拉莫三嗪联合丙戊酸钠治疗儿童难治性癫痫临床观察

[目的]观察拉莫三嗪联合丙戊酸钠治疗小儿难治性癫痫的疗效.[方法]对58例小儿难治性癫痫患者进行拉莫三嗪联合丙戊酸钠治疗,以治疗前3个月癫痫发作频度为对照,对治疗后12个月内的疗效、不良反应、耐受性及安全性进行自身对比观察.[结果]应用拉莫三嗪联合丙戊酸钠治疗12个月后,患儿发作频率均较用药前明显减少,发作频率减少≥50%的患儿占46.6%(27/58),用药前后差异有统计学意义(P<0.01).不良反应的发生率为15.5%(4/31).常见的不良反应为皮疹、乏力、头晕、头痛、恶心、纳差.[结论]拉莫三嗪和丙戊酸钠联合治疗小儿难治性癫痫有良好疗效,不良反应轻微,值得临床应用.     

奥卡西平治疗儿童癫痫部分性发作的临床观察

目的观察奥卡西平单药或联合用药对儿童癫痫部分性发作的疗效.方法对32例部分性发作癫痫患儿采用单药或联合使用奥卡西平,观察其疗效、不良反应.结果单药治疗组总有效率85.7%,联合用药组66.7%,但两组总有效率比较差异无统计学意义.用药1个月内,本组5例患儿出现不良反应.结论奥卡西平治疗儿童癫痫部分性发作有良好疗效,不良反应少,值得临床应用.     

奥卡西平与左乙拉西坦治疗新诊断部分性发作癫痫患儿的疗效分析

目的观察奥卡西平与左乙拉西坦对新诊断部分性发作癫痫患儿的疗效和安全性。方法将80例新诊断部分性发作癫痫患儿随机分为2组,奥卡西平组和左乙拉西坦组各40例。奥卡西平组给予奥卡西平,开始剂量10 mg·kg-1·d-1,分2次服用,以后每周增加1次剂量,每次加量5 mg·kg-1·d-1,至最小有效量,最大剂量60 mg·kg-1·d-1,左乙拉西坦组给予左乙拉西坦,开始剂量5 mg·kg-1·d-1,分2次服用,以后每周增加1次剂量,每次加量5 mg·kg-1·d-1,至最小有效量,最大剂量60 mg·kg-1·d-1,2组均观察6～12个月。观察2组的疗效及不良反应。结果奥卡西平组实际完成治疗39例,因皮疹退出1例,癫痫发作完全控制26例,出现不良反应8例,其中头晕2例,嗜睡1例,认知功能减退5例;左乙拉西坦组实际完成治疗38例,因经济原因退出2例,癫痫发作完全控制28例,出现脾气暴躁不良反应2例。结论奥卡西平与左乙拉西坦治疗儿童部分性发作均有效,但左乙拉西坦更安全,对认知功能无明显影响,缺点是价格偏高。     

奥卡西平治疗成人癫的疗效和安全性观察

目的观察及评价奥卡西平单药治疗成年癫患者的疗效和安全性。方法109例临床新确诊的成年癫患者随机分为2组,一组以奥卡西平单药治疗(OXC组),另一组予以传统抗癫药物(卡马西平或丙戊酸钠等)单药治疗(AEDs组),随访6个月,比较两组的癫发作频率和不良反应。结果OXC组总有效率79.6%,完全控制率为42.6%,不良反应的发生率20.4%,且症状较轻,患者耐受性良好;AEDs组总有效率76.4%,完全控制率41.8%,不良反应的发生率38.2%,症状多为中度,需给予对症处理或停药。两组治疗总有效率无明显差异,不良反应发生率的差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论奥卡西平抗癫疗效肯定,不良反应轻微,是一种广谱、有效、安全的新型抗癫药物。     

奥卡西平治疗创伤性癫痫的疗效观察和安全性分析

【目的】观察奥卡西平（oxcarbazepine,OXC）治疗创伤性癫痫（posttraumatic epilepsy,PTE）的临床疗效和安全性。【方法】连续性收集2007年3月-2008年9月期间在我院癫痫中心就诊符合入选条件的66例创伤性癫痫患者,10例未曾接受任何抗癫痫治疗和46例曾治疗不规范的患者调整为OXC单药治疗,10例曾服用德巴金的患者联合应用OXC,单药剂量维持量调整在600～1500mg,联合用药的维持量在600～1200mg。自身对比开放性观察12个月,评价OXC对创伤性癫痫的发作控制率、脑电图改善情况、不良反应和安全性。【结果】OXC对创伤性癫痫总有效率为85.94%,控制率为56.25%,治疗前后脑电图比较结果显示,治疗12个月后脑电图得到明显改善（P〈0.01）。常见的不良反应包括：头昏、嗜睡、无力、头痛、恶心、食欲下降、白细胞下降、手颤和皮疹。因不良反应而停药者2例,占3.03%。患者治疗前、治疗后不同时间血常规、肝肾功能和心电图对比均无明显变化（P〉0.05）。【结论】奥卡西平对66例创伤性癫痫患者的治疗效果较明显,不良反应轻,安全性高。     

奥卡西平和苯妥英钠单药治疗癫痫患者的疗效分析

目的探讨奥卡西平(OXC)和苯妥英钠(PHT)单药治疗新诊断或未用抗癫痫药物治疗的成年癫痫患者的疗效及其安全性。方法将2006年1月-2008年6月我院门诊新诊断的癫痫患者或从未服用过抗癫痫药物的患者74例分为OXC治疗组(n=37)和PHT治疗组(n=37),OXC治疗组采用OXC单药治疗,成人起始剂量600mg,每天2次,每隔三天增加300mg/d,直至个体达到最佳剂量900—1800mg/d。PHT治疗组采用PHT单药治疗,个体治疗剂量维持在300—800mg/d之间。比较药物最佳剂量下的月平均发作次数与入组前的月平均发作次数以及药物不良反应情况。两组治疗和随访时间均为6个月。结果OXC治疗组达到完全控制、显效、有效、无效、恶化、退出的分别为12(32.43%)、10(27.03%)、9(24.32%)、6(16.21%)、0(0%)、0(0%)例;PHT治疗组分别为10(27.03%)、7(18.92%)、9(24.32%)、2(5.41%)、3(8.11%)、6(16.22%)例。两组比较差异有统计学意义(P=0.0383)。OXC治疗组出现不良反应仅3例(8.11%),而PHT治疗组有8例(21.62%),其中6例因不良反应退出。结论OXC对于各类癫痫疗效肯定,耐受性更好,无严重不良反应,可以替代传统抗癫药物进行单药治疗。     

托吡酯添加治疗儿童癫痫临床疗效观察

目的 观察托吡酯(TPM)添加治疗儿童癫痫的疗效.方法 采用不同剂量(3.2-12.0mg.kg-1·d-1 )的托吡酯添加治疗35例儿童部分性和或全身性癫痫(基线发作次数的中位值6次/月)的开放性研究.TPM治疗的平均时间为(447±142) d (范围28～582d),TPM持续治疗3个月和6个月的平均剂量为6.75mg.㎏-1·d-1.结果 >70%的患儿发作频率减少≥50%,38%(13/34)的患儿无发作持续3个月以,43% (14/32)的患儿无发作持续6个月以上.接受不同剂量TPM的治疗反应大致相同(p>0.05).而最常见的不良反应为中枢神经系统的表现.经过2年的治疗,26%的患儿因不良反应和发作未得到有效的控制而未继续用药.结论 TPM添加治疗儿童癫痫具有良好的耐受性和安全性,并可作为基础抗癫痫药物失败后长期控制癫痫发作的广谱癫痫药.     

奥卡西平治疗成人癫(癎)的疗效和安全性观察

目的:观察及评价奥卡西平单药治疗成年癫(癎)患者的疗效和安全性.方法:109例临床新确诊的成年癫(癎)患者随机分为2组,一组以奥卡西平单药治疗(OXC组),另一组予以传统抗癫(癎)药物(卡马西平或丙戊酸钠等)单药治疗(AEDs组),随访6个月,比较两组的癫(癎)发作频率和不良反应.结果:OXC组总有效率79.6%,完全控制率为42.6%,不良反应的发生率20.4%,且症状较轻,患者耐受性良好;AEDs组总有效率76.4%,完全控制率41.8%,不良反应的发生率38.2%,症状多为中度,需给予对症处理或停药.两组治疗总有效率无明显差异,不良反应发生率的差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论:奥卡西平抗癫(癎)疗效肯定,不良反应轻微,是一种广谱、有效、安全的新型抗癫(癎)药物.     

奥卡西平治疗儿童癫痫临床疗效观察

目的 观察奥卡西平治疗儿童癫痫患者的临床疗效和不良反应.方法 71例癫痫患儿,其中50例新诊断者进入单治组,21例应用过其他抗癫药物治疗者进入加治组.奥卡西平起始剂量5～10mg(kg·d),最大剂量30～40mg(kg·d),维持剂量中位值20mg(kg·d),bid.加治组其他抗癫药物的使用不变.通过自身对比开放性观察,分析单治组与加治组52周的疗效、不良反应、耐受性和安全性.结果 全部患者总有效率87.32%、控制率56.3%、累积退出率13.7%,其中2例(9.5%)失访,不良反应原因退出者3例(4.2%).单治组临床控制率(64%)显著高于加治组(39.1%).结论 奥卡西平是治疗儿童部分性发作和全面性强直-阵挛发作癫相对理想的药物选择.     

奥卡西平单药治疗成人新诊断癫痫疗效观察

目的 观察奥卡西平单药治疗成人新诊断癫痫的疗效和安全性.方法 使用奥卡西平单药治疗成人新诊断的癫痫患者32例,初始剂量150mg每晚,每周加量1次,4周增至目标剂量.结果 除2例因不良反应而停药外,其余30例均随访时间达6个月.部分性发作的25例患者中治疗有效21例(84%),完全控制发作19例;5例全面性发作的患者4例治疗有效,其中3例完全控制发作.不同的发作类型治疗差异无显著性.停药率低6.25%(2/32).结论 奥卡西平治疗成人新诊断癫痫疗效肯定.     

奥卡西平与卡马西平治疗部分性癫痫的对照研究

目的比较奥卡西平（oxcarbazepine,OXC）及卡马西平（camamazepjne,CBZ）单药治疗成人部分性癫痫的有效性和耐受性。方法将80例部分性癫痫患者（〉16岁）分为OXC组（38例）、CBZ组（42例）,分别给予OXC或CBZ单药治疗,对两组患者进行为期1年的临床对比观察。结果两组患者治疗后的保留率及治疗后3、6、12个月发作完全控制、显效、无效、恶化率的差异均无统计学意义（均P〉0．05）。OXC组总不良反应发生率（237％）明显低于CBZ组（4512％）,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;治疗后3个月两组患者不良反应发生率的差异无统计学意义（P〉O．05）,治疗后6、12个月OXC组的不良反应发生率低于CBZ组,差异有统计学意义（均P〈O05）。结论OXC单药治疗部分‘性癫痫的有效性与CBZ相当。OXC的不良反应发生率低于CBZ,且OXC的不良反应易发生于用药初期。     

The new antiepileptic drugs: scientific review

Context  The past decade has brought many advances to the treatment of epilepsy, including many new pharmacological agents. Primary care physicians often care for patients with epilepsy and therefore should be familiar with the new options available. Objective  To review data regarding the efficacy and tolerability of antiepileptic drugs introduced in the past decade. Data Sources  A search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed to identify all published human and English-language randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of the antiepileptic drugs that have been approved for use in the United States since 1990. Additional reports evaluating pharmacokinetic properties were identified through a MEDLINE search as well as review of article bibliographies. Study Selection and Data Extraction  Search terms included felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine, topiramate, tiagabine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, and zonisamide. Studies were selected if efficacy and tolerability were reported as major outcome measures. Included studies (n = 55) enrolled a minimum of 20 adult subjects and had a treatment period of at least 6 weeks. Data Synthesis  Eight new antiepileptic drugs have been approved for use in the United States in the past decade. Each new antiepileptic drug is well tolerated and demonstrates statistically significant reductions in seizure frequency over baseline. No randomized controlled trials have compared the new antiepileptic drugs with each other or against the traditional antiepileptic drugs. Although there is no evidence to suggest that the newer medications are more efficacious, several studies have demonstrated broader spectrum of activity, fewer drug interactions, and overall better tolerability of the new agents. Conclusions  New antiepileptic drugs offer many options in the treatment of epilepsy, each with unique mechanisms of action as well as adverse effect profiles. The new antiepileptic drugs are well tolerated with few adverse effects, minimal drug interactions, and a broad spectrum of activity.      

奥卡西平治疗儿童癫痫导致脑电图恶化1例报告并文献分析(英文)

目的伴有中央颞区尖波的儿童良性癫痫(benign epilepsy of childhood with centro-temporal spikes,BECT)是儿童中常见的部分性癫痫,卡马西平、奥卡西平、丙戊酸钠等药物治疗有效。文中观察奥卡西平对伴有中央颞区尖波的儿童良性癫痫的治疗效果。方法回顾性报道1例神经系统影像学检查未发现异常的6岁部分性癫痫患儿。结果最初以奥卡西平治疗,其原有的癫痫症状很快被控制,但脑电图随访过程中发现该例新诊断为部分性癫痫患者在奥卡西平单药治疗过程中脑电图恶化。随后,奥卡西平逐渐减量,并换用丙戊酸钠。当丙戊酸钠加至0.5g/d,该患者无癫痫发作且常规脑电图正常。结论虽然奥卡西平被认为是比卡马西平和苯妥英更易耐受的治疗部分性癫痫的一线药物,但应认识到它可能诱发新的癫痫发作形式和加重脑电图的异常。     

A follow-up study on newer anti-epileptic drugs as add-on and monotherapy for partial epilepsy in China

Background  Recently, new anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) have been more frequently selected to treat epilepsy. In the present study, we evaluated the dynamic changes of efficacy and safety of three newer AEDs for treating partial epilepsy in China.

Methods  Patients were collected sequentially and were divided into three groups which accepted oxcarbazepine (OXC), lamotrigine (LTG) or topiramate (TPM) therapy. Each group included monotherapy and add-on therapy subgroups. We followed all patients for one year and recorded the indexes of efficacy and safety in detail.

Results  A total of 909 patients finished the follow-up observation. No significant difference was found in proportion of patients with > or =50% reduction, > or =75% reduction and 100% seizure reduction in the LTG and OXC groups between the first and the second six months. In the TPM group there was a statistical difference between the first and the second six months in proportion of patients with > or =50% reduction (P=0.002), > or =75% reduction (P <0.0001) and 100% seizure reduction (P=0.009) in the monotherapy subgroup, and about > or = 75% reduction and 100% seizure reduction in the add-on therapy subgroup (P <0.0001). The efficacy between the add-on and monotherapy subgroups showed a statistical difference. The safety of the three newer AEDs was good.

Conclusions  The three newer AEDs all showed good efficacy and tolerability for partial epilepsy. And the efficacy can be maintained for at least one year.

     

Intrathecal ziconotide in the treatment of refractory pain in patients with cancer or AIDS: a randomized controlled trial

Context  Ziconotide (formerly SNX-111) selectively blocks N-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels and may be effective in patients with pain that is refractory to opioid therapy or those with intolerable opioid-related adverse effects. Objective  To assess the safety and efficacy of intrathecal ziconotide in patients with pain that is refractory to conventional treatment. Design, Setting, and Patients  Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial conducted from March 12, 1996, to July 11, 1998, at 32 study centers in the United States, Australia, and the Netherlands. Patients were 111 individuals ages 24 to 85 years with cancer or AIDS and a mean Visual Analog Scale of Pain Intensity (VASPI) score of 50 mm or greater. Patients were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive ziconotide or placebo treatment. Interventions  Intrathecal ziconotide was titrated over 5 to 6 days, followed by a 5-day maintenance phase for responders and crossover of nonresponders to the opposite treatment group. Main Outcome Measure  Mean percentage change in VASPI score from baseline to the end of the initial titration period. Results  Of the evaluable population, 67 (98.5%) of 68 patients receiving ziconotide and 38 (95%) of 40 patients receiving placebo were taking opioids at baseline (median morphine equivalent dosage of 300 mg/d for the ziconotide group and 600 mg/d for the placebo group; P = .63, based on mean values), and 36 had used intrathecal morphine. Mean (SD) VASPI scores were 73.6 (1.8) mm in the ziconotide group and 77.9 (2.3) mm in the placebo group (P = .18). Mean VASPI scores improved 53.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 44.0%-62.2%) in the ziconotide group and 18.1% (95% CI, 4.8%-31.4%) in the placebo group (P<.001), with no loss of efficacy of ziconotide in the maintenance phase. Pain relief was moderate to complete in 52.9% of patients in the ziconotide group compared with 17.5% in the placebo group (P<.001). Five patients receiving ziconotide achieved complete pain relief, and 50.0% of patients receiving ziconotide responded to therapy compared with 17.5% of those receiving placebo (P = .001). Conclusion  Intrathecal ziconotide provided clinically and statistically significant analgesia in patients with pain from cancer or AIDS.      

Abciximab as adjunctive therapy to reperfusion in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis of randomized trials

Context  The benefits of abciximab in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are still a matter of debate. Objective  To combine data from all randomized trials conducted with abciximab in STEMI. Data Sources  Formal searches of electronic databases (MEDLINE, PubMed) from from January 1990 to December 2004. Study Selection  We examined all completed, published, randomized trials of abciximab in STEMI. The following key words were used for study selection: randomized trial, myocardial infarction, reperfusion, primary angioplasty, facilitated angioplasty, stenting, fibrinolysis, IIb-IIIa inhibitors, and abciximab. Data Extraction  Information on study design, type and dosage of drugs, inclusion and exclusion criteria, number of patients, and clinical outcome was extracted by 2 investigators. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. Data Synthesis  Eleven trials were analyzed, involving 27115 patients (12 602 [46.5%] in the abciximab group, 14 513 [53.5%] in the control group). When compared with the control group, abciximab was associated with a significant reduction in short-term (30 days) mortality (2.4% vs 3.4%, P = .047) and long-term (6-12 months) mortality (4.4% vs 6.2%, P = .01) in patients undergoing primary angioplasty but not in those treated with fibrinolysis or in all trials combined. Abciximab was associated with a significant reduction in 30-day reinfarction, both in all trials combined (2.1% vs 3.3%, P<.001), in primary angioplasty (1.0% vs 1.9%, P = .03), and in fibrinolysis trials (2.3% vs 3.6%, P<.001). Abciximab did not result in an increased risk of intracranial bleeding (0.61% vs 0.62%, P = .62) but was associated with an increased risk of major bleeding complications when combined with fibrinolysis (5.2% vs 3.1%, P<.001) but not with primary angioplasty (4.7% vs 4.1%, P = .36). Conclusions  This meta-analysis shows that, when compared with the control group, adjunctive abciximab for STEMI is associated with a significant reduction in 30-day and long-term mortality in patients treated with primary angioplasty but not in those receiving fibrinolysis. The 30-day reinfarction rate is significantly reduced in patients treated with either fibrinolysis or primary angioplasty. A higher risk of major bleeding complications is observed with abciximab in association with fibrinolysis.      

Prehospital hypertonic saline resuscitation of patients with hypotension and severe traumatic brain injury: a randomized controlled trial

Context  Prehospital hypertonic saline (HTS) resuscitation of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) may increase survival but whether HTS improves neurological outcomes is unknown. Objective  To determine whether prehospital resuscitation with intravenous HTS improves long-term neurological outcome in patients with severe TBI compared with resuscitation with conventional fluids. Design, Setting, and Patients  Double-blind, randomized controlled trial of 229 patients with TBI who were comatose (Glasgow Coma Scale score, <9) and hypotensive (systolic blood pressure, <100 mm Hg). The patients were enrolled between December 14, 1998, and April 9, 2002, in Melbourne, Australia. Interventions  Patients were randomly assigned to receive a rapid intravenous infusion of either 250 mL of 7.5% saline (n = 114) or 250 mL of Ringer's lactate solution (n = 115; controls) in addition to conventional intravenous fluid and resuscitation protocols administered by paramedics. Treatment allocation was concealed. Main Outcome Measure  Neurological function at 6 months, measured by the extended Glasgow Outcome Score (GOSE). Results  Primary outcomes were obtained in 226 (99%) of 229 patients enrolled. Baseline characteristics of the groups were equivalent. At hospital admission, the mean serum sodium level was 149 mEq/L for HTS patients vs 141 mEq/L for controls (P<.001). The proportion of patients surviving to hospital discharge was similar in both groups (n = 63 [55%] for HTS group and n = 57 [50%] for controls; P = .32); at 6 months, survival rates were n = 62 (55%) in the HTS group and n = 53 (47%) in the control group (P = .23). At 6 months, the median (interquartile range) GOSE was 5 (3-6) in the HTS group vs 5 (5-6) in the control group (P = .45). There was no significant difference between the groups in favorable outcomes (moderate disability and good outcome survivors [GOSE of 5-8]) (risk ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.76-1.30; P = .96) or in any other measure of postinjury neurological function. Conclusion  In this study, patients with hypotension and severe TBI who received prehospital resuscitation with HTS had almost identical neurological function 6 months after injury as patients who received conventional fluid.      

Fish oil supplementation and risk of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation in patients with implantable defibrillators: a randomized controlled trial

Context  Clinical studies of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have shown a reduction in sudden cardiac death, suggesting that omega-3 PUFAs may have antiarrhythmic effects. Objective  To determine whether omega-3 PUFAs have beneficial antiarrhythmic effects in patients with a history of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF). Design and Setting  Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial performed at 6 US medical centers with enrollment from February 1999 until January 2003. Patients  Two hundred patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and a recent episode of sustained VT or VF. Intervention  Patients were randomly assigned to receive fish oil, 1.8 g/d, 72% omega-3 PUFAs, or placebo and were followed up for a median of 718 days (range, 20-828 days). Main Outcome Measures  Time to first episode of ICD treatment for VT/VF, changes in red blood cell concentrations of omega-3 PUFAs, frequency of recurrent VT/VF events, and predetermined subgroup analyses. Results  Patients randomized to receive fish oil had an increase in the mean percentage of omega-3 PUFAs in red blood cell membranes from 4.7% to 8.3% (P<.001), with no change observed in patients receiving placebo. At 6, 12, and 24 months, 46% (SE, 5%), 51% (5%), and 65% (5%) of patients randomized to receive fish oil had ICD therapy for VT/VF compared with 36% (5%), 41% (5%), and 59% (5%) for patients randomized to receive placebo (P = .19). In the subset of 133 patients whose qualifying arrhythmia was VT, 61% (SE, 6%), 66% (6%), and 79% (6%) of patients in the fish oil group had VT/VF at 6, 12, and 24 months compared with 37% (6%), 43% (6%), and 65% (6%) of patients in the control group (P = .007). Recurrent VT/VF events were more common in patients randomized to receive fish oil (P<.001). Conclusion  Among patients with a recent episode of sustained ventricular arrhythmia and an ICD, fish oil supplementation does not reduce the risk of VT/VF and may be proarrhythmic in some patients.      

Whooping Cough Caused by Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis in an Immunized Population

Context.— The prevalence of Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis infections among outpatients in an immunized population is not known. Objective.— To study the prevalence of these infections in outpatients with paroxysmal cough in Finland, where the pertussis vaccine coverage of 4 doses is 98%. Design.— Prospective cohort study. Setting.— Thirty-two health centers in southwestern Finland. Patients.— A total of 584 patients with paroxysmal cough seen at local health centers from October 1994 through March 1997 from whom nasopharyngeal swabs were collected. Main Outcome Measures.— Prevalence of positive cultures for B pertussis or B parapertussis and/or positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results and frequency of symptoms in those with pertussis and parapertussis. Results.— A total of 153 subjects (26.2%) had Bordetella infection by culture or PCR: 93 (60.8%) had B pertussis infection, 49 (32.0%) had B parapertussis infection, and 11 (7.2%) had both. Of these cases, 39 (25.5%) had positive cultures and 95 (62.1%) had positive PCR results for B pertussis, and 19 (12.4%) had positive cultures and 55 (35.9%) had positive PCR results for B parapertussis. At the time of diagnosis, no difference was found in the frequency of symptoms between patients with B parapertussis infection and those with B pertussis infection. Bordetella parapertussis infection was as common as B pertussis infection in children before school entry, whereas in schoolchildren and adults, B pertussis infection was more common than B parapertussis infection (P<.001). Conclusion.— Bordetella infections are common in an immunized population, and B parapertussis infections apparently are more prevalent than previously documented.      

Role of Seroconversion in Confirming Cure of Helicobacter pylori Infection

Context.— The role of serologic testing to confirm cure of Helicobacter pylori infection after antimicrobial therapy is not completely defined. Objective.— To determine the utility of serologic testing in confirming cure of H pylori infection more than 1 year after therapy. Design.— A prospective, before-after interventional trial. Setting.— An outpatient clinical research laboratory in an academic, urban Veterans Affairs medical center. Participants.— Twenty-three otherwise healthy men and women with active H pylori infection demonstrated by gastric biopsy and with positive H pylori serologic findings. Intervention.— A 14-day course of bismuth, tetracycline, and metronidazole. Main Outcome Measures.— Determination of IgG serum antibodies to H pylori at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and approximately 18 months after completion of therapy compared with serial gastric mucosal biopsy specimens with stains for H pylori and for histologic examination as the criterion standard. Results.— Fifteen (65%) of 23 subjects were cured of their H pylori infection as assessed by gastric biopsy, with elimination of gastritis; median antibody levels declined from 92.5 U/mL at baseline to undetectable levels at 18 months. The other 8 subjects (35%) were not cured and had persistent gastritis at 18 months; median antibody levels declined from 130.6 U/mL at baseline to 89.7 U/mL at 18 months. Sensitivity and specificity of seroconversion (from a positive to negative test result) in detecting cure of H pylori infection were 60% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion.— Undetectable antibody levels beyond the first year of therapy accurately confirm cure of H pylori infection in initially seropositive healthy subjects, with reasonable sensitivity.