Patients’ preference for radiotherapy fractionation schedule in the palliation of symptomatic unresectable lung cancer†

The palliative radiotherapeutic management of unresectable non‐small‐cell lung cancer is controversial, with various fractionation (Fx) schedules available. We aimed to determine patient’s choice of Fx schedule after involvement in a decision‐making process using a decision board. A decision board outlining the various advantages and disadvantages apparent in the Medical Research Council study of Fx schedules (17 Gy in two fractions vs 39 Gy in 13 fractions) was discussed with patients who met Medical Research Council eligibility criteria. Patients were then asked to indicate their preferred Fx schedules, reasons and their level of satisfaction with being involved in the decision‐making process. Radiation oncologists (RO) could prescribe radiotherapy schedules irrespective of patients’ preferences. Of 92 patients enrolled, 55% chose the longer schedule. English‐speaking patients were significantly more likely to choose the longer schedule (P = 0.02, 95% confidence interval: 1.2–7.6). Longer Fx was chosen because of longer survival (90%) and better local control (12%). Shorter Fx was chosen for shorter overall treatment duration (80%), cost (61%) and better symptom control (20%). In all, 56% of patients choosing the shorter schedule had their treatment altered by the treating RO, whereas only 4% of patients choosing longer Fx had their treatment altered (P < 0.001). Despite this, all (100%) patients were satisfied with being involved in the decision‐making process. The decision board was useful in aiding decision‐making, with both Fx schedules being acceptable to patients. Interestingly, despite the longer average survival associated with longer Fx, nearly half of the patients believed that this was not as important as a shorter duration of treatment and lower cost. Despite patients’ preferences, there were significant alterations of preferred schedules because of RO’s own biases.     

Beta-adrenergic hyperresponsiveness in compensated hypothyroidism associated with Down syndrome

Although compensated hypothyroidism (CH) is the most common thyroid impairment in Down syndrome (DS), its pathogenesis remains elusive. Because primary gonadal failure is another DS-associated endocrinopathy, we hypothesized that an impaired signal-transduction pathway shared by several organs may provide a unifying explanation for both endocrinopathies. We assessed two possible transduction-pathway components associated with CH in DS: the G-protein adenylate-cyclase (AC) system and beta-adrenergic responsiveness, previously reported to be enhanced in DS fibroblasts. Twenty-one DS patients and 14 control subjects were studied. Peripheral mononuclear cells (PMCs) were incubated with G-protein modulators [prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and cholera toxin (CTx)], an AC stimulator (forskolin), and a beta-adrenergic agonist (isoproterenol), and cAMP levels were determined. All participants had normal plasma thyroid hormone levels, but 11 of the DS patients had elevated TSH levels (hTSH), whereas in the 10 others, they were normal (nTSH). cAMP levels in response to forskolin, PGE1, and CTx were similar in all groups, whereas isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP levels were significantly higher in the hTSH group than in the nTSH group and control subjects (45 +/- 30 versus 22 +/- 9 and 21 +/- 9 pmol . 10(6) cells(-1) . 10 min(-1), respectively; p = 0.02). Four patients in the DS hTSH subgroup had impaired sexual development. We found hyperresponsiveness of PMCs to a beta-adrenergic agonist in a subgroup of DS patients with CH. If this observation is applicable to the thyroid gland, then it may reflect a mechanism in which negative effects on cell growth or responsiveness to TSH lead to CH.     

Two-incision technique for treatment of complex proximal humerus fractures

The treatment of complex proximal humerus fractures that involve displacement of the greater tuberosity remains challenging. Good functional outcomes and decreased pain are possible with open reduction and internal fixation. Keys to a successful outcome include preservation of blood supply through decreased soft-tissue stripping, restoration of normal anatomic relationships (particularly the greater tuberosity), and stable internal fixation that allows early range of motion. To attain these goals, we advocate fixation with a fixed-angle locking proximal humerus plate using a 2-incision approach. A deltopectoral incision is used to expose the humeral shaft and head while the greater tuberosity is visualized by using a lateral incision. The fracture fragments are reduced and the plate is secured by working through these 2 incisions.     

Anatomical outcome and quality of life following posterior vaginal wall prolapse repair using collagen xenograft

The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of life, sexual function, and anatomical outcome after posterior vaginal wall prolapse repair using a collagen xenograft. Thirty-three patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months follow-up (FU). Quality of life and sexual function were assessed using a self-reported questionnaire. Prolapse staging was performed using the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system (POPQ). Preoperatively 3 patients had stage I, 26 patients stage II, and 4 patients stage III prolapse of the posterior vaginal wall. Prolapse of the posterior vaginal wall stage II was observed in 7 patients (21%) at the 6-month FU and in 13 patients (39%) at the 12-month FU. Mean point Bp was reduced from –1.1 preoperatively to –2.5 at 6 months FU (p<0.01) and –1.8 at 12 months FU (p<0.01). Previous abdominal surgery was associated with a less favorable anatomical outcome (odds ratio: 2.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.5–3.8). There were no significant changes in sexual function or dyspareunia during the 1-year FU. Preoperatively 76% of the patients reported a negative impact on quality of life as a result of genital prolapse. There was a significant improvement in several variables associated with quality of life at 6 and 12 months FU. Posterior vaginal wall prolapse repair using a collagen xenograft was associated with an unsatisfying anatomical outcome at 1-year FU although several quality of life-associated variables affecting psychosocial function were improved. Improvement was not restricted to postoperative restoration of vaginal topography, and previous surgery had a negative effect on anatomical outcome.     

Knee injury in patients experiencing a high-energy traumatic ipsilateral hip dislocation

BACKGROUND: Traumatic hip dislocation results from the dissipation of a large amount of energy about the hip joint. Clinically, these forces often are first transmitted through the knee en route to the hip. It is therefore logical to look for coexistent ipsilateral knee injury in patients with a traumatic hip dislocation. METHODS: Over a one-year period, we prospectively evaluated the ipsilateral knee of all patients who had a traumatic hip dislocation on the basis of a standardized history, physical examination, and magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Twenty-one (75%) of the twenty-eight knees were painful. Twenty-five (89%) of the twenty-eight knees had visible evidence of soft-tissue injury on inspection. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed evidence of some abnormality in twenty-five (93%) of twenty-seven knees, with effusion (37%), bone bruise (33%), and meniscal tear (30%) being the most common findings. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides evidence of a high rate of associated ipsilateral knee injuries in patients with a traumatic hip dislocation. Bone bruises may provide a plausible explanation for persistent knee pain following a traumatic hip dislocation. The liberal use of magnetic resonance imaging is recommended for the evaluation of these patients in order to detect injuries that may not be discoverable on the basis of a history and physical examination alone.