An association between acute bronchitis and asthma

The relationship between the common acute bronchitis syndrome and atopic disease was examined using a retrospective, case-control method. The charts of 116 acute bronchitis patients and of a control group of 60 patients with irritable colon syndrome were reviewed for evidence of previous and subsequent atopic disease or asthma. Bronchitis patients were more likely to have a previous history of asthma, a personal history or diagnosis of atopic disease, and more previous and subsequent visits for acute bronchitis. The main finding of the study was a tenfold increase in the subsequent visit rate for asthma in the acute bronchitis group. Thirty percent of patients with acute bronchitis made return visits for unresolved cough despite an 83 percent rate of antibiotic use. These findings challenge the common belief that the symptoms of acute bronchitis are solely infectious in origin and suggest the involvement of occult bronchospasm.     

Mapping corpus callosum deficits in autism: an index of aberrant cortical connectivity.

BACKGROUND: Volumetric studies have reported reductions in the size of the corpus callosum (CC) in autism, but the callosal regions contributing to this deficit have differed among studies. In this study, a computational method was used to detect and map the spatial pattern of CC abnormalities in male patients with autism. METHODS: Twenty-four boys with autism (aged 10.0 +/- 3.3 years) and 26 control boys (aged 11.0 +/- 2.5 years) underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan at 3 Tesla. Total and regional areas of the CC were determined using traditional morphometric methods. Three-dimensional (3D) surface models of the CC were also created from the MRI scans. Statistical maps were created to visualize morphologic variability of the CC and to localize regions of callosal thinning in autism. RESULTS: Traditional morphometric methods detected a significant reduction in the total callosal area and in the anterior third of the CC in patients with autism; however, 3D maps revealed significant reductions in both the splenium and genu of the CC in patients. CONCLUSIONS: Statistical maps of the CC revealed callosal deficits in autism with greater precision than traditional morphometric methods. These abnormalities suggest aberrant connections between cortical regions, which is consistent with the hypothesis of abnormal cortical connectivity in autism.     

Complications of choledochal cysts in adulthood

Choledochal cyst is a well-recognised entity, presenting primarily in infants and young children. Where symptoms are delayed until adulthood, associated hepatobiliary pathology may complicate the presentation. These problems may be aggravated by previous treatment with bypass surgery rather than resection. We report seven cases from our recent experience presenting with complications in adulthood. These included cholangitis, hepatic abscess, pancreatitis and malignancy within the cyst. Two patients presented during pregnancy. These complications and their implications for management are discussed.     

Biofeedback in colorectal practice

PURPOSE: Biofeedback treatment is often offered to patients in colorectal centers; however, standards of treatment are still lacking. A dedicated team approach is desirable but difficult to coordinate. We present our three-year experience of electromyographic-based biofeedback treatment offered within a multicenter, statewide organization. METHODS: Between October 1992 and October 1995, 188 patients completed a biofeedback treatment program in one of five coordinated centers within a 200-mile radius. A unified common database was established and continuously updated. A colorectal surgeon served as statewide director, and dedicated teams were established at each location. Each local team included the medical director and a certified biofeedback therapist and had access to a dietitian and a nurse data coordinator. Electromyographic-based biofeedback sessions were given weekly, and a home trainer program was established. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients with chronic constipation had a mean of eight (range, 2–14) weekly sessions. A total of 72 patients with fecal incontinence had a mean of seven (range, 2–11) weekly sessions. A total of 84 percent of the constipated and 85 percent of the incontinent patients had significant improvement with biofeedback treatment. Patient compliance and satisfaction were high. Constipated patients increased the mean number of weekly unassisted bowel movements from 0.8 to 6.5. Incontinent patients decreased the mean number of weekly gross incontinence episodes from 11.8 to 2. CONCLUSIONS: Biofeedback treatment can be extremely successful in both incontinent and constipated patients. A large geographic area can be covered with coordinated centers in which each dedicated team uses a unified treatment protocol, and a common database is established.Poster presentation at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Seattle, Washington, June 9 to 14, 1996.