Health benefits and risks during 10 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Background

Long-term evaluations 10 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are limited. We report the development in weight and cardiovascular risk factors during 10 years after laparoscopic RYGB, with evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life (QoL) at 10-year follow-up.

Methods

We performed a prospective longitudinal cohort study. Patients operated with laparoscopic RYGB from May 2004 to November 2006 were invited to 10-year follow-up consultations. Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) questionnaire and two QoL questionnaires were used for analyses of gastrointestinal symptoms and QoL.

Results

A total of 203 patients were operated; nine (4.4%) died during follow-up. Of 194 eligible patients, 124 (63.9%) attended 10-year follow-up consultations. Percent excess weight loss (%EWL) and percent total weight loss (%TWL) at 10 years were 53.0% and 24.1%, respectively. %EWL > 50% was seen in 53.2%. Significant weight regain (≥15%) from 2 to 10 years was seen in 63.3%. Remission rates of type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension were 56.8%, 46.0%, and 41.4%, respectively. Abdominal operations beyond 30 days after RYGB were reported in 33.9%. Internal hernia and ileus (13.7%) and gallstone-related disease (9.7%) were the most common causes. Vitamin D deficiency (<50nmol/L) was seen in 33.3%. At 10 years, bothersome abdominal pain and indigestion symptoms (GSRS scores ≥3) were reported in 42.9% and 54.0%, respectively, and were associated with low QoL.

Conclusion

We observed significant weight loss and remission of comorbidities 10 years after RYGB. Significant weight regain occurred in a substantial subset of patients. Gastrointestinal symptoms were common and negatively impacted QoL.

Abdominal pain and symptoms before and after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Background

Despite increased emphasis on patient‐reported outcomes, few studies have focused on abdominal pain symptoms before and after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The aim of this study was to quantify chronic abdominal pain (CAP) in relation to RYGB.

Methods

Patients with morbid obesity planned for RYGB were invited to participate at a tertiary referral centre from February 2014 to June 2015. Participants completed a series of seven questionnaires before and 2 years after RYGB. CAP was defined as patient‐reported presence of long‐term or recurrent abdominal pain lasting for more than 3 months.

Results

A total of 236 patients were included, of whom 209 (88·6 per cent) attended follow‐up. CAP was reported by 28 patients (11·9 per cent) at baseline and 60 (28·7 per cent) at follow‐up (P < 0·001). Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) scores (except reflux scores) and symptoms of anxiety increased from baseline to follow‐up. Most quality of life (QoL) scores (except role emotional, mental health and mental component scores) also increased. At follow‐up, patients with CAP had higher GSRS scores than those without CAP, with large effect sizes for abdominal pain and indigestion syndrome scores. Patients with CAP had more symptoms of anxiety, higher levels of catastrophizing and lower QoL scores. Baseline CAP seemed to predict CAP at follow‐up.

Conclusion

The prevalence of CAP is higher 2 years after RYGB compared with baseline values.

Vitamin concentrations 5 years after gastric bypass

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Few studies have investigated the effects of bariatric surgery on vitamin status in the long term. We examined changes in vitamin status up to 5 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Using a retrospectively maintained database of patients undergoing weight loss surgery, we identified all patients operated with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at our tertiary care hospital during July 2004-May 2008. Data on vitamin concentrations and patient-reported intake of dietary supplements were collected up to July 2012. Linear mixed models were used to estimate changes in vitamin concentrations during follow-up, adjusting for age and sex. All patients were recommended daily oral multivitamin, calcium/vitamin D and iron supplements and 3-monthly intramuscular B-12 after surgery.

RESULTS

Out of the 443 patients operated with gastric bypass, we included 441 (99.5%) patients with one or more measurements of vitamin concentrations (75.1% women; mean age 41.5 years, mean body mass index 46.1 kg/m(2) at baseline). At 5 years after surgery, the patients' estimated mean vitamin concentrations were either significantly higher (vitamin B-6, folic acid, vitamin B-12, vitamin C and vitamin A) or not significantly different (thiamine, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and lipid-adjusted vitamin E) compared with before surgery. Use of multivitamin, calcium/vitamin D and vitamin B-12 supplements was reported by 1-9% of patients before surgery, 79-84% of patients at 1 year and 52-83% of patients 5 years after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery, estimated vitamin concentrations were either significantly increased or unchanged up to 5 years after surgery.

Endoscopic snare resection followed by laser ablation in the treatment of large, sessile rectal adenomas

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Large sessile rectal adenomas can be difficult to eradicate, and different treatment modalities are available. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcome after endoscopic snare resection followed by Nd:YAG laser ablation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Over a 10-year period 92 of 99 (93%) patients were registered prospectively and attended follow-up examinations with endoscopy and biopsies.

RESULTS

Fifty-four (59%) men and 38 (41%) women were included; 67 patients (73%) had high grade (severe) intraepithelial dysplasia or intramucosal neoplasia. The adenomas ranged from 2-9 cm (median 4 cm) in diameter, and were located 2-15 cm (median 5 cm) from the anal verge. A median of two (range 1-6) piecemeal snare resection sessions and a median of one (range 1-7) laser treatments were performed for each patient. Complete eradication was achieved in 86 patients (93%). Over a median follow-up period of 26 months, 20/86 (23%) suffered local recurrence, eight of whom were given a second laser treatment without developing further recurrence. In five of eight frail patients considered unsuitable for more radical treatment, repeated laser treatment was effective in keeping the adenoma small and symptoms at a minimum. As a whole the treatment was successful in 74/92 (80%) and partially successful in 5/92 (5%) of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Snare resection followed by laser ablation is safe and still has a place in the treatment of old, frail patients with large rectal adenomas. However, there is a risk of missing an infiltrating carcinoma, and other treatment options are preferable in fit patients.

Randomized clinical trial of laparoscopic gastric bypass versus laparoscopic duodenal switch for superobesity

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (LDS) are surgical options for superobesity. A randomized trial was conducted to evaluate perioperative (30-day) safety and 1-year results.

METHODS

Sixty patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 50-60 kg/m(2) were randomized to LRYGB or LDS. BMI, percentage of excess BMI lost, complications and readmissions were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Patient characteristics were similar in the two groups. Mean operating time was 91 min for LRYGB and 206 min for LDS (P < 0.001). One LDS was converted to open surgery. Early complications occurred in four patients undergoing LRYGB and seven having LDS (P = 0.327), with no deaths. Median stay was 2 days after LRYGB and 4 days after LDS (P < 0.001). Four and nine patients respectively had late complications (P = 0.121). Mean BMI at 1 year decreased from 54.8 to 38.5 kg/m(2) after LRYGB and from 55.2 to 32.5 kg/m(2) after LDS; percentage of excess BMI lost was greater after LDS (74.8 versus 54.4 per cent; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

LRYGB and LDS can be performed with comparable perioperative safety in superobese patients. LDS provides greater weight loss in the first year.

The degree of myelosuppression during maintenance therapy of adolescents with B-lineage intermediate risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia predicts risk of relapse

Drug doses, blood levels of drug metabolites and myelotoxicity during 6-mercaptopurine/methotrexate (MTX) maintenance therapy were registered for 59 adolescents (>or=10 years) and 176 non-adolescents (<10 years) with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and a white blood cell count (WBC) <50 x 10(9)/l at diagnosis. Event-free survival was lower for adolescents than non-adolescents (pEFS(12y):0.71 vs 0.83, P=0.04). For adolescents staying in remission, the mean WBC during maintenance therapy (mWBC) was related to age (r(S)=0.36, P=0.02), which became nonsignificant for those who relapsed (r(S)=0.05, P=0.9). The best-fit multivariate Cox regression model to predict risk of relapse included mWBC and thiopurine methyltransferase activity, which methylates mercaptopurine and reduces the intracellular availability of cytotoxic 6-thioguanine nucleotides (coefficient: 0.11, P=0.02). The correlation of mWBC to the risk of relapse was more pronounced for adolescents (coefficient=0.65, P=0.003) than for non-adolescents (coefficient=0.42, P=0.04). Adolescents had higher mean neutrophil counts (P=0.002) than non-adolescents, but received nonsignificantly lower mercaptopurine and MTX doses during maintenance therapy. Red blood cell MTX levels were significantly related to the dose of MTX among adolescents who stayed in remission (r(S)=0.38, P=0.02), which was not the case for those who developed a relapse (r(S)=0.15, P=0.60). Thus, compliance to maintenance therapy may influence the risk of relapse for adolescents with ALL.

Thiopurine methyltransferase activity is related to the risk of relapse of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: results from the NOPHO ALL-92 study

Myelotoxicity during thiopurine therapy is enhanced in patients, who because of single nucleotide polymorphisms have decreased activity of the enzyme thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) and thus more thiopurine converted into 6-thioguanine nucleotides. Of 601 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who were treated by the NOPHO ALL-92 protocol, 117 had TPMT genotype determined, whereas for 484 patients only erythrocyte TPMT activity was available. The latter were classified as heterozygous, if TPMT activity was <14 IU/ml, or deficient (<1.0 IU/ml). 526 patients had TPMT wild type, 73 were presumed heterozygous, and two were TPMT deficient. Risk of relapse was higher for the 526 TPMT wild type patients than for the remaining 75 patients (18 vs 7%, P=0.03). In Cox multivariate regression analysis, sex (male worse; P=0.06), age (higher age worse, P=0.02), and TPMT activity (wild type worse; P=0.02) were related to risk of relapse. Despite a lower probability of relapse, patients in the low TPMT activity group did not have superior survival (P=0.82), possibly because of an excess of secondary cancers among these 75 patients (P=0.07). These data suggest that children with ALL and TPMT wild type might have their cure rate improved, if the pharmacokinetics/-dynamics of TPMT low-activity patients could be mimicked without a concurrent excessive risk of second cancers.

[Treatment of intestinal failure in adults. II. Pharmacological treatment options]

For patients with severe intestinal failure caused by short-bowel syndrome, pharmacological treatment options are available that can reduce the period in which parenteral nutrition is required. Appropriate agents include acid inhibitors, bile-salt binders, inhibitors of motility and secretion, antibiotics and pre- and probiotics. A number of intestinotrophic factors have also been identified that are reported to enhance the functional adaptation of the intestine following surgery or illness. These include glutamine, growth hormone, and glucagon-like peptide 2 and its analogues. Absorption of certain agents is reduced when specific portions of the intestine are lacking. For example, fat-soluble cyclosporine is poorly resorbed in patients without an ileum.

[Treatment of intestinal failure in adults. I. Dietary measures]

Patients with intestinal failure, predominantly caused by short-bowel syndrome, have impaired quality of life due to the frequent development of complications. Dietary modifications have an established role in the treatment of short-bowel syndrome. Treatment of short-bowel syndrome includes optimising the balance of fluids and nutrients in the presence of reduced absorption. The population is heterogeneous due to differences in anatomical structure and the functional status of the remaining intestine. Diet must therefore be tailored to the individual patient. Determining the appropriate amount of carbohydrates is based on the presence of the colon, because carbohydrates are processed in the colon by bacterial fermentation. Patients with a jejunostomy rapidly become dehydrated because they lose more sodium and fluids than are taken up enterally. The jejunum rapidly absorbs solutions with high salt concentrations, such as the WHO-recommended oral rehydration solution. Replacement of long-chain fatty acids with water-soluble medium-chain fatty acids increases the energy intake in patients with short-bowel syndrome and a colon. Extra attention should be given to electrolytes, trace elements and vitamins. Patients with short-bowel syndrome and a colon are at risk for oxalate nephropathy. For these patients, a low oxalate diet is recommended. With these interventions, many patients with intestinal failure will ultimately become independent of total parenteral nutrition.

Iron and iron/manganese ratio in forage from Icelandic sheep farms: relation to scrapie

This study was undertaken in order to examine whether any connection existed between the amounts of iron in forage and the sporadic occurrence of scrapie observed in certain parts of Iceland. As iron and manganese are considered antagonistic in plants, calculation of the Fe/Mn ratios was also included by using results from Mn determination earlier performed in the same samples. Forage samples (n = 170) from the summer harvests of 2001–2003, were collected from 47 farms for iron and manganese analysis. The farms were divided into four categories: 1. Scrapie-free farms in scrapie-free areas (n = 9); 2. Scrapie-free farms in scrapie-afflicted areas (n = 17); 3. Scrapie-prone farms (earlier scrapie-afflicted, restocked farms) (n = 12); 4. Scrapie-afflicted farms (n = 9). Farms in categories 1 and 2 are collectively referred to as scrapie-free farms. The mean iron concentration in forage samples from scrapie-afflicted farms was significantly higher than in forage samples from farms in the other scrapie categories (P = 0.001). The mean Fe/Mn ratio in forage from scrapie-afflicted farms was significantly higher than in forage from scrapie-free and scrapie-prone farms (P < 0.001). The results indicated relative dominance of iron over manganese in forage from scrapie-afflicted farms as compared to farms in the other categories. Thus thorough knowledge of iron, along with manganese, in soil and vegetation on sheep farms could be a pivot in studies on sporadic scrapie.

Fatal poisoning in Nordic drug addicts in 2002

The present study from 2002 includes medicolegally examined fatal poisonings among drug addicts in the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. A common definition "drug addict" is applied by the participating countries. The number of deaths, age, sex, place of death, main intoxicant and other drugs present in the blood are recorded in order to obtain national data, as well as comparable Nordic data and data comparable to earlier studies from 1997 and 1991. The Icelandic results are commented on separately due to the low number of cases. The most fatal overdoses are seen in Norway, in both the death rate (number per 100,000 inhabitants=8.44) and in absolute number (n=232). The comparable figures for the other four countries are Denmark 5.43 (n=175), Iceland 3.6 (n=6), Finland 2.93 (n=94) and Sweden 2.56 (n=136). In earlier studies from 1991 and 1997, the highest death rate is seen in Denmark, with Norway as number two. Denmark is the only country where the death rate decreases from 1997 to 2002. A relatively large increase in deaths in the younger age groups (<30 years) is noted from 1997 to 2002, except in Denmark, where only a small increase in overdose deaths in very young people (15-19 years) is observed. Females account for 12-20% of the overdoses (three out of six deaths in Iceland). Relatively fewer deaths are recorded in the capital areas in 2002 than in 1997 and 1991, suggesting more geographically widespread drug use in the Nordic countries. Heroin/morphine is the single most frequently encountered main intoxicant, varying from 10% of the cases in Finland to 72% of the cases in Norway. Finland differs from the other countries in that a high percentage of the fatal overdoses in Finland are not caused by an illicit drug; buprenorphine overdoses are seen, and relatively few deaths resulting from heroin are seen. Methadone is the main intoxicant in 41% of the Danish overdose cases, 15% of the Norwegian cases, 4% of the Swedish cases and none of the Finnish overdose cases, an observation probably linked to different national prescription rules for methadone. The analytical screening reveals extended polydrug use. Frequently seen substances, in addition to the main intoxicant are amphetamine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), benzodiazepines and ethanol.

Outcome of children with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (HR-ALL): Nordic results on an intensive regimen with restricted central nervous system irradiation

BACKGROUND

Improvement in outcome of childhood high-risk (HR) ALL was sought with a very intensive Nordic protocol leaving most patients without CNS-RT.

METHODS

A total of 426 consecutive children entered the NOPHO-92 HR-ALL program. HR criteria included WBC > or =50 x 10(9)/L, CNS or testicular involvement, T-cell, lymphomatous features, t(9;22), t(4;11), or slow response. Of these, 152 children had very high risk (VHR) with special definitions. CNS consolidation was based on high-dose MTX (8 g/m2) and ARA-C (12 g/m2) alternating. VHR patients also received cranial RT.

RESULTS

The 9-year EFS was 61 +/- 3%, OS 74 +/- 2%, and EFS for T-ALL 62 +/- 4%. Cumulative incidence of isolated CNS relapse was 4.7 +/- 1%, and CNS relapse in total 9.9 +/- 2%. Poor prognostic factors were WBC > or =200 x 10(9)/L and a very slow response.

CONCLUSIONS

HR-ALL was successfully treated on the NOPHO-92 regimen, with a relatively low CNS relapse rate for non-irradiated children. WBC > or =200 x 10(9)/L and very slow response emerged as strong poor prognostic factors.

Comparison of faecal and intestinal concentrations of granulocyte marker protein and localization of gastrointestinal tumours in rats

BACKGROUND

Increased faecal concentrations of the granulocyte marker protein (GMP) have been found in rats with azoxymethane (AOM) induced carcinoma of the colon, but the origin of this GMP is unknown. The aims were to investigate the concentrations of GMP in different parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in rats with or without AOM-induced carcinoma and to correlate the GMP concentrations to localization of the carcinomas.

METHODS

Nineteen rats were given intramuscular injections of AOM, 15 mg/kg, once weekly for 6 weeks and were killed after 22 weeks. Five rats that were not given AOM injections served as controls.

RESULTS

All rats given AOM developed tumours; 18 developed a total of 33 adenocarcinomas in the GI tract and one developed an adenoma in the colon. Nine animals had carcinoma in the small bowel, seven of which also had carcinoma of the colon, and nine animals had carcinomas in the large bowel only. No other tumours were found. All except one of the animals that had carcinoma of the colon had elevated faecal GMP concentrations, and from week 11 there was a significant difference in the GMP values between the control group and the group that developed colon carcinoma. In all rats that developed carcinoma in the small bowel, the tumour was localized in the proximal part. In the rats that had been given AOM, the luminal GMP concentrations were significantly higher in the proximal part of the small bowel than in the distal part, but there were no significant differences in the GMP concentrations between animals with and without carcinoma in the small bowel. Sixteen rats developed a total of 24 carcinomas in the colon, and one rat developed an adenoma. Luminal GMP concentration in the distal part of the colon was elevated in all animals with carcinomas in the colon, and the GMP concentrations were significantly higher in the distal part than in the proximal part. Rats with one carcinoma in the colon had significantly lower GMP values in the distal part, compared to rats that had two carcinomas in the colon.

CONCLUSIONS

The animal model described is suitable for further studies on many aspects of tumour development in the colon. Furthermore, it is likely that increased faecal GMP concentration in rats with colon carcinoma is a result of an inflammatory process in or around tumours.

Screening of first degree relatives of patients operated for colorectal cancer: evaluation of fecal calprotectin vs. hemoccult II

Fecal calprotectin (CPT) is elevated in the majority of patients with known colorectal cancer (CRC), but the specificity is not clarified.

AIM

To evaluate if a CPT test (PhiCal ELISA) was more sensitive than Hemoccult II test in detecting colorectal neoplasia, and to obtain reference values in subjects with normal colonoscopy. To evaluate a possible relation between number and extent of dysplasia of adenomas in first degree relatives of patients with CRC and the stage of the carcinoma in the index casus. Further to study the prevalence of CRC and adenomas in the first degree relatives of patients operated for CRC.

METHOD

In a multicenter study, 253 first degree relatives of patients with CRC, aged 50-75 years (mean age 60 years) underwent colonoscopy after having delivered stool samples and three Hemoccult II slides.

RESULTS

In 237 first degree relatives from 148 patients with CRC, polyps were found in 118 (50%). Seventy three (31%) had adenomas and 17 had adenomas > or =10 mm. Five had asymptomatic cancers. The specificity of fecal CPT for adenomas at cut off levels <or =10, < or =15 and < or =20 mg/l were 47.4, 59.6 and 71.1%, respectively (max of three samples). The sensitivity at same cut off levels was 56.2, 45.2 and 31.5% and 4/5 of patients with carcinoma had CPT values >15 mg/l. The sensitivity of Hemoccult II for adenomas was 8%, and 4/5 of patients with carcinoma had negative Hemoccult II. The specificity for adenomas was 95%.

CONCLUSION

Fecal CPT test was more sensitive than Hemoccult II in detecting colorectal neoplasia but the specificity was lower. In a high risk group like first degree relatives of patients with CRC, there are good reasons to consider fecal CPT as a first test in selecting patients for endoscopy.

Copper, ceruloplasmin and superoxide dismutase (SOD1) in patients with Down's syndrome

The aim of this study was primarily to investigate whether similar signs of copper dyshomeostasis occur in dementia with age in Down's syndrome as previously found in Alzheimer's disease. Copper was accordingly determined in plasma, ceruloplasmin concentration in serum, ceruloplasmin oxidative activity and ceruloplasmin specific oxidative activity (activity related to mass) in serum, and superoxide dismutase (SOD1) in erythrocytes in 35 (27 males, 8 females) 18-53 years old (average 37 years) patients with Down's syndrome (Down's patients) and their age- and gender-matched controls. SOD1 activity was on an average almost 50% higher in the patients than in their controls but the evidence of a causal relationship between increased SOD1 activity and Down's syndrome appears at best equivocal. Copper and ceruloplasmin levels and ceruloplasmin activities were similar in the patients and their controls. Ceruloplasmin and copper levels increased significantly with age in the patients but not in the controls. Ceruloplasmin activities or SOD1 activity did not change significantly with age, neither in the patients nor in the controls as whole groups. When SOD1 activity and ceruloplasmin activities of the oldest in the patients group (40 years or older) were compared with those of the younger patients, respectively, SOD1 activity and specific oxidative activity, but not ceruloplasmin oxidative activity were found to decrease significantly with age. The results thus suggest that development of dementia in Down's patients with age is paralleled with decrease in SOD1 activity and specific oxidative activity but not with decrease in ceruloplasmin oxidative activity itself as was also found in Alzheimer's patients.

Construct validity of ILAR and EULAR criteria in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a population based incidence study from the Nordic countries. International League of Associations for Rheumatology. European League Against Rheumatism

OBJECTIVE

New classification criteria (ILAR) have been proposed for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). They are more descriptive than those formerly used [American College of Rheumatology (ACR), European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)], but require validation against classifications already in use. We validated the ILAR criteria in relation to the EULAR criteria in a prospective, incidence, and population based setting, and analyzed their feasibility.

METHODS

Construct validity of ILAR and EULAR classification criteria refers to how closely the 2 instruments are related and how each of them operates in classifying subgroups/categories. Twenty doctors in 5 Nordic countries collected data from the incidence cases within their catchment areas during an 18 month period beginning July 1, 1997. Clinical and serological data from the first year of disease were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 322 patients were included. Classification according to the ILAR criteria was possible in 321 patients; 290 patients had a disease duration > or = 3 months and were classified according to the EULAR criteria. One child could only be classified according to the EULAR criteria. Thus, 31/322 (9.6%) children were classified according to the ILAR criteria only. Forty-eight of 321 (15%) patients did not fit into any category and 6% (20/321) fulfilled criteria for2 categories. In the ILAR classification 5 out of 7 categories/subgroups have 2 to 5 specified exclusion criteria that highly discriminate the definition of each patient. In our study the exclusion criteria were fulfilled to only a small extent.

CONCLUSION

The EULAR and ILAR criteria differ concerning the operational definitions of the subvariables involved, which complicates their comparison. By using ILAR rather than EULAR criteria the number of cases with juvenile arthritis increased by 10%, considering the first half-year after onset. The validity of the ILAR criteria is low since they often exclude patients from subgroup classification and the possibility of having more than one diagnosis is not negligible. The specified exclusion criteria for some of the subgroups are difficult to fulfill in clinical work and variables involved could be questioned with regard to their consistency.

Fatal poisoning in drug addicts in the Nordic countries

The study includes medicolegally examined fatal poisonings among drug addicts in 1997 in the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, and the results are compared to a similar investigation from 1991. A common definition of "drug addict" was applied by the participating countries. The highest death rate by poisoning in drug addicts was observed in Denmark, where it was 6.54 per 10(5)inhabitants, followed by Norway with 6.35, Sweden with 2.21, Finland with 1.63 and Iceland with 1.20 per 10(5)inhabitants. All countries showed a higher death rate in 1997 than in 1991. For all countries the distribution of deaths according to geographical regions showed a decreasing number of drug deaths in the metropolitan area and an increasing number in other cities. Heroin/morphine dominated as the cause of death and was responsible for about 90% of the cases in Norway. In Sweden and Denmark, however, heroin/morphine caused only about 70% of the fatal poisonings. About 30% of the fatal poisonings in Denmark and Sweden were caused by other group I drugs, in Denmark mainly methadone and in Sweden mainly propoxyphene. Apart from two cases in Sweden methadone deaths were not seen in the other Nordic countries. In Finland heroin/morphine deaths have increased from about 10% in 1991 to about 40% in 1997. Forty-four percent of the fatal poisonings in Finland were caused by other group I drugs, mainly codeine and propoxyphene. The two fatal poisonings in Iceland were caused by carbon monoxide. Only few deaths in this investigation were caused by amphetamine and cocaine. A widespread use of alcohol, cannabis and benzodiazepines, especially diazepam, was seen in all the countries.

A new fecal calprotectin test for colorectal neoplasia. Clinical results and comparison with previous method

BACKGROUND

Fecal calprotectin is elevated in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). An improved method has been developed. The aim was to evaluate sensitivity and specificity for CRC with the new fecal calprotectin method and to compare the results with those of the original method.

METHODS

The study comprised 453 subjects including symptomatic CRC patients and CRC high risk subjects with and without CRC. Complete colonoscopy was performed. Calprotectin was measured with an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using small (50-100 mg) feces samples.

RESULTS

Fecal calprotectin levels were significantly elevated in symptomatic CRC and in asymptomatic CRC detected in high risk subjects. Calprotectin levels were significantly decreased 3 months after cancer removal. A cut-off limit of 50 microg/g resulted in a sensitivity of 89% in CRC patients and 79% in high risk subjects, compared to 89% and 75%, respectively, with the original method, using 10 mg/l as cut-off limit. Specificity was improved with the new method to 68% and 91% at cut-off of 50 and 150 microg/g, compared to 66% and 88%, respectively. Negative predictive value (NPV) was 99% for cut-off of 50 microg/g in the high risk population. One stool sample was sufficient, but measurement of two spots in two stools increased sensitivity to 98% for symptomatic and 82% for asymptomatic CRC.

CONCLUSION

The new simple method, using small samples of feces, had a higher diagnostic accuracy, suggesting that it should be preferred to the original one, in screening high risk groups for CRC.

A new fecal calprotectin test for colorectal neoplasia. Clinical results and comparison with previous method

BACKGROUND

Fecal calprotectin is elevated in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). An improved method has been developed. The aim was to evaluate sensitivity and specificity for CRC with the new fecal calprotectin method and to compare the results with those of the original method.

METHODS

The study comprised 453 subjects including symptomatic CRC patients and CRC high risk subjects with and without CRC. Complete colonoscopy was performed. Calprotectin was measured with an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using small (50-100 mg) feces samples.

RESULTS

Fecal calprotectin levels were significantly elevated in symptomatic CRC and in asymptomatic CRC detected in high risk subjects. Calprotectin levels were significantly decreased 3 months after cancer removal. A cut-off limit of 50 microg/g resulted in a sensitivity of 89% in CRC patients and 79% in high risk subjects, compared to 89% and 75%, respectively, with the original method, using 10 mg/l as cut-off limit. Specificity was improved with the new method to 68% and 91% at cut-off of 50 and 150 microg/g, compared to 66% and 88%, respectively. Negative predictive value (NPV) was 99% for cut-off of 50 microg/g in the high risk population. One stool sample was sufficient, but measurement of two spots in two stools increased sensitivity to 98% for symptomatic and 82% for asymptomatic CRC.

CONCLUSION

The new simple method, using small samples of feces, had a higher diagnostic accuracy, suggesting that it should be preferred to the original one, in screening high risk groups for CRC.

Severe atenolol and diltiazem overdose

CASE REPORT

A case of combined, massive overdose of both atenolol and diltiazem in an adult male is reported. Cardiac arrest ensued which was responsive to cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Bradycardia, hypotension, and oliguria followed which were resistant to intravenous pacing and multiple pharmacologic interventions, including intravenous fluids, calcium, dopamine, dobutamine, epinephrine, prenalterol, and glucagon. Adequate mean arterial pressure and urine output were restored only after addition of phenylephrine to therapy with multiple agents and transvenous pacing. The patient survived until discharge after a hospital course complicated by nontransmural myocardial infarct on hospital day 4 and pneumonia. Laboratory testing subsequently revealed high serum levels of both atenolol and diltiazem. The atenolol level of 35 microg/mL in this patient is the highest reported associated with survival.

CONCLUSION

This case illustrates severe cardiovascular toxicity after overdose of both atenolol and diltiazem. Oliguria, which has previously been reported in severe atenolol overdose, was successfully treated without hemodialysis by the addition of phenylephrine to aggressive therapy with pacing, inotropic, and pressor support.

Fecal excretion of calprotectin in colorectal cancer: relationship to tumor characteristics

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate fecal calprotectin in patients treated for colorectal cancer. Furthermore, the changes in fecal calprotectin concentration from before to after surgery were investigated.

METHODS

In 155 patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer, two spot samples were taken from the same feces on two consecutive days.

RESULTS

Three ways of evaluating calprotectin excretion were compared, (1st spot 1st stool; maximum of 1st spot 1st stool and 2nd spot 1st stool; maximum of 1st spot 1st stool and 1st spot 2nd stool) and gave similar results with median fecal calprotectin values 47 mg/l, 52 mg/l and 54 mg/l, respectively. Median calprotectin concentration did not differ significantly between different tumor stages, although the levels were slightly lower in Dukes stage A tumor than in the rest of the stages. Neither were there any differences in the concentrations related to the localization, size or the histological grading of the carcinoma. As the currently used cut-off level for fecal calprotectin is 10 mg/l, 87% of all patients had elevated fecal calprotectin. Seventy-nine percent of the patients had levels above 15 mg/l and 74% had levels above 20 mg/l (1st spot 1st stool). In patients who delivered fecal samples after the operation the calprotectin value fell significantly from a preoperative median value of 45 mg/l to 14 mg/l after the resection.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients with colorectal cancer have increased fecal concentration of calprotectin. One single fecal spot seems to be sufficient for determination of the calprotectin level. Measurement of fecal calprotectin may possibly become of value as a marker for colorectal cancer, although calprotectin, similar to fecal occult blood (FOB) tests, is a non-specific test for colorectal pathology, also being elevated in inflammatory bowel diseases. Further investigation of its specificity is therefore needed.

Copper, ceruloplasmin and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

In two previous studies we found copper dyshomeostasis in patients with Alzheimer's disease and in patients with Parkinson's disease. In this study, the levels of copper in plasma, of ceruloplasmin in serum, ceruloplasmin oxidative activity, ceruloplasmin specific oxidative activity (activity related to mass) as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in erythrocytes have been determined in 14 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and their healthy age- and gender-matched controls. Three of the patients had a familial form of the disease or were suspected of having it. The mean values of all parameters were found not to differ significantly between the patients and their controls (Student's t-test; P>0.05). By testing the equality of variances (F distribution) we found that the variances of individual results for ceruloplasmin specific oxidative activity and SOD activity differed significantly between the patients group and the controls group (P= 0.021 and P=0.003), but the individual results of these two activities were not correlated (P>0.05). We conclude that disturbances in ceruloplasmin specific oxidative activity and SOD activity could contribute to motor neurone death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and since the two enzyme activities are not correlated it is uncertain which one is more closely related to the pathology of the disease.

Drugged driving in the Nordic countries--a comparative study between five countries

The purpose of this study was to compare whether the high incidence of drugged driving in Norway was different to that in the other Nordic countries. All blood samples received by Nordic forensic institutes during one week in 1996, from drivers suspected by the police of driving under the influence (Denmark: n = 255, Finland: n = 270, Iceland: n = 40, Sweden: n = 86, Norway: n = 149), were analysed for alcohol and drugs (benzodiazepines, cannabinoids, amphetamines, cocaine, opiates and a number of antidepressant drugs) independent of the primary suspicion, and using the same analytical cut-off levels at the different institutes. The primary suspicion was directed towards drugs in more than 40% of the Norwegian cases, drugs were detected in more than 70% of these samples. In only 0-3% of the cases from Denmark, Finland and Iceland, were drugs suspected, while the corresponding frequency for Sweden was 17%. However, evidential breath analyses were used for about three-quarters of the Swedish drivers suspected to be influenced by alcohol. Blood alcohol concentrations (BAC's) below the legal limits were found in 32, 18 and 2% of the Norwegian, Icelandic and Finnish cases, respectively (BAC < 0.05%), in 10% of the Danish cases (BAC < 0.08%) and in 20% of the Swedish cases (BAC < 0.02%). Drugs were most frequently found in the Norwegian and Swedish cases with no alcohol (80-83%). Similar frequencies of drugs in samples with BAC's above the legal limits (19-22%), were obtained for all countries. Benzodiazepines, tetrahydrocannabinol and amphetamine represented the most commonly detected drugs. Our results show that differences between Norway and other Nordic countries with regard to drugs and driving, are connected to the selection criteria made by the police and with more focus on drugged driving in Norway.

Granulocyte marker protein is increased in stools from rats with azoxymethane-induced colon cancer

BACKGROUND

We wanted to investigate the relationship between the fecal levels of granulocyte marker protein (GMP) and the presence of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and colorectal cancer in rats given injections of azoxymethane (AOM) and fed either of two different diets, a basal diet plus 20% corn oil or 20% beef suet, respectively.

METHODS

The rats received intraperitoneal injections of AOM, 15 mg/kg, once weekly for 6 weeks and were killed after 22 weeks.

RESULTS

In the group fed beef suet 17 of 19 rats developed colon cancer, whereas in the group fed corn oil 4 of 14 rats developed cancer. None of the 20 control rats fed either the beef suet or corn oil diets developed cancer or aberrant crypts, and GMP remained unchanged. Surprisingly, the numbers of ACF were significantly higher (467 versus 295; P = 0.004) in the group fed corn oil than in the group fed beef suet. On the other hand, the size (crypts/focus) of the ACF was significantly higher (P = 0.03) in the beef suet group. Furthermore, fecal GMP was significantly higher in the beef suet group than in the corn oil group after 18 weeks, and this difference increased further toward the end of the study. GMP was greatly increased in all rats with colorectal cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Fecal GMP may have provided us with a valuable tool for further studies of the induction and progression of neoplasia in rats and, possibly, in mice, since the anti-GMP antibody cross-reacts with feces extracts from mice.

Copper, ceruloplasmin, superoxide dismutase and iron parameters in Parkinson's disease

In a previous study we found copper dyshomeostasis in patients with Alzheimer's disease. In this study, levels of copper in plasma, of ceruloplasmin in serum and ceruloplasmin oxidative activity as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in erythrocytes were determined in 40 patients with Parkinson's disease and their healthy age- and gender-matched controls. Copper concentrations did not differ significantly in the two groups, whereas both ceruloplasmin concentrations and ceruloplasmin oxidative activity were significantly lower in the patients, also relative to ceruloplasmin mass. SOD activity was not significantly different in the two groups but decreased significantly with the duration of disease. The same was found for ceruloplasmin oxidative activity. Ceruloplasmin oxidative activity and SOD activity did not decrease with age. Levels of serum iron, serum ferritin and total iron binding capacity were determined in about 30 of the patients and an equal number of controls and were not found to differ. Transferrin levels were significantly lower in the patients than in their controls but, conversely, the transferrin saturation was significantly higher in the patients. The results indicate that patients with Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease have defective ceruloplasmin and SOD activities in common and that these defects are not necessarily associated with major disturbances in iron homeostasis.

Possible carcinogenic effect of 6-mercaptopurine on bone marrow stem cells: relation to thiopurine metabolism

BACKGROUND

6-Mercaptopurine (6MP) has been regarded as nonleukemogenic, even though the cytotoxicity of 6MP depends on the incorporation of 6-thioguanine nucleotides (6TGN) into DNA. In hematopoietic cells this pathway competes with S-methylation catalyzed by thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT). However, methylated 6MP metabolites inhibit purine de novo synthesis and thus may enhance incorporation of 6TGN into DNA. Approximately 10% of white individuals have low TPMT activity as a result of polymorphisms in the TPMT gene. The authors attempted to test the hypothesis that the degree of DNA damage during 6MP therapy might reflect variations in 6MP metabolism and pharmacokinetics.

METHODS

The authors measured TPMT activity as well as erythrocyte levels of 6TGN (E-6TGN) and methylated 6MP metabolites (E-MeMP) during 6MP therapy in 439 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 5 of whom later developed secondary myelodysplasia or acute myeloid leukemia (sMDS/AML).

RESULTS

The patients who developed sMDS/AML had significantly lower TPMT activity compared with the remaining patients (P = 0.03). The 55 patients with TPMT activity <14 U/mL red blood cells (RBC) (antimode of the bimodal distribution) had a 5-year risk of sMDS/AML of 9 +/- 6% versus 1 +/- 1% for the remaining patients (P = 0.002). Cox regression analysis identified TPMT activity and E-MeMP level as the strongest predictors of risk for sMDS/AML (global P value = 0.02). Patients with low TPMT activity and high E-MeMP levels had the highest risk. All 5 patients with sMDS/AML had E-6TGN and/or E-MeMP levels > the 90% percentiles or had TPMT activity < 14 U/mL RBC.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate an increased leukemogenic risk when 6MP is administered with other cytotoxic agents in patients with low TPMT activity, and indicate that not only high 6TGN levels but also high levels of methylated metabolites may lead to DNA damage.

Possible carcinogenic effect of 6-mercaptopurine on bone marrow stem cells: relation to thiopurine metabolism

BACKGROUND

6-Mercaptopurine (6MP) has been regarded as nonleukemogenic, even though the cytotoxicity of 6MP depends on the incorporation of 6-thioguanine nucleotides (6TGN) into DNA. In hematopoietic cells this pathway competes with S-methylation catalyzed by thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT). However, methylated 6MP metabolites inhibit purine de novo synthesis and thus may enhance incorporation of 6TGN into DNA. Approximately 10% of white individuals have low TPMT activity as a result of polymorphisms in the TPMT gene. The authors attempted to test the hypothesis that the degree of DNA damage during 6MP therapy might reflect variations in 6MP metabolism and pharmacokinetics.

METHODS

The authors measured TPMT activity as well as erythrocyte levels of 6TGN (E-6TGN) and methylated 6MP metabolites (E-MeMP) during 6MP therapy in 439 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 5 of whom later developed secondary myelodysplasia or acute myeloid leukemia (sMDS/AML).

RESULTS

The patients who developed sMDS/AML had significantly lower TPMT activity compared with the remaining patients (P = 0.03). The 55 patients with TPMT activity <14 U/mL red blood cells (RBC) (antimode of the bimodal distribution) had a 5-year risk of sMDS/AML of 9 +/- 6% versus 1 +/- 1% for the remaining patients (P = 0.002). Cox regression analysis identified TPMT activity and E-MeMP level as the strongest predictors of risk for sMDS/AML (global P value = 0.02). Patients with low TPMT activity and high E-MeMP levels had the highest risk. All 5 patients with sMDS/AML had E-6TGN and/or E-MeMP levels > the 90% percentiles or had TPMT activity < 14 U/mL RBC.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate an increased leukemogenic risk when 6MP is administered with other cytotoxic agents in patients with low TPMT activity, and indicate that not only high 6TGN levels but also high levels of methylated metabolites may lead to DNA damage.

Possible carcinogenic effect of 6-mercaptopurine on bone marrow stem cells: relation to thiopurine metabolism

BACKGROUND

6-Mercaptopurine (6MP) has been regarded as nonleukemogenic, even though the cytotoxicity of 6MP depends on the incorporation of 6-thioguanine nucleotides (6TGN) into DNA. In hematopoietic cells this pathway competes with S-methylation catalyzed by thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT). However, methylated 6MP metabolites inhibit purine de novo synthesis and thus may enhance incorporation of 6TGN into DNA. Approximately 10% of white individuals have low TPMT activity as a result of polymorphisms in the TPMT gene. The authors attempted to test the hypothesis that the degree of DNA damage during 6MP therapy might reflect variations in 6MP metabolism and pharmacokinetics.

METHODS

The authors measured TPMT activity as well as erythrocyte levels of 6TGN (E-6TGN) and methylated 6MP metabolites (E-MeMP) during 6MP therapy in 439 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 5 of whom later developed secondary myelodysplasia or acute myeloid leukemia (sMDS/AML).

RESULTS

The patients who developed sMDS/AML had significantly lower TPMT activity compared with the remaining patients (P = 0.03). The 55 patients with TPMT activity <14 U/mL red blood cells (RBC) (antimode of the bimodal distribution) had a 5-year risk of sMDS/AML of 9 +/- 6% versus 1 +/- 1% for the remaining patients (P = 0.002). Cox regression analysis identified TPMT activity and E-MeMP level as the strongest predictors of risk for sMDS/AML (global P value = 0.02). Patients with low TPMT activity and high E-MeMP levels had the highest risk. All 5 patients with sMDS/AML had E-6TGN and/or E-MeMP levels > the 90% percentiles or had TPMT activity < 14 U/mL RBC.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate an increased leukemogenic risk when 6MP is administered with other cytotoxic agents in patients with low TPMT activity, and indicate that not only high 6TGN levels but also high levels of methylated metabolites may lead to DNA damage.

Intensified treatment of acute childhood lymphoblastic leukaemia has improved prognosis, especially in non-high-risk patients: the Nordic experience of 2648 patients diagnosed between 1981 and 1996. Nordic Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (NOPHO)

In a multinational, population-based study from the five Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), 2648 children below 15 y of age were diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in the years 1981-1996. The annual incidence was 3.9/100000 children and was stable throughout the study period. The development from regional or national protocols to common Nordic treatment protocols for all risk groups was completed in 1992 through a successive intensification of therapy, based on multidrug chemotherapy including pulses of methotrexate in high doses and avoidance of cranial irradiation in most children. For children with non-B-cell ALL (n=2602), the event-free survival (p-EFS) increased from 0.53+/-0.02 (diagnosed 7/81-6/86) to 0.67+/-0.02 (7/86-12/91) to 0.78+/-0.02 (1/92-12/96). The corresponding p-EFS values at 5 y were 0.57, 0.70 and 0.78, respectively. The main improvements were seen in the group of children with non-high risk leukaemia, with 5-y p-EFS values increasing from 0.60 to 0.76 and 0.85 for the three periods. In high-risk patients, progress has been moderate, especially in children with high white blood cell values at diagnosis. During the last 5-y period, only 10% of the patients received cranial irradiation in first remission while 90% of the patients received high doses of cytostatic infusions (methotrexate isolated or combined with cytarabinoside) and multiple intrathecal injections of methotrexate as CNS-adjusted treatment without any indication of an increased CNS relapse rate.

Copper, ceruloplasmin and superoxide dismutase in patients with Alzheimer's disease . a case-control study

The copper-containing enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a key enzyme in suppressing the amounts of superoxide anion radicals. Ceruloplasmin, the copper-transporting protein in plasma, also possesses an important redox capacity. In this study the levels of copper and ceruloplasmin as well as SOD-activity and ceruloplasmin oxidative activity were analyzed in order to throw some light on possible defects in copper mechanisms in patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study included 44 patients with AD and their healthy age- and gender-matched controls. No difference of significance was seen when comparing the copper or ceruloplasmin concentration in plasma of AD patients to that of their paired controls. The SOD activity in red blood cells was significantly lower in the patients than in their controls (p = 0.019). The ceruloplasmin oxidative activity in plasma of Alzheimer's patients was greatly reduced as compared to that of age- and gender-matched controls and the difference was highly significant (p = 0.0005). Ceruloplasmin activity and SOD activity were not found to be intrinsically correlated. It was postulated that reduced oxidative activity of ceruloplasmin in plasma might be either a cause or a consequence of AD and that reduced SOD activity might further add to the oxidative disturbances in AD due to defective ceruloplasmin activity.

The clinical indications for identical pathogenesis of isolated and non-isolated testicular relapses in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

In the present population-based study, we compared the clinical data of testicular relapses with and without concurrent bone marrow relapse and clinical data of the relapses in other locations among boys with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), in order to study the possible evidence of early sequestration and local regulation of leukaemic lymphoblast in the testis of humans. The results suggest that the pathogenesis of isolated testicular relapse (T) and testicular relapse with a concurrent bone marrow relapse (T + BM) is likely to be similar. Isolated and non-isolated testicular relapses appeared late after the achievement of remission (T 34 +/- 16 months, T + BM 32 +/- 15 months) in ALL compared to relapses in other locations (CNS 23 +/- 11 months, BM 25 +/- 19 months). The better prognosis after testicular relapses (estimated second event free survival probability, 2-EFS: T 0.63, T + BM 0.32) compared to bone marrow relapse (2-EFS: BM 0.13) further suggests that testicular relapse with a concurrent bone marrow relapse possibly originates from the isolated testicular relapse, and that the isolated testicular relapse is a separate entity and not a manifestation of systemic recurrence. Higher frequencies of isolated and non-isolated testicular relapses (T 9%, T + BM 5%) were observed among boys with onset of ALL in early puberty (10-12 y) compared to those among younger (T 4%, T + BM 2%) and older (T 0%, T + BM 0%) boys. The late occurrence, the possible association with hormonal maturation and the good prognosis after testicular relapses suggest a possible local regulation of the residual leukaemic lymphoblast in human testis.

Fecal calprotectin concentration in patients with colorectal carcinoma

PURPOSE

The study contained herein was undertaken to investigate fecal calprotectin excretion in a series of patients with colorectal carcinoma and to determine whether the excretion was influenced by localization or stage of the tumor. Furthermore, the effect of surgical treatment on the concentrations was studied. Fecal calprotectin was also compared with plasma concentrations of calprotectin, carcinoembryonic antigen, and C-reactive protein.

METHODS

Fecal calprotectin was measured in 119 consecutive patients admitted for treatment of colorectal carcinoma. In 116 (97.5 percent) patients, resectional surgery was performed. Plasma calprotectin was measured in 90 (76 percent) patients, carcinoembryonic antigen in 88 (74 percent) patients, and C-reactive protein in 82 (69 percent) patients.

RESULTS

Median fecal calprotectin concentration in the 119 patients was 50 (range, 2-950) mg/l, which was significantly (P < 0.0001) higher than in 125 control patients (median, 5.2 mg/l). In 23 patients studied also after resection, the excretion fell greatly. There were no significant differences in fecal calprotectin concentration among patients with different tumor stages. Elevated plasma calprotectin concentrations were found in 67 of 90 (73.3 percent) patients with colorectal carcinoma, compared with elevated fecal calprotectin in 111 of 119 (93.3 percent) patients, and there was no significant correlation between plasma and fecal calprotectin concentrations. Plasma calprotectin concentrations were significantly lower in patients with T1 or T2 tumors than in those with more advanced stages (P = 0.0025).

CONCLUSION

Measurement of fecal calprotectin may become a diagnostic tool in detecting colorectal carcinoma. The specificity in relation to colorectal carcinoma has not, however, been completely investigated. Both neoplastic and inflammatory conditions may be associated with elevated values; therefore, it is unlikely that calprotectin can predict specific colonic disorders.

A pharmacokinetic evaluation of pravastatin in middle-aged and elderly volunteers

The pharmacokinetics of pravastatin, a serum-cholesterol-lowering drug, were studied in 20 middle-aged (46-59 years old, n = 8) and elderly subjects (60-81 years old, n = 12). Pravastatin serum levels were determined by HPLC and solid phase extraction. Cmax was 48.9 +/- 7.1 ng/ml (mean +/- SEM, n = 20), and the mean AUC0-4.5h was 104.4 ng x h/ml (n = 5) for a 20 mg daily oral dose. A great interindividual variability was found for Cmax, which varied from 6.2 ng/ml to 117.8 ng/ml on the 20 mg dose. As could be expected, Cmax and AUC0-4.5h were dose-related, but Tmax and t1/2 were not. In six cases, the elimination of the drug in serum could be described by a single phase but in four cases with two phases. No significant difference was found in Cmax between the middle-aged and the elderly or between males and females.

Impact of morning versus evening schedule for oral methotrexate and 6-mercaptopurine on relapse risk for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Nordic Society for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (NOPHO)

PURPOSE

To study the risk of non-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) relapse in relation to the routines of administration of oral methotrexate (MTX) and 6-mercaptopurine (6MP) and to the erythrocyte (E) levels of the intracellular cytotoxic metabolites, that is, MTX polyglutamates and 6-thioguanine nucleotides (E-MTX and E-6TGN).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

E-MTX and E-6TGN levels were measured at least three times (medians, eight and nine) in 294 children with non-B-cell ALL during oral MTX and 6MP therapy. For each patient, we registered (a) the individual circadian schedule of drug administration and (b) the coadministration of food, and (c) calculated a mean (m) of all E-MTX and E-6TGN measurements and (d) the product of mE-MTX and mE-6TGN (mE-MTX*6TGN), due to their synergistic action.

RESULTS

A total of 42 patients were on a morning schedule, 219 were on an evening schedule, and 33 had miscellaneous routines. A total of 149 patients took the drugs with meals, 106 took the drugs between meals, and 39 had varying routines. With a median follow-up of 78 months, ALL has recurred in 66 patients. The patients on an evening schedule had a superior outcome [probability of event-free survival (pEFS) = 0.82 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.57 +/- 0.08; p = 0.0002], whereas the coadministration of food did not significantly influence outcome. Patients with a mE-MTX*6TGN < 813 [product of median mE-MTX (4.7 nmol/mmol Hb) and mE-6TGN (173 nmol/mmol Hb)] had an inferior outcome (pEFS = 0.70 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.85 +/- 0.03; p = 0.003), even if only patients on an evening schedule were analyzed. Thus, 109 patients on the MTX/6MP evening schedule with an mE-MTX*6TGN < or = 813 (nmol/mmol Hb)2 had a pEFS of 0.89 +/- 0.03 and a probability of continuous hematopoietic remission of 0.91 +/- 0.03.

CONCLUSIONS

An evening schedule should be recommended for oral MTX/6MP maintenance therapy. The value of individual dose adjustments by E-MTX and E-6TGN remains to be determined in prospective randomized trials.

Fatal poisonings in young drug addicts in the Nordic countries: a comparison between 1984-1985 and 1991

Fatal poisonings among young drug addicts (15-34 years) in the five Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden in 1991 were investigated and compared to a similar investigation for 1984-1985 (Sweden for 1984 only). A common definition of 'drug addict' has been applied by the participating countries. In both investigations, the greatest number of drug addict deaths was seen in Denmark calculated per 10(5) inhabitants, followed in descending order by Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland. An increased number of deaths was observed from 1984-1985 to 1991 in all five countries. The increase in Denmark and Sweden was small while the number of deaths was more than doubled in Norway and Finland. The increased number of cases in Norway and Sweden in 1991 is mainly due to a greater number of deaths in the age group 25-34 years. In Finland, the increased number was seen mainly in the age group 15-24 years. In the two investigations heroin/morphine caused most of the fatal poisonings in Norway and Sweden. In Denmark, heroin/morphine caused about half of the fatal poisonings only, and strong analgesics other than heroin/morphine caused about one third of the deaths. In 1984-1985 it was methadone, propoxyphene and ketobemidone and in 1991 mostly methadone. The number of heroin/morphine related deaths in Finland increased from 1984-1985 to 1991, but other drugs and poisons caused a much higher proportion of the deaths. Pentobarbital caused the only fatal poisoning in Iceland in 1991.

Pharmacokinetics of lignocaine in Icelandic horses after infiltration anaesthesia

The pharmacokinetics of lignocaine was studied in four Icelandic horses after infiltration anaesthesia. A total of 240 mg of the drug was injected on either side of the left foreleg, over the medial and lateral branches of the palmar nerve. Blood samples were collected up to seven hours after injection and the concentrations of the drug in plasma were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The results showed that lignocaine was rapidly absorbed. A mean maximum concentration of 232 ng/ml was observed after 20 minutes. In three of the horses the decline in the plasma concentration of the drug with time was best described by the sum of two exponential terms, but in one of the horses the decline was monoexponential. The mean half-life of the distribution phase (alpha) was 9.8 minutes and that of the elimination phase (beta) 48.4 minutes. In all the horses the plasma concentration was below the limit of detection (2 ng/ml) six hours after injection. Anaesthesia was tested in one horse and lasted for one hour.

Drug addict deaths in the Nordic countries: a study based on medicolegally examined cases in the five Nordic countries in 1991

The study includes medicolegally examined deaths among drug addicts in 1991 in the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. A common definition of 'drug addict' was applied by the participating countries. The greatest number of drug addict deaths per 10(5) inhabitants was observed in Denmark followed, in descending order by Norway, Sweden, Finland and finally Iceland with only four deaths. The main difference between the countries was found in the number of fatal poisonings. The distribution according to geographical regions showed that about half of all drug addict deaths occurred in the metropolitan areas. Of the capitals, the greatest number of fatal poisonings per 10(5) inhabitants was seen in Oslo, followed by Copenhagen with a similar number, Stockholm with only the half, and Helsinki with a quarter. Heroin/morphine dominated as cause of death in fatal poisonings in Norway and Sweden. In Denmark, heroin/morphine caused about half of the fatal poisonings only, and nearly one third of the fatal poisonings was caused by methadone. Except for two cases in Sweden, methadone deaths were not seen in the other Nordic countries. Amphetamine caused one tenth of the fatal poisonings in Sweden. In Finland only one tenth of the deaths were caused by heroin/morphine and more by codeine, ethylmorphine and different drugs and poisons not classified in Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961 or the International Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971. A widespread use of alcohol, cannabis and benzodiazepines, diazepam especially, was seen in all the countries.

Outcome after first relapse in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a population-based study of 315 patients from the Nordic Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (NOPHO)

This study reports the outcome after relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in a population-based study of 809 children over 1 year of age diagnosed July 1981 through June 1986 and with non-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the five Nordic countries. By January 1994, 315 children had suffered at least one relapse. The bone marrow was involved in 216 cases. There were 69 isolated CNS relapses, 25 isolated testicular recurrences and five relapses in other extramedullary sites. Of the 315 children with relapse, 94 are still in a second complete remission 12-138 (median: 78) months after relapse. The overall probability of a second event free survival (P-2.EFS) and survival after relapse was 0.28 and 0.33 respectively. The probability of remaining in second remission at 11 years was significantly correlated to the duration of first remission (P < 0.001), the site of relapse (P < 0.001) and gender (P = 0.004). The P-2.EFS for early, intermediate, and late bone marrow involved relapses were 0.08, 0.19, and 0.50 respectively. For early, intermediate and late isolated CNS relapses the P-2.EFS were 0.21, 0.38 and 0.61, respectively. The P-2.EFS for boys with isolated testicular relapses was 0.69. Girls with isolated CNS relapse (P < 0.001) and with bone marrow involved relapse (P = 0.04) had a significantly better prognosis than boys. Children with initial high risk criteria, especially T-ALL and mediastinal mass who relapsed, had a very poor prognosis.

CONCLUSION

In this population-based study, about 30% of children with ALL obtained a long second remission and possible cure.

Risk of relapse in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia is related to RBC methotrexate and mercaptopurine metabolites during maintenance chemotherapy. Nordic Society for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

PURPOSE

During maintenance chemotherapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the cytotoxic metabolites of methotrexate (MTX polyglutamates) and mercaptopurine (6MP) (thioguanine nucleotides [6TGN]) accumulate intracellularly, including in erythrocytes (E-MTX and E-6TGN) with large interindividual variations. In the present Nordic Society for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (NOPHO) study, the relation of E-MTX and E-6TGN to relapse risk was explored.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two hundred ninety-seven patients with non-B-cell ALL, aged 1 to 14 years, on oral MTX and 6MP had E-MTX and E-6TGN levels measured three to 35 (median, eight) and three to 75 (median, nine) times, respectively. For each patient, a mean of all E-MTX (mE-MTX) and E-6TGN (mE-6TGN) measurements was calculated, as well as the product of mE-MTX and mE-6TGN (mE-MTX-6TGN), since MTX and 6MP may have synergistic action.

RESULTS

For patients in remission, the median mE-MTX and mE-6TGN values were 4.7 nmol/mmol hemoglobin (Hgb) (range, 0.4 to 10.3) and 173 nmol/mmol Hgb (range, 58 to 846). With a median follow-up duration of 66 months for patients in remission, 64 patients relapsed. Cox regression analysis identified mE-MTX-6TGN and sex to be the most significant parameters to predict relapse (global P = .001). Factors that predicted a better prognosis were high mE-MTX 6TGN and female sex. Patients who had a mE-MTX-6TGN less than the product of the median mE-MTX and median mE-6TGN (813 [nmol/mmol Hgb]2) had a significantly poorer event-free survival (EFS) than did patients with higher values (5-year probability of EFS [pEFS5y], 0.70 v 0.86; P = .001).

CONCLUSION

The pharmacokinetics of MTX and 6MP may have significant influence on the risk of relapse. The value of dose adjustments by E-MTX and E-6TGN remains to be determined.

[The role of carbon monoxide and ethanol in fire casualties: A retrospective study of carboxyhemoglobin and blood ethanol levels in fire victims]

The study included 36 fire casualties that were submitted to post-mortem pathological and toxicological examination at the Departments of Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Iceland, during the period 1971-1990. Twenty eight were males and eigth females. The mean age was 45.3 years (range 3-74 years). Carboxyhemoglobin levels ranged from 0-84%, mean 53.5% (fig. 1) and were considered fatal (> approximately 50%) in 24 cases. Fourteen victims with fatal carboxyhemoglobin levels had no significant burn injuries. Death was therefore attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning alone. In these cases carboxyhemoglobin levels (mean 65.5%, range 49-84) were lower than those found in cases of fatal car exhaust poisonings (mean 73.0%, range 47-87%) investigated by us in the same period (8). The difference was statistically significant (t-test, P<0.01). It supports the idea that combustion products, other than carbon monoxide, may contribute to the toxic effect of fires. Ethanol was found in blood in two thirds (24) of the cases. Blood ethanol levels were in the range 0.47-4.37%0 (mean 2.34%o). Blood ethanol levels and prevalence of inebriation were compared to those found in other fatal accidents investigated by us in the same period. Ethanol levels were significantly higher in the fire cases and inebriation more common than in the reference group (t-test, P<0.01; Chi-square, P<0.001, df=l). Although poisoning with carbon monoxide is of major importance in fire casualties it should not be disregarded that inebriation may often be an equally important factor. This was in fact strongly indicated by our results.

The metabolism of mebeverine in man: identification of urinary metabolites by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

The urinary metabolites of orally administered mebeverine hydrochloride (270 mg) were studied in five healthy volunteers with the aid of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Mebeverine, which is an ester of veratric acid and 4-(ethyl-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-methylethyl]amino)butan-1-ol, was completely hydrolysed to the corresponding acid and alcohol moieties. The acid moiety was subsequently O-demethylated to vanillic acid and isovanillic acid, which in turn were further O-demethylated to protocatechuic acid. The alcohol moiety was O-demethylated to the corresponding phenol 4-(ethyl-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-methylethyl]amino)butan-1-ol. In 24 hr, 44% of the dose was accounted for as follows: Veratric acid 32%, vanillic acid 2.7%, isovanillic acid 6.5%, 4-(ethyl-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-methylethyl]amino)butan-1-ol 0.9% and 4-(ethyl-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-methylethyl]amino)butan-1-01 2.1%. Only trace amounts of protocatechuic acid were found in the urine. The results indicated that the metabolites were mostly excreted as conjugates. The total excretion of the acid moiety, unchanged or in the form of metabolites was 97.6%. The corresponding value for the alcohol moiety was 5.5%.

Cerebral irradiation causes blunted pubertal growth in girls treated for acute leukemia

The improved treatment of childhood leukemia is a major achievement. The late effects of the treatment need further investigation. Growth inhibition has been demonstrated in earlier studies. Growth and the timing of puberty were studied in 179 girls who had been treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. The patients were divided into two groups according to mode of CNS prophylaxis: with or without cerebral irradiation. Longitudinal analysis of 103 patients showed no difference in prepubertal growth in irradiated and nonirradiated girls. Growth during puberty was normal in girls without irradiation and below normal in irradiated girls. There was no difference in growth between girls after 24 Gy or 20 Gy of cerebral irradiation. Irradiated girls had a final height which was one SD less than expected before puberty and menarche occurred one year earlier than in the nonirradiated girls. Prophylactic cerebral irradiation is the most important factor for subnormal growth after treatment for ALL. There is no short-term influence on growth but the effects of irradiation become apparent several years after therapy when girls enter puberty somewhat early and have a subnormal pubertal growth. Growth and growth hormone (GH) levels should be evaluated several years after CNS irradiation, and treatment with GH and/or luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues may be considered.

Faecal calprotectin: a novel test for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer?

Calprotectin, a prominent cytosol protein in neutrophil granulocytes, was present in increased concentrations in stools from 50 of 53 patients with colorectal cancer, 32 of 40 patients with colorectal polyps, and all of 18 patients with gastric cancer. After radical surgery, faecal calprotectin levels reverted to the normal range in all but one patient with colorectal cancer. Calprotectin determinations are simplified by the stability of this protein in stools. Reliable estimates can be obtained in samples of only 5 g. On the basis of data from the literature, the test for calprotectin seems better than that for occult blood for the detection of gastrointestinal neoplasms.

Chlormezanone plasma and blood levels in patients after single and repeated oral doses and after suicidal drug overdose

Chlormezanone plasma concentrations were determined in 5 volunteers (group 1) after a single oral dose of 200 mg of chlormezanone with high performance liquid chromatography. A plasma elimination half-life of 23 +/- 2.3 h was calculated. The mean peak chlormezanone plasma level was 1.86 +/- 0.2 micrograms/ml, 1 h after ingestion. Additionally, chlormezanone plasma levels were determined after repeated oral doses of chlormezanone recommended for treatment of muscular spasms due to degenerative skeletal disease. After 5 days of repeated daily doses of 3 x 200 mg (group 2; 12 patients) or 3 x 400 mg (group 3; 10 patients) of chlormezanone, mean predose chlormezanone plasma levels were 12.0 +/- 2.0 micrograms/ml (group 2) and 22.7 +/- 4.0 micrograms/ml (group 3), respectively. Comparable plasma concentrations were determined after 10 days of repeated doses of 3 x 200 mg or 3 x 400 mg of chlormezanone in 3 patients from each of these 2 groups. In 7 patients of group 3, chlormezanone had to be discontinued on the 5th day due to increasing muscular weakness, ataxia and exercise-inducible tachycardia. After a loading dose of 800 mg and repeated doses of 3 x 200 mg chlormezanone to 5 patients (group 4), plasma levels of 6.5 +/- 2.1 micrograms/ml, 8.9 +/- 2.2 micrograms/ml, 12.7 +/- 2.0 micrograms/ml, and 10.4 +/- 2.4 micrograms/ml were determined after 2, 8, 16, and 36 h, respectively. Trace amounts of a degradation product of the acid-labile chlormezanone could be detected in plasma besides the unchanged drug after administration of repeated oral doses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Fatal intoxications in the Nordic countries. A forensic toxicological study with special reference to young drug addicts

Fatal intoxications in the 15-34 age group in the five Nordic countries during the years 1984 and 1985 (Sweden only in 1984) were investigated. The known drug addicts were studied separately. The highest incidence of intoxications, calculated per 10(5) population, was found in Finland (11.3), followed by Denmark (10.3), Sweden (8.5), Iceland (7.2) and Norway (6.6). The percentage of intoxications caused by drugs was 92 in Denmark, 71 in Norway, 66 in Sweden, 50 in Finland and 17 in Iceland. Ethanol intoxications were seen 5-7 and 2-3 times as frequently in Finland and in Iceland, respectively, than in the other three countries. Carbon monoxide intoxications accounted for two-thirds of all fatal intoxications in Iceland. Drug addicts accounted for 62% of all fatal intoxications in the Danish material. The corresponding figures were 33% in the Norwegian, 16% in the Swedish and 5% in the Finnish material. No deaths in drug addicts were found in Iceland. Most drug addicts in Denmark, Norway and Sweden died of hard drugs and most in Norway and Sweden, from heroin or morphine, whereas in Denmark other strong analgesics, such as methadone, dextropropoxyphene and ketobemidone, accounted for 40% of all hard-drug-related fatal intoxications. To a certain extent the results reflect differences in the legal autopsy routines in the various Nordic countries. However, the ascertainment of drug addicts is assumed to be near-complete in each country.

A gas chromatographic method for the determination of antidepressant drugs in human serum

A universal gas chromatographic method for the determination of the most commonly used antidepressant drugs in 1 ml of serum is described. Prior to extraction the samples were washed with hexane at acid pH. After the hexane wash the drugs were extracted into hexane at pH approximately 10, and subsequently reextracted from the hexane into a 1% solution of formic acid in methanol. The methanolic phase was evaporated, the residue dissolved in isopropanol and analysed by gas chromatography with nitrogen detection on a 3% OV-225 column. Recoveries for amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, desmethylclomipramine, doxepin, desmethyldoxepin, imipramine, desipramine, maprotiline, protriptyline, trimipramine and desmethyl-trimipramine were found to be 80% or higher. Limits of detection were found to be 5-10 ng/ml for teritary amines and 10-20 ng/ml for secondary amines. Interferences from some common basic drugs were investigated as well as interferences between different antidepressant drugs. Gas chromatographic data are given for 28 drugs and metabolites.