Heart rate variability in the neonate and infant: analytical methods, physiological and clinical observations

Naturally occurring oscillations in heart rate have long been considered to reflect the modulating influences of the autonomic nervous system. Individual reports of heart rate variability in healthy and sick neonates and infants have provided valuable information as to pathophysiological changes in autonomic cardiovascular control. It is evident that prematurity and poor health are reflected in attenuated heart rate variability. However, at present, there are few standard criteria for the analysis of heart rate variability, preventing precise comparisons among the various studies. Until recommendations for standardized analytical methods are made, clinical application of heart rate variability in neonatal and infant prognosis and therapy remains premature.     

Vitamin K1 metabolism and the production of des-carboxy prothrombin and protein C in the term and premature neonate

This study investigated the incidences of undercarboxylated (protein induced by vitamin K absence: PIVKA) prothrombin and protein C in 496 neonates across a wide range of gestational ages. These findings are related to vitamin K1 levels (an indicator of cofactor availability) and vitamin K1 epoxide levels (a measure of the efficiency of the hepatic vitamin K cycle). PIVKA protein C was present in at least trace amounts in 27% of infants; whereas, PIVKA prothrombin was present in 7% of infants. PIVKA prothrombin and protein C were present at high plasma concentrations in 2% to 3% of term and preterm neonates and both PIVKA protein C and prothrombin increased with gestational age. Despite elevated plasma concentrations of PIVKA protein C and diminished levels of normally carboxylated protein C, clinical thrombosis was not observed. The mean (+/- SD) vitamin K1 level in the study population was 0.009 +/- 0.02 nmol/L (adult reference interval: 0.3 to 2.6 nmol/L) with no clear relationship between vitamin K1 levels and production of PIVKA protein C or prothrombin. By comparison with adults, the epoxide form of the vitamin comprised an abnormally high proportion of total vitamin K1; this suggests possible inefficiencies in hepatic reductase cycling.     

Effects of recombinant human interleukin-6 in cancer patients: a phase I-II study

To define the toxicity profile of recombinant human interleukin-6 (rhIL- 6) and to study its effect on hematopoiesis, biochemical parameters and other cytokines, rhIL-6 was administered in a phase I-II study to 20 patients with breast carcinoma or nonsmall cell lung cancer. RhIL-6 doses were 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10, and 20 micrograms/kg/d, with at least three patients per dose level. RhIL-6 was administered 24 hours by continuous intravenous infusion followed by subcutaneous (SC) administration for 6 days, partly on an outpatient basis. RhIL-6- related side effects were fever, headache, myalgia, and local erythema. Starting at 2.5 micrograms/kg/d, these side effects were compounded by nausea, reversible increase in liver enzymes, and anemia. Flu-like symptoms were controllable up to and including 10 micrograms rhIL- 6/kg/d with acetaminophen. RhIL-6 increased platelet counts with a decrease in mean platelet volume and increased leukocytes caused by neutrophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte increase, with an increase in T cells and natural killer cells at 1.0 and 2.5 micrograms rhIL-6/kg/d. The reversible anemia was characterized by a decrease in serum iron, and an increase in ferritin and erythropoietin without reticulocytosis. RhIL-6 reduced total cholesterol levels and a dose-related increase of C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A plasma levels was observed. Serum IL-6 levels were increased, especially at 10 and 20 micrograms/kg/d, whereas no change in IL-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels was observed. RhIL-6 can be administered with controllable side effects in this setting, up to and including a SC dose of 10 micrograms/kg/d on an outpatient basis, and has a promising stimulating effect on leukopoiesis and thrombopoiesis.     

The short test of mental status. Correlations with standardized psychometric testing

The Short Test of Mental Status can be administered to patients in inpatient and outpatient settings in approximately 5 minutes, and it contains items that test orientation, attention, immediate recall, arithmetic, abstraction, construction, information, and delayed (approximately 3 minutes) recall. The test was administered to a group of demented community patients and their age- and sex-matched control subjects. Using an age-adjusted approach, sensitivity of the test to identifying dementia is 86.4, with a specificity of 93.5. The test was compared with standardized tests of cognitive function such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Mattis Dementia Scale, and the Auditory Verbal Learning Test, and showed a high degree of correlation. Group means and standard deviations for subtest items and total score are presented for control subjects (n = 138), demented patients (n = 130), and patients with memory impairment only (n = 20). Percentile scores for subtest items in control subjects are also provided.     

Is there a clinically significant gender bias in post-myocardial infarction pharmacological management in the older (>60) population of a primary care practice?

Background  

Differences in the management of coronary artery disease between men and women have been reported in the literature. There are few studies of potential inequalities of treatment that arise from a primary care context. This study investigated the existence of such inequalities in the medical management of post myocardial infarction in older patients.     

Comparison of vaginal gel isoflavones versus no topical treatment in vaginal dystrophy: results of a preliminary prospective study

Objective: Vaginal dystrophy due to hypo-oestrogenism takes advantage of local and systemic oestrogens to balance the vaginal ecosystem and improve tissue hydration. Women who do not accept/tolerate hormone therapy can use intravaginal isoflavones to relieve vaginal dryness. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effect of a vaginal gel formulation containing isoflavones compared with no topical treatment in women with vaginal dystrophy. Material and methods: In a multicentre, controlled, parallel-group study, menopausal women with vaginal dystrophy were randomized to vaginal gel (EG) or no topical treatment (NT) for 4 weeks. EG contained isoflavones, Lactobacillus sporogenes, Calendula officinalis extract and lactic acid (Estromineral Gel, Rottapharm-Madaus). All patients received daily oral isoflavones plus L. sporogenes. Clinical evaluations were performed at time 0, 2 and 4 weeks. Results: 186 women were recruited, 103 in the EG group and 83 in the NT group, mean age 53.7 years, postmenopausal for 4.1 years. The severity of itching, burning, vulvovaginal erythema, vaginal dryness and dyspareunia were significantly reduced during EG treatment compared with the NT group. Conclusions: The combination of oral and topical isoflavones was shown to be more effective than oral treatment alone in reducing the problems of postmenopausal vaginal dystrophy.