Inhibition of mediator release in systemic mastocytosis is associated with reversal of bone changes

A 59-year-old male presented with systemic mastocytosis with extensive skeletal involvement resulting in vertebral compression fractures and bone pain. Histomorphometric analysis of bone revealed increased mast cells, elevated static parameters of bone resorption, and low bone formation. Serum calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase were normal; however, serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and osteocalcin levels were low. Histamine levels in plasma and urine were elevated. Following therapy with ketotifen, the patient had resolution of bone pain along with decreased flushing and pruritus. Elevated plasma and urine histamine levels normalized, as did 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and osteocalcin levels. Indices of low bone formation improved on therapy. Eroded surfaces improved but remained elevated. This case is the first demonstration that bone symptoms and histomorphometric change in systemic mastocytosis are reversed with inhibition of mast cell degranulation. The role of mast cells and their products in bone metabolism is poorly understood, but the therapy of bone disease in systemic mastocytosis should include inhibition of the release of mast cell products along with the use of histamine antagonist.     

Separation of internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint using sound analysis

This clinical-arthrographic investigation compares power spectral analysis of temporomandibular joint sounds with different arthrographic characteristics of intracapsular dysfunction. The quantitative comparison of specific parameters of the sound power-spectrum waveform may provide a sensitive and accurate noninvasive tool for diagnosis and treatment.     

Influence of diabetes mellitus on the results of coronary bypass surgery. Follow-up of 212 diabetic patients ten to 15 years after surgery

To determine the long-term influence of the severity of preoperative diabetes mellitus on the results of coronary bypass, a review was made of 212 diabetics operated on between 1968 and 1973, of whom 87 patients (41%) were receiving no drugs, 108 patients (50.9%) were receiving oral hypoglycemic agents, and 17 patients (8%) were receiving insulin. They were compared with 1,222 nondiabetic patients operated on over the same period. Perioperative mortality was similar in the diabetics and nondiabetics: 7.1% vs 4.5%. Improvement in anginal symptoms was similar in all patient groups: 85.9% to 92.7%. Overall 15-year survival probability was .53 for the nondiabetic group, .43 for the diabetics not receiving drugs, .33 for those receiving oral agents, and .19 for the insulin-treated patients. Late graft patency ranged from 78% to 90% and was comparable in all groups. The preoperative blood glucose level was an important predictor of late mortality in all diabetic patients. Thus, coronary bypass surgery was effective in all groups of diabetic patients in long-term relief of anginal symptoms. Intermediate-term survival rates were good in all groups, but the initial severity of the diabetes was an important determinant of long-term survival rates.     

Disseminating tumor cells and their interactions with leukocytes visualized in the brain.

Brain tumors are increasingly prevalent. Recent advances focus attention on individual, disseminated tumor cells that cannot be imaged or eliminated. Cells of the immune system may be ideally suited to attack individual tumor cells, but more basic understanding is needed. We describe a rat model, using the lacZ reporter gene, that allows identification of individual tumor cells, and tumor-leukocyte interactions in vivo. The model demonstrates how widely tumor can disseminate, without secondary tumorigenesis or recruitment of nonneoplastic cells. It demonstrates that leukocytes have access to disseminating tumor. Among its many applications, this work lays a foundation for developing cell-mediated immunotherapy against individual brain tumor cells.     

An investigation of the suitability of bra fit in women referred for reduction mammaplasty.

Reduction mammaplasty is rationed in NHS plastic surgery provision, despite abundant evidence that most women who undergo this operation obtain significant improvement in their physical health and quality of life. We suspected that women seeking reduction mammaplasty often wear ill-fitting bras, which may exacerbate some of their symptoms. Therefore, we studied 103 women who attended a nurse-run pre-assessment clinic, asking them what size bra they currently wore and then measuring them to see whether their bra size was correct. We also questioned bra manufacturers, designers and shop bra fitters about bra manufacture, sizing and fitting techniques, and we reviewed these findings. Of the 102 women suitable for inclusion in the study, all wore the wrong size bra. Their mean 'claimed' back measurement was 36 inches (range: 30-42 in.) and their mean cup size was F (range: C-J). We found that all but one underestimated their back measurement (by a mean of 4 in.; range: -2-10 in.) and overestimated their cup size (by a mean of three sizes; range: one size smaller to seven sizes larger) when compared with manufacturers' fitting guidelines. Multiple regression analysis used to assess the relationships of various factors to incorrect bra sizing showed a strong link (Pearson correlation=0.54; P<0.001) between obesity and inaccurate back measurement. The reasons why women with breast hypertrophy wear incorrectly fitting bras are discussed. We conclude that obesity, breast hypertrophy, fashion and bra-fitting practices combine to make those women who most need supportive bras the least likely to get accurately fitted bras, so exacerbating the symptoms for which they seek surgery.     

Alcohol and the adolescent trauma population

Trauma is the leading killer of children and adolescents between 1 and 21 years of age. Alcohol-impaired driving represents the single greatest cause of mortality and morbidity of children over the age of 6. We retrospectively reviewed 878 consecutive adolescent (age range, 16 to 20 years) trauma admissions for blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Four hundred sixty-seven patients had BAC drawn, 258 were BAC-negative (group I), 209 (48%) were BAC-positive (group II). The adolescent drinkers were then compared with a group of 748 adult drinkers (group III). Groups I and II differ in sex, age, time of day of the accident, Injury Severity Score, Glasgow Coma Score, and Revised Trauma Score, whereas group II and III differ by type of accident, type of injury, socioeconomic factors (bad debt), time of day of the injury, and BAC. There were no significant differences in TRISS predicted survival, actual survival, nor mean length of stay. We conclude that (1) alcohol is a significant contributor to injury during adolescence, and (2) adolescent drinkers differ from adult drinkers in their habits, demographics, and socioeconomic status. These socioeconomic differences have implications for the access to and cost-effectiveness of interventions.     

Eight Days of Cyclosporine Overdose: A Case Report

A 25–year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of rising trough cyclosporine concentrations thought to be due to self-administration of 4 times the normal dosage of the drug for 8 days. Her symptoms included colicky central abdominal pains and urinary retention; her serum creatinine concentrations were elevated. Whole blood cyclosporine and metabolite concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and monoclonal radioimmunoassays. The highest reported trough cyclosporine concentration was 5877 ng/ml, and AM1 (M17) concentration was 3425 ng/ml. A cyclosporine half-life of 91 hours was calculated. Nine days after the agent was discontinued the patient's serum creatinine concentration had returned to normal and her symptoms resolved. Due to the availability of three sizes of cyclosporine capsules, and the need for frequent dosage changes, continued vigilance is necessary to ensure that patients understand their drug regimen.     

Assessment of costs to donor hospitals for organ transplantation

In 1987, die Department of Health in the UK set up a working party to identify reasons contributing to a shortfall in donor organs. One recommendation was reimbursement to the District Health Authorities for costs incurred in providing the donor organs. The figure chosen was not to be seen as an incentive to donate organs, merely as an appropriate compensation for the costs incurred. There would be no direct payment to doctors, trustees or relatives of the donor. With the development of the competitive health care environment in the United Kingdom, the reimbursement of donating hospital costs is being considered with these data.