LAD2 mast cell activation test associates with the reaction severity and diagnoses BAT nonresponders in Hymenoptera venom allergy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The usefulness of the mast cell activation test (MAT) in diagnosing patients with uninterpretable basophil activation test (BAT) caused by nonresponding basophils has not yet been addressed. It should be further evaluated if the results of MAT are associated with the severity of the allergic reaction.

METHODS

We recruited 39 Hymenoptera venom allergic (HVA) patients, 22 non-sensitized controls, and 37 BAT nonresponding HVA patients. Specific IgE levels for honey bee venom (HBV), yellow jacket venom (YJV) and total IgEs were quantified using the Immulite system. BAT and MAT with LAD2 cells in response to HBV and YJV were performed.

RESULTS

We first optimized the susceptibility of LAD2 cells to IgE-mediated degranulation in HVA and showed that prestimulation with IL-33 and IL-6 significantly increased the LAD2 cells´ responsiveness to allergen stimulation (P<0.01). LAD2 MAT results correlated with BAT results, and patients with severe sting reactions (Mueller grades IV or III) had a median 2-fold higher LAD2 MAT than the patients with nonsevere sting reactions (Mueller grades II, I or LLR) (P<0.05). Further, LAD2 MAT provided conclusive results in 54.1% (20 of 37) of HVA patients with nonresponding basophils in the BAT.

CONCLUSION

The LAD2 MAT represents a new diagnostic tool for HVA patients with nonresponding basophils. Further, LAD2 MAT can identify patients at risk of severe sting reactions and thus can help guide recommendations for venom immunotherapy and improve the management of patients with HVA.

P4784Efficacy and safety of dronedarone by duration of atrial fibrillation history: a post-hoc analysis of the ATHENA trial

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is known to progress over time and the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic therapy may vary based on the duration of a patient's AF history. Outcomes with dronedarone (DRO) based on duration of AF/atrial flutter (AFL) history have not been previously characterized.

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of DRO by time since first known AF/AFL episode in patients studied in the ATHENA trial.

Methods

2859 (61.8%) patients from ATHENA with documented first known AF/AFL episode (of 4628 total patients randomized) were included in the analysis. Among these patients, first AF/AFL episode was reported at <3 months (shorter history), 3 to <24 months (intermediate), and ≥24 months (longer) in 1296 (45.3%), 845 (29.6%) and 718 (25.1%) patients, respectively. AF/AFL recurrence was evaluated in patients in sinus rhythm at baseline by ECG during study visits or symptom recurrence.

Results

Demographics (age, sex) were similar across all groups. Patients with longer AF/AFL history tended to have higher prevalence of coronary heart disease and structural heart disease; and were more likely to have AF/AFL (by 12-lead ECG) at baseline (30%) compared to 26% and 16% for intermediate and shorter history groups. Patients with a longer AF history likely had a prior ablation for AF/AFL (7%) vs patients with an intermediate (2%) or shorter AF/AFL history (1%), and more likely required cardioversion during the study (24%) vs intermediate (17%) and shorter history groups (11%). Outcomes and efficacy are reported in Table 1. Rates of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), serious TEAEs, permanent drug discontinuations, and deaths were similar across all AF/AFL groups.

Table 1. Outcomes and efficacy summary Relative Risk, dronedarone (DRO) vs placebo (PBO)1 (95% CI)1,2 AF/AFL <3 months AF/AFL 3 to <24 months AF/AFL ≥24 months PBO (n=626) DRO (n=670) PBO (n=429) DRO (n=416) PBO (n=363) DRO (n=355) First CV hospitalization3 or death (any cause) 0.79 (0.65, 0.96) 0.72 (0.56, 0.92) 0.84 (0.66, 1.07) First CV hospitalization 0.78 (0.64, 0.96) 0.70 (0.55, 0.91) 0.82 (0.63, 1.05) Death (any cause) 0.82 (0.54, 1.24) 0.85 (0.43, 1.68) 1.13 (0.61, 2.10) First AF/AFL recurrence4 0.80 (0.65, 0.97) 0.67 (0.53, 0.84) 0.81 (0.65, 1.02) 1Cox regression model. 2On study period, all randomized patients. 3Main reason was AF/other supraventricular rhythm disorders. 4On selected patients in sinus rhythm at baseline (AF/AFL <3 months: PBO n=514, DRO n=529; 3 to <24 months: PBO n=288, DRO n=312; ≥24 months: PBO n=252, DRO n=250). CV = Cardiovascular.

Conclusions

Nearly half the patients in ATHENA had a shorter history (<3 months) of AF/AFL prior to randomization. Patients with a longer history of AF/AFL had a greater burden of AF/AFL based on baseline rhythm status, ablation history, and cardioversions required post randomization. Despite these differences, clinical outcomes, efficacy, and safety of DRO appeared to be generally consistent irrespective of duration of AF/AFL history.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Sanofi, New York, New York, United States of America

P1034Impact of ablation status on the efficacy and safety of dronedarone in patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter: a post-hoc analysis of the ATHENA trial

Background

Despite increasing use of ablation for atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF/AFL), few systematic data exist on the use of dronedarone and other antiarrhythmic drugs after ablation.

Purpose

To assess efficacy and safety of dronedarone after ablation in patients with paroxysmal/persistent AF/AFL randomized to dronedarone or placebo in the ATHENA trial (NCT00174785).

Methods

In ATHENA, 196 patients (dronedarone 90, placebo 106) had an ablation for AF/AFL prior to study entry. AF/AFL recurrence was evaluated in patients in sinus rhythm at baseline (dronedarone 63, placebo 65) by ECG during study visits or symptom recurrence.

Results

Ablated vs non-ablated patients were more likely to be male, have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator or pacemaker implanted, or be receiving an oral anticoagulant. Fewer ablated patients had an AF/AFL recurrence with dronedarone (36 [57%]) than with placebo (46 [71%]). Median time to first AF/AFL recurrence was significantly longer with dronedarone versus placebo (561 versus 180 days; hazard ratio 0.65 [95% CI 0.42–1.00], p<0.05; Fig 1). Time to first cardiovascular hospitalization or death was similar with dronedarone versus placebo (hazard ratio 0.98 [0.62–1.53]). On-treatment rates of treatment-emergent adverse events with dronedarone versus placebo were 83.1 versus 75.5%, serious treatment-emergent adverse events were 27.0 versus 18.9%, permanent drug discontinuations were 10.1 versus 15.1%, and deaths were 0 versus 1.9%.

Conclusions

Dronedarone delayed AF/AFL recurrence in patients with a prior AF/AFL ablation. Safety outcomes were consistent with the overall ATHENA trial. Adequately sized prospective studies are needed to confirm these observations. Given the sparsity of data for antiarrhythmic drugs after ablation, this retrospective analysis has merit and is useful for hypothesis generation.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Sanofi, New York, New York, Unites States of America

P1903Efficacy and safety of dronedarone after recent cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter: a post-hoc analysis of the EURIDIS/ADONIS trials

Background

Cardioversion is commonly performed prior to antiarrhythmic drug initiation for atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF). There are limited data describing baseline differences in patients requiring cardioversion to maintain sinus rhythm compared to those who do not. Likewise, response to antiarrhythmic drugs, including dronedarone, specifically in patients requiring cardioversion has not been well defined.

Purpose

To evaluate efficacy and safety of dronedarone versus placebo in patients with non-permanent AF who had cardioversion within 5 days prior to randomization in EURIDIS/ADONIS.

Methods

To qualify for enrolment in EURIDIS/ADONIS patients were required to be in sinus rhythm for at least 1 hour preceding randomization. Of 1237 patients randomized (2:1 dronedarone to placebo), 364 needed cardioversion for study entry (dronedarone 243, placebo 121). AF recurrence was evaluated by ECG obtained during study visits, scheduled transtelephonic monitoring, or at symptom recurrence.

Results

Cardioversion patients were more likely to have rheumatic heart disease, valvular heart disease, any structural heart disease, and heart failure. Nonetheless, the median time to 1st AF recurrence was longer for dronedarone versus placebo both in cardioversion patients (50 versus 15 days, hazard ratio 0.76, 95% CI 0.59, 0.97) and no cardioversion patients (150 versus 77 days, hazard ratio 0.76, 95% CI 0.64, 0.90), as was time to 1st symptomatic recurrence (cardioversion: 347 versus 87 days, hazard ratio 0.65, 95% CI 0.49, 0.87; no cardioversion: 288 versus 120 days, hazard ratio 0.74, 95% CI 0.62, 0.90) (Figure 1). There was a trend towards fewer 1st AF hospitalizations within 12 months for dronedarone versus placebo (7.8 versus 12.4%, hazard ratio 0.60, 95% CI 0.31, 1.18 in cardioversion patients; 8.4 versus 10.4%, hazard ratio 0.74, 95% CI 0.47, 1.17 in no cardioversion patients). In cardioversion patients, rates of treatment-emergent adverse events with dronedarone versus placebo were 64 versus 66%, serious treatment-emergent adverse events were 19 versus 26%, permanent discontinuations were 9 versus 6%, and deaths were 0 versus 1%.

Conclusions

1) Cardioversion-requiring patients have more baseline structural heart disease and overall shorter time to AF recurrence. 2) Dronedarone effectively delayed 1st AF recurrence versus placebo in patients with or without recent cardioversion. 3) Safety of dronedarone in cardioversion patients was similar to placebo and overall observations from EURIDIS/ADONIS despite baseline differences in comorbidities.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Sanofi, New York, New York, United States of America

The combined effect of tranilast 8% liposomal gel on the final cosmesis of acne scarring in patients concomitantly treated by isotretinoin: prospective, double-blind, split-face study

BACKGROUND

Tranilast [N-(3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl) anthranilic acid] has never been investigated for the prevention and treatment of acne scars.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tranilast 8% gel in improving the final appearance of patients with acne scarring concomitantly treated by isotretinoin.

METHODS

This was a prospective, double-blind, split-face study, which enrolled 40 otherwise healthy participants (aged 18-49 years) with facial acne scars. For each patient, one half of the face were treated with tranilast 8% liposomal gel and the other half with a water-based placebo. Using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), acne scars were evaluated by two dermatologists and by the patients, and the patients also rated their satisfaction with the treatment and reported adverse effects.

RESULTS

In total, 32 participants completed the trial. The mean GAIS scores at 5 months post-treatment were significantly lower (better outcome) for the tranilast-treated side than the placebo-treated areas in patients concomitantly treated with isotretinoin (P < 0.001). All the isotretinoin-treated patients reported greater satisfaction and better general improvement in the skin's appearance and texture, and also greater improvement of pigment and redness on the tranilast 8% gel-treated side compared with the control side.

CONCLUSION

Combined topical application of tranilast 8% gel twice daily with oral isotretinoin treatment in the active phase of acne vulgaris may result in fewer scars, finer skin texture and enhanced appearance.

Quantitative, Absolute Count-Based T-Cell Analysis of CD69 Upregulation as a New Methodology for In Vitro Diagnosis of Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Reaction to Nickel

BACKGROUND

T cells play a major role in delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions. Their reactivity can be assessed by measuring the upregulation of the activation marker CD69, followed by assessment of proliferation and cytokine production. The aim of our study was to develop a novel, whole blood-based, quantitative, absolute count activation index (AI) for analysis of CD69 upregulation in various subsets of T cells in nickel-hypersensitive patients and compare it with previously reported approaches.

METHODS

The study population comprised 10 patients with nickel allergy and 9 healthy controls. CD69 expression of CD3+, CD3+CD4+, and CD3+CD8+ T cells in heparinized blood was determined with flow cytometry after incubation with nickel sulfate for 48 hours. The absolute count of CD69+ cells was determined using microbeads. Production of the cytokines IL-2, IL-5, IL-13, and IFN-γ was determined after stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with nickel sulfate for 48 hours.

RESULTS

We showed absolute AI to be the most sensitive approach. The index was calculated as the ratio of the absolute count of nickel-stimulated CD69-positive T cells to the absolute count of CD69-positive T cells in nonstimulated blood. This novel quantitative approach was more discriminative than previously reported approaches in which the T-cell CD69 percentage AI and cytokine production are measured.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that measuring the absolute CD69 AI is a novel and accurate approach for quantification of antigen-specific T cells in the blood of patients with hypersensitivity reactions to nickel. This approach may be useful for better in vitro assessment of patients with delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions.

Deleterious mutation in the FYB gene is associated with congenital autosomal recessive small-platelet thrombocytopenia

BACKGROUND

The FYB gene encodes adhesion and degranulation-promoting adaptor protein (ADAP), a hematopoietic-specific protein involved in platelet activation, cell motility and proliferation, and integrin-mediated cell adhesion. No ADAP-related diseases have been described in humans, but ADAP-deficient mice have mild thrombocytopenia and increased rebleeding from tail wounds.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied a previously reported family of five children from two consanguineous sibships of Arab Christian descent affected with a novel autosomal recessive bleeding disorder with small-platelet thrombocytopenia. Homozygosity mapping and exome sequencing were used to identify the genetic lesion causing the disease phenotype on chromosome 5. Bone-marrow morphology and platelet function were analyzed. Platelets were characterized by scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

We identified a homozygous deleterious nonsense mutation, c.393G>A, in FYB. A reduced percentage of mature megakaryocytes was found in the bone marrow. Patients' platelets showed increased basal expression of P-selectin and PAC-1, and reduced increments of activation markers after stimulation with ADP, as detected by flow cytometry; they also showed reduced pseudopodium formation and the presence of trapped platelets between the fibrin fibers after thrombin addition, as observed on scanning electron microscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report of a disease caused by an FYB defect in humans, manifested by remarkable small-platelet thrombocytopenia and a significant bleeding tendency. The described phenotype shows ADAP to be important for normal platelet production, morphologic changes, and function. It is suggested that mutation analysis of this gene be included in the diagnosis of inherited thrombocytopenia.

An αIIb mutation in patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia located in the N-terminus of blade 1 of the β-propeller (Asn2Asp) disrupts a calcium binding site in blade 6

BACKGROUND

Studies of Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT)-causing mutations has generated invaluable information on the formation and function of integrin αIIbβ(3).

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the mutation in four siblings of an Israeli Arab family affected by GT, and to analyze the relationships between the mutant protein structure and its function using artificial mutations.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Sequencing disclosed a new A97G transversion in the αIIb gene predicting Asn2Asp substitution at blade 1 of the β-propeller. Alignment with other integrin α subunits revealed that Asn2 is highly conserved. No surface expression of αIIbβ(3) was found in patients' platelets and baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells transfected with mutated αIIb and WT β(3). Although the αIIbβ(3) was formed, the mutation impaired its intracellular trafficking. Molecular dynamics simulations and modeling of the αIIbβ(3) crystal indicated that the Asn2Asp mutation disrupts a hydrogen bond between Asn2 and Leu366 of a calcium binding domain in blade 6, thereby impairing calcium binding that is essential for intracellular trafficking of αIIbβ(3). Substitution of Asn2 to uncharged Ala or Gln partially decreased αIIbβ(3) surface expression, while substitution by negatively or positively charged residues completely abolished surface expression. Unlike αIIbβ(3), αVβ(3) harboring the Asn2Asp mutation was surface expressed by transfected BHK cells, which is consistent with the known lower sensitivity of αVβ(3) to calcium chelation compared with αIIbβ(3).

CONCLUSION

The new GT causing mutation highlights the importance of calcium binding domains in the β-propeller for intracellular trafficking of αIIbβ(3). The mechanism by which the mutation exerts its deleterious effect was elucidated by molecular dynamics.

Quick identification of febrile neonates with low risk for serious bacterial infection: an observational study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the possible usefulness of simple and quick criteria for identifying febrile neonates with low risk for serious bacterial infection (SBI).

DESIGN

All febrile neonates who were admitted between August 1998 and August 2003 to the Pediatric Emergency Department, HaEmek Medical Center, Afula, Israel, and to the Poriya Hospital, Tiberias, Israel, were included in the study. The recommended evaluation of each neonate included details of medical history and a complete physical examination, including blood culture, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white cell count (WBC), and analysis and culture of urine and cerebrospinal fluid. Other tests were carried out as necessary. Patients who met all the following criteria were considered to have low risk for SBI: (1) unremarkable medical history; (2) good appearance; (3) no focal physical signs of infection; (4) ESR <30 mm at the end of the first hour; (5) WBC 5000-15 000/mm(3); (6) a normal urine analysis by the dipstick method.

RESULTS

Complete data were available for 386 neonates. SBI was documented in 108 (28%) neonates, of whom 14% had a urinary tract infection, 9.3% had acute otitis media, 2.3% had pneumonia, 1.3% had cellulitis, 0.5% had bacterial meningitis and 0.5% had bacterial gastroenteritis. The overall incidence of SBI was 1 in 166 (0.6%) neonates who fulfilled the criteria compared with 107 in 220 (48.6%) in the neonates who did not fulfil the criteria (p<0.001). The negative predictive value for SBI of the combination of the low-risk criteria was 99.4% (95% confidence interval 99.35% to 99.45%).

CONCLUSIONS

Fulfillment of the criteria for low risk might be a reliable and useful tool for excluding SBI in febrile neonates.

Severe lymphedema of the arm as a potential cause of shoulder trauma

The aim of this study was to determine whether lymphedema of the arm is associated with traumatic injury to the shoulder and to assess the role of lymphatic physiotherapy in reducing disabling shoulder pain. The study group consisted of 10 women aged 58-81 years (mean 66.9) with arm lymphedema after surgery for breast cancer. The average interval between the operation and the appearance of lymphedema was 9.8 years. All patients complained of shoulder pain. Five patients had a tear in the supraspinatus muscle diagnosed by ultrasound examination, and 5 had chronic bursitis; the nonaffected arm showed no pathology. The mean volume of the affected arm was 568 ml greater. Treatment consisted of manual lymphatic drainage and intermittent sessions of pneumatic compression with the LymphaPress device. This led to an average decrease in arm volume of 170 ml, with improvement of arm mobility and a drastic reduction in shoulder pain. In conclusion, lymphedema of the arm can cause severe shoulder trauma, pain and disability. Proper physiotherapy can reduce these effects. Patients should be referred for early treatment and follow-up to avoid permanent damage to the shoulder muscles.

Rapid Antibody Response after Vaccination with a Virosomal Hepatitis A Vaccine

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to assess the early antibody kinetics after a priming dose, and the extent of the antibody increase after a booster dose of an inactivated virosomal hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccine (Epaxal).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was an open, uncontrolled study in 30 healthy subjects. The vaccine was injected intramuscularly on day 1 and month 12. Serum antibody titers were measured by ELISA on day 1 (pre dose) and at various time points thereafter until month 12 (pre-booster dose). After the booster dose, antibody titers were measured at various intervals until month 24. Neutralizing antibody titers were measured in 12 subjects a number of times during the 1st month by an antibody neutralization assay. Titers > or = 10 mIU/ml were considered seroprotective.

RESULTS

ELISA antibody titers showed a rapid increase post vaccination. By day 15, 96% of subjects were seroprotected, which increased to 100% by day 22 (n = 27 evaluable subjects, aged 18-43 years; 13 male, 14 female). All subjects achieved seroprotective HAV-neutralizing antibody titers by day 11 (n = 12). The booster vaccination at month 12 resulted in a strong response in all subjects, with a sustained anti-HAV antibody titer (1,155 mIU/ml) at month 24. Both the priming and booster doses were well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Primary vaccination with this virosomal HAV vaccine is well tolerated and induces a rapid HAV-neutralizing antibody response resulting in seroprotection in all subjects within 10 days. In addition, the booster vaccination results in prolonged seroprotective antibody levels.

Urinary tract infection: is there a need for routine renal ultrasonography?

AIMS

To assess the yield of routine renal ultrasound (RUS) in the management of young children hospitalised with first uncomplicated febrile urinary tract infection (UTI).

METHODS

All children aged 0-5 years who had been hospitalised over a two year period with first uncomplicated febrile UTI in a medium size institutional regional medical centre were included. Children with known urinary abnormalities and/or who had been treated with antibacterial agents within seven days before admission were excluded. All included children underwent renal ultrasonography during hospitalisation and voiding cystouretrography (VCUG) within 2-6 months. The yield of RUS was measured by its ability to detect renal abnormalities, its sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for detecting vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), and by its impact on UTI management.

RESULTS

Of 255 children that were included in the study, 33 children had mild to moderate renal pelvis dilatation on RUS suggesting VUR, of whom only nine had VUR on VCUG. On the other hand, in 36 children with VUR on VCUG the RUS was normal. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of abnormal RUS for detecting VUR were 17.7%, 87.6%, 23.5%, and 83.2% respectively. In none of the patients with abnormal RUS was a change in the management at or following hospitalisation needed.

CONCLUSION

Results show that the yield of RUS to the management of children with first uncomplicated UTI is questionable.

[Community acquired urinary tract infection among hospitalized children in northern Israel: pathogens, susceptibility patterns and urinary tract anomalies]

BACKGROUND

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common diseases in children. Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) has been demonstrated in a substantial number of young children with UTI. Empiric antibacterial therapy is recommended before results of the urine culture are available in order to shorten the duration of the disease and prevent renal complications.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence and susceptibility patterns of UTI pathogens, and urinary anomalies in children admitted with UTI.

METHODS

The study population included 151 children younger than 14 years admitted with first UTI. Renal ultrasound was performed in all the patients and voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) in children younger than 5 years. Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan was performed in children with vesicoureteral reflux. The data included age, sex, symptoms and signs, urinalysis, the pathogen and its sensitivity and the results of the imaging studies.

RESULTS

A total of 119 patients (79%) were females. Gram negative rods caused 98% of the infections, of which Escherichia coli (87%) was the most prevalent pathogen, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (4%), and Proteus mirabilis (4%). The sensitivities to antibacterial agents were: Amikacin 100%, ceftazidime 97%, gentamicin 96%, ceftriaxone 96%, cefuroxime 95%, amoxicillin-clavulanate 84%, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 63%, cephalexin 58%, and ampicillin 28%. Renal US showed minor abnormalities in 24/149 (16%) and VCUG demonstrated vesicoureteral reflux in 38/127 (30%) patients. DMSA revealed renal scars in 7/28 (25%) children with vesicoureteral reflux.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall Gram negative rods cause 98% of the UTI in hospitalized children in our area. E. coli is the leading pathogen and aminoglycosides and second or third generation cephalosporins are the most suitable agents for empiric therapy in UTI. A high incidence of renal scars in young children with vesicoureteral reflux was found.

[Hemoglobin level among infants in Akko sub-district]

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of anemia among infants born in 1995 within the Akko sub-district and to investigate the association between anemia and socio-demographic variables.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In 1995, 7920 children were born in the Akko sub-district. Recommendations for prophylactic doses of iron preparations were given to all the infants aged 4-12 months screened by the "Mother and Child" clinic's team. Procedures at the "Mother and Child" clinic require the clinic's nurses to perform a routine hemoglobin test for each child at the age of 12 months. Anemia was defined as a level of hemoglobin less than 11 g/dl. The chi-square test was used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

A hemoglobin test was performed on 5703 infants. The finding showed that 30.8% of these infants had a hemoglobin level below 11 g/dl, 24% had a hemoglobin level between 10.0-10.9 g/dl, 6%--between 9.0-9.9 g/dl and less then 1% of the infants had a level of hemoglobin below 9.0 g/dl. Statistical analysis was performed on the results obtained from 5535 infants of non-Jewish origin. An association was found between the rate of anemia and ethnicity (Arabs more than Druze, p = 0.02) and between the rate of anemia and the type of settlement (p = 0.001). Arab settlements of higher socio-economic level showed a lower rate of anemia than those of low socio-economic level. The highest rate of anemia was found within Bedouin settlements. The number of children in the family was significantly associated with anemia rates (p = 0.0005), showing dose response effect. There was inverse correlation between maternal education and anemia rate (p = 0.001). No association was found between birth weight and anemia rates.

CONCLUSIONS

A high rate of anemia was found among non-Jewish infants in the Akko sub-district. This finding indicates the necessity for an intervention program to reduce this high rate of anemia and its associated damage in order to facilitate the optimal psychomotor development of the children.

Steroid responsive nephrotic syndrome associated with bilateral renal dysplasia

Renal dysplasia is characterized by hypoplastic kidneys that contain elements of primitive tubules. Patients may develop end-stage renal failure early in life. Nephrotic syndrome is one of the most common renal diseases in childhood and may occur in association with renal dysplasia. We report a case of a child with bilateral dysplastic kidneys and steroid responsive nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). An association between renal dysplasia with chronic renal failure and SRNS has not previously been reported in the English literature.

[Treatment of traumatic false aneurysm of the thoracic aorta with stent graft]

The treatment of traumatic false aneurysm of the thoracic aorta by endovascular stent graft may have advantages over conventional surgery. This is a case study of two women suffering from false aneurysm of the thoracic aorta caused in one by a knife injury and in the other by a car accident. After the patients became hemodynamically stable, a commercially available endothelial stent graft (Talent, Gor) was deployed. Recovery was rapid in the first patient. The second patient required emergency laparotomy for venous bleeding one day after stent placement; she died two weeks later, mainly from organ failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular techniques can be used in selected cases to treat thoracic false aneurysms thereby avoiding the complexity and morbidity of conventional surgery.

Saphenous Vein Harvesting for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting. Retrospective Analysis of Possible Causes of Major Wound Complications in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease

OBJECTIVES

to retrospectively evaluate the possible reasons for major wound complications at the saphenous vein harvesting site in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

DESIGN

retrospective study.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

fifteen consecutive patients admitted to the vascular department for impaired healing at the saphenous vein harvesting site after successful coronary bypass artery grafting (CABG) (Group A) were evaluated for medical, perioperative, laboratory and pathological factors and outcome. Findings were compared with those in 15 matched controls followed in the outpatient clinic after CABG (Group B).

RESULTS

absence of pedal pulses in the affected leg was noted in 13 patients in group A and 3 patients in group B. Ankle brachial index ranged from 0.4--0.7 in group A and 1.7--1.1 in group B; corresponding ankle pressures were 40--100 mmHg (mean 60 mmHg) and 80--160 mmHg (mean 110 mmHg). All patients in group A had PAD, whereas none did in group B, and all patients in group A required intervention to save the leg. Wound healing was noted in 11 group A patients; four patients underwent below-knee amputation.

CONCLUSION

saphenous vein harvesting from limbs with severe PAD can lead to significant morbidity, including limb loss. In patients lacking a palpable pedal pulse, we recommend harvesting only the proximal saphenous vein.

Relation of nonobstructive aortic valve calcium to carotid arterial atherosclerosis

Recently it was shown that subjects with aortic valve calcium (AVC) are at increased risk for future cardiovascular disease including stroke. We hypothesized that the increased risk of stroke may be due to an association with carotid artery atherosclerotic disease. Between 1995 and 1999 our laboratory made a diagnosis of AVC without significant stenosis in 3,949 patients. Of those, 279 patients without other cardiac structural exclusion criteria (148 men and 131 women; mean age 73 +/- 9 years, range 45 to 90) underwent carotid artery duplex ultrasound for various indications, and formed the study group. Age- and sex-matched patients without AVC (n = 277), who underwent carotid artery duplex ultrasound during the same period and for the same indications, served as the control group. Compared with the control group, the AVC group had a significantly higher prevalence of carotid stenosis (> 40% to 60%, 89% vs 78% [p < 0.001]; >60% to 80%, 43% vs 23% [p <0.001];and > 80% to 100%, 32%vs 14% [p < 0.001]). The AVC group had a similar, significantly higher prevalence of > or = 2-vessel disease and bilateral carotid stenosis (stenosis levels of > 20% to 40%, >40% to 60%, > 60% to 80%, and > 80% to 100%). In multivariate analysis, AVC, but not traditional risk factors, was the only independent predictor of severe carotid atherosclerotic disease (stenosis > 80% to 100%; p = 0.0001). Thus, there is a significant association between the presence of AVC and carotid atherosclerotic disease.

Association between mitral annulus calcification and peripheral arterial atherosclerotic disease

The authors previously demonstrated a significant association between the presence of mitral annulus calcification (MAC) and aortic atheroma, carotid atherosclerotic disease, and coronary artery disease. The present study was designed to determine whether an association exists between MAC and peripheral arterial atherosclerotic disease. Of the 805 patients in whom the diagnosis of MAC was made by transthoracic echocardiography between 1995 and 1997, 77 patients (40 men and 37 women; mean age, 73.1 +/- 11.4 years; range, 44-90 years) underwent peripheral arterial testing for various indications, and comprised the study group. They were compared with 58 age-matched and sex-matched patients without MAC (30 men and 28 women; mean age, 73.2 +/- 11.8 years; range, 31-93 years) who underwent peripheral arterial testing during the same period for the same indications (control group). MAC was defined as a dense, localized, highly reflective area at the base of the posterior mitral leaflet detected by transthoracic echocardiography. An ankle/brachial systolic pressure index (ABI) was calculated by dividing the higher dorsalis pedis or posterior tibial Doppler-derived pressures by the higher of the 2 upper extremity systolic pressures. ABI was graded as follows: normal > or = 1, abnormal < 1, mild 0.71 to 0.99, moderate 0.41 to 0.7, and severe < or = 0.4. No differences were found between the groups in indications for referral for peripheral arterial testing and in risk factors for atherosclerosis except for hypertension, which was found to be significantly more prevalent in the study group (66% vs 41%, p = 0.004). The study group included 151 limbs, and the control group included 113 limbs. The mean ABI was significantly lower for all limbs in the MAC group (0.56 +/- 0.27 vs 0.87 +/- 0.24, p = 0.0001), abnormal ABI < 1 (94% vs 68%, p = 0.001), moderate peripheral arterial disease (44% vs 25%, p = 0.001), and a severe disease (27% vs 1%, p = 0.001). Of the 77 patients with MAC, 73 (95%) had a disease (right and/or left limbs) compared with 40 of 58 (69%) in the control group (p = 0.001). Bilateral disease (Doppler index < 1 for both right and left limbs), and severe bilateral disease (Doppler index < or = 0.4 for both right and left limb) were also found to be significantly more prevalent in the MAC group (87% vs 60%, p = 0.001; and 12% vs 0%, p = 0.007, respectively). There is a significant association between the presence of MAC and peripheral arterial disease. This information strengthens our hypothesis that MAC may be an important marker for generalized vascular atherosclerotic disease.

Lipedema complicated by lymphedema of the abdominal wall and lower limbs

We describe a 52 year-old woman in whom lymphedema primarily of the abdominal wall was superimposed on lipedema resulting in an abdomen of enormous dimensions with marked impairment of ambulation. Treatment consisted of preoperative compression of the legs by an external pneumatic device (Lympha-Press) followed by excision of the lymphedematous abdominal fat pad in conjunction with "debulking" of the right leg. The patient illustrates the extremes of lipedema complicated by lymphedema and the technical difficulties associated with its management.

Femorofemoral bypass, even in pregnancy--a case report

A 29-year-old pregnant woman sustained blunt, left lower abdominal trauma, with hip and pelvic fractures, and progressive dissection of an intimal flap in the left iliac artery, which manifested two days later as profound ischemia of the left leg. The patient underwent distal thromboembolectomy, fasciotomies and revascularization of the leg by femorofemoral polytetrafluoroethylene bypass. The patient recovered completely and gave normal birth three months later to a healthy child. Four years after the operation she gave uneventful birth to another child. Various considerations pertinent to this complex traumatic-vascular-gestational state are discussed.

System for measuring isolated rat soleus muscle belly response to tetanic stimulation

A novel system for simultaneous measurements of isotonic muscle contraction and transversal muscle belly displacement in the isolated rat soleus muscle was designed. The system simultaneously records tetanic contraction of the muscle and transversal displacements of the muscle belly. The tetanic rise times (TRT) and muscle belly displacement times (BDRT) were measured at different proton loads induced by CO2 at 1%, 5% and 30%. The measurements of muscle belly displacement enabled us to follow the water shift into the muscle tissue during the tetanic activity. Acidosis provoked by 30% CO2 irreversibly increased the BDRT, however the TRT were not changed.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, protein C deficiency, and beta-thalassemia major: report of two cases

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is an idiopathic osteonecrosis or avascular necrosis of the capital femoral epiphysis and the associated complications thereof occurring in an immature growing child. The association between osteonecrosis of the femoral head and thrombophilia was postulated by Glueck in 1994. We describe Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease associated with protein C deficiency and beta-thalassemia major in two children among a cohort of 79 beta-thalassemia patients treated in our clinic. The association of thrombophilia, aseptic necrosis of the femoral head, and beta-thalassemia has not been previously described in the literature.

Venous thromboembolism, factor V Leiden, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase in a sickle cell anemia patient

Vaso-occlusive crisis is the most common cause of morbidity in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA). Central nervous system involvement that leads to hemiplegia is the most frequent neurological complication in those patients. Peripheral deep venous thromboembolism was not reported in SCA patients. Activated protein C resistance is associated with an increased risk of thrombophilia. The authors report an SCA patient with recurrent cerebrovascular accident and deep venous thrombosis. Activated protein C resistance due to factor V Leiden heterozygous and heterozygocity for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase were diagnosed and suspected to be the risk factors that contribute to the development of the deep vein thrombosis in this SCA patient.

Use of the Muscle Pump Activator for Increasing Lower Limb Venous Flow Velocity

Objective:

To demonstrate the effect of a newly developed device, the Muscle Pump Activator, on venous flow velocity of the lower limbs.

Design:

Prospective study.

Setting:

Tertiary-care teaching hospital.

Subjects:

A group of 30 healthy volunteers.

Interventions:

The Muscle Pump Activator is a self-activated pedal device for use in the sitting position. Venous flow velocity was measured by duplex examination of the femoral vein at rest and during activation by the subject of the device. Subjective reports were also collected.

Results:

Venous flow velocity increased from 13.3 (SD 2.4) cm/s at rest to a maximum of 70.3 (SD 14.4) cm/s during 15 s of pedalling ( p<0.01). This represents an increase in flow of 439 (SD 12.4)%. Ease of use and comfort of the device were reported by all the volunteers.

Conclusions:

This Muscle Pump Activator significantly improves venous flow velocity and holds promise as a useful adjunctive modality for the prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis. It is easy to use and well tolerated. Studies are now needed in clincial settings with large groups of patients.

Campylobacter bacteremia and pneumonia in two splenectomized patients

Two patients with beta thalassemia who had undergone splenectomy for hypersplenism were admitted to the hospital with high fever and lobar pneumonia. Neither patient had gastrointestinal symptoms. Campylobacter bacteremia was diagnosed in both patients. Campylobacter jejuni was identified in the first patient and Campylobacter fetus in the second. Both patients were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and recovered fully.

Effect of hydroxyurea in sickle cell anemia: a clinical trial in children and teenagers with severe sickle cell anemia and sickle cell beta-thalassemia

This study evaluated the efficacy of hydroxyurea treatment in the prevention of vaso-occlusive crises among children and teenagers with severe sickle cell anemia and sickle cell beta-thalassemia. Nineteen children and young adults with severe sickle cell disease were enrolled to the hydroxyurea treatment trial. The incidence of vaso-occlusive crises, acute chest syndrome, hemolytic crises, splenic sequestration episodes, blood transfusions, and hospital days in the 2 years before hydroxyurea (HU) treatment were compared with the same parameters in the first 2 years of treatment. The patients received a mean dose of 21.3 mg/kg/day daily and were treated during a mean period of 40.3 +/- 14 months (range 20 to 68 months). Significant increases were observed after 1 month in the Hgb, MCV, MCH, and MCHC levels and were more notable after 3 months. The increase in the Hgb F level became important after 3 months of HU therapy and was highly significant (p < .001) beyond 6 months. No differences were observed in the RDW, reticulocyte count, Hgb S, and Hgb A2. Severe neutropenia was observed in one case. A decrease in the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises, acute chest syndrome, hemolytic crises, blood transfusions, and days spent in the hospital was demonstrated during the HU treatment period compared to the same period before. The clinical and laboratory response to HU was dramatic in severely affected sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients. The response to HU in children and teenagers with severe sickle cell anemia is similar to the response in adults, and no severe adverse effects were observed.

Association between mitral annulus calcification and carotid atherosclerotic disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been established that mitral annulus calcification (MAC) is an independent predictor of stroke, though a causative relationship was not proved, and that carotid artery atherosclerotic disease is also associated with stroke. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between the presence of MAC and carotid artery atherosclerotic disease.

METHODS

Of the 805 patients in whom the diagnosis of MAC was made by transthoracic echocardiography between 1995 and 1997, 133 patients (60 men and 73 women; mean age, 74.3+/-8 years; range, 47 to 89 years) underwent carotid artery duplex ultrasound for various indications; the study group comprised these patients. They were compared with 129 age- and sex-matched patients without MAC (57 men and 72 women; mean age, 73.6+/-7 years; range, 61 to 96 years) who underwent carotid artery duplex ultrasound during the same period for the same indications. MAC was defined as a dense, localized, highly reflective area at the base of the posterior mitral leaflet. MAC was considered severe when the thickness of the localized, highly reflective area was > or =5 mm on 2-dimensional echocardiography in the 4-chamber view. Carotid artery stenosis was graded as follows: 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the MAC group showed a significantly higher prevalence of carotid stenosis of > or =40% (45% versus 29%, P=0.006), which was associated with > or =2-vessel disease (23% versus 10%, P=0.006) and bilateral carotid artery atherosclerotic disease (21% versus 10%, P=0.011). Severe MAC was found in 48 patients. More significant differences were found for the severe MAC subgroup (for carotid stenosis of > or =40%) in rates of carotid artery atherosclerotic disease (58% versus 29%, P=0.001), and > or =2-vessel disease (31% versus 10%, P=0.001), in addition to bilateral carotid artery stenosis (27% versus 10%, P=0.004) and even bilateral proximal internal carotid artery stenosis (21% versus 8%, P=0.015). Furthermore, significant carotid artery atherosclerotic disease (stenosis of > or =60%) was significantly more common in the severe MAC subgroup than in the controls (42% versus 26%, P<0.05) and was associated with higher rates of > or =2-vessel disease (19% versus 7%, P=0.02) and bilateral carotid artery stenosis (17% versus 7%, P=0.05). On multivariate analysis, MAC and age but not traditional risk factors were the only independent predictors of carotid atherosclerotic disease (P=0.007 and P=0.04, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant association between the presence of MAC and carotid artery atherosclerotic disease. MAC may be an important marker for atherosclerotic disease of the carotid arteries. This association may explain the high prevalence of stroke in patients with MAC.

Prevalence of hepatitis G virus infection in Slovenian hemodialysis patients as determined by the detection of viral genome and E2 antibodies

The prevalence of hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection was assessed by the detection of viral genome and HGV E2 antibodies in hemodialysis patients from a dialysis unit with the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in Slovenia. HGV RNA was detected in 7 (11.9%) and HGV E2 antibodies in 20 (33.9%) of 59 hemodialysis patients. One patient had detectable HGV RNA as well as HGV E2 antibodies in her serum sample at the time of the study. The total prevalence of HGV infection was 44.1%. Our results clearly indicate that the mere detection of HGV RNA in serum samples would seriously underestimate the real prevalence of HGV infection in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, when assessing the prevalence of HGV infection in hemodialysis patients, detection of both antibody and nucleic acid is requisite.

[Popliteal vascular trauma]

6 cases of popliteal vascular trauma are presented, 3 due to posterior dislocation of the knee and 3 due to crush injury. The patients were referred from another hospital and some had undergone unnecessary angiography when ischemia was present, leading to delay in surgery. All patients presented with distal ischemia and underwent reconstructive surgery; 2 subsequently underwent below-knee amputation because of irreversible ischemia and sepsis. Urgent operation for popliteal vascular trauma is necessary whenever there is ischemia and intraoperative angiography may be necessary. There should be reconstruction of the artery and vein when there is concomitant venous damage, and fasciotomy and debridement are important. The harmful potential of occult popliteal vascular injuries and their ostensible mild presentation present a challenge for the emergency room surgeon.

Retroperitoneal endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy with balloon dissection: experience with a cadaveric model

The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of retroperitoneal endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy with balloon dissection technique using a cadaveric model. Retroperitoneal endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy was performed on 10 cadavers. The procedure was combined with balloon dissection to provide easier visualization and more working space. The outcome was successful in eight cadavers. Average operating time was 40 min, and visualization was good. The only major technical problems were perforation of the peritoneum and air leak into the abdomen. It was concluded that retroperitoneal endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy with balloon dissection has the advantages of minimal invasiveness, clear visualization, and controlled blunt dissection. The use of a cadaveric model may improve the clinical learning curve.

Pulmonary hypertension in patients with thalassemia major

To evaluate the pulmonary artery pressure in patients with thalassemia major, Doppler echocardiography was performed in 33 patients with thalassemia major (aged 2 to 24 years) and 33 normal controls. Pulmonary artery pressure was estimated by (1) measuring the systolic transtricuspid gradient from tricuspid regurgitation and adding it to the right atrial pressure, estimated by the response of the inferior vena cava to deep inspiration, and (2) measuring the time to peak velocity of pulmonary flow. The results showed that of 33 patients, 28 had tricuspid regurgitation with a pulmonary systolic pressure ranging from 18 to 94 mm Hg (47 +/- 15 mm Hg). Pulmonary systolic pressure was > 30 mm Hg in all 22 patients > 10 years old and in four of six patients < 10 years old. Pressure correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (r = -0.74), the ratio of mitral peak early diastolic flow velocity and peak velocity during the atrial contraction (r = 0.52), age (r = 0.56), and total blood transfusion units (r = 0.59). The pulmonary time to peak velocity was shortened compared with controls (p < 0.05). We concluded that pulmonary hypertension, as another cardiovascular complication of multiple factors of cause, seems to occur more frequently and at an early stage of the cardiac involvement in patients with thalassemia major.

The in vivo effect of recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in neutropenic neonates with sepsis

The effects of recombinant granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) in neonatal neutropenia with presumed sepsis, which has a poor prognosis, were investigated. The study involved 14 neonates with presumed sepsis and neutropenia. Findings were compared with those from 24 historical controls. rhG-CSF (5 micrograms/ kg/day i.v. for 5 days) was administered immediately following diagnosis. Complete blood counts were obtained before and 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h after initiation of treatment. Neutrophil storage pool (NSP) was assessed (in 4 patients) before and after treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using one way analysis of variance. Treatment led to an increase in absolute neutrophil count (ANC) levels in 13/14 patients. At the end of treatment, the mean ANC was higher than that of controls (P = 0.007). There was a marked increase in the NSP of between 32% and 65% (P = 0.005). There were two clinical failures, one of whom was considered to have died from his underlying condition. There were no reports of clinical or haematological toxicity during treatment or follow up.

"Veno-Press"--a new sequential intermittent pneumatic device for the prevention of perioperative deep vein thrombosis

The prevention of peri-operative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and the potentially hazardous pulmonary embolism that may follow is still a major medical issue. Intermittent pneumatic compression is one of the many methods currently in use for this purpose. No information is available, however, regarding the venous flow alterations that occur during employment of a pneumatic compression device under general anesthesia. The aim of this study is to delineate these venous flow variations and to determine the optimal pump setting for the prevention of operative venous stasis and its sequelae, postoperative DVT. A new sequential intermittent pneumatic device, the "Veno-Press", was applied on 20 volunteers of whom 10 were undergoing surgery unrelated to the lower limbs, during the pre-anesthesia and during general anesthesia. The venous velocity patterns over the femoral vein were depicted via duplex scanning under different pressure and rhythm settings of the device. The "Veno-Press" induced a marked augmentation in venous blood velocity flow. A further 10-30% augmentation was noted when the patients were under general anesthesia, as well as a 10-30% increase in the femoral vein diameter. None of the patients developed postoperative DVT. This device is a very efficient tool for augmentation of venous blood velocity, especially during general anesthesia. Its effectiveness is most probably the result of the compressive action over the relaxed--and hence enlarged--capacitant veins of the anesthetized patient. We suggest that the "Veno-Press", if properly timed, is very efficient in venostasis prevention, leading presumably to a decline in the occurrence of DVT and pulmonary embolisms in the surgical patient.

Primary long-standing chylous reflux into skin: combined operative and non-operative treatment

Chylous discharge into cavities or skin is rare and usually arises after operations in the vicinity of the cisterna chyli (secondary chylous reflux). When chylous discharge is primary, however, chylous reflux has usually been present since birth probably as a consequence of obstruction to lymph flow at or above the cistern chyli. We report a patient who had had chylous reflux into lacerated skin in a lymphedematous thigh for more than 30 years. The condition was successfully managed using both operative and non-operative methods.

Prenatal diagnosis of congenital dysgranulopoietic neutropenia

Congenital dysgranulopoietic neutropenia is a severe life-threatening disease characterized by specific dysmorphic granulocytes. Prenatal diagnosis of congenital neutropenia was reported first in 1983. In 1989 we reported a family with congenital dysgranulopoietic neutropenia in two siblings (one male and one female); in 1992 the mother became pregnant and prenatal diagnosis was performed by cordocentesis. The results we obtained from the fetus at risk enabled us to suggest that it was not affected, and we advised the parents that the pregnancy could continue: a healthy female was born. The neutrophil count at 2 and 4 months was normal.