Effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease: a prespecified secondary analysis from the empa-kidney trial

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce progression of chronic kidney disease and the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a wide range of patients. However, their effects on kidney disease progression in some patients with chronic kidney disease are unclear because few clinical kidney outcomes occurred among such patients in the completed trials. In particular, some guidelines stratify their level of recommendation about who should be treated with SGLT2 inhibitors based on diabetes status and albuminuria. We aimed to assess the effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease both overall and among specific types of participants in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA), and included individuals aged 18 years or older with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or with an eGFR of 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher. We explored the effects of 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily versus placebo on the annualised rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR slope), a tertiary outcome. We studied the acute slope (from randomisation to 2 months) and chronic slope (from 2 months onwards) separately, using shared parameter models to estimate the latter. Analyses were done in all randomly assigned participants by intention to treat. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and then followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroups of eGFR included 2282 (34·5%) participants with an eGFR of less than 30 mL/min per 1·73 m2, 2928 (44·3%) with an eGFR of 30 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, and 1399 (21·2%) with an eGFR 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2 or higher. Prespecified subgroups of uACR included 1328 (20·1%) with a uACR of less than 30 mg/g, 1864 (28·2%) with a uACR of 30 to 300 mg/g, and 3417 (51·7%) with a uACR of more than 300 mg/g. Overall, allocation to empagliflozin caused an acute 2·12 mL/min per 1·73 m2 (95% CI 1·83-2·41) reduction in eGFR, equivalent to a 6% (5-6) dip in the first 2 months. After this, it halved the chronic slope from -2·75 to -1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (relative difference 50%, 95% CI 42-58). The absolute and relative benefits of empagliflozin on the magnitude of the chronic slope varied significantly depending on diabetes status and baseline levels of eGFR and uACR. In particular, the absolute difference in chronic slopes was lower in patients with lower baseline uACR, but because this group progressed more slowly than those with higher uACR, this translated to a larger relative difference in chronic slopes in this group (86% [36-136] reduction in the chronic slope among those with baseline uACR <30 mg/g compared with a 29% [19-38] reduction for those with baseline uACR ≥2000 mg/g; ptrend<0·0001).

INTERPRETATION

Empagliflozin slowed the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease among all types of participant in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial, including those with little albuminuria. Albuminuria alone should not be used to determine whether to treat with an SGLT2 inhibitor.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly.

Impact of primary kidney disease on the effects of empagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease: secondary analyses of the EMPA-KIDNEY trial

BACKGROUND

The EMPA-KIDNEY trial showed that empagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary composite outcome of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death in patients with chronic kidney disease mainly through slowing progression. We aimed to assess how effects of empagliflozin might differ by primary kidney disease across its broad population.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA). Patients were eligible if their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher at screening. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily or matching placebo. Effects on kidney disease progression (defined as a sustained ≥40% eGFR decline from randomisation, end-stage kidney disease, a sustained eGFR below 10 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or death from kidney failure) were assessed using prespecified Cox models, and eGFR slope analyses used shared parameter models. Subgroup comparisons were performed by including relevant interaction terms in models. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroupings by primary kidney disease included 2057 (31·1%) participants with diabetic kidney disease, 1669 (25·3%) with glomerular disease, 1445 (21·9%) with hypertensive or renovascular disease, and 1438 (21·8%) with other or unknown causes. Kidney disease progression occurred in 384 (11·6%) of 3304 patients in the empagliflozin group and 504 (15·2%) of 3305 patients in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·71 [95% CI 0·62-0·81]), with no evidence that the relative effect size varied significantly by primary kidney disease (pheterogeneity=0·62). The between-group difference in chronic eGFR slopes (ie, from 2 months to final follow-up) was 1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (95% CI 1·16-1·59), representing a 50% (42-58) reduction in the rate of chronic eGFR decline. This relative effect of empagliflozin on chronic eGFR slope was similar in analyses by different primary kidney diseases, including in explorations by type of glomerular disease and diabetes (p values for heterogeneity all >0·1).

INTERPRETATION

In a broad range of patients with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression, including a wide range of non-diabetic causes of chronic kidney disease, empagliflozin reduced risk of kidney disease progression. Relative effect sizes were broadly similar irrespective of the cause of primary kidney disease, suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors should be part of a standard of care to minimise risk of kidney failure in chronic kidney disease.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and UK Medical Research Council.

Mid- to long-term cardiac magnetic resonance findings in elite athletes recovered from COVID-19: results from an ongoing observational COVID-19 study at a German Olympic medical centre

INTRODUCTION

The cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) data on mid- to long-term myocardial damage due to COVID-19 infections in elite athletes are scarce. Therefore, this study investigated the mid -to long-term consequences of myocardial involvement after a COVID-19 infection in elite athletes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 27 athletes at the German Olympic Centre North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW)/Rhineland with a confirmed previous COVID-19 infection between January 2020 and October 2021. The athletes were part of an ongoing observational COVID-19 study at the Institute of Cardiology and Sports Medicine Cologne at the German Sport University (DSHS).Nine healthy non-athletes with no prior COVID-19 illness served as controls. CMR was performed within a mean of 182 days (standard deviation [SD] 99) of the initial positive test result.

RESULTS

CMR did not reveal any signs of acute myocarditis (according to the current Lake Louise criteria) or myocardial damage in any of the 26 elite athletes with previous COVID-19 infection. Of these athletes, 92% experienced a symptomatic course, and 54% reported symptoms lasting for more than 4 weeks. One male athlete was excluded from the analysis because CMR revealed an arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). Athletes had significantly enlarged left and right ventricle volumes and increased left ventricular myocardial mass in comparison to the healthy control group (LVEDVi 103.4 vs 91.1 ml/m2, p = 0.031; RVEDVi 104.1 vs 86.6 ml/m2, p = 0.007; LVMi 59.0 vs 46.2 g/m2, p = 0.002). Only two cases of elevated high-sensitivity-Troponin were documented; in one, the participant had previously engaged in high-intensity training, and in the other, CMR revealed a diagnosis of an arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the risk for mid- to long-term myocardial damage is very low to negligible in elite athletes. Our results do not allow conclusions to be drawn regarding myocardial injury in the acute phase of infection nor about possible long-term myocardial effects in the general population.

DEGUM Recommendations on Diagnostic Puncture in Prenatal Medicine

Diagnostic puncture (amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, and fetal blood sampling) is an essential part of prenatal diagnostics and the only established and sufficiently scientifically evaluated possibility of diagnosing genetic diseases from pregnancy-specific cells. The number of diagnostic punctures in Germany, as in other countries, has fallen significantly. This is largely due to the introduction of first-trimester screening with further detailed ultrasound examination of the fetus and the analysis of cf-DNA (cell-free DNA) from maternal blood (noninvasive prenatal test - NIPT). On the other hand, knowledge about the incidence and appearance of genetic diseases has increased. The development of modern molecular genetic techniques (microarray and exome analysis) makes a differentiated investigation of these diseases increasingly possible. The requirements for education and counseling regarding these complex correlations have thus increased. The studies performed in recent years make it clear that diagnostic puncture performed in expert centers is associated with a low risk of complications. In particular, the procedure-related miscarriage risk hardly differs from the background risk for spontaneous abortion. In 2013, the Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (DEGUM) published recommendations on diagnostic puncture in prenatal medicine 1. The developments described above and new findings in recent years make it necessary to revise and reformulate these recommendations. The aim of this review is to compile important and current facts regarding prenatal medical puncture (including technique, complications, genetic examinations). It is intended to provide basic, comprehensive, and up-to-date information on diagnostic puncture in prenatal medicine. It replaces the publication from 2013 1.

Updated DEGUM Quality Requirements for the Basic Prenatal Screening Ultrasound Examination (DEGUM Level I) between 18 + 0 and 21 + 6 weeks of gestation

A precondition for the early detection of fetal abnormalities is the high quality of prenatal basic ultrasound (screening examination). The objective of ultrasound screening is the recognition of abnormal fetal growth and fetal anatomical anomalies. The prenatal detection of fetal abnormalities enables detailed prenatal counselling of parents, improved care at birth and potentially a reduction in morbidity and mortality. In the guidelines for maternity care in Germany ("Mutterschaftsrichtlinien"), the performance of basic ultrasound in pregnancy is not clearly defined. The required image documentation includes a few biometric measurements only. Therefore, adherence to a standard technique and the possibility of audit are limited, thus not necessarily resulting in high screening quality. In this update of the DEGUM quality requirements for level I screening ultrasound examination between 18 + 0 and 21 + 6 weeks of gestation, the required parameters, standard planes and required documentation are described in detail. The greater experience of gynecologists in the field of sonographic screening examinations and the use of a modern ultrasound technique allow improvement of the screening quality. This will improve the standard of basic ultrasound screening. Due to the enhanced standard of the DEGUM I examination, more pregnant women may benefit from a detailed ultrasound examination and specialized therapy in DEGUM level II and III centers. The required fetal structures are described in detail. This update of the requirements for level I DEGUM basic ultrasound examination between 18 + 0 and 21 + 6 weeks of gestation goes far beyond the guidelines for maternity care in Germany (the "Mutterschaftsrichtlinien") thereby elevating standards.

DEGUM, ÖGUM, SGUM and FMF Germany Recommendations for the Implementation of First-Trimester Screening, Detailed Ultrasound, Cell-Free DNA Screening and Diagnostic Procedures

First-trimester screening between 11 + 0 and 13 + 6 weeks with qualified prenatal counseling, detailed ultrasound, biochemical markers and maternal factors has become the basis for decisions about further examinations. It detects numerous structural and genetic anomalies. The inclusion of uterine artery Doppler and PlGF screens for preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Low-dose aspirin significantly reduces the prevalence of severe preterm eclampsia. Cut-off values define groups of high, intermediate and low probability. Prenatal counseling uses detection and false-positive rates to work out the individual need profile and the corresponding decision: no further diagnosis/screening - cell-free DNA screening - diagnostic procedure and genetic analysis. In pre-test counseling it must be recognized that the prevalence of trisomy 21, 18 or 13 is low in younger women, as in submicroscopic anomalies in every maternal age. Even with high specificities, the positive predictive values of screening tests for rare anomalies are low. In the general population trisomies and sex chromosome aneuploidies account for approximately 70 % of anomalies recognizable by conventional genetic analysis. Screen positive results of cfDNA tests have to be proven by diagnostic procedure and genetic diagnosis. In cases of inconclusive results a higher rate of genetic anomalies is detected. Procedure-related fetal loss rates after chorionic biopsy and amniocentesis performed by experts are lower than 1 to 2 in 1000. Counseling should include the possible detection of submicroscopic anomalies by comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH). At present, existing studies about screening for microdeletions and duplications do not provide reliable data to calculate sensitivities, false-positive rates and positive predictive values.

Fetal Skeletal Disorders

Skeletal disorders of the fetus are quite common. The incidence is about 5:1000 pregnancies. The disorders affect the extremities or parts of them (dysmelia), the whole skeleton (skeletal dysplasia), the skull (craniosynostosis) and the spine (dysostosis, caudal regression). About half of these diseases are complex. In the majority of cases the complex disorders are caused by single gene mutations or numeric or structural chromosomal aberrations. We explain the classification and diagnostic criteria for prenatal expert and screening ultrasound based on frequent disorders. The main diagnostic challenge concerning malformations of the limbs and craniosynostosis is to find out if they are isolated or symptoms of certain syndromes. In skeletal dysplasia it is clinically important to differentiate lethal entities from non-lethal.

So what really is user experience? An experimental study of user needs and emotional responses as underlying constructs

This driving simulator study extended knowledge on user experience using a strategy to mitigate distraction resulting from the use of in-vehicle information systems (IVISs). It examined the impact of system restrictions on users' needs, emotions and consequences of users' experience in terms of psychological reactance. In a repeated measures design, we asked 53 participants to perform secondary tasks with an IVIS while driving. Three versions of the system varied with respect to the number of operable functionalities. The more functionalities that were disabled while driving, the more negatively users rated the systems. Multilevel regression analyses of at least n = 155 data points revealed that drivers' need fulfilment predicted their emotions. Reactance depended on users' need fulfilment and emotions. Experienced autonomy mediated the relation between functional limitations and reactance. When developing interactive systems, one should focus on needs and be aware of potential unwanted consequences such as psychological reactance. Practitioner Summary: This driving simulator study highlights the importance of considering need fulfilment and users' emotions when developing an interactive system that provides high user experience. System restrictions could have negative consequences as users might show psychological reactance.

Cranial and cerebral signs in the diagnosis of spina bifida between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation: a German multicentre study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article is to study secondary cranial signs in fetuses with spina bifida in a precisely defined screening period between 18 + 0 and 22 + 0 weeks of gestation.

METHOD

On the basis of retrospective analysis of 627 fetuses with spina bifida, the value of indirect cranial and cerebral markers was assessed by well-trained ultrasonographers in 13 different prenatal centres in accordance with the ISUOG (International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology) guidelines on fetal neurosonography.

RESULTS

Open spina bifida was diagnosed in 98.9% of cases whereas 1.1% was closed spina bifida. Associated chromosomal abnormalities were found in 6.2%. The banana and lemon signs were evident in 97.1% and 88.6% of cases. Obliteration of the cisterna magna was seen in 96.7%. Cerebellar diameter, head circumference and biparietal diameter were below the 5th percentile in chromosomally normal fetuses in 72.5%, 69.7% and 52%, respectively. The width of the posterior horn of the lateral ventricle was above the 95th percentile in 57.7%. The secondary cranial and cerebral signs were dependent on fetal chromosome status and width of the posterior horn. Biparietal diameter was also dependent on the chromosome status with statistical significance p = 0.0068. Pregnancy was terminated in 89.6% of cases.

CONCLUSION

In standard measuring planes, lemon sign, banana sign and an inability to image the cistern magna are very reliable indirect ultrasound markers of spina bifida. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Hydrocephalus, agenesis of the corpus callosum, and cleft lip/palate represent frequent associations in fetuses with Peters' plus syndrome and B3GALTL mutations. Fetal PPS phenotypes, expanded by Dandy Walker cyst and encephalocele

OBJECTIVE

Fetal pathology aims to recognize syndromal patterns of anomalies for goal-directed mutation analyses, genetic counseling, and early prenatal diagnosis in consecutive pregnancies. Here, we report on five fetuses with Peters' plus syndrome (PPS) from two distinct families aborted after prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of hydrocephaly.

METHOD

We performed fetal autopsies and molecular analyses.

RESULTS

Among 44 fetuses with prenatally diagnosed hydrocephaly, four fetuses of 16 to 21 gestational weeks presented with additional cleft lip/palate and/or agenesis of the corpus callosum. Other features were growth retardation, hypertelorism, anomalies of the eyes, in part consistent with Peters' anterior chamber anomalies, mild brachymelia, brachydactyly, and also internal anomalies. Suspected PPS was confirmed by detection of B3GALTL mutation in these four fetuses and in one additional sib fetus, revealing homozygosity for the common c.660 + 1G > A donor splice site mutation in intron 8.

CONCLUSIONS

Autosomal-recessive PPS has not yet been diagnosed prenatally. We want to alert ultrasonographers to the diagnosis of this disorder in growth-retarded fetuses with (recurrent) hydrocephaly, agenesis of the corpus callosum, and cleft lip/palate and stress the more severe fetal manifestation, describing a first such case with additional Dandy-Walker cyst and occult meningoencephalocele.

Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of skeletal dysplasias

OBJECTIVE

To assess the types and numbers of cases, gestational age at specific prenatal diagnosis and diagnostic accuracy of the diagnosis of skeletal dysplasias in a prenatal population from a single tertiary center.

METHODS

This was a retrospective database review of type, prenatal and definitive postnatal diagnoses and gestational age at specific prenatal diagnosis of all cases of skeletal dysplasias from a mixed referral and screening population between 1985 and 2007. Prenatal diagnoses were grouped into 'correct ultrasound diagnosis' (complete concordance with postnatal pediatric or pathological findings) or 'partially correct ultrasound diagnosis' (skeletal dysplasias found postnatally to be a different one from that diagnosed prenatally).

RESULTS

We included 178 fetuses in this study, of which 176 had a prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of 'skeletal dysplasia'. In 160 cases the prenatal diagnosis of a skeletal dysplasia was confirmed; two cases with skeletal dysplasias identified postnatally had not been diagnosed prenatally, giving 162 fetuses with skeletal dysplasias in total. There were 23 different classifiable types of skeletal dysplasia. The specific diagnoses based on prenatal ultrasound examination alone were correct in 110/162 (67.9%) cases and partially correct in 50/162 (30.9%) cases, (160/162 overall, 98.8%). In 16 cases, skeletal dysplasia was diagnosed prenatally, but was not confirmed postnatally (n = 12 false positives) or the case was lost to follow-up (n = 4). The following skeletal dysplasias were recorded: thanatophoric dysplasia (35 diagnosed correctly prenatally of 40 overall), osteogenesis imperfecta (lethal and non-lethal, 31/35), short-rib dysplasias (5/10), chondroectodermal dysplasia Ellis-van Creveld (4/9), achondroplasia (7/9), achondrogenesis (7/8), campomelic dysplasia (6/8), asphyxiating thoracic dysplasia Jeune (3/7), hypochondrogenesis (1/6), diastrophic dysplasia (2/5), chondrodysplasia punctata (2/2), hypophosphatasia (0/2) as well as a further 7/21 cases with rare or unclassifiable skeletal dysplasias.

CONCLUSION

Prenatal diagnosis of skeletal dysplasias can present a considerable diagnostic challenge. However, a meticulous sonographic examination yields high overall detection. In the two most common disorders, thanatophoric dysplasia and osteogenesis imperfecta (25% and 22% of all cases, respectively), typical sonomorphology accounts for the high rates of completely correct prenatal diagnosis (88% and 89%, respectively) at the first diagnostic examination.

3D ultrasound in fetal spina bifida

3D ultrasound can be used to study the fetal spine, but skeletal mode can be inconclusive for the diagnosis of fetal spina bifida. We illustrate a diagnostic approach using 2D and 3D ultrasound and indicate possible pitfalls.

[Exercise in arterial hypertension]

Regular endurance training has established itself as a major therapeutic principle in the specter of nonpharmacological measures in arterial hypertension. An initial medical check as well as an adequate technique, dosage and intensity of the prescribed exercise training are mandatory. With respect to the concomitant pharmacological treatment, it should be considered that the beneficial effects of lifestyle modification will not be counteracted by the chosen antihypertensive drug but, ideally, synergistically supported. Based on the individual clinical situation, principally all antihypertensive drugs recommended by the current European guidelines, may be prescribed as mono- or combination therapy.beta-receptor blockers are especially capable of controlling excessive exercise-induced blood pressure increase; however, they have metabolic and exercise physiological limitations. The neutrality concerning metabolic and exercise physiological parameters as well as the positive profile of side effects favor ACE inhibitors, long-acting calcium channel blockers and especially AT(1) antagonists in physically active hypertensive patients with concomitant metabolic syndrome.

[Volume and electrolyte disturbances in endurance sport]

Long-lasting endurance exercise is associated with significant losses of fluid and sodium chloride, mainly due to sweat loss. To maintain endurance capacity and to avoid negative health consequences, endurance athletes should, therefore, drink fluids containing electrolytes during and after training or competition. In long-lasting endurance exercise it is recommended that athletes drink about 600-800 ml/h of fluid including adequate substitution of sodium. The excessive ingestion of fluid, however, brings about a danger of hyponatremia, which can be avoided by suitable measures. Body weight control is one of the parameters that should be carefully monitored before and after intensive endurance exercise.

Congenital atresia of the portal vein and extrahepatic portocaval shunt associated with benign neonatal hemangiomatosis, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and atrial septal defect

A rare case of congenital atresia of the portal vein and ductus venosus, extrahepatic portocaval shunt, benign neonatal hemangiomatosis, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and an atrial septal defect is reported. Twenty-two cases of congenital extrahepatic end-to-side shunts have been described before. Although additional anomalies are common in this type of shunt, hemangiomatosis has been described only once. Adrenal hyperplasia has never been reported in this anomaly.

Integrated effects of the vasodilating beta-blocker nebivolol on exercise performance, energy metabolism, cardiovascular and neurohormonal parameters in physically active patients with arterial hypertension

OBJECTIVE

The present study was designed to investigate the integrated effects of the beta-1-selective blocker with vasodilator properties, nebivolol, on systemic haemodynamics, neurohormones and energy metabolism as well as oxygen uptake and exercise performance in physically active patients with moderate essential hypertension (EH).

DESIGN AND METHODS

Eighteen physically active patients with moderate EH were included: age: 46.9 +/- 2.38 years, weight: 83.9 +/- 2.81 kg, blood pressure (BP): 155.8 +/- 3.90/102.5 +/- 1.86 mm Hg, heart rate: 73.6 +/- 2.98 min(-1). After a 14-day wash-out period a bicycle spiroergometry until exhaustion (WHO) was performed followed by a 45-min submaximal exercise test on the 2.5 mmol/l lactate-level 48 h later. Before, during and directly after exercise testing blood samples were taken. An identical protocol was repeated after a 6-week treatment period with 5 mg nebivolol/day.

RESULTS

Nebivolol treatment resulted in a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in systolic and diastolic BP and heart rate at rest and during maximal and submaximal exercise. Maximal physical work performance, blood lactate and rel. oxygen uptake (rel. VO(2)) before and after nebivolol treatment at rest and during maximal and submaximal exercise remained unaltered. Free fatty acid, free glycerol, plasma catecholamines, beta-endorphines and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) increased before and after treatment during maximal and submaximal exercise but remained unaltered by nebivolol treatment. In contrast, plasma ANP levels at rest were significantly higher in the presence of nebivolol, endothelin-1 levels were unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

Nebivolol was effective in the control of BP at rest and during exercise in patients with EH. Furthermore, nebivolol did not negatively affect lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and substrate flow. The explanation for the effects on ANP at rest remain elusive. This pharmacodynamic profile of nebivolol is potentially suitable in physically active patients with EH.

[CT angiography to determine the size of intracranial aneurysms before GDC therapy]

OBJECTIVE

To examine in a model and in clinical practice whether CT angiography (CTA) is suitable to determine the size of intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS

For an aneurysm model the contrast medium-filled balloon of an occlusion catheter was used. At different levels of filling images were obtained by both CTA and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). In the CT image the size of the simulated aneurysm was calculated from the CTA data at the workstation while from the DSA images it was performed by the DSA system with the use of both an external reference structure (two-ring method) and a stereotactic system (ANGIOLOG). In 7 patients, the size of the aneurysm was determined by CTA and DSA prior to aneurysm occlusion by means of guglielmi detachable coils (GDC therapy).

RESULTS

On the basis of 2 D reconstructions of the CT average size deviations in the XY plane of 1.6% and on the Z axis of 3.2% were determined. These errors increased to 3.4% (XY plane) and 5.6% (Z axis) with 3 D reconstructions. By use of the two-ring model, DSA gave an average size deviation of 3% while with the stereotactic system (ANGIOLOG) it was as high as 11%. In 6 of the 7 patients, the appropriate spiral size was chosen primarily after CTA measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

CTA enables the reliable determination of the size of an intracranial arterial aneurysm and in individual cases can give a better representation of an anatomic situation at the base of an aneurysm than DSA. Thus, CTA imaging of an aneurysm prior to GDC therapy is useful.

[Etiology of stomach carcinoma--opinions and facts--yesterday and today]

Recent research demonstrated that views on the etiology of gastric cancer, which had been considered true over decades do not correspond with the real situation. Therefore, efforts for primary prevention of gastric cancer could not be successful. The bacteria Helicobacter pylori is considered today to be an important but not the only etiologic factor of this disease. Eradication of this bacteria decreases the risk of gastric cancer.

[Endometrial carcinoma and vaginal ultrasound: studies of the diagnostic validity]

BACKGROUND

Up to now, there has been no effective diagnostic procedure for early diagnosis of endometrial cancer. During recent years, however, study results on transvaginal sonography (TVS) of the endometrium have been published recommending TVS as a screening method for early diagnosis of endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of TVS in measuring endometrial thickness and the resulting performance under screening conditions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with postmenopausal bleeding were included in a prospective blind diagnostic study. Endometrial thickness was measured with TVS before D&C. The histological findings of D&C were used as a control. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated after combining the separately and blindly determined findings.

RESULTS

The study comprised 195 patients. Endometrial cancer was diagnosed in 29 of these patients, a prevalence of 15%. The median endometrial thickness was 5.5 mm (0-10 mm) in women with endometrial cancer and 4 mm (0-15 mm) in women without cancer (p > 0.05 Mann-Whitney U-test). For a cut-off > or = 4 mm, the sensitivity is 62% and the specificity is 50%. The sensitivities and specificities for all cut-offs are displayed in a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The relationship between the positive predictive values and the different prevalences is demonstrated in another curve. Using the results of this and other comparable studies, only very low positive predictive values can be calculated (0.03-1.9%) with prevalences expected under screening conditions (0.02-0.12%).

CONCLUSION

Transvaginal sonography is not a useful method in early diagnosis of endometrial cancer.

[Familial akinesia-hypokinesia sequence (Pena-Shokier phenotype)]

The Pena Shokeir phenotype (PSP) is characterised by multiple ankyloses, camptodactyly, facial dysmorphisms and lung hypoplasia with hydramnios. The basic neuromuscular defect leads, through a fetal hypokinesia-akinesia, to the development of this nonspecific phenotype and a respiratory insufficiency with early postnatal mortality. Severe central nervous anomalies are described in one-third of the reported cases. In this paper a foetus with PSP and 4 further foetuses with severe cerebral malformations and only discrete lung hypoplasia are described. It is not clear whether the cerebral malformations represent a primary or secondary developmental defect.

Vigabatrin--plasma enantiomer concentrations and clinical effects

Plasma concentrations of the [R]- and [S]- enantiomers of the new anticonvulsant vigabatrin were measured by an enantiospecific gas-liquid chromatographic assay in a group of therapy-resistant epileptic patients in whom racemic vigabatrin was added to their existing antiepileptic drug regimens. The peak plasma concentrations of the biologically active [S]-enantiomer of vigabatrin were correlated with those of the [R]-enantiomer, with drug dose, seizure frequency and change in score on various tests of psychological function administered prior to and when the subjects were under steady-state conditions following vigabatrin therapy. Plasma [S]-vigabatrin concentrations correlated with drug dose, [R]-vigabatrin concentration and change in score of certain psychological tests reflecting verbal memory, recall and speed of information processing. No definite pharmacokinetic interactions were detected, though plasma phenobarbitone concentrations tended to fall during vigabatrin administration. There were too few data to assess the relation between [S]-vigabatrin concentrations and seizure frequency.

[Negligence of the physician's duty to care during "therapeutic local anesthesia"]

Therapeutic local anaesthesia, although a seemingly simple procedure, requires informed consent by the patient as well as proper indication and careful execution. Four cases selected from a medico-legal experience illustrate some severe complications. Nausea, dyspnoea and respiratory arrest (anaphylactic shock) occurred in a 34-year-old woman shortly after injection of 0.5% Bupivacaine into the paravertebral musculature for the treatment of acute neck pain. She had to be hospitalized for 18 days, at times requiring mechanical ventilation. Three other patients (women aged 40, 43 and 52 years, respectively) developed a pneumothorax after supposedly intramuscular injection of a local anaesthetic. They were hospitalized for 7 to 12 days for treatment by drainage. Anatomical variations were excluded by ultrasound in the 40- and 43-year-old patients. These case reports demonstrate that doctors performing such procedures do not always possess the necessary anatomical knowledge, and the possible occurrence of complications is underestimated.

Parvovirus B19 infection of the fetus. Histology and in situ hybridization

Fetal tissues from 16 spontaneous abortions, two terminations, and one perinatal death, 18 of which were associated with maternal human parvovirus B19 infection, were examined for B19 infection by histology and in situ hybridization using a digoxigenin-labeled B19-DNA probe. In 15 spontaneous abortions and one termination, erythroblasts with intranuclear inclusions (lantern cells) reacted with B19-DNA by in situ hybridization. No internal or external fetal malformations were observed. Because 13 (86.7%) spontaneous abortions with lantern cells occurred between the 20th and 28th weeks of gestation, it is postulated that B19 infection may be a particular threat to the fetus during this stage of gestation.

[Destructive bladder mole--follow-up by human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography (DSA)]

A case report of a mola destruens is presented including the clinical monitoring and the therapeutical conclusions. Control parameters were the HCG, ultrasound and DSA. The DSA in a new and improved technique, provided helpful information during a critical phase of the disease, when changing from mono- to polychemotherapy was necessary. Furthermore, the excellent vascular mapping enables planning of radiological interventions. In case of tumour bleeding hysterectomy can be avoided by embolisation. There may thus be more time for conservative treatment by chemotherapy.

Successful intrauterine treatment of fetal hydrops caused by parvovirus B19 infection

The infection with parvovirus B19 during pregnancy causes in 1/3 of the cases an aplastic crisis in the fetus and consecutively generalized fetal hydrops as a result of severe anemia. Some cases of fetal hydrops and intrauterine death are reported. In our two cases, the fetal therapy by intrauterine intravasal transfusion was successful and the children developed normal. The techniques and indications for fetal blood sampling and the method of intrauterine intravasal transfusion are explained.

[Clostridium infection in the puerperium following cesarean section]

Clostridium perfringens infections in the puerperal period are rare. A 22-year old patient, after caesarean section at another hospital, was admitted to our clinic showing clinical signs of haemolysis, slight uraemia, a crepitation of tissue and sonographical signs of air bubble formation in the uterus. Since clostridium perfringens infections show a high mortality rate, early operative measures under high-dose Penicillin treatment are indicated. In this case, hysterectomy and salpingectomy were performed. Both ovaries were unaffected and could be conserved. In addition, a peritoneal lavage was done. Our patient was discharged as cured after a postoperative course without any complications. There is no evidence in the literature for the efficacy of either antitoxin treatment or a high oxygen therapy.

[Sonographic diagnosis of a case of type 1 achondrogenesis in the 2d trimester]

The authors report on a prenatal ultrasonic diagnosis of lethal osteochondrodysplasia achondrogenesis type I (Parenti-Fraccaro) in the 17th week of pregnancy. The prenatal findings were confirmed by necropsy after termination of the pregnancy. The possibility to recognize lethal skeletal disorders early in pregnancy is discussed as well as the patho-anatomical criteria and possible patho-physiological mechanisms of achondrogenesis.