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Case Series Study (case + series_study)
Selected AbstractsPlasmapheresis Does Not Affect Polysomnographic Parameters in Patients With Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Series StudyARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 6 2010Jiann-Horng Yeh Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of plasmapheresis on sleep in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis and no respiratory symptoms. Seven myasthenia gravis patients, four women and three men, aged 24,52 years, underwent plasmapheresis treatment because of recent worsening of clinical weakness and poor response to previous treatments. We prospectively recorded the myasthenia gravis score, measured acetylcholine-receptor antibody concentration, performed polysomnography, and checked the Epworth Sleepiness Scale at baseline and 1 day after completion of the last session of plasmapheresis. Myasthenic weakness was ameliorated following plasmapheresis in all patients with a median decrease in myasthenia gravis score of 2 points (P = 0.0002) and a median clearance of 43.3% of acetylcholine-receptor antibody. However, there was no significant change in polysomnographic parameters, except for a trend toward shorter duration of the longest apnea period (P = 0.0763) following the treatment. Plasmapheresis did not affect polysomnographic parameters despite improved clinical weakness along with decreased myasthenia gravis score and acetylcholine-receptor antibody concentration. [source] Referral pathways and diagnosis: UK government actions fail to recognize complexity of lymphomaEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER CARE, Issue 6 2007D.A. HOWELL rgn Referral pathways and diagnosis: UK government actions fail to recognise complexity of lymphoma To gain survival advantages potentially associated with prompt diagnosis, the UK government introduced identical waiting-time targets for all cancers, and guidelines to ensure that general practitioners make appropriate hospital referrals. For lymphoma, the evidence guiding these actions is limited. This study examined referral pathways in patients with lymphoma and variations in time to diagnosis by discipline of first referral. A case series study was conducted including all patients aged over 25 years, newly diagnosed with lymphoma in the UK county of West Yorkshire, during 2000. Data were extracted from primary care and hospital records of 189 patients. Referral pathways were described, and the number of days between first referral and diagnosis calculated. A distinct referral pathway did not exist; patients were initially referred to many disciplines. Surgical referrals predominated, and only 12% of patients were sent directly to haematology. Time to diagnosis varied by discipline and was shorter for patients sent to haematology than for most other common disciplines. UK government actions to ensure the prompt diagnosis of patients with lymphoma are not evidence-based. The complexity of the referral pathway in patients with lymphoma, which affects time to diagnosis, has been underestimated. Further government actions should be evidence-based, ensuring prompt diagnosis of lymphoma from whatever discipline patients originate. [source] Methanol outbreak in Norway 2002,2004: epidemiology, clinical features and prognostic signsJOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2005K. E. HOVDA Abstract. Objectives., Knowledge on methanol poisoning does mainly come from clinical studies. We therefore report epidemiological, clinical and prognostic features from the large methanol outbreak in Norway in 2002,2004 where the new antidote fomepizole was the primary antidote in use. Design and subjects., Combined prospective and retrospective case series study of 51 hospitalized patients who were confirmed poisoned with methanol, of whom nine died. In addition, eight patients died outside hospital. Most patients were admitted in a late stage and because of symptoms. Treatment consisted of alkali, fomepizole (71%) and haemodialysis (73%). Results., The median serum methanol was 25.0 mmol L,1 (80 mg dL,1) (range 3.1,147.0 mmol L,1), median pH was 7.20 (6.50,7.50), and median base deficit 22 mmol L,1 (range 0,31). The most frequent clinical features reported were visual disturbances (55%), dyspnoea (41%), and gastrointestinal symptoms (43%). Twenty-four per cent were comatose on admission, of whom 67% died. There was a trend towards decreasing pCO2 with decreasing pH amongst the patients surviving. The opposite trend was demonstrated in the dying; the difference was highly significant by linear regression analyses (P < 0.001). Conclusions., Methanol poisoning still has a high morbidity and mortality, mainly because of late diagnosis and treatment. Respiratory arrest, coma and severe metabolic acidosis (pH < 6.90, base deficit >28 mmol L,1) upon admission were strong predictors of poor outcome. Early admission and ability of respiratory compensation of metabolic acidosis was associated with survival. [source] Venous thromboembolic disease: A single-centre case series studyJOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 12 2006Fiona Newall Aim: The epidemiology of venous thromboembolism in children has likely changed since first being described a decade ago because of evolving management strategies and a greater awareness of predisposing factors for thrombosis in children. The Royal Children's Hospital commenced a 4-year prospective registry of venous thrombosis in 1999 to determine the current Australian epidemiology of venous thrombosis in infants and children. Methods: A prospective, single-centre registry was established to determine the prevalence, aetiology, diagnostic criteria, management and outcome of venous thromboembolism in an Australian tertiary paediatric centre. Results: The incidence of venous thrombosis was 8.0/10 000 hospital admissions. Fifty-eight per cent of infants and 49% of children were male. Seventy-seven per cent of venous thromboses in infants were associated with central venous cannulation compared with 47% in children. Doppler ultrasonography was the most frequently used diagnostic tool. Treatment strategies varied between age groups. The all-cause mortality rate for infants and children in this study was 8.4% (direct thrombus-related mortality 0%). Fifteen per cent of all patients demonstrated complete resolution of their venous thrombosis at discharge, with 48% demonstrating complete resolution at follow-up assessment. Fifteen per cent of patients experienced significant thrombosis-related morbidity at follow-up assessment. Conclusion: In this single-centre registry, venous thrombosis in infants and children occurred with greater frequency than has previously been reported and its epidemiology varied. Central venous catheterisation continues to be a common precipitant to venous thrombosis. Optimal diagnostic and treatment interventions for venous thromboembolism have not yet been determined for infants and children, despite the significant incidence of long-term sequelae. [source] Diffusion-weighted MRI measurements on stroke patients reveal water-exchange mechanisms in sub-acute ischaemic lesionsNMR IN BIOMEDICINE, Issue 6 2009J. Lätt Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the diffusion time dependence of signal- versus - b curves obtained from diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) of sub-acute ischaemic lesions in stroke patients. In this case series study, 16 patients with sub-acute ischaemic stroke were examined with DW-MRI using two different diffusion times (60 and 260,ms). Nine of these patients showed sufficiently large lesions without artefacts to merit further analysis. The signal- versus - b curves from the lesions were plotted and analysed using a two-compartment model including compartmental exchange. To validate the model and to aid the interpretation of the estimated model parameters, Monte Carlo simulations were performed. In eight cases, the plotted signal- versus - b curves, obtained from the lesions, showed a signal,curve split-up when data for the two diffusion times were compared, revealing effects of compartmental water exchange. For one of the patients, parametric maps were generated based on the extracted model parameters. These novel observations suggest that water exchange between different water pools is measurable and thus potentially useful for clinical assessment. The information can improve the understanding of the relationship between the DW-MRI signal intensity and the microstructural properties of the lesions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Hearing Levels in Patients With Microtia: Correlation With Temporal Bone MalformationTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 3 2007Shin-ichi Ishimoto MD Abstract Objective: To evaluate the relationship between hearing level and temporal bone abnormalities in patients with microtia. Study Design: Retrospective case series study between 1992 and 2004. Setting: Academic, tertiary care referral medical center. Patients: We evaluated 115 ears of 89 patients (68 males, 21 females; mean age, 11 yr; range, 5-44 yr) with microtia. Main Outcome Measures: Hearing level was examined in patients with microtia. Developmental abnormalities of the temporal bone were evaluated by Jahrsdoerfer's computed tomography (CT) scoring system using high-resolution CT (HRCT) scans of the temporal bone. Temporal bone malformation scores were divided into four subgroups: ossicular development, windows connected to the cochlea, aeration of the middle ear cavity, and facial nerve aberration. Patients were divided into the stenosis and atresia groups on the basis of the appearance of the external auditory canal (EAC). We also evaluated the relationships between hearing level and four subtotal scores of the HRCT findings in the stenosis and atresia groups. Results: There was no relationship between hearing level and total points of HRCT scoring system or between hearing level and severity of microtia scored by Marx classification. With regard to subtotal points related to ossicles (4 points), the hearing level in ears with low scores (<2) (64.7 ± 1.6 dB) was significantly different (P = .03) from that in ears with high scores (,2) (54.0 ± 2.8 dB) in the stenosis group. In the atresia group, the hearing level was 64.3 ± 2.2 dB in ears with low scores and 62.3 ± 1.1 in ears with high scores (P > .5). As for subtotal points related to the windows connected to cochlea (2 points), the hearing level was 64.8 ± 2.6 dB in ears with low scores (0) and 55.9 ± 2.4 dB in ears with high scores (> = 1) in the stenosis group. In the atresia group, the hearing level was 67.7 ± 2.3 dB in ears with low scores and 61.5 ± 1.0 in ears with high scores. There was significant difference between ears with low and high scores in the stenosis group (P = .03) and atresia group (P = .009). There was no significant difference between ears with low and high scores with respect to the subtotal points related to aeration of the middle ear cavity and aberration of the facial nerve. Conclusion: The hearing level in microtic ears correlated with the formation of oval/round windows and ossicular development but not with the degree of middle ear aeration, facial nerve aberration, or severity of microtia. The hearing level can also serve as an indictor, such as the HRCT findings, to determine whether a subject's hearing will likely improve after reconstructive surgery. [source] Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Patients With Severe Hypertriglyceridemia: A Multicenter StudyARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 12 2009Claudia Stefanutti Abstract Extremely high plasma triglyceride (TG) concentration is a recognized risk factor for acute pancreatitis (AP). In order to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of plasma-exchange plasmapheresis in treating patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG), 17 patients who had not responded to conventional medical therapy (fat-free diet plus pharmaceutical interventions) were referred for therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in a multicenter frame case series study. Two hundred seventeen TPE sessions were performed, and therapy is ongoing for five (30%) of the patients. After treatment, the mean plasma TG and total cholesterol concentrations were significantly reduced from 1929 and 510 mg/dL, to 762 and 227 mg/dL, respectively (P , 0.001 in both cases). In most cases, the interval between treatments was related to the clinical presentation and individual circumstances. The removal of TG-rich lipoproteins prevented relapses of AP. In this case series, TPE is confirmed as a safe and reliable method for treating patients with refractory sHTG when a severe complication, such as AP, is clinically demonstrated or can be actively prevented. Therefore, in cases where standard medical approaches fail to promote the clearance of TGs from plasma and a high risk of first or second hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis persists, TPE provides a therapeutic option for preventing life-threatening sHTG. [source] Does imaging help with preventing extrusion?ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009A GOMAA Both clinical and radiological methods can be used for early detection of resorption in OOKP patients; this is influential in preventing serious complications such as extrusion and endophthalmitis. Radiologically, use of either multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) or electron beam tomography (EBT) is valuable in identifying laminar resorption. A novel approach was recently adopted in Sussex Eye Hospital, using volume rendering software in processing previously obtained MDCT images, to calculate volume of the OOKP lamina rather than 2D measurements. We present the results of an observational retrospective case series study to illustrate the use of this approach. We describe how it can be used to calculate percentage change in volume of the lamina over time and how this can be correlated with clinical laminar resorption. We will also discuss further recommendations to build upon this advance. [source] Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin®) in proliferative diabetic retinopathyACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 6 2008Angelo M. Minnella Abstract. Purpose:, To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients. Methods:, This interventional case series study included 15 eyes of 10 patients with bilateral PDR: 13 eyes with severe PDR and active new vessels (NV) and two eyes with recurrent vitreous haemorrhages. Study eyes received a single intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg (0.05 ml) bevacizumab. All eyes were followed up for 3 months, and eight of them for 9 months. Reinjection was performed in three eyes 4,6 months after the first injection. Study eyes were evaluated by fluorescein angiography at baseline, 1, 3 and 9 months. Quantitative planimetric analysis (QPA) of NV area was measured before and after treatment. All eyes received or completed panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) 1 month after the first injection. Results:, As early as at 1 month, all study eyes had a regression (paired t -test, P = 0.01) of QPA-estimated NV area. The eyes with recurrent vitreous haemorrhages had clearing of bleeding. These early effects were maintained at 3 months for all eyes and tended to be stable at 9 months. The fast and measurable efficacy of bevacizumab allowed a subsequent complete and safe PRP. Conclusion:, Intravitreal bevacizumab did not reveal any side-effects and was effective in the regression of NV areas and the resolution of vitreous haemorrhages. This approach is potentially useful in allowing (within a planned temporal window) a safe and efficient PRP to be performed while minimizing the risk of its complications. [source] The role of health professionals in preventing non-accidental head injuryCHILD ABUSE REVIEW, Issue 6 2003Alison Kemp Abstract The aim of this paper is to re,ect on the role that the health professions can play in preventing a serious form of physical child abuse. Using research data from a case series study on non-accidental head injury, or shaken baby syndrome, some aspects of child healthcare are reviewed for their potential for prevention. In child protection in the UK, more resources are put into the diagnosis and assessment of child abuse than into interventions designed for prevention. The ,eld of prevention is generally lacking in a theoretical underpinning or systematic means of evaluation and yet the 1996 National Commission of Inquiry into the Prevention of Child Abuse concluded that child abuse ,can almost always be prevented provided the will to do so is there' (National Commission of Inquiry into the Prevention of Child Abuse, 1996). This requires major changes to the way society views and protects children. The focus in this paper is on the very young, mainly babies under 6 months of age. It calls for a lowering of the threshold with which health professionals view a baby's illness for secondary prevention of non-accidental head injury and the need to review approaches to primary prevention, both from the UK and abroad, in order to implement a systematic means to primary prevention. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||