Method validation and clinical utility of chromogenic factor VIII assay compared to one-stage assay

The chromogenic FVIII assay is currently considered the gold standard for quantitation of factor VIII levels in both haemophilia A patients and as part of screening for thrombophilia. A method validation and evaluation of clinical utility within a routine diagnostic laboratory was undertaken by comparing the currently used one-stage assay to a commercially available chromogenic assay (Siemens, Johannesburg, South Africa). In total, 60 samples were included in this study to encompass the whole diagnostic range of the assay. Both low and high values showed very good correlation on linear regression analysis with correlation coeffients of 0.949 and 0.888 respectively. However, the lower detection limit of the Siemens Chromogenic assay was 1.5 IU/dL rendering it impossible to utilize in the setting of classifying a haemophilia A patient in terms of disease severity. Although the Siemens FVIII chromogenic assay shows excellent correlation to the currently used one-stage assay, the relatively high detection limit restrict implementation as a stand-alone assay in a routine diagnostic laboratory.     

Acute Glycemic Effects of Exercise in Adolescents with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

The FDA has approved a prosthetic ligament for limited use in persons with a damaged anterior cruciate ligament, and it will likely approve a second device this year. Some orthopedic surgeons say these developments herald a new era of surgery, while others warn that it is too early to tell.     

Editorial Perspective: The importance of considering parent's preferences when planning treatment for their children – the case of childhood obsessive‐compulsive disorder

Assessing parental treatment preference is critical for maximizing alliance, adherence, and efficacy while minimizing patient attrition. Parents of youth with OCD report significantly higher preference for and acceptability of behavioral treatment over medication or combined treatment. Parents of younger children expressed lower acceptability of pharmacotherapy. Consistent concerns about medication safety were expressed.     

Effects of tramadol on viscero‐visceral hyperalgesia in a rat model of endometriosis plus ureteral calculosis

The effects of tramadol versus placebo administration on behavioral indicators of ureteral pain, pelvic pain and referred lumbar muscle hyperalgesia were investigated in a rat model of viscero‐visceral hyperalgesia from endometriosis plus ureteral calculosis (endo + stone). Fifty female Sprague‐Dawley rats underwent surgical induction of endometriosis and, 2 weeks later, were randomly assigned to five groups (10 each), to be treated i.p., twice a day, with tramadol (0.625, 1.25, 2.5, or 5 mg/kg) or saline for 5 days (14–18th day postendometriosis; prestone treatment). On the 21st day, they underwent laparotomy for stone formation in the upper left ureter (dental cement injection). All were video‐taped 24 h nonstop for 7 days before and 4 days after stone formation (14–25th day postendometriosis) to record ureteral and pelvic pain behaviors. Lumbar sensitivity (L1) was tested bilaterally, daily over the same period, by verifying presence/absence of vocalization upon muscle pinching at a predefined pressure (calibrated forceps). Additional fifty endo + stone rats underwent the same protocol, except that treatment was performed on 21st–25th day (poststone treatment). Tramadol vs. saline significantly reduced number and duration of ureteral crises, duration of pelvic behavior, and incidence of muscle hyperalgesia (P < 0.0001), with a dose‐dependent effect. Prestone treatment was significantly more effective than poststone treatment for the 1.25 dose for all parameters and 2.5 dose for pelvic and muscle parameters (0.003 > P < 0.02). Tramadol, even at low doses, is thus highly protective against pain from ‘viscero‐visceral hyperalgesia’ in endometriosis plus ureteral calculosis; it can represent a valid therapeutic approach in women with these comorbidities.