The Complex Spine in Children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy: The Transforaminal Approach-A Transformative Technique

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic disease resulting in loss of motor function, presents from in utero to adulthood. Depending on progression and secondary scoliosis, spinal stabilization may be necessary. When planning intrathecal access in these patients, spinal anatomy is the most important factor. Therefore, when planning intrathecal nusinersen injections, we subdivided patients with spinal muscular atrophy into simple-versus-complex spine subgroups. Our purpose was to present our experience with our first 42 transforaminal intrathecal nusinersen injections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed 31 consecutive patients with spinal muscular atrophy types 1-3 who presented for intrathecal nusinersen injections from March 2017 to September 2018. Nine children had complex spines (ie, spinal instrumentation and/or fusion) and required preprocedural imaging for route planning for subarachnoid space access via transforaminal or cervical approaches.

RESULTS

A total of 164 intrathecal nusinersen injections were performed in 31 children 4-226 months of age, with 100% technical success in accessing the subarachnoid space. Nine patients with complex spinal anatomy underwent 45 intrathecal nusinersen injections; 42 of 45 procedures were performed via a transforaminal approach with the remaining 3 via cervical techniques. There were no complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Our initial experience has resulted in a protocol-driven approach based on simple or complex spinal anatomy. Patients with simple spines do not need preprocedural imaging or imaging-guided intrathecal nusinersen injections. In contrast, the complex spine subgroup requires preprocedural imaging for route planning and imaging guidance for therapy, with the primary approach being the transforaminal approach for intrathecal nusinersen injections.

Recovery characteristics of patients receiving either sugammadex or neostigmine and glycopyrrolate for reversal of neuromuscular block: a randomised controlled trial

Sugammadex more rapidly and reliably reverses rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block compared with neostigmine, but it is not known if subsequent patient outcomes, including nausea, vomiting and other aspects of recovery are modified. In this study, we compared the recovery characteristics of sugammadex and neostigmine/glycopyrrolate following reversal of neuromuscular block. This was a single-centre, randomised, blinded, parallel-group clinical trial in women undergoing elective day-surgical laparoscopic gynaecological surgery, with a standardised general anaesthesia regimen that included rocuronium. Neuromuscular block was reversed with either sugammadex 2 mg.kg^-1 or neostigmine 40 μg.kg^-1 and glycopyrrolate 400 μg. The primary outcome was the incidence of nausea and vomiting during the first six postoperative hours. Secondary outcomes included other measures of postoperative recovery such as patient symptoms and recovery scores. Three-hundred and four women were analysed by intention-to-treat (sugammadex n = 151, neostigmine n = 153), which included four major protocol violations. There was no significant difference between sugammadex and neostigmine groups in the incidence of early nausea and vomiting (49.0% vs. 51.0%, respectively; OR 0.92, 95%CI 0.59-1.45; p = 0.731). Double vision (11.5% vs. 20.0%; p = 0.044) and dry mouth (71.6% vs. 85.5%; p = 0.003) were less common after sugammadex. Sedation scores at 2 h were also lower after sugammadex (median (IQR [range]) 0 (0-3 [0-10]) vs. 2 (0-4.[0-10]); p = 0.021). Twenty-four-hour recovery scores were not significantly different between groups. Reversal with sugammadex in this patient population did not reduce postoperative nausea or vomiting compared with neostigmine/glycopyrrolate.

Thoughtflow: Standards and Tools for Provenance Capture and Workflow Definition to Support Model-Informed Drug Discovery and Development

Pharmacometric analyses are complex and multifactorial. It is essential to check, track, and document the vast amounts of data and metadata that are generated during these analyses (and the relationships between them) in order to comply with regulations, support quality control, auditing, and reporting. It is, however, challenging, tedious, error-prone, and time-consuming, and diverts pharmacometricians from the more useful business of doing science. Automating this process would save time, reduce transcriptional errors, support the retention and transfer of knowledge, encourage good practice, and help ensure that pharmacometric analyses appropriately impact decisions. The ability to document, communicate, and reconstruct a complete pharmacometric analysis using an open standard would have considerable benefits. In this article, the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) Drug Disease Model Resources (DDMoRe) consortium proposes a set of standards to facilitate the capture, storage, and reporting of knowledge (including assumptions and decisions) in the context of model-informed drug discovery and development (MID3), as well as to support reproducibility: "Thoughtflow." A prototype software implementation is provided.

Pharmacometrics Markup Language (PharmML): Opening New Perspectives for Model Exchange in Drug Development

The lack of a common exchange format for mathematical models in pharmacometrics has been a long-standing problem. Such a format has the potential to increase productivity and analysis quality, simplify the handling of complex workflows, ensure reproducibility of research, and facilitate the reuse of existing model resources. Pharmacometrics Markup Language (PharmML), currently under development by the Drug Disease Model Resources (DDMoRe) consortium, is intended to become an exchange standard in pharmacometrics by providing means to encode models, trial designs, and modeling steps.

Greater saphenous venous access as an alternative in children

BACKGROUND

In the pediatric population, obtaining venous access in high-risk neonates, severely ill children with cardiac anomalies or very young children (<10 kg) can be very challenging. In the literature to date, the greater saphenous vein has not been primarily used by interventional radiologists as an entry site for venous access in children.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the utility and effectiveness of using the greater saphenous vein as a venous access site for the placement of peripherally inserted central catheters in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study from a large tertiary care children's hospital from November 2010 to August 2012. Peripheral insertion of central venous catheters (PICC) using the greater saphenous vein was attempted in 86 children ranging in age from 3 days to 17 years (mean: 1.8 years). Indications included congenital heart disease, urinary tract infection, intravenous access, pneumonia, meningitis, total parenteral nutrition, sepsis and other infections. All procedures were performed by interventional radiologists. No insertion-related complications were identified. There was no follow-up planning, but no mechanical or infectious complications were brought to our attention.

RESULTS

Of the 86 patients in whom PICC placement was attempted, placement was successful in 67 (78%). Forty-two PICCs were placed in the greater saphenous vein at the thigh level using US guidance and 25 at the ankle level using anatomical landmarks. The mean weight of the 67 patients who underwent successful placement was 9.98 kg, with 51 (76%) weighing <10 kg. The mean vessel diameter in placement failures was 1.35 mm compared to 1.83 mm in successful placement. Inability to obtain venous access was the cause of failure in all thigh access sites while inability to advance the catheter centrally was the cause of failure for all ankle access sites. A total of 1,060 catheter days (with a maximum dwell time of 97 days in one patient) were reviewed without complication.

CONCLUSION

In children, the greater saphenous vein provides a safe, suitable alternative for venous access, particularly in very young children (<10 kg) and in a select group of older children who are not mobile. In the lower extremities, greater saphenous venous puncture and access may be a preferred initial access site in small children to preserve future venous access.

Tramadol in pregnancy and lactation

Tramadol produces analgesic effects through both non-opioid and weak opioid activity and is commonly used to treat mild to moderate pain. It has been in use for over 30 years and has a well-established safety profile in the general population. Since tramadol is not licensed for use in pregnancy and lactation, there is limited clinical research on its use in this patient population. A systematic review was undertaken of articles published in English before June 2011, searching Pubmed, Medline, CINAHL, Embase and Cochrane databases using the terms 'tramadol and pregnancy', 'tramadol and breastfeeding', 'tramadol and lactation', and 'tramadol and neonate'.

Traumatic lower extremity arteriovenous fistulae in children

Traumatic arteriovenous fistulae are rare injuries in the pediatric population. Most are caused by penetrating injuries or are post-surgical in nature. Fistulae resulting from non-penetrating injuries are often missed early in the course of physical examination. This occurs due to the absence of clinical signs of arterial or venous injury, despite the close proximity of the affected vessels to point of injury. Likewise, signs and symptoms of post-surgical vascular injury may be difficult to discern from normal postoperative discomfort. The astute clinician must be on alert for unusual presentations of vascular injury to intervene in an expeditious manner. This article presents a series of vascular complications following either blunt injury or surgical management of the lower extremity in children who presented to our facility between November 2004 and December 2005.

Priapism in children: treatment with embolotherapy

BACKGROUND

Priapism is defined as involuntary, prolonged penile erection caused by factors other than sexual arousal, and is classified as either low-flow or high-flow. Embolotherapy is an accepted form of therapy in adults with high-flow priapism. Because the differences in etiology, management and outcome are significant, accurate and timely diagnosis is imperative.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this report is to present our experience with embolotherapy for treatment of high-flow priapism in three children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study. During an 18-month period, three boys ranging in age from 6 to 15 years presented with priapism. All three children were treated with embolotherapy.

RESULTS

All three children were successfully treated with angiography and embolotherapy. One boy had a presentation that initially raised the possibility of low-flow priapism. No complications occurred, and to date all children are able to maintain normal erections.

CONCLUSION

Subselective transcatheter embolization is the procedure of choice for high-flow priapism. In cases where priapism persists despite adequate therapy, angiography might be useful to exclude high-flow disease. In children with high-flow priapism, selective occlusion of the penile arteriovenous fistula led to detumescence and normal erectile function.

May-Thurner syndrome (iliac vein compression) and thrombosis in adolescents

May-Thurner syndrome refers to anatomic compression of the left iliofemoral vein by the overriding right iliac artery. We report three adolescents who presented to our pediatric hospital with iliac vein thrombosis and were diagnosed with May-Thurner syndrome. Each received catheter-directed thrombolysis followed by balloon angioplasty to restore flow. Two patients had endovascular stents placed. The procedures were well tolerated, without major complications. Additional thrombophilic risk factors were identified in each patient. Though uncommon, pediatric hematologists should consider May-Thurner syndrome in adolescents who present with a left lower extremity thrombosis. Aggressive therapy may be warranted due to the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome.

Successful transduction of liver in hemophilia by AAV-Factor IX and limitations imposed by the host immune response

We have previously shown that a single portal vein infusion of a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector (rAAV) expressing canine Factor IX (F.IX) resulted in long-term expression of therapeutic levels of F.IX in dogs with severe hemophilia B. We carried out a phase 1/2 dose-escalation clinical study to extend this approach to humans with severe hemophilia B. rAAV-2 vector expressing human F.IX was infused through the hepatic artery into seven subjects. The data show that: (i) vector infusion at doses up to 2 x 10(12) vg/kg was not associated with acute or long-lasting toxicity; (ii) therapeutic levels of F.IX were achieved at the highest dose tested; (iii) duration of expression at therapeutic levels was limited to a period of approximately 8 weeks; (iv) a gradual decline in F.IX was accompanied by a transient asymptomatic elevation of liver transaminases that resolved without treatment. Further studies suggested that destruction of transduced hepatocytes by cell-mediated immunity targeting antigens of the AAV capsid caused both the decline in F.IX and the transient transaminitis. We conclude that rAAV-2 vectors can transduce human hepatocytes in vivo to result in therapeutically relevant levels of F.IX, but that future studies in humans may require immunomodulation to achieve long-term expression.

Validation of the Bispectral Index Monitor for Measuring the Depth of Sedation in Children

The Bispectral Index (BIS) is an empirically calibrated number derived from adult electroencephalograph data that correlates with the depth of sedation in adults. We tested the hypothesis that the BIS score is a valid measure of the depth of pediatric sedation in a study designed to avoid limitations of a previously published report. BIS values from 96 healthy ASA physical status I-II children aged 1-12 yr undergoing sedation were continually recorded and electronically transferred to a computer. Two independent observers blinded as to BIS score evaluated sedation using the Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (OAA/S) and the University of Michigan Sedation Scale (UMSS) at 3-5 min intervals. There was a significant correlation between BIS and UMSS and between BIS and OAA/S by both the Spearman's rank correlation test and by prediction probability (P < 0.001). In children <6 yr, there was a significant correlation between BIS and the clinical sedation scores for subgroups undergoing invasive and noninvasive procedures (P < 0.001). There was also good agreement between the 2 independent observers who assessed clinical sedation scores (kappa = 0.51, P < 0.001). We conclude that the BIS monitor is a quantitative, nondisruptive and easy to use depth of sedation monitor in children.

Botulinum Toxin Type A Injections to Salivary Glands: Combination With Single Event Multilevel Chemoneurolysis in 2 Children With Severe Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy

We describe 2 children with severe spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy (CP) who have significant drooling and frequent aspiration pneumonia. They underwent simultaneous botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injections to salivary glands for drooling and prevention of aspiration pneumonia along with single-event multilevel chemoneurolysis (SEMLC) with BTX-A and 5% phenol for severe diffuse spasticity. There was significant improvement in drooling, frequency of aspiration pneumonia, and spasticity without adverse effect. BTX-A injections into the salivary glands, in addition to SEMLC, for these 2 children with medically complicated severe spastic quadriplegic CP, were safe and highly successful procedures, which improved their health-related quality of life.

Gastrostomy Tubes

The first successful gastrostomy was performed 130 years ago. Although it is difficult to ascertain the exact number of gastrostomy or jejunostomy tubes placed annually in the United States, it is estimated approximately 230,000 gastrostomy procedures were performed in U.S. hospitals in 2001. Of these, 11,000 were performed in children. Despite the many years gastrostomy tubes have been in use, they are not free from complications. The purpose of this article is to review the authors' experience with pediatric patients who have undergone radiographic placement of gastrostomy or jejunostomy tubes.

Blood Glucose Control During Selective Arterial Stimulation and Venous Sampling for Localization of Focal Hyperinsulinism Lesions in Anesthetized Children

Surgical management of congenital hyperinsulinism is improved by accurate localization of small, focal dysregulated pancreatic lesions using the arterial stimulation and venous sampling (ASVS) test, which can demonstrate increased hepatic venous insulin concentrations after selective arterial injections of calcium. However, anesthesia-related increases in blood glucose can induce insulin secretion, making it difficult to interpret ASVS test data. In this retrospective study, we examined the effect of anesthetic interventions on blood glucose concentrations in 68 children undergoing ASVS testing. We considered only the glucose concentrations observed before calcium stimulation in the final analysis. The choice of drugs for induction (sevoflurane, propofol, or thiopentone), maintenance inhaled anesthetics (sevoflurane, desflurane, or isoflurane), and the use of caudal epidural bupivacaine were not associated with significant differences in the mean blood glucose concentration before ASVS. However, patients receiving remifentanil infusions had smaller mean glucose concentrations (80 +/- 18 versus 100 +/- 44 mg x dl(-1), P = 0.01). These concentrations were also significantly smaller if tracheal intubation was delayed for at least 10 min after induction while patients received inhaled anesthetics via a face mask along with remifentanil infusions (79 +/- 14 for delayed intubation versus 95 +/- 39 mg x dl(-1) for early intubation, respectively, P = 0.03). The percentage increase in glucose concentrations from preintubation values was significantly smaller in these subjects (3.7% +/- 21.9% for delayed intubation versus 31.7% +/- 60.4% for early intubation, P = 0.02). We conclude that the anesthetic management protocol for these patients should include the use of remifentanil infusions and the administration of inhaled anesthetics and remifentanil infusions for a minimum of 10 min to establish a deep plane of anesthesia before tracheal intubation.

Preoperative evaluation of infants with focal or diffuse congenital hyperinsulinism by intravenous acute insulin response tests and selective pancreatic arterial calcium stimulation

Infants with congenital hyperinsulinism often require pancreatectomy. Recessive mutations of the ATP-dependent plasma membrane potassium channel (K(ATP)) genes, SUR1 and K(ir)6.2, cause diffuse hyperinsulinism. K(ATP) channel mutations can also cause focal disease through loss of heterozygosity for maternal 11p, resulting in expression of a paternal mutation. This study evaluated whether focal vs. diffuse hyperinsulinism could be diagnosed by acute insulin response (AIR) tests and whether arterial calcium stimulation/venous sampling (ASVS) could localize focal lesions. Fifty infants with diazoxide-unresponsive hyperinsulinism were studied. Focal lesions occurred in 70% of the cases. Positive AIR calcium occurred in 17 of 30 focal and 10 of 13 diffuse cases (P < 0.04). Positive AIR tolbutamide occurred in 27 of 30 focal vs. seven of 13 diffuse cases (P < 0.02); K(ATP) channel mutations were identified in four of the latter. ASVS localized the lesion in 24 of 33 focal cases (73%) but correctly diagnosed diffuse disease in only four of 13 cases. These results indicate that preoperative AIR tests do not distinguish focal vs. diffuse disease because some K(ATP) channel mutations retain responsiveness to tolbutamide. The ASVS test can be used to localize focal lesions in infants. The combination of ASVS, careful intraoperative histologic analysis, and surgical expertise succeeded in correcting hypoglycemia in 86% of the infants with focal hyperinsulinism.

Improvement of a wind-tunnel sampling system for odour and VOCs

Wind-tunnel systems are widely used for collecting odour emission samples from surface area sources. Consequently, a portable wind-tunnel system was developed at the University of New South Wales that was easy to handle and suitable for sampling from liquid surfaces. Development work was undertaken to ensure even air-flows above the emitting surface and to optimise air velocities to simulate real situations. However, recovery efficiencies for emissions have not previously been studied for wind-tunnel systems. A series of experiments was carried out for determining and improving the recovery rate of the wind-tunnel sampling system by using carbon monoxide as a tracer gas. It was observed by mass balance that carbon monoxide recovery rates were initially only 37% to 48% from a simulated surface area emission source. It was therefore apparent that further development work was required to improve recovery efficiencies. By analysing the aerodynamic character of air movement and CO transportation inside the wind-tunnel, it was determined that the apparent poor recoveries resulted from uneven mixing at the sample collection point. A number of modifications were made for the mixing chamber of the wind-tunnel system. A special sampling chamber extension and a sampling manifold with optimally distributed sampling orifices were developed for the wind-tunnel sampling system. The simulation experiments were repeated with the new sampling system. Over a series of experiments, the recovery efficiency of sampling was improved to 83-100% with an average of 90%, where the CO tracer gas was introduced at a single point and 92-102% with an average of 97%, where the CO tracer gas was introduced along a line transverse to the sweep air. The stability and accuracy of the new system were determined statistically and are reported.

Development of odour assessment criteria in New South Wales and application of the criteria for the assessment of a major public works project

The introduction of the forthcoming Australian and New Zealand standard on odour measurement has led to the review of odour regulation in most Australian states. In New South Wales the regulator has drafted an odour impact assessment policy for point source emissions. The policy is based on the new odour measurement standard and defines regulatory dispersion modelling procedures. The New South Wales odour assessment policy was initially drafted on the basis of a literature review and has since been developed in consultation with various industry and government groups, including sewerage authorities. The policy, while still officially regarded as a draft, has already been used as the basis for the assessment of a number of sewerage projects that have been characterised by point source emissions. The application of modelling-based assessment procedures requires careful judgement concerning the selection of input data and close scrutiny on behalf of the assessor. This paper examines the assumptions underlying the development of the New South Wales draft odour assessment policy and draws important universal lessons from its application for the assessment of a major sewerage project. The introduction of peak to mean factors based on one second nose response times has been controversial and alternative procedures are proposed.

Airway complications following pediatric lung and heart-lung transplantation

Obstruction at the airway anastomosis is a recognized complication of adult heart-lung transplantation (HLT) and lung transplantation (LT). Data for pediatric transplantation have been scarce. We reviewed our experience in pediatric HLT and LT to determine the frequency of airway complications and to document the therapeutic modalities used for their treatment. Fifty-three patients (median age: 13.8 yr; range: 1.3 to 28.2 yr) underwent HLT (n = 25), SLT (n = 3), DLT (n = 25), or repeat DLT (n = 3) and survived for more than 72 h. Major anastomotic airway complications requiring intervention affected one of the 25 HLT (4%) and seven of the 28 LT (SLT + DLT) patients (25%) (p = 0.05). Four patients with granulation tissue occluding the airway were treated with forceps resection, laser ablation, or balloon dilatation. Three patients with fibrotic strictures received silicone stents, laser ablation, or balloon dilatation. Two patients with bronchomalacia or diffuse stricture below the anastomosis underwent metal stent placement. Five of seven patients who were treated for anastomotic complications had satisfactory relief of airway obstruction. As compared with previously studied adults, pediatric heart-lung transplant recipients had the same or a lower frequency, and pediatric lung transplant recipients had a higher frequency of major anastomotic airway complications. A variety of treatment modalities were necessary to achieve adequate relief of airway obstruction.

American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society shoe survey of diabetic patients

A one-page written survey was completed by 402 randomly selected patients with diabetes in five cities during a scheduled visit to their endocrinologist. Patients averaged 61.5 years of age and had been diagnosed with diabetes for 27.3 years. This study suggests that approximately 25% of adults with diabetes are at risk for developing foot ulcers, the precursor to deep infection leading to lower limb amputation. The goal at the inception of this project was to obtain benchmark data on the current level of prophylactic foot care being provided to adult patients with diabetes. The results of this survey suggest that most individuals with diabetes and their physicians are aware of potential diabetic foot morbidity, yet very few take advantage of prophylactic protective footware. Even fewer are presently taking advantage of benefits established through the Medicare Therapeutic Foot Bill. This survey highlights a substantial opportunity for improvement in the long-term care of individuals with diabetes.

Chylothorax and chylopericardium: a complication of a central venous catheter

This article describes a rare and severe complication of central venous catheterization, namely extensive thrombosis within the venous system of the chest resulting in bilateral chylothorax and chylopericardium. The complication resolved with drainage, catheter removal, and low molecular weight heparin therapy.

Partial splenic embolization for treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation in lymphangiomatosis

A 1-year-old boy presented with pericardial effusion, pulmonary infiltrates, and disseminated intravascular coagulation; lung biopsy indicated pulmonary lymphangiomatosis. He did not respond to medical therapy and was a poor surgical candidate; therefore, he underwent partial splenic embolization. The procedure resulted in a complete disappearance of the DIC and marked improvement in his cardiorespiratory status. He continues to thrive and is transfusion-independent 2 years after the procedure.

Intravenous ondansetron in established postoperative emesis in children. S3A-381 Study Group

BACKGROUND

In pediatric postsurgical patients, postoperative vomiting is a common occurrence that can delay recovery and result in unplanned hospital admissions after outpatient surgery. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study evaluated the efficacy and safety of ondansetron in the control of established postoperative emesis in outpatients aged 2-12 yr.

METHODS

Screened for the study were 2,720 ASA physical status 1-3 children undergoing outpatient surgery during general anesthesia, which included nitrous oxide. Children experiencing two emetic episodes within 2 h of discontinuation of nitrous oxide were given intravenous ondansetron (n = 192; 0.1 mg/kg for children weighing < or = 40 kg; 4 mg for children weighing > 40 kg) or placebo (n = 183).

RESULTS

The proportion of children with no emetic episodes and no use of rescue medication was significantly greater (P < 0.001) in the ondansetron group compared with placebo for both 2- and 24-h periods after study drug administration (78% of the ondansetron group and 34% of the placebo group for 2 h; 53% of the ondansetron group and 17% of the placebo group for 24 h). Among patients with at least one emetic episode or with rescue medication use, the median time to onset of emesis or rescue was 127 min in the ondansetron group compared with 58 min in the placebo group (P < 0.001). The median time from study drug administration until discharge was significantly shorter (P < 0.01) in the ondansetron group (153 min, range 44-593 min) compared with the placebo group (173 min, range 82-622 min). The incidence of potentially drug-related adverse events was similar in the ondansetron (3% of patients) and the placebo (4% of patients) groups.

CONCLUSION

A single dose of ondansetron (0.1 mg/kg up to 4 mg) is effective and well tolerated in the prevention of further episodes of postoperative emesis in children after outpatient surgery. Administration of ondansetron also may result in a shorter time to discharge.

Osteoid osteoma: percutaneous excision using a CT-guided coaxial technique

OBJECTIVE

We describe a coaxial technique for percutaneous, CT-guided removal of osteoid osteoma in children.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The study included eight children aged 3 years to 15 years 9 months who had signs and symptoms of osteoid osteoma. The diagnoses were confirmed by CT scans. Seven of nine lesions were removed manually with a coaxial technique and a trephine. Power tools were added to the technique in the other two cases. Removal of the nidus was confirmed by postprocedural CT scans and by histologic examination.

RESULTS

All CT-guided excisions were technically successful, and only one minor complication occurred. One recurrence at 13 months was successfully treated percutaneously.

CONCLUSION

CT-guided coaxial removal of osteoid osteoma is a safe and effective treatment. Increasing experience and the use of power tools in selected cases helps to shorten the procedure.

Intervention in the critically ill patient

In summary, interventional techniques are well-established and offer safe and effective alternatives for management of patients in the intensive care unit or other setting. It is likely that the radiologist will become more involved in the management of ill children and adults. It is hoped that this will reduce the need for opened surgical procedures, reduce the complexity of surgery, and provide treatment options for complications.

Investigations into the fat pads of the sole of the foot: anatomy and histology

Anatomical, histological, and histochemical studies were performed on normal and abnormal fat pads of the sole of cadaver feet. The fat pads were found to contain a significant nerve and blood supply separate from that to the surrounding musculature and skin. Pacinian corpuscles and free nerve endings within the fat were identified. Histological analysis indicated a meshwork of fibroelastic septae arranged in a closed-cell configuration. The mechanical consequences of this organization are discussed in the context of the weightbearing role of the fat pads of the feet. Alterations seen in dysvascular or senescent feet are consistent with the hypothesis that the septal anatomy of the fat pads is central to their cushioning function.

Aging of diabetic and nondiabetic skin fibroblasts in vitro: life span and sequential growth curves

Skin fibroblasts from age-matched normal and juvenile diabetic (IDDM) subjects were studied throughout their life span in vitro. The number of mean population doublings (MPD) attained at senescence was determined. Sequential 5-day growth curves were constructed. Normal cells were compared to cells from diabetics with recent onset of disease, 1-5 years, 6-10 years, and greater than 10 years of insulin therapy. A trend of decreasing MPD in vitro with increasing duration of diabetes in vivo was found. The growth potential of all cells (sequential growth curves) decreased with increasing time in vitro. The confluent density (Day 5) of diabetic (10 years' duration) cells was significantly lower than that for normal cells at Stage 2 of growth (passage 6-10). The in vitro aging of cells from diabetics (recent onset) was essentially the same as that of normal cells.

Research and practice in the treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes: a survey of 53 pediatric diabetologists

New techniques are available for the treatment of children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. These include more intensive methods of insulin delivery by multiple daily injections or continuous subcutaneous infusion by portable pumps combined with patient self-monitoring of blood glucose. Long-term diabetic control can be evaluated by measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin, HbA1 or HbA1c. Pediatric practitioners may be in doubt as to the extent to which these techniques should be incorporated into their own practices. In order to provide some guidance in this quandary, the treatment practices as of June 1982, of 53 physicians with a special interest in the treatment of diabetic children were surveyed by questionnaire. The respondents estimated that they cared for 12,350 diabetic patients less than 19 years of age. Among their patients, 72% received twice-daily injections of insulin, 3% received three or more injections daily, and only 195 patients (2.7% of the total) were treated with insulin pumps. Among patients older than 10 years of age, 50% performed self-monitoring of blood glucose four times daily on one or more days per week and 32% of these patients did so daily. Two thirds of the patients utilized glucose oxidase-impregnated strips for blood glucose estimation and the remainder used reflectance meters. Essentially all respondents utilized glycosylated hemoglobin to evaluate quality of control. The mean number of determinations was 3.8 per year. Reasons for introducing pump therapy or discontinuing its use, glycemic targets for pump patients, and experience with utilization of the pump are described.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)