Changes in ventilatory mechanics and diaphragmatic function after lung volume reduction surgery in patients with COPD

BACKGROUND: Lung volume reduction (LVR) has recently been used to treat severe emphysema. About 25% of the volume of each lung is removed with this method. Little is known about the mechanism of functional improvement so a study was undertaken to investigate the changes in ventilatory mechanics and diaphragmatic function in eight patients after LVR. METHODS: Measurements of work of breathing (WOB), intrinsic positive end expiratory pressure (PEEPi), dynamic compliance (Cdyn), and arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) were performed on the day before surgery and daily for seven days after surgery, as well as one, three, and six months after surgery. All measurements were performed on spontaneously breathing patients, simultaneously assessing oesophageal pressure via an oesophageal balloon catheter and air flow via a tightly adjusted mask. Diaphragmatic function was evaluated by measuring oesophageal and transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) preoperatively and at one, three, and six months postoperatively. RESULTS: Mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was 23 (3.6)% predicted, and all patients were oxygen dependent before the-operation. One day after LVR the mean decrease in WOB was 0.93 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46 to 1.40) joule/l, the mean decrease in PEEPi was 0.61 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.87) kPa, and the mean increase in Cdyn was 182.5 (95% CI 80.0 to 284.2) ml/kPa. Similar changes were found seven days and six months after surgery. PaCO2 was higher on the day after the operation but was significantly reduced six months later. Pdi was increased three and six months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Ventilatory mechanics improved immediately after LVR, probably by decompression of lung tissue and relief of thoracic distension. An improvement in diaphragmatic function three and six months postoperatively also contributes to improved respiratory function after LVR.


     

An outbreak of watermelon-borne pesticide toxicity.

The largest reported United States outbreak of illness caused by a foodborne pesticide was due to aldicarb-contaminated watermelons. In Oregon, where the first episodes of toxicity were reported, 264 reports were received, and 61 definite cases were identified. Residues of aldicarb, a cholinesterase inhibitor, were found in 10 of 16 tested melons which had been eaten by persons meeting the case definition. The outbreak demonstrates the need for enhanced physician vigilance with respect to anticholinesterase intoxication. It also demonstrates the value of an established system for reporting of unusual illness to public health officials.     

Longitudinal in vivo effects of growth hormone overexpression on bone in transgenic mice.

In this study we examined the effect of systemic overexpression of GH on bone in transgenic mice longitudinally in vivo over a period of 9 months. We observed substantially increased BMC in GH transgenic mice and a significant reduction in serum osteocalcin. GH effects on bone were strongly dependent on gender and developmental stage. INTRODUCTION: State-of-the-art bone marker and microimaging technology was applied in this longitudinal study to examine bone metabolism, BMC, bone density, and cortical bone structure over the life span of growth hormone (GH) transgenic (tg) mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight mice from four genetic groups (male, female, tg, and controls) were examined with DXA, and their femur and tibia were examined with peripheral QCT (pQCT). Osteocalcin (formation) and collagen cross-links (resorption) from serum and urine were also measured at postnatal weeks 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 26, and 38. RESULTS: GH tg mice displayed a significant increase in body weight (up to 50%) and BMC (up to 90%), but serum osteocalcin was significantly reduced compared with controls. GH tg females (but not males) displayed increased trabecular density over controls up to week 12. In contrast, male (but not female) GH tg mice displayed a higher cortical cross-sectional area than controls. Cortical density was significantly lower in both male and female GH tg mice compared with control mice. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in BMC in GH tg mice is associated with reduced serum osteocalcin levels, indicating that bone turnover may be lower than in the control mice. On a structural level, bone responds to GH excess in a gender-specific manner, with alterations varying substantially between different developmental stages.     

Allergenic structures in cockroach hypersensitivity

The tissues from which cockroach allergens were derived were identified by use of serum IgE of five patients with allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma as a result of hypersensitivity to German cockroach. RAST and skin test results demonstrated four of five patients to be positive to cockroach only, and one patient was tested positive to house dust mite as well. Allergen-specific IgE binding to German cockroach was investigated by cryostat sections by means of immunofluorescent test. In all patients with cockroach hypersensitivity, we found IgE bound to the gastrointestinal epithelium and contents of the intestinal tract. In four cases, IgE was also bound to the Malpighian vessels (equivalent in function to kidneys). In three cases, IgE was also bound to the ovarian cells. All cases revealed cytoplasmic staining.     

Kollagenfolien als temporärer Hautersatz. Klinische und patho-anatomische Untersuchungen

Zusammenfassung Im Kaninchenversuch wurde eine neue Kollagenfolie (COL 65–70, 65–71) im Vergleich mit Polypyrrolidonpulver, Teflonfilz und unbehandelten Kontrollen zur temporären Hautdeckung nach flächenhafter Hautverbrennung getestet. Bei der verwandten Kollagenfolie handelt es sich um gereinigtes tierisches Kollagen, das nach seiner Lösung wieder gefällt wurde. Nach einem patentierten Verfahren wurden hierbei die Moleküle wieder ausgerichtet, so daß eine gewisse physikalische Festigkeit gewährleistet ist. Ein Weichmacherzusatz bewirkt die Geschmeidigkeit. Zur Verhinderung der unerwünschten Austrocknung nach Auflage auf die Wundfläche wurde die Kollagen-Gelplatte mit einer härteren Kollagenfolie abgedeckt. Eine feingeweblich erfaßbare Abwehrreaktion des Wirtsorganismus gegen die Kollagenfolie bzw. eine entzündliche Demarkation konnte an unserem Versuchskollektiv nicht nachgewiesen werden.

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Summary Along with polypyrrolidon powder and teflon felt, a new collagen foil has been evaluated for the temporary closure of skin defects caused by experimental third degree burns in rabbits. A control serics remained untreated. The collagen foil applied was obtained from animal connective tissues the fibrils of which were regenerated after liquefaction. According to a patent procedure the collagen molecules were reconverted. By the addition of a weakener the flexibility of the foil could be changed. In order to avoid an undesired exsiccation after covering the burn wound the collagen foil was protected by a tanned collagen film layer. In the present material, no defensive reactions of the recipient organisms against the collagen foil nor any inflammatory demarcations could be noticed by means of microscopic examination.

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Herrn Prof. Dr. Drs. h. c. Dr. h. c.K. H. Bauer zum 75. Geburtstag in Verehrung und Dankbarkeit zugeeignet.     

GDC栓塞术中颅内动脉瘤再破裂的原因、对策与结果

目的探讨电解脱弹簧圈(Guglialm i detachab le coil,GDC)颅内动脉瘤栓塞术中动脉瘤再破裂的发生率、原因、对策及结果。方法302例颅内动脉瘤破裂患者行GDC栓塞术,其中8例发生术中动脉瘤再破裂。结果2例由微导丝穿破动脉瘤壁引起,3例由微导管穿破动脉瘤壁引起,2例由置放首枚弹簧圈时顶破动脉瘤壁引起,l例术中自发破裂,所有病例均继续行GDC动脉瘤填塞。2例死于动脉瘤破裂后大出血,其他6例均康复没有留下后遗症。本组术中动脉瘤再破裂发生率为2.6%,死亡率为25%。结论GDC血管内栓塞术中引起动脉瘤再破裂是十分少见的,但大部分病例经过继续填塞GDC可达到完全填塞动脉瘤,且不留下后遗症。     

Combined endovascular therapy of ruptured aneurysms and cerebral vasospasm

We describe two patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage due to a ruptured intracranial aneurysm and severe symptomatic vasospasm. The aneurysm was occluded with detachable coils followed by intra-arterial infusion of papaverine to treat vasospasm as an one-stage procedure. There was significant resolution of the vasospasm. The long-term clinical outcome in one patient was excellent, the other still has minor deficits. Combined endovascular aneurysm therapy followed by intra-arterial spasmolysis with papaverine is a technically feasable therapeutic alternative in patients with symptomatic vasospasm. Received: 5 November 1999/Accepted: 12 July 2000     

Entomophthoramycosis by Conidiobolus coronatus. Report of a case successfully treated with the combination of itraconazole and fluconazole

Rhinoentomophthoramycosis caused by Conidiobolus coronatus in a 61-year old woman was unsuccessfully treated during 8 years with all the antifungals available in the Brazilian market, including potassium iodide for 1 month, sulfamethoxazole plus trimethoprim for 2 months, amphotericin B, total dose of 1130 mg, cetoconazole, 400 mg/day for 6 months, fluconazole, 200 mg/day, for at least 2 months and, itraconazole, 400 mg/day for 2 months, followed by 200 mg/day for 4 more months. Complete clinical and mycological cure was achieved using itraconazol 400 mg/day in association with fluconazol 200 mg/day during 24 months. After cure she was submitted to plastic surgery to repair her facial deformation. Today she remains clinically and mycologically cured after 59/60 months (5 years!) without any specific antifungal. We thus suggest the use of the combination of itraconazole and fluconazole as an additional option for the treatment of this mycosis.