Laparoscopic total fundoplication is superior to medical treatment for reducing the cancer risk in Barrett's esophagus: a long-term analysis

The present study aims to compare the effectiveness of surgical and medical therapy in reducing the risk of cancer in Barrett's esophagus in a long-term evaluation. A prospective cohort was designed that compared Barrett's esophagus patients submitted to medical treatment with omeprazole or laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. The groups were compared using propensity score matching paired by Barrett's esophagus length. A total of 398 patients met inclusion criteria. There were 207 patients in the omeprazole group (Group A) and 191 in the total fundoplication group (Group B). After applying the propensity score matching paired by Barrett's esophagus length, the groups were 180 (Group A) and 190 (Group B). Median follow-up was 80 months. Group B was significantly superior for controlling GERD symptoms. Group B was more efficient than Group A in promoting Barrett's esophagus regression or blocking its progression. Group B was more efficient than Group A in preventing the development of dysplasia and cancer. Logistic regression was performed for the outcomes of adenocarcinoma and dysplasia. Age and body mass index were used as covariates in the logistic regression models. Even after regression analysis, Group B was still superior to Group A to prevent esophageal adenocarcinoma or dysplasia transformation (odds ratio [OR]: 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.27-0.97, for adenocarcinoma or any dysplasia; and OR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.08-0.81, for adenocarcinoma or high-grade dysplasia). Surgical treatment is superior to medical management, allowing for better symptom control, less need for reflux medication use, higher regression rate of the columnar epithelium and intestinal metaplasia, and lower risk for progression to dysplasia and cancer.

The 2018 ISDE achalasia guidelines

Achalasia is a relatively rare primary motor esophageal disorder, characterized by absence of relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter and of peristalsis along the esophageal body. As a result, patients typically present with dysphagia, regurgitation and occasionally chest pain, pulmonary complication and malnutrition. New diagnostic methodologies and therapeutic techniques have been recently added to the armamentarium for treating achalasia. With the aim to offer clinicians and patients an up-to-date framework for making informed decisions on the management of this disease, the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus Guidelines proposed and endorsed the Esophageal Achalasia Guidelines (I-GOAL). The guidelines were prepared according the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE-REX) tool, accredited for guideline production by NICE UK. A systematic literature search was performed and the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations were graded according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Given the relative rarity of this disease and the paucity of high-level evidence in the literature, this process was integrated with a three-step process of anonymous voting on each statement (DELPHI). Only statements with an approval rate >80% were accepted in the guidelines. Fifty-one experts from 11 countries and 3 representatives from patient support associations participated to the preparations of the guidelines. These guidelines deal specifically with the following achalasia issues: Diagnostic workup, Definition of the disease, Severity of presentation, Medical treatment, Botulinum Toxin injection, Pneumatic dilatation, POEM, Other endoscopic treatments, Laparoscopic myotomy, Definition of recurrence, Follow up and risk of cancer, Management of end stage achalasia, Treatment options for failure, Achalasia in children, Achalasia secondary to Chagas' disease.

Mechanisms regulating expansion of CD8+ T cells during HIV-1 infection

Abnormal immune activation and expansion of CD8+ T cells, especially of memory and effector phenotypes, take place during HIV-1 infection, and these abnormal features persist during administration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to infected patients. The molecular mechanisms for CD8+ T-cell expansion remain poorly characterized. In this article, we review the literature addressing features of CD8+ T-cell immune pathology and present an integrated view on the mechanisms leading to abnormal CD8+ T-cell expansion during HIV-1 infection. The expression of molecules important for directing the homing of CD8+ T cells between the circulation and lymphoid tissues, in particular CCR5 and CXCR3, is increased in CD8+ T cells in circulation and in inflamed tissues during HIV-1 infection; these disturbances in the homing capacity of CD8+ T cells have been linked to increased CD8+ T-cell proliferation. The production of IL-15, a cytokine responsible for physiological proliferation of CD8+ T cells, is increased in lymphoid tissues during HIV-1 infection as result of microbial translocation and severe inflammation. IL-15, and additional inflammatory cytokines, may lead to deregulated proliferation of CD8+ T cells and explain the accumulation of CD8+ T cells in circulation. The decreased capacity of CD8+ T cells to localize to gut-associated lymphoid tissue also contributes to the accumulation of these cells in blood. Control of inflammation, through ART administration during primary HIV-1 infection or therapies aimed at controlling inflammation during HIV-1 infection, is pivotal to prevent abnormal expansion of CD8+ T cells during HIV-1 infection.

Comparative evaluation of esophageal Barrett's epithelium through esophageal capsule endoscopy and methylene blue chromoendoscopy

BACKGROUND

Patients presenting with Barrett's esophagus (BE) should be under life-long surveillance in an attempt to detect cancer in its early stages. Esophageal capsule endoscopy (ECE) is a new technique that enables a noninvasive evaluation of the esophagus.

AIMS

To evaluate ECE effectiveness compared with methylene blue (MB) chromoendoscopy for the detection of esophageal lesions in which there was suspicion of cancer, the length and pattern of BE, and the presence of hiatal hernia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-one patients with BE who underwent Nissen fundoplication and had a follow-up period of more than five years were prospectively enrolled in the study. The patients underwent ECE and chromoendoscopy with MB performed by different physicians who were blinded to each of the procedures.

RESULTS

ECE sensitivity, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 100%, 100%, and 79%, respectively, for the detection of esophageal lesions suspected of cancer. ECE accuracy in assessing BE length was 89% and in the evaluation of finger-like projections, circumferential BE, and mixed BE was 74%, 79%, and 74%, respectively. In relation to hiatal hernia detection, ECE sensitivity was 43% and its accuracy was 74%.

CONCLUSIONS

ECE appears to be a good method for detecting lesions in which there is suspicion of esophageal cancer and it had modest results in regard to the accurate identification of BE length and pattern. ECE is not a good method for detecting hiatal hernia. Further studies are needed in order to define the definitive role of ECE in BE monitoring.

Use of multiple channel pH monitoring for evaluation of ultra-distal reflux in patients after fundoplication for treatment of Barrett's esophagus

Dysplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma may arise in patients with Barrett's esophagus after fundoplication esophageal pH monitoring showing no acid in esophagus. This suggests the need to develop methodology to evaluate the occurrence of ultra-distal reflux (1cm above the LES). The objective of the study was to compare acid exposition in three different levels: 5cm above the upper border of the LES, 1cm above the LES and in the intrasphincteric region. Eleven patients with Barrett's esophagus after Nissen fundoplication with no clinical, endoscopic and radiologic evidence of reflux were selected. Four-channel pH monitoring took place: channel A, 5cm above the upper border of the LES; channel B, 1cm above the LES; channel C, intrasphincteric; channel D, intragastric. The results of channels A, B and C were compared. There was significant increase in number of reflux episodes and a higher fraction of time with pH <4.0 in channel B compared to channel A. There was significant decrease in fraction of time with pH <4.0 in channel B compared to channel C. Two cases of esophageal adenocarcinoma were diagnosed in the studied patients. The region 1cm above the upper border of the LES is more exposed to acid than the region 5cm above the upper border of the LES, although this exposure occurred in reduced levels. The region 1cm above the upper border of the LES is less exposed to acid than the intrasphincteric region.

Gastric secretory and hormonal patterns in end-stage chagasic achalasia

Achalasia surgical treatment alters the esophagogastric junction anatomy (cardiomyotomy plus fundoplication or esophagectomy and gastric pull-up), thus favoring a certain degree of gastroesophageal reflux. Gastric secretory and hormonal functioning is not completely known in chagasic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the gastric secretory and hormonal response in patients with end-stage chagasic achalasia compared with normal subjects. Gastric secretion and hormonal response were assessed by estimation of gastric acid secretion (GAS) in basal condition and after pentagastrin stimulation, basal serum gastrin, and serum pepsinogen (SP) in basal condition and after betazole hydrochloride (Histalog; Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA) stimulation in 27 patients with chagasic achalasia. The results were then compared with those of 24 normal subjects. In the chagasic group, the mean basal and stimulated GAS were significantly lower than in the control group (basal: 1.277 vs. 3.13, P = 0.002; stimulated: 15.9 vs. 35.8, P = 0.0001). Chagasic patients' SG levels showed a significantly higher basal value than the control group (83.3 vs. 36.8, P = 0.0001). There was a significant increase of SP after stimulation compared with the basal levels in both chagasic and control groups. Although the chagasic patients' SP values were higher than the controls, this difference was not statistically significant, either in basal and stimulated conditions (basal: 122.0 vs. 108.9, stimulated 120 min: 177.1 vs. 158.9). In patients with chronic Chagas' disease (ChD), although autonomic denervation does not suppress the strength of the gastric mucosal cells' secretory response to stimulation, it reduces GAS (parietal cell) without, however, affecting SP production (chief cells). On the other hand, the gastrin-producing cells have continuously been stimulated by low GAS.

Reconstruction of facial morphology from laser scanned data. Part I: reliability of the technique

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of scanning parameters on the precision of the data acquired using a facial laser scanner and to assess the reliability of automatic model recording in humans.

METHODS

Data were acquired using a laser scanner (Cyberware 3030RGB); analysis and measurements were performed with Rapid Form 2004 software. A mannequin and six volunteers were scanned to investigate the effects of environmental conditions, positioning, head orientation, and software procedures. Precision and accuracy of the data were evaluated comparing six linear measures calculated on scanned data with those obtained directly. Two sessions with different head inclination were performed. The reliability of repeated scans was also assessed measuring the distance between the surfaces reconstructed from two separate scans of the same subject, at 12 anatomical points, in 5 subjects, during two sessions using a different head inclination. Differences were analysed using paired t-tests or analysis of variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS

The accuracy of scanning was +/-0.65 mm. The development of a specific protocol resulted in a mean scanning error of 1-1.2 mm and a recording error of 0.3-0.4 mm on repeated scans of human subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that scanning of the human face may be hampered by errors and artefacts, mainly due to movements. While the effect of trembling and involuntary movements during the exam may be minimized using faster scanning devices, comparative observation over time may be affected by unreal differences due to the uncertainty of facial expression. The overall error is, however, in the range useful for most clinical studies.

Lower esophageal sphincter analysis using computerized manometry in patients with chagasic megaesophagus

Due to the introduction of computer technology into manometry laboratories, three-dimensional manometric images of the lower esophageal sphincter can be constructed based on radially oriented pressures, a method termed 'computerized axial manometry.' Calculation of the sphincter pressure vector volume using this method is superior to standard manometric techniques in assessing lower esophageal sphincter function in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and idiopathic achalasia. Despite similarities between idiopathic achalasia and chagasic esophagopathy found using clinical, radiological, and manometric studies, controversy around lower esophageal sphincter pressure persists. The goal of this study was to analyze esophageal motor disorders in Chagas' megaesophagus using computerized axial manometry. Twenty patients with chagasic megaesophagus (5 men, 15 women, and average age 50.1 years, range 17-64) were prospectively studied. For three-dimensional imaging construction of the lower esophageal sphincter, a low-complacency perfusion system and an eight-channel manometry probe with four radial channels placed in the same level were used. For probe traction, the continuous pull-through technique was used. Results showed that the lower esophageal sphincter of patients with chagasic megaesophagus have significantly elevated pressure, length, asymmetry, and vector volumes compared to those of normal volunteers (P < 0.05). Aperistalsis of the esophageal body waves was observed in all patients and contraction amplitude was lower than that in normal patients. We conclude that patients with chagasic megaesophagus have hypertonic lower esophageal sphincter and aperistalsis of the esophageal body.

Diagnosis and treatment of retrobulbar haematomas following blunt orbital trauma: a description of eight cases

Retrobulbar haematoma following blunt orbital trauma is a rare, but potentially serious, complication, since it can evolve rapidly from visual impairment to permanent loss of vision. This sight-threatening situation most commonly arises from orbital bleeding accompanying undisplaced fractures of the orbital walls, an event that increases the pressure inside the orbit and results in vascular damage to the optic nerve. The clinical presentation includes pain, exophthalmos with proptosis, and internal ophthalmoplegia, with impairment or loss of the pupillary reflex. A thin-layer orbital CT scan is an essential diagnostic aid. Any delay between the onset of symptoms and treatment can have a significant effect on functional recovery. Therapy is based on orbital decompression, via different surgical approaches, with the intention of reducing the pressure on the nerve and vascular structures inside the orbit. This paper presents eight cases of retrobulbar haematoma and their follow-up, in detail.

Intrasphincteric botulinum toxin injection in the treatment of chagasic achalasia

According to the WHO, 16-18 million people in Central and South America are infected by Trypanosoma cruzi. Chagasic achalasia affects between 7.1% and 10.6% of the population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Botox injections in the clinical response and esophageal function of patients with dysphagia due to chagasic achalasia. In total, 24 symptomatic patients with chagasic achalasia were randomly chosen to receive Botulinum Toxin (BT) or saline injected by endoscopy in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Patients were monitored with a clinical score of dysphagia and an objective assessment (esophagograms, scintillography, manometry, and nutritional assessment) for a period of 6 months. Clinical improvement of dysphagia was statistically significant (P < 0.001) in patients receiving BT when compared with the placebo. There was no significant difference in the placebo group regarding clinical score, LES basal pressure and esophageal emptying time. Esophageal emptying time in the toxin group was significantly lower than in the placebo (P=0.04) after 90 days. There were non-significant increases in esophageal emptying of 25.36% and 17.39%, respectively, at 90 and 180 days, in the BT group (P=0.266). Gender, age, and baseline LES pressure did not influence the response to BT. Our data strongly suggests that intrasphincteric injection of BT in LES is clinically effective in the treatment of chagasic achalasia.

[Facial anthropometry and aesthetic perception in young italian subjects: their use for orthognatic surgery]

BACKGROUND

Aesthetic requests of patients undergoing orthognatic surgery have increased over time and represent nowadays the leading subjective motivation for the patient and a major aim of the treatment for the surgeon. In this regard, anthropometric evaluation has considerably improved the diagnostic capacity of the orthodontist and of the surgeon. Aim of the study is to provide the orthognatic surgeon with anthropometric normal values based on a sample of aesthetically pleasant Italian subjects and to discuss the use of a simplified aesthetical analysis in the set-up of the surgical plan and in the evaluation of treatment outcome.

METHODS

The present study analyses 94 Italian subjects, by means of anthropometric measurements on photographic images, considering 28 facial proportions and 33 angular values. These figures were compared with the aesthetic judgement provided by 3 common observers and 3 orthodontists. The aesthetic score was attributed on a subjective discrete scale (common observer: above average/average/below average; orthodontist: eumorphic/ dismorphic). Data were also compared with similar evaluations on North-American and African subjects reported in the international literature.

RESULTS

This study confirms the sexual dismorphism and the ethnic variability already reported by other Authors and documents specific morphological characters in the Italian population.

CONCLUSIONS

The described method appears acceptably simple and consistent for clinical application. Its use in orthognatic surgery may provide objective and reproducible data for evaluating the aesthetic outcome of treatment.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease: clinical, endoscopic, and intraluminal esophageal pH monitoring evaluation

One hundred and twenty-two patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease were studied (90 with and 32 without esophagitis) with the objective of analyzing possible differences between those with and without esophagitis. Evaluation consisted of clinical interview, endoscopy of the high digestive tract, esophageal manometry, and pH monitoring. There was no significant difference between the groups in age, sex, or symptoms. The incidence of hiatal hernia was greater in the group with esophagitis. Although the frequency of motor changes was similar, the type of anomaly was different. The reflux pattern was very similar in both groups. Therefore, the concept of reflux disease, esophagitis, and pathological reflux still needs a broader definition for greater diagnostic precision and for comparing the results of different studies on the subject. Normal reflux (confirmed using pH esophageal monitoring) in 12.2% of patients with esophagitis suggests that other factors are implicated in the etiology of the disease besides those measured using this examination.

[Gastroesophageal reflux disease: comparison between patients with and without esophagitis, concerning age, gender and symptoms]

BACKGROUND

Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease may or may not have endoscopic esophagitis; there are few studies comparing these groups among themselves.

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed in order to evaluate differences between patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease with and without esophagitis.

PATIENTS/METHODS

A hundred and twenty-two patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease characterized by esophageal endoscopy and pHmetry were included, 90 with and 32 without esophagitis. Assessment involved an anamnesis, including the following data: age, sex, heartburn, dysphasia, non-cardiac chest pain and respiratory symptoms. Heartburn was analyzed in more detail, its duration, intensity and periodicity being determined.

RESULTS

No statistical significant difference was observed between the groups, regarding age, sex or presence of symptoms. However, in the group with esophagitis, heartburn classified as severe or very severe was more frequent.

CONCLUSIONS

1. The groups of patients with or without esophagitis analyzed were very similar concerning age, gender and presence of symptoms. However, regarding the heartburn's intensity, it was more intense in the group with esophagitis. 2. Among patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, there is a large number of cases without esophagitis (26.2%) and that prolonged pH-monitoring is fundamental in its identification; 3. A better definition of reflux disease, esophagitis and pathological reflux is needed, in order to allow better diagnostic accuracy and comparisons in different studies on this subject.

Videolaparoscopic cholecystectomy. Analysis of the clinical and functional aspects of mechanical lifting of the abdominal wall

BACKGROUND

Mechanical lifting of the abdominal wall, a method based on traction and consequent elevation of the abdominal wall, is an alternative procedure to create enough intra-abdominal space necessary for videolaparoscopic surgery, dispensing the need for intraperitoneal gas insufflation.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the technical feasibility of this procedure to carry out a videolaparoscopic cholecystectomy, while analyzing the clinical and functional aspects of this technique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In the Digestive Tract Surgery Discipline of the Medical School at the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil, was created the equipment to perform videolaparoscopic surgery using this method. The equipment has two sections: an external part which consisted of a frame attached to the operating table, inside which there is a sliding steel cable, moved by a ratched which is located at the lower end of one of the frame rods; the internal rod, the support, has an "L" shape, and its horizontal branch is made up of three turning rods and which is connected to the steel cable after insertion into the abdominal cavity. Ten patients underwent videolaparoscopic cholecystectomy using this equipment. The time taken to install the equipment, the operating area characteristics, the interference from the lifting equipment on surgical movements and on the intra-operative cholangiography, the measurements made of the force used during traction and extension of the abdominal wall elevation, and the medication required for postoperative analgesia were all evaluated.

RESULTS

There were no intra-operative complications, and in none of the cases was it found necessary to convert to open surgery. We considered the insertion a safe and uncomplicated procedure, and the traction system efficient. Apart from the elevation of the abdominal wall, the distribution of the viscera inside the abdominal cavity is fundamental for the operating area. Depending on the position of the epigastric trocar, the lifting equipment can interfere with the surgical instruments mobility. It may be necessary to reposition the support to perform the intra-operative cholangiography. The tensional force applied to the peritoneal surface by the lifting rods is small, and no additional postoperative pain was observed using this procedure.

CONCLUSION

These results show that using the equipment described in this study, mechanical lifting of the abdominal wall is a feasible alternative for undertaking videolaparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Echoendoscopic evaluation of botulinum toxin intrasphincteric injections in Chagas' disease achalasia

Botulinum toxin (BT) has recently been indicated as an alternative treatment of idiopathic achalasia with a success rate of 60-70%. One-third of BT-treated cases either fail to respond or fail to sustain the response beyond 6 months. An explanation for BT therapeutic failure would be that the lower esophageal sphincter muscular layer (LES) may be missed as injection is delivered 'blindly'. We aimed to evaluate the percentage of exact endoscopically 'blind' LES punctures using echoendoscopy after the injection of BT for the treatment of Chagas' achalasia (CA). Five patients with CA (mean age 53 years) were randomized to receive 1.2 ml of BT or the same amount of saline injected endoscopically. Echoendoscopy was performed immediately after puncture. Patients were evaluated by the clinical score of dysphagia, radiological examination, upper endoscopy and esophageal manometry and followed up for 6 months. All puncture sites were identified: 17 out of 20 (85%) in the muscle layer and 3 out of 20 (15%) in the submucosa. The three patients in the treatment group showed clinical improvement (average clinical score fell from 14 to 2 after 7 days, and remained at 4 after 6 months of follow-up). The mean pressure of the LES dropped by 29%. Neither patient in the placebo group showed clinical improvement, and the mean pressure of the LES increased by 35%. Endoscopic 'blind' injection of BT into the LES through endoscopy for the management of achalasia is a safe and reproducible technique and has a high percentage of exactness.

[Relationship between 24 h ambulatory esophageal pHmetry and upper digestive endoscopy in reflux esophagitis patients]

The reflux gastroesophageal patients can be divided in three patterns, according with ambulatorial esophageal 24 h-pHmetry: orthostatic, which the reflux episodes occur when the patients are upright; supine, which the reflux episodes occur when the patients are sleeping; combined, when the reflux episodes are both observed in upright or lay down position. There are presented 56 patients with endoscopic reflux esophagitis who are divided according to the patterns of reflux by 24 h-pHmetry. The results are similar to those of international reports. Complicated esophagitis is more common in the combined refluxers following by supine refluxers. In the orthostatic refluxers were not observed complicated esophagitis. The 24 h-pHmetry is an useful tool for clinical use and prognosis in the gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Lack of correlation between amniotic fluid and maternal plasma contents of beta-endorphin, beta-lipotropin, and adrenocorticotropic hormone in normal and pathologic pregnancies

Reported are the concentrations of beta-endorphin, beta-lipotropin, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the amniotic fluid and plasma of 40 healthy pregnant women at different stages of gestation. Moreover, the amniotic fluid levels of the three peptides were evaluated in 20 other pregnant women affected by different pathologic conditions (Cooley's disease, gestosis, diabetes, placental insufficiency, etc.). A silicic acid extraction procedure was performed on the samples. Each extract was subjected to Sephadex G-75 column chromatography, and the two fractions corresponding to beta-lipotropin and beta-endorphin were collected, freeze-dried, and assayed by two specific radioimmunoassays. Levels of ACTH were measured by radioimmunoassay directly on the extracts. Levels of beta-endorphin in amniotic fluid showed the highest values in the first trimester (173 +/- 30 fmol/ml, mean +/- SEM) but were significantly decreased in the second (75.2 +/- 14) and third trimesters (14.3 +/- 1.8). An inverse trend characterized plasma levels of beta-endorphin, which showed a progressive increase from the first trimester to term (10.4 +/- 11.1). Amniotic fluid levels of beta-lipotropin remained stable during the first (48.6 +/- 6.3) and second (54.6 +/- 11.1) trimesters, but decreased significantly in the third trimester (17.9 +/- 2.3). The plasma concentrations of beta-lipotropin showed the highest levels in the first trimester (10.9 +/- 0.9), and decreased significantly at term (8.9 +/- 1.3). Last, amniotic fluid levels of ACTH decreased from 55.3 +/- 4.75 fmol/ml in the first trimester to 12.5 +/- 1.16 in the second trimester, and rose again in the third trimester to 34.4 +/- 6.6 fmol/ml. Plasma levels of ACTH were characterized in the first two trimesters by values twice those recorded for nonpregnant women, and decreased at term to 8.9 +/- 1.4 fmol/ml. In the pregnant patients with fetuses affected by Cooley's disease (second trimester) and in those with edema-proteinuria-hypertension (EPH) gestosis (third trimester), amniotic fluid levels of beta-endorphin, beta-lipotropin, and ACTH were in the same range as those in healthy pregnant women.

Plasma androgens and menstrual cycle: physiopathological correlates from adolescence to menopause

The authors have evaluated the pattern of plasma androgens in females from puberty to old age and in several pathological states. Androgen circulating levels were correlated to the development of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis during puberty, and analyzed in the different phases of the menstrual cycle in fertile women and during the menopausal period. Androgen plasma levels in patients with hirsutism, polycystic ovary syndrome, and infertility were examined and discussed for their etiopathological role and diagnostic significance.

Decrease in human plasma prolactin levels by oral prostaglandin E2 in early puerperium

Eight milligrams of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2; 2 mg every 30 min) were given orally to 12 puerperal women on day 4 after delivery. Plasma levels of prolactin showed a significant decrease in comparison with basal levels and with those of controls sampled over a similar period. The same dose of PGE2 was ineffective in modifying the plasma prolactin levels in four puerperal women on day 30 after delivery and in four non-pregnant women with normal levels of prolactin. It is suggested that a PGE2-induced decrease in prolactin could be mediated by hypothalamic dopaminergic neurones.

Placental alkaline phosphatase: population studies in Sardinia and data on the anthropological value of this genetic marker

The analysis of human placental alkaline phosphatase polymorphism in Sardinia has shown a further difference in the genetic structure of this population in comparison with the populations of Continental Italy and Western Europe. Ethnic and geographic variations in world distribution of placental alkaline phosphatase gene frequencies suggest the considerable anthropological value of this genetic marker.

XO/XY mosaicism with non fluorescent Y chromosome: clinical, cytogenetic and endocrinological studies on a female subject

Cytogenetic, clinical and endocrinological studies were performed on a phenotypically female subject who had a XO/XY mosaicism. This patient had a primary amenorrhea. A disgenic testis on the left side and a primordial ovary on the right one was showed by laparotomy performed in this subject in the prepubertal age. The Y chromosome had not any fluorescence and was shorter than normal one. The basal plasma levels of various hormones and the hypothalamic-pituitary stimulation tests were similar to other subjects with gonadal disgenesis. However a low response of growth hormone to insulin tolerance test, showed in this case, suggest the necessity to early supply a sufficient replacement of therapy.

Inhibitory effect of prostaglandin F2alpha (PgF2alpha) on puerperal lactation

Twenty puerperal women in 4th day after delivery were treated with a saline infusion containing 10 mg of PgF2alpha. Milk secretion, breast engorgement, prolactin plasma levels and side effects were determined. In all patients lactation disappeared within 48 hours after PgF2alpha infusion. During the following 12 hours after PgF2alpha treatment the prolactin plasma levels showed an important and significant decrease in all cases. In the following days the prolactin plasma levels decreased such as in normal puerperium. In some cases low gastralgia and in one case diarrhoea compaired. These results can be explained by PgF2alpha double action either on pituitary-hypothalamic function or on mammary gland cells.