Chondroblastomas in Children and Young Adults: Revision of 55 Cases

BACKGROUND

Chondroblastomas are uncommon primary bone tumors localized in long bone epiphyses in children and young adults. The risk of metastasis is rare, but they have a high capacity for local recurrence. Surgical curettage with bone grafting or bone substitute is the preferred treatment.

METHODS

We performed an observational retrospective study of chondroblastomas treated in 2 hospitals in Barcelona from 1988 to 2018. We reviewed the location of the tumor, clinical presentation, imaging, histopathology, initial treatment, and cases of recurrence with a review of their treatment. We assessed the correlation between recurrence and index surgery, anatomic location, and certain histopathologic findings (presence of mitotic figures, necrosis, and positivity for protein S-100).

RESULTS

The series included 55 patients treated from 1988 to 2018, with ages ranging from 6 to 26, and a mean follow-up of 6.1 years (±3.7). The most common location was the distal femur metaphyseal/epiphyseal region. The most frequent clinical presentation was pain in the affected. Forty-five cases (81.8%) were treated with curettage of the tumor, and 4 cases (7.3%) with a wide resection. Forty-two cases (85.7%) received bone substitutes after curettage or resection. We found 5 cases of recurrence (9.1% recurrence rate); however, we could not find a statistically significant correlation between index surgery and recurrence ( P =0.24), anatomic location and recurrence ( P =0.49), or recurrence and histopathologic findings (mitotic figures, P =0.49; necrosis, P =0.60; positivity for protein S-100, P =0.52). In all the cases the treatment for the local recurrence was surgical, with a final healing rate of 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

Chondroblastomas should be considered in children and adolescents when presenting with pain and an image suggestive of a tumoral lesion on plain x-ray, most frequently in epiphyses of long bones.Surgical treatment is preferred, obtaining good results after curettage and bone substitute. Chondroblastomas are tumors with a high capacity for recurrence, therefore an adequate surgical technique and surgeon experience are paramount to achieve good outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV (case series). Therapeutic studies-investigating results or treatment.

[EUGIC (Extension of the Use of Gametes in Intra-Conjugal): New uses of gametes within the couple]

OBJECTIVE

New possibilities for using gametes within a couple were created by the French law of August 2, 2021 related to bioethics by opening Assisted Reproductive Technics (ART) to all women. It concerns previously self-preserved gametes, thus avoiding the need for gamete donation. The objective of our study is to evaluate the perception of these new uses by ART practitioners.

METHOD

A questionnaire of twelve short questions was sent to professionals concerned with gamete donation.

RESULTS

One hundred and ten professionals answered the questionnaire. The majority of them approve of the Reception of Oocytes from the Partner (ROPA), notably if there is a medical indication. Requests are rarer for the care of trans* people, and raise more questions. Although less favorable to the use of eggs from trans* men, more of them support the practice when it is an alternative to oocyte donation.

CONCLUSION

The acronym EUGIC (Extension of the Use of Gametes in Intra-Conjugal) makes it possible to group together these new situations generated by the change in the French law.

Is hip resection arthroplasty a successful definitive treatment?

Purpose

Hip resection arthroplasty as a definitive treatment is an uncommon indication, although still in use selectively. This study evaluates a cohort of patients who have undergone hip resection arthroplasty surgery indicated as a definitive treatment, in order to assess the rate of re-operation, the rate of infection, and the mortality rates.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, observational, descriptive analysis of a cohort of patients who had undergone a hip resection arthroplasty intended as a definitive treatment, in two University Hospitals from 1994 to 2020. The exclusion criteria were the implantation of a hip cement spacer, or a temporary hip resection arthroplasty in patients undergoing a two-staged surgical approach. We found 26 cases of hip resection arthroplasty. We recorded the indications for a definitive hip resection arthroplasty, the outcomes and complications, and analyzed the success of the hip resection arthroplasty as a definitive surgery using a Kaplan-Meier curve.

Results

Seven cases (26.9%) required a re-operation after the hip resection arthroplasty, four cases for persistent hip infection, and in the three remaining a conversion to a total hip arthroplasty was re-considered due to a good medical evolution and non-tolerance to the low functional outcome. The mortality rate was 61.5% (27 days-20 years), with a 19.2% mortality rate in the first 5 years. All the cases that required another surgery after the hip resection arthroplasty were re-operated within the first 18 months.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, hip resection arthroplasty continues to show elevated re-operation rate and early mortality rate, as well as low functional outcomes. Two-staged hip revision arthroplasty is the surgical treatment of choice in patients suffering from a periprosthetic joint infection, however we believe that hip resection arthroplasty should be considered in fragile patients, who have endured multiple revision surgeries, or their comorbidities make them unfit from further surgeries.

Is elective surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic safe? A multi-center prospective study in a high incidence area

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe the evolution of patients admitted for elective orthopaedic surgery during the immediate post-COVID-19 peak of the pandemic.

METHODS

This is a multi-center, observational study conducted in 8 high complexity hospitals of Catalonia, one of the highest COVID-19 incidence areas in Spain. We included patients ≥18 years of age undergoing elective surgery (total knee or hip arthroplasty, knee or hip revision arthroplasty, shoulder or knee arthroscopy, hand or wrist surgery, forefoot surgery, or hardware removal) after the COVID-19 peak (between May 5th and June 30th, 2020). The main exclusion criterion was a positive result for SARS-CoV-2 PCR within the 7 days before the surgery. The primary outcomes were postoperative complications within 60 days (+/-30) or hospital readmission due to a COVID-19 infection. Following the recommendations of the International Consensus Group (ICM), elective surgeries were re-started when the nationwide lockdown was lifted. Before the surgery, patients were contacted by phone to rule out any exposure to confirmed COVID-19 cases, a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was performed in all patients 48-72 hours before hospital admission, and they were asked to maintain home confinement until the day of the surgery.

RESULTS

675 patients were included: 189 patients in the arthroplasty group (28%) and 486 in the ambulatory surgery group (72%). Mean [SD] age was 57.6 [15.3] years. The mean Charlson Comorbidity Index score was 2.21 (SD = 2.01, Min = 0, Max = 13). A total of 84 patients (12.75%) obtained an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score ≥ 3, showing no association between the ASA score and the risk of developing COVID-19 symptoms at follow-up (χ 2 (4) = 0.77, P = 0.94). The mean occupation rate of hospital beds for COVID-19 patients was 13% and the mean occupation rate of critical care beds for COVID-19 patients was 27% at the time of re-introducing elective surgeries. These were important rates to consider to decide when to reintroduce elective surgeries after lockdown. Surgical time, time of ischemia and intra-operative bleeding were not related with a higher risk of developing COVID-19 post-operatively (χ 2 (1) = 0.00, P = 0.98); (χ 2 (2) = 2.05, P = 0.36); (χ 2 (2) = 0.37, P = 0.83). Only 2 patients (0.3 %) presented with a suspected COVID-19 infection at follow-up. None of them presented with pneumonia or required confirmation by a reverse transcription PCR assay. Hospital re-admission was not needed for these patients.

CONCLUSION

The risk of developing COVID-19 during the immediate post-COVID-19 peak in a region with a high incidence of COVID-19 has not been proved. These data suggest that elective orthopaedic surgeries can be resumed when assertive and strict protocols are followed.

Risk of chronic kidney disease in people living with HIV by tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) use and baseline D:A:D chronic kidney disease risk score

OBJECTIVES

To assess the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) use by baseline D:A:D CKD risk score.

METHODS

Adult antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve people living with HIV (PLWH) initiating treatment, with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 , were identified in the OPERA cohort. CKD was defined as two or more consecutive eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 , > 90 days apart. Associations between TDF use, baseline D:A:D CKD risk and incident CKD were assessed with incidence rates (IRs; Poisson regression) and adjusted pooled logistic regression. The impact of pharmacoenhancers on the observed association between TDF and CKD was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 9802 PLWH included, 6222 initiated TDF and 3580 did not (76% and 79% low D:A:D CKD risk, respectively). Overall, 125 CKD events occurred over 24 382 person-years of follow-up. Within strata of D:A:D CKD risk score, IRs were similar across TDF exposure, with high baseline CKD risk associated with highest incidence. Compared with the low-risk group without TDF, there was no statistical difference in odds of incident CKD in the low-risk group with TDF (adjusted odds ratio = 0.55, 95% confidence interval: 0.19-1.54). Odds of incident CKD did not differ statistically significantly by pharmacoenhancer exposure, with or without TDF.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large cohort of ART-naïve PLWH, incident CKD following ART initiation was infrequent and strongly associated with baseline CKD risk. TDF-containing regimens did not increase the odds of CKD in those with a low baseline D:A:D CKD risk, the largest group of ART-naïve PLWH, and may remain a viable treatment option in appropriate settings.

Mortality Rates of Patients with Proximal Femoral Fracture in a Worldwide Pandemic: Preliminary Results of the Spanish HIP-COVID Observational Study

BACKGROUND

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), in December 2019 in Wuhan, People's Republic of China, has developed into an unprecedented pandemic with enormous pressure on health-care providers around the world. A higher mortality rate has been described in older infected individuals. Patients with hip fracture are a particularly vulnerable population during this pandemic because older age is associated with a higher mortality rate. Our aim was to describe the early mortality rate and demographic variables in a hip fracture sample population in Spain during the coronavirus pandemic.

METHODS

This is a multicenter, observational, retrospective, descriptive study. We collected data from 13 major hospitals in Spain from the beginning of the national state of alarm (declared on March 14, 2020, by the Spanish government) until the end of our study period on April 4, 2020. All patients who were ≥65 years of age, presented to the Emergency Department of the participating hospitals during this period with a diagnosis of proximal femoral fracture, and had a minimum follow-up of 10 days were included in the cohort. In addition to mortality, demographic and other potential prognostic variables were also collected.

RESULTS

In this study, 136 patients with a hip fracture were included. Of these patients, 124 underwent a surgical procedure and 12 were managed nonoperatively. The total mortality rate was 9.6%. Sixty-two patients were tested for COVID-19, with 23 patients being positive. The mortality rate for these 23 patients was 30.4% (7 of 23 patients) at a mean follow-up of 14 days. The mortality rate was 10.3% (4 of 39) for patients who had been tested and had a negative result and 2.7% (2 of 74) for patients who had not been tested. Of the 12 patients who were managed nonoperatively, 8 (67%) died, whereas, of the 124 patients who were surgically treated, 5 (4%) died. Results differed among centers.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a higher mortality rate in patients with a hip fracture and an associated positive test for COVID-19.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Validation of the Data Collection on Adverse Events of Anti-HIV Drugs (D:A:D) chronic kidney disease risk score in HIV-infected patients in the USA

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the validity of an easy‐to‐calculate chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk score developed by the Data Collection on Adverse Events of Anti‐HIV Drugs (D:A:D) group in a longitudinal observational study of people living with HIV (PLWH) in the USA.

Methods

PLWH (2002–2016) without prior exposure to potentially nephrotoxic antiretroviral agents and with at least three estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) test results were identified in the Observational Pharmaco‐Epidemiology Research and Analysis (OPERA^®) cohort. Three samples were drawn independently using the same eligibility criteria but each using a different eGFR equation, specifically the Cockcroft–Gault (C‐G), Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) or Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) eGFR estimation method. Full and short D:A:D risk scores were applied. CKD was defined as a confirmed decrease in eGFR to < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² (stages 3–5). Poisson models estimated the association between CKD incidence and a one‐point increase in the continuous risk score. The incidence rate ratio (IRR), adjusted IRR (aIRR), and Harrell's discrimination statistic were used to assess validity.

Results

There were 19 444, 22 727 and 22 748 PLWH in the OPERA C‐G, CKD‐EPI and MDRD samples, respectively. The median (minimum–maximum) follow‐up duration was 6.1 (0.3–9.1) years in the D:A:D cohort and ranged from 3.2 to 3.5 (0.2–15.5) years in the OPERA validation samples. The observation time for the majority of PLWH in the D:A:D cohort began prior to 2006, in stark contrast to the OPERA validation samples, where the majority of PLWH were observed after 2011. The CKD incidence ranged from 7.3 per 1000 person‐years [95% confidence interval (CI) 6.8, 7.9 per 1000 person‐years] in OPERA C‐G to 11.0 (95% CI 10.4, 11.6 per 1000 person‐years) in OPERA MDRD. In OPERA samples, IRRs by risk group and adjusted IRRs (full risk score) were similar to those in the D:A:D derivation cohort (adjusted IRR 1.3; 95% CI 1.3, 1.3). Harrell's c‐statistic ranged from 0.87 to 0.92 in the OPERA samples, comparable to that in the derivation cohort (0.92). Results for short scores were similar.

Conclusions

The findings support the validity of the D:A:D risk scoring method for assessing CKD (stages 3–5) probability in an exclusively USA‐based sample regardless of eGFR method.

Deciphering the fine nucleotide diversity of full HLA class I and class II genes in a well-documented population from sub-Saharan Africa

With the aim to understand how next‐generation sequencing (NGS) improves both our assessment of genetic variation within populations and our knowledge on HLA molecular evolution, we sequenced and analysed 8 HLA loci in a well‐documented population from sub‐Saharan Africa (Mandenka). The results of full‐gene NGS‐MiSeq sequencing compared with those obtained by traditional typing techniques or limited sequencing strategies showed that segregating sites located outside exon 2 are crucial to describe not only class I but also class II population diversity. A comprehensive analysis of exons 2, 3, 4 and 5 nucleotide diversity at the 8 HLA loci revealed remarkable differences among these gene regions, notably a greater variation concentrated in the antigen recognition sites of class I exons 3 and some class II exons 2, likely associated with their peptide‐presentation function, a lower diversity of HLA‐C exon 3, possibly related to its role as a KIR ligand, and a peculiar molecular diversity of HLA‐A exon 2, revealing demographic signals. Based on full‐length HLA sequences, we also propose that the most frequent DRB1 allele in the studied population, DRB1*13:04, emerged from an allelic conversion involving 3 potential alleles as donors and DRB1*11:02:01 as recipient. Finally, our analysis revealed a high occurrence of the DRB1*13:04‐DQA1*05:05:01‐DQB1*03:19 haplotype, possibly resulting from a selective sweep due to protection to Onchorcerca volvulus, a prevalent pathogen in West Africa. This study unveils highly relevant information on the molecular evolution of HLA genes in relation to their immune function, calling for similar analyses in other populations living in contrasting environments.

Identification of 3 novel HLA-B alleles: B*08:173, B*18:72:03 and B*53:05:02

A total of 3 novel human leukocyte antigen-B (HLA-B) alleles were detected by next generation sequencing and confirmed by monoallelic sequencing.

Opioid use and risk of liver fibrosis in HIV/hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients in Canada

OBJECTIVES

Opioid use and opioid-related mortality have increased dramatically since the 1990s in North America. The effect of opioids on the liver is incompletely understood. Some studies have suggested that opioids cause liver damage and others have failed to show any harm. HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-coinfected persons may be particularly vulnerable to factors increasing liver fibrosis. We aimed to describe opioid use in an HIV/HCV-coinfected population in Canada and to estimate the association between opioid use and liver fibrosis.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive analysis of the Canadian Co-infection Cohort Study data to characterize opioid use. We then conducted a longitudinal analysis to assess the average change in aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) score associated with opioid use using a generalized estimating equation with linear regression. We assessed the progression to significant liver fibrosis (APRI ≥ 1.5) associated with opioid use with pooled logistic regression.

RESULTS

In the 6 months preceding cohort entry, 32% of the participants had received an opioid prescription, 28% had used opioids illicitly and 18% had both received a prescription and used opioids illicitly. Neither prescribed nor illicit opioid use was associated with a change in the median APRI score [exp(β) 0.99 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82, 1.12) and exp(β) 0.95 (95% CI 0.81, 1.10), respectively] or with faster progression to liver fibrosis [hazard odds ratio (HOR) 1.20 (95% CI 0.73, 1.67) and HOR 1.09 (95% CI 0.63, 1.55), respectively].

CONCLUSIONS

Although opioids were commonly used both legally and illegally in our cohort, we were unable to demonstrate a negative impact on liver fibrosis progression.

Are interferon-γ release assays useful for diagnosing active tuberculosis in a high-burden setting?

Although interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs) are intended for diagnosing latent tuberculosis (TB), we hypothesised that in a high-burden setting: 1) the magnitude of the response when using IGRAs can distinguish active TB from other diagnoses; 2) IGRAs may aid in the diagnosis of smear-negative TB; and 3) IGRAs could be useful as rule-out tests for active TB. We evaluated the accuracy of two IGRAs (QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-tube (QFT-GIT) and T-SPOT®.TB) in 395 patients (27% HIV-infected) with suspected TB in Cape Town, South Africa. IGRA sensitivity and specificity (95% CI) were 76% (68-83%) and 42% (36-49%) for QFT-GIT and 84% (77-90%) and 47% (40-53%) for T-SPOT®.TB, respectively. Although interferon-γ responses were significantly higher in the TB versus non-TB groups (p<0.0001), varying the cut-offs did not improve discriminatory ability. In culture-negative patients, depending on whether those with clinically diagnosed TB were included or excluded from the analysis, the negative predictive value (NPV) of QFT-GIT, T-SPOT®.TB and chest radiograph in smear-negative patients varied between 85 and 89, 87 and 92, and 98% (for chest radiograph), respectively. Overall accuracy was independent of HIV status and CD4 count. In a high-burden setting, IGRAs alone do not have value as rule-in or -out tests for active TB. In smear-negative patients, chest radiography had better NPV even in HIV-infected patients.

High prevalence of smoking among patients with suspected tuberculosis in South Africa

There is growing evidence that tobacco smoking is an important risk factor for tuberculosis (TB). There are no data validating the accuracy of self-reported smoking in TB patients and limited data about the prevalence of smoking in TB patients from high-burden settings. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 500 patients with suspected TB in Cape Town, South Africa. All underwent comprehensive diagnostic testing. The accuracy of their self-reported smoking status was determined against serum cotinine levels. Of the 424 patients included in the study, 56 and 60% of those with active and latent TB infection (LTBI), respectively, were current smokers. Using plasma cotinine as a reference standard, the sensitivity of self-reported smoking was 89%. No statistically significant association could be found between smoking and active TB or LTBI. In Cape Town, the prevalence of smoking among patients with suspected and confirmed TB was much higher than in the general South African population. Self-reporting is an accurate measure of smoking status. These results suggest the need to actively incorporate tobacco cessation programmes into TB services in South Africa.

[Institutional review board of the French college of obstetricians and gynecologists (CEROG).]

OBJECTIVE

To report the rules and the activity of the institutional review board of the French college of obstetricians and gynecologists (Comité d'éthique de la recherche en obstétrique et gynécologie [CEROG]) created in 2008. The submission requirements are also described.

METHODS

Retrospective study.

RESULTS

The Ethical Review Committee [institutional review board of the French college of obstetricians and gynecologists (CNGOF)] CEROG have examined 65 project studies in 2008. The median number of submitted studies was 5.5 per month (IQR: 3.75-6.25). The origins of the submission were as follows: tertiary care university hospitals (n=63, 97 %), Inserm (n=1), INRA (n=1). Researches were found to be in conformity with the French laws and regulations, to conform to generally accepted scientific principles and medical research ethical standards in 44 cases (68 %). In 13 cases (20 %), the study has been forwarded to the Persons Protection Committee (PPC) since it concerned biomedical research or "usual care research" (soin courant). In six cases (9 %), the investigators have not responded to IRB suggestions. In two cases (3 %), the information form has been judged unsatisfactory.

CONCLUSION

The CEROG is the first national IRB in obstetrics and gynecology. This new committee clarifies IRB submission procedure in France concerning non-interventional studies in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.

[Treatment of complications of intramuscular injection of quinine salts in Africa]

Intramuscular injection of quinine is a mainstay treatment for malaria in children. However it can lead to severe orthopedic complications including sciatic paralysis after intragluteal injection and quadriceps contracture after intraquadricipital injection. This report based on a 98-case series of complications following intramuscular quinine injection that were treated surgically in 88 cases describes clinical findings with special emphasis on the severity. Therapeutic alternatives for these complications are presented and discussed including the use of medial release or double subtalar and midtarsal arthrodesis for correction of foot deformity in function of age. Correction may be associated with anterolateral transposition of the posterior tibialis tendon that is generally not paralyzed. For correction of complications involving the knee, the authors recommend extended proximal quadriceps release that is more invasive but achieves better results than lengthening plasty of the distal quadriceps.

Prevalence and risk of gingival enlargement in patients treated with anticonvulsant drugs

BACKGROUND

Predictors of gingival enlargement in patients treated with anti-epileptics have not been previously assessed. This study was conducted to determine, with the aid of two indices that score vertical and horizontal overgrowth, the prevalence and risk factors for gingival enlargement in patients treated with phenytoin and other anticonvulsant drugs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted and data from 59 patients taking antiepileptics were compared with 98 controls. Gingival enlargement was evaluated with two indices to score vertical overgrowth [Gingival overgrowth index (GO] and horizontal overgrowth [Miranda-Brunet index (MB)]. Gingival index, plaque index, and probing depth were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The prevalence of gingival enlargement was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) for both indices in the anticonvulsants treated groups than in the control group. Gingival overgrowth was significantly higher for both indices in the phenytoin group than in the non phenytoin group. Among the possible risk factors, only the gingival index showed a significant association with gingival enlargement. For the MB index the risk of gingival enlargement (odds ratio) associated to phenytoin therapy and other anticonvulsants therapy were 52.6 (13.5-205) and 6.6 (1.5-28.2). Gingival index-adjusted odds ratios for the same drugs were 5.7 (1.3-24.7) and 18.1 (2-158), respectively. The concordance between GO and MB indices in the control group and in the phenytoin-group and non phenytoin-group showed a Kappa value of 0.773 and 0.697, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study reports significant differences in the prevalence and severity of gingival overgrowth in two groups of patients, one treated with phenytoin, and another treated with other anticonvulsants. Gingival inflammation is a significant risk factor for gingival enlargement in these patients.

Prevalence and risk of gingival enlargement in patients treated with nifedipine

BACKGROUND

Gingival enlargement is a known side effect of nifedipine use. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for gingival enlargement in nifedipine-treated patients.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a primary care center. Data from 65 patients taking nifedipine were compared with 147 controls who had never received the drug. All patients were examined for the presence of gingival enlargement using 2 different indices: vertical gingival overgrowth index (GO) in 6 points around each tooth, and horizontal MB index in the interdental area. Gingival index, plaque index, and probing depth were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The prevalence of gingival enlargement was significantly higher in nifedipine-treated cases than in controls (GO index, 33.8% versus 4.1%; MB index, 50.8% versus 7.5%, respectively). Higher gingival and plaque indices were observed in patients taking nifedipine. Among the possible risk factors, only the gingival index showed a significant association with gingival enlargement. The risk (odds ratio [OR]) of gingival enlargement associated with nifedipine therapy was 10.6 (3.8-29.1) for the GO index and 14.4 (6-34.6) for the MB index. Gingival index-adjusted ORs were 9.6 (3.3-28.1) and 9.7 (3.9-23.3), respectively. In the subset of high nifedipine exposure patients, the odds ratio for gingival enlargement increased to 17.4 (5.3-56.3) for the GO index and 23.6 (7.7-72.3) for the MB index. The concordance between GO and MB indices showed a kappa value of 0.689 in controls and 0.642 in patients treated with nifedipine.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients taking nifedipine are at high risk for gingival enlargement, and gingivitis acts as a predisposing factor.

Formation of precise connections in the olfactory bulb occurs in the absence of odorant-evoked neuronal activity

Olfactory neurons expressing the same odorant receptor converge to a small number of glomeruli in the olfactory bulb. In turn, mitral and tufted cells receive and relay this information to higher cortical regions. In other sensory systems, correlated neuronal activity is thought to refine synaptic connections during development. We asked whether the pattern of connections between olfactory sensory axons and mitral cell dendrites is affected when odor-evoked signaling is eliminated in mice lacking functional olfactory cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels. We demonstrate that olfactory sensory axons converge normally in the CNG channel mutant background. We further show that the pruning of mitral cell dendrites, although slowed during development, is ultimately unperturbed in mutant animals. Thus, the olfactory CNG channel-and by inference correlated neural activity--is not required for generating synaptic specificity in the olfactory bulb.

[Implantable defibrillators in the management of malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Experience at the Arrhythmia National Center]

BACKGROUND

Implantable defibrillators are the most effective means to prevent sudden death in patients with malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias. The availability of this type of devices is limited in Chile, due to their high price.

AIM

To report the first patients treated with implantable defibrillators in our hospital.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Nine males and one female aged 13 to 65 years old are reported. Three presented with ventricular fibrillation (presenting out of the hospital in three) and the rest had ventricular tachycardia resistant to drugs or radiofrequency ablation.

RESULTS

All implants were performed using intracardiac electrodes. The generator was implanted in the pectoral region in nine and in the abdomen in one. A successful defibrillation was obtained with less than 15 J in four patients, with 20 J in three and with 24 J in three. There were no complications during the procedure. After a 12 months follow up, four patients have been treated by the implantable device. One of these subjects had a ventricular fibrillation in two occasions. One patient died of a bronchopneumonia two years after the implant.

CONCLUSIONS

Implantable defibrillators are an effective therapy for the treatment of malignant ventricular arrhythmias with a high risk of sudden death.

Late outcome of the surgical treatment of hydrocephalus

The purpose of this report is to analyze the long-term outcome in hydrocephalic children treated by shunt placement and in particular their psycho-intellectual development. In the case of shunt placement postoperative mortality is virtually nil, and the overall mortality rate after 10 years of follow-up has been reduced to less than 5%. Morbidity, in contrast, is far from satisfactory. This study was conducted in 129 consecutive children with nontumorous hydrocephalus who underwent a first shunt insertion before the age of 2 years between 1979 and 1982 and who were followed up for at least 10 years. The final neurological examination revealed a motor deficit in 60%, visual or auditory deficits in 25%, and epilepsy in 30%. The final IQs were above 90 in 32% of the children, between 70 and 90 in 28%, between 50 and 70 in 19%, and lower than 50 in 21%. Integration into the normal school system was possible for 60% of the children, but half of them were 1-2 years behind their age group or having difficulties; 31% were attending special classes or were in institutions; and 9% were considered ineducable. The presence of behavioral disorders was a determinant factor for scholastic and social integration. Such disorders were frequent, and were characterized as severe in 30%. A relationship between final outcome and etiology, initial ventricular size, and epilepsy was observed. These results are used as the basis of a discussion on how morbidity might be improved.

Gingival enlargement induced by drugs

Gingival enlargement, an abnormal growth of the periodontal tissue, is mainly associated with dental plaque-related inflammation and drug therapy. Its true incidence in the general population is unknown. Gingival enlargement produces aesthetic changes, pain, gingival bleeding and periodontal disorders. Although gingival overgrowth has been traditionally recognised as an adverse effect of phenytoin therapy, it has recently been reported in association with the use of cyclosporin and calcium antagonists. These 3 classes of drugs produce important changes in fibroblast function, which induce an increase in the extracellular matrix of the gingival connective tissue. In the majority of those patients for whom dosage reduction, or drug discontinuation or substitution is not possible, and for whom prophylactic measures have failed, surgical excision of gingival tissue remains the only treatment of choice.

[Mental prognosis of Apert syndrome]

BACKGROUND

Mental retardation, considered as common in Apert syndrome could be in part due to associated brain abnormalities.

POPULATION AND METHODS

Sixty patients (32 males, 28 females) were included in the study. Patient age at the last examination was over 3 years (mean 10 years, range 3-28 years) in 38 patients. IQ was assessed from psychometric tests adapted for age. Brain anatomy was studied by MRI. Age at operation and quality of familial environment were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The IQ was over 70 in 12 patients (32%), over 90 in five (13%) and the mean IQ was 62 (10-114). Thirty percent of patients had abnormalities of the corpus callosum, 43% of the cerebral ventricles and 55% of the septum pellucidum. There was no anomaly in 28% of the patients. One or more operations were performed in 53 patients, before one year of age in 37. Ten children were institutionalized or in deleterious family situation. The main factor influencing the mental prognosis was the age at operation: the final IQ was over 70 in 50% of the children operated on before one year of age versus 8% in those operated on later (P = 0.01). Only the anomalies of the septum pellucidum seemed to play a role: 50% of the patients with normal septum had an IQ > 70 compared to 18% in those with septum anomalies (P < 0.04). The quality of the familial environment also influenced the mental development: 12.5% of the patients who were institutionalized or in difficult familial situation had an IQ > 70 compared to 39% of those who live in a normal family.

CONCLUSIONS

Careful investigation including MRI is necessary for detecting associated brain abnormalities. The patients must be operated on early, if possible before the age of nine months. Attention has also to be paid to quality of the sociofamilial environment.

[Mental prognosis in scaphocephaly]

BACKGROUND

The mental prognosis of scaphocephaly remains a controversial issue, and surgery is performed for functional or aesthetical reasons without clear evidence in the literature of which is the most important.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three hundred and ninety six children with scaphocephaly were prospectively studied to analyse the correlation between age, intracranial pressure (ICP) and mental outcome. Before any treatment, the intracranial pressure was recorded (systematically during the first period of the study); the mental level was evaluated at first consultation and after a mean five-year follow-up. The mental evolution was compared whether the child was operated or not.

RESULTS

The mental outcome of the patients was good in most of the cases whether or not they had been operated. There were significantly more normal patients in the scaphocephalies seen before one year of age at first consultation (P < 0.001) than in those seen after one year of age. There were significantly more abnormally high intracranial pressure cases in the group of patients who were seen later than one year of age (P = 0.0015). There were more retarded patients in the group with increased ICP, but the difference was not significant (P = 0.17). There was no correlations between ICP and final IQ neither in operated nor in non-operated patients. Conversely, a correlation was found between the early and late psychometric assessments in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The main predictive factor of mental outcome appears to be the initial developmental level. Since the mental level was worse in the older children, and since the surgery does not influence the functional outcome when the initial mental level is low, we can conclude that the indication to perform surgery in scaphocephaly is sometimes not only a cosmetic problem.

[Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adult respiratory distress syndrome. Experience in 2 patients]

We report two female patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome and severe respiratory failure in whom extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used. Its indication was due to a bad response to conventional treatment with mechanical ventilation and high levels of positive end expiratory pressure. A 2.0 or 2.2 m2 membrane oxygenator in a veno-venous circuit with systemic anticoagulation was used, maintaining mechanical ventilation. In the first patient, the procedure was done early and was successful, increasing hemoglobin saturation from 39 to 87%. The patient was withdrawn from the procedure 48 hours later and died one week later due to a septic shock. The second patient was connected to the procedure after three weeks of respiratory distress syndrome and no increase in arterial oxygenation was achieved. The patient died due to an intracranial hemorrhage, probably hastened by systemic anticoagulation. The real benefits of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are not defined yet.

Intellectual outcome in children with malignant tumors of the posterior fossa: influence of the field of irradiation and quality of surgery

The purpose of this study was to determine the respective parts played by cerebral hemisphere irradiation, posterior fossa irradiation, and surgery in the poor late functional results often observed in children treated for medulloblastoma. To do this we compared the intellectual outcome in a series of 59 children operated on for medulloblastoma, who had received whole-brain irradiation, to that observed in a series of 37 children operated on for ependymoma of the posterior fossa, who had received radiotherapy only on the posterior fossa. Only patients who had survived for more than 2 years without recurrence were included. At the assessment 1 year after treatment, intellectual outcome was somewhat better in the ependymoma group, but the difference was not statistically significant. At the long-term follow-ups at 5 and 10 years the results remained stable in the children treated for ependymoma, around 60% having an IQ above 90, whereas the intellectual level of the children treated for medulloblastoma was seen to have deteriorated progressively: 20% had an IQ above 90 5 years after treatment and only 10% at the 10-year follow-up. This progressive degradation is most likely due to the irradiation of the cerebral hemispheres, as this prophylactic irradiation constituted the only difference between the two groups. Moreover, irradiation to the posterior fossa did not seem to affect intellectual functions, since in the group of children with ependymomas the proportion of IQs above 90 was high and remained stable over the years. Surgery was certainly responsible for some poor results. The percentage of IQs above 90 observed 1-2 years after treatment was between 70 and 80 when no postoperative complications occurred, and only between 20-40% in the presence of postoperative complications. Postoperative aggravation was in most cases related to a brain-stem lesion. These results encourage the reduction, when possible, of irradiation to the cerebral hemispheres and underline the importance of the quality of surgery.