Mixed effectiveness of rTMS and retraining in the treatment of focal hand dystonia

Though the pathophysiology of dystonia remains uncertain, two primary factors implicated in the development of dystonic symptoms are excessive cortical excitability and impaired sensorimotor processing. The aim of this study was to determine the functional efficacy of an intervention combining repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and sensorimotor retraining. A randomized, single-subject, multiple baseline design with crossover was used to examine participants with focal hand dystonia (FHD) (n = 9). Intervention: 5 days rTMS + sensorimotor retraining (SMR) vs. Five days rTMS + control therapy (CTL) (which included stretching and massage). The rTMS was applied to the premotor cortex at 1 Hz at 80% resting motor threshold for 1200 pulses. For sensorimotor retraining, a subset of the Learning-based Sensorimotor Training program was followed. Each session in both groups consisted of rTMS followed immediately by 30 min of the therapy intervention (SMR or CTL). Contrary to our hypothesis, group analyses revealed no additional benefit from the SMR training vs. CTL. When analyzed across group however, there was significant improvement from the first baseline assessment in several measures, including tests of sensory ability and self-rated changes. The patient rated improvements were accompanied by a moderate effect size suggesting clinical meaningfulness. These results provide encouragement for further investigation of rTMS in FHD with a need to optimize a secondary intervention and determine likely responders vs. non-responders.

Efficacy of intra-articular botulinum toxin type A in painful knee osteoarthritis: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injected intra-articularly in 60 subjects with moderate pain and functional impairment secondary to knee osteoarthritis. The study investigators hypothesized that intra-articular BoNT-A would result in statistically significant improvements in pain and function at 8 weeks.

DESIGN

Double-blind, randomized, single tertiary care academic medical center trial with 6-month follow-up.

PATIENTS

Sixty patients aged 40 years or older with painful osteoarthritis of the knee who had failed physical therapy, medications, and/or injection therapy presenting to the musculoskeletal or orthopedic outpatient clinics at a large tertiary care medical institution. All 60 patients completed 8-week follow-up, but only 32 patients completed the 26-week follow-up.

METHODS

Subjects were randomized to receive a single injection of corticosteroid, low-dose BoNT-A (100 units), or high-dose BoNT-A (200 units). Outcome measures were compared at baseline, 4, 8, 12, and 26 weeks after injection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome measure was pain visual analog scale (VAS) at 8 weeks. Secondary outcome measures included Western Ontario McMaster Arthritis Index, Short Form-36 scores, patient global assessment, 40-meter timed walk, and adverse effects.

RESULTS

The primary end point was pain VAS score at 8 weeks, which decreased within each group but only reached statistical significance in the low-dose BoNT-A group. In the intra-articular corticosteroid group, VAS decreased from 6.4 +/- 1.8 to 5.4 +/- 2.3 (P = .15); for low-dose BoNT-A, from 6.6. +/- 1.9 to 4.5 +/- 2.2 (P = .01); and for high-dose BoNT-A, from 6.6 +/- 1.4 to 5.9 +/- 2.4 (P = .15). All groups showed statistically significant improvements in Western Ontario McMaster Arthritis Index scores (pain, stiffness, function) at 8 weeks. No serious adverse events were noted in any group.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study supports a possible role for BoNT-A as a treatment option for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis; however, larger double-blind randomized studies are needed to determine whether BoNT-A is more effective than placebo in this patient population.

Assessment: Botulinum neurotoxin in the treatment of autonomic disorders and pain (an evidence-based review): report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology

OBJECTIVE

To perform an evidence-based review of the safety and efficacy of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) in the treatment of autonomic and urologic disorders and low back and head pain.

METHODS

A literature search was performed including MEDLINE and Current Contents for therapeutic articles relevant to BoNT and the selected indications. Authors reviewed, abstracted, and classified articles based on the quality of the study (Class I-IV). Conclusions and recommendations were developed based on the highest level of evidence and put into current clinical context.

RESULTS

The highest quality literature available for the respective indications was as follows: axillary hyperhidrosis (two Class I studies); palmar hyperhidrosis (two Class II studies); drooling (four Class II studies); gustatory sweating (five Class III studies); neurogenic detrusor overactivity (two Class I studies); sphincter detrusor dyssynergia in spinal cord injury (two Class II studies); chronic low back pain (one Class II study); episodic migraine (two Class I and two Class II studies); chronic daily headache (four Class II studies); and chronic tension-type headache (two Class I studies).

RECOMMENDATIONS

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) should be offered as a treatment option for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis and detrusor overactivity (Level A), should be considered for palmar hyperhidrosis, drooling, and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia after spinal cord injury (Level B), and may be considered for gustatory sweating and low back pain (Level C). BoNT is probably ineffective in episodic migraine and chronic tension-type headache (Level B). There is presently no consistent or strong evidence to permit drawing conclusions on the efficacy of BoNT in chronic daily headache (mainly transformed migraine) (Level U). While clinicians' practice may suggest stronger recommendations in some of these indications, evidence-based conclusions are limited by the availability of data.

Botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of provoked vestibulodynia: an open-label, pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of botulinum toxin type Afor the treatment of provoked vestibulodynia.

STUDY DESIGN

Open-label, dose-escalation, pilot study. Primary outcome measure was a standard numeric pain rating scale of 0-10. Secondary measures were improvements in quality of life and change in medication use.

RESULTS

The 7 patients who received 35 units of botulinum toxin type A had a baseline mean pain score (0-10) of 8.1 (SD = 0.70). Thirty days after treatment, these patients had a mean pain score of 2.9 (SD= 1.17). The duration of effect was 8 weeks, and there were no side effects. The 12 patients who received 50 units of botulinum toxin type A had a baseline mean pain score of 7.4 (SD = 0.10). Thirty days after treatment, these patients had a mean pain score of 1.8 (SD= 0.72). The duration of effect was 14 weeks, and there were no side effects. Significant improvement was also seen in medication use and quality of life for these patients.

CONCLUSION

This study provides further clinical evidence of the nociceptive effects of botulinum toxin type A in pelvic inflammatory pain-related disorders. Doubleblind, placebo-controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy of botulinum toxin in treating patients with provoked vestibulodynia are warranted.

Treatment of cervical dystonia and focal hand dystonia by high cervical continuously infused intrathecal baclofen: A report of 2 cases

We describe 2 patients, one with cervical dystonia (CD) combined with focal hand dystonia (writer's cramp) and another with idiopathic CD, who were unresponsive to oral medications and became resistant to botulinum toxin type A and B injections. Both patients were successfully treated with high cervical (C1-3) continuously infused intrathecal baclofen (ITB). Neck range of motion (ROM) was measured by using a 3-dimensional electromagnetic cervical ROM system. Pain, disability, and severity were assessed by using the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS). The patient with CD and writer's cramp did well on a continuous baclofen dose of 186.1 microg/d. Her total TWSTRS score improved significantly, her electromagnetic measurements showed an increased in total neck flexion and extension, and her handwriting improved. Unfortunately, this patient (a heavy smoker) developed small cell carcinoma of the lung and died 9 months after her pump was placed. Total TWSTRS score and electromagnetic measurements also significantly improved after pump implant in the patient with CD. He continues to do well on a periodic bolus dose using a combination of 50 microg of baclofen and 25 microg of hydromorphone (Dilaudid) every 4 hours. Our findings suggest the potential usefulness of this therapy in other patients with focal dystonia. To our knowledge, this is the first reported successful treatment of CD and CD combined with writer's cramp with high cervical continuously infused ITB.

Botulinum toxin in the management of bowel and bladder function in spinal cord injury and other neurologic disorders

Botulinum toxin inhibits release of acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters. It has been used successfully to treat pain and abnormal skeletal and smooth muscle activity in patients. This article discusses its use in patients with bladder and bowel disorders.

Use of botulinum toxin type B for the treatment of detrusor hyperreflexia in a patient with multiple sclerosis: a case report11No commercial party having a direct financial interest in the results of the research supporting this article has or will confer a benefit upon the authors or upon any organization with which the authors are associated

We describe a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) who had detrusor hyperreflexia that was not responsive to oral medications or clean intermittent catheterization. This patient was successfully treated with 2 separate injections of botulinum toxin type B into the bladder. The results of the treatment lasted 4 months and there were no side effects. A cystometrogram (CMG) done before the botulinum toxin type B injections showed significant detrusor instability. A repeat CMG months later showed no detrusor instability. To our knowledge, this is the first reported successful use of botulinum toxin type B in a patient with detrusor hyperreflexia from MS.

Maximizing extraction of botulinum toxin type A from vials

OBJECTIVES

To determine the residual botulinum toxin remaining in vials after using 3 different extraction methods and to analyze the different techniques for measuring extraction efficacy.

DESIGN

Multicentered comparative study.

SETTING

Three academic movement disorder clinics.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty physicians were randomly surveyed for their botulinum toxin extraction methods. Three physicians evaluated the most common methods.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Amount of toxin left in vials after each extraction method.

RESULTS

Toxin was least successfully extracted by using the vial inversion method. More toxin was extracted by using the 2-in needle method. The top removal method produced the least waste of toxin but is considered unsafe.

CONCLUSIONS

The best and safest method for consistently extracting the most botulinum toxin from its vial was to use a long 21-gauge 2-in needle attached to a 3-mL syringe.

Clenbuterol in the prevention of muscle atrophy: a study of hindlimb-unweighted rats

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the administration of clenbuterol, a beta2-adrenergic agonist, prevents loss of muscle mass during a period of imposed inactivity.

DESIGN

Randomized trial.

SETTING

Basic laboratory research.

ANIMALS

Thirty Fischer 344 Brown Norway F1 Hybrid rats, 12 and 30 months of age.

INTERVENTIONS

The rats were randomly assigned to a control group, or to 1 of 2 experimental groups: hindlimb unweighted for 2 weeks (HU-2), or hindlimb unweighted with daily injections of clenbuterol for 2 weeks (HU-2Cl).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Muscle mass weighed in milligrams and single fiber cross-sectional area histochemically evaluated.

RESULTS

In both age groups, the HU-2 animals had greater muscle atrophy (decrease in muscle mass) in the soleus muscle than the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle. In the HU-2Cl groups, the decline in muscle mass of both the soleus and EDL muscles was attenuated by about 4% to 20%. In the HU-2 group, single fiber cross-sectional area decreased for both fiber types (type I, 20%-40%; type II, 37%-50%) in both age groups. Clenbuterol retarded the inactivity-induced decline in single fiber cross-sectional area by 12% to 50%. In the EDL muscles of the HU-2Cl group, we found hypertrophy in both fiber types in the 30-month-old animals and in type I fibers in the 12-month-old animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Clenbuterol attenuated the decrease in muscle mass and single fiber cross-sectional area in both age groups. By preventing the loss of muscle mass, clenbuterol administered early in rehabilitation may benefit severely debilitated patients imposed by inactivity. The attenuated muscle atrophy found with clenbuterol in the present study provides cellular evidence for the reported change in muscle strength after its administration after knee surgery. Thus, the administration of clenbuterol may lead to a more rapid rate of rehabilitation.

Safety and efficacy of NeuroBloc (botulinum toxin type B) in type A-responsive cervical dystonia

OBJECTIVE

To determine the safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin type B (BoNT/B) in patients with cervical dystonia (CD).

BACKGROUND

BoNT/B is a form of chemodenervation therapy for the treatment of patients with CD.

METHODS

The authors performed a 16-week, randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of BoNT/B in patients with CD who continue to respond to botulinum toxin type A. Placebo, or 5,000 U or 10,000 U of BoNT/B was administered in two to four muscles involved clinically in CD. The Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS)-Total score at week 4 was the primary efficacy measure. Clinical assessments and adverse events were recorded for treatment day 1 and at weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16.

RESULTS

A total of 109 patients were enrolled randomly across all three treatment groups. The mean improvement in the TWSTRS-Total scores in each group at week 4 was 4.3 (placebo), 9.3 (5,000 U), and 11.7 (10,000 U). For the prospectively defined primary contrast (10,000 U versus placebo), highly significant differences were noted for the primary (TWSTRS-Total, baseline to week 4, p = 0.0004) and supportive secondary (Patient Global Assessment, baseline to week 4, p = 0.0001) outcome measures. Improvement in pain, disability, and severity of CD occurred for patients who were treated with BoNT/B when compared with placebo-treated patients. Overall, improvements associated with BoNT/B treatment were greatest for patients who received the 10,000-U dose. The duration of treatment effect for BoNT/B was 12 to 16 weeks for both doses.

CONCLUSION

Botulinum toxin type B (NeuroBloc) is safe and efficacious at 5,000 U and 10,000 U for the management of patients with cervical dystonia.

Botulinum toxin type B: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, safety and efficacy study in cervical dystonia

We enrolled and treated 122 patients with idiopathic cervical dystonia in a double-blind, placebo-controlled safety and efficacy study of botulinum toxin type B (BotB). Both A-responsive and A-resistant patients were enrolled. Patients received intramuscular injections of either BotB (2,500 U, 5,000 U, or 10,000 U) or placebo. The primary outcome measure of efficacy was the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS)-Total score at 4 weeks following study drug administration. Secondary measures of efficacy were TWSTRS-Severity, -Disability, and -Pain subscale scores, and Analog Pain Assessment, Investigator Global Assessment, Patient Global Assessment, and Sickness Impact Profile scores. Duration of effect was estimated with an intent-to-treat analysis of responders. Safety measures included clinical parameters, laboratory tests, and adverse events. The primary and most of the secondary analyses indicated a statistically significant treatment effect and a dose response. BotB is safe, well tolerated, and efficacious in the treatment of cervical dystonia at the doses tested.

Central nervous system ischemia after varicella infection and desmopressin therapy for enuresis

A 7-year-old boy had a left-sided cerebrovascular accident 48 hours after beginning intranasal desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) therapy for persistent secondary nocturnal enuresis and approximately 2 weeks after varicella infection. A possible connection between desmopressin therapy or varicella infection (or both) and the patients neurologic symptoms is discussed, as is the relationship of desmopressin with hypercoagulability, Suggestions for patient/parent education, medical history taking, and patient surveillance are offered to prescribing physicians.

A functional electric stimulation system using an electrode garment

A functional electric stimulation system for standing and ambulating that uses a commercially available electrode garment has been developed. The garment allows electrodes to be applied rapidly and securely. Two channels of a four-channel stimulator are used to stimulate the quadriceps muscles and permit the user to stand. The other two channels are used to stimulate the peroneal nerve, which causes a flexor withdrawal reflex and permits stepping. The user controls stepping by hand-held switches. The system provides a means for standing, exercising, and limited ambulation.

Augmentation enterocystoplasty for the management of voiding dysfunction in spinal cord injury patients

A total of 12 spinal cord injury adults underwent augmentation enterocystoplasty for treatment of a high pressure neurogenic bladder. These patients suffered from urinary incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infection, upper tract deterioration and severe autonomic dysreflexia. A sigmoid colon segment fashioned into a cup-patch was used in 11 patients and detubularized cecum was used in 1. The artificial urinary sphincter was implanted in 3 patients at augmentation enterocystoplasty and in 1 after enterocystoplasty. After a mean followup of 15 months all patients were continent on clean intermittent self-catheterization, the upper tract had remained stable or had improved and the symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia had disappeared. A third of the patients are on maintenance antibiotic therapy to control bacteriuria.

Treatment of detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia with botulinum A toxin: a double-blind study

The ability of botulinum A toxin to denervate and relax a spastic external urethral sphincter was evaluated in a double-blind study involving five men with high spinal cord injuries and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. The sphincter was injected with either a low dose of botulinum A toxin or normal saline once per week for three weeks. Electromyography of the external urethral sphincter indicated denervation in the three patients who received toxin injections. The urethral pressure profile decreased an average of 25cm of water, postvoiding residual volume of urine decreased an average of 125cc, and bladder pressure during voiding decreased to an average of 30cm of water. Bulbosphincteric reflexes were more difficult to obtain, and they showed a decreased amplitude with normal latency. In the two patients who received normal saline injections, parameters were unchanged from baseline values until subsequent injection with botulinum A toxin once per week for three weeks when their responses were similar to those of the other three patients. Mild generalized weakness lasting two to three weeks was noted by three patients after initial toxin injections. The duration of the toxin's effect averaged two months. The results suggest that botulinum A toxin, an inhibitor of acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, may be useful in the treatment of detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia.

Pediatric rehabilitation. 4. Disorders of the motor unit

This self-directed learning module addresses diagnostic and rehabilitation issues in children with the most common disorders of the motor unit. It is a section of the chapter on pediatric rehabilitation for the Self-Directed Medical Knowledge Program Study Guide for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Conditions occurring only in infancy or childhood and differences in diagnostic and rehabilitation approaches as compared with those used in adults are highlighted.

Pediatric rehabilitation. 6. Musculoskeletal and soft tissue disorders

This self-directed learning module highlights advances in evaluation and treatment of congenital and acquired musculoskeletal disorders in the child. It is a section of the chapter on pediatric rehabilitation for the Self-Directed Medical Knowledge Program Study Guide for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. This section contains information on alterations of limb structure and gait, scoliosis, torticollis, sports injuries and overuse syndromes, and unexplained pain in children.

Pediatric rehabilitation. 2. Brain damage causing disability

This self-directed learning module addresses rehabilitation issues in the child with brain damage. It is a section of the chapter on pediatric rehabilitation for the Self-Directed Medical Knowledge Program Study Guide for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. In addition to the motor manifestations, intellectual, social, and emotional impairment are addressed. Problems vary with developmental stage. Emphasis is on the etiology, severity, and combination of deficits in order to develop a plan of management, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, recreational and social milieu, and family and community resources.

Pediatric rehabilitation. 3. Disorders of the spinal cord: spinal cord injury, myelodysplasia

This self-directed learning module provides review and references for the basic concepts of, and highlights new advances in, disorders of the spinal cord in children. It is a section of the chapter on pediatric rehabilitation for the Self-Directed Medical Knowledge Program Study Guide for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. For spinal cord injury, only data pertinent to the pediatric age group are discussed. Myelodysplasia is presented in detail to include genetic implications, early intervention, long-term management planning, psychosocial impact, and quality-of-life considerations.

Pediatric rehabilitation. 5. Joint and connective tissue diseases

This self-directed learning module presents pertinent information about rehabilitation management of specific joint and connective tissue diseases affecting children. This section highlights juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Lyme disease, rheumatic fever, hemophilia, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other forms of arthritis. It is a section of the chapter of pediatric rehabilitation for the Self-Directed Medical Knowledge Program Study Guide for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Pediatric rehabilitation. 1. General principles and special considerations

This self-directed learning module addresses core concepts in the assessment of any child with disability, including physical growth and development, evolution of reflexes, and cognitive and personality development. It is a section of the chapter on pediatric rehabilitation for the Self-Directed Medical Knowledge Program Study Guide for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The rehabilitation perspective is emphasized, especially as it changes to accommodate the developing child, with a focus on specific chronic disorders such as respiratory disease, congenital heart disease, and malignancy. These types of disorders serve as a model for the management of problems that require special medical, rehabilitative, and psychosocial consideration.

Bethanechol supersensitivity test, rhabdosphincter electromyography and bulbocavernosus reflex latency in the diagnosis of neuropathic detrusor areflexia

A total of 57 patients with neuropathic or nonneuropathic detrusor areflexia was studied with the bethanechol supersensitivity test, electromyography of the urethral rhabdosphincter and bulbocavernosus reflex latency. The sensitivity of these tests in detecting neuropathic areflexia was 90, 87.5 and 78.1 per cent, respectively, and the specificity was 95.6, 76 and 80 per cent, respectively. When all 3 tests were performed together the combined accuracy approached 100 per cent. These combined tests are useful in the diagnosis of patients with equivocal bladder neuropathic conditions and in those with subtle neurological lesions.

Increased current delivery and sperm collection using nifedipine during electroejaculation in men with high spinal cord injuries

Elevated blood pressure associated with autonomic hyperreflexia during electroejaculation in persons with high spinal cord injuries often prevents successful sperm retrieval. The ability of the calcium channel blocker nifedipine to reduce the effects of autonomic hyperreflexia, to facilitate greater current delivery, and to increase sperm collection was evaluated in six persons with spinal cord injuries. Ten milligrams of nifedipine given sublingually ten to 15 minutes before electroejaculation attempts helped to moderate autonomic hyperreflexia and the associated blood pressure elevations. These effects of nifedipine allowed greater current delivery and ultimately increased the chances of successful sperm retrieval in the six men. No adverse drug effects were observed.

Effects of botulinum A toxin on detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in spinal cord injury patients

We evaluated the ability of low doses of botulinum A toxin, an inhibitor of acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, to denervate and relax the spastic rhabdosphincter in 11 men with spinal cord injury and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. Toxin concentration, injection volume, percutaneous versus cystoscopic injection of the sphincter and number of injections were evaluated in 3 treatment protocols. All 10 patients evaluated by electromyography after injection showed signs of sphincter denervation. Bulbosphincteric reflexes in the 10 patients evaluated after injection were more difficult to obtain, and they showed a decreased amplitude and normal latency. The urethral pressure profile in the 7 patients in whom it was measured before and after treatment decreased an average of 27 cm. water after toxin injections. Post-void residual urine volume decreased by an average of 146 cc after the toxin injections in 8 patients. In the 8 patients for whom it could be determined toxin effects lasted an average of 50 days. The toxin also decreased autonomic dysreflexia in 5 patients.

The effect of nifedipine on cystoscopy-induced autonomic hyperreflexia in patients with high spinal cord injuries

We evaluated the ability of the calcium channel blocker nifedipine to control autonomic hyperreflexia during cystoscopy in 7 patients with cervical spinal cord injuries. Nifedipine (10 mg.) alleviated autonomic hyperreflexia when given sublingually during cystoscopy and prevented autonomic hyperreflexia when given orally 30 minutes before cystoscopy. No adverse drug effects were observed.

Vasoactive intracavernous pharmacotherapy for the treatment of erectile impotence in men with spinal cord injury

A total of 66 spinal cord injury patients with erectile dysfunction entered a protocol of penile intracavernous pharmacotherapy with papaverine hydrochloride (30 mg. per ml.) or a combination of papaverine (25 mg. per ml.) and phentolamine mesylate (0.83 mg. per ml.) in an attempt to restore erectile function. Of the patients 52 completed the protocol and all achieved transient functional penile erections after administration of the drug. Of the 52 responders 71 per cent currently practice self-injection as a method to restore erectile function. Sustained erections that required irrigation of the cavernous bodies with alpha-adrenergic agents developed in 4 patients and 1 suffered localized intracorporeal induration. If the long-term followup shows that complications remain relatively minor, undoubtedly vasoactive intracavernous pharmacotherapy will have a major role in the restoration of erectile function in the motivated man with spinal cord injury. However, in view of the unknown long-term effects and potential dangers of this approach it is important that patients adhere to a strict drug injection protocol under the supervision of qualified urologists who are familiar with the potential risks and complications.

The value of urodynamic testing in the management of neonates with myelodysplasia: a prospective study

We report the results of a prospective study conducted to identify neonates with myelomeningocele at risk for changes in the upper urinary tract. Thirty newborns underwent full urological evaluation and were followed for a mean period of 18.2 months. The initial studies included voiding cystourethrography, excretory urography and urodynamic tests. Followup consisted of periodic radiographic studies and repeat urodynamic testing if any changes were observed. According to urodynamic findings the patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 consisted of 9 neonates (30 per cent) with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia and high pressure, decreased-compliance bladders, and group 2 consisted of 21 children (70 per cent) with atonic bladders and low pressure, reduced-compliance bladders without dyssynergia. In group 1, 55 per cent of the patients had initially abnormal radiographic findings in contrast with 28.5 per cent in group 2. Anticholinergic drugs and clean intermittent catheterization or vesicostomy reversed the changes in 40 per cent of the children in group 1, 40 per cent remained stable and 20 per cent showed signs of deterioration. Four children in group 1 with normal neonatal radiographs were treated expectantly and at followup they all showed signs of deterioration. The neonates in group 2 with normal radiographic findings remained normal at followup. Of those who initially had changes 67 per cent reversed to normal without treatment, 17 per cent remained stable and 17 per cent had deterioration. Newborns with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia or high pressure, reduced-compliance bladders are at high risk of having upper urinary tract changes and require preventive decompressive treatment. Children with atonic or low pressure, reduced-compliance bladders and those with a coordinated bladder and sphincter are at low risk and need only close followup.

Monensin, Eimeria tenella infection, and effects on the bacterial populations in the ceca of gnotobiotic chickens

Bacteria-free chicks in separate plastic film isolators were inoculated orally with single species of bacteria. Within an isolator, half the birds were fed unmedicated feed and half received feed containing 100 ppm monensin. With clostridium perfringens as the established species of monoflora, bacterial counts from the duodenum were 10(4) times lower and counts from the ceca were three times lower in monensin-fed birds compared to unmedicated birds. Infection with Eimeria tenella stimulated an eight-fold increase in the numbers of C. perfringens in the ceca of unmedicated birds but no increase in monensin-fed birds. With Bacteroides sp. or Streptococcus faecalis as monoflora, there was no difference in the cecal or duodenal populations between medicated and unmedicated birds uninfected with coccidia. In contrast to C. perfringens, populations of Bacteroides sp. and S. faecalis in the ceca decreased five to 100-fold in both medicated and unmedicated chicks after infection with E. tenella. Duodenal populations of C. perfringens, Bacteroides sp., and S. faecalis were unaffected by the coccidial infection.

Effects of anaerobic bacteria on Eimeria tenella infection in bacteria-free, monofloral, and conventional chickens

Bacteria-free, monofloral, and conventional chicks were infected with Eimeria tenella. Monofloral chicks were established by inoculating birds in several gnotobiotic isolators with a single species of Escherichia coli or with one of three Bacteroides sp. isolates (No. 157, No. 202, or No. 366). Daily weights of individual birds were recorded for six days post-infection (PI). On Day 6 PI all birds were sacrificed and cecal lesions were scored. Conventional, infected birds lost weight on days 5 and 6 PI and showed severe lesions. Birds maintained as monofloral groups with isolates of Bacteroides sp. No. 157, No. 202 or E. coli showed equally severe lesions, but lost weight only on day 6 PI. Conventional, uninfected birds with no lesions, birds infected with Bacteroides sp. isolate No. 366 with mild lesions, and bacteria-free birds with mild to severe coccidial lesions all continued to gain weight on each day post-infection.

Efficacy of arprinocid against coccidiosis of broilers in battery and floor-pen trials

Medication of broilers with arprinocid [9-(2-chloro-6-fluorophenylmethyl)-9H-purine-6-amine] gave protection against the effects of coccidiosis in both battery and floor-pen trials. In battery trials, efficacy was tested on single-species inoculations of Eimeria acervulina, E. mivati, E. necatrix, E. maxima, E. Brunetti, and E. tenella. Two strains of each species recently recovered from the field, were tested separately. In floor-pen trials, all six species, both field and laboratory strains, were used as a mixed infection. In batteries, 60 and 70 ppm essentially eliminated coccidiosis-induced mortality and weight depression. Effects of 50 ppm on weight gain were variable. The effectiveness of different medication levels varied between strains within a species. In floor-pen trials, 40, 60, or 80 ppm was effective in controlling mortality and weight depression, and increasing feel-conversion ratios. All levels were significantly as effective as monensin in protecting against coccidiosis. With severe exposure to coccidia, 60 and 80 ppm gave significantly lower lesion socres than did 40 ppm of arprinocid or 120 ppm monensin.

Eimeria brunetti in epithelial cells of the bursa of Fabricius in gnotobiotic chickens

Germ-free and conventional chickens were infected with Lactobacillus acidophilus and/or Eimeria brunetti. Germ-free chickens acquiring single infections of E. brunetti were found to have lifecycle stages of the coccidial organism in the bursa of Fabricius.