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Acute Episodes (acute + episode)
Selected AbstractsA phase I clinical trial of the histone deacetylase inhibitor belinostat in patients with advanced hematological neoplasiaEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2008Peter Gimsing Abstract Purpose:, To determine the safety, dose-limiting toxicity and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the novel hydroxamate histone deacetylase inhibitor belinostat (PXD101) in patients with advanced hematological neoplasms. Patients and methods:, Sequential dose-escalating cohorts of three to six patients with hematological malignancies received belinostat administered as a 30-min i.v. infusion on days 1,5 of a 21-d cycle. Experience from a parallel dose-finding study in patients with solid tumors influenced the selection of the final dose. Results:, Sixteen patients received belinostat at one of three dose levels: 600 mg/m2/d (three patients), 900 mg/m2/d (three patients) and 1000 mg/m2/d (10 patients), the dose determined to be the MTD in a phase I solid tumor study [Steele et al. (2008) Clin Cancer Res, 14, 804,10]. The most common treatment-related adverse events (all grades) were nausea (50%), vomiting (31%), fatigue (31%) and flushing (31%). No grade 3 or 4 hematological toxicity compared with baseline occurred except one case of grade 3 lymphopenia. There were two related grade 4 adverse events of renal failure observed. Both events occurred in patients with multiple myeloma and had similar characteristics, i.e. an acute episode of decrease in renal function (pre-existing nephropathy in one patient), with a metabolic profile and decrease in tumor burden consistent with tumor lysis syndrome. No other related grade 4 events were noted. The only related grade 3 events noticed in more than one patient were fatigue and neurological symptoms (one patient had status epilepticus in association with uremia and one patient had paresthesia), all other related grade 3 events occurred in single patients. No cardiac events were noted. No complete or partial remissions were noted in these heavily pre-treated (median of four prior regimens) patients. However, five patients, including two patients with diffuse large-cell lymphoma [including one patient with transformed chronic myelomcytic leukaemia (CLL)], two patients with CLL and one patient with multiple myeloma, achieved disease stabilization in of two to nine treatment cycles. Conclusions:, Intravenous belinostat at 600, 900 and 1000 mg/m2/d is well tolerated by patients with hematological malignancies. The study was carried out in parallel to a similar dose-finding study in patients with solid tumors, in which the MTD was determined to be 1000 mg/m2/d days 1,5 in a 21-d cycle. This dose can also be recommended for phase II studies in patients with hematological neoplasms. [source] Neurocognition and its influencing factors in the treatment of schizophrenia,effects of aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine and risperidoneHUMAN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL, Issue 2 2010M. Riedel Abstract Background To examine influencing variables of neurocognition in patients with schizophrenia and to predict cognition during antipsychotic treatment. Methods Data were obtained from patients with an acute episode of schizophrenia participating in two double-blind and one open label trial comparing the effects of different atypical antipsychotics on cognition. In total, 129 patients were enrolled in this analysis. Cognitive function was assessed at admission, week 4 and 8. Efficacy and tolerability were assessed weekly using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Simpson Angus Sale (SAS). Patients were treated with aripirazole, olanzapine, quetiapine and risperidone. Regression analysis including mixed effect models was performed. Results A significant improvement in all cognitive domains was observed from baseline to week 8. Regarding the antipsychotic treatment applied quetiapine seemed to achieve the most favourable cognitive improvement. Negative and depressive symptoms, the patient's age and the concomitant and antipsychotic treatment applied were observed to significantly influence and predict neurocognition. Conclusion The results may indicate that schizophrenia is a static disorder with trait and state dependent cognitive components especially in the memory domains. The influence of negative and depressive symptoms should be considered in daily clinical routine. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Continuation and long-term maintenance treatment with Hypericum extract WS® 5570 after successful acute treatment of mild to moderate depression , rationale and study designINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF METHODS IN PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH, Issue 3 2004Chairman, S. Kasper Professor Abstract Unipolar major depression is often a chronic disease that may require lifelong prophylaxis. Recovery from an acute episode is followed by 4-6 months of relapse prevention. After that, long-term maintenance treatment is administered to avoid recurrence. We present the rationale and design of an ongoing double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigating the efficacy of Hypericum extract WS® 5570 in relapse prevention in recurrent unipolar depression. An estimated sample of 425 adults with recurrent, mild to moderate major depression (ICD-10 and DSM-IV criteria), ,3 previous episodes (last 5 years) and a total score ,20 points on the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) will be included. After a one-week wash out patients receive 3 × 300 mg/day WS® 5570 single-blind for 6 weeks. Responders are randomized to 26 weeks of double-blind continuation treatment with 3 × 300 mg/day WS® 5570 or placebo. Patients completing continuation treatment without relapse enter 52 weeks of double-blind maintenance treatment, where those treated with WS® 5570 are re-randomized to 3 × 300 mg/day WS® 5570 or placebo. The primary outcome measure is the time to relapse during continuation treatment (HAMD ,16, clinical diagnosis of depression, or premature treatment termination for inefficacy). Hypericum extract, with its favourable tolerability profile, could be an interesting option for long-term prophylaxis. The trial was designed according to current consensus and guidance. Notably, it includes long-term prophylactic treatment with the same drug and the same therapeutic dose applied during acute treatment, uses well-defined outcome measures and provides a clear distinction between relapse and recurrence. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] Models of mental health nurse,general practitioner liaison: promoting continuity of careJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 5 2003Terence V. McCann BA MA PhD RMN RGN RNT mccann t.v. & baker h. (2003)Journal of Advanced Nursing 41(5), 471,479 Models of mental health nurse,general practitioner liaison: promoting continuity of care Aim and rationale.,Community mental health nurses and general practitioners share a pivotal role in the provision of mental health care in the community. The focus of this study was to identify models of general practitioner collaboration used by these nurses, and analyse the implications of these models for promoting continuity of care. The study was derived from a larger study of how community mental health nurses promote wellness with clients who are experiencing an early episode of psychotic illness. Methods.,This qualitative study used interviews and observation to collect data. The study took place in 1999 in regional and rural New South Wales, Australia and involved community mental health nurses. Findings.,The findings show that two models of nurse and general practitioner (GP) collaboration emerged from the data: Shared Care and Specialist Liaison. In the Shared Care model, nurses maintain close contact with GPs throughout the episode of acute care. In the Specialist Liaison model, the community mental health team assumes overall responsibility for care and treatment throughout the acute episode of illness. Contact with GPs throughout the episode of care by the community mental health team is, at best, intermittent. Conclusion.,The findings suggest that the Shared Care model is more consistent with supporting personal and organizational continuity of care, whereas the Specialist Liaison model is limited to encouraging personal continuity of care but further study is needed. [source] Family-focused treatment for bipolar disorder in adults and youthJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 5 2007Chad D. Morris Levels of familial expressed emotion during an acute episode are consistently associated with rates of recurrence among bipolar patients. This article briefly reviews the evidence for expressed emotion (EE) as a prognostic indicator and then illustrates family-focused treatment (FFT) with adults and adolescents suffering from bipolar disorder. FFT is a time-limited, modularized treatment consisting of psychoeducation, communication enhancement training, and problem-solving skills. Controlled trials indicate that FFT is an efficacious adjunct to pharmacotherapy for patients with bipolar disorder. We describe its recent application to early onset bipolar patients and include a clinical vignette. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 63: 433,445, 2007. [source] Digital gangrene: a rare skin symptom in systemic lupus erythematosusJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 5 2000E Vocks Abstract A case of digital gangrene in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus without secondary antiphospholipid syndrome is reported. The acute onset of the necrotizing acrovasculitis occurred without a history of Raynaud's phenomenon. Preceding symptoms of the systemic lupus erythematosus were arthritis, photosensitivity, alopecia and anorexia. Despite the seriousness of the acute episode the patient achieved an excellent outcome. [source] Gaps in anaphylaxis management at the level of physicians, patients, and the community: a systematic review of the literatureALLERGY, Issue 4 2010M. Kastner To cite this article: Kastner M, Harada L, Waserman S. Gaps in anaphylaxis management at the level of physicians, patients, and the community: a systematic review of the literature. Allergy 2010; 65: 435,444. Abstract Diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis can be a challenge because reactions are often unexpected and progress quickly. The focus of anaphylaxis management has mostly been on the acute episode, with little attention given to the long-term management of patients at risk. This is compounded by conflicting information in current guidelines and a general lack of agreement among clinicians about which management strategies are the most appropriate. We systematically reviewed the literature to identify and summarize studies that investigated gaps in anaphylaxis management. Our search included MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews. Studies were included if they addressed an outcome describing gaps in anaphylaxis knowledge, education, anaphylaxis management, and quality of life (QOL). Populations of interest were health care professionals involved in the care of patients at risk for anaphylaxis, and patients of any age, their parents, caregivers, and teachers in primary care, hospital or community settings. Of 5014 citations that were identified, the final 59 studies (selected from 75 full-text articles) met the inclusion criteria. Two hundred and two gaps were identified and classified according to major themes: gaps in knowledge and anaphylaxis management (physicians and patients); gaps in follow-up care (physicians); and QOL of patients and caregivers. Findings from this systematic review revealed gaps in anaphylaxis management at the level of physicians, patients, and the community. Findings will be used to provide a basis for developing interventional strategies to help address these deficiencies. [source] Vasoactive factors in sickle cell disease: In vitro evidence for endothelin-1-mediated vasoconstrictionAMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2004Sitki Ergul Abstract While systemic plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels are increased during acute crisis in sickle cell disease, the relative levels of potent vasoactive factors that contribute to the regulation of vascular function, such as ET-1, NO, and cell-free hemoglobin, during the course of periodic vaso-occlusive episodes remain unclear. Moreover, whether and to what extent sickling-induced release of ET-1 alters vascular tone is not completely understood. To investigate the sequential changes in circulating vasoactive factors, we measured plasma ET-1, NO metabolites (NOx), and cell-free hemoglobin (Hb) before (steady-state), during (crisis), and after a vaso-occlusive (post-crisis) episode. Steady-state ET-1 levels (fmol/mL) increased from 2.3 ± 0.4 to 11.0 ± 1.4 and 4.2 ± 1.0 during crisis and post-crisis periods, respectively. There was no significant difference in plasma NOx levels. Cell-free Hb levels were significantly higher in sickle cell patients in all phases as compared to the control group, and especially during crisis cell-free Hb levels were elevated by 4-fold (209,000 ± 31,000 vs. 46,000 ± 5,300 ng/mL in steady-state). Conditioned medium from human pulmonary artery endothelial cells exposed to sickled erythrocytes prepared by deoxygenation induced contraction of aortic rings, and this effect was blocked by an ETA receptor antagonist. These findings indicate that ET-1 is the predominant contractile factor released by cultured endothelial cells upon exposure to deoxygenated sickled SS erythrocytes and ET-1,NO,NO scavenger balance is altered in favor of vasoconstriction during an acute episode in SCD. Am. J. Hematol. 76:245,251, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Heat shock proteins' mRNA expression in asthmaRESPIROLOGY, Issue 3 2000Wancheng Tong Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression levels of heat shock proteins (HSP) mRNA in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with asthma and chronic bronchitis to elucidate the role of HSP in the pathogenesis of asthma and chronic bronchitis. Method: Using reverse transcription,DNA polymerase chain reaction, the expression levels of HSP70, HSP90, and HSP90, genes in PBMC in normal state and after heat shock were investigated. Results: No HSP70 gene but HSP90, and HSP90, expressions were found in non-heat-shocked PBMC of normal controls; HSP90, and HSP90, genes may be expressed in PBMC of all patients, independently of acute episodes. Expression of HSP70 was found in PBMC of asthmatic patients in acute episodes and three symptom-free patients with Aas 3, step 2. Among patients with chronic bronchitis, no HSP70 gene expression was found in PBMC of patients in convalescent period but in PBMC of patients in acute episode. HSP90, and HSP90, genes were expressed in PBMC of both patient groups. After heat shock, expressions of the three genes increased significantly in PBMC of both normal controls and patients. Conclusion: Expression of HSP70 gene in PBMC of asthmatic and chronic bronchitis patients was different, indicating that HSP, especially HSP70, might be involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. [source] Current practice in the management of acute cholecystitisBRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 3 2000I. C. Cameron Aims: Several recent papers have advocated emergency cholecystectomy for patients with acute cholecystitis, stating that it is safe, cost effective and leads to less time off work. This study was designed to assess current practice in the management of acute cholecystitis in the UK. Methods: A postal questionnaire was sent to 357 consultant surgeons who were thought to be involved in a general surgical on-call rota, to ascertain their current management of patients with acute cholecystitis. Replies were received from 250 consultants (70 per cent) of whom 242 (68 per cent) were involved in a general surgical take. Sixteen of these consultants, however, handed their patients with acute cholecystitis on to a different team the following day for further management. Results: Twenty-seven consultants (12 per cent) routinely treat their patients by emergency cholecystectomy whenever possible, with 24 stating that they would do this within 72 h. Limiting factors to this practice were stated to be availability of surgical staff (15), theatre space (nine) and radiological investigations (four). The remaining consultants (n = 199) routinely manage their patients conservatively initially and providing they settle, either (1) book directly for cholecystectomy (n = 94, 47 per cent), (2) reassess as an outpatient (n = 65, 33 per cent), (3) either of above (n = 21; 11 per cent) or (4) refer on to a colleague (n = 19, 10 per cent). The commonest indications for acute cholecystectomy stated by consultants whose initial treatment policy is conservative are spreading peritonitis due to bile leak (93 per cent), empyema (89 per cent), unexpected space on a theatre list (28 per cent) and failure of an acute episode to settle (21 per cent). The laparoscopic method is the commonest for both elective and emergency cholecystectomy, but the percentage of consultants using an open method rises dramatically from 9 per cent in the elective situation to 48 per cent for emergency cholecystectomy. Conclusions: Despite evidence to support the increased use of emergency cholecystectomy, this practice is routinely carried out by only 12 per cent of consultants. However, of the consultants who treat their patients conservatively, 28 per cent are prepared to undertake emergency cholecystectomy if an unexpected space appears on the theatre list. © 2000 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd [source] Length of stay and procedure utilization are the major determinants of hospital charges for heart failureCLINICAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 1 2001Edward F. Philbin M.D.Facc Abstract Background: Most of the 10 billion dollars spent annually on heart failure (HF) management in this country is attributed to hospital charges. There are widespread efforts to decrease the costs of treating this disorder, both by preventing hospital admissions and reducing lengths of stay (LOS). Methods: Administrative information on all 1995 New York State hospital discharges assigned ICD-9-CM codes indicative of HF in the principal diagnosis position were obtained. Bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were utilized to determine those patient- and hospital-specific characteristics which had the greatest influence on hospital charges. Results: In all, 43,157 patients were identified. Mean hospital charges were $11,507 ± 15,995 and mean hospital LOS was 9.6 ± 14.5 days. With multivariate analyses, the most significant independent predictors of higher hospital charges were longer LOS, admission to a teaching hospital, treatment in an intensive care unit, and the utilization of cardiac surgery, permanent pacemakers, and mechanical ventilation. Age, gender, race, comorbidity score, and medical insurance, as well as treatment by a cardiologist and death during the index hospitalization were not among the most significant predictors. Conclusions: We conclude that LOS and procedure utilization are the major determinants of hospital charges for an acute episode of inpatient HF care. Reducing LOS and other initiatives to restructure hospital-based HF care may reduce total health care costs for HF. [source] Clinical and Hemodynamic Effects of Nesiritide (B-Type Natriuretic Peptide) in Patients With Decompensated Heart Failure Receiving , BlockersCONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, Issue 2 2005William T. Abraham MD The use of , blockers in congestive heart failure presents a therapeutic challenge for patients with acute episodes of decompensation. Such patients may be less responsive to positive inotropic agents, whereas the beneficial effects of nesiritide, which are not dependent on the ,-adrenergic receptor signal-transduction pathway, may be preserved. This analysis of the Vasodilation in the Management of Acute CHF trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of nesiritide in decompensated congestive heart failure patients receiving , blockers. The Vasodilation in the Management of Acute CHF trial was a multicenter, randomized, controlled evaluation of nesiritide in 489 hospitalized patients with decompensated congestive heart failure. One hundred twenty-three patients were on chronic ,-blocker therapy at enrollment (31 randomized to placebo, 50 to nesiritide, and 42 to nitroglycerin). Primary end points included pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and dyspnea evaluation at 3 hours. Patients receiving nesiritide, but not IV nitroglycerin, had significantly reduced pulmonary capillary wedge pressure vs. placebo at 3 hours regardless of ,-blocker use. The use of , blockers did not alter the beneficial effects of nesiritide on systemic blood pressure, heart rate, or dyspnea evaluation. In nesiritide-treated subjects, safety profiles were similar regardless of ,-blocker use. Thus, the clinical and hemodynamic benefits and safety of nesiritide are preserved in decompensated congestive heart failure patients receiving chronic , blockade. [source] The histopathology of alopecia areata in vertical and horizontal sectionsDERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 4 2001David A. Whiting Alopecia areata (AA) is a relatively common disease affecting 1.7% of Americans by the age of 50 years. The diagnosis is usually made on clinical grounds. In some cases the diagnosis is elusive and biopsies are necessary. In other cases biopsies are useful from a prognostic point of view to determine whether there are enough follicles left for possible future regrowth. In view of the active research being conducted into AA, biopsies provide valuable material for further investigation. The diagnosis of AA is improved by the use of horizontal sections in addition to or instead of vertical sections of scalp biopsies. The histopathologic features favoring the diagnosis of AA include peribulbar and intrabulbar mononuclear infiltrates, degenerative changes in the hair matrix, decreased numbers of terminal anagen follicles, increased numbers of terminal catagen and telogen follicles, an increased number of follicular stelae, an increased number of miniaturized vellus hair follicles, and pigment incontinence of hair bulbs and follicular stelae. Follicular counts with horizontal sections are particularly helpful in making the diagnosis of AA when the biopsy has been taken between acute episodes and the characteristic peribulbar inflammatory infiltrate is absent. [source] Probable trigeminal autonomic cephalgia in a 3-month-old male infantDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 4 2010IRENE VAZ To my knowledge trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TACs) have not previously been reported in infancy. The diagnosis is dependent on an accurate history, including parents noting any physical signs at the time of the episode. Obtaining a clear history can be challenging when such symptoms occur in preverbal children. Similarly, physical signs, being transient, may have resolved by the time the parents take the child to a doctor. In addition, the investigations may also be normal. In such circumstances, taking a photograph during an episode can confirm the diagnosis. I describe a case of probable trigeminal autonomic cephalgia starting in a 3-month-old male infant who presented with screaming episodes associated with characteristic changes seen on his face. Investigations, including cranial magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, and urinary catecholamines, were normal. The diagnosis was confirmed from a photograph taken by the parents at the time of the attack. As the condition is very rare in young children, there is little information available in the literature on using treatment for prophylaxis or for aborting acute episodes in this age group. [source] Evidence for a vicious cycle of exercise and hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes mellitusDIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue 2 2004A. C. Ertl Abstract Exercise is a cornerstone of diabetes management as it aids in glycemic control, weight management, reducing blood pressure, and improving the quality of life of patients. Unfortunately, owing to the complexity and difficulties of regulating exogenous insulin in a physiologic manner during exercise, physical activity often results in hypoglycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (type 1 DM). When glucose levels fall below threshold glycemic levels, neuroendocrine, autonomic nervous system (ANS), and metabolic glucose counterregulatory mechanisms are activated. These hypoglycemic counterregulatory mechanisms in type 1 DM can be blunted irreversibly by disease duration or by acute episodes of prior stress. These reduced (or absent) counterregulatory responses result in a threefold increase in severe hypoglycemia when intensive glycemic control is implemented in type 1 DM 1. Much recent work has been focused on determining the in vivo mechanisms responsible for causing the increased incidence of severe hypoglycemia in type 1 DM. Studies from several laboratories have demonstrated the role played by episodes of antecedent hypoglycemia in producing blunted glucose counterregulatory responses during subsequent exposures of hypoglycemia. Until recently, the mechanisms responsible for exercise related hypoglycemia in type 1 DM have been attributed to relative or absolute increases of insulin levels or incomplete glycogen repletion after physical activity. Owing to the qualitative similarity of neuroendocrine, ANS, and metabolic responses to hypoglycemia and exercise, we have hypothesized that neuroendocrine and ANS counterregulatory dysfunction may also play an important role in the pathogenesis of exercise-related hypoglycemia in type 1 DM. Vicious cycles can be created in type 1 DM, where an episode of hypoglycemia or exercise can feed forward to downregulate neuroendocrine and ANS responses to a subsequent episode of either stress, thereby creating further hypoglycemia (Figure 1). This article will review the recent work that has studied the contribution of counterregulatory dysfunction to exercise-induced hypoglycemia in type 1 DM. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 1. Reciprocal vicious cycles may be created in type 1 diabetes mellitus (type 1 DM), whereby an episode of hypoglycemia or exercise can feed forward to downregulate neuroendocrine and autonomic nervous system responses to a subsequent episode of either stress, thereby creating further hypoglycemia [source] Prosthetic Valve Dysfunction Presenting as Intermittent Acute Aortic RegurgitationECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 8 2008Dali Fan M.D., Ph.D. We describe the case of a 43 year old man with a history of aortic stenosis, for which he had undergone aortic valve replacement in 1991 with a 25-mm Medtronic Hall prosthesis. He presented with several acute episodes of dyspnea and flash pulmonary edema. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography performed to evaluate prosthetic valve function revealed evidence of "intermittent" episodes of AI, documented on color M-mode flow mapping to have a variable duration of diastolic flow (early vs. pandiastolic) across the left ventricular outflow tract and the pulse wave Doppler in the descending thoracic aorta showed similar variability in the duration of diastolic flow reversal. [source] COPD-intuition or template: nurses' stories of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 6 2004Patricia Hill Bailey MHSc Study rational., A number of nurse-researchers have examined the experience of dyspnoea reduction during non-acute phases of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, nurses working on in-patient hospital units are frequently required to care for individuals suffering from acute exacerbations of their disease (AECOPD). These critically ill individuals present at health care institutions incapacitated by severe shortness of breath/dyspnoea that is frequently refractory to treatment. To date, little is known about the nurses' understanding of the care they provide for individuals hospitalized because of these acute episodes of their chronic illness. Study objectives., The research project was undertaken, in part, to develop an understanding of nurses' experience of caregiving for individuals hospitalized for in-patient care during an AECOPD. Methodological design., This focused ethnographic narrative examined the caregiving stories of 10 nurse caregivers. The 10 nurse caregivers were interviewed while caring for a patient and their family during an experience of an AECOPD characterized by incapacitating breathlessness. Results., The nurse caregivers told a number of caregiving stories that illustrated a common care template that appears to be based on intuition or pattern recognition focusing on anxiety sometimes to the exclusion of dyspnoea. Conclusions., Analysis of these stories emphasized the need to facilitate nurses individualization of standard templates. More importantly, this analysis illustrated the critical need to develop strategies to facilitate the reshaping of inaccurate templates in the presence of new knowledge. [source] Five-year maintenance follow-up of early-onset periodontitis patientsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 6 2003Joanna J. Kamma Abstract Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological status of patients with early-onset or aggressive periodontitis (EOP) who had received supportive periodontal care (SPC) every 3,6 months for a period of 5 years, following active periodontal treatment. Material & Methods: The study population consisted of 25 individuals with early-onset periodontitis. Clinical examination and recordings of probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were performed at baseline prior to treatment (T0), 3 months following the termination of active periodontal treatment (T1) and annually at the SPC appointments (T2,T3,T4,T5). Microbiological samples were obtained at the 5-year SPC (T5). Subgingival plaque samples for each individual were collected from one deep pocket (>5 mm), based on pretreatment measurements, randomly selected in each quadrant. The levels of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Bacteroides forsythus, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola were determined using oligonucleotide probe hybridization. Results: During the 5-year period, the mean of SPC/patient was 12.7 sessions. A significant improvement was observed in PPD, CAL, gingival bleeding index and suppuration following treatment. However, between T1 and T5, 134 sites in 20 patients deteriorated with a CAL loss of,2 mm. Out of these 134 sites showing disease progression, microbial samples were randomly obtained in 13 sites (9.7%) from 8 patients. Among other factors, smoking and stress were found to have significant predictive value on the future attachment loss. P. gingivalis, T. denticola and total bacterial load were statistically significantly higher in patients who experienced disease progression during the 5-year maintenance period. Conclusions: For most EOP patients, regular SPC was effective in maintaining clinical and microbiological improvements attained after active periodontal therapy. However, a small percentage of sites was identified as progressive in 20 patients. Variables found to be related to periodontal progression were the presence of as well as the high bacterial counts of P. gingivalis, T. denticola and total bacterial load, number of acute episodes, number of teeth lost, smoking and stress. Zusammenfassung Erhaltungstherapie über fünf Jahre bei Patienten mit früh einsetzender Parodontitis (EOP) Ziele: Der Zweck dieser Studie war es, 5 Jahre nach aktiver Parodontalbehandlung den klinischen und mikrobiologischen Zustand von Patienten mit früh einsetzender oder aggressiver Parodontitis (EOP), bei welchen alle 3-6 Monate eine parodontale Erhaltungstherapie (SPC) erfolgte, zu evaluieren. Material & Methoden: Die Studienpopulation bestand aus 25 Individuen mit früh einsetzender Parodontitis. Die klinische Untersuchung und Aufzeichnung der Sondierungstiefe (PPD) sowie des klinischen Attachmentniveaus (CAL) erfolgten bei der Eingangsuntersuchung vor der Behandlung (T0), drei Monate nach Beendigung der aktiven Parodontalbehandlung (T1) und jährlich bei den SPC-Terminen (T2,T3,T4,T5). Die mikrobiologischen Proben wurden bei der 5-Jahres-SPC gewonnen (T5). Für jedes Individuum wurden die subgingivalen Plaqueproben in jedem Quadranten aus einer tiefen Tasche (>5mm) entnommen. Dies geschah randomisiert und auf der Grundlage der Messungen vor der Behandlung. Das Niveau von Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Bacteroides forsythus, Porphyromonas gingivalis und Treponema denticola wurden unter Verwendung der Hybridisierung mit Oligonukleotid-Sonden bestimmt. Ergebnisse: Während der 5-jährigen Periode betrug die mittlere Anzahl der SPC-Sitzungen pro Patient 12,7. Nach der Behandlung wurden bei PPD, CAL, Gingiva-Blutungs-Index und der Pusentleerung signifikante Verbesserungen beobachtet. Jedoch haben sich zwischen T1 und T5 bei 20 Patienten 134 Taschen mit einem CAL-Verlust von=2mm verschlechtert. Bei 8 Patienten wurden aus diesen 134 Taschen, mit Progression der Erkrankung, von 13 Taschen (9,7%) randomisiert mikrobiologische Proben entnommen. Innerhalb anderer Faktoren wurde bei Rauchen und Stress ein signifikanter Vorhersagewert für zukünftigen Attachmentverlust vorgefunden. Bei den Patienten, die in der 5-jährigen Erhaltungsperiode eine Progression der Erkrankung erfuhren lagen P. gingivalis, T. denticola und die bakterielle Gesamtbelastung höher. Schlussfolgerungen: Für die meisten EOP-Patienten die regelmäßig an der parodontalen Erhaltungstherapie teilnahmen war diese hinsichtlich der Aufrechterhaltung der nach der aktiven Parodontaltherapie erzielten klinischen und mikrobiologischen Verbesserungen erfolgreich. Jedoch wurde bei 20 Patienten ein geringer Prozentsatz von Taschen als fortschreitend identifiziert. Die Variablen, von denen gefunden wurde, dass sie eine Beziehung zur Progression haben waren: sowohl Vorhandensein von P. gingivalis, T. denticola als auch hohe Bakterienzahl von P. gingivalis, T. denticola und die bakterielle Gesamtbelastung, Anzahl der akuten Episoden, Anzahl verlorener Zähne, Rauchen und Stress. Résumé Suivi en maintenance sur 5 ans de patients atteints de parodontites d'apparition précoce. Objectifs: Cette étude se propose d'évaluer l'état clinique et microbiologique de patients atteints de parodontites d'apparition précoce ou agressive (EOP) qui furent suivis en maintenance (SPC) tous les 3-6 mois pendant une période de 5 ans après un traitement parodontal actif. Matériel & Méthodes: La population étudiée consistait en 25 individus atteints de parodontites d'apparition précoce. L'examen clinique et l'enregistrement des profondeurs de poche (PPD) et du niveau d'attache (CAL) furent réalisés avant le traitement (T0), 3 mois après la fin du traitement actif (T1) et chaque année aux rendez vous de maintenance (T2,T3,T4,T5). Des échantillons microbiologiques furent prélevés lors de la maintenance à 5 ans (T5). La plaque sous-gingivale de chaque patient fut prélevée d'une poche profonde (>5mm), sur la base des examens initiaux, choisis au hasard dans chaque quadrant. Les niveaux d' Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Bacteroides forsythus, Porphyromonas gingivalis et Treponema denticola furent déterminés par hybridation par sonde d'oligonucleotides. Résultats: pendant la période d'examination de 5 ans, la moyenne des SPC par patient fut de 12.7 sessions. Une amélioration significative fut observée pour PPD, CAL, l'indice de saignement gingival et la suppuration suite au traitement. Cependant, entre T1 et T5, 134 sites chez 20 patients connurent une détérioration avec une perte d'attache de 2 mm. De ces 134 sites qui présentaient une progression de la maladie, des échantillons microbiologiques furent obtenus aléatoirement dans 13 sites (9.7%) chez 8 patients. Parmi d'autres facteurs, le tabagisme et le stress furent reconnus comme ayant une significative valeur prédictive pour de futures pertes d'attache. P. gingivalis, T. denticola et la charge bactérienne totale étaient de façon statistiquement significatif plus importants chez les patients chez qui la maladie progressait au cours des 5 ans de maintenance. Conclusions: pour la plupart des patients atteints d' EOP, des soins parodontaux de soutien réguliers sont efficaces pour maintenir les améliorations cliniques et microbiologiques obtenus par le traitement actif. Cependant, un petit pourcentage de sites progressait chez 20 patients. Les variables en ralation avec cette progression étaient la présence et aussi un comptage important de P. gingivalis, T. denticola et la charge bactérienne totale, le nombre d'épisodes aigus le nombre de dents perdues le tabagisme et le stress. [source] Erythromycin for the treatment of chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction: description of six cases with a positive responseALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 6 2004A. V. Emmanuel Summary Background :,Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, due to intestinal myopathy or neuropathy, is characterized by the signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction in the absence of true obstruction. Episodes are resistant to medical therapy. Aim :,To determine the value of erythromycin treatment in chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. Methods :,All patients with proven chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction treated with erythromycin were reviewed. Patients with symptomatic benefit are described in detail. Responders were compared with non-responders to identify the factors associated with benefit. Results :,Fifteen consecutive patients (nine females; median age, 37 years; median follow-up, 41 months) were treated with oral erythromycin, 1.5,2.0 g/day. Six patients (three primary visceral myopathy, two normal histology on light microscopy, one visceral myopathy secondary to scleroderma) responded, with decreased pain and vomiting, normalized bowel dysfunction and decreased episodes of ileus. Five of the six patients (83%) who responded to erythromycin were male, compared with two of the nine non-responders (22%) (P = 0.04). Four of the six responders (67%) had histological or immunohistological visceral myopathy, compared with three of the nine patients (33%) who failed to respond. Responders were less likely than non-responders to be taking long-term opiates. Conclusions :,Erythromycin is effective for acute episodes of ileus and chronic symptoms in some patients with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. [source] Does the historical literature on encephalitis lethargica support a simple (direct) relationship with postencephalitic Parkinsonism?,MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 9 2010Joel A. Vilensky PhD Abstract This article and the subsequent one suggest that the currently accepted view of a simplistic (direct) relationship between encephalitis lethargica (EL) and postencephalitic Parkinsonism (PEP) is based on a incomplete evaluation of the epidemic period literature. In this article we provide a detailed analysis of the literature from the period that demonstrates that Parkinsonism was not initially part of acute EL symptomatology, that PEP was not typically the prevailing type of chronic EL and that oculogyric crises were never part of acute EL symptomatology and not initially associated with PEP. The second paper uses these finding, and also examines the clinical justifications for concluding that all patients with PEP had prior acute episodes of EL, to reevaluate the presumed direct etiologic relationship between EL and PEP. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society [source] Clinicopathological features of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitisRESPIROLOGY, Issue 4 2002HIROSHI HAYAKAWA Objective: Only limited information exists concerning the clinical and pathological features of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) in Japan and elsewhere. We present data on clinicopathological features of chronic HP obtained through a Japanese nationwide survey. Methodology: We studied the clinical and pathological findings in 10 patients with chronic HP who underwent surgical lung biopsy or postmortem examination. Results: There were three types of clinical course: six of the 10 patients had persistent symptoms followed by repeated acute episodes; two showed a subacute onset with persistent symptoms; and two exhibited an insidious onset. Five patients made no attempt to avoid antigen exposure and they all had progressive disease. Pathological findings indicated that lesions were mainly centrilobular with or without epithelioid cell granulomas in specimens obtained during the acute or subacute stage. In contrast, most patients in the chronic stage predominantly showed interstitial fibrosis with a usual interstitial pneumonia pattern. Conclusions: The pathological findings of chronic HP depend on the stage of the disease at tissue sampling. [source] Heat shock proteins' mRNA expression in asthmaRESPIROLOGY, Issue 3 2000Wancheng Tong Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression levels of heat shock proteins (HSP) mRNA in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with asthma and chronic bronchitis to elucidate the role of HSP in the pathogenesis of asthma and chronic bronchitis. Method: Using reverse transcription,DNA polymerase chain reaction, the expression levels of HSP70, HSP90, and HSP90, genes in PBMC in normal state and after heat shock were investigated. Results: No HSP70 gene but HSP90, and HSP90, expressions were found in non-heat-shocked PBMC of normal controls; HSP90, and HSP90, genes may be expressed in PBMC of all patients, independently of acute episodes. Expression of HSP70 was found in PBMC of asthmatic patients in acute episodes and three symptom-free patients with Aas 3, step 2. Among patients with chronic bronchitis, no HSP70 gene expression was found in PBMC of patients in convalescent period but in PBMC of patients in acute episode. HSP90, and HSP90, genes were expressed in PBMC of both patient groups. After heat shock, expressions of the three genes increased significantly in PBMC of both normal controls and patients. Conclusion: Expression of HSP70 gene in PBMC of asthmatic and chronic bronchitis patients was different, indicating that HSP, especially HSP70, might be involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. [source] Disability and its treatment in bipolar disorder patientsBIPOLAR DISORDERS, Issue 1-2 2007Nancy Huxley Bipolar disorders (BPD) are major, life-long psychiatric illnesses found in 2,5% of the population. Prognosis for BPD was once considered relatively favorable, but contemporary findings suggest that disability and poor outcomes are prevalent, despite major therapeutic advances. Syndromal recovery from acute episodes of mania or bipolar major depression is achieved in as many as 90% of patients given modern treatments, but full symptomatic recovery is achieved slowly, and residual symptoms of fluctuating severity and functional impact are the rule. Depressive,dysthymic,dysphoric morbidity continues in more than 30% of weeks in follow-up from initial episodes as well as later in the illness-course. As few as 1/3 of BPD patients achieve full social and occupational functional recovery to their own premorbid levels. Pharmacotherapy, though the accepted first-line treatment for BPD patients, is insufficient by itself, encouraging development of adjunctive psychological treatments and rehabilitative efforts to further limit morbidity and disability. Interpersonal, cognitive,behavioral, and psychoeducational therapies all show promise for improving symptomatic and functional outcomes. Much less is known about how these and more specific rehabilitative interventions might improve vocational functioning in BPD patients. [source] A second cycle of tamsulosin in patients with distal ureteric stones: a prospective randomized trialBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 12 2009Francesco Porpiglia OBJECTIVE To evaluate, in a prospective randomized pilot study, the effectiveness and safety of tamsulosin, administered in patients with distal ureteric stones and who have already undergone an unsuccessful first cycle of medical expulsive therapy (MET). PATIENTS AND METHODS We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of tamsulosin, administered as a further therapy, in patients previously unsuccessfully treated with combined expulsive 10-day therapy (tamsulosin + deflazacort) for distal ureteric stones. Ninety-one patients were enrolled and randomized into two groups, each receiving a different therapy for 10 days. Group A (46 patients) received a further cycle of tamsulosin (0.4 mg daily), and group B (45) did not. Age, gender, stone size, time to expulsion, number of acute episodes of colic during treatment and analgesic consumption were recorded. Patients who were not stone-free after the study period had ureteroscopy. The results were compared statistically using Student's t -, chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS The groups were comparable inage, gender and stone size (5.93 mm for group A and 6.03 mm for group B). The expulsion rate was significantly higher in group A (80%) than in group B (49%) (P < 0.01), whilst there were no differences between the groups in the number of colic episodes and analgesic use. There were no reported side-effects of medical therapy. CONCLUSIONS A second cycle of 10 days of MET with tamsulosin in nonresponders to a 10-day first cycle of MET with tamsulosin and deflazacort is safe and effective, and therefore should be considered as an option in the management of uncomplicated distal ureteric stones. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||