Utility of the STOP-Bang and Epworth scales and the neck-to-height ratio to detect severe obstructive apnea-hypopnea syndrome in severe obesity

BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is present in 80% of patients evaluated for bariatric surgery (BS). Extensive evaluation is not widely available, but treatment is mandatory for severe cases. The Snore, Tiredness, Observed apneas and Pressure - Body mass index, Age, Neck circumference and Gender (STOP-Bang) and Epworth questionnaires and neck-to-height ratio (NHtR) are accessible clinical tools to screen for sleep and metabolic disturbances, but their utility to detect severe OSAHS in patients with severe obesity has not been determined.ObjectivesTo evaluate the cutoff point of those clinical tools that may predict severe OSAHS, confirmed by polysomnography in patients referred for BS.SettingTertiary referral center in Mexico City.MethodsWe applied the STOP-Bang and Epworth questionnaires, evaluated anthropometric characteristics, and collected samples for arterial gasometry and metabolic parameters from 68 patients with severe obesity, who were then referred for polysomnography before their evaluation for BS.ResultsOf the 68 patients participating in the study, 67.7% were female, with a median age of 43 years (35–49 years) and a body mass index (BMI) of 45.5 kg/m² (42.4–50.9 kg/m²; 28.3% had a BMI ≥ 50 kg/m²). A STOP-Bang cutoff >5 points had a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 90% for detecting severe OSAHS (area under the curve [AUC] = .962); meanwhile, an NHtR >.25 had a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 52.5% (AUC = .759). The Epworth scale score >11 points had a sensitivity of 57.1% and specificity of 83.3% (AUC = .802).ConclusionClinical data may be useful to detect severe sleep apnea in high-risk populations, allowing for rapid referral and better use of resources.     

Non-traumatic brain abscess

Between 1953 and 1989 eighty cases of non-traumatic brain abscess were treated in our department. We have re-examined the clinical and neuroradiological features of this pathological process and present our therapeutic approach and results. We believe that the optimal treatment for brain abscess consists of surgical removal.The prognosis for these lesions has undergone a marked improvement over the last two decades in response to neuroradiological, microbiological and surgical advances. The most influential prognostic factor seems to be preoperative clinical status.     

Epidural anesthesia in anin vitro fertilization and embryo transfer program

Objectives To investigate the potential advantages of epidural anesthesia in an in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer program.Study Design Between January 1991 and December 1992, 148 infertile patients underwent transvaginal ultrasound guided oocyte retrieval. A total of 44 patients (group A) had 50 retrievals under epidural anesthesia, and 104 patients (group B, control group) 112 retrievals under intravenous sedation (propofol) with mask-assisted ventilation (nitrous oxide).Results In group A satisfactory anesthesia was achieved in 49 of the 50 cases (98%); one patient required additional intravenous administration of propofol owing to extreme anxiety. No complications were observed. Adversely, in group B nausea was observed in 16 cases (14%) and nausea and vomiting in 7 cases (6%). In group A the fertilization, cleavage and pregnancy rates were 67.2%, 92% and 20% respectively, while in group B the rates were 69.3%, 93% and 19.6% respectively; the differences are not statistically significant.Conclusions Epidural anesthesia is an effective method for transvaginal oocyte retrieval but does not improve the treatment outcome as compared to an intravenous sedation with mask-assisted ventilation using propofol and nitrous oxide.     

Bioequivalence of Two Recombinant Human Growth Hormones in Healthy Male Volunteers after Subcutaneous Administration

The bioequivalence of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) (somatropin) and its N-methionyl variant (Met-hGH) [Protropin((R)) (somatrem for injection)] was determined in 42 healthy male volunteers (n = 21 per treatment) who were randomized to receive either protein by subcutaneous administration of 0.1 mg kg(minus sign1). Serum samples were collected over 24 h after the injection, and the concentration of human growth hormone (hGH) were determined by an immunoradiometric assay. Bioequivalence of the two proteins was assessed by determining whether the 90% confidence limits for the ratio of geometric means using logarithmically transformed AUC and C(max) parameters (log(10)AUC(0--24), log(10)AUC(0--infty infinity), and log(10)C(max)) were within the 80--125% range. The bioequivalence of the two treatments was also tested by calculating a bioequivalance index (xi(2)) that measured the difference between the two mean concentration-time profiles. The 90% confidence intervals for the ratios of the geometric means for AUC were within the prescribed 80--125% range for bioequivalence. The upper limit of the 90% confidence interval for the ratio of the geometric means for C(max) fell slightly outside the 125% criterion even though the geometric mean itself, 106.6%, was very close to the ideal of 100%. There was a larger standard error associated with C(max) than with the AUCs, and this marginally larger confidence limit for C(max) resulted more from the variance among the subject than to the difference in the means. In fact, the bioequivalence index, xi(2), was 0.075, indicating that the mean curves after rhGH and Met-hGH are essentially superimposable.     

PRELIMINARY RESEARCH ON ACUPUNCTURE EFFECTS IN IMMUNOLOGY

Experimental research has recently shown that acupuncture induces the formation of o-pioid-like peptides in animals.The role ofβ-endorphin in the mechanism of acupuncture is discussed:some authors maintain the hormonal hypothesis,others the role of neurotransmltters and,up to thepresent,no convincing evidence for either hypothesis has been demonstrated.In order to provide fur-ther evidence,we tested the β-endorphin levels and other parameters（VLP,lymphocyte subsets,NKcells and phagocyte activity of monocytes）in a group of 90 patients suffering from various painful dis-orders treated with acupuncture.Zusanli（ST 36）and Hegu（LI 4）acupoints were selected.A homo-geneous group of 30 subjects was used as control.Evaluation of the above parameters was made with3 series of blood tests;before treatment,30 minutes and 24 hours after acupuncture treatment.In theacupuncture group,the following results were achieved: a）A considerable increase in β-endorphin levels,which remained high even 24 hours afteracup     

Turcot's syndrome: Case report and review of the classification

Summary We report a case of association of a brain tumor with multiple colorectal polyposis and offer an analysis of the relevant literature with a view to revising the classification of the syndrome in relation to familial multiple polyposis and Gardner's syndrome. Differences emerged, depending on the brain tumor type, which suggests that this association may be classified as two distinct syndromes.