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Consecutive Patients (consecutive + patient)
Selected AbstractsFEASIBILITY OF AMBULATORY OVERNIGHT OXIMETRY IN CONSECUTIVE PATIENTS IN A DEMENTIA CLINICJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 3 2005Donald L. Bliwise PhD No abstract is available for this article. [source] LONG-TERM OUTCOMES AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC BILE DUCT EXPLORATION: A 5-YEAR FOLLOW UP OF 150 CONSECUTIVE PATIENTSANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 6 2008Andrew J. M. Campbell-Lloyd Background: The treatment of common bile duct stones discovered at routine intraoperative cholangiography includes postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography or intraoperative laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. Given the equivalence of short-term outcome data for these two techniques, the choice of one over the other may be influenced by long-term follow-up data. We aimed to establish the long-term outcomes following laparoscopic common bile duct exploration and compare this with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. Methods: One hundred and fifty consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic common bile duct exploration between March 1998 and March 2006 carried out by a single surgeon. All were prospectively studied for 1 month followed by a late-term phone questionnaire ascertaining the prevalence of adverse symptoms. Patients presented with a standardized series of questions, with reports of symptoms corroborated by review of medical records. Results: In 150 patients, operations included laparoscopic transcystic exploration (135), choledochotomy (10) and choledochoduodenostomy (2). At long-term follow up (mean 63 months), 116 (77.3%) patients were traceable, with 24 (20.7%) reporting an episode of pain and 18 (15.5%) had more than a single episode of pain. There was no long-term evidence of cholangitis, stricture or pancreatitis identified in any patient. Conclusion: Laparoscopic bile duct exploration appears not to increase the incidence of long-term adverse sequelae beyond the reported prevalence of postcholecystectomy symptoms. There was no incidence of bile duct stricture, cholangitis or pancreatitis. It is a safe procedure, which obviates the need and expense of preoperative or postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in most instances. [source] Consecutive Patients on a Fabled ShiftACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 8 2002Jonathan Singer MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] Addition of a Left Ventricular Lead to Conventional Pacing Systems in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure: Feasibility, Safety, and Early Results in 60 Consecutive PatientsPACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 8 2002CINDY M. BAKER BAKER, C.M., et al.: Addition of a Left Ventricular Lead to Conventional Pacing Systems in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure: Feasibility, Safety, and Early Results in 60 Consecutive Patients. Left bundle branch block worsens congestive heart failure (CHF) in patients with LV dysfunction. Asynchronous LV activation produced by RV apical pacing leads to paradoxical septal motion and inefficient ventricular contraction. Recent studies show improvement in LV function and patient symptoms with biventricular pacing in patients with CHF. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility, safety, acute efficacy, and early effect on symptoms of the upgrade of a chronically implanted RV pacing system to a biventricular system. Sixty patients with NYHA Class III and IV underwent the upgrade procedure using commercially available leads and adapters. The procedure succeeded in 54 (90%) of 60 patients. Acute LV stimulation thresholds obtained from leads placed along the lateral LV wall via the coronary sinus compare favorably to those reported in current biventricular pacing trials. The complication rate was low (5/60, 8.3%): lead dislodgement (n = 1), pocket hematoma (n = 1), and wound infections (n = 3). During 18 months of follow-up (16.7%) of 60 patients died. Two patients that died failed the initial upgrade attempt. At 3-month follow-up, quality of life scores improved 31 ± 28 points (n = 29), P < 0.0001). NYHA Class improved from 3.4 ± 0.5 to 2.4 ± 0.7 (P = < 0.0001) and ejection fraction increased from 0.23 ± 0.8 to 0.29 ± 0.11 (P = 0.0003). Modification of RV pacing to a biventricular system using commercially available leads and adapters can be performed effectively and safely. The early results of this study suggest patients may benefit from this procedure with improved functional status and quality of life. [source] Percutaneous Lumbar Discectomy: One-Year Follow-Up in an Initial Cohort of Fifty Consecutive Patients with Chronic Radicular PainPAIN PRACTICE, Issue 2 2005Kenneth M. Alò MD First page of article [source] Quinidine for Pharmacological Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation: A Retrospective Analysis in 501 Consecutive PatientsANNALS OF NONINVASIVE ELECTROCARDIOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Bernhard Schwaab M.D. Background: Although quinidine has been used to terminate atrial fibrillation (AFib) for a long time, it has been recently classified to be used as a third-line-drug for cardioversion. However, these recommendations are based on a few small studies, and there are no data available of a larger modern patient population undergoing pharmacological cardioversion of AFib. Therefore, we evaluated the safety of quinidine for cardioversion of paroxysmal AFib in patients after cardiac surgery and coronary intervention. Methods: In 501 consecutive patients (66 ± 9 years, 32% women), 200,400 mg of quinidine were administered every 6 hours until cardioversion or for a maximum of 48 hours. Patients were included with QT interval ,450 ms, ejection fraction (EF) ,35%, and plasma potassium >4.3 mEq/L. Exclusion criteria were: unstable angina, myocardial infarction <3 months, and advanced congestive heart failure. Patients received verapamil, beta-blockers, or digitalis to slow down ventricular rate <100 bpm. Results: Quinidine therapy did not have to be stopped due to adverse drug reactions (ADR), and no significant QTc interval prolongation (Bazett and Fridericia correction) and no life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia occurred. Mean quinidine dose was 617 ± 520 mg and 92% of the patients received verapamil or beta-blocker to decrease ventricular rate. Cardioversion was successful in 84% of patients. All ADRs were minor and transient. Multivariate analysis revealed female gender (OR 2.62, CI 1.61,4.26, P < 0.001) and EF 45,54% (OR 1.97, CI 1.15,3.36, P = 0.013) as independent risk factors for ADRs. Conclusions: Quinidine for pharmacological cardioversion of AFib is safe and well tolerated in this subset of patients. [source] Dermatitis from common ivy (Hedera helix L. subsp. helix) in Europe: past, present, and futureCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 4 2010Evy Paulsen Common ivy (Hedera helix subsp. helix) is a well-known native and ornamental plant in Europe. Reports on contact dermatitis from ivy have regularly appeared since 1899. Recently, it has been suggested that allergic contact dermatitis from the plant may be under-diagnosed, partly due to lack of commercial patch test allergens. The objective of the article is to present the results of aimed patch testing with the main common ivy allergen, falcarinol, during a 16-year period and review the newer literature. Consecutive patients tested with falcarinol 0.03% petrolatum from May 1993 to May 2009 were included. Cases published since 1987 were retrieved from the PubMed database. One hundred and twenty-seven Danish patients were tested with falcarinol and 10 (7.9%) tested positive. Seven were occupationally sensitized. Between 1994 and 2009, 28 new cases of contact dermatitis from ivy were reported, 2 of which were occupational. Only 11 of the 28 patients were tested with pure allergens. Falcarinol is not only widely distributed in the ivy family, but also in the closely related Apiaceae. Sensitization may occur in childhood or in adults pruning ivy plants or handling them in an occupational setting. In view of the ubiquity of falcarinol-containing plants and the relatively high prevalence of positive reactions in aimed patch testing, falcarinol should be the next plant allergen to be commercially available and included in the plant series worldwide. [source] The Effects of a Physician Slowdown on Emergency Department Volume and TreatmentACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 11 2006Brian Walsh MD Objectives In February 2003, many physicians in New Jersey participated in a work slowdown to publicize large increases in malpractice premiums and generate support for legislative reform. It was anticipated that the community physician slowdown (hereafter referred to as "slowdown") would increase emergency department (ED) visits. The authors' goal was to help others prepare for anticipated increases in ED volumes by describing the preparatory staffing changes made and quantifying increases in ED volume. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study performed at a New Jersey suburban teaching hospital with 70,000 annual visits. Consecutive patients seen by emergency physicians were enrolled. The authors extracted patient visit data from the computerized tracking system and analyzed hours worked by personnel, patient volumes, admission rates, and patient throughput times. Variables from each day of the slowdown with baseline values for the same day of the week for the four weeks before and after the slowdown were compared. A Bonferroni correction was used, with p < 0.01 considered statistically significant. Results Total patient volume increased 79% from baseline (95% confidence interval [CI] = 20% to 137%). Pediatric volume increased 223% (95% CI = 171% to 274%). Overall admission rate decreased 29% compared with baseline (95% CI = 8% to 51%). Patient throughput times did not change significantly. Similar results for these variables were found for the second through fourth days of the slowdown. Conclusions Emergency department visits, especially pediatric visits, increased markedly during the community physician slowdown. Anticipatory increases in staffing effectively prevented increased throughput times. [source] Reliability of Computerized Emergency TriageACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 3 2006Sandy L. Dong MD Objectives: Emergency department (ED) triage prioritizes patients based on urgency of care. This study compared agreement between two blinded, independent users of a Web-based triage tool (eTRIAGE) and examined the effects of ED crowding on triage reliability. Methods: Consecutive patients presenting to a large, urban, tertiary care ED were assessed by the duty triage nurse and an independent study nurse, both using eTRIAGE. Triage score distribution and agreement are reported. The study nurse collected data on ED activity, and agreement during different levels of ED crowding is reported. Two methods of interrater agreement were used: the linear-weighted , and quadratic-weighted ,. Results: A total of 575 patients were assessed over nine weeks, and complete data were available for 569 patients (99.0%). Agreement between the two nurses was moderate if using linear , (weighted ,= 0.52; 95% confidence interval = 0.46 to 0.57) and good if using quadratic , (weighted ,= 0.66; 95% confidence interval = 0.60 to 0.71). ED overcrowding data were available for 353 patients (62.0%). Agreement did not significantly differ with respect to periods of ambulance diversion, number of admitted inpatients occupying stretchers, number of patients in the waiting room, number of patients registered in two hours, or nurse perception of busyness. Conclusions: This study demonstrated different agreement depending on the method used to calculate interrater reliability. Using the standard methods, it found good agreement between two independent users of a computerized triage tool. The level of agreement was not affected by various measures of ED crowding. [source] The role of surveillance endoscopy and endosonography after endoscopic ablation of high-grade dysplasia and carcinoma of the esophagusDISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, Issue 2 2008A. D. Savoy SUMMARY., Barrett's esophagus (BE) with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or early carcinoma treated with surgery or photodynamic therapy (PDT) is at risk of recurrence. The efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for surveillance after PDT is unknown. Our objective was to determine if EUS is superior to esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and/or CT scan for surveillance of BE neoplasia after PDT. The study was designed as a retrospective review with the setting as a tertiary referral center. Consecutive patients with BE with HGD or carcinoma in situ treated with PDT were followed with EUS, CT scan and EGD with jumbo biopsies every 1 cm at 3, 4, or 6-month intervals. Exclusion criteria was < 6 months of follow up and/or < 2 EUS procedures. Main outcome measurements were residual or recurrent disease discovered by any method. Results showed that 67/97 patients met the inclusion criteria (56 men and 11 women). Median follow-up was 16 months. Recurrent or residual adenocarcinoma (ACA) was detected in four patients during follow-up. EGD with random biopsies or targeted nodule biopsies detected three patients. EUS with endoscopic mucosal resection of the nodule confirmed T1 recurrence in one of these three. In the fourth patient, CT scan revealed perigastric lymphadenopathy and EUS-FNA (fine needle aspiration) confirmed adenocarcinoma. There were two deaths, one related to disease progression and one unrelated. The rate of recurrent/persistent ACA after PDT was 4/67 = 6%. EUS did not detect disease when EGD and CT were normal. Limitations of this study include non-blinding of results and preferential status of non-invasive imaging (CT) over EUS. Our experience suggests that EUS has little role in the surveillance of these patients, unless discrete abnormalities are found on EGD or cross-sectional imaging. [source] Measurement of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction by Real Time 3D Echocardiography in Patients with Severe Systolic Dysfunction: Comparison with Radionuclide AngiographyECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 1 2010Hajo Müller M.D. Aim: Measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) using real time 3D echocardiography (3DE) has been performed in subjects with preserved or modestly reduced systolic function. Our aim was to evaluate this technique in the subset of patients with severe systolic dysfunction. Methods and results: Consecutive patients with LVEF less than 0.35 at two-dimensional echocardiography were included. LVEF obtained by 3DE was compared to the value measured by radionuclide angiography (RNA). Real time full-volume 3DE was performed, with offline semiautomated measurement of LVEF using dedicated software (Cardioview RT, Tomtec) by a single observer blinded to the results of RNA. A total of 50 patients were evaluated, of whom 38 (76%, 27 males, age 69 ± 13 years) had a 3DE of sufficient quality for analysis. LVEF for this group was 0.21 ± 0.07 using 3DE and 0.27 ± 0.08 using RNA. The agreement between the two techniques was rather poor (r = 0.49; P < 0.001; 95% limits of agreements of ,0.20 to 0.09). Truncation of the apex was observed in 6 of 38 (16%) patients. Conclusion: In patients with severe systolic dysfunction, 3DE shows poor agreement for measurement of LVEF as compared to RNA. There may be underestimation of up to 20% in absolute terms by 3DE. Accordingly, the two methods are not interchangeable for the follow-up of LV function. A limitation of 3DE may, at least in part, be related to the incomplete incorporation of the apical region into the pyramidal image sector in patients with dilated hearts. (Echocardiography 2010;27:58-63) [source] Observer Variation in the Echocardiographic Measurement of Maximum Atrial Septal Excursion: A Comparison of M-Mode with Two-Dimensional or Transesophageal EchocardiographyECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 10 2009Background: Atrial septal aneurysm is typically diagnosed by transthoracic two-dimensional or transesophageal echocardiography (2DE or TEE). Such techniques are highly dependent on visual inspection which predisposes to observer variation. This study compares inter- and intraobserver variations in the measurement of maximum atrial septal excursion (MASE) obtained using transthoracic M-mode echocardiography (MME) with that obtained using 2DE or TEE. Methods: Consecutive patients with highly mobile atrial septal motion by visual inspection during 2DE or TEE were studied. MASE was estimated visually on 2DE or TEE. MME tracings were obtained with the cursor bisecting the parabola formed by the atrial septum at its maximum deviation from the midline. Electronic calipers were used to measure MASE for all echocardiographic techniques. Two observers provided two measurements each. Observer variation was determined by assessing standard deviation and confidence intervals of inter- and intraobserver differences. Results: Interobserver analysis showed standard deviations of 0.077 cm (95% CI 0.065,0.094) for MME and 0.280 cm (95% CI 0.242,0.334) for 2DE or TEE. Intraobserver analysis showed standard deviations of 0.08 cm (95% CI 0.068,0.101) for MME and 0.318 cm (95% CI 0.274,0.381) for 2DE or TEE. The mean magnitude of measured MASE was 0.44 cm higher with MME than with 2DE or TEE (95% CI 0.068,0.101). Conclusions: MME assessment of MASE is associated with substantially lower inter- and intraobserver variation than 2DE or TEE assessment. The magnitude of MASE is substantially higher with MME than with 2DE or TEE. [source] Angioplasty and stenting of symptomatic and asymptomatic vertebral artery stenosis: to treat or not to treatEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 2 2010V. Parkhutik Background and purpose:, Comprehensive indications for treatment of symptomatic vertebral stenosis remain unavailable. Even less is known about endovascular treatment of asymptomatic cases. We treated symptomatic and asymptomatic vertebral ostium stenosis with angioplasty and stenting and investigated the long term outcome. Methods:, Consecutive patients with two different indications were included. Group 1 (G1) had symptomatic >50% stenosis. Group 2 (G2) had asymptomatic >50% stenosis and severe lesions of anterior circulation and were expected to benefit from additional cerebral blood supply. Results:, Twenty nine vertebral origin stenoses in 28 patients (75% men, mean age 64 ± 9 years) were treated. There were 16 G1 and 13 G2 cases. Technical success rate was 100%. Immediate neurological complications rate was 3.4% (one G1 patient with vertebral TIA due to release of emboli). Two further strokes were seen during follow up (32 ± 24 months): vertebrobasilar stroke in a G2 patient with permeable stent in V1 segment, new ipsilateral V3 occlusion and high-risk cardioembolic source, and carotid stroke in a G1 patient who had had ipsilateral carotid stenting. There were no deaths of any cause. Asymptomatic restenosis was observed in one out of 19 patients from both groups who underwent a follow up angiography. Conclusions:, Angioplasty and stenting appears to be technically feasible and safe in asymptomatic and symptomatic vertebral stenosis. More studies are needed in order to clarify its role in primary and secondary prevention of vertebrobasilar stroke. High risk anterior circulation lesions should be taken into account as a possible indication in patients with asymptomatic vertebral stenosis. [source] CT of the chest and abdomen in patients with newly diagnosed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma,HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 10 2005Harri T. Keski-Säntti MD Abstract Background. The benefits of CT scanning of the chest and abdomen as a routine screening method for patients with newly diagnosed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain unclear. Methods. Consecutive patients with a primary HNSCC (T classification, T2,T4) and or regionally metastatic disease (ie, N+) were eligible for inclusion. Patients who were considered incurable and patients with recurrent disease were excluded. CT scans of the chest and abdomen were performed. Results. We examined 100 patients. Two patients had pulmonary metastases at presentation. An occult aortic aneurysm required surgical repair before anticancer therapy in one patient. In many patients, nonspecific CT findings warranted further examinations or close follow-up. The abdominal CT was negative for metastatic HNSCC in all patients. Conclusions. Routine CT screening of the chest and abdomen resulted in upstaging of disease in two patients (2%) and altered the treatment approach in three patients (3%). Abdominal CT does not seem beneficial in patients with previously untreated HNSCC. Chest CT is not indicated routinely. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck27: XXX,XXX, 2005 [source] ,Rescue' Therapy with Rifabutin after Multiple Helicobacter pylori Treatment FailuresHELICOBACTER, Issue 2 2003Javier P. Gisbert abstract Aim. Eradication therapy with proton pump inhibitor, clarithromycin and amoxicillin is extensively used, although it fails in a considerable number of cases. A ,rescue' therapy with a quadruple combination of omeprazole, bismuth, tetracycline and metronidazole (or ranitidine bismuth citrate with these same antibiotics) has been recommended, but it still fails in approximately 20% of cases. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a rifabutin-based regimen in patients with two consecutive H. pylori eradication failures. Patients and Methods. Design: Prospective multicenter study. Patients: Consecutive patients in whom a first eradication trial with omeprazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin and a second trial with omeprazole, bismuth, tetracycline and metronidazole (three patients) or ranitidine bismuth citrate with these same antibiotics (11 patients) had failed were included. Intervention: A third eradication regimen with rifabutin (150 mg bid), amoxicillin (1 g bid) and omeprazole (20 mg bid) was prescribed for 14 days. All drugs were administered together after breakfast and dinner. Compliance with therapy was determined from the interrogatory and the recovery of empty envelopes of medications. Outcome: H. pylori eradication was defined as a negative 13C-urea breath test 8 weeks after completing therapy. Results. Fourteen patients have been included. Mean age ± SD was 42 ± 11 years, 41% males, peptic ulcer (57%), functional dyspepsia (43%). All patients took all the medications and completed the study protocol. Per-protocol and intention-to-treat eradication was achieved in 11/14 patients (79%; 95% confidence interval = 49,95%). Adverse effects were reported in five patients (36%), and included: abdominal pain (three patients), nausea and vomiting (one patient), and oral candidiasis (one patient); no patient abandoned the treatment due to adverse effects. Conclusion. Rifabutin-based rescue therapy constitutes an encouraging strategy after multiple previous eradication failures with key antibiotics such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole and tetracycline. [source] Use of the internet and of the NHS direct telephone helpline for medical information by a cognitive function clinic populationINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 2 2003A. J. Larner Abstract Background Internet websites and medical telephone helplines are relatively new and huge resources of medical information (,cybermedicine' and ,telemedicine', respectively) accessible to the general public without prior recourse to a doctor. Study Objectives To measure use of internet websites and of the NHS Direct telephone helpline as sources of medical information by patients and their families and/or carers attending a cognitive function clinic. Design and Setting Consecutive patients seen by one consultant neurologist over a six-month period in the Cognitive Function Clinic at the Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, a regional neuroscience centre in Liverpool, UK. Results More than 50% of patients and families/carers had internet access; 27% had accessed relevant information, but none volunteered this. 82% expressed interest in, or willingness to access, websites with relevant medical information if these were suggested by the clinic doctor. Although 61% had heard of the NHS Direct telephone helpline, only 10% of all patients had used this service and few calls related to the reason for attendance at the Cognitive Function Clinic. Conclusions Internet access and use is common in a cognitive function clinic population. Since information from internet websites may shape health beliefs and expectations of patients and families/carers, appropriately or inappropriately, it may be important for the clinic doctor to inquire about these searches. Since most would use websites suggested by the doctor, a readiness to provide addresses for appropriate sites may prove helpful. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Implementation of a community liaison pharmacy service: a randomised controlled trialINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE, Issue 3 2008Tam Vuong PhD Objective The aim of this study was to provide a pharmacy service to improve continuity of patient care across the primary-secondary care interface. Setting The study involved patients discharged from two acute-care tertiary teaching hospitals in Melbourne, Australia, returning to independent living. Methods Consecutive patients admitted to both hospitals who met the study criteria and provided consent were recruited. Recruited patients were randomised to receive either standard care (discharge counselling, provision of compliance aids and communication with primary healthcare providers when necessary) or the intervention (standard care and a home visit from a community liaison pharmacist (CLP) within 5 days of discharge). Participant medication was reviewed during the visit according to set protocols and compliance and medication understanding was measured. All participants were telephoned 8,12weeks after discharge to assess the impact of the intervention on adherence and medication knowledge. Key findings The CLP visited 142 patients with a mean time of 4.2 days following hospital discharge (range = 1,14 days). Consultations lasted 15,105 min (mean, 49 min; SD, ± 21 min). The CLPs retrospectively coded 766 activities and interventions that occurred during home visits, subsequently categorised into three groups: counselling and education, therapeutic interventions and other interventions. No statistical difference was detected in the number of medications patients reported taking at follow-up: the mean value was 7.72 (SD, ± 3.27) for intervention patients and 7.55 (SD, ± 3.27) for standard-care patients (P = 0.662). At follow-up self-perceived medication understanding was found to have improved in intervention patients (P < 0.001) and significant improvements from baseline in medication adherence were found in both standard-care (P < 0.022) and intervention (P < 0.005) groups; however, adherence had improved more in intervention patients. Conclusion The community liaison pharmacy service provided critical and useful interventions and support to patients, minimising the risk of medication misadventure when patients were discharged from hospital to home. [source] Capsule Endoscopy in Examination of Esophagus for Lesions After Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation: A Potential Tool to Select Patients With Increased Risk of ComplicationsJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 8 2010LUIGI DI BIASE M.D. Capsule Endoscopy in Examination of Esophagus.,Background: Esophageal injury can result from left atrial radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy, with added concern because of its possible relationship to the development of atrial-esophageal (A-E) fistulas. Objective: Evaluate utility of esophageal capsule endoscopy to detect esophageal lesions as a complication of RFA therapy in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Consecutive patients with AF who underwent left atrial RFA therapy and received capsule endoscopy within 48 hours postablation. Video was reviewed by a single gastroenterologist. The medical records were also reviewed for symptoms immediately postablation and at the 3-month follow-up. Results: A total of 93 consecutive patients were included and 88 completed the study and were analyzed. The prevalence of esophageal lesions was 17% (15/88 patients). Nine percent (8/88) of these patients had lesions anatomically consistent with the location of the ablation catheter. Six patients with positive capsule findings had symptoms of chest pain (3/6, 50%), throat pain (2/6, 33%), nausea (1/6, 17%), and abdominal pain (1/6, 17%). An additional 24 patients were symptomatic postablation, but with normal capsule findings. All patients with identified lesions by capsule endoscopy received oral proton pump inhibitor therapy, and were instructed to contact the Cleveland Clinic in the event of worsening symptoms. No delayed complications were reported at the 3-month follow-up. Conclusion: This study supports the use of capsule endoscopy as a tool for the detection of esophageal injury post-RFA therapy. PillCam ESO is well tolerated and provides satisfactory images of the areas of interest in the esophagus without potential risk related to insufflation with regular esophagogastroduodenoscopy. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 839-844, August 2010) [source] Mechanism of Propensity to Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Isthmus Ablation for Typical Atrial FlutterJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2005HEMANTH RAMANNA M.D. Background: Patients undergoing isthmus ablation for atrial flutter (AFL) may reveal postablation atrial fibrillation (AF). The electrophysiological mechanism is unclear. In patients with idiopathic AF, enhanced spatial dispersion of right atrial refractoriness was the substrate for the initiation of AF. We hypothesize that dispersion of right atrial refractoriness in patients undergoing AFL ablation is the major cause of postablation AF. Methods: Consecutive patients (n = 42) undergoing isthmus ablation for typical AFL were included. Twelve right atrial unipolar electrograms were recorded. Inducibility of AF was assessed by a pacing protocol, starting with one extrastimulus, followed by more aggressive pacing until AF was induced. Mean fibrillatory intervals were used to assess local refractoriness of each recording site. Spatial dispersion of right atrial refractoriness was calculated as the coefficient of dispersion (CD-value: standard deviation of the mean of all local mean fibrillatory intervals as a percentage of the overall mean fibrillatory interval). A CD-value of 3.0 or less was defined as normal, whereas CD-value greater than 3.0 was considered enhanced dispersion. PES and refractoriness analysis were followed by isthmus ablation. Results: Of the 42 patients, 29 had CD-value of 3.0 or less. In these 29 patients, AF was induced with 1 extrastimulus in only 1 patient, with 2 extrastimuli in 4 patients and burst pacing was required to induce AF in 24 of these 29 patients. Prior to the procedure, 5 of 29 patients had AF episodes, after ablation 6 of 29 patients. Of the 42 patients, 13 had CD-value greater than 3.0, AF was induced with a single extrastimulus in 11 patients, with 2 extrastimuli in the remaining 2 patients. Of the 13 patients, 11 had AF episodes both before and after ablation (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Enhanced spatial dispersion of right atrial refractoriness may be the substrate for propensity to AF in patients with AFL. The substrate was associated with enhanced inducibility of atrial fibrillation. [source] Novel parameter for the diagnosis of distal middle cerebral artery stenosis with transcranial Doppler sonographyJOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND, Issue 8 2010Suk-Won Ahn MD Abstract Purpose Transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) is commonly used for the diagnosis of middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis. However, TCD indices to predict distal MCA (M2) stenosis have not yet been established. We compared TCD and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to validate a new index for the diagnosis of M2 stenosis. Methods Consecutive patients who underwent TCD and MRA were included. Based on MRA, M2 stenosis was defined as >50% narrowing beyond the bifurcation area. TCD index of the M2/M1 ratio was defined as the ratio between the mean flow velocity (MFV) obtained at a depth of 30,44 mm (M2) and a depth of 45,65 mm (M1). Sensitivity and specificity of the M2/M1 ratio were calculated from the receiver operating characteristic curve. The diagnostic yield of elevated MFV (>80 cm/s) and asymmetry index of >30% for M2 stenosis were also investigated. Results Among the consecutive patients, 105 with M2 stenosis were compared with 123 without MCA stenosis. The M2/M1 ratio was significantly higher in the M2 stenosis group (1.10 versus 0.86, p < 0.001). Sensitivity and specificity for M2 stenosis were most satisfying when the M2/M1 ratio of 0.97 was adopted as the cutoff value. Diagnostic yield of the M2/M1 ratio was better than MFV or asymmetry index. Conclusions The M2/M1 ratio may be a highly specific parameter for assessing M2 stenosis with TCD. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 38:420,425, 2010 [source] Waiting list management: priority criteria or first-in first-out?JOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 4 2009A case for total joint replacement Abstract Background, Total joint replacements are interventions with large waiting times from indication to the surgery management. These patients can be managed in two ways; first-in first-out or through a priority tool. The aim of this study was to compare real time on waiting list (TWL) with a priority criteria score, developed by our team, in patients awaiting joint replacement due to osteoarthritis. Methods, Consecutive patients placed on waiting list were eligible. Patients fulfilled a questionnaire which included items of our priority tool and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) specific questionnaire. Other priority items were extracted from the clinical history. The priority tool gives a score from 0 to 100 points, and three categories (urgent, preferent and ordinary). We studied the differences among categories and TWL by means of one-way analysis of variance. Correlational analysis was used to evaluate association among priority score and TWL and WOMAC baseline and gains at 6 months with priority score and TWL. Results, We have studied 684 patients. Women represented 62% of sample. The mean age was 70 years. There were not association between the categories of priority score and TWL (P = 0.12). The rho correlation coefficient between TWL and priority score was ,0.11. Among baseline WOMAC scores and priority score, the rho coefficients were 0.79, 0.7 and 0.52 with function, pain and stiffness dimensions, respectively. There were differences in the mean scores of WOMAC dimensions according to the three priority categories (P < 0.001) but no with TWL categories. Data of gains in both health-related quality of life dimensions at 6 months were similar, with differences according to priority categories but no regarding TWL. Conclusions, The results of the study support the necessity of implementing a prioritization system instead of the actual system if we want to manage the waiting list for joint replacement with clinical equity. [source] Fecal lactoferrin, myeloperoxidase and serum C-reactive are effective biomarkers in the assessment of disease activity and severity in patients with idiopathic ulcerative colitisJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 11 2009Ibrahim Masoodi Abstract Background and Aim:, Disease activity and severity of ulcerative colitis (UC) is assessed using colonoscopy, which is invasive, costly and has poor patient acceptability. The role of non-invasive biomarkers of intestinal inflammation in the evaluation of patients with UC is not known. The aim of the study was to examine the role of serum C-reactive protein (SCRP), fecal myeloperoxidase (FMPO) and fecal lactoferrin (FLF) in assessing disease severity, activity and response to therapy. Methods:, Consecutive patients with idiopathic UC (IUC) attending our hospital from July 2005 to September 2006 were studied. All underwent clinical, endoscopic and histological assessment for disease activity, extent, severity and estimation of SCRP, FMPO and FLF levels at baseline and follow up (FU). An equal number of healthy age-matched controls were studied for biomarker levels. Results:, A total of 37 patients (mean age 37 ± 12 years) were studied. All three biomarkers were elevated more often in the cases than in the controls (all P = 0.000). Cases with severe IUC had higher CRP, MPO and FLF titers than those without severe IUC. At FU, a significant fall in biomarker levels paralleled the reduction in Mayo's scores. All three biomarkers showed a high degree of correlation with each other. The areas under the curve for FLF, MPO and CRP were 1.00, 0.867 and 0.622, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of markers were: FLF (94%, 100%), FMPO (89%, 51%) and SCRP (24%, 100%). Conclusion:, Biomarkers are useful in assessing disease activity, severity and response to therapy in patients with UC. They showed a high degree of correlation with each other. [source] Biopsy site for detecting Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with gastric cancerJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Chan Gyoo Kim Abstract Background:,Helicobacter pylori eradication is recommended in post-gastric cancer resection, but premalignant changes may prevent the detection of H. pylori. The aim of this study was to determine appropriate biopsy site for detecting H. pylori in gastric cancer patients. Materials and Methods:, Consecutive patients (194) with gastric adenocarcinoma were prospectively enrolled. Helicobacter pylori was evaluated by serology, histology and rapid urease test. Biopsy sites included antrum lesser curvature, upper body lesser curvature (UBLC) and upper body greater curvature (UBGC). Two biopsy specimens were obtained from each site for histological examination. One additional specimen was obtained from UBGC for the rapid urease test. Results:, The overall infection rate of H. pylori was 84.0% (95% CI 78.9,89.2). The sensitivity of histology for detecting H. pylori at various sites was: antrum (54.9%; 95% CI 45.7,63.9), UBLC (80.3%; 95% CI 72.2,87.0) and UBGC (95.1%; 95% CI 89.6,98.2). Specificities of all three biopsy sites were more than 95%. Sensitivity and specificity of the rapid urease test performed at UBGC were 96% and 100%, respectively. Sensitivities of histology decreased in correlation with increasing severity of atrophy and intestinal metaplasia (both P < 0.001 using the chi-square test for trend). The proportions of moderate to marked atrophy/intestinal metaplasia at UBGC (12.8%/14.7%) were significantly lower than those at antrum (50.0%/57.8%, P < 0.001 respectively) or UBLC (40.0%/48.9%, P < 0.001 respectively). Conclusions:, The UBGC side is the most sensitive and specific biopsy site to detect H. pylori in gastric cancer patients due to less frequent atrophy and intestinal metaplasia than at the antrum or UBLC side. [source] Cause and effect relationship of malnutrition with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis: Prospective case,control studyJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 9 2008Shallu Midha Abstract Background and Aim:, Patients with chronic pancreatitis are often malnourished. The role of malnutrition in the pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis is unclear. The aim of the present article was to study prospectively the cause and effect relationship of malnutrition with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis in a case,control study. Methods:, Consecutive patients with chronic pancreatitis underwent anthropometry, nutritional and dietary assessments. For dietary assessment, food frequency questionnaire and 24-hour dietary recall methods were used. Primary outcome measure was cause and effect relationship of malnutrition with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis. Results:, Of 201 patients with chronic pancreatitis, 120 had idiopathic chronic pancreatitis (mean age 29.60 years, 74 males) who formed the study group. None of the patients consumed cassava. The nutritional status and dietary intake of the patients before the onset of chronic pancreatitis were comparable with those of controls with 20.6% of patients and 22.5% of controls being malnourished (body mass index [BMI] < 18.5). After the onset of chronic pancreatitis, 56.5% of patients lost weight and significantly more patients became malnourished compared with controls (45.8% vs 22.5%; P < 0.001). The causes of weight loss were diabetes, higher calories from proteins, and pseudocyst. Conclusion:, Malnutrition was not a cause of idiopathic chronic pancreatitis and weight loss occurred as an effect of chronic pancreatitis. Cassava was not found to be a cause of idiopathic chronic pancreatitis. [source] Prevalence and risk factors of hepatic steatosis and its impact on liver injury in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B infectionJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 9 2008Jun-ping Shi Abstract Background and Aims:, The clinical significance of hepatic steatosis in chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB) is unclear. The aims of this study were thus to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for hepatic steatosis in patients with CHB and its relationship with liver injury. Methods:, Consecutive patients with biopsy-proven CHB at Hangzhou Sixth People's Hospital between January 2005 and June 2007 were included. Patients co-infected with other viruses or suffering from liver disease of any other cause were excluded. Liver steatosis, necroinflammation and fibrosis were assessed by both Brunt and Scheuer classifications. Results:, A total of 1915 patients (1497 men) with a mean age of 31 ± 9.5 years were analyzed. Hepatic steatosis was present in 260 (14%) patients. The steatosis involved < 33% of hepatocytes in 90% of cases, and was more frequent among men than women (15% vs 8%, P < 0.001). Two-thirds (178 of 260) of patients with steatosis were hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive, but there was no correlation with either serum HBeAg status or hepatitis B virus DNA titer. Degree of inflammation and fibrosis were more mild among those with steatosis than those without. Multivariate analysis showed that steatosis was independently associated with body mass index, serum triglyceride, apolipoprotein B, uric acid, and fasting blood glucose. However, fibrosis was only independently associated with age and inflammatory grade, and the latter associated with viral load and fibrosis stage. Conclusions:, Hepatic steatosis is common in CHB, it is associated with metabolic factors not viral ones, and does not appear to affect the severity of liver disease. [source] Long pediatric colonoscope versus intermediate length adult colonoscope for colonoscopyJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 7pt2 2008Yu-Hsi Hsieh Abstract Background:, Controversy exists on how the length and diameter of colonoscopes affect the quality of colonoscopy. The aim of this study was to compare a long pediatric colonoscope with an intermediate length adult colonoscope with regards to completion rate and cecal intubation time. Whether either scope may be more efficient in any subgroups was also investigated. Methods:, Asymptomatic patients admitted to the physical check-up department of Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital were included. A single endoscopist performed all of the colonoscopic examinations under sedation. Consecutive patients were randomized to undergo colonoscopy with either intermediate length adult colonoscope (CF-240I) or long pediatric colonoscope (PCF-240L). The success rate and time required to reach cecum were compared between the two groups. Results:, Between April 2005 and February 2006, a total of 918 patients were enrolled. Incomplete colonoscopy occurred in 21 (2.3%) cases (14 in the CF-240I group and seven in the PCF-240L group, P > 0.1). The overall cecal mean insertion time was 6.00 ± 3.66 min. There was no significant difference between the CF-240I and PCF 240L groups with regard to the cecal intubation rate (96.9% vs 98.5%, P = 0.18), the need for abdominal pressure (71.7% vs 73.4%, P = 0.55) and change of position (13.5% vs 11.5%, P = 0.37). However, the cecal intubation time was shorter in the CF-240I group (5.75 ± 3.18 vs 6.26 ± 3.30 min, P = 0.02). Subgroup analysis by sex, age, and body mass index showed comparable outcomes between the two groups except that the cecal intubation times were significantly shorter in the CF-240I group when only men (4.78 ± 2.57 vs 5.50 ± 2.93 min, P < 0.01) or those younger than 50 years (5.50 ± 2.90 vs 6.25 ± 3.68 min, P = 0.02) were considered. Conclusion:, Cecal intubation time is shorter in patients examined with an intermediate length adult colonoscope, mainly in the subgroups of men and those younger than 50 years of age. [source] Autoimmune hepatitis in the Indian subcontinent: 7 years experienceJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 10 2001Rajesh Gupta Abstract Background: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is presumed to be rare in India. The present prospective study was carried out to determine the prevalence, clinical, biochemical and histological profile of patients with AIH in India. Methods: Consecutive patients with chronic liver disease suspected to be AIH, were screened for antinuclear antibodies (ANA), antismooth muscle antibodies (ASMA), antimitochondrial antibody (AMA), and anti-liver kidney microsomal antibodies (anti-LKM-1). Serum protein electrophoresis and liver biopsy were done. Autoimmune hepatitis was diagnosed according to the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group criteria. Results: Fifty of 1358 (3.43%) patients with chronic liver disease were diagnosed as autoimmune liver disease; 39 with AIH, two with overlap syndrome, five with primary sclerosing cholangitis, and four with primary biliary cirrhosis. Twenty-nine patients were categorized as definite AIH and 10 as probable AIH. Autoimmune hepatitis was common in females (males : females 1:3), with a mean age of 31 ± 17 years. Patients often presented with fatigue, jaundice and anorexia. Skin lesions (58%), joint symptoms (30%), and menstrual abnormalities (26%) were not uncommon. Mildly elevated alkaline phosphatase and hyper gamma globulinemia were seen in 78 and 91% patients, respectively. Eighty percent of patients were type I AIH, while 20% of cases remained unclassified. Histopathological changes included piecemeal necrosis (100%), plasma cell infiltration (91%), rosette formation (82%), and cirrhosis (76%). Overall mortality was 25% during a mean follow up of 15.7 ± 17.0 months. Conclusions: Our results clearly demonstrate that: (i) AIH is not uncommon in India; and (ii) while the profile and spectrum of AIH resembles that seen in the West, Indian patients present late, often in a cirrhotic state. [source] HISTOPATHOLOGICAL PATTERN OF GASTRIC BIOPSIES OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI POSITIVE PATIENTS IN SARDJITO GENERAL HOSPITAL, YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIAJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 12 2000Siti Nurdjanah Objective: To determine the gastric histopathological types distribution of H. pylori positive patients who were detected histopathologically. Material& Methods: Study design was prospective study. Consecutive patients who were suffering chronic dyspepsia underwent endoscopy examination between August 1998 and December 1999. The biopsy specimens were taken from gastric antrum and corpus and sent to the pathologist for histopathology type and H. pylori examinations. H. pylori were also confirmed with CLO and IgG-Helicobacter pylori tests. Results: There were 92 patients (48 male (M) and 44 Female (F) who underwent gastric biopsies endoscopically between August 1998 and December 1999. Fifty-six (60.87%) patients were chronic superficial gastritis, 11(11.96%) chronic antropic gastritis, 18 (19.56%) chronic gastritis 2 (2.17%) chronic gastritis with metaplasia, 3 (3.27%) gastric ulcer, and 2 (2.17%) gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma. Twenty one (22.8%) patients with H. pylori positive by histopathology examination with CLO and IgG-H.pylori tests. Those were 5 (8.90%) patients with chronic superficial gastritis, 7(63.63%) chronic atrophic gastritis, 3(100%) gastric ulcer, 2 (100%) chronic gastritis with metaplasia, 3(16.67%) chronic gastritis, 1(50%) signet-ring cell carcinoma. The age range of the H. pylori positive patients were between 16 and 76 years old. Conclusion: Twenty one (22.8%) H. pylori positive patients out of 92 endoscopied patients and the high percentage tendency of H. pylori positively in chronic atrophic gastritis, gastric ulcer, and chronic gastritis with metaplasia, although most of the patients had chronic superficial gastritis. Further study is needed with larger with larger sample to get the clearer picture of H. pylori distribution based on gastric histopathological types. [source] Negative predictive value of normal adenosine-stress cardiac MRI in the assessment of coronary artery disease and correlation with semiquantitative perfusion analysisJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 3 2010Guenter Pilz MD Abstract Purpose: To prospectively determine the negative predictive value of normal adenosine stress cardiac MR (CMR) in routine patients referred for evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD), predominantly with intermediate to high pretest risk. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients referred for coronary angiography were examined in a 1.5 Tesla whole-body scanner before catheterization. A total of 158 patients with normal CMR on qualitative assessment were included, and semiquantitative perfusion analysis was performed. Significant CAD was regarded as luminal narrowing of ,70% in coronary angiography. Results: In the 158 study patients, negative predictive value of normal adenosine-stress CMR for significant CAD was 96.2% (for stenosis ,90%: 98.1%). True-negative and false-negative patients were comparable regarding clinical presentation, risk factors, and CMR findings. Semiquantitative perfusion analysis gave significantly prolonged arrival time index and peak time index in the false-negative group. Using cutoff values >1.8 for arrival time index or >1.2 for peak time index, the CMR negative predictive value increased to 98.7% (for stenosis ,90%: to 100%). Conclusion: The very high negative predictive value for CAD supports CMR-based decision making for the indication to coronary angiography. Semiquantitative perfusion analysis seems promising to identify the small group of CAD patients not detectable by qualitative CMR assessment. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;32:615,621. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Association of Pretreatment ASPECTS Scores with tPA-Induced Arterial Recanalization in Acute Middle Cerebral Artery OcclusionJOURNAL OF NEUROIMAGING, Issue 1 2008Georgios Tsivgoulis MD ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT-Score (ASPECTS) assesses early ischemic changes within the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and predicts poor outcome and increased risk for thrombolysis-related symptomatic ICH. We evaluated the potential relationship between pretreatment ASPECTS and tPA-induced recanalization in patients with MCA occlusions. SUBJECTS & METHODS Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke due to MCA occlusion were treated with standard IV-tPA and assessed with transcranial Doppler (TCD) for arterial recanalization. Early recanalization was determined with previously validated Thrombolysis in Brain Ischemia (TIBI) flow-grading system at 120 minutes after tPA-bolus. All pretreatment CT-scans were prospectively scored by trained investigators blinded to TCD findings. Functional outcome at 3 months was evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). RESULTS IV-tPA was administered in 192 patients (mean age 68 ± 14 years, median NIHSS-score 17). Patients with complete recanalization (n= 51) had higher median pretreatment ASPECTS (10, interquartile range 2) than patients with incomplete or absent recanalization (n= 141; median ASPECTS 9, interquartile range 3, P= .034 Mann-Whitney U-test). An ASPECTS ,6 was documented in 4% and 17% of patients with present and absent recanalization, respectively (P= .019). Pretreatment ASPECTS was associated with complete recanalization (OR per 1-point increase: 1.54; 95% CI 1.06,2.22, P= .023) after adjustment for baseline characteristics, risk factors, NIHSS-score, pretreatment TIBI grades and site of arterial occlusion on baseline TCD. Complete recanalization (OR: 33.97, 95% CI 5.95,185.99, P < .001) and higher ASPECTS (OR per 1-point increase: 1.91; 95% CI 1.17,3.14, P= .010) were independent predictors of good functional outcome (mRS 0,2). CONCLUSIONS Higher pretreatment ASPECT-scores are associated with a greater chance of complete recanalization and favorable long-term outcome in tPA-treated patients with acute MCA occlusion. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||