Towards an international language for incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD): design and evaluation of psychometric properties of the Ghent Global IAD Categorization Tool (GLOBIAD) in 30 countries

BACKGROUND

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a specific type of irritant contact dermatitis with different severity levels. An internationally accepted instrument to assess the severity of IAD in adults, with established diagnostic accuracy, agreement and reliability, is needed to support clinical practice and research.

OBJECTIVES

To design the Ghent Global IAD Categorization Tool (GLOBIAD) and evaluate its psychometric properties.

METHODS

The design was based on expert consultation using a three-round Delphi procedure with 34 experts from 13 countries. The instrument was tested using IAD photographs, which reflected different severity levels, in a sample of 823 healthcare professionals from 30 countries. Measures for diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity), agreement, interrater reliability (multirater Fleiss kappa) and intrarater reliability (Cohen's kappa) were assessed.

RESULTS

The GLOBIAD consists of two categories based on the presence of persistent redness (category 1) and skin loss (category 2), both of which are subdivided based on the presence of clinical signs of infection. The agreement for differentiating between category 1 and category 2 was 0·86 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·86-0·87], with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 84%. The overall agreement was 0·55 (95% CI 0·55-0·56). The Fleiss kappa for differentiating between category 1 and category 2 was 0·65 (95% CI 0·65-0·65). The overall Fleiss kappa was 0·41 (95% CI 0·41-0·41). The Cohen's kappa for differentiating between category 1 and category 2 was 0·76 (95% CI 0·75-0·77). The overall Cohen's kappa was 0·61 (95% CI 0·59-0·62).

CONCLUSIONS

The development of the GLOBIAD is a major step towards a better systematic assessment of IAD in clinical practice and research worldwide. However, further validation is needed.

The effects of acebutolol and metoprolol on walking distances and distal blood pressure in hypertensive patients with intermittent claudication

The effects of acebutolol (with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA] and metoprolol (without ISA) on arm blood pressure, ankle systolic blood pressure, claudication distances (CD) and maximal walking distances (MWD) were compared in patients with essential hypertension and intermittent claudication. Fourteen patients participated in a long-term, open, randomized cross-over study. After randomization the patients received either acebutolol, 200 mg b.i.d., or metoprolol, 100 mg b.i.d. After eight weeks the drugs were shifted and after another eight weeks they were withdrawn. Arm and ankle blood pressure, CD and MWD were determined before randomization and after 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks, and again 4-6 weeks after withdrawal of the drugs. The arm blood pressure was reduced by 20/13 mmHg after acebutolol and by 22/21 mmHg after metoprolol. In spite of a significant decrease in arm blood pressure there were no significant changes in ankle blood pressure, CD or MWD after the two drugs. After withdrawal of the drugs and after the arm blood pressure had returned to the control value no significant changes were seen in CD, MWD or ankle blood pressure. It is concluded that beta-blockers have no deleterious effect on CD, MWD or ankle blood pressure in patients with hypertension and intermittent claudication. No effect of ISA was demonstrated.

Methodological aspects of measuring human skeletal muscle electrolyte content and ouabain binding capacity

The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of freeze-dried and dissected small muscle biopsy specimens ("dry") for the determination of human muscle electrolyte content and ouabain binding capacity, compared with an easier method, without this freeze-drying step ("wet"). Freeze-drying and dissection of muscle biopsy specimens reduced the variation in the determination of muscle potassium and magnesium content. The total coefficient of variation was 8.6% in the dry determination of muscle potassium content and 13.5% in the wet determination (P < 0.05). In the determination of muscle magnesium content, the total coefficient of variation was 7.4% in the dry determination and 13.7% when determined wet (P < 0.005). Muscle sodium content had a very large coefficient of variation, independent of the method used. The content of dry solids was too high in biopsies which were incubated in Tris-vanadate buffer (31.9%), compared to biopsies which were not incubated in Tris-vanadate buffer (24.9%, P < 0.001). Hereby, the measured ouabain binding capacity became too high when measured wet. In conclusion, muscle electrolyte content and ouabain binding capacity should be determined after drying and microdissection of the biopsies, because this method confers the least variation and the highest accuracy.

alpha-Amylase in resectable lung cancer

Biochemical analysis and immunohistochemical techniques support the theory that hyperamylasaemia in lung cancer is due to amylase production in carcinoma cells. The vast majority of amylase-producing carcinomas are adenocarcinomas with amylase isoenzyme similar to the salivary type. This prospective study assesses alpha-amylase expression in resectable lung cancer. Seventy four patients with resectable lung cancer were studied. Amylase activity in tumour tissue was analysed and isoamylase identification performed. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed using a polyclonal rabbit antibody against human salivary amylase. Hyperamylasaemia occurred in 13 out of 70 patients. Increased amylase activity in tumour tissue was found in 10 out of 52 cases, of which only two were associated with hyperamylasaemia. With the exception of one large cell carcinoma and one squamous cell carcinoma, the tumours were adenocarcinomas. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed amylase expression in seven adenocarcinomas and two adenosquamous carcinomas. In conclusion, immunohistochemical amylase expression was restricted to carcinomas with adenomatous differentiation. Biochemical analysis confirmed amylase production in 5 of 7 cases examined, the tissue amylase isoenzymes being of salivary type. However, hyperamylasaemia and a slightly increased amylase activity in tumour tissue may be caused by factors other than amylase-producing carcinoma cells.

alpha-Amylase in resectable lung cancer

Biochemical analysis and immunohistochemical techniques support the theory that hyperamylasaemia in lung cancer is due to amylase production in carcinoma cells. The vast majority of amylase-producing carcinomas are adenocarcinomas with amylase isoenzyme similar to the salivary type. This prospective study assesses alpha-amylase expression in resectable lung cancer. Seventy four patients with resectable lung cancer were studied. Amylase activity in tumour tissue was analysed and isoamylase identification performed. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed using a polyclonal rabbit antibody against human salivary amylase. Hyperamylasaemia occurred in 13 out of 70 patients. Increased amylase activity in tumour tissue was found in 10 out of 52 cases, of which only two were associated with hyperamylasaemia. With the exception of one large cell carcinoma and one squamous cell carcinoma, the tumours were adenocarcinomas. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed amylase expression in seven adenocarcinomas and two adenosquamous carcinomas. In conclusion, immunohistochemical amylase expression was restricted to carcinomas with adenomatous differentiation. Biochemical analysis confirmed amylase production in 5 of 7 cases examined, the tissue amylase isoenzymes being of salivary type. However, hyperamylasaemia and a slightly increased amylase activity in tumour tissue may be caused by factors other than amylase-producing carcinoma cells.

Effects of intravenous EDTA treatment on serum parathyroid hormone (1-84) and biochemical markers of bone turnover

Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism have increased bone turnover, but it is less well documented how brief periods of excess parathyroid hormone (PTH) (endogenous or exogenous) affect bone metabolism. In the present double blind study, we examined the effect of either ethylenediaminetetraacetatic acid (EDTA) or placebo on serum levels of PTH and biochemical markers of bone turnover in 15 women and 39 men (aged 41 to 81 years) suffering intermittent claudication due to atherosclerosis. Disodium EDTA was administered as 20 repeated infusions of 3 grams during a period of 5-9 weeks. Serum calcium and serum phosphate decreased following treatment (p < 0.001) and remained unchanged in the placebo group. However, the differences between the groups were insignificant (ANOVA p = 0.13 and p < 0.10, respectively). PTH increased 2 1/2 fold following EDTA treatment (p < 0.001, ANOVA). The change in serum PTH was inversely correlated with the change in serum calcium (r = -0.53, p < 0.01). In the EDTA group, urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine and calcium/creatinine increased after treatment (ANOVA p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Serum bone alkaline phosphatase decreased significantly in the EDTA group immediately after treatment (p < 0.001, ANOVA) and returned to baseline level at three months while only an insignificant decrease in serum osteocalcin was seen following treatment. We conclude that EDTA treatment increases endogenous PTH secretion considerably and leads to increased bone resorption. However, no changes in osteoblastic markers indicating increased activation of bone remodeling could be demonstrated. Our findings support that chelation therapy with EDTA is accompanied by bone loss.

Disodium-ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) has no effect on blood lipids in atherosclerotic patients. A randomized, placebo-controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To study whether intravenous disodium-ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) affects blood lipids in patients with intermittent claudication.

DESIGN

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-nine patients with intermittent claudication (systolic ankle-brachial blood pressure index < 0.8; pain free walking distance 50-200 m).

INTERVENTION

3 g EDTA or placebo (isotonic saline) per infusion over a period of 5-9 weeks to a total of 57 g EDTA. Patients received vitamins, minerals and trace-elements daily.

RESULTS

14 patients received EDTA and 15 placebo. There was no statistically significant difference in the plasma concentration of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or triglyceride between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with EDTA does not alter blood lipids in patients with intermittent claudication.

[Arteriosclerosis of the lower extremities--patients' contacts with alternative therapists]

During the period July 1987-April 1988, ninety-one patients with arterial insufficiency in the lower limbs were referred to the Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery at Aalborg Hospital. The mean delay between contact with the general practitioner and the vascular surgeon was nine months. Twenty-nine of the patients contacted alternative therapists before referral to the vascular surgeon. Twenty-five of these patients had suffered from intermittent claudication for at least two years and the total cost of treatment was 76,013 Danish crowns (900 Danish crowns or approximately pounds 75 per patient).

[EDTA treatment of arteriosclerosis. Bias or manipulation?]

A 62-year-old man suffering intermittent claudication had 20 infusions of EDTA in a double blind, placebo controlled trial. No effect on symptoms or systolic ankle/brachial blood pressure index was found. Following the trial, he received 30 further infusions of EDTA in a private clinic. The systolic ankle/brachial index was unchanged throughout the total period as measured in Hillerød Central Hospital. However, the private clinic found a significant increase in the index following EDTA treatment. The reason for this discrepancy could be poor technique in the clinic or it could be due to bias or manipulation. The discrepancy explains the difference between the positive results claimed by the private EDTA clinics and the results of the double blind placebo controlled Danish trial.

[Intermittent claudication]

Intermittent claudication is a symptom triggered from the musculature during walking. The pathogenesis of the pain is unknown. All patients with peripheral vascular disease must abstain from smoking, perform physical exercise and dietary advice is sometime needed. Reconstructive vascular surgery or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) are indicated when the occupational pattern and, in some instances, the recreational activities, are threatened. The results of these treatments are good. For various reasons a number of patients, however, cannot be offered these treatments. These patients must be informed of the importance of physical exercise and discontinuation of smoking. Some of these patients can be offered supplementary medical treatment (e.g. pentoxifylline).

EDTA treatment of intermittent claudication--a double-blind, placebo-controlled study

A double-blind, randomized multicentre study was undertaken to evaluate the possible effect of chelation treatment with ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA) in patients with severe intermittent claudication. A total of 153 patients received 20 intravenous infusions of either 3 g Na2EDTA or placebo during a period of 5-9 weeks. Vitamin, mineral and trace element supplements were administered orally. The changes observed in the pain-free and maximal walking distances, measured on a treadmill, were similar in the two groups. During the 3-month (n = 149) and 6-month (n = 123) follow-up period, no long-term therapeutic effect of EDTA could be demonstrated. The ankle-brachial blood pressure index remained unchanged throughout the study period. This study failed to demonstrate any effect of EDTA chelation treatment in intermittent claudication.

Nocturnal subcutaneous hyperaemia in the lower leg and foot of type 1 diabetic patients

Nocturnal fluctuations in subcutaneous blood flow in the lower leg and foot were measured during sleep in Type 1 diabetic patients without autonomic neuropathy. Subcutaneous blood flow was measured, simultaneously, 100 mm above the malleolus on the medial aspect of the right lower leg and at the dorsum of the left foot in 10 diabetic patients, and on the right lower leg only in 10 normal human subjects over 12-20 h. The 133Xe wash-out technique, portable CdTe (Cl) detectors and a portable data storage unit were used. The tracer depots were applied by means of the epicutaneous, atraumatic labelling technique. In diabetic patients, subcutaneous blood flow increased 102 +/- 68% in the lower leg and 111 +/- 98% in the foot at 113 +/- 32 min and 107 +/- 37 min, after going to sleep. The hyperaemic phase lasted 128 +/- 43 min and 150 +/- 42 min, respectively. The hyperaemic response was not different from that in the control subjects (89 +/- 61%). There was no significant correlation between the absolute hyperaemia in the leg and that in the foot. In conclusion, Type 1 diabetic patients without autonomic neuropathy have normal nocturnal hyperaemia during sleep.

Arteriographic findings in EDTA chelation therapy on peripheral arteriosclerosis

In a randomized, double-blind, controlled study, 153 patients with claudication were each given either 20 infusions of Na2EDTA or 20 infusions of saline. Walking distances and ankle/brachial indices were measured before, during, and after treatment. In 30 patients, angiograms and transcutaneous oxygen tensions were obtained before, during, and after treatment. The patients' subjective evaluations of the effect of treatment were also recorded. It is concluded that EDTA chelation therapy has no effect in patients with intermittent claudication in the legs caused by arteriosclerosis.

Primary aorto-enteric fistula: a practicable curable condition? Pathogenetic and clinical aspects

Primary aorto-enteric fistulas is now being a rare occurrence because of an aggressive approach in terms of surgery of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Three cases is presented in an attempt to elucidate the ethiology, pathogenesis and diagnostic possibilities when dealing with primary aorto-enteric fistulas. The clinical presentation of the patients with primary aorto-enteric fistulas is inconstant, but a hightened index of suspicion should be present when a patient presents with gastrointestinal bleeding of obscure origin, abdominal or back pain and an abdominal mass. Endoscopy and diagnostic imaging may detect a fistula, but a high rate of false negative investigations are produced. The result of diagnostic workup is often laparotomy, which is the safest diagnostic method and may save the patients life.

Development of gangrene during sleep

A method for continuous measurement of subcutaneous adipose tissue blood flow in the forefoot over 24 h (SBF) is described. The method is based on the radioisotope wash-out principle using 133-Xenon (133Xe). A portable semiconductor detector is placed just above a local depot of 37-74 kBq 133Xe in 0.1 ml isotonic saline, injected into the subcutaneous adipose tissue in the forefoot. The detector is connected to a memory unit allowing for storage of data. Because of the short distance, the recorded elimination rate constant must be corrected for combined convection and diffusion of the radioactive indicator. Characteristic 24-h blood flow patterns were unveiled in patients with normal peripheral circulation and in patients having ischaemic nocturnal rest pain. In normal subjects, SBF doubled from day to night. This is ascribed to the local veno-arteriolar sympathetic axon reflex, which induces vasoconstriction when the transmural pressure of the veins exceeds approximately 25 mmHg. In patients having ischaemic rest pains SBF was reduced by 37% on the average from day to night. This was caused by nocturnal hypotension, which is reflected proportionally in the foot. As the resistance vessels most probably are fully dilatated in feet with rest pain, the blood pressure drop during sleep causes the perfusion pressure and, therefore, blood flow to drop below a certain critical limit. There was a pronounced correlation between the reduction systemic mean arterial blood pressure and SBF. The patients complaining of intermittent claudication, but no rest pains, demonstrated a variety of changes in SBF compatible with the continuous spectrum of peripheral arteriosclerotic disease. The reduced blood flow during sleep in patients having ischaemic rest pains give rise to the concept of the development of gangrene during sleep.

The value of sigmoideoscopy in the diagnosis of ischemic colitis following aortic reconstruction

During a 4 1/2-years period sigmoideoscopy was performed when patients developed diarrhea and/or unexpected low abdominal pain within the first days following aortic reconstruction. In our investigation rigid sigmoideoscopy, revealed all the cases of major ischemic colitis.

Conservative drug treatment in patients with moderately severe chronic occlusive peripheral arterial disease. Scandinavian Study Group

A double-blind, parallel group, multicenter clinical trial of pentoxifylline compared with placebo enrolled 150 patients with moderately severe chronic occlusive arterial disease (COAD) at three centers in Scandinavia. The study consisted of a 4-6 week single-blind, placebo-controlled run-in phase, during which the stabilization of the initial claudication distance of all patients was assessed before randomization to a 6-month double-blind observation period. The diagnosis of COAD was established by clinical findings, conventional angiography, and noninvasive peripheral Doppler pressure assessment at rest and after exercise. The results of the overall intention-to-treat analysis of the study population show statistically significant superiority of pentoxifylline over placebo for all absolute claudication distance summary and end point measures. By using two clinically relevant parameters, which are a resting ankle/arm pressure ratio 0.8 or less and a duration of COAD for greater than 1 year, a target population could be defined in whom trial results became highly significant. For nontarget patients with mild COAD, we conclude that basic therapeutic measures should include the treatment of risk factors and the initiation of physical training. For target patients, however, a multifactorial therapeutic approach, including the use of pentoxifylline, is justified.

[Anterior gastropexy using the Boerma method in gastroesophageal reflux]

The results obtained in 38 patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux who had been submitted to operation by Boerema's method are presented. Twenty-nine (76%) became entirely symptomfree and eight (21%) experienced reduction of symptoms. Postoperative oesophageal stenosis was demonstrated in five patients.

[Social aspects of reconstructive vascular surgery in patients under 60 years of age]

The effect of initial elective arterial reconstructive surgery was evaluated in relation to employment and social status. Ninety patients with intermittent claudication were followed for a period of 3.5 years. The male to female ratio was 1:12. At the time of operation, all the patients were under the age of 60 years and potentially professionally active. The indication for operation in fifty-nine patients was intermittent claudication. For thirty-one patients, the indication for operation was ischaemic rest pain, gangrene or ulcer. Fifty-six patients (74%) returned to active employment following vascular reconstructive surgery. It is concluded that reconstructive vascular surgery is of great importance for rehabilitation and in the success of resumption of active employment.

The regulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue blood flow in the ischaemic forefoot during 24 hours. Studies using the 133-xenon wash-out technique continuously over 24 hours

A method for continuous measurement of subcutaneous adipose tissue blood flow in the forefoot during 24 hours (SBF) is described. The method is based on the radioisotope wash-out principle using 133-Xenon. A portable semiconductor detector is placed just above a local depot of 1-2 microCi 133-Xenon in 0.1 ml isotonic saline injected into the subcutaneous adipose tissue in the forefoot. The detector is connected to a memory unit allowing for storage of data. Due to the short distance, the recorded elimination rate constant must be corrected for combined convection and diffusion of the radioactive indicator. Characteristic 24-hour blood flow patterns were unveiled in patients with normal peripheral circulation and in patients having ischaemic nocturnal rest pain. In normals SBF doubled from day to night. This is ascribed to the local veno-arteriolar sympathetic axon reflex, which induces arteriolar vasoconstriction when the transmural pressure of the veins exceeds approximately 25 mmHg. In patients having ischaemic rest pains SBF was reduced by 37% on the average from day to night. This was caused by nocturnal hypotension, which is reflected proportionally in the foot. As the resistance vessels most probably are fully dilatated in feet with rest pain, the blood pressure drop during sleep causes the perfusion pressure and thus blood flow to come below a certain critical limit. There was a pronounced correlation between the reduction of systemic mean arterial blood pressure and SBF. The patients complaining of intermittent claudication, but no rest pains showed a variety of changes in SBF compatible with the continuous spectrum of the peripheral arteriosclerotic disease. After reconstructive vascular surgery, the 24-hour blood flow pattern normalized although the ankle/arm systolic blood pressure index did not come within normal range. SBF during day-time activities decreased by up to 50% postoperatively. This is caused by the reappearance of the local, sympathetic, veno-arteriolar vasoconstrictor response. During sleep SBF increased by 71%. The term postreconstructive hyperaemia seems improper, at least in a long-term context, normalization of preoperative ischaemia is a more correct notation. The coefficient of variation of nocturnal SBF was calculated to 10%. The method thus seems apt as a monitor in medical therapy for occlusive arterial disease. Changes of lambda has, however, to be considered in each study.

Microvascular circulatory changes in the lower extremities after reconstructive vascular surgery for intermittent claudication

We have studied the circulatory changes in the lower extremities after reconstructive vascular surgery in ten patients with intermittent claudication. The following examinations were carried out 3 days before, 3 days, and 28 days after the operation: measurement of ankle systolic blood pressure, calf plethysmography, resting calf muscle blood flow and resting subcutaneous foot blood flow. The vasoconstrictor response (veno-arteriolar reflex) was also assessed. On the night before the operation and on the 28th night after aorto-bifemoral bypass surgery, subcutaneous adipose tissue blood flow in the forefoot was measured during sleep. The ankle systolic blood pressure and the ankle index rose significantly. The former increased from 57 +/- 16.4 mmHg to 93 +/- 24.0 mmHg (mean +/- S.E.M.) and was still elevated on the 28th postoperative day. The total limb blood flow, the muscle blood flow and the blood flow in the subcutaneous tissue of the forefoot during daytime were unchanged. In contrast, the blood flow in the forefoot during sleep increased significantly from 3.5 +/- 1.63 ml x (min x 100 g)-1 to 5.2 +/- 2.14 ml x (min x 100 g)-1 (mean +/- S.E.M.) on the 28th night. The vasoconstrictor response was potentiated, and increased from 27% before the operation to 45% on the third postoperative day. This change was maintained 28 days postoperatively. In conclusion the increase in arterial blood pressure was only reflected in the vasoconstrictor response which had returned to normal by the third postoperative day and nocturnal blood flow in the subcutaneous adipose tissue which did likewise.

The cause of ischaemic nocturnal rest pain

Adipose tissue blood flow in the forefoot was measured simultaneously with mean systemic arterial blood pressure over 24 hours in 8 patients (15 feet) with different degrees of arterial insufficiency. Mean systemic arterial pressure decreased by 19 +/- 9% during sleep, irrespective of symptomatology. In two limbs, with a normal peripheral circulation, blood flow decreased by 8 +/- 7%. In five limbs with arterial insufficiency, but no rest pain, blood flow decreased by 16 +/- 8% and in eight limbs with ischaemic nocturnal rest pain blood flow was reduced by 32 +/- 12% during sleep. It is concluded that nocturnal hypotension is a major factor in the production of nocturnal ischaemic rest pain.

Acute appendicitis caused by metallic foreign body (bullet). Case report

In a patient who had sustained bullet wounding 9 years previously, acute appendicitis was associated with presence of a bullet in the appendix. The case is described.

Why do patients with severe arterial insufficiency get pain during sleep?

Simultaneous measurement during 24 h of mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and forefoot subcutaneous adipose tissue blood flow (SBF) was undertaken in eight patients (15 feet) with different degrees of arterial insufficiency. The recordings were undertaken with the patients in the supine position only. The MABP decreased by 19 +/- 9% from awake to asleep independently of symptomatology. In two limbs with normal circulation, SBF decreased by 8 +/- 7%. In five limbs with arterial insufficiency but no rest pain SBF decreased by 16 +/- 8%, and in eight limbs with ischaemic nocturnal rest pain, SBF was reduced by 32 +/- 12% during sleep. It is concluded that nocturnal hypotension is the major aethiological factor for the symptom ischaemic nocturnal rest pain.

A pitfall in the measurement of arterial blood pressure in the ischaemic limb during elevation

In order to evaluate if elevation of the ischaemic limb above heart level is an alternative to the conventionally applied method with external counterpressure for estimation of skin perfusion pressure, femoral and popliteal artery pressures were measured directly in eight patients with occlusion of the superficial femoral artery. The measurements were done in the horizontal position and during elevation of the calf above heart level. During elevation relative blood flow, measured by arterio-venous oxygen saturation differences, decreased compared with the horizontal position. In contrast the popliteal arterial pressure decreased only by 20% of the value expected from the degree of elevation of the calf above the level of the heart. Thus, it could be calculated that calf vascular resistance increased two- to three-fold on average during elevation. Four patients were reexamined with the venous pressure kept at 10 mmHg during elevation. In these patients, the increase in vascular resistance was significantly less compared with the situation in which venous pressure was 0 mmHg during elevation. The arterial pressure still did not decrease. It is concluded that perfusion pressure in the ischaemic lower extremity cannot be determined non-invasively by elevation of the extremity, probably due to collapse of segments of the vascular bed increasing the vascular resistance considerably.

A pitfall in the evaluation of medical therapy for occlusive arterial disease using the xenon wash-out technique

In a double-blind cross-over trial an oral thromboxane synthetase inhibitor (TSI) or placebo was given to 15 patients with severe foot ischaemia. After TSI therapy, rest pain remitted in nine out of 14 legs, while remission during placebo was seen in three out of 11 legs (NS). The ankle and toe systolic blood pressures remained constant during both study periods. Nocturnal adipose tissue blood flow in the forefoot was measured by the xenon wash-out method. A significant increase of the nocturnal perfusion rate constant during TSI therapy was found. A slight oedema developed during TSI therapy. This causes a change of the composition of the tissue under study and thus of lambda-xenon. The perfusion rate in the present study thus merely illustrates the latter and not a true increase in blood flow.

Subcutaneous adipose tissue blood flow in the forefoot during 24 hours. Labeling pattern and reproducibility

Wash-out of 133xenon from a local depot in the subcutaneous adipose tissue in the forefoot was measured continuously during 24 hours on subsequent recordings in 51 feet (normal circulation: 10, intermittent claudication: 22 and ischaemic nocturnal rest pain: 19) with a mean time interval of 26 days (range: 3-90 days). The patients were studied under two different conditions. Firstly, during the day in the erect position, awake (sitting, standing and quiet walking) and secondly, during night hours in the supine position, asleep. The coefficient of variation of nocturnal adipose tissue blood flow was calculated to 10%, and for the ratio of blood flow from day to night to 5%. The method is thus considered apt as a monitor in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease, for example, surgery and medical therapy. As predominant source of error is the formation of oedema.

Tissue/blood partition coefficients for xenon in various adipose tissue depots in man

Tissue/blood partition coefficients (lambda) for xenon were calculated for subcutaneous adipose tissue from the abdominal wall and the thigh, and for the perirenal adipose tissue after chemical analysis of the tissues for lipid, water and protein content. The lambda in the perirenal tissue was found to correlate linearly to the relative body weight (RBW) in per cent with the regression equation lambda = 0.045 . RBW + 0.99. The subcutaneous lambda on the abdomen correlated linearly to the local skinfold thickness (SFT) with the equation lambda = 0.22 SFT + 2.99. Similarly lambda on the thigh correlated to SFT with the equation lambda = 0.20 . SFT + 4.63. It is concluded that the previously accepted lambda value of 10 is generally too high in perirenal as well as in subcutaneous tissue. Thus, by application of the present regression equations, it is possible to obtain more exact estimates of the adipose tissue blood flow measured with the 133Xe wash-out method.

Pleurodesis in spontaneous pneumothorax by means of tetracycline. Follow-up evaluation of a method

The validity of previous recommendation of early thoracoscopy and tetracycline pleurodesis in the management of spontaneous pneumothorax without thoracoscopically visualized true cyst was assessed under non-trial, normal hospital conditions. Among 46 patients treated during a year, seven underwent immediate thoracotomy following finding of large cysts. Of the remaining 39 patients, 11 had recurrence of pneumothorax after a median of 11 (range 2-64) weeks. Repeat thoracoscopy then showed large cyst or bullous emphysema in seven cases. Tetracycline pleurodesis was again performed in the others. In continued observation for at least 2 years there were no further recurrences. The importance of meticulous thoracoscopy is stressed. The demonstrated diagnostic errors do not detract from the value of tetracycline pleurodesis when spontaneous pneumothorax is caused by rupture of only tiny blebs on the surface of an otherwise healthy lung. The procedure is fast, simple and efficacious.

Fate in intermittent claudication: outcome and risk factors

The fate of 257 consecutive patients (100 women) aged 36-85 years (mean 65) first seen with intermittent claudication in 1977 was analysed after a mean of 6.5 (SD 0.5) years. When first seen none of the patients complained of rest pain or had ulcers or gangrenous lesions on the feet. At follow up 113 of the patients (44%) had died. Causes of death were no different from those in the general population. Mortality was twice that of the general population matched for age and sex. Mortality among the men was twice that among the women. In men under 60 mortality was four times that expected. The rate of clinical progression of the arteriosclerotic disease (that is, rest pain or gangrene) of the worst affected leg was 7.5% in the first year after referral. Thereafter the rate was 2.2% a year. An ankle systolic blood pressure below 70 mm Hg, a toe systolic blood pressure below 40 mm Hg, or an ankle/arm pressure index below 50% were individually significantly associated with progression of the arteriosclerotic disease. These findings show the importance of peripheral blood pressure measurements in the management of patients with intermittent claudication due to arteriosclerotic disease.

Twenty-four hour blood flow in the forefoot after reconstructive vascular surgery

Local blood flow in the forefoot (SBF) was measured continuously during 24 hours by 133xenon clearance technique in 10 patients prior to and at least 1 year after successful reconstructive vascular surgery for severe arterial insufficiency (mean: 18 months, range: 12-36). A group of 10 patients with normal peripheral circulation served as a control group. In spite of a considerable increase of the ankle/arm systolic blood pressure index--preoperative: 0.30 +/- 0.12, postoperative: 0.78 +/- 0.28 (mean +/- 1 SD)--the SBF decreased by 50% (p less than 0.001) following reconstructive vascular surgery during day activities. During sleep, however, SBF increased by 80% (p less than 0.001). The relative changes in SBF from day to night at the postoperative examination did not differ from that of the control group, i.e., the normal 24-hour blood flow pattern had been obtained. These changes in SBF are explained by the reappearance of peripheral vasoregulatory mechanisms. Postreconstructive hyperemia was evaluated by the same technique. The changes in SBF following surgery in the positions supine, awake and supine, asleep were found to be insignificant (0.80 less than p less than 0.90). It is concluded that the long-term postreconstructive hyperemia merely is a reflection of the normal 24-hour blood flow pattern.

Improvement of subcutaneous nutritional blood flow in the forefoot by hydroxyethylrutosides in patients with arterial insufficiency: case studies

Four patients with bilateral arterial insufficiency were treated with i.v. hydroxyethylrutoside for three days (1.5 grs twice a day). All patients experienced relief of symptoms. By continuous registration of subcutaneous nutritional blood flow in the forefoot (by 133Xenon clearance technique) a significant increase in nutritional blood flow of 33% on the average during the second and third hour after medication could be demonstrated. The drug seems to be of use in treating subacute occlusions and thrombosis of arteries in the lower extremity.

The double isotope technique for in vivo determination of the tissue-to-blood partition coefficient for xenon in human subcutaneous adipose tissue--an evaluation

Local subcutaneous 133xenon (133Xe) elimination was registered in the human forefoot in 34 patients. The tissue/blood partition coefficient for Xe was estimated individually by simultaneous registration of 133Xe and [131I]antipyrine ([131I]AP) washout from the same local depot. When measured in this way, an average partition coefficient for Xe was found to be 4.3 +/- 1.23 ml g-1. This value is significantly lower than the partition coefficient found in a previous in vitro study in which a Xe partition coefficient of 7.5 +/- 1.57 ml g-1 was found. Thus, if the local blood flow is calculated using the partition coefficient found by the double isotope technique, significantly lower values are obtained than if the in vitro determined coefficient is used. This difference is explained mainly by local dilution when injecting xenon subcutaneously. In short-term studies, utilization of the double isotope technique reduces the coefficient of variation on average flow determinations, thus an improvement in accuracy of local blood flow estimation can be obtained compared to the method in which an average partition coefficient is used. For long-term studies a partition coefficient of 7.5 ml g-1 seems valid.

Determination of the tissue-to-blood partition coefficient for 131iodo-antipyrine in human subcutaneous adipose tissue

131Iodo-antipyrine (131I-AP) is commonly used for blood flow measurements in adipose tissue. These estimations have been based on the assumption of the tissue-to-blood partition coefficient being 1 ml g-1. No exact determination of the tissue-to-blood partition coefficient for 131I-AP in adipose tissue has been carried out. In the present study a partition coefficient of 1.12 +/- 0.06 (mean +/- S.D.) for 131I-AP in adipose tissue has been determined based on the partition coefficient for 131I-AP between lipid-saline (1.24 ml g-1), red blood cells-plasma (0.64 ml g-1), protein-saline (0.19 ml g-1) and plasma-saline (0.84 ml ml-1).

Trochanteric fractures treated by the McLaughlin nail and plate

In this study 624 trochanteric and subtrochanteric femoral fractures have been assessed retrospectively with regard to stability of the fracture, reduction, internal fixation, healing and weight bearing. It is seen that stable fractures pose no serious problems. In the group of unstable fractures, varus displacement and perforation by the nail of the head of the femur occurred because of lack of stability of the McLaughlin apparatus. Results of a device with a fixed angle and a sliding screw nail are compared.

Direct determination of the tissue-to-blood partition coefficient for Xenon in human subcutaneous adipose tissue

The tissue-to-blood partition coefficient for Xenon (lambda Xe) in the subcutaneous tissue in the forefoot was determined by physical and chemical analysis. The difference between patients with normal circulation (n = 10) and serve ischaemia (n = 13) was insignificant; pooled mean: 7.42 +/- 1.57 ml x g-1. The lambda Xe in the forefoot was significantly lower than lambda Xe of the abdominal wall (lambda Xe - abd: 8.67 +/- 1.27 ml x g-1; P = 0.03). The influence of oedema on the local blood flow [in ml x (100 g x min)-1] and on the post-reconstructive hyperaemia (in ml x min-1) is discussed. It is concluded that local blood flow determinations, based on 133Xenon wash-out rates, in individual cases, are not possible. In subcutaneous tissue with low lipid contents, the ratio between the post- and preoperative wash-out rates tend to underestimate the post reconstructive hyperaemia. This is due to the volume increase of the subcutaneous tissue being larger than the decrease of the tissue-to-blood partition coefficient due to the oedema.