and pubic screws in pelvic fixations; 3. there is virtually no radiation load to the staff using the CT navigation; 4. mastering this technique will allow a wider use of miniinvasive screw insertion in the pelvis and other regions where minimal dislocation will enable miniinvasive internal fixation.

Pudendal nerve in pelvic bone fractures

INTRODUCTION

Pelvic ring injuries rank among the most serious skeletal injuries. According to published data, pelvic fractures constitute 3-8% of all fractures. There has been a threefold increase in the number of these fractures over the last 10 years. A significant factor determining the choice of the therapeutic procedure, timing and sequence of individual steps, and also the prognosis of the patient with a fractured pelvis, are associated injuries defined as injuries to the organs and anatomical structures found in the pelvic region. Published data describes the incidence of injury to neurogenic structures as ranging between 9 and 21%, to the urogenital tract between 5 and 11%, to the gastrointestinal tract in 3-17% and to the gynecologic organs up to 1%. The pathway of the pudendal nerve may be affected in types B and C fractures where the root fibers emerge from the foramina sacralia and plexus sacralis is formed, on the one hand, and in types A, B and C fractures during the nerve's course alongside the inferior pubic ramus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In order to determine the frequency of potential injury to the pudendal nerve, a set of 225 pelvic fractures treated between 2007 and 2009 was assessed; 38 fixed hemipelves were also used to study the length of the course of the pudendal nerve alongside the inferior pubic ramus, on the one hand, and the distances from the symphysis pubica at the crossing of the branches of the n. pudendus-n. dorsalis penis and the branches for the muscles of the diaphragma urogenitale on the other hand.

CONCLUSION

The work elucidated the selected distances and discuss their possible clinical relevance for evaluation of the seriousness of pelvic fractures from the perspective of late sequelae in the region innervated by the pudendal nerve.

[Pelvic injuries and acetabular fractures: differences in their severity]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The aim of the study was to assess differences in the number and severity of associated injuries between patients with pelvic injury and those with acetabular fracture.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The patients treated in the period from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2010, were enrolled. The group comprised 249 patients (130 women and 119 men) with pelvic injuries and 58 patients (14 women and 44 men) with acetabular fractures. In the patients with pelvic injury, the average age was 52 years, 61 in women and 43 in men, in the range of 17 to 91 years. In the patients with acetabular fracture, the average age was 54 years, 59 in women and 53 in men, in the range of 21 to 96 years. The relevant data including age, sex, cause of injury, associated injuries and the overall severity of injury were obtained from the patient database. The results were statistically analysed using Pearson's .2 test at a 5% level of significance.

RESULTS

Acetabular fractures were recorded in more men than women and this difference was significantly higher (p = 0.002) than in the patients with pelvic injury in whom similar numbers of men and women were affected. A fall from height was significantly more frequent as a cause of pelvic injury than that of acetabular fracture (p = 0.034). The patients with pelvic injury also had significantly more associated injuries (p = 0.016) and the number of these patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) higher than 16 was significantly higher compared with the number of patients with acetabular fractures (p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

Little published information is available on comparison of the severity of injuries in patients with pelvic injuries and those with acetabular fractures because these conditions are in fact two nosological units. In pelvic injuries, as conditions usually accompanied by multiple trauma, associated injuries, risk factors for death, requirements for primary life-saving measures, complications and treatment outcomes have been studied. Less attention has been paid to these issues in patients with acetabular fractures; the authors focused on determining the quality of intra-articular fracture treatment in relation to a subsequent risk of avascular necrosis of the femoral head or early arthritis.

CONCLUSIONS

The study comparing the patients with pelvic injury with those having acetabular fracture showed a significantly higher proportion of men in the group with acetabular fractures. A fall from height significantly more often caused a pelvic injury than an acetabular fracture. In traffic accidents, drivers usually suffered acetabular fractures while pedestrians and cyclists had pelvic injuries. However, a significantly higher number of associated injuries and multiple trauma with an ISS > 16 recorded in the patients with pelvic injury in comparison with those with acetabular fractures was the most important difference between these two groups.

[Micturition, sexual and defecation disorders in middle-aged women after pelvic fractures. A comparative study]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To present the results of a three-year study on micturition, defecation, gynecological and sexual disorders in middle-aged women who sustained pelvic fractures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A group of 33 female patients who were treated for unstable pelvic fractures (AO types B or C) in the 2004-2009 period were evaluated (treated group) and compared with 31 women who had given vaginal birth at least once and went to see a urologist because of urinary problems in the period from 2009 to 2010 (control group). The questionnaires used in the study included ICIQ, UIQ, UDI and PISQ12 instruments. Urodynamic tests included flow cystometry, urethral pressure profile at rest and under stress and uroflowmetry. For a comparison of continuous variables of normal distribution, the t-test for independent samples was used. In the questionnaire study when responses were classified as nominal-ordinal variables, the Mann-Whitney U-test was used. Differences between the two patient groups in qualitative variables were tested by Pearson s 2 test. When the expected number of answers in contingency table was lower than 5, Fisher s exact test was used; when the number of answers was 0, Haldane s correction was employed. The results in all tests were considered significant when the level of significance was lower than 5%, i.e. p-value < 0.05.

RESULTS

The age of patients in the treated group ranged from 17 to 55 years (average, 32 years), the age in the control group was between 30 and 78 years (average, 58 years). The difference was significant (p<0.001). The control group patients had significantly more serious urination disorders than the treated group patients. Some micturition problems were reported by 25 patients (75%) of the treated group and by all patients of the control group (p<0.001). Intestinal disorders were more frequent in the treated group, in which 19 (61%) patients reported problems as against seven (21%) in the control group. Gynaecological problems involving feelings of genital prolapse had 13 (39%) control patients (p = 0.041). Sexual disorders were markedly worse in the treated group, with 16 (52%) of the patients having problems in comparison with only seven (21%) in the control group.

DISCUSSION

A comparison of patient groups composed using the method described here is disputable. The first difficulty lay with a low compliance of the treated patients, of whom only 33 underwent examination out of 52 originally enrolled. The other problem was the necessity of having an exactly defined control group of patients willing to undergo urological and gynaecological examination including urodynamic testing. The groups composed by our method were comparable only in the micturition disorder characteristic. A significantly higher age of the control group affected the comparison of defecation, gynaecological and sexual problems.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study showed a high occurrence of micturition, defecation and sexual disorders in middle-aged women after pelvic injury. However, the problems are usually not serious enough to make the patients seek help of a specialist. The authors recommend that these problems should be looked for by disorder-directed inquiry in the final period of pelvic fracture treatment and help of a specialist in urology, gynaecology, sexuology or proctology should be offered to the patients in whom disorders have been identified. Key words: urinary incontinence, voiding dysfunction, stool incontinence, obstipation, unstable pelvic fracture.

Carrier scattering from dynamical magnetoconductivity in quasineutral epitaxial graphene

The energy dependence of the electronic scattering time is probed by Landau level spectroscopy in quasineutral multilayer epitaxial graphene. From the broadening of overlapping Landau levels we find that the scattering rate 1/τ increases linearly with energy ϵ. This implies a surprising property of the Landau level spectrum in graphene-the number of resolved Landau levels remains constant with the applied magnetic field. Insights are given about possible scattering mechanisms and carrier mobilities in the graphene system investigated.

[Comparison of micturition, sexual and defecation disorders in females following type B and C pelvic fractures]

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this work is to present results obtained in a three-year study focussed on micturition, defecation and sexual disorders in women of active age.

METHODS

The monitored set consisted of 33 female patients treated in 2004-2009 for unstable pelvic fracture (B-type or C-type according to AO classification). Out of them 25 patients suffered B-type fracture and 8 patients suffered C-type fracture. Their age ranged between 17 and 55 years (the average age was 32 years). Anamnestic data were obtained based on UIQ, UDI and PISQ12 questionnaires. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test was used for answers to individual questions representing nominal/ordinal variables. After finding a statistically significant difference in answers between both groups of patients, it was investigated by means of Pearson Chi2-test which answers are behind this statistically significant difference. If the number of answers to any question was less than 5, the exact Fisher test was used. In the event the rate equalled 0, Haldane correction was applied. All tests were considered statistically significant if the significance level was below 5%.

RESULTS

The occurrence of urologic problems was higher in the B-type fracture patients (84% vs. 50%), however, afflictions were more severe in the C-type fracture patients. Intestinal problems were more frequent in the C-type fracture patients (75% vs. 52%) and they were also more severe. Also sexual problems were more frequent in the C-type fracture patients (75% vs. 40%), although according to individual answers it was not possible to state that their sexual life was unequivocally worse.

CONCLUSION

The analysis of comparison of micturition, sexual and defecation problems in patients one year after the unstable pelvic fracture showed in some respects higher problems in the patients who had suffered the C-type fracture. However, more important are the following observations, generally related to unstable pelvic fracture patients: 1. The occurrence of micturition, sexual and defecation problems was unexpectedly high; 2. Without active examination by a traumatologist during the after-treatment "minor" problems may escape his/her attention and may negatively affect life of each individual patient in the longer run; 3. A targeted method of detection of problems by means of questionnaires could lead to their disclosure; 4. A urologist, urogynaecologist, sexologist and proctologist have an indisputable place in the treatment of women who suffered a severe pelvic trauma.

[Pelvic injury from the urogyneacology point of view. Overview]

The authors completed all available information of the national and foreign literature concerning problems of urogynecological injuries associated with a pelvic injury in women with regard to possible consequences to the quality of life. The authors also aimed their attention on potentional risks associated with pelvic injury in pregnant women. Urological and sexual disorders following pelvic injuries in women in the fertile age represent a separate chapter of traumatology. Increase in these injuries noticed in last years requires particular attention to diagnostics and treatment of these conditions: urinary incontinence, sexual disorders and pregnancy in women who suffered a pelvic injury. The problem of diagnostics and sequelae of injury of the pelvic floor still remains unresolved.

[Low grade renal trauma (Part II): diagnostic validity of ultrasonography]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The aim of the study was to verify whether ultrasonography can be considered a reliable method for the diagnosis of low-grade renal trauma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The group investigated included patients with grade I or grade II blunt renal trauma, as classified by the AAST grading system, in whom ultrasonography alone or in conjunction with computed tomography was used as a primary diagnostic method. B-mode ultrasound with a transabdominal probe working at frequencies of 2.5 to 5.0 MHz was used. Every finding of post-traumatic changes in the renal tissues, i.e., post-contusion hypotonic infiltration of the renal parenchyma or subcapsular haematoma, was included. The results were statistically evaluated by the Chi-square test with the level of significance set at 5%, using Epi Info Version 6 CZ software.

RESULTS

The group comprised 112 patients (43 women, 69 men) aged between 17 and 82 years (average, 38 years). It was possible to diagnose grade I or grade II renal injury by ultrasonography in only 60 (54%) of them. The statistical significance of ultrasonography as the only imaging method for the diagnosis of low-grade renal injury was not confirmed (p=0.543)

DISCUSSION

Low-grade renal trauma is a problem from the diagnostic point of view. It usually does not require revision surgery and, if found during repeat surgery for more serious injury of another organ, it usually does not receive attention. Therefore, the macroscopic presentation of grade I and grade II renal injury is poorly understood, nor are their microscopic findings known, because during revision surgery these the traumatised kidneys are not usually removed and their injuries at autopsy on the patients who died of multiple trauma are not recorded either.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study demonstrated that the validity of ultrasonography for the diagnosis of low-grade renal injury is not significant, because this examination can reveal only some of the renal injuries such as perirenal haematoma. An injury to the renal parenchyma is also indicated by hypoechogenic areas of varying sizes in the renal cortex. A negative ultrasonographic finding is no proof of the absence of renal trauma. As low-grade renal injury is difficult to detect by mere clinical examination or by a single imaging method, the authors regard as necessary to actively look for them, taking into consideration the mechanism of injury, haematuria findings and evaluation of ultrasonographic and CT scans.

[Low-grade renal trauma (part I): diagnostic validity of haematuria]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic validity of haematuria findings in patients with low-grade renal trauma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The group studied comprised the patients hospitalised between 1994 and 2008 in the University Hospital Královské Vinohrady, Prague, for blunt renal trauma, classified as grade I or grade II according to the Organ Injury Scaling Committee of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, in whom trauma to the lower urinary tract (urinary bladder and urethra) was excluded because of the mechanism of injury (direct blow to the kidney region) or by clinical examination or imaging methods. It included 116 patients (72 men and 44 women) at the age between 17 and 86 years (average, 38 years). The urine was examined for the presence of blood by clinical and laboratory methods and, based on the results, the patients were allocated to three groups with macroscopic haematuria, microscopic haematuria and negative findings, respectively. The results in each group were then related to those of the imaging methods (computed tomography /CT/ and ultrasonography /US/) and, using Epi Info Version 6 CZ software, the statistical significance was evaluated by the Chi-square test with the level of significance set at 0.5 %.

RESULTS

Haematuria, either macroscopic or microscopic, was confirmed in 102 (88 %) patients. No blood in the urine was detected in 14 (12 %) patients. Positive CT or US findings were recorded in 76 (66 %) patients with subcapsular haematoma, renal contusion or perirenal haematoma. In the patients with haematuria, the confirmation of their diagnosis by imaging methods was not significant (p=0.076). The sensitivity of macrohaematuria was 53 ;% and that of microhaematuria was 21 % the specificity was 21 % and 13 %, respectively. The sensitivity of imaging methods was 62 % and their specificity was 38 %.

DISCUSSION

A consistent exclusion of all patients diagnosed with injury to the lower urinary tract allowed us to relate haematuria in our group only to renal parenchymal trauma. The authors consider this an important part of the study method. However, although this method of patient selection was strictly observed, haematuria failed to be detected in all patients diagnosed with low grade renal trauma. The CT or US findings of renal trauma in the patients with no haematuria can be explained by the fact that the lesion occurred in the superficial renal cortex with bleeding detected as a subcapsular haematoma or perirenal collection without blood leaking into the renal tubular system. The statistical evaluation of the results confirmed the randomness of both the clinical manifestation of a trauma and the diagnostic method presentation of a renal trauma. The changes in tissues and their manifestations are highly variable including a potential negative finding without causality. Even though the group under study fails to be exactly evaluated by statistical methods, it is obvious that the validity of a diagnosis of low grade renal trauma is higher if haematuria is present together with positive CT or US findings.

CONCLUSIONS

The finding of haematuria is a valuable piece of information in low grade renal trauma. Particularly, if imaging methods fail to detect an injury, haematuria is a sign indicating renal trauma following a typical blunt force mechanism, even though our results of its evaluation were not statistically significant. The absence of macroscopic or microscopic haematuria did not exclude the existence of renal trauma in our group, and it is therefore necessary to pay increased attention to the evaluation of findings obtained by imaging methods in patients involved in a typical blunt force accident.

[Mortality risk in polytrauma patients with pelvic injury]

The aim of the study is to present results showing whether a pelvic injury in polytrauma patients means a high risk of mortality. The retrospective study (January 2001 - December 2006) included 453 polytrauma patients (130 women, 323 men) with ISS exceeding 16 points, hospitalized at the authors' department (Traumacentre Level I). The age of patients ranged between 13-93 years, the mean age of the whole group was 41 years (43 years in women, 40 years in men). The highest percentage of the deceased was recorded in the subgroup with abdominal injury (35%) and in the subgroup with pelvic injury (31%), the lowest in the subgroup without abdominal injury (20%). A significant difference was recorded between the numbers of deceased patients with and without abdominal trauma (p < 0.001), and between the numbers of patients with and without pelvic injury (p = 0.046). The results of the study have demonstrated a significantly higher rate of mortality in polytrauma patients with ISS > 16 points, with a simultaneous pelvic injury as compared to the patients without pelvic injury.

[Management of unstable pelvic fracture in the acute phase (pelvic damage control surgery)]

Pelvic fractures are serious injuries. For the diagnosis and treatment of unstable pelvic ring fracture in a haemodynamically unstable patient, it is necessary to use standard procedures with the objective to stabilise both blood circulation and the pelvic ring. According to the state of the patient, the choice is between life-saving surgery, damage control surgery and procedures of early or delayed stabilisation of the pelvic ring. The survival of injured patients as well as their further health condition will depend on the method of treatment used in the first hours after injury.

[Infectious complications of surgically treatment pelvic fractures]

Based on case histories, the authors draw attention to important infectious complications in patients surgically treated for pelvic injuries. These complications were recorded in four out of 75 patients (5.3%) undergoing surgery for pelvic fracture in the period from 2001 to 2005. The chief risk factors for the development of infection included the poor state of health of a polytraumatized patient in combination with a long stay in an acute care unit, and severe trauma and bleeding of soft tissue structures in B and C types of pelvic injury. Bacteriological findings showed the presence of several pathogenic species (Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter koseri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella oxytoca) or multi-resistant bacteria (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

Transrectal stent in endoscopic palliative therapy of malignant stenosis of the rectum

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To check the feasibility and safety of endoscopic stent introduction in colorectal cancer therapy.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 62 patients with inoperable tumors of the rectum and rectosigmoid were treated by introducing stents. Stents were also introduced in 3 patients with advanced prostate tumors obturating (narrowing) the rectum. In 3 cases, the stents were introduced under X-ray control. In all other cases, an endoscopic approach to the stent introduction was employed.

RESULTS

Stents could not be introduced in 4 patients. In 1 case, the bowel was perforated above the malignant (tumorous) stenosis. In 4 patients, it was necessary to remove the stents because of dislocation. Growth of the tumor into the stent was not experienced. Experience with acute obstruction treatment was minimal as only two patients were treated for this indication.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic stent introduction is a safe palliative procedure making it possible to improve the quality of life of patients with inoperable tumors of the rectum and rectosigmoid.

Bilateral avulsion of the puborectal muscle: magnetic resonance imaging-based three-dimensional reconstruction and comparison with a model of a healthy nulliparous woman

OBJECTIVES

Obstetric trauma to the puborectal muscle seems to be an important cause of pelvic floor dysfunction in women. Due to the complicated three-dimensional (3D) arrangement of the pelvic structures, two-dimensional images are not sufficient to demonstrate its relationships in a complex fashion. Thus, we aimed to create a 3D computer model to visualize the normal female pelvic floor anatomy and to compare this with the anatomy after bilateral avulsion of the puborectal muscle following delivery.

METHODS

We created two 3D computer models of the female pelvic floor, one of a healthy nulliparous woman and the other of a woman with bilateral puborectal muscle avulsion after vaginal delivery. The data for the models were obtained from magnetic resonance imaging examinations and the following structures were depicted: pelvic bones, puborectal muscle, internal obturator muscle, urethra, urinary bladder, vagina and rectum. The models were compared.

RESULTS

The models allowed us to demonstrate in three dimensions changes in the puborectal muscle after avulsion. Its relations to the bone, internal obturator muscle, perineal membrane and the deep part of the external anal sphincter were modeled and differences from the normal non-injured anatomy were demonstrated. Avulsion altered the support to the whole endopelvic fascia and destabilized both the anterior and the posterior vaginal walls.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of 3D technology including modeling allows for the acquisition of new knowledge and aids in the understanding of both normal and pathological pelvic anatomy.

[Can the new CT-based classification of acetabular fractures be useful for clinical practice?]

Currently, conventional diagnosis of acetabular fractures is often supplemented and even replaced by CT examination, as this can provide a more detailed image of the extent of fracture and its morphology. Supported by developmental anatomy, Harris et al. proposed a new classification for acetabular fractures in which the pubic bone component of the acetabulum is shown to coincide with the anterior column of the acetabulum. There is no need to abandon the generally accepted and much used Letournel-Judet classification, but changes in the algorithm of acetabular fracture examination will certainly require that the CT classification of acetabular fractures is included. The Harris classification, based on evaluation of simple and unambiguous axial CT scans, is readily understood by both radiologists and orthopedic trauma surgeons and thus the use of it will foster greater interdisciplinary cooperation resulting in a better care for patients with acetabular fractures. Key words: acetabular fracture, CT-based classification, CT-based diagnosis.

[Our results of surgical management of unstable pelvic ring injuries]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The authors present a group of patients treated for pelvic fractures in a period of 6 years and they evaluate radiographic findings and clinical outcomes following surgical management of type B and type C fractures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between July 1998 and June 2004, a total of 271 patients with pelvic fractures, 162 men and 109 women (average age, 42 years; range, 15 to 93 years) were hospitalized at the authors' departments. Of these, 141 patients were operated on (94 men, 47 women; average age, 37 years; range, 15 to 72 years) and 130 were treated conservatively (average age, 47 years; range, 15 to 93 years). The clinical outcome assessment in patients with type B and type C fractures treated surgically was based on the Majeed scoring system, and the radiographs were evaluated as described by Matta and Tornetta.

RESULTS

In 85 % of the patients, pelvic fractures were due to a high-energy trauma caused by traffic accidents in 63 % (pedestrian injury, 30 %; injury of the driver or passenger, 28 %; motorcycle injury, 5 %), by falls from heights in 20 % (occupational injury, 10 %; suicidal attempt, 10 %) and by other causes in 2 %. Sports accidents, usually due to a low-energy trauma, accounted for 8 % of the injuries (falls from a bicycle, violent kicks) and ordinary falls of elderly persons for 7 %. Type A injury was in 56 patients (21 %), type B in 103 patients (38 %) and type C in 112 patients (41 %). In 27 % of the patients, pelvic ring injury was part of a multiple trauma, in 58 % it was a combined injury and in 15 % it presented as a single trauma. Primary neurological deficit was found in nine patients (9 %) with type B fracture and in 20 patients (18 %) with type C fracture; this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.005). Urogenital injury was co-existent with type B fracture in 12 patients (12 %) and with type C fracture in 15 patients (13 %); the difference was not significant (p = 0.734). In seven patients (3 %), the injury involved an open fracture. Thirty-three patients (12 %) died during hospitalization. The difference in death rate between the patients with type C and those with type B fractures was significant (p = 0.021). Excellent and good clinical outcomes were achieved in 83 % and 70 % of the patients with type B and type C fractures, respectively. The difference was not significant (p = 0.236). Radiographs showed excellent reduction in 83 % of type B fractures and in 61 % of type C fractures; the difference was not significant (p = 0.271). Intra-operative complications were recorded in 22 %, early post-operative ones in 13 % and late complications in 11 % of the patients.

DISCUSSION

The significant difference in primary neurological deficit between the patients with type C fractures and those with type B fractures was attributed to more severe injury and vertical dislocation of the posterior segment in type C fractures. On the other hand, the fact that urogenital involvement was not significantly higher in type C fractures can be explained by an equal presence of anterior segment injury in both type B and type C fractures. The significantly higher number of deaths in patients with type C fractures, as compared with those with type B fractures, was related more to severe injuries of other organ systems in polytraumatized patients than to injuries of the pelvis itself, although severe injury to the posterior segment in type C fractures can result in massive bleeding into the retroperitoneum.

CONCLUSIONS

An active approach to the treatment of patients with unstable pelvic fractures, which is based on the correct diagnosis, comprehensive multi-disciplinary care, urgent primary stabilization and early definitive fixation by internal osteosynthesis, offers a prospect of survival and a good functional outcome for the patient. However, a high proportion of lasting sequelae due to altered biomechanics of the pelvic ring, and irreversible injuries to neural structures and the urogenital system may lessen good results achieved by a demanding surgical procedure on the skeleton.

[Pelvic ring injury]

The authors compare their experience with the treatment of pelvic ring injuries with the literature data concerning the etiology, diagnosis and classification of this trauma, co-existing pathologies, primary therapeutic procedures, timing of the definitive treatment, surgical approaches, osteosynthesis of the posterior and anterior segments, complications and lasting sequelae. The authors regard the issue of surgical treatment as an independent discipline in the field of musculoskeletal system traumatology. They see the reason for it in the variability and complexity of primary therapeutic procedures and the necessity of following up and attending to the patients in whom treatment of complications and lasting sequelae requires multi-disciplinary co-operation.

[The role of plain radiography in pelvic trauma in the era of advanced computed tomography]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The aim was to evaluate the diagnostic value of plain X-ray images in the diagnosis of pelvic ring injury in comparison with CT findings.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The group evaluated consisted of 30 patients, 11 women and 19 men, at an average age of 46 years (range, 20-81 years; women, 20-68 years, men, 20-81 years; average age, 49 and 44 years in women and men, respectively) in whom plain radiography and CT scans were done as part of the initial examination. A retrospective assessment of plain X-ray images was carried out by two independent specialists (radiologist and trauma surgeon). The authors together evaluated CT scans and carried out the final assessment of all medical records. Pelvic radiography was taken with a mobile X-ray unit; CT scans were done according to the standard trauma scanning protocol, using a CT scanner with either one row (CT) or 16 rows (multidetector/MDCT) of detectors.

RESULTS

Based on the evaluation of X-ray and CT findings, a total of 133 fractures or displacements in the sacroiliac joint or pubic symphysis were detected. The radiologist identified 99 (74 %) injured structures and the trauma surgeon 111 (83 %) ones. This difference was not significant on the whole (p = 0.536), nor when individual structures were assessed. False negative findings were made by the radiologist on 10 occasions and by the trauma surgeon on seven occasions; the evaluation of image data sets by both observers was associated with only one false positive finding. The overall sensitivity of plain X-ray images, when compared to CT scans, was 83 %, but it was considerably lower on evaluation by one observer only (radiologist, 67 %; trauma surgeon, 78 %).

DISCUSSION

The biggest difference between the findings of two independent specialists existed in the assessment of injuries to the posterior ring of the pelvis (SI joint, sacrum) on plain X-ray images. However, trauma in this region was identified without any doubt on CT scans. To diagnose the type of pelvic injury from CT scans without a possibility to evaluate standard anteroposterior (AP) radiographs or good-quality 2D or 3D reconstructions was found difficult in over one third of the patients. A validity comparison of standard AP radiography and high-quality 2D or 3D CT reconstructions showed that both had an equal value for the exact detection of pelvic injury type. For correct evaluation of the type of injury, scans from the MDCT were easier to read than those from the CT scanner.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no doubt about the role of standard AP X-ray in the identification of pelvic injury type in polytraumatized, hemodynamically unstable patients. The validity of CT examination for identification of injury to the posterior ring of the pelvis in particular is so high that, in the primary diagnostic procedure, inlet and outlet radiography of the pelvis has lost its importance. The information on the stability and type of injury provided by 2D and 3D CT reconstructions is so exact that, at present, CT examination can reliably replace AP radiography, particularly if, for various reasons, good-quality X-ray images cannot be guaranteed.

[Birth injury of the puborectalis muscle--3D ultrasound evaluation]

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of the influence of vaginal childbirth on the integrity of the puborectalis muscle with the help of real-time 3D ultrasound.

DESIGN

Prospective pilot study.

SETTING

Institute for Care for Mother and Child, Prague, Czech Republic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We examined 20 primigravid women in the third trimester and on the third day after vaginal delivery. The transperineal 3D ultrasound examination was performed and the data were evaluated afterwards in the 4D view software. The VCI (Volume Contrast Imaging) mode with slice thickness 3 millimeters was used for analysis. We evaluated the integrity of the puborectalis muscle on both sides, the quality of the images and the presence of hematomas.

RESULTS

The examination before delivery did not show any abnormal anatomy of the examined region. We found four (20%) unilateral defects and one (5%) bilateral puborectalis avulsion after the delivery. The bilateral defect was after the forceps delivery, the other defects occurred after normal uncomplicated vaginal deliveries, where only left mediolateral episiotomy was performed and the birth weight did not exceed 3700 g. In our series, 25% of women suffered an injury of a major muscle of pelvic floor. No defect was diagnosed during the delivery and did not show any connection with the episiotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

3D ultrasound can detect major birth trauma to the puborectalis muscle. The puborectalis muscle avulsion is usually not recognized during the delivery and does not cause immediate problem to the patient.

Surface morphology of kidney, ureters and urinary bladder models based on data from the visible human male

The aim of the present work was to create a simplified high-resolution three-dimensional model of kidneys, ureters and urinary bladder in a data form suitable for finite element/volume based numerical simulations. The exterior morphology of the organs was based on images from the Visible Human Male data set. In both the right and left kidney, there were defined their topographic relations to the neighbouring anatomical structures. This model of kidneys, ureters and urinary bladder will be incorporated into the model of The Visible Human Male abdomen and pelvis and it is ready to be used for numerical simulations in urinary system biomechanics.

Pediatric third, fourth, and sixth nerve palsies: a population-based study

PURPOSE

To determine the population-based incidence and cause of cranial nerve palsies affecting ocular motility in children in the circumscribed population of Olmsted County, Minnesota.

METHODS

The Rochester Epidemiology Project medical records linkage system captures virtually all medical care provided to Olmsted County residents. By means of this database, all cases of third, fourth, and sixth cranial nerve palsy were identified among county residents less than 18 years of age from 1978 through 1992. Medical records were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis, determine the cause, and document county residency. Incidence rates were adjusted to the age and sex distribution of the 1990 white population in the United States.

RESULTS

Over this 15-year period, 36 incidence cases of cranial nerve palsy were identified in 35 children in this defined population. The age-adjusted and sex-adjusted annual incidence of third, fourth, and sixth nerve palsies combined was 7.6 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval, 5.1 to 10.1). The most commonly affected nerve was the fourth (36%), followed by the sixth (33%), the third (22%), and multiple nerve palsies (9%). The most common cause was congenital for third and fourth nerve palsy, undetermined for sixth, and trauma for multiple nerve palsies. Although three cases were associated with neoplasia, a cranial nerve palsy was not present at the time of diagnosis in any case.

CONCLUSIONS

Unlike many institutionally based referral series, our population-based study provides data on the incidence and cause of third, fourth, and sixth nerve palsies in a geographically defined population. In contrast to previous institutionally based series, nearly half the cases were congenital in origin, and in no case did intracranial neoplasia present as an isolated nerve palsy.

Cellular delivery of neurotrophin-3 promotes corticospinal axonal growth and partial functional recovery after spinal cord injury

The injured adult mammalian spinal cord shows little spontaneous recovery after injury. In the present study, the contribution of projections in the dorsal half of the spinal cord to functional loss after adult spinal cord injury was examined, together with the effects of transgenic cellular delivery of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) on morphological and functional disturbances. Adult rats underwent bilateral dorsal column spinal cord lesions that remove the dorsal corticospinal projections or underwent more extensive resections of the entire dorsal spinal cord bilaterally that remove corticospinal, rubrospinal, and cerulospinal projections. Long-lasting functional deficits were observed on a motor grid task requiring detailed integration of sensorimotor skills, but only in animals with dorsal hemisection lesions as opposed to dorsal column lesions. Syngenic primary rat fibroblasts genetically modified to produce NT-3 were then grafted to acute spinal cord dorsal hemisection lesion cavities. Up to 3 months later, significant partial functional recovery occurred in NT-3-grafted animals together with a significant increase in corticospinal axon growth at and distal to the injury site. These findings indicate that (1) several spinal pathways contribute to loss of motor function after spinal cord injury, (2) NT-3 is a neurotrophic factor for the injured corticospinal projection, and (3) functional deficits are partially ameliorated by local cellular delivery of NT-3. Lesions of the corticospinal projection may be necessary, but insufficient in isolation, to cause sensorimotor dysfunction after spinal cord injury in the rat.

Functional characterization of NGF-secreting cell grafts to the acutely injured spinal cord

Previously we reported that grafts of cells genetically modified to produce human nerve growth factor (hNGF) promoted specific and robust sprouting of spinal sensory, motor, and noradrenergic axons. In the present study we extend these investigations to assess NGF effects on corticospinal motor axons and on functional outcomes after spinal cord injury. Fibroblasts from adult rats were transduced to express human NGF; control cells were not genetically modified. Fibroblasts were then grafted to sites of midthoracic spinal cord dorsal hemisection lesions. Three months later, recipients of NGF-secreting grafts showed deficits on conditioned locomotion over a wire mesh that did not differ in extent from control-lesioned animals. On histological examination, NGF-secreting grafts elicited specific sprouting from spinal primary sensory afferent axons, local motor axons, and putative cerulospinal axons as previously reported, but no specific responses from corticospinal axons. Axons responding to NGF robustly penetrated the grafts but did not exit the grafts to extend to normal innervation territories distal to grafts. Grafted cells continued to express NGF protein through the experimental period of the study. These findings indicate that 1) spinal cord axons show directionally sensitive growth responses to neurotrophic factors, 2) growth of axons responding to a neurotrophic factor beyond an injury site and back to their natural target regions will likely require delivery of concentration gradients of neurotrophic factors toward the target, 3) corticospinal axons do not grow toward a cellular source of NGF, and 4) functional impairments are not improved by strictly local sprouting response of nonmotor systems.

Incidence of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy

PURPOSE

Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy is the most common acute optic nerve disease of adults over age 50 years. This study determined the incidence of acute nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in the circumscribed population of Olmsted County, Minnesota.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of the incidence of acute nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy between 1981 and 1990. The Rochester Epidemiology Project medical records linkage system facilitates identification of the medical records of virtually all Olmsted County residents with a given diagnosis. All cases of acute nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy that fulfilled certain inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified.

RESULTS

Twenty-two cases in 21 patients (11 men and 10 women) were recorded. The crude annual incidence rate was 10.3 per 100,000 individuals (95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.1 to 18.4). When adjusted to the age and sex distribution of the 1990 United States white population, the incidence rate was 10.2 per 100,000 (95% CI = 6.5 to 15.6). At diagnosis, the median age was 72 years, mean visual acuity was 20/200 in the affected eye, and the most common visual field defect was an altitudinal deficit (10 cases).

CONCLUSIONS

Although results of this small study should be interpreted cautiously, extrapolation of our findings to the United States white population indicates that nearly 5,700 new cases of acute nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy may be expected to occur each year in this group.

FMS hemizygosity in myeloid dysplasia and acute myeloid leukemia with chromosomal aberration del(5)(q) demonstrated by polymerase chain reaction

Interstitial deletions of the long arm of chromosome 5 del(5)(q), are recurring aberrations in the myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia. Several genes located in region (5)(q23-34) have been implicated as being of pathogenic importance. In this study seven samples of six patients with myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia who have the del(5)(q) aberration were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern blot technique. FMS hemizygosity was demonstrated in all patients. PCR analysis from peripheral blood samples confirmed the observations of this aberration found by semiquantitative Southern blot. PCR-based analysis can be used for primary diagnosis in addition to cytogenetic evaluation and for follow-up in patients with del(5)(q) aberration.

B lymphocytes with latent EBV infection appearing in long-term bone marrow cultures (HLTBMCs) from haematological patients induce lysis of stromal microenvironment

Human long-term bone marrow cultures (HLTBMCs) are a valuable in vitro model for studying the role of the haemopoietic microenvironment. Here we report the spontaneous appearance of EBV-positive B cells in 6/40 HLTBMCs from patients with various haematological diseases after 3-5 months of culture. After subcultivation of these cells, a novel type of cell line could be characterized, which displayed surface markers and morphological features typical for EBV transformed B-cell lines. As the deproteinized and ultrafiltrated culture supernatants of these cell lines were found to contain an agent with stroma toxic properties, they were termed SSB lines (stroma-toxic-agent-secreting B-cell lines). This agent also exhibited a colony-inhibitory activity on in vitro myelopoiesis and erythropoiesis. These properties are typical for the two polyamines spermine and spermidine which were detected at elevated levels in the culture supernatants of SSB lines. The hypothesis that latent presence of EBV in bone marrow may induce an increased synthesis of spermine and spermidine, which are known to be associated with malignant haematological diseases and bone marrow aplasia, is discussed.

Minor BCR (m-bcr) rearrangements may appear in major BCR (M-bcr)-positive CML cases

The chromosome 22 derivative, the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome, results from the reciprocal translocation t(9;22) (q34;q11). On DNA level a BCR/ABL rearrangement involving the so-called major BCR (Mbcr) from chromosome 22 has been associated with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). For Ph+ ALL a site of rearrangements in the 5' part of the BCR (breakpoint cluster region) gene on chromosome 22, the so-called minor bcr region (mbcr) has been described within the first intron in a 10.8 kb region (=bcr2 or m-BCR1). The BB1 probe detects two Eco fragments of 8.5 and/or 11 kb, which may appear as monomorphic or heteromorphic alleles, both covering bcr2. We have analyzed EcoRI restriction polymorphisms within bcr2 in 42 patients with a rearrangement in M-bcr (including 39 Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) CML patients and 3 ALLs) and in 18 healthy unrelated volunteers. Of the 42 patients tested, 52.4% (22) had the 8.5 kb bcr2 allele, 21.4% (9) had the 11 kb bcr2 allele, and 26.2% (11) had both the 8.5 and the 11 kb allele. In addition to normal allelic polymorphisms in bcr2, rRFs (rearranged bcr2 restriction fragments) were found in bcr2 as shown in 33% (14 of 42) of our patients. By contrast, no rRFs were found in 18 healthy volunteers. Our results indicate, that heterogeneous rearrangements in bcr2 may appear in addition to BCR/ABL rearrangements involving M-bcr in Ph+CML.

Lid protractor force generation in Graves' eye disease

The posterior vector of the lid protractor force was measured in 29 patients with Graves' eye disease (GED) and 70 normal subjects. Patients with GED had significantly lower mean lid protractor force generation than normal subjects, although GED patients with compressive optic neuropathy did not show this difference. There was a negative correlation between the posterior force vectors and the exophthalmometer reading in GED patients only. It is conjectured that these two factors are linked by orbital and lid inflammation. The inflammation that increases orbital bulk, and thus increases the exophthalmometer reading, may well cause atrophy in the orbicularis oculi muscles, decreasing its force generation.

Positional effects on exophthalmometer readings in Graves' eye disease

Forty-eight patients with Graves' eye disease, half of whom had extraocular muscle restriction, and 45 normal adult subjects underwent exophthalmometry while in the upright and the supine positions to determine whether the difference in measurement due to position would serve to differentiate the groups. A previous report claimed that the upright reading would be greater than the supine reading for normal subjects and patients with Graves' eye disease without clinical extraocular muscle involvement, whereas those with extraocular muscle restriction would show little change in their exophthalmometer readings. Our study showed an increase in exophthalmometer readings in going from the upright to the supine position for normal subjects and both groups of patients with Graves' eye disease. Furthermore, this test did not serve to differentiate these three groups.