[Median arcuate ligament syndrome]

The median arcuate ligament syndrome is a rare entity and poorly described in Danish literature. The syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion and is characterized by chronic abdominal pain, postprandial pain and weight loss. It is believed that the median arcuate ligament, being a fibrous structure of diaphragm, compresses the coeliac trunk thus causing stenosis and malperfusion of the gastrointestinal organs. Until recently, there has been some reluctance to consider intervention with revascularization or ligament release. Within the latest decade minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic release of the median arcuate ligament, have shown promising results.

In-situ bypass surgery on arteriographically invisible vessels detected by Doppler-ultrasound for limb salvage

AIM

The aim of this paper was to evaluate our primary experience with bypass surgery on arteries only visible on Doppler-ultrasound in patients suffering from critical lower limb ischemia.

METHODS

During a study period of 10 months, Doppler-ultrasound routinely supplemented digital subtraction arteriography (DSA) whenever it failed to reveal patent runoff vessels suitable for in-situ saphenous vein bypass surgery. If an arteriographically invisible runoff artery was detected on Doppler-ultrasound and the patient was eligible for surgery, a bypass procedure was performed. All patients were facing a lower limb amputation due to critical limb ischemia (tissue loss, SVS/ISCV-category 5). Postoperatively the patients were followed according to a standard graft surveillance program, including clinical examination, ankle pressure measurements and a color Doppler-ultrasound at discharge and after 1, 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

Fifty-one in-situ saphenous vein bypasses were performed, 5 (10%) on arteriographically occult runoff vessels detected only on Doppler-ultrasound. After a 12-month follow-up, 3 bypasses were still patent and only one patient had an amputation. One bypass occluded after 6 months but the patient stayed asymptomatic.

CONCLUSIONS

Doppler-ultrasound permits in-situ by-pass surgery on arteriographically invisible vessels reducing the proportion of inoperable patients by 10%.

The haemodynamic effect of carotid endarterectomy

OBJECTIVES

to assess the haemodynamic effect of carotid artery surgery, and to relate postoperative changes to the state of cerebral circulation before revascularisation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

using transcranial Doppler we studied bilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) flow velocities before and on 1st day, 2nd or 3rd day and 4th or 5th day and 3 months after carotid surgery in 61 patients. In addition, ipsilateral MCA flow velocity was monitored continuously during surgery. Data were related to the internal carotid artery (ICA) perfusion pressure (cerebral perfusion pressure index, CPPI), measured directly before ICA clamping.

RESULTS

postoperatively, MCA flow velocities increased significantly overall (p<0.01), mainly due to pronounced and longer lasting flow velocities in the group of 18 patients with CPPI<0.7 (p<0.05). Flow velocities peaked - absolute as well as relative - on the first postoperative day and then gradually levelled off to reach preoperative values after 4-5 days in patients with high CPPI, whereas MCA flow velocities remained increased in the group of patients with low CPPI. At 3 months flow velocities in both groups were normalised. New neurological symptoms occurred in four patients, who all had low CPPI preoperatively (22% (4/18) vs 0%; Fisher's exact test: p=0.006).

CONCLUSION

some degree of hyperperfusion was seen in most patients, but the changes were significantly more pronounced in patients with preoperative hypoperfusion, who also suffered significantly more neurological complications.

Plasma glucose reference interval in a low-risk population. 2. Impact of the new WHO and ADA recommendations on the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus

The aim of the study was to establish a reference interval of fasting venous plasma glucose (FPG) from healthy individuals. A prospective modified cross-sectional population-based study was made with random selection of 2100 persons in age-stratified groups > or = 18 years identified from the local Personal Identification Register. The invitation was accepted by 755 persons, of which 726 aged 18-92 years were eligible. They did not have a diabetes diagnosis, were non-pregnant and capable of fasting for 8 h. All participants filled in a questionnaire on medical risk factors. Blood for the FPG and haemoglobin Alc (HbAlc) measurements was drawn in accordance with a standardized procedure. A total of 302 participants carried diabetes risk indicators and were ruled out. The FPG concentrations in the remaining low-risk population (n=424) was ln Gaussian distributed. The FPG 97.50 centile in this group was 6.4 mmol/L (95% CI: 6.3-6.5 mmol/L), in contrast to the WHO and ADA theoretical limit of 6.1 mmol/L. Their diagnostic decision limit of 7.0 mmol/L FPG corresponded to the 99.86 centile of the FPG reference distribution (95% CI: 6.8-7.1). Subclassification of the reference population showed increasing FPG with increasing BMI and age and was higher in men than in women. The study determined the FPG 95% interfractile reference interval in a healthy population. The interval in glucose concentration between the 97.5 centile of the reference interval and the ADA-WHO diagnostic limit is very narrow. The clinical application of the diagnostic discriminator and the interpretation of the WHO-ADA grey zone from 6.1 to 7.0 mmol/L FPG may consequently be biased because of poorly defined limits and influence from BMI, age and gender.

Optimization of preanalytical conditions and analysis of plasma glucose. 1. Impact of the new WHO and ADA recommendations on diagnosis of diabetes mellitus

The new diagnostic criteria for type 2 diabetes from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommend measurements on plasma and a lowering of the glucose threshold for diabetes by 0.8 mmol/L. This narrows the distance between the upper end of the reference limit and the discriminatory level to a degree where analytical quality becomes critical. The quality demands for the preanalytical and analytical phase and their consequences on diagnostic performance have to be established in the new technical system, measuring in plasma rather than in capillary whole blood. Because of the instability of glucose in blood samples it is necessary to clarify the influence of different preanalytical and analytical factors on the number of false-positive and false-negative classifications. Thus the aim of the present study was to find optimal conditions for sampling, additives, storage, transport and analysis of plasma glucose combining feasibility with an analytical bias close to zero and a within-imprecision around 1%. We have documented the analytical performance of the method itself and its traceability to an international standard. The preanalytical conditions, such as influence of antiglycolytic agent NaF, conditions for plasma separation, storage temperature and storage time before and after plasma separation were investigated. In conclusion, we recommend that blood should be drawn in tubes containing heparin and NaF and kept on ice water for not more than 1 h until centrifugation at minimum 1000 x g for 10 min. The plasma is then stable for at least 48 h at room temperature.

[Problem-based learning in medical education]

Problem Based Learning (PBL) has not yet been instituted systematically at medical schools in Denmark. We therefore introduced the method in a 10th term course in internal medicine and surgery, eighteen months before graduation, and evaluated the experience after two terms with a total of 93 students and 15 tutors. Compared with traditional education such as bed-side clinics and lectures etc., PBL was the preferred method by 67% of the students, while 28% found the methods equally good and only 2% discredited PBL. The main advantage of PBL was ascribed to motivation and activation, the students finding themselves as being part of the problem-solving situation. The tutors estimated PBL highly when teaching clinical coping strategies, stressing the need for a realistic and appropriate setting. This experience supports the decision to introduce PBL throughout the new medical curriculum in Copenhagen.

Oxygen and 2,3 biphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG) during haemodialysis

Eleven patients with chronic renal failure who were being treated with haemodialysis three times a week were monitored for a total of 34 haemodialysis sessions. Erythrocyte 2,3-biphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG) concentration was analysed immediately before initiation of bicarbonate haemodialysis and 1 h afterwards. The 2,3-BPG concentration was expressed relative to the haemoglobin tetramer (Hb4) concentration as the 2,3-BPG/Hb4 ratio and compared with blood gas analyses and biochemical variables important for characterizing uraemia. During the first hour of haemodialysis the 2,3-BPG/Hb4 ratio decreased (p < 0.002), but the magnitude of the decrease did not significantly correlate with the 2,3-BPG/Hb4 ratio measured before haemodialysis (p=0.104). The decrease is most likely to be caused by the haemodialysis procedure itself. Mechanical stress on the erythrocytes is believed to cause the 2,3-BPG to escape; it is then removed by haemodialysis. Physiologically, an increase in 2,3-BPG would be expected to counteract the hypoxia which is frequently observed during haemodialysis. However, the present results show the opposite, a decrease in 2,3-BPG. No significant correlation was shown between the haemoglobin concentration and the 2,3-BPG/Hb4 ratio before dialysis (p=0.414). The pH showed a significant positive correlation with the 2,3-BPG/Hb4 ratio before dialysis, whereas the arterial pO2 and the 2,3-BPG/Hb4 ratio before dialysis were insignificantly negatively correlated. The concentrations of calcium, phosphate, creatinine, urea and albumin did not correlate significantly with the change in 2,3-BPG/Hb4-ratio after 1 h. The 2,3-BPG/Hb4 ratio (p=0.03) sampled just before dialysis correlated significantly and positively with the total weekly dosage of erythropoietin given to the patients.

Tolerance to head-up tilt and suspension with elevated legs

OBJECTIVE

Orthostatic hypotension is usually a benign event. However, some patients are disabled by frequent syncopal events, and vertical transportation during helicopter rescue, for example, may even be fatal. Normal orthostatic tolerance is poorly defined, so we evaluated the response to 50 degrees head-up tilt. Also, the effect of leg elevation was examined in order to establish the influence of venous return, and a fatal accident associated with orthostasis is reported.

METHODS

There were 79 volunteers who were subjected to 50 degrees head-up tilt, and 9 subjects performed 1 h of suspension by double strops placed around the thorax and knee bends, respectively. The time to presyncope and changes in BP, heart rate, thoracic electrical impedance, central venous pressure and central venous and muscle oxygen saturations were measured.

RESULTS

Head-up tilt resulted in hypotension, bradycardia and presyncopal symptoms in 69 subjects within 1 h (87%; half time 27 min), but during suspension with elevated legs in only one subject (11%; p < 0.02). In presyncopal subjects the central blood volume was reduced as reflected by an elevated thoracic electrical impedance and reduced central venous and muscle oxygen saturations.

CONCLUSIONS

During 50 degrees head-up tilt, half of 79 subjects near-fainted within 27 min, whereas elevation of the legs secured venous return to the heart and prevented presyncopal symptoms. The high rate of near-fainting in normal subjects should be taken into account during evaluation of patients with syncope, and it emphasizes the use of a position that secures venous return during transportation.

[Thoracic electric impedance and fluid balance during aortic surgery]

Indices of fluid balance were evaluated during and after aortic surgery in 16 consecutive patients. Thoracic electrical impedance (TI), heart rate (HR), central venous (CVP), pulmonary artery mean (PAMP), pulmonary wedge (PWP) and mean arterial (MAP) pressures as well as fourteen arterial and venous blood gas variables were followed. Consistent with a reduction of TI during the operation, fluid balance was in excess, and it remained elevated on the first postoperative morning. The HR, MAP and PWP remained stable, while CVP and PAMP decreased. Of the determined variables only TI revealed a meaningful correlation to fluid balance (rho = -0.41; p < 0.01). The results indicate that while central venous and pulmonary artery mean pressures gave the impression of a volume deficit, the positive fluid balance was mirrored by thoracic electrical impedance.

Serum neuron-specific enolase (S-NSE) and the prognosis in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC): a combined multivariable analysis on data from nine centres

The influence of pretreatment serum neuron-specific enolase (S-NSE) in addition to more conventional prognostic factors on survival duration in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) was investigated in 770 patients from nine centres in six countries. The other variables included stage of disease, performance status (PS), age, sex, serum lactate dehydrogenase (S-LDH), serum alkaline phosphatase (S-AP), and serum carcinoembryonic antigen (S-CEA). Increased values of S-NSE (> 12.5 micrograms-1 l) were observed in 81% of the patients, whereas S-LDH, S-AP and S-CEA were elevated in only half of the patients or less. Multivariable analysis by Cox's proportional hazard model disclosed S-NSE as the most powerful prognostic factor followed by poor PS and extensive stage disease. If PS was ignored, S-LDH came up as a significant prognostic factor. S-AP, S-CEA, age and sex had no significant influence on the prognosis. The three prognostic factors, S-NSE, PS and stage of disease, enabled establishment of a prognostic index (PI) based on a simple algorithm PI = zNSE + z(stage) + 2zPS. This segregated the patients into four groups with clearly different prognosis. The median survival and 95% confidence intervals of the four groups were: 468 days (540-408), 362 days (405-328), 256 days (270-241) and 125 days (179-58). Based on the present results we recommend S-NSE and PS, in addition to stage, for prognostic stratification in treatment trials on SCLC.

Serum neuron specific enolase (S-NSE) reference interval evaluation by time-resolved immunofluorometry compared with a radioimmunoassay

The serum neuron specific enolase (S-NSE; EC 4.2.1.11) reference interval was evaluated by DELFIA (Wallac) in 161 healthy blood donors and the method compared with the S-NSE RIA assay (Pharmacia). The DELFIA assay total analytical variation coefficient (CV%) was between 3.7% and 6.6%., the RIA CV% 7.6% to 13.1%. Late centrifugation (after hours) increased the variation as a result of contamination with blood cells. Log transformation into a gaussian distribution was selected by Box-Cox analysis and tested by two models: the gauss-distribution and the Refval transformation. The 95% reference intervals and corresponding 90% confidence intervals were: female 2.9-9.6 micrograms/l (2.6-3.2 and 8.5-10.7) micrograms/l and male 3.4-11.7 micrograms/l (3.0-3.8 and 10.2-13.2 micrograms/l). Mean values were significantly different (P < 0.001), female 5.3 (4.9-5.6), male 6.3 (5.8-6.7) micrograms/l. The serum NSE levels were analysed with both methods in a population of 110 patients. The results were significantly correlated (coefficient, 0.9896; r, 0.99; P < 0.0001-two tailed). For high S-NSE values (> 150.0 micrograms/l) differences between the methods exceeded the mean difference + 2S.D., while low concentrations were interconvertible. Maximal diagnostic efficacy was 0.91 for both assays, in DELFIA 17.2-23.9 micrograms/l and for RIA 17.2-21.9 micrograms/l. Identical sensitivity, specificity, discriminative power score, and likelihood ratio were found. The two methods are consequently interconvertible.

Thoracic electrical impedance and fluid balance during aortic surgery

Indices of fluid balance were evaluated during and after aortic surgery in 16 consecutive patients. Thoracic electrical impedance (TI), heart rate (HR), central venous (CVP), pulmonary artery mean (PAMP), pulmonary wedge (PWP) and mean arterial (MAP) pressure as well as fourteen arterial and venous blood gas variables were followed. Consistent with a reduction of T1 by 4.2 (-5.2 to 9.2) Ohm (median and range) during the operation, fluid balance was in excess of 1.8 (-0.1 to 3.3) 1 when evaporation was not taken into account, and it remained elevated by 1.3 (0.0 to 5.4) 1 on the first postoperative morning. The HR, MAP and PWP remained stable, while CVP and PAMP decreased by 6 (-2 to 13) and 6 (-1 to 22) mmHg, respectively. Of the determined variables only TI revealed a meaningful correlation to fluid balance (rho = -0.41; P < 0.01). Haemoglobin concentrations increased in proportion to the administered packed erythrocytes, while arterial oxygen saturation, pH and base excess decreased in proportion to the excess fluid. The results indicate that while central venous and pulmonary artery mean pressures gave the impression of a volume deficit, the positive fluid balance was mirrored by thoracic electrical impedance, and that even a minor increase of fluid balance may affect pulmonary function in patients subjected to aortic surgery.

Cerebral perfusion during human liver transplantation

During transplantation of the liver cerebral perfusion was monitored by transcranial Doppler determined middle cerebral artery mean flow velocity (Vmean) and pulsatility index (PI) in six fulminant hepatic failure patients and 11 patients with chronic liver disease. In both groups of patients Vmean, PI and central haemodynamic variables were recorded during (1) the last preanhepatic hour; (2) the anhepatic phase; (3) the first 15 min of reperfusion; and (4) for the following 45 min of reperfusion. No significant differences were detected between the two groups of patients with respect to changes of variables with time. The Vmean (40 +/- 13 cm s-1 [mean +/- SD]), thoracic electrical impedance (TI) (30 +/- 7 Ohm), heart rate (97 +/- 19 beats min-1), mean arterial pressure (84 +/- 9 mmHg) and arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2, 4.5 +/- 0.4 kPa) remained stable in the anhepatic phase, while cardiac output (CO, 7.6 +/- 2.7 to 5.4 +/- 1.41 min-1), stroke volume (SV, 79 +/- 26 to 56 +/- 15 ml) and PI (1.2 +/- 0.3 to 0.9 +/- 0.2) decreased (P < 0.05). During reperfusion, CO (9.9 +/- 4.01 min-1), SV (105 +/- 40 ml), PaCO2 (5.5 +/- 0.6 kPa), Vmean (57 +/- 17 cm s-1) and PI (1.2 +/- 0.2) became elevated. Taken together, during the anhepatic phase of the liver transplantation a maintained central blood volume as indicated by the constant TI served for a stable blood pressure and in turn cerebral perfusion, whereas revascularization of the graft increased cerebral perfusion concomitant with an elevated carbon dioxide tension.

Dynamic exercise enhances regional cerebral artery mean flow velocity

Dynamic exercise enhances regional cerebral artery mean flow velocity. J. Appl. Physiol. 78(1): 12-16, 1995.--Anterior (ACA) and middle (MCA) cerebral artery mean flow velocities (Vmean) and pulsatility indexes were determined using transcranial Doppler in 14 subjects during dynamic exercise after assessment of the carbon dioxide reactivity for both arteries. Right hand contractions provoked an elevation in left MCA Vmean [19% (12-28); P < 0.01], whereas the pulsatility decreased in all four arteries (P < 0.05). During right foot movement, left ACA Vmean increased by 23% (11-37; P < 0.01) with lesser (approximately 10%; P < 0.05) increases in the other arteries, and pulsatility index decreased (P < 0.05). During cycling, ACA and MCA Vmean increased bilaterally by 23% (10-49) and 18% (5-32), respectively (P < 0.01), and the pulsatility was also elevated (P < 0.05). Cerebral artery pulsatility did not demonstrate a focal response but depended did not demonstrate a focal response but depended on the muscle mass involved during exercise. The data demonstrate a significant increase in Vmean for the artery supplying the cortical projection of the exercising limb. Insignificant and marginally significant increases in Vmean may be related to sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction and/or coactivation of untargeted muscle groups.

Serum neuron-specific enolase (S-NSE) in progressive small-cell lung cancer (SCLC)

Clinical decision making is based on results from qualitative and quantitative information. To provide quantitative data, various laboratory variables are widely used in the clinical evaluation of patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). The tumour marker serum neuron-specific enolase (S-NSE) and the routine laboratory parameter serum lactate dehydrogenase (S-LDH) have been investigated, mostly separately. Few studies have compared their importance in SCLC, especially in progressive disease (PD). The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate S-NSE for diagnostic efficacy in PD and compare it with S-LDH. In 27 patients in a treatment trial of SCLC, regular follow-up laboratory values were prospectively obtained. Chemotherapy was given according to trial protocols, and all clinical evaluation followed the WHO recommendations. At re-evaluation all but three values had normalised (two S-NSE, one S-LDH). S-NSE at progression was increased in 93% of the patients and S-LDH in 59%. The efficacy of S-NSE to discriminate between response and PD was superior to S-LDH (0.92 vs 0.70). There was no additive effect of the two parameters in prediction of PD, and the discriminating power was higher for S-NSE than for S-LDH (P < 0.0008). The disease status-related marker increments in relation to upper reference limits, i.e. the signal-noise relation, were higher for S-NSE than for S-LD. Both of the markers carry information on PD. S-NSE is, however, clearly superior to S-LDH in reflecting disease status during therapy. This prompts us to conclude that S-NSE should replace S-LDH as prognostic factor and disease activity monitor in SCLC.

Cerebral blood flow velocity during high volume plasmapheresis in fulminant hepatic failure

High volume plasmapheresis has previously been found to improve neurological statuses in patients with fulminant hepatic failure. We investigated the relationship between the neurological status and cerebral blood flow velocity (Vmean) during high volume plasmapheresis in 18 consecutive patients (ten females and eight males) with fulminant hepatic failure, with a mean age of 43 (range 9 to 57) years. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) and intracranial pressure (ICP) were also recorded. A total of 16% of body weight was exchanged with fresh frozen plasma per day. Thirty-six plasma exchanges wer performed with a median of 2 (range 1 to 8) per patient. Eleven of the patients survived (61%), nine after liver transplantation. Following the first high volume plasmapheresis, the coma score improved from 6 (1-8) to 2 (0-8) (p < 0.05), Vmean increased from 40 (14-152) to 62 (16-186) cm s-1 (p < 0.05), and MAP from 72 (35-118) to 94 (47-138) mmHg (p < 0.05). The intracranial pressure (ICP) was monitored and remained unchanged in nine patients whereas the cerebral perfusion pressure (MAP minus ICP) increased in the surviving group from 55 (40-74) to 80 (50-91) mmHg (p = 0.07) in contrast to no changes in the non survival group. In conclusion this study suggests that the neurological status, may improve during high volume plasmapheresis as MAP and Vmean increase the cerebral oxygen delivery.

Thoracic impedance and pulmonary atrial natriuretic peptide during head-up tilt induced hypovolaemic shock in humans

Head up and down tilts were used for manipulating the central blood volume in eight volunteers. During head-up tilt thoracic electrical impedance (TI) increased from 36.7 (33.9-52.1) ohm (mean and range) to 41.9 (36.9-59.2) ohm, heart rate from 60 (49-72) to 80 (65-90) beats min-1 (P < 0.05) and decreased again to 57 (48-67) beats min-1 accompanying a fall in mean arterial pressure from 86 (76-97) to 54 (41-79) mmHg and in cardiac output from 9.2 (5.9-12.1) to 6.9 (3.4-8.8) 1 min-1 (n = 7, P < 0.07). Central venous pressure did not change significantly. Pulmonary arterial mean, 6 (3-12) mmHg, and wedge pressures, 4 (1-9) mmHg, decreased to 4 (1-11) and 1 (0-7) mmHg, respectively, and mixed, 78 (77-79%), and central venous oxygen saturations, 72 (71-73)%, fell to 62 (46-75) and 54 (44-58)%, respectively (P < 0.05). Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was determined from blood of the superior vena cava and pulmonary and brachial arteries. Pulmonary artery ANP, 18.4 (7.5-30.7) pmol l-1, was higher than in vena cava, 13.3 (5.2-20.9) pmol l-1 (P < 0.05). At the time of presyncope, pulmonary artery ANP decreased from 20.8 (37.4-10.1) to 13.7 (19.7-5.7) pmol l-1, in vena cava from 13.8 (23.1-7.1) to 10.2 (17.9-6.7) pmol l-1 and in the brachial artery from 16.9 (34.1-5.2) to 11.3 (18.5-5.1) pmol l-1 (P < 0.05). Head-down tilt did not affect the recorded variables significantly. Thoracic electrical impedance, pulmonary artery pressure and venous oxygen saturations were sensitive indices of the central blood volume as reflected in the release of atrial natriuretic peptide from the right side of the heart.

Middle cerebral artery velocity during head-up tilt induced hypovolaemic shock in humans

Middle cerebral artery mean velocity (Vmean) and pulsatility index (PI) were followed during head-up tilt induced hypovolaemic shock in nine subjects. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), central venous pressure (CVP) and thoracic (TI) electrical impedance were also recorded. Vmean, PI, and CVP did not change during head-up tilt to 50 degrees, while MAP increased from 92 (81-106) (median and range) to 100 (97-112) mmHg, HR from 63 (53-74) to 84 (68-89) beats min-1 and TI100kHz from 30 (27-36) to 32 (30-39) Ohm (P < 0.01) (n = 8). During maintained tilt, Vmean decreased from 52 (32-72) to 34 (16-59) cm s-1, whereas HR increased to 87 (52-108) beats min-1 and TI100 kHz to 33 (31-39) Ohm (P < 0.01). Presyncopal symptoms appeared after 33 (3-46) min and were associated with a MAP of 65 (32-84) mmHg (P < 0.01) and a HR of 58 (52-71) beats min-1 (P < 0.05). Vmean decreased to 25 (16-36) cm s-1, and cerebral conductance index (Vmean/MAPbrain) and PI increased (P < 0.01). Arterial collapse was observed (diastolic velocity of zero) in one subject at a brain (diastolic) blood pressure of 21 mmHg and he developed tachycardia (131 beats min-1) during presyncope. PaCO2 did not change. Maintained tilt resulted in central volume depletion reflected by changes in MAP, HR, and thoracic electrical impedance but not in CVP. Transcranial Doppler derived indices of cerebral perfusion demonstrated critically low values despite marked increase in conductance index.

Defective cerebrovascular autoregulation after carotid endarterectomy

Correction of high grade carotid artery stenosis may result in cerebral hyperperfusion because of defective vascular autoregulation. Thus, transcranial Doppler was used to determine mean arterial flow velocity (Vmean) of the middle cerebral artery in 95 patients before and after carotid endarterectomy. Attention was focused on postoperative episodes of ipsilateral headache and hypertension. Symptoms of cerebral hyperperfusion lasted for 3 (1.5-5) h (median and range) in nine patients, and for 12 (8-14) days in nine other patients. Of these later patients, two developed seizures on the 5th and 6th postoperative day, respectively. The mean pressure difference across the stenosis was 31 (0-63) mmHg in the symptomatic group (n = 18) as opposed to only 10 (0-60) mmHg in the asymptomatic group (n = 77) (p < 0.01). In the 18 patients with headache after surgery, ipsilateral Vmean increased to 177 (130-332)% of the preoperative value (p < 0.0001), while the contralateral Vmean remained unchanged. After blood pressure was reduced in symptomatic patients with labetalol, ipsilateral Vmean decreased from 92 (69-124) to 56 (32-93) cm s-1 (p < 0.0001) as systemic arterial pressure decreased from 101 (80-128) to 88 (60-103) mmHg, with no change in contralateral Vmean. Normalisation of Vmean via reduction of arterial pressure ended episodes of headache and seizure in symptomatic patients. Thus, in patients who developed post-endarterectomy hyperperfusion, these findings clearly demonstrated that ipsilateral middle cerebral artery mean flow velocity was pressure dependent. This substantiates the hypothesis of defective autoregulation in the ipsilateral hemisphere after carotid endarterectomy, and in turn demonstrates an immediate cessation of symptoms with reduction of arterial pressure even in normotensive patients.

Effect of limb anesthesia on middle cerebral response to handgrip

Transcranial Doppler ultrasound was used to measure middle cerebral arterial mean flow velocity (Vmean) on both sides of the brain in 12 subjects during hand contractions before and during regional anesthesia of the left arm. At rest Vmean was 49 (36-104) cm/s (median and range) and was unaffected by regional anesthesia. During right-hand contractions Vmean remained unchanged on the right side of the brain, whereas it increased 20 (4-37)% (P < 0.01) on the left side of the brain. Similarly, during left-hand contractions Vmean increased 24 (2-42)% (P < 0.01) on the right side of the brain, while it remained unchanged on the left side of the brain. Regional anesthesia did not quantitatively affect Vmean during right-hand contractions. In contrast, during left-hand contractions, both right and left Vmean tended to decrease. Increases in Vmean appeared despite a decrease in arterial carbon dioxide tension (P < 0.01). Heart rate and blood pressure responses to hand contractions were enhanced during regional anesthesia (P < 0.01), but left-hand contractions resulted in a less pronounced increase in blood pressure (P < 0.01). These data demonstrate a contralateral increase in cerebral perfusion during hand contractions that is dependent on intact afferent input from the working limb.

Regional cerebral artery mean flow velocity and blood flow during dynamic exercise in humans

Transcranial Doppler ultrasound-determined middle (MCA) and anterior (ACA) cerebral artery mean flow velocities (Vmean) and pulsatility indexes (PI) were measured during "no-load" [21, 60, and 102 revolutions/min (rpm)] and loaded cycling (30, 60, and 149 W) at approximately 60 rpm. At rest Vmean MCA was 51 (36-55) cm/s (median and range; n = 10) and Vmean ACA was 41 (36-49) cm/s (n = 7; P < 0.05). With no load on the cycle Vmean MCA increased 4 (2-36), 10 (0-47), and 27% (4-58) (P < 0.05) at the three pedaling frequencies, respectively; arterial PCO2 (PaCO2) remained constant. During loaded cycling the increases were 19 (6-42), 25 (2-45), and 32% (12-67) (P < 0.01), respectively, with only a minimal change in PaCO2. No significant changes were observed in Vmean ACA. Changes in Vmean MCA were similar to those recorded by the initial slope index (ISI) of the 133Xe clearance method (n = 11), which in turn were smaller than increases recorded by the fast-compartment flow. PI ACA followed PI MCA during no-load as well as loaded exercise and increased with work rate, perhaps reflecting an increase in pulse pressure from 56 (48-63) mmHg at rest to 109 (88-123) mmHg at 149 W (P < 0.01). Data demonstrate a graded increase in regional cerebral perfusion during dynamic exercise corresponding to the MCA territory.

Breathing zone concentrations of methylmethacrylate monomer during joint replacement operations

By use of a methylmethacrylate (MMA) Dräger tube and bellow bump, the breathing zone concentrations of MMA monomer were measured for the operating surgeon during cementation of the components of hip and knee joint prostheses. The highest recordings (50-100 p.p.m.) were encountered during cementation of the acetabular cups with conventional polymethylmethacrylate cement. Such exposure could be eliminated by the use of personal protection equipment, local punctual field suction or change to a MMA/n-decylmethacrylate/isobornylmethacrylate bone cement.

Serum neuron specific enolase (NSE) is a determinant of response duration in small cell lung cancer (SCLC)

Seventy-two consecutive patients were eligible for a study of clinical determinants of response and response duration in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Pretreatment values of routine laboratory parameters, and three tumour markers: neuron specific enolase (NSE), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and acidic glycoprotein (AGP) were measured. Descriptive clinical variables as performance status (PS), extent of disease, age and sex were also included in the study. All variables were analysed for influence on the type and duration of response. The complete remission probability was only related to pretreatment extent of disease. In a multivariate analysis (Cox) of response duration, only NSE and type of response had significant influence. Consequently, measurements of NSE before therapy will be useful in future clinical trials on SCLC especially in situations, where responding patients are submitted to specific treatment strategies.

[Violence towards personnel of emergency departments]

During the period 1.7.1988-31.12.1988, 49 episodes of violence occurred in the Casualty Department of Hvidovre Hospital. This corresponds to one every 3.3 days. In three cases, the violence resulted in injury to the staff treating the patient. The authors found a marked preponderance (82%) of young men in the group of violent patients. Alcohol was a probable potentiating factor for the violence as approximately half of the patients were drunk. The authors did not consider that the waiting time was of any significance. Prophylactic measures are suggested.

Middle cerebral artery flow velocity and blood flow during exercise and muscle ischemia in humans

Changes in middle cerebral artery flow velocity (Vmean), measured by transcranial Doppler ultrasound, were used to determine whether increases in mean arterial pressure (MAP) or brain activation enhance cerebral perfusion during exercise. We also evaluated the role of "central command," mechanoreceptors, and/or muscle "metaboreceptors" on cerebral perfusion. Ten healthy subjects performed two levels of dynamic exercise corresponding to a heart rate of 110 (range 89-134) and 148 (129-170) beats/min, respectively, and exhaustive one-legged static knee extension. Measurements were continued during 2-2.5 min of muscle ischemia. MAP increased similarly during static [114 (102-133) mmHg] and heavy dynamic exercise [121 (104-136) mmHg] and increased during muscle ischemia after dynamic exercise. During heavy dynamic exercise, Vmean increased 24% (10-47%; P less than 0.01) over approximately 3 min despite constant arterial carbon dioxide tension. In contrast, static exercise with a higher rate of perceived exertion [18 (13-20) vs. 15 (12-18) units; P less than 0.01] was associated with no significant change in Vmean. Muscle ischemia after exercise was not associated with an elevation in Vmean, and it did not provoke an increase in Vmean after static exercise. Changes in Vmean during exercise were similar to those recorded with the initial slope index of the 133Xe clearance method. The data show that middle cerebral artery mean flow velocity reflects changes in cerebral perfusion during exercise. Furthermore, they support the hypothesis that cerebral perfusion during exercise reflects an increase in brain activation that is independent of MAP, central command, and muscle metaboreceptors but is likely to depend on influence of mechanoreceptors.

Transcranial Doppler for detection of cerebral ischaemia during carotid endarterectomy

We evaluated transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) for the detection of cerebral ischaemia during carotid endarterectomy in 30 male and 14 female patients with ipsilateral focal cerebro-vascular symptoms. Surgery was performed during halothane-nitrous oxide anaesthesia with moderate hypocapnia. Eight patients had a temporary shunt owing to contralateral occlusion or a stump pressure below 40 mmHg, and/or EEG flattening. Transcranial Doppler sonography was followed intra-operatively together with electro-encephalography (EEG), internal carotid artery (ICA) pressures and cerebral blood flow (CBF). Middle cerebral artery mean flow velocity (Vmean) was 38 (22-96) cm s-1 (median and range) and decreased during cross-clamping to 28 (10-60) cm s-1 (p less than 0.0001). After removal of the clamp it increased to 42 (20-102) cm s-1 (p less than 0.0001). AVmean clamp of less than 30 cm s-1 together with a Vmean clamp: Vmean pre-clamp ratio of less than 0.6 showed an accuracy with respect to CBF below 20 ml 100 g-1 min-1 of 89%. AVmeanclamp:Vmean pre-clamp ratio below 0.4 detected all all patients with EEG flattening (n = 3) (accuracy 97%). The corresponding level of accuracy obtained with stump pressure was 80%. The results indicate that middle cerebral flow velocity enables an increase in the accuracy of detecting cerebral ischaemia during carotid endarterectomy.

Gentamycin beads in the treatment of localised vascular graft infection--long term results in 17 cases

Seventeen patients were treated by the implantation of gentamycin beads for localised Szilagyi type III prosthetic graft infection. Three patients had a pan prosthetic infection and half of the remaining patients were cured, but three of these died from other causes within 3 months. The mean observation time of the four survivors was 20 months (7-39 months). One of the seven patients, in whom the gentamycin beads failed, died of infection, giving a total mortality rate of 6% (1.5-29%). The remaining patients were cured after resection of the infected segment of the prosthesis at a mean follow-up of 22 months (8-37 months).

Clinical and pharmacokinetic evaluation of gentamycin containing collagen in groin wound infections after vascular reconstruction

Fourteen patients with localised groin wound graft infection after vascular reconstruction were included in this study to evaluate the clinical effect and the pharmacokinetic profile of gentamycin containing collagen for local antibiotic treatment. All patients were treated by surgical revision and the implantation of one collagen sponge containing 130 mg gentamycin in addition to systemic antibiotics. At follow-up (median 10 months, range 6-15 months), 13 of the 14 patients were cured with a patent reconstruction, giving a success rate in this series of 93%. The pharmacokinetic study showed a very high initial gentamycin concentration in wound fluid, which neatly exceeded the MIC values for most bacteria normally considered resistant to gentamycin. These high MIC values were sustained for 2 to 3 days. In conclusion, this study demonstrated a good clinical effect of gentamycin containing collagen with a high cure rate. In the wound fluid an initial high concentration of gentamycin was achieved which lasted for 2-3 days.

Occurrence of neuron specific enolase in tumour tissue and serum in small cell lung cancer

An analysis has been made of the relationship between neuron specific enolase (NSE) in serum and immunohistochemically identified occurrence of NSE in the primary tumour in 56 patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Patients were referred to the Finsen Institute for treatment during a period of 18 months. Forty-six tumours (82%) were NSE positive. To compare this staining with the occurrence of NSE in serum, a histological staining index (HSI) was established by semiquantitative gradation of the staining. No significant differences were found between distribution of serum NSE values in different HSI categories, and a high ranking in HSI was not associated with a high level of serum NSE. Both univariate and multivariate analysis selected serum NSE and not HSI as the most influential prognostic factor in SCLC.

Evans' classification of trochanteric fractures: an assessment of the interobserver and intraobserver reliability

The reliability of Evans' classification of trochanteric femoral fractures was examined using kappa (Kappa) statistics. Radiographs of 50 randomly chosen trochanteric fractures were evaluated by six observers. One set of radiographs was uniformly classified as a subtrochanteric fracture by all observers and was excluded from further analysis. Only 18 per cent of the fractures were classified identical by all observers and 57 per cent when differentiating between stable and unstable fractures. The corresponding kappa values showed moderate agreement ranging from 0.38 to 0.68.

[Treatment of medial femoral neck fractures in Denmark]

Variations in the treatment of medial fractures of the neck of the femur were investigated by means of a questionnaire sent to all hospital departments which operated on these fractures. 91% replied. 86% of the departments used thromboembolic prophylaxis as a routine and 24% employed prophylactic antibiotics. Operation was only performed prophylactically on cases of impacted fractures in 24% of the departments. Orthopaedic departments operated earlier and more frequently preferred cancellous bone screws as the method of osteosynthesis rather than a sliding screw plate. The latter method was preferred by the non-orthopaedic departments. Patients were mobilized earlier in the orthopaedic departments and fewer postoperative x-rays were taken than in the non-orthopaedic departments.

[Hemodynamic assessment of cerebrovascular circulation using transcranial Doppler ultrasound in patients with carotid stenosis]

Transcranial Doppler-ultrasound (TCD) is a new non-invasive technique which renders continuous monitoring of the rate of flow in the major intracerebral arteries possible. The method appears, therefore, to be attractive for perioperative monitoring of patients submitted to operation on account of carotid stenosis. Seventeen patients were included in this preliminary investigation. These patients were submitted for thromboarterectomy of the internal carotid artery. Preoperatively the average flow rate (Vmean) in the ipsilateral medial cerebral artery measured at rest was 54 cm/second (range 34-94) as compared with 57 cm/second (range 32-86) in the contralateral medial cerebral artery. During occlusion, Vmean in the ipsilateral medial cerebral artery decreased momentarily, on an average 35% (p less than 0.001), and returned to the preoperative level after reopening of the internal carotid artery. Corresponding but no significant changes were observed in the pulsatile index. The preliminary experience suggests that TCD is scarcely useful as a diagnostic method in individual cases but that it is well suited for continuous monitoring of changes in cerebral circulating during surgery on the internal cerebral artery. Further assessment of the technique is necessary before the method can be employed routinely, mainly on account of the great interindividual scatter.

Neuron specific enolase, carcinoembryonic antigen and lactate dehydrogenase as indicators of disease activity in small cell lung cancer

The clinical value of the three serum biomarkers neuron specific enolase (NSE), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were evaluated prospectively in 86 patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) entered into randomized clinical trials. The patients were monitored clinically very closely and biomarkers were measured before each course of chemotherapy. The correlation between disease extent and biomarker was significant for both NSE (2P: 0.001) and LDH (2P:0.05). Of those two biomarkers NSE was the most sensitive and was raised in 75% of all patients at diagnosis, in 67% of patients with limited disease, and in 86% of patients with extensive disease. All patients with three or more sites involved presented raised serum NSE levels but there was no significant correlation between definite number or specific sites known to have metastatic disease. There was a tendency towards a higher serum CEA level in extensive disease than in local disease. Only half the patients with metastatic disease had elevated (greater than 5.0 ng/ml) levels of CEA, and values above 50.0 ng/ml were unusual. In patients initially seropositive for NSE a close correlation was found during follow up between serum NSE and response (98%) or progressive systemic disease (100%). During a major response, either complete or partial, serum NSE showed minor fluctuations (mean 8 ng/ml, S.D. 1.79, range 4.6-12.1). At present serum NSE seem to be the most sensitive and valuable biomarker in the management of SCLC, while the gain by adding CEA is small. Furthermore, NSE may be a useful tool in the estimation of disease extent and response to treatment in patients in whom clinical or radiological evaluation is difficult.

The prognostic influence of serum neuron specific enolase in small cell lung cancer

An analysis of prognostic factors in small cell lung cancer has been made using presentation data from 86 of 101 consecutive patients referred to The Finsen Institute for chemotherapy. Prognosis was in univariate analysis significantly correlated with performance status (PS), disease extent, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), neuron specific enolase (NSE), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein and plasma sodium. Multivariate analysis, taking stage of disease into account, resulted in selection of PS and NSE as the most influential of the investigated variables. LDH was excluded as an independent prognosticator, but there was a strong correlation between the influence of LDH and NSE (coefficient: -0.38) as well as between their serum concentrations (coefficient: 0.72). LDH and NSE apparently have similar prognostic influence, and NSE seems superior to LDH. A firm conclusion should, however, await our investigation of a large series of patients.