血游离甲状腺激素测定对甲亢的诊断价值

作者用放免法测定了57例甲亢患者血中游离甲状腺激素(FT_3、FT_4)水平,并与总甲状腺激素(TT_3、TT_4)测定结果进行了比较。结果表明:FT_3诊断符合率达100％,FT_3及FT_4升高的幅度比TT_3及TT_4大,对TT_3及TT_4升高不明显或在正常高限的病人,测FT_3及FT_4有诊断价值;对不典型甲亢的诊断及甲亢治疗期代谢控制情况的判断,FT_3及FT_4优于TT_3及TT_4。     

Extended follow up after isolated aortic valve replacement in the elderly

The present paper reviews the extended follow up of all patients aged >/=70 who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement at our institution in the 1980s. Patients were identified from the surgical database and clinical information was gathered. Long-term follow up information was obtained from the patient, their family, or doctor. Ninety-three patients aged >/=70 years (median 73, range 70-80) comprised the study population. The indication for surgery was aortic stenosis in 68 patients (73%). Fifty-two patients (56%) received an allograft valve, 17 (18%) a bioprosthetic valve, and 24 (26%) a mechanical prosthesis. The median hospital stay was 12 days (range 0-105 days). Five surgical deaths occurred. Detailed follow up was obtained for the 71 patients who died later, and the 16 living patients (one patient lost). The median length of follow up was 6.8 years (range 0.1-18.9 years). Patients who received an allograft aortic valve had a significantly better long-term survival (median 10.6, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 8.1-13.8 years) compared to those receiving mechanical or bioprosthetic valves (median 6.5, 95% CI 4.7-11.9 years), P = 0.03. For the entire group, survival was similar to the age- and sex-matched population. Of the 16 patients alive at follow up (mean age 87, range 83-92), most were free of angina (12, 75%) and heart failure (10, 63%). The conclusion from the current study is that isolated aortic valve surgery in the elderly, particularly with an allograft valve, is associated with an excellent long-term outcome. A survival benefit was demonstrated comparing allograft aortic valve replacement to other valve types.