Reduced Ejection Fraction in Elite Endurance Athletes: Clinical and Genetic Overlap With Dilated Cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Exercise-induced cardiac remodeling can be profound, resulting in clinical overlap with dilated cardiomyopathy, yet the significance of reduced ejection fraction (EF) in athletes is unclear. The aim is to assess the prevalence, clinical consequences, and genetic predisposition of reduced EF in athletes.

METHODS

Young endurance athletes were recruited from elite training programs and underwent comprehensive cardiac phenotyping and genetic testing. Those with reduced EF using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (defined as left ventricular EF <50%, or right ventricular EF <45%, or both) were compared with athletes with normal EF. A validated polygenic risk score for indexed left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESVi-PRS), previously associated with dilated cardiomyopathy, was assessed. Clinical events were recorded over a mean of 4.4 years.

RESULTS

Of the 281 elite endurance athletes (22±8 years, 79.7% male) undergoing comprehensive assessment, 44 of 281 (15.7%) had reduced left ventricular EF (N=12; 4.3%), right ventricular EF (N=14; 5.0%), or both (N=18; 6.4%). Reduced EF was associated with a higher burden of ventricular premature beats (13.6% versus 3.8% with >100 ventricular premature beats/24 h; P=0.008) and lower left ventricular global longitudinal strain (-17%±2% versus -19%±2%; P<0.001). Athletes with reduced EF had a higher mean LVESVi-PRS (0.57±0.13 versus 0.51±0.14; P=0.009) with athletes in the top decile of LVESVi-PRS having an 11-fold increase in the likelihood of reduced EF compared with those in the bottom decile (P=0.034). Male sex and higher LVESVi-PRS were the only significant predictors of reduced EF in a multivariate analysis that included age and fitness. During follow-up, no athletes developed symptomatic heart failure or arrhythmias. Two athletes died, 1 from trauma and 1 from sudden cardiac death, the latter having a reduced right ventricular EF and a LVESVi-PRS >95%.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced EF occurs in approximately 1 in 6 elite endurance athletes and is related to genetic predisposition in addition to exercise training. Genetic and imaging markers may help identify endurance athletes in whom scrutiny about long-term clinical outcomes may be appropriate.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=374976&isReview=true; Unique identifier: ACTRN12618000716268.

DMD-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Genotypes, Phenotypes, and Phenocopies

BACKGROUND

Variants in the DMD gene, that encodes the cytoskeletal protein, dystrophin, cause a severe form of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) associated with high rates of heart failure, heart transplantation, and ventricular arrhythmias. Improved early detection of individuals at risk is needed.

METHODS

Genetic testing of 40 male probands with a potential X-linked genetic cause of primary DCM was undertaken using multi-gene panel sequencing, multiplex polymerase chain reaction, and array comparative genomic hybridization. Variant location was assessed with respect to dystrophin isoform patterns and exon usage. Telomere length was evaluated as a marker of myocardial dysfunction in left ventricular tissue and blood.

RESULTS

Four pathogenic/likely pathogenic DMD variants were found in 5 probands (5/40: 12.5%). Only one rare variant was identified by gene panel testing with 3 additional multi-exon deletion/duplications found following targeted assays for structural variants. All of the pathogenic/likely pathogenic DMD variants involved dystrophin exons that had percent spliced-in scores >90, indicating high levels of constitutive expression in the human adult heart. Fifteen DMD variant-negative probands (15/40: 37.5%) had variants in autosomal genes including TTN, BAG3, LMNA, and RBM20. Myocardial telomere length was reduced in patients with DCM irrespective of genotype. No differences in blood telomere length were observed between genotype-positive family members with/without DCM and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary genetic testing using multi-gene panels has a low yield and specific assays for structural variants are required if DMD-associated cardiomyopathy is suspected. Distinguishing X-linked causes of DCM from autosomal genes that show sex differences in clinical presentation is crucial for informed family management.

Leptospermum extract (QV0) suppresses pleural mesothelioma tumor growth in vitro and in vivo by mitochondrial dysfunction associated apoptosis

Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a highly aggressive, fast-growing asbestos-induced cancer with limited effective treatments. There has been interest in using naturally occurring anticancer agents derived from plant materials for the treatment of PM. However, it is unclear if an aqueous extract from Leptospermum polygalifolium (QV0) has activity against PM. Here we investigated the anti-cancer properties of QV0 and Defender^® (QV0 dietary formula) in vitro and in vivo, respectively. QV0 suppressed the growth of eight PM cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, effective at concentrations as low as 0.02% w/v (equivalent to 0.2 mg/ml). This response was found to be associated with inhibited cell migration, proliferation, and colony formation but without evident cell cycle alteration. We observed mitochondrial dysfunction post-QV0 treatment, as evidenced by significantly decreased basal and maximal oxygen consumption rates. Ten SCID mice were treated with 0.25 mg/g Defender^® daily and exhibited reduced tumor size over 30 days, which was associated with an average extension of seven days of mouse life. There was no evidence of liver toxicity or increased blood glucose post-treatment in animals treated with Defender^®. Significantly enhanced tumor apoptosis was observed in the Defender^®-treated animals, correlating to mitochondrial dysfunction. Lastly, the high levels of polyphenols and antioxidant properties of QV0 and Defender^® were detected in HPLC analysis. To the best of our knowledge, this study constitutes the first demonstration of an improved host survival (without adverse effects) response in a QV0-treated PM mouse model, associated with evident inhibition of PM cell growth and mitochondrial dysfunction-related enhancement of tumor apoptosis.

Heritable defects in telomere and mitotic function selectively predispose to sarcomas

Cancer genetics has to date focused on epithelial malignancies, identifying multiple histotype-specific pathways underlying cancer susceptibility. Sarcomas are rare malignancies predominantly derived from embryonic mesoderm. To identify pathways specific to mesenchymal cancers, we performed whole-genome germline sequencing on 1644 sporadic cases and 3205 matched healthy elderly controls. Using an extreme phenotype design, a combined rare-variant burden and ontologic analysis identified two sarcoma-specific pathways involved in mitotic and telomere functions. Variants in centrosome genes are linked to malignant peripheral nerve sheath and gastrointestinal stromal tumors, whereas heritable defects in the shelterin complex link susceptibility to sarcoma, melanoma, and thyroid cancers. These studies indicate a specific role for heritable defects in mitotic and telomere biology in risk of sarcomas.

Exploring the Genetic Architecture of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Using Whole-Genome Sequencing

Background:

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a cause of acute coronary syndrome that predominantly affects women. Its pathophysiology remains unclear but connective tissue disorders (CTD) and other vasculopathies have been observed in many SCAD patients. A genetic component for SCAD is increasingly appreciated, although few genes have been robustly implicated. We sought to clarify the genetic cause of SCAD using targeted and genome-wide methods in a cohort of sporadic cases to identify both common and rare disease-associated variants.

Methods:

A cohort of 91 unrelated sporadic SCAD cases was investigated for rare, deleterious variants in genes associated with either SCAD or CTD, while new candidate genes were sought using rare variant collapsing analysis and identification of novel loss-of-function variants in genes intolerant to such variation. Finally, 2 SCAD polygenic risk scores were applied to assess the contribution of common variants.

Results:

We identified 10 cases with at least one rare, likely disease-causing variant in CTD-associated genes, although only one had a CTD phenotype. No genes were significantly associated with SCAD from genome-wide collapsing analysis, however, enrichment for TGF (transforming growth factor)-β signaling pathway genes was found with analysis of 24 genes harboring novel loss-of-function variants. Both polygenic risk scores demonstrated that sporadic SCAD cases have a significantly elevated genetic SCAD risk compared with controls.

Conclusions:

SCAD shares some genetic overlap with CTD, even in the absence of any major CTD phenotype. Consistent with a complex genetic architecture, SCAD patients also have a higher burden of common variants than controls.

Author Correction: Therapeutic implications of germline genetic findings in cancer

The originally published article contained errors in the main text and in figure 1 in the reported number of patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline variants. The originally reported numbers did not take into account the presence of more than one variant in an individual patient. This has been corrected in the HTML and PDF versions of the manuscript.

Inconclusive benefit of adjuvant 90Yttrium hydroxyapatite to radiosynovectomy for diffuse-type tenosynovial giant-cell tumour of the knee

Aims

Intra-articular 90Yttrium (90Y) is an adjunct to surgical treatment by synovectomy for patients with diffuse-type tenosynovial giant-cell tumour (dtTGCT) of the knee, with variable success rates. Clinical information is, however, sparse and its value remains unclear. We investigated the long-term outcome of patients who underwent synovectomy with and without adjuvant treatment with 90Yttrium.

Patients and Methods

All patients with dtTGCT of the knee who underwent synovectomy between 1991 and 2014 were included in the study. Group A patients underwent synovectomy and an intra-articular injection of 90Yttrium between six and eight weeks after surgery. Group B patients underwent surgery alone.

Results

There were 34 patients in group A and 22 in group B. Recurrence of dtTGCT was identified by MRI, which was undertaken in patients with further symptoms. At a mean follow-up of 7.3 years (2.5 to 25.4), there was residual disease in 15 patients in group A and 11 in group B (p < 0.363). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score at final follow-up was 85% and 83%, respectively (p < 0.91).

Conclusion

There were no significant differences in outcome between patients treated surgically for dtTGCT of the knee with or without an adjuvant intra-articular injection of 90Yttrium. We were unable to provide conclusive evidence of any benefits derived from the adjuvant treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:984–8.

Single minimal incision fasciotomy for the treatment of chronic exertional compartment syndrome: outcomes and complications

INTRODUCTION

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a common injury in young athletes, causing pain in the involved leg compartment during strenuous exercise. The gold standard treatment is fasciotomy, but most of the reports on its effectiveness include relatively small cohorts and relatively short follow-up periods. This study reports the long-term results of a large cohort of young athletes who underwent single-incision fasciotomy for CECS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This a retrospective case-series study. All patients treated by fasciotomies performed for CECS between 2007 and 2011, in a tertiary medical institution. CECS was diagnosed following history taking and clinical evaluation, and confirmed by compartment pressure measurements. Ninety-five legs that underwent single-incision subcutaneous fasciotomy were included. Data on the numerical analog scale (NAS), Tegner activity score, and quality-of-life (QOL) as measured via the short form-12 (SF-12) were retrieved from all patients preoperatively and at the end of follow-up.

RESULTS

The average time to diagnosis was 22 months and the mean follow-up was 50.1 months. Sixty-three legs underwent anterior compartment fasciotomy (an additional 30 legs also underwent lateral compartment release), and two legs underwent lateral and peroneal compartment releases. The average change in Tegner score was an improvement of 14.6 points. Similarly, the patients reported a significant improvement in the SF-12 and NAS scores. Satisfaction rates were high (average 75.5 %). The main complications were wound infection (2 patients) and nerve injuries (4 patients). Eight patients had recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Single-incision fasciotomy leads to long-term improvement in the activity level and QOL of patients with CECS.

Lateral epicondylitis treatment: international survey of surgeons' preferences and literature review

BACKGROUND

Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a common cause of elbow pain. Despite a relatively high prevalence and morbidity, there is still no single effective ('gold standard') treatment for LE. We hypothesised that a surgeon's experience, country of origin and area of expertise would influence choices concerning patient management. The purpose of this survey was to describe the current trends and common practices in treating LE worldwide.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 291 orthopaedic surgeons of 12 subspecialties from 57 countries were surveyed on their choice of LE treatment modalities. Their preferences were analysed according to country of origin, field of expertise and seniority. The results were compared with current published level-1 evidence.

RESULTS

The most popular modalities of treatment among all of the surveyed orthopaedic surgeons were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid (CS) injection (38% of recommendations each). The most popular Modalities of treatment among the hand surgeons was NSAIDs (48%) and CS injection (30%). There was no significant difference in recommendations based on geography, seniority or specialisation (i.e., hand surgeons among others).

CONCLUSIONS

Neither geography, seniority nor medical specialty affects surgeons' preferences in the treatment of LE. There appears to be little correlation between scientific evidence and therapeutic choices for managing LE.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V, Study.

C/EBP homologous protein inhibits tissue repair in response to gut injury and is inversely regulated with chronic inflammation

Loss of intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) homeostasis and apoptosis negatively affect intestinal barrier function. Uncontrolled activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in IEC contributes to an impaired barrier and is implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases. However, the contribution of the UPR target gene C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), an apoptosis-associated transcription factor, to inflammation-related disease susceptibility remains unclear. Consistent with observations in patients with ulcerative colitis, we show that despite UPR activation in the epithelium, CHOP expression was reduced in mouse models of T-cell-mediated and bacteria-driven colitis. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of IEC-specific CHOP expression, we generated a conditional transgenic mouse model (Chop(IEC Tg/Tg)). Chop overexpression increased the susceptibility toward dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced intestinal inflammation and mucosal tissue injury. Furthermore, a delayed recovery from DSS-induced colitis and impaired closure of mechanically induced mucosal wounds was observed. Interestingly, these findings seemed to be independent of CHOP-mediated apoptosis. In vitro and in vivo cell cycle analyses rather indicated a role for CHOP in epithelial cell proliferation. In conclusion, these data show that IEC-specific overexpression impairs epithelial cell proliferation and mucosal tissue regeneration, suggesting an important role for CHOP beyond mediating apoptosis.

Small-angle X-ray scattering of BAMLET protein-oleic acid complexes at pH 12

BAMLET and HAMLET represent a new class of compound having unrealised potential for treating a broad spectrum of cancers and some multi-drug resistant bacterial infections (Brinkmann et al. 2013; Marks et al. 2013). These compounds are composed of protein (14 to 84 kDa) and oleic acid (282 Da), the latter being the main active component. Hypothesised molten-globularity makes structural determination by NMR and X-ray crystallography very challenging. We carried out small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) on BAMLET at pH 12 (Rath et al. 2014), the pH at which the complex can be prepared. SAXS showed that the protein component was an ensemble of extended, irregular, partially-unfolded conformations that varies with the amount of oleic acid incorporated into the complex. Increases in oleic acid concentration (from 1 to 20 molecules of oleate per protein molecule) correlate with increasing radius of gyration (from 21 to 29 Ang) without an increase in maximum particle dimension, indicating decreasing protein density. Three-dimensional models were generated that satisfy the probability distribution function that was derived by indirect Fourier transform of the SAXS data (Figure A). Models for the highest oleic acid content BAMLET (Figure B) indicate a partially unfolded conformation with the majority of the protein mass distributed around the periphery of the complex. Our results suggest that oleic acid inhibits the folding or collapse of the protein component of BAMLET to the globular form. SAXS was not able to identify the structure of the oleic acid component due to the very weak X-ray scattering contrast. However, the results support a model in which BAMLET retains oleic acid by non-specific association in the core of the partially unfolded protein. This represents a new type of lipid-binding protein structure. The structure of BAMLET will guide efforts to incorporate BAMLET into a delivery vehicle with the aim of realising the significant clinical potential of BAMLET.

Abatacept (CTLA-4IG) treatment reduces the migratory capacity of monocytes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

The binding of abatacept (CTLA-4Ig) to the B7 ligands CD80 and CD86 prevents the engagement of CD28 on T cells and thereby prevents effector T cell activation. In addition, a direct effect of CTLA-4Ig on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) could contribute to the therapeutic effect. To further elucidate the mechanism of CTLA-4Ig, we performed phenotype and functional analyses of APCs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) before and after the initiation of CTLA-4Ig therapy.

METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed before and at 2 and 4 weeks after the initiation of CTLA-4Ig therapy. Proportions of APCs were determined by flow cytometry. CD14+ monocytes were further analyzed for the expression of costimulatory and adhesion molecules and for their transendothelial migratory capacity in vitro. In addition, CD14+ monocytes from healthy controls were analyzed for their migratory and spreading capacity.

RESULTS

Proportions and absolute numbers of monocytes were significantly increased in RA patients treated with CTLA-4Ig. The expression of several adhesion molecules was significantly diminished. In addition, monocytes displayed a significant reduction in their endothelial adhesion and transendothelial migratory capacity upon treatment with CTLA-4Ig. Likewise, isolated monocytes from healthy controls revealed a significant reduction in their migratory and spreading activity after preincubation with CTLA-4Ig or anti-CD80 and anti-CD86 antibodies.

CONCLUSION

We describe direct effects of CTLA-4Ig therapy on phenotype and functional characteristics of monocytes in RA patients that might interfere with the migration of monocytes to the synovial tissue. This additional mechanism of CTLA-4Ig might contribute to the beneficial effects of CTLA-4Ig treatment in RA patients.

Heme oxygenase-1 end-products carbon monoxide and biliverdin ameliorate murine collagen induced arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) which degrades Heme to free iron, biliverdin and carbon monoxide (CO) plays an important role in inflammation. There are, however, conflicting data concerning the role of HO-1 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the therapeutic potential of individual heme degradation products remains to be determined. We therefore investigated the effect of CO and biliverdin upon therapeutic administration in the murine collagen induced arthritis (CIA) model of RA.

METHODS

CIA was induced in DBA/1 mice. Anti-CII antibody levels were determined by ELISA. Mice were scored for paw swelling and grip strength. After the first clinical signs of arthritis one group of animals was treated with biliverdin, the second group was treated with CO. After 60 days all animals were sacrificed and analysed for histomorphological signs of arthritis.

RESULTS

All animals immunised with CII developed serum anti-CII antibodies. Antibody levels were decreased in the CO-treated group. Both, Biliverdin and the CO-treated animals, showed an improvement in clinical disease activity. Histological analysis revealed significantly less inflammation, erosion and reduced numbers of osteoclasts in CO-treated animals only, whereas cartilage degradation was prevented in both biliverdin and CO-treated animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate a beneficial effect of CO, in particular, and biliverdin, on inflammation and bone destruction in the CIA mouse model.

Bracing in external rotation for traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder

We undertook a prospective study in 51 male patients aged between 17 and 27 years to ascertain whether immobilisation after primary traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder in external rotation was more effective than immobilisation in internal rotation in preventing recurrent dislocation in a physically active population. Of the 51 patients, 24 were randomised to be treated by a traditional brace in internal rotation and 27 were immobilised in external rotation of 15 degrees to 20 degrees. After immobilisation, the patients undertook a standard regime of physiotherapy and were then assessed clinically for evidence of instability. When reviewed at a mean of 33.4 months (24 to 48) ten from the external rotation group (37%) and ten from the internal rotation group (41.7%) had sustained a further dislocation. There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.74) between the groups. Our findings show that external rotation bracing may not be as effective as previously reported in preventing recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder.

Meniscal allograft transplantation. Two- to eight-year results

We evaluated 18 of 23 patients who had undergone cryopreserved meniscal allograft transplantation for compartmental pain after total meniscectomy 2 to 8 years (mean, 5.4) after the operation. The Short Form-36 scores revealed a decrease in pain with a significant improvement in function, although function remained limited. There was no significant decrease in joint space on 45 degrees posteroanterior weightbearing radiographs through the duration of the study. Eight of 22 allograft menisci (36%) tore during the study period, necessitating 6 partial and 2 total meniscectomies. Two patients subsequently underwent reimplantation. Histologic examination of the removed tissue revealed reduced cellularity as compared with normal or torn native menisci. Four specimens also underwent detailed cytokine evaluation and demonstrated reduced cytokine expression compared with controls. While successful in alleviating compartmental pain that may be a late consequence of major meniscectomy, allograft menisci are repopulated with fewer cells than are present in normal or torn native menisci. These cells also demonstrate potentially reduced function, as measured by decreased growth factor production. This decreased biologic activity may be a factor that contributes to the high frequency of retears noted in this and prior studies.

The menisci: basic science and advances in treatment

Once described as a muscle remnant, and therefore treated with disrespect, the meniscus is now known to be a vital structure within the knee. Minimal partial meniscectomy performed arthroscopically, or meniscal repair when practical, have become the standard treatments. In spite of the advancements in understanding meniscal function and its preservation, much remains to be studied. In the future, availability of better repair techniques and the option of meniscal replacement with allograft or prosthetic menisci are expected to improve outcomes.

Is there a need for lumbar orthosis in mild compression fractures of the thoracolumbar spine?: A retrospective study comparing the radiographic results between early ambulation with and without lumbar orthosis

Compression fractures of the thoracolumbar spine are common in spinal trauma. Most patients are treated with early ambulation. Bracing is an option not always recommended by the treating team. There are no definite recommendations so far regarding the need for lumbar orthosis in this type of injury. The authors retrospectively compared two methods for treating patients with compression as great as 30%: early ambulation with and without lumbar orthosis. The results show that although demographic variables, type of injury, and cause of injury were similar between the groups, neither treatment emerged as superior. Thoracolumbar fractures with compression as much as 30% can be treated with early ambulation and no external support. Close clinical and radiographic follow-up is essential.

An operative technique for recurrent shoulder dislocations in older patients

Recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation in the elderly is not as exceptional as it was once thought to be. That anterior shoulder dislocation in older patients is caused by a rotator cuff tear through the posterior mechanism is well accepted. However, in the subset of patients who have multiple recurrent or intractable dislocations develop, there may be combined pathologic conditions at work: large or massive rotator cuff tears together with anterior capsulolabral injuries such as a Bankart lesion or fracture of the glenoid rim. These patients have multiple recurrences because of disruption of both the anterior and the posterior stability mechanisms. We suggest a procedure that provides anterior stabilization with the capsular shift technique and that is supplemented by Bankart repair as necessary. The capsule transfer is performed superiorly and posteriorly to close the defect in the cuff. In this way a capsulodesis effect can be achieved that displaces the humeral head downward and produces active centering of the head in the course of abduction. Use of only the anterior capsule for the shift, and not the subscapularis tendon, does not compromise subscapularis function. Between 1990 and 1996, we used this technique to treat 16 patients older than 55 years of age with multiple recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation and massive rotator cuff tear. We report the results for the first 10 patients with a minimum follow-up of 2 years (range 2 to 7 years) and an average follow-up of 52 months. There were 7 excellent results, 2 good results, and 1 fair result according to the Rowe criteria. None of the patients had a recurrence of the dislocation. All the patients regained full or functional range of motion with stable shoulders, and most of them could perform activities of daily living without limitation. The average Constant score was 83%. This procedure appears to be successful in treating older patients with recurrent shoulder dislocation.

[Vacuum phenomenon in the hip joint: diagnostic value]

Vacuum phenomenon is well known in degenerative spinal disease in the elderly, but is seldom seen in other joints, especially in children. The phenomenon does not represent a pathological finding, and can be used for imaging of the articular facets, mainly in the hip and knee joints. We report a patient with this phenomenon in the hip joint.

[Necrotizing soft tissue infection]

The dramatic course of necrotizing soft tissue infection represents a medical emergency, since it is limb- and life-threatening. Most necrotizing soft tissue infections are caused by mixed aerobic and anaerobic Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms. Most case have been reported in immuno-compromised hosts after penetrating trauma or surgery. We describe a unique series of cases of necrotizing soft tissue infection. The mainstay of treatment is early and daily debridement of devitalized tissue and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be considered.

[Haemonetics MCS-3 pump system: improved production quality in thrombocytapheresis with a discontinuous cell separator]

With the new cell separator MCS-3P (Haemonetics) platelet concentrates were collected in 90 min with an average yield of 3 x 10(11) platelets in 280 ml (53 donations). The most important advantage is the reduced residual leukocyte contamination of approximately 2.4 x 10(6).

[4-Log leukocyte depletion of erythrocyte concentrates--a comparison with 3 other filters]

Whole blood (WB) and SAGM-resuspended red cell concentrates (RCC) were leucocyte-depleted 1 h after donation by filtration using BF 4 (PALL), Sepacell RS 200 (Asahi Med.) and Bio R01 Plus (Biotrans). We compared the handling of the filter system, focusing routine blood bank practice, filtration efficiency [residual white cell count; flow cytometry (Ortho Cytoron) and Nageotte chamber] and the loss of red cells. Spontaneous filling was found to be an advantage of the Bio R01 Plus system, whereas the BPF 4 and the RS 200 have to be filled by pressure. The filtrations were of similar duration, even those of WB and resuspended RCC. Red cell loss was found to be 10-15% on RCC higher than on WB (7-10%) and varied between the filters used: BPF 4 < Bio R01 Plus < RS 200. The residual white cell count on WB was 1.2-5.8 x 10(6) (RS 200 < Bio R01 Plus < BPF 4) and on RCC was 0.5-3.0 x 10(5) (RS 200 < BPF 4 < Bio R01 Plus). The filters used are highly effective (4-log depletion on RCC) even on fresh WB and are therefore potential in-line filters.

[Stem cell pheresis and deep temperature preservation--a problem of transfusion medicine?]

In Germany, Transfusion Medicine belongs to various medical disciplines. We would like to demonstrate our model of interdisciplinary collaboration in stem cell transplantation. Since 1989 we performed 339 leukaphereses in 53 patients. On average we got 1.4 x 10(8) MNC/kg body weight from one single apheresis procedure. To observe graft quality we measured the content of CD34-positive cells and the amount of CFU-GM. Despite diagnosis and therapeutical regimen the content of CD34+ cells was found to be 3.3% (0-20). The proliferation was 21.7 GM-CFU per 1 x 10(5) MNC seeded (0-393). The results of the first 17 transplantations showed a fast haematological recovery (WBS 1.0 Gpt/l after 9 days Plt 20 Gpt/l after 11 days). Close collaboration of Transfusion Medicine and Haematology leads to optimization of stem cell transplantation.

[Pelvic lytic lesion, and the need to suspect osteoporosis-related fractures]

Insufficiency fractures of the pelvis may be overlooked as a cause of hip or groin pain. These fractures occur in the elderly, usually those with pronounced osteopenia of the pelvis. Predisposing factors include corticosteroids, local irradiation and postmenopausal osteoporosis. These fractures are difficult to detect clinically and plain radiographs and other studies may be misleading, delaying diagnosis and treatment. A 65-year-old woman had left groin and hip pain for 2 months with no history of trauma. Plain radiographs showed lytic lesions in the left pubic rami. Bone scan revealed increased uptake in that region, suggesting metastatic bone disease. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated fractures in the left superior and inferior pubic rami, with callus formation with no involvement of soft tissues. Quantitative computed tomography indicated low calcium concentration, below fracture threshold. The diagnosis of insufficiency fractures of the pelvis was confirmed by the favorable clinical and radiographic outcome. It is therefore important to be familiar with the appearance and location of these fractures.

[Combined treatment for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder]

Adhesive capsulitis is a problem for the orthopedic surgeon due to the difficulty of treatment. Although it is self-limited, few patients will wait for spontaneous resolutions while suffering pain and progressive loss of motion. Our aim was to modify the course of the disease and to shorten recovery time by combining intensive physiotherapy with intra-articular infiltration and gentle manipulation. 49 patients with 50 frozen shoulders were enrolled in the study. All patients were treated initially with physiotherapy for 4-8 weeks. If no improvement was noted the affected shoulder was infiltrated and gently manipulated. 27 of 49 patients (55%) improved dramatically with the initial physiotherapy regimen. They achieved full or nearly full range of motion, with significant relief of pain. 22 patients were infiltrated and manipulated. Elevation improved significantly from an average of 110.95 to 165.71 degrees (p < 0.001), external rotation from an average of 9.52 to 43.57 degrees (p < 0.001) and internal rotation also improved significantly (p < 0.001). Self assisted physiotherapy is the corner stone of treatment in adhesive capsulitis. When pain and limitation of passive range of motion persist, infiltration and gentle manipulation dramatically shortens the debilitating process.

Bilateral dislocation of the hip during convulsions: a case report

Simultaneous bilateral posterior dislocation of the hip is very uncommon and most cases are caused by road accidents. Simultaneous bilateral posterior dislocation of the hip due to convulsions is extremely rare. We report the case of a man who was diagnosed late and operated on 15 weeks after the injury. We discuss the treatment of chronic dislocation of the hip and review the literature.

BILATERAL DISLOCATION OF THE HIP DURING CONVULSIONS

Simultaneous bilateral posterior dislocation of the hip is very uncommon and most cases are caused by road accidents. Simultaneous bilateral posterior dislocation of the hip due to convulsions is extremely rare.

We report the case of a man who was diagnosed late and operated on 15 weeks after the injury. We discuss the treatment of chronic dislocation of the hip and review the literature.

Digitalis-induced visual disturbances with therapeutic serum digitalis concentrations

OBJECTIVE

To assess the role of digitalis in the development of visual symptoms severe enough to warrant ophthalmologic consultation in patients who received digitalis and who had no other clinical or laboratory evidence of digitalis toxicity.

DESIGN

Clinical case study.

SETTING

Neuro-ophthalmology referral practice.

PATIENTS

Six elderly patients (aged 66 to 85 years) who received digitalis were referred to ophthalmologists for evaluation of photopsia (five patients) or decreased visual acuity (one patient). No patient had chromatopsia or nonvisual clinical manifestations of digitalis intoxication at the time of examination.

MEASUREMENTS

All patients had serum digitalis concentrations within or below the therapeutic range. In most patients, the electroretinographic cone b-wave implicit time was longer than normal.

RESULTS

Discontinuation of digitalis therapy, which was possible in five patients, was followed by resolution of visual symptoms and by shortening of the b-wave implicit time. Characteristic features of digitalis-induced photopsia were its dependence on illumination and its tendency to be localized in peripheral visual fields.

CONCLUSIONS

In an elderly patient receiving digitalis, the development of photopsia characterized by innumerable points of light in the peripheral visual fields or a decrease in visual acuity raises the possibility that the patient's visual disturbance may have been digitalis induced. Digitalis-induced visual disturbances other than chromatopsia or disturbances of color vision may occur in elderly patients who have no other clinical manifestations of digitalis intoxication and who have a serum digitalis concentration within or below the therapeutic range.

[Large volume lymphocytapheresis for the collection of peripheral stem cells]

We performed 29 large-volume leukaphereses of 20 patients for collection of peripheral blood stem cells. All patients have been pretreated with cytokines after chemotherapy. In 9 patients with precounts of > or = 3 x 10(9) mononuclear cells/l we achieved a sufficient transplantation doses with one LVL. If the MNC precount was < or = 3 x 10(9)/l we had to perform more than one LVL. On 16 patients we compared a standard apheresis procedure with the LVL procedure. It seems that especially patients with a lower MNC precount can profit from LVL. From patients with higher MNC precounts we harvested the double amount of MNCs, from patients with lower MNC precounts the triple amount.

[In-line-filtration of erythrocyte concentrates using the Leukotrap-RC system]

'In-line filtration' was performed on whole blood (WB) of 12 healthy donors. The WB was drawn into the triple-bag Leukotrap-RC system. Six red cell concentrates (RCC) were filtrated 1 h after donation either with or without buffy-coat and stored 35 days in AS-3. We measured the loss of red cells, the residual white cell count (Nageotte chamber), platelet count in fresh frozen plasma (FFP); 2,3-DPG, K+, Hbe, pH, O2Hb and pO50. The system was easy to handle but needed circular centrifugation holders because the filter is placed and fixed just at the top of the bags during centrifugation. RCC without buffy coat led to a faster filtration (15 vs, 38 min) and to an improved FFP quality (platelet count 23 vs, 54 Gpt/l). The leucocyte removal rate of the integrated PALL-RC-350 was similar, residual white cell count less than 3 x 10(6), in both preparations. All storage parameters were found within the normal range except a significant increase of O2Hb in filtrated red cells compared with the unfiltered control.