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Woodward M, Dixon-Woods M, Randall W, Walker C, Hughes C, Blackwell S, Dewick L, Bahl R, Draycott T, Winter C, Ansari A, Powell A, Willars J, Brown IAF, Olsson A, Richards N, Leeding J, Hinton L, Burt J, Maistrello G, Davies C, van der Scheer JW. How to co-design a prototype of a clinical practice tool: a framework with practical guidance and a case study. BMJ Qual Saf 2024; 33:258-270. [PMID: 38124136 PMCID: PMC10982632 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2023-016196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Clinical tools for use in practice-such as medicine reconciliation charts, diagnosis support tools and track-and-trigger charts-are endemic in healthcare, but relatively little attention is given to how to optimise their design. User-centred design approaches and co-design principles offer potential for improving usability and acceptability of clinical tools, but limited practical guidance is currently available. We propose a framework (FRamework for co-dESign of Clinical practice tOols or 'FRESCO') offering practical guidance based on user-centred methods and co-design principles, organised in five steps: (1) establish a multidisciplinary advisory group; (2) develop initial drafts of the prototype; (3) conduct think-aloud usability evaluations; (4) test in clinical simulations; (5) generate a final prototype informed by workshops. We applied the framework in a case study to support co-design of a prototype track-and-trigger chart for detecting and responding to possible fetal deterioration during labour. This started with establishing an advisory group of 22 members with varied expertise. Two initial draft prototypes were developed-one based on a version produced by national bodies, and the other with similar content but designed using human factors principles. Think-aloud usability evaluations of these prototypes were conducted with 15 professionals, and the findings used to inform co-design of an improved draft prototype. This was tested with 52 maternity professionals from five maternity units through clinical simulations. Analysis of these simulations and six workshops were used to co-design the final prototype to the point of readiness for large-scale testing. By codifying existing methods and principles into a single framework, FRESCO supported mobilisation of the expertise and ingenuity of diverse stakeholders to co-design a prototype track-and-trigger chart in an area of pressing service need. Subject to further evaluation, the framework has potential for application beyond the area of clinical practice in which it was applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Woodward
- THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mary Dixon-Woods
- THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Louise Dewick
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK
| | - Rachna Bahl
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK
- University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Tim Draycott
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK
- North Bristol NHS Trust, Westbury on Trym, UK
| | | | - Akbar Ansari
- THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alison Powell
- THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Janet Willars
- THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Imogen A F Brown
- THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Annabelle Olsson
- THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Natalie Richards
- THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joann Leeding
- THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lisa Hinton
- THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jenni Burt
- THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Jan W van der Scheer
- THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Higgins DM, Moss A, Blackwell S, O'Leary ST. The COVID-19 Pandemic and Parental Attitudes Toward Routine Childhood Vaccines. Pediatrics 2023; 152:e2023062927. [PMID: 37867454 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-062927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have impacted parental attitudes toward childhood vaccines. However, few data sources followed attitudes before and after onset of the pandemic. We used data from a parental survey to describe the effect of the pandemic on parental attitudes toward childhood vaccines. METHODS Data were analyzed from the Health eMoms survey which randomly sampled birthing parents in Colorado from 2018 to 2021 on several health topics including vaccine hesitancy. Population weighted multivariable regression was used to measure the association between overall vaccine hesitancy and 5 individual hesitancy questions and different COVID-19 pandemic periods: prepandemic (April 2018-February 2020); pandemic prevaccine (April 2020-December 2020); and pandemic postvaccine (January 2021-August 2021), adjusting for demographic factors. RESULTS Overall, 20.4% (726/3553) of respondents were vaccine hesitant. Vaccine hesitancy during pandemic time periods was not different from the prepandemic period (prevaccine adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.65-1.04; postvaccine aOR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.85-1.34). In analyses of individual hesitancy questions, parents were more likely to be unsure about trusting vaccine information in the pandemic postvaccine time period compared with the prepandemic period (aOR = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.55-2.96), and less likely to be unsure about their hesitancy toward childhood vaccines (aOR = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.27-0.84). CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic was not associated with changes in parental vaccine hesitancy overall, although there were changes in trust about vaccine information and a polarization of vaccination attitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Higgins
- Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science (ACCORDS), University of Colorado/Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Angela Moss
- Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science (ACCORDS), University of Colorado/Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Sarah Blackwell
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver, Colorado
| | - Sean T O'Leary
- Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science (ACCORDS), University of Colorado/Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
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Lee MJ, Folan AM, Baker DM, Blackwell S, Wootton R, Robinson K, Sebastian S, Brown SR, Jones GL, Lobo AJ. A survey of patient informational preferences when choosing between medical and surgical therapy for ulcerative colitis: a sub-study from the DISCUSS project. Colorectal Dis 2023. [PMID: 37237447 DOI: 10.1111/codi.16625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
AIM People living with ulcerative colitis (UC) have two broad treatment avenues, namely medical or surgical therapy. The choice between these can depend on patient preference as well as the receipt of relevant information. The aim of this study was to define the informational needs of patients with UC. METHOD A postal survey was designed to capture respondent demographics, treatment experienced within the previous 12 months and informational preferences by rating a long list of items. It was delivered through two hospitals that provide tertiary inflammatory bowel disease services. Descriptive analyses were performed to describe demographics and experiences. Principal component analysis was carried out using a varimax rotation to investigate informational needs. RESULTS A total of 101 responses were returned (20.1% response rate). The median age of respondents was 45 years and the median time since diagnosis was 10 years. Control preferences skewed towards shared (42.6%) or patient-led but clinician-informed (35.6%). Decision regret was low for the population (median 12.5/100, range 0-100). Key informational needs related to medical therapy were benefits and risks of long-term therapy, burden of hospital attendance, reproductive health, need for steroid treatment and impact on personal life. For surgery, these were stoma information, effect on daily life, effect on sexual and reproductive health, risks and benefits and disruption of life due to surgery. CONCLUSION This study has identified key areas for discussion when counselling patients about treatment decisions around medical therapy and surgery for UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Lee
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Academic Directorate of General Surgery, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - A M Folan
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - D M Baker
- Academic Directorate of General Surgery, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - R Wootton
- Academic Directorate of General Surgery, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - K Robinson
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals, Hull, UK
| | - S Sebastian
- Sheffield Inflammatory Bowel Disease Centre, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - S R Brown
- Academic Directorate of General Surgery, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - G L Jones
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - A J Lobo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals, Hull, UK
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Downey J, Blackwell S, Germain K, Pinner NA, Starr JA. Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After an Acute Nonminor Stroke. J Pharm Technol 2023; 39:51-54. [PMID: 37051285 PMCID: PMC10084410 DOI: 10.1177/87551225221145836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In select patients with minor ischemic stroke, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin plus clopidogrel is recommended if initiated early and continued for 21 to 90 days. Dual antiplatelet therapy use, in a broader population, has shown to increase the risk of bleeding without an increased antithrombotic benefit. An ongoing area of uncertainty is whether DAPT would benefit the nonminor stroke population when continued for 21 to 90 days.?s. Objective To describe the effects of DAPT after a nonminor stroke. Methods This single-center, retrospective cohort study included patients initiated on antiplatelet therapy started within 1 week of symptom onset for a nonminor ischemic stroke from January 2013 to January 2020. Patients with any bleeding disorder or National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score <4 were excluded. The primary endpoint was major bleeding at 3 months. Secondary endpoints included recurrent stroke and minor bleeding. Results A total of 158 patients met criteria for inclusion. Ninety (57%) received DAPT, and 68 (43%) received single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT). The primary endpoint occurred in 3 patients in the DAPT group and 1 patient in the SAPT group (P = 0.463). Minor bleeding occurred in 1 patient receiving DAPT and 2 patients receiving SAPT (P = 0.402). There were 10 patients in the DAPT group and 5 patients in the SAPT group who experienced recurrent stroke or transient ischemic attack (P = 0.429). Limitations of this study include the retrospective single-center study design. Conclusion There was a comparable risk of bleeding and recurrent stroke between DAPT and SAPT in patients admitted with an acute nonminor stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquie Downey
- Department of Pharmacy, Princeton
Baptist Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Sarah Blackwell
- Department of Pharmacy, Princeton
Baptist Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kenda Germain
- Department of Pharmacy, Princeton
Baptist Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Nathan A. Pinner
- Department of Pharmacy Practice,
Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Jessica A. Starr
- Department of Pharmacy Practice,
Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE As pediatric COVID-19 vaccine eligibility expands, understanding predictors of vaccine intent is critical to effectively address parental concerns. Objectives included: (1) Evaluate maternal COVID-19 vaccine intent for child(ren) and associated predictors of stated intent; (2) Describe attitudes related to hypothetical vaccination policies; (3) Summarize themes associated with intention to vaccinate child(ren) for COVID-19. STUDY DESIGN Mothers enrolled in Heath eMoms, a longitudinal survey project, were recruited for this electronic COVID-19 survey. Chi-square analysis was used to compare proportions of respondent characteristics based on vaccination intent. Population survey logistic regression was used for multivariable modeling to assess the independent association between vaccine intent and demographics. RESULTS The response rate was 65.3% (n = 1884); 44.2% would choose vaccination, 20.3% would not choose vaccination, and 35.5% are unsure whether to have their child(ren) vaccinated for COVID-19. Black mothers (AOR 0.26, 95% CI 0.13, 0.54), respondents with less than high school education (AOR 0.26, 95% 0.12, 0.56) and those in rural areas (AOR 0.28, 95% CI 0.16, 0.48) were less likely to choose vaccination. Commonly cited reasons for vaccine hesitancy include the belief that the vaccine was not tested enough, is not safe, and there are concerns regarding its side effects. CONCLUSION Over 50% of respondents do not intend or are unsure about their intent to vaccinate their child(ren) for COVID-19 with variability noted by demographics. Opportunities exist for perinatal and pediatric providers to educate pregnant people, parents, and caregivers with a focus on addressing concerns regarding vaccine safety and efficacy. KEY POINTS · COVID-19 vaccination rates remain suboptimal, especially in the pediatric population, with variation across states.. · We found that the prevalence of vaccine acceptance for young children is low.. · We highlight opportunities for providers to educate parents, focusing on addressing vaccine safety and efficacy..
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Bourque
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Blair W Weikel
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Claire Palmer
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Jessica R Cataldi
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States.,Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Sarah Blackwell
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Sunah S Hwang
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
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Scrimgeour DSG, Allan M, Knight SR, East B, Blackwell S, Dames N, Laidlaw L, Light D, Horgan L, Smart NJ, de Beaux A, Wilson MSJ. A modified Delphi process to establish research priorities in hernia surgery. Hernia 2022; 26:751-759. [PMID: 34718903 PMCID: PMC8557712 DOI: 10.1007/s10029-021-02519-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abdominal wall hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide, yet despite this, there remains a lack of high-quality evidence to support best management. The aim of the study was to use a modified Delphi process to determine future research priorities in this field. METHODS Stakeholders were invited by email, using British Hernia Society membership details or Twitter, to submit individual research questions via an online survey. In addition, questions obtained from a patient focus group (PFG) were collated to form Phase I. Two rounds of prioritization by stakeholders (phases II and III) were then completed to determine a final list of research questions. All questions were analyzed on an anonymized basis. RESULTS A total of 266 questions, 19 from the PFG, were submitted by 113 stakeholders in Phase I. Of these, 64 questions were taken forward for prioritization in Phase II, which was completed by 107 stakeholders. Following Phase II analysis, 97 stakeholders prioritized 36 questions in Phase III. This resulted in a final list of 14 research questions, 3 of which were from the PFG. Stakeholders included patients and healthcare professionals (consultant surgeons, trainee surgeons and other multidisciplinary members) from over 27 countries during the 3 phases. CONCLUSION The study has identified 14 key research priorities pertaining to abdominal wall hernia surgery. Uniquely, these priorities have been determined from participation by both healthcare professionals and patients. These priorities should now be addressed by well-designed, high-quality international collaborative research.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S G Scrimgeour
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZN, Scotland.
| | - M Allan
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland
| | - S R Knight
- Centre for Medical Informatics, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4UX, Scotland
| | - B East
- 3rd Department of Surgery, Motol University Hospital, V Uvalu 84, 150 06, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of General Surgery, Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert, FK5 4WR, UK
| | | | - N Dames
- Patient Representative, Glasgow, UK
| | - L Laidlaw
- Patient Representative, Edinburgh, UK
| | - D Light
- Department of UGI Surgery, Northumbria Healthcare NHSFT, Rake Ln, Tyne and Wear, North Shields, NE29 8NH, UK
| | - L Horgan
- Department of UGI Surgery, Northumbria Healthcare NHSFT, Rake Ln, Tyne and Wear, North Shields, NE29 8NH, UK
| | - N J Smart
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Trust, Barrack Road, Exeter, EX25DW, Devon, UK
| | - A de Beaux
- Department of General Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SA, Scotland
| | - M S J Wilson
- Department of General Surgery, Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert, FK5 4WR, UK
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Buskmiller C, Bergh EP, Brock C, Miller J, Baschat A, Galan H, Behrendt N, Habli M, Peiro JL, Snowise S, Fisher J, Macpherson C, Thom E, Pedroza C, Johnson A, Blackwell S, Papanna R. Interventions to prevent preterm delivery in women with short cervix before fetoscopic laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2022; 59:169-176. [PMID: 34129709 DOI: 10.1002/uog.23708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Preoperative short cervical length (CL) remains a major risk factor for preterm birth after laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), but the optimal intervention to prolong pregnancy remains elusive. The objective of this study was to compare secondary methods for the prevention of preterm birth in twin pregnancies with TTTS undergoing fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP), in the setting of a short cervix at the time of FLP, in five North American Fetal Treatment Network (NAFTNet) centers. METHODS This was a secondary analysis of data collected prospectively at five NAFTNet centers, conducted from January 2013 to March 2020. Inclusion criteria were a monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy complicated by TTTS, undergoing FLP, with preoperative CL < 30 mm. Management options for a short cervix included expectant management, vaginal progesterone, pessary (Arabin, incontinence or Bioteque cup), cervical cerclage or a combination of two or more treatments. Patients were not included if the intervention was initiated solely on the basis of having a twin gestation rather than at the diagnosis of a short cervix. Demographics, ultrasound characteristics, operative data and outcomes were compared. The primary outcome was FLP-to-delivery interval. Propensity-score matching was performed, with each treatment group matched (1:1) to the expectant-management group for CL, in order to estimate the effect of each treatment on the FLP-to-delivery interval. RESULTS A total of 255 women with a twin pregnancy complicated by TTTS and a short cervix undergoing FLP were included in the study. Of these, 151 (59%) were managed expectantly, 32 (13%) had vaginal progesterone only, 21 (8%) had pessary only, 21 (8%) had cervical cerclage only and 30 (12%) had a combination of treatments. A greater proportion of patients in the combined-treatment group had had a prior preterm birth compared with those in the expectant-management group (33% vs 9%; P = 0.01). Mean preoperative CL was shorter in the pessary, cervical-cerclage and combined-treatment groups (14-16 mm) than in the expectant-management and vaginal-progesterone groups (22 mm for both) (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in FLP-to-delivery interval between the groups, nor in gestational age at delivery or the rate of live birth or neonatal survival. Vaginal progesterone was associated with a decrease in the risk of delivery before 28 weeks' gestation compared with cervical cerclage and combined treatment (P = 0.03). Using propensity-score matching for CL, cervical cerclage was associated with a reduction in FLP-to-delivery interval of 13 days, as compared with expectant management. CONCLUSIONS A large proportion of pregnancies with TTTS and a short maternal cervix undergoing FLP were managed expectantly for a short cervix, establishing a high (62%) risk of delivery before 32 weeks in this condition. No treatment that significantly improved outcome was identified; however, there were significant differences in potential confounders and there were also likely to be unmeasured confounders. Cervical cerclage should not be offered as a secondary prevention for preterm birth in twin pregnancies with TTTS and a short cervix undergoing FLP. A large randomized controlled trial is urgently needed to determine the effects of treatments for the prevention of preterm birth in these pregnancies. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Buskmiller
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UTHealth The University of Texas McGovern Medical School and the Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - E P Bergh
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UTHealth The University of Texas McGovern Medical School and the Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - C Brock
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UTHealth The University of Texas McGovern Medical School and the Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - J Miller
- Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - A Baschat
- Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - H Galan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver, Colorado Fetal Care Center, Children's Hospital of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
| | - N Behrendt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver, Colorado Fetal Care Center, Children's Hospital of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
| | - M Habli
- Cincinnati Children's Fetal Care Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - J L Peiro
- Cincinnati Children's Fetal Care Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - S Snowise
- Midwest Fetal Care Center, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - J Fisher
- Midwest Fetal Care Center, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - C Macpherson
- The Biostatistics Center, George Washington University, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - E Thom
- The Biostatistics Center, George Washington University, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - C Pedroza
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UTHealth The University of Texas McGovern Medical School and the Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - A Johnson
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UTHealth The University of Texas McGovern Medical School and the Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - S Blackwell
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UTHealth The University of Texas McGovern Medical School and the Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - R Papanna
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UTHealth The University of Texas McGovern Medical School and the Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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Parker SG, Halligan S, Berrevoet F, de Beaux AC, East B, Eker HH, Jensen KK, Jorgensen LN, Montgomery A, Morales-Conde S, Miserez M, Renard Y, Sanders DL, Simons M, Slade D, Torkington J, Blackwell S, Dames N, Windsor ACJ, Mallett S. Reporting guideline for interventional trials of primary and incisional ventral hernia repair. Br J Surg 2021; 108:1050-1055. [PMID: 34286842 DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary and incisional ventral hernia trials collect unstandardized inconsistent data, limiting data interpretation and comparison. This study aimed to create two minimum data sets for primary and incisional ventral hernia interventional trials to standardize data collection and improve trial comparison. To support these data sets, standardized patient-reported outcome measures and trial methodology criteria were created. METHODS To construct these data sets, nominal group technique methodology was employed, involving 15 internationally recognized abdominal wall surgeons and two patient representatives. Initially a maximum data set was created from previous systematic and panellist reviews. Thereafter, three stages of voting took place: stage 1, selection of the number of variables for data set inclusion; stage 2, selection of variables to be included; and stage 3, selection of variable definitions and detection methods. A steering committee interpreted and analysed the data. RESULTS The maximum data set contained 245 variables. The three stages of voting commenced in October 2019 and had been completed by July 2020. The final primary ventral hernia data set included 32 variables, the incisional ventral hernia data set included 40 variables, the patient-reported outcome measures tool contained 25 questions, and 40 methodological criteria were chosen. The best known variable definitions were selected for accurate variable description. CT was selected as the optimal preoperative descriptor of hernia morphology. Standardized follow-up at 30 days, 1 year, and 5 years was selected. CONCLUSION These minimum data sets, patient-reported outcome measures, and methodological criteria have allowed creation of a manual for investigators aiming to undertake primary ventral hernia or incisional ventral hernia interventional trials. Adopting these data sets will improve trial methods and comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- S G Parker
- Abdominal Wall Unit, General Surgery, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - S Halligan
- Centre for Medical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - F Berrevoet
- Department of General and Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - A C de Beaux
- Department of Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - B East
- 3rd Department of Surgery, Motol University Hospital, 1st and 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - H H Eker
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - K K Jensen
- General Surgery, Digestive Disease Centre, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L N Jorgensen
- General Surgery, Digestive Disease Centre, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A Montgomery
- Department of Surgery, Skåne University Hospital Malmö, Malmö, Sweden
| | - S Morales-Conde
- Unit of Innovation in Minimally Invasive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Virgen del Rocio, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - M Miserez
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, University Hospitals of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Y Renard
- Department of General, Digestive and Endocrine Surgery, Robert-Debré University Hospital, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France
| | - D L Sanders
- Department of General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, North Devon District Hospital, Barnstaple, UK
| | - M Simons
- Department of Surgery, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - D Slade
- Intestinal Failure Unit, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - J Torkington
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - N Dames
- Patient Representative, Glasgow, UK
| | - A C J Windsor
- Abdominal Wall Unit, General Surgery, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - S Mallett
- Centre for Medical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
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Chapman SJ, Lee MJ, Blackwell S, Arnott R, Ten Broek RPG, Delaney CP, Dudi-Venkata NN, Hind D, Jayne DG, Mellor K, Mishra A, O'Grady G, Sammour T, Thorpe G, Wells CI, Wolthuis AM, Fearnhead NS. Establishing core outcome sets for gastrointestinal recovery in studies of postoperative ileus and small bowel obstruction: protocol for a nested methodological study. Colorectal Dis 2020; 22:459-464. [PMID: 31701620 DOI: 10.1111/codi.14899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gastrointestinal recovery describes the restoration of normal bowel function in patients with bowel disease. This may be prolonged in two common clinical settings: postoperative ileus and small bowel obstruction. Improving gastrointestinal recovery is a research priority but researchers are limited by variation in outcome reporting across clinical studies. This protocol describes the development of core outcome sets for gastrointestinal recovery in the contexts of postoperative ileus and small bowel obstruction. METHOD An international Steering Group consisting of patient and clinician representatives has been established. As overlap between clinical contexts is anticipated, both outcome sets will be co-developed and may be combined to form a common output with disease-specific domains. The development process will comprise three phases, including definition of outcomes relevant to postoperative ileus and small bowel obstruction from systematic literature reviews and nominal-group stakeholder discussions; online-facilitated Delphi surveys via international networks; and a consensus meeting to ratify the final output. A nested study will explore if the development of overlapping outcome sets can be rationalized. DISSEMINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION The final output will be registered with the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials initiative. A multi-faceted, quality improvement campaign for the reporting of gastrointestinal recovery in clinical studies will be launched, targeting international professional and patient groups, charitable organizations and editorial committees. Success will be explored via an updated systematic review of outcomes 5 years after registration of the core outcome set.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Chapman
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - M J Lee
- Academic Directorate of General Surgery, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK.,Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - R Arnott
- Patient Representative, Green Templeton College, Oxford, UK
| | - R P G Ten Broek
- Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - C P Delaney
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - N N Dudi-Venkata
- Discipline of Surgery, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - D Hind
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - D G Jayne
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - K Mellor
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - A Mishra
- Department of Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - G O'Grady
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - T Sammour
- Colorectal Unit, Department of Surgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - G Thorpe
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - C I Wells
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - A M Wolthuis
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - N S Fearnhead
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
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Affiliation(s)
- S Blackwell
- ACPGBI Patient Liaison Group, Liverpool, UK.
| | - T Pinkney
- Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
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Whitlock G, Carbonell M, Blackwell S, Nwokolo N. Rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy in those with newly diagnosed HIV infection in London, UK. HIV Med 2019; 20:699-703. [PMID: 31424598 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In July 2016, as a result of patient demand, we introduced a rapid initiation option (RIO) to offer a first medical appointment and antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation within 2 days of HIV diagnosis at 56 Dean Street (56DS) , a combined sexual health and HIV treatment service in London, UK. METHODS We performed a retrospective case-note review of patients newly diagnosed with HIV infection at 56DS following the introduction of the new RIO from July to October 2016. In order to assess the effect of the new service on ART uptake, we chose a comparison group of newly diagnosed patients at 56DS from 1 year earlier: July to October 2015. RESULTS In the 4 months following RIO introduction, there was a reduction in the median time from HIV diagnosis to the first medical appointment (7 versus 15 days; P < 0.00001) and to ART initiation (8 versus 21 days; P < 0.00001) compared with the same 4-month period 1 year previously. Uptake of ART at first appointment also significantly increased from 60% to 76% (P = 0.0074). CONCLUSIONS By increasing our clinic capacity and awareness of staff and patients of the RIO service, we were able to fulfil the aim of the service to offer ART more quickly following HIV diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Whitlock
- 56 Dean Street, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - M Carbonell
- 56 Dean Street, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - S Blackwell
- 56 Dean Street, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - N Nwokolo
- 56 Dean Street, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Blackwell S, Porter R, Wagner D, Smith G, Dolny D. Prediction of Aquatic Treadmill (ATM) Energy Expenditure and Comparison with Equivalent Land Treadmill (LTM) Running Speeds. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2015. [DOI: 10.1249/01.mss.0000479054.84473.8a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Davids MR, Marais N, Jacobs J, Cohen E, Krause I, Goldberg E, Garty M, Krause I, Dursun B, Sahan Y, Tanriverdi H, Rota S, Uslu S, Senol H, Minutolo R, Gabbai FB, Agarwal R, Chiodini P, Borrelli S, Stanzione G, Nappi F, Bellizzi V, Conte G, De Nicola L, Van De Walle J, Johnson S, Fremeaux-Bacchi V, Ardissino G, Ariceta G, Beauchamp J, Cohen D, Greenbaum LA, Ogawa M, Schaefer F, Licht C, Scalzotto E, Nalesso F, Zaglia T, Corradi V, Neri M, Martino F, Zanella M, Brendolan A, Mongillo M, Ronco C, Chinnappa S, Mooney A, El Nahas AM, Tu YK, Tan LB, Jung JY, Kim AJ, Ro H, Lee C, Chang JH, Lee HH, Chung W, Clarke AL, Young HM, Hull KL, Hudson N, Burton JO, Smith AC, Marx S, Petrilla A, Filipovic I, Lee WC, Meijers B, Poesen R, Storr M, Claes K, Kuypers D, Evenepoel P, Aukland M, Clarke AL, Hull KL, Burton JO, Smith AC, Betriu A, Martinez-Alonso M, Arcidiacono MV, Cannata-Andia J, Pascual J, Valdivielso JM, Fernandez-Giraldez E, Kingswood JC, Zonnenberg B, Sauter M, Zakar G, Biro B, Besenczi B, Varga A, Pekacs P, Pizzini P, Pisano A, Leonardis D, Panuccio V, Cutrupi S, Tripepi G, Mallamaci F, Zoccali C, Arnold J, Baharani J, Rayner H, So BH, Blackwell S, Jardine AG, Macgregor MS, Cunha C, Barreto P, Pereira S, Ventura A, Mota M, Seabra J, Sakaguchi T, Kobayashi S, Yano T, Yoshimoto W, Bancu I, Bonal Bastons J, Cleries Escayola M, Vela Vallespin E, Bustins Poblet M, Magem Luque D, Pastor Fabregas M, Chen JH, Chen SC, Chang JM, Hwang SJ, Chen HC, Ahbap E, Kara E, Basturk T, Sahutoglu T, Koc Y, Sakaci T, Sevinc M, Akgol C, Ozagari AA, Unsal A, Minami S, Hesaka A, Yamaguchi S, Iwahashi E, Sakai S, Fujimoto T, Sasaki K, Fujita Y, Yokoyama K, Marks A, Fluck N, Prescott G, Robertson L, Smith WC, Black C, Ohsawa M, Fujioka T, Omori S, Isurugi T, Tanno K, Onoda T, Omama S, Ishibashi Y, Makita S, Okayama A, Garland JS, Simpson CS, Metangi MF, Parfrey B, Johri AM, Sloan L, McAuley J, Cunningham R, Mullan R, Quinn M, Harron C, Chiu H, Murphy-Burke D, Werb R, Jung B, Chan-Yan C, Duncan J, Forzley B, Lowry R, Hargrove G, Carson R, Levin A, Karim M, Reznik EV, Storozhakov GIV, Rollino C, Troiano M, Bagatella M, Liuzzo C, Quarello F, Roccatello D, Blaslov K, Bulum T, Prka In I, Duvnjak L, Heleniak Z, Ciepli ska M, Szychli ski T, Pryczkowska M, Bartosi ska E, Wiatr H, Kot owska H, Tylicki L, Rutkowski B, Song YR, Kim SGK, Kim HJ, Noh JW, Tong A, Jesudason S, Craig JC, Winkelmayer WC, Hung PH, Huang YT, Hsiao CY, Sung PS, Guo HR, Tsai KJ, Wu CC, Su SL, Kao SY, Lu KC, Lin YF, Lin WH, Lee HM, Cheng MF, Wang WM, Yang LY, Wang MC, Vukovic Lela I, Sekoranja M, Poljicanin T, Karanovic S, Abramovic M, Matijevic V, Stipancic Z, Leko N, Cvitkovic A, Dika Z, Kos J, Laganovic M, Grollman AP, Jelakovic B, Dryl-Rydzynska T, Prystacki T, Malyszko J, Trifiro G, Sultana J, Giorgianni F, Ingrasciotta Y, Muscianisi M, Tari DU, Perrotta M, Buemi M, Canale V, Arcoraci V, Santoro D, Rizzo M, Iheanacho I, Van Nooten FE, Goldsmith D, Grandtnerova B, Berat ova Z, ErvenOva M, cErven J, Markech M, tefanikova A, Engelen W, Elseviers M, Gheuens E, Colson C, Muyshondt I, Daelemans R. CKD GENERAL AND CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2014. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfu167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Blackwell S, Romero R, Chaiworapongsa T, Refuerzo J, Gervasi MT, Yoshimatsu J, Espinoza J, Berman S, Yoon BH. Unexplained fetal death is associated with changes in the adaptive limb of the maternal immune response consistent with prior antigenic exposure. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2009; 14:241-6. [PMID: 14738170 DOI: 10.1080/jmf.14.4.241.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The causes of fetal death are largely unknown. CD4 T cells have been classified according to the expression of the CD45 isoforms into 'naive-like' T cells (CD45RA) and 'memory-like' T cells (CD45RO). An increase in the percentage of the CD45RO has been interpreted as indicating prior antigenic exposure of the host and, in newborns, evidence of infection. The purpose of this study was to determine whether unexplained fetal death was associated with a change in the proportion of 'naive-like' and 'memory-like T cells' in the maternal blood, as determined by the CD45 isoforms on the surface of CD4+ lymphocytes. STUDY DESIGN A prospective study was conducted to compare the CD45 sub-population of lymphocytes in patients with intrauterine fetal death (n = 26) and normal pregnancy (n = 89). The percentages of CD45RA+, CD45RO+ and CD45RA+/CD45RO+ on CD4+ T lymphocytes were determined in maternal blood using flow cytometry and monoclonal antibodies. Results were reported as a percentage of CD4+ lymphocytes. Non-parametric statistics were used for analysis. A p value of < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Patients with intrauterine fetal death had a higher percentage of CD45RO+ CD4+ T lymphocytes than normal pregnant women (fetal death: median 57.7%, range 35.4-78.6 vs. normal pregnancy: median 49.9%, range 19.1-86.8; p = 0.004). Fetal death was associated with a lower median percentage of CD45RA+ CD4+ lymphocytes than in normal pregnant women (fetal death: median 32.3%, range 15.3-58.0 vs. normal pregnancy: median 40.2%, range 11.2-67.3; p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in the percentage of cells with dual expression (CD45RA+/CD45RO+) between the study groups. CONCLUSION Prior exposure to microbial products (bacterial or viral) or other unidentified antigens may result in a shift of the sub-population of 'naive-like' T cells to 'memory-like' T cells in mothers with unexplained fetal death.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Blackwell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University/Hutzel Hospital, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA
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Bronsteen R, Valice R, Lee W, Blackwell S, Balasubramaniam M, Comstock C. Effect of a low-lying placenta on delivery outcome. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2009; 33:204-208. [PMID: 19173234 DOI: 10.1002/uog.6304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate delivery outcome in pregnancies with a low-lying placenta (within 2 cm of, but not covering, the internal os) that had been identified within 4 weeks of delivery. We examined the likelihood of a vaginal delivery and investigated the clinical significance of the placental edge to internal os measurement. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed for singleton pregnancies delivering in the third trimester with a low-lying placenta identified within 4 weeks of delivery. Outcome variables included type of delivery, maternal and neonatal hemoglobin levels, and umbilical artery pH levels. RESULTS Eighty-six patients met the study criteria of a low-lying placenta identified within 4 weeks of delivery. Forty-five of these patients were allowed to labor and, of these, 29 (64.4%) delivered vaginally. The vaginal delivery rate was 76.5% in patients with a placenta to cervical os distance of 1-2 cm, significantly greater than the rate of 27.3% in patients in whom the placenta was within 1 cm of the cervix (P = 0.0085). A maternal hemoglobin level below 8.0 g/dL was the most common morbidity associated with low-lying placenta. Analysis of morbidity observed did not clearly favor either elective Cesarean delivery or attempted vaginal delivery. CONCLUSIONS In this retrospective study, most laboring patients with a low-lying placenta were able to have a vaginal delivery with limited morbidity. The likelihood of a vaginal delivery was greater with increased placenta to cervical os distance. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical significance of the placenta to cervical os distance and the interval from scan to delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Bronsteen
- Division of Fetal Imaging, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, USA
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Schiffman SS, Sattely-Miller EA, Taylor EL, Graham BG, Landerman LR, Zervakis J, Campagna LK, Cohen HJ, Blackwell S, Garst JL. Combination of flavor enhancement and chemosensory education improves nutritional status in older cancer patients. J Nutr Health Aging 2007; 11:439-54. [PMID: 17657366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormalities in taste and smell functioning occur with elevated frequency in both older adults and patients with cancer. With the predicted increase in both of these populations in the coming decades, it is imperative to evaluate potential interventions that are designed to help older cancer patients compensate for the additive burden of this disease and its treatment on age-related taste and smell losses. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the current study was to determine if providing instruction and products for flavor enhancement of foods to elderly cancer patients in addition to nutritional information would improve their nutritional status, and, by extension, functional and immune status as well as quality of life. DESIGN One hundred and seven subjects enrolled in the study. Fifty-four subjects were in the experimental group that received flavor enhancement plus nutritional information; fifty-three control subjects received only nutritional information. Subjects were evaluated 1 month, 3 months, and 8 months after beginning chemotherapy. At every session, subjects completed taste and smell assessments as well as questionnaires related to nutritional status, activities of daily living, and quality of life. Blood samples were also obtained to determine immune parameters. RESULTS At the eight-month time point, experimental subjects had better scores on the mini nutritional assessment (MNA) and the physical function assessment of the quality of life questionnaire. Also at eight months, self-reported taste and smell perception for experimental subjects was better than that of controls as well as better than at earlier time points. Tests that assessed quantity and quality of food intake, as well as a number of immune parameters declined over time and did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSION The combination of flavor enhancement, chemosensory education, and nutritional information for elderly cancer patients improved their nutritional assessment on the MNA and physical function over time. On the whole, experimental subjects perceived themselves to be better functioning at eight months than did their control counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Schiffman
- Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Jahrsdorfer B, Blackwell S, Weiner G. The effects of CpG ODN on CLL proliferation, apoptosis or phenotype could have an impact on its clinical utility. Leukemia 2007; 21:2354-5; author reply 2355-6. [PMID: 17657215 DOI: 10.1038/sj.leu.2404870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Blackwell S, O'Reilly DSJ, Talwar D. Biological variation of asymmetric dimethylarginine and related arginine metabolites and analytical performance goals for their measurement in human plasma. Eur J Clin Invest 2007; 37:364-71. [PMID: 17461982 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2007.01798.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase which is believed to be a cause of endothelial dysfunction and has been shown to predict the occurrence of acute coronary events. Data regarding the biological variation of arginine and its methylated derivatives are conspicuously absent from the literature. Such data are important in setting analytical quality specifications, assessing the utility of population reference intervals and assessing the significance of changes in serial results from an individual. MATERIALS AND METHODS Arginine, homoarginine, ADMA and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) are measured in plasma by high performance liquid chromatography. Twelve healthy volunteers underwent weekly blood sampling for 20 weeks in order to determine the intra- and inter-individual biological variation of these analytes, from which analytical quality specifications, indices of individuality (II) and reference change values (RCV) are derived. Plasma samples from 100 healthy individuals were obtained in order to determine population reference intervals. RESULTS ADMA and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) exhibit low intra-individual biological variation of 7.4% and 5.8%, respectively, imposing desirable imprecision goals (CV(A)) of < or = 3.7% and 2.9% for these analytes. The described methodology achieves these goals, with analytical CVs of < 3.5% for all analytes. Goals for bias and total error were 3.1-10.1% and 7.2-16.0%, respectively. Reference intervals for ADMA and SDMA were 0.29-0.63 micromol L(-1) and 0.24-0.55 micromol L(-1), but have IIs < 1. RCVs were at least 20% for all analytes studied. CONCLUSIONS Dimethylarginine concentrations are tightly controlled in health, with the result that imprecision goals for laboratory methods require to be low. Relatively large differences are required between serial results to denote a significant change. Population reference intervals for dimethylarginines are likely to be of limited value in detecting 'abnormality' in an individual from a single result.
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Andrews C, Garst J, Dunphy F, Blackwell S, Young K, Bjurstrom T, Crawford J. P-803 Supportive care with pegfilgrastim improves neutropenicendpoints in patients receiving dose dense chemotherapy. Lung Cancer 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/s0169-5002(05)81296-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Hammoud A, Blackwell S, Hendrix S, Kmak D, Diamond M, McNeeley G. Single dose methotrexate for ectopic pregnancy in an urban population: Difficult follow up and low success rate. Fertil Steril 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2004.07.350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Blackwell S, Romero R, Chaiworapongsa T, Kim YM, Bujold E, Espinoza J, Camacho N, Hassan S, Yoon BH, Refuerzo JS. Maternal and fetal inflammatory responses in unexplained fetal death. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2004; 14:151-7. [PMID: 14694969 DOI: 10.1080/jmf.14.3.151.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The role of intra-amniotic infection in the etiology of fetal death has been proposed. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) and the frequency of maternal and/or fetal inflammation in patients presenting with a fetal death. METHODS A prospective study was conducted in patients with a fetal death. Amniocenteses were performed for clinical indications (karyotype), as well as to assess the microbiological and cytological state of the amniotic cavity. Fluid was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and genital mycoplasmas. An amniotic fluid white blood cell count and glucose determinations were also performed. Histological examination of the placenta was conducted to identify a maternal inflammatory response (acute chorioamnionitis) or a fetal inflammatory response (funisitis). RESULTS This study included 44 patients with intrauterine fetal death. The median gestational age at diagnosis was 30.1 weeks (range 16.3-40.4 weeks). One patient had documented MIAC (1/44). Acute histological chorioamnionitis was found in 20.9% (9/43), but a fetal inflammatory response was observed in only 2.3% (1/43) of cases. One patient had a positive amniotic fluid culture for Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus). CONCLUSION Histological chorioamnionitis was present in 20.9% of cases, but MIAC could be demonstrated with conventional microbiological techniques in only one case. A fetal inflammatory response was nine times less frequent than a maternal inflammatory response (maternal 20.9% vs. fetal 2.3%, p = 0.008) in cases of fetal death.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Blackwell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University/Hutzel Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
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Espinoza J, Chaiworapongsa T, Romero R, Edwin S, Rathnasabapathy C, Gomez R, Bujold E, Camacho N, Kim YM, Hassan S, Blackwell S, Whitty J, Berman S, Redman M, Yoon BH, Sorokin Y. Antimicrobial peptides in amniotic fluid: defensins, calprotectin and bacterial/permeability-increasing protein in patients with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity, intra-amniotic inflammation, preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2003; 13:2-21. [PMID: 12710851 DOI: 10.1080/jmf.13.1.2.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neutrophil defensins (HNP 1-3), bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) and calprotectin (MRP8/14) are antimicrobial peptides stored in leukocytes that act as effector molecules of the innate immune response. The purpose of this study was to determine whether parturition, premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) and microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) are associated with changes in amniotic fluid concentrations of these antimicrobial peptides. STUDY DESIGN Amniotic fluid was retrieved by amniocentesis from 333 patients in the following groups: group 1, mid-trimester with a subsequent normal pregnancy outcome (n = 84); group 2, preterm labor and intact membranes without MIAC who delivered at term (n = 36), or prematurely (n = 52) and preterm labor with MIAC (n = 26); group 3, preterm PROM with (n = 26) and without (n = 26) MIAC; and group 4, term with intact membranes in the absence of MIAC, in labor (n = 52) and not in labor (n = 31). The concentrations of HNP 1-3, BPI and calprotectin in amniotic fluid were determined by specific and sensitive immunoassays. Placentae of patients in both preterm labor with intact membranes and preterm PROM groups who delivered within 72 h of amniocentesis were examined. Non-parametric statistics, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Cox regression models were used for analysis. A p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Intra-amniotic infection was associated with a significant increase in amniotic fluid concentrations of immunoreactive HNP 1-3, BPI and calprotectin in both women with preterm labor and intact membranes, and women with preterm PROM. Preterm PROM was associated with a significant increase in amniotic fluid concentrations of immunoreactive HNP 1-3, BPI and calprotectin. Preterm parturition was associated with a significant increase in amniotic fluid concentrations of immunoreactive HNP 1-3, BPI and calprotectin, while parturition at term was associated with a significant increase in amniotic fluid concentrations of immunoreactive HNP 1-3. Among patients with preterm labor and intact membranes, elevation of amniotic fluid HNP 1-3, BPI and calprotectin concentrations was associated with intra-amniotic inflammation, histological chorioamnionitis and a shorter interval to delivery. CONCLUSION MIAC, preterm parturition and preterm PROM are associated with increased amniotic fluid concentrations of immunoreactive HNP 1-3, BPI and calprotectin. Moreover, elevated amniotic fluid concentrations of BPI, immunoreactive HNP 1-3 and calprotectin are associated with intra-amniotic inflammation, histological chorioamnionitis and shorter amniocentesis-to-delivery interval in patients presenting with preterm labor with intact membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Espinoza
- Perinatology Research Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development NIH/DHSS, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Chaiworapongsa T, Espinoza J, Yoshimatsu J, Kalache K, Edwin S, Blackwell S, Yoon BH, Tolosa JE, Silva M, Behnke E, Gomez R, Romero R. Subclinical myocardial injury in small-for-gestational-age neonates. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2002; 11:385-90. [PMID: 12389653 DOI: 10.1080/jmf.11.6.385.390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants are at risk for premature death from cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction and stroke), hypertension, and diabetes in adult life. Severe intrauterine growth restriction is often associated with subclinical cardiovascular abnormalities detectable during fetal echocardiography. The objective of this study was to determine whether SGA newborns have evidence of myocardial injury at birth. STUDY DESIGN Cardiac troponin I, a specific marker of myocardial injury widely used for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction in adults, was determined in umbilical cord blood. Umbilical cord venous blood was obtained at the time of birth from 72 SGA newborns (birth weight below the 10th centile for gestational age) and 309 newborns whose birth weights were appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Cardiac troponin I was determined with a commercially available immunoassay (sensitivity 0.2 ng/ml) employed in clinical laboratories (Immulite 2000, Diagnostic Products Corp., Los Angeles, CA). RESULTS Cardiac troponin I was not detectable in any of the blood samples from AGA infants. In contrast, 4.2% (3/72) of SGA infants had detectable cardiac troponin I in umbilical cord blood (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION A subgroup of SGA newborns undergoes myocardial injury before birth. This insult may predispose to the development of adult premature cardiovascular disease and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Chaiworapongsa
- Perinatology Research Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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25
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Abstract
Proteins undergo extensive hydrolysis in the gastrointestinal tract and have short circulating half-lives in the blood. For optimal clinical efficacy, therefore, they must be given by daily injections. Attaching a polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety (pegylation) improves the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of proteins. Pegfilgrastim (pegylated filgrastim) has a longer half-life than unmodified filgrastim and, when administered as a single dose, has been shown to be at least as efficacious as daily filgrastim. Because of its reduced renal clearance, the elimination of pegfilgrastim is predominantly neutrophil-mediated, so its clearance is self-regulated. In addition, pegfilgrastim can be administered at a fixed dose instead of in weight-based doses. For these reasons, pegfilgrastim can potentially increase patient adherence and acceptance of treatment, thus having a beneficial effect on their quality of life. Furthermore, treatment is likely to cost less because of the reduced need for medical interventions. Similarly, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin has a longer half-life than unmodified doxorubicin and has been shown, because of its reduced reticuloendothelial system clearance, to produce higher concentrations of doxorubicin in tumours and to have greater clinical efficacy than doxorubicin in the treatment of some solid tumours. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin is also associated with less myelosuppression and febrile neutropenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Yowell
- Department of Pharmacy, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3089, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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26
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Gervasi MT, Chaiworapongsa T, Naccasha N, Blackwell S, Yoon BH, Maymon E, Romero R. Phenotypic and metabolic characteristics of maternal monocytes and granulocytes in preterm labor with intact membranes. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001; 185:1124-9. [PMID: 11717645 DOI: 10.1067/mob.2001.117681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Experimental and clinical studies support a role for the fetus in the control of the onset of labor. Fetal systemic inflammation, but not a maternal inflammatory response, has been linked to the onset of preterm labor and delivery on the basis of the determination of inflammatory cytokines in fetal and maternal blood. We propose that parturition requires fetomaternal cooperation and that inflammation is an integral part of the parturitional process. This study used flow cytometry, a sensitive technique for the detection of intravascular inflammation, to assess whether maternal inflammation is present in preterm labor. STUDY DESIGN A prospective cross-sectional study was performed including patients with preterm labor (n = 55) and women with normal pregnancy (n = 50). Intravascular inflammation was studied by using flow cytometry. Maternal blood was assayed to determine granulocyte and monocyte phenotype by using monoclonal antibodies, which included the following cluster of differentiation (CD) markers: CD11b, CD14, CD15, CD16, CD18, CD49d, CD62L, CD64, CD66b, and HLA-DR. Oxidative burst and generation of basal intracellular oxygen radical species were assessed. Statistical analysis was conducted with the use of nonparametric methods. A P value of <.01 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Preterm labor was associated with a significant increase in the median mean channel brightness of CD11b, CD15, and CD66b on granulocytes and median mean channel brightness of CD11b and CD15 on monocytes. The ratio of oxidative burst over basal intracellular oxygen radical species in both granulocytes and monocytes was increased in preterm labor (P <. 01). CONCLUSION Preterm labor with intact membranes is associated with phenotypic and metabolic changes of maternal granulocytes and monocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Gervasi
- Perinatology Research Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Md, USA
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27
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Krug A, Rothenfusser S, Hornung V, Jahrsdörfer B, Blackwell S, Ballas ZK, Endres S, Krieg AM, Hartmann G. Identification of CpG oligonucleotide sequences with high induction of IFN-alpha/beta in plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Eur J Immunol 2001. [PMID: 11449369 DOI: 10.1002/1521-4141(200107)31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The immature plasmacytoid dendritic cell (PDC) is identical with the principal type I IFN-producing cell upon viral infection. Oligodeoxynucleotides which contain unmethylated CpG motifs (CpG ODN) are recognized by the vertebrate immune system. Previously, we described CpG ODN that strongly activate human B cells and human blood dendritic cells. Here we describe distinct CpG-containing oligonucleotide sequences which, in contrast to previously described CpG ODN, induced high amounts of IFN-alpha and IFN-beta in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Intracellular staining for IFN-alpha revealed that within PBMC CpG ODN-induced IFN-alpha is produced exclusively by PDC. Unlike IFN-alpha, TNF-alpha is up-regulated in PDC by all CpG ODN tested. Purified PDC responded to CpG ODN, demonstrating direct activation of PDC by CpG ODN. The most active sequence induced the production of up to 5 pg IFN-alpha per single PDC, resulting in more than 400 ng/ml IFN-alpha in the supernatant of PBMC enriched for PDC. The potency of CpG ODN to stimulate IFN-alpha correlated with their ability to stimulate NK cell lytic activity, while purified NK cells did not respond to CpG ODN. IFNgamma production in PBMC was dependent on CpG ODN-induced IFN-alpha/beta as demonstrated by IFN-alpha/beta blocking antibodies. IFN-alpha-inducing CpG ODN strongly supported IFN-gamma production of TCR-triggered CD4 T cells but were less active than other CpG ODN in stimulating B cells. In conclusion our results demonstrate that particular CpG ODN sequences exist which, due to high IFN-alpha/beta induction in PDC, induce a set of immune responses typical for viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Krug
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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28
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Krug A, Rothenfusser S, Hornung V, Jahrsdörfer B, Blackwell S, Ballas ZK, Endres S, Krieg AM, Hartmann G. Identification of CpG oligonucleotide sequences with high induction of IFN-alpha/beta in plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Eur J Immunol 2001; 31:2154-63. [PMID: 11449369 DOI: 10.1002/1521-4141(200107)31:7<2154::aid-immu2154>3.0.co;2-u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 650] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The immature plasmacytoid dendritic cell (PDC) is identical with the principal type I IFN-producing cell upon viral infection. Oligodeoxynucleotides which contain unmethylated CpG motifs (CpG ODN) are recognized by the vertebrate immune system. Previously, we described CpG ODN that strongly activate human B cells and human blood dendritic cells. Here we describe distinct CpG-containing oligonucleotide sequences which, in contrast to previously described CpG ODN, induced high amounts of IFN-alpha and IFN-beta in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Intracellular staining for IFN-alpha revealed that within PBMC CpG ODN-induced IFN-alpha is produced exclusively by PDC. Unlike IFN-alpha, TNF-alpha is up-regulated in PDC by all CpG ODN tested. Purified PDC responded to CpG ODN, demonstrating direct activation of PDC by CpG ODN. The most active sequence induced the production of up to 5 pg IFN-alpha per single PDC, resulting in more than 400 ng/ml IFN-alpha in the supernatant of PBMC enriched for PDC. The potency of CpG ODN to stimulate IFN-alpha correlated with their ability to stimulate NK cell lytic activity, while purified NK cells did not respond to CpG ODN. IFNgamma production in PBMC was dependent on CpG ODN-induced IFN-alpha/beta as demonstrated by IFN-alpha/beta blocking antibodies. IFN-alpha-inducing CpG ODN strongly supported IFN-gamma production of TCR-triggered CD4 T cells but were less active than other CpG ODN in stimulating B cells. In conclusion our results demonstrate that particular CpG ODN sequences exist which, due to high IFN-alpha/beta induction in PDC, induce a set of immune responses typical for viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Krug
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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29
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the demographic and intrapartum factors of term pregnancies in which early-onset neonatal seizures developed with the characteristics of a large, unselected control population. STUDY DESIGN Pregnancies delivered at term (gestational age > or = 37 weeks) in one birthing unit between 1984 and 1995 with a discharge diagnosis of neonatal seizures were identified. Maternal and neonatal charts of these patients were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis of early-onset seizure (EOS) which was defined as a clinical or EEG-diagnosed seizure within 72 hours of life. Demographic and intrapartum factors were compared between these EOS cases and all singleton term pregnancies delivered over the same time period in which there was no EOS. A regression model was then developed to determine factors predictive of EOS. RESULTS Of 80,561 total deliveries during the 11-year study period, there were 64,340 control and 62 EOS (0.1%) deliveries. Regression modeling identified NICU admission, depressed 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores, and neonatal intubation as predictors of EOS, but not operative vaginal, vaginal breech, or cesarean delivery. CONCLUSION Depressed condition at birth and/or the requirement for NICU care was the most important risk associated with early seizures in term infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Sorokin
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hutzel Hospital, Detroit Medical Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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Johnston E, Crawford J, Blackwell S, Bjurstrom T, Lockbaum P, Roskos L, Yang BB, Gardner S, Miller-Messana MA, Shoemaker D, Garst J, Schwab G. Randomized, dose-escalation study of SD/01 compared with daily filgrastim in patients receiving chemotherapy. J Clin Oncol 2000; 18:2522-8. [PMID: 10893282 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2000.18.13.2522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the use of SD/01 (a polyethylene glycol-conjugated filgrastim shown in preclinical studies to have a prolonged half-life) in patients with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirteen patients with non-small-cell lung cancer were randomized to receive daily filgrastim (5 microg/kg/d) or a single injection of SD/01 (30, 100, or 300 microg/kg) 2 weeks before chemotherapy and again 24 hours after administration of carboplatin and paclitaxel. Pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and safety analyses were performed. RESULTS Peak serum concentrations of SD/01 and the duration of increased serum concentrations were dependent on the SD/01 dose. SD/01 concentrations remained increased longer in patients with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Prechemotherapy median absolute neutrophil counts (ANCs) in patients receiving SD/01 were increased in a dose-dependent fashion, with the duration of this effect also being dose dependent. After chemotherapy, median ANC nadirs were similar in the filgrastim cohort and the cohort receiving SD/01 30 microg/kg, with higher nadirs seen in the cohorts receiving SD/01 100 or 300 microg/kg. Dose-limiting toxicities were not noted. CD34(+) cells were mobilized in all cohorts. CONCLUSION A single dose of SD/01 increases the serum concentration of SD/01 for several days in a dose-dependent fashion and is not associated with significant toxicity. The effects of SD/01 on ANC and CD34(+) cell mobilization are comparable or greater than those achieved with daily filgrastim. The self-regulation of this molecule provides a potential therapeutic advantage in a variety of clinical settings associated with neutropenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Johnston
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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31
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Hartmann G, Weeratna RD, Ballas ZK, Payette P, Blackwell S, Suparto I, Rasmussen WL, Waldschmidt M, Sajuthi D, Purcell RH, Davis HL, Krieg AM. Delineation of a CpG phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotide for activating primate immune responses in vitro and in vivo. J Immunol 2000; 164:1617-24. [PMID: 10640783 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.164.3.1617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 442] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides within specific sequence contexts (CpG motifs) are detected, like bacterial or viral DNA, as a danger signal by the vertebrate immune system. CpG ODN synthesized with a nuclease-resistant phosphorothioate backbone have been shown to be potent Th1-directed adjuvants in mice, but these motifs have been relatively inactive on primate leukocytes in vitro. Moreover, in vitro assays that predict in vivo adjuvant activity for primates have not been reported. In the present study we tested a panel of CpG ODN for their in vitro and in vivo immune effects in mice and identified in vitro activation of B and NK cells as excellent predictors of in vivo adjuvant activity. Therefore, we tested >250 phosphorothioate ODN for their capacity to stimulate proliferation and CD86 expression of human B cells and to induce lytic activity and CD69 expression of human NK cells. These studies revealed that the sequence, number, and spacing of individual CpG motifs contribute to the immunostimulatory activity of a CpG phosphorothioate ODN. An ODN with a TpC dinucleotide at the 5' end followed by three 6 mer CpG motifs (5'-GTCGTT-3') separated by TpT dinucleotides consistently showed the highest activity for human, chimpanzee, and rhesus monkey leukocytes. Chimpanzees or monkeys vaccinated once against hepatitis B with this CpG ODN adjuvant developed 15 times higher anti-hepatitis B Ab titers than those receiving vaccine alone. In conclusion, we report an optimal human CpG motif for phosphorothioate ODN that is a candidate human vaccine adjuvant.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Hartmann
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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32
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Abstract
Four different granule size fractions of Sorbitol instant(R) were filled into hard gelatine capsules on a tamp filling (Bosch) and a dosator nozzle machine (Zanasi) to allow comparison of the filling principles. An acceptable filling performance was always achieved and was independent of the machine type employed. Tamp filling was found to be slightly better for the coarser granule size fractions, because it does not seem to rely on a firm plug formation. A direct relationship between the angle of internal flow (Varthalis and Pilpel, 1976) and the coefficient of fill weight variation was found for both systems. Using the dosator nozzle machine, the plug formed was always denser than the maximum bulk density, whereas on the tamp filling machine for smallest granule size the maximum plug density could not be achieved with the settings employed. The results suggest that in situations where a low plug density is an essential prerequisite for drug dissolution and bioavailability the tamp filling machine appears the more suitable filling principle. However, if a greater extent of compression is required in order to fill large dose drugs or to use a smaller capsule size, the dosator nozzle principle might work more successfully for granules.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Podczeck
- Department of Pharmaceutics, The School of Pharmacy, University of London, 29/39 Brunswick Square, London, UK.
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Baugh DK, Pine PL, Blackwell S. Trends in Medicaid prescription drug utilization and payments, 1990-97. Health Care Financ Rev 1999; 20:79-105. [PMID: 10558022 PMCID: PMC4194628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The rising cost of prescription drugs has caused public officials to restructure prescription drug coverage and payment policies in Medicaid. This study examines Medicaid utilization and payments for prescription drugs from 1990 to 1997. Medicaid prescription drug payments grew from $4.4 billion in 1990 to almost $12 billion in 1997, representing an average annual increase of 15.3 percent. In 1997 prescription drug payments per recipient were $1,379 for the blind and disabled, more than 10 times the amount for children. These findings will aid policymakers in setting prepaid plan rates for prescription drugs and monitoring access to care in Medicaid.
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Affiliation(s)
- D K Baugh
- Office of Strategic Planning, Health Care Financing Administration, Baltimore, MD 21244, USA.
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34
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Chen Z, Notohamiprodjo M, Guan XY, Paietta E, Blackwell S, Stout K, Turner A, Richkind K, Trent JM, Lamb A, Sandberg AA. Gain of 9p in the pathogenesis of polycythemia vera. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 1998; 22:321-4. [PMID: 9669670 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2264(199808)22:4<321::aid-gcc8>3.0.co;2-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycythemia vera (PV) is a clonal stem cell disorder characterized by excessive erythrocyte production, resulting in absolute erythrocytosis. No specific structural chromosomal abnormalities have been reported in PV to date. We have observed two cases of PV with an extra i(9)(p10) as the sole anomaly, and FISH analysis using a 9p-specific chromosome microdissection probe showed that two other PV patients previously identified as having an add(18p) and an add(1p) as the primary changes actually carried a der(18)t(9;18)(p12;p11.2) and a der(1)t(1;9)(p12;p12), respectively. The same FISH assay was employed to evaluate domain signals on interphase cells of 15 more cases of PV with normal karyotypes and five normal controls. Two patients were observed with a significant increase in the percentage of cells with three domain signals. Our results strongly indicate that an additional i(9)(p10) is a new and recurrent primary chromosome anomaly in PV, and, in consideration of trisomy 9 being one of the most common anomalies in PV, amplification of a gene or genes on 9p, but not on 9q, may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Chen
- Genzyme Genetics, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505, USA
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35
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Crawford J, Blackwell S. Erythropoietin and the Management of Anemia in Patients With Lung Cancer. Cancer Control 1998; 5:26-32. [PMID: 10762464 DOI: 10.1177/107327489800502s06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The onset of anemia is a confounding factor that will affect the majority of patients with lung cancer. In an attempt to manage or prevent anemia in this population, three trials have incorporated erythropoietin in the treatment schedules. The results of erythropoietin use for cancer patients with anemia have been encouraging.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Crawford
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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36
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Blackwell S, Landwehr JB, Tomlinson MW, Gonik B, Bryant DB, Sorokin Y, Catton DB. Labor induction for the preterm severe pre-eclamptic: Is it worth the effort? Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997. [DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9378(97)80430-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the feasibility of ambulatory drainage and sclerotherapy in malignant pleural effusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Nineteen consecutive patients with symptomatic malignant pleural effusions were enrolled. None of the patients previously underwent sclerotherapy. A fluoroscopically placed 10.3-F catheter was connected to a closed gravity drainage bag system. Sclerotherapy was performed with bleomycin when daily drainage was less than 100 mL. Radiographic response was graded at 30 days. All patients were examined for symptomatic response and for complications. RESULTS The tubes remained in place 2-11 days (mean, 5.1 days). Total pleural drainage ranged from 950 to 3,925 mL (mean, 1,647 mL); all 19 patients had improvement of symptoms. At 30 days, 10 (53%) patients had a complete response, five (26%) had a partial response, and four (21%) had progressive disease. CONCLUSION Ambulatory sclerotherapy is a safe, viable alternative to conventional inpatient treatment of malignant pleural effusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- E F Patz
- Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Grichnik JM, Crawford J, Jimenez F, Kurtzberg J, Buchanan M, Blackwell S, Clark RE, Hitchcock MG. Human recombinant stem-cell factor induces melanocytic hyperplasia in susceptible patients. J Am Acad Dermatol 1995; 33:577-83. [PMID: 7545704 DOI: 10.1016/0190-9622(95)91274-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recombinant human stem-cell factor (SCF), a cytokine acting on hematopoietic progenitor cells, has potential for the treatment of several hematologic and oncologic disorders. In a hematology-oncology phase I trial of SCF, several patients had cutaneous hyperpigmentation at the SCF subcutaneous injection sites. OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to investigate the pathogenesis of this hyperpigmentation phenomenon. METHODS Skin biopsy specimens were obtained before, at the completion of, and after SCF therapy and were processed for histology, immunohistology, and electron microscopy. RESULTS Skin at the site of SCF injection had an increased number of melanocytes, increased melanocytic dendrite extension, and melanin as compared with noninjected tissue. Immunohistochemical stains revealed an increase in staining with melanocyte-specific monoclonal antibodies HMB-45 and NKI/beteb, and a monoclonal antibody to the receptor for SCF, c-kit. CONCLUSION Subcutaneous injection of SCF results in hyperplasia of melanocytes. SCF may be useful in the treatment of melanocytopenic disorders, but caution may be necessary in patients with disorders of melanocyte proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Grichnik
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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39
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Deutsch M, Crawford J, Leopold K, Wolfe W, Foster W, Herndon J, Blackwell S, Yost R. Phase II study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy with thoracotomy in the treatment of clinically staged IIIA non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer 1994; 74:1243-52. [PMID: 8055445 DOI: 10.1002/1097-0142(19940815)74:4<1243::aid-cncr2820740411>3.0.co;2-d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of administering to patients induction chemotherapy with carboplatin and etoposide (VP-16), followed by full-course radiation therapy and weekly carboplatin with tolerable toxicity as preoperative therapy to down-stage disease thus allowing the resection of clinically staged IIIA non-small cell lung cancer. METHODS Twenty-eight eligible patients with good performance status and previously untreated, marginally resectable stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer received induction chemotherapy with carboplatin (dosed per the Egorin formulation), and VP-16 (100 mg/m2) followed by 6000 cGy of chest radiotherapy over six weeks administered concurrently with weekly doses of 100 mg/m2 of carboplatin. Patients who had either responsive or stable disease underwent thoracotomy, with attempted surgical resection of the primary lung lesion and the areas of abnormal adenopathy. Procedures involving less than a pneumonectomy were used whenever feasible. RESULTS Fifty-two cycles of induction chemotherapy were administered. The average initial dose of carboplatin was 407 mg/m2. Toxicity was tolerable with grade 3-4 neutropenia and/or thrombocytopenia in 48 and 27% of the patients. There were no septic deaths. Full-dose radiotherapy was administered to 82% of patients, with 73% receiving at least five weekly doses of carboplatin. The radiographically assessed response rate to the neoadjuvant treatment was 64% (partial response, 46%; minimal response, 18%). Sixteen patients underwent gross tumor resection with 12 (43%) having negative pathologic margins. Six patients had pneumonectomy. There were three perioperative deaths (19%); two were secondary to respiratory failure after the patients underwent a pneumonectomy. The median survival for all 28 patients was 15 months, and for the 16 patients undergoing thoracotomy was 23 months. Eight patients were alive and in remission, with follow-up ranging from 8 to 31 months. CONCLUSIONS The authors conclude that (1) carboplatin and VP-16, followed by full-dose radiotherapy with weekly carboplatin administration, is a well tolerated and effective regimen in the treatment of patients with marginally resectable stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer; and (2) full-course radiotherapy can be administered before surgical resection without additional surgical morbidity or mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Deutsch
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
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40
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Abstract
We performed a review of all patients with frontoethmoidal meningoencephaloceles (FEME) in whom frontal sinus development would be expected to be complete. Frontal sinus absence is the predominant finding. The potential role of the FEME in producing a structural blockage to normal frontal sinus development is suggested. Surgical correction of the encephalocele should include augmentation of the glabella to compensate for the combined effects of the FEME and the surgical osteotomies in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Moore
- Australian Cranio-Facial Unit, Adelaide Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia
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41
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Deutsch MA, Leopold KA, Crawford J, Wolfe W, Foster W, Blackwell S, Yost R. Carboplatin, etoposide, and radiotherapy, followed by surgery, for the treatment of marginally resectable non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 1993; 19 Suppl C:53-62. [PMID: 8221717 DOI: 10.1016/0305-7372(93)90048-v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The present study was undertaken in order to determine the feasibility and efficacy of induction chemotherapy with carboplatin and etoposide, followed by weekly carboplatin and full-course radiotherapy as pre-operative therapy for marginally resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Twenty-eight patients with good Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ratings and stage IIIA NSCLC received induction chemotherapy with carboplatin (dose computed with the Egorin formula, days 1 and 29) and etoposide (100 mg/m2/day, days 1 through 3 and 29 through 31). This was followed by 100 mg/m2 weekly carboplatin given over 6 weeks, concurrently with 60 Gy radiotherapy. Patients with either responsive or stable disease underwent thoracotomy 4 weeks after the completion of combined-modality therapy. All 28 patients received the first chemotherapy cycle (average carboplatin dose, 407 mg/m2; range, 195 to 586 mg/m2). World Health Organization (WHO) grade 3/4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were observed in 53 and 34% of patients, respectively. There were three febrile neutropenic episodes, but no septic deaths. Five patients (18%) required dose reductions prior to the second chemotherapy cycle, but the dose intensity of carboplatin was maintained (average dose, 390 mg/m2; range, 195 to 586 mg/m2). In all, 82% of patients received full-dose radiotherapy, and 73% received at least five of six planned concurrent weekly carboplatin doses. Carboplatin doses were most frequently delayed for thrombocytopenia and/or leukopenia. Carboplatin did not increase the incidence of radiation-induced esophagitis. Only three patients required interruption of radiotherapy, for esophagitis (two patients) and persistent thrombocytopenia (one patient). The response rate to pre-operative therapy was 64%. In this study, we demonstrated the ability to deliver escalated doses of carboplatin with standard-dose etoposide as induction chemotherapy with reasonable myelotoxicity. The combined-modality therapy was well tolerated, and the addition of weekly carboplatin did not result in increased radiation-related toxicity. This neoadjuvant regimen is active in the treatment of locally advanced NSCLC, and compares favorably to other cisplatin-based regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Deutsch
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
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Rimer BK, Herman D, Crawford J, Blackwell S. Lung cancer in North Carolina. N C Med J 1993; 54:334-340. [PMID: 8394512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- B K Rimer
- Cancer Prevention, Detection, and Control Research, Duke University Medical Center, Durham 27710
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Abstract
Nutritional assessment parameters were studied in a sample of 132 community-living well elderly. Results are presented for biochemical parameters of serum albumin, hemoglobin, and total lymphocyte count and anthropometric parameters of height, weight, mid-arm circumference, and triceps skinfold. The data show that, although there are some differences between age groups (young-old and old-old), all values remain well within normal limits established for younger individuals.
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Smith DE, Christodoulidis DC, Kolenkiewicz R, Dunn PJ, Klosko SM, Torrence MH, Fricke S, Blackwell S. A global geodetic reference frame from LAGEOS ranging (SL5.1AP). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1985. [DOI: 10.1029/jb090ib11p09221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Price KP, Blackwell S. Trait levels of anxiety and psychological responses to stress in migraineurs and normal controls. J Clin Psychol 1980; 36:658-60. [PMID: 7410562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Compared migraine headache suffers and matched normal controls on the Zung Depression Inventory, Eysenck Personality Inventory, Spielberger Trait Anxiety Inventory, Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale and the Health Locus of Control. In addition Ss viewed a film of a subincision ceremony and completed a post-film questionnaire. Migraineurs scored significantly higher than the controls on the TMAS, STAI and EPI Lie scale and rated the subincision film as significantly less unpleasant than did the controls. These results confirm earlier reports that migraineurs have higher levels of trait anxiety than normals and support the traditional description of migraineurs as inhibiting the expression of their feelings.
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