The ocular changes in patients on chronic dialysis

The paper propose the study of lacrimal secretion alterations, the lacrimal level of the urea and the fundus optic alterations at the patients with chronic renal failure, during the hemodialysis. For the study we used the general ophthalmologic examination, the fundus optic examination before and after the hemodialysis, the lacrimal secretion examination by Schirmer l-test and the measure of lacrimal urea by the Berthelot modified method. The study was done on a member of 30 patients, with chronic renal failure, having a age of the dialysis between one and 80 months. The results of the study showed lacrimal hyposecretion, the urea lacrimal level being lower than the urea blood level and a concordance between the lacrymal and sanguine clearance of the urea. The fundus optic examination during the hemodialysis showed a pale aspect of the fundus the pallidity being more pronounced before the dialysis with filiforme arterioles, apparently without content, significant for decreasing of the circulatory debit.     

Lipoprotein levels in patients with pregnancy induced hypertension

The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the levels of Lp(a), Apo(a), VLDL, LDL and HDL in 23 patients with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and in 20 control. The Mann-Whitney U tests was used for comparisons between the two groups. Serum Lp(a) and Apo(a) levels were sigificantly raise in the PIH group (p < 0.05 andp < 0.05 respectively) and no significant correlations could be demonstrated for other lipoproteins.     

The Efficacy of Fluoxetine in the Treatment of Premature Ejaculation: A Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Study

Purpose

The efficacy of the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor fluoxetine in the treatment of premature ejaculation was examined.

Materials and Methods

The study comprised 17 patients with premature ejaculation who presented to the urology clinic of our medical school. In this double-blind study the patients were randomized into treatment groups receiving 20 mg. fluoxetine daily for 1 week and 40 mg. daily afterward (group 1) or 1 capsule placebo daily for 1 week and 2 capsules daily afterward (group 2). The groups were evaluated according to the latent period of intravaginal ejaculation.

Results

The latent period of intravaginal ejaculation in group 1 was significantly longer than that in group 2. Nausea, headache and insomnia were reported side effects.

Conclusions

Fluoxetine may be regarded as a safe and effective alternative in the treatment of premature ejaculation.     

小分割分次立体定向放射治疗脑转移瘤近期疗效观察

目的观察小分割分次立体定向放射治疗(fractionated stereotatic radiation therapy,FSRT)脑转移瘤的近期疗效.方法15例病人单纯全脑外照射(WBRT组),中间平面剂量20～40Gy/10～20次/2～4周.17例病人接受FSRT(FSRT组),每次分次剂量为2.5～3.0Gy.其中11病人行单纯FSRT,中心总剂量为30～60Gy/1 0～20次/2～4周;6例病人先行WBRT,然后行FSRT,中心总剂量为46～60Gy/5～6周.结果KSP评分增加10分以上者,WBRT组为5 3.3%,FSRT组为82.4%.(P＜0.05).WBRT组有效率(CR PR)为50.0%;FSRT组有效率(CR PR)为80.0%.中位生存率:WBRT组为3.5月,FSRT组为10.0月.结论FSRT能有效地控制脑转移瘤,减轻神经系统症状,提高生存质量,延长病人生存期,而没有增加副作用,值得临床推广应用.     

Somatostatin infusion withdrawal in the diagnosis of childhood growth hormone deficiency

OBJECTIVE: An evaluation of growth hormone (GH) testing for GH deficiency (GHD) in childhood is confounded by the lack of a world-wide consensus on the definition of GHD. Although a single GH test remains the most powerful biochemical tool in the evaluation of a child with growth failure, the test remains far from ideal. Withdrawal of somatostatin (SS) infusion is followed by a rebound rise of GH thought to be mediated by endogenous GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) function. This study was designed to compare the GH response to 90 min SS infusion in children with normal GH secretion versus children with GH deficiency. METHODS: Ten children with GHD and 10 healthy controls (NC) have been evaluated for GH response to somatostatin infusion withdrawal (SSIW) and compared with response of two provocative tests, glucagon plus propranolol test and L-Dopa test. All children received constant infusion of somatostatin for 90 min (3 microg/kg per h, Stilamin, Serono, Aubonne, Switzerland). In order to determine GH, blood samples were obtained 90 min before the SS infusion and 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 min after the cessation of infusion. RESULTS: Growth hormone peak levels with SSIW were significantly lower in GH deficient children than in healthy children (2.5 +/- 1.2 ng/dL, vs 21.9 +/- 5.3 ng/dL, respectively, P < 0.01). No adverse effects were observed during or after somatostatin infusion. CONCLUSION: In the present study, SSIW elicited a significant GH rise in healthy children but not in children with GH deficiency. Although further controlled studies using more data are necessary to expand these findings, the results suggested that children with GH deficiency can be reliably discriminated from healthy children by SSIW.     

The effect of combined spinal‐epidural (CSE) anaesthesia and size of spinal needle on postoperative hearing loss after elective caesarean section

The effect of combined spinal epidural (CSE) anaesthesia and size of spinal needle on postoperative hearing loss after elective caesarean section The exact aetiology of vestibulocochlear dysfunction after spinal anaesthesia is unknown. Low‐frequency hearing loss occurs after spinal anaesthesia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of combined spinal–epidural (CSE) anaesthesia and size of spinal needle on vestibulocochlear dysfunction, using pure tone audiometry performed pre‐ and on the first and the second day postoperatively. Forty‐five patients who were to undergo elective caesarean section were evaluated. In group I, CSE anaesthesia (18 G Tuohy, 25 G Whitacre pencil‐point‐design spinal needles) was performed in 15 patients. In group II, spinal anaesthesia was performed in 15 patients with 25 G Whitacre pencil‐point‐design spinal needles and, in group III, spinal anaesthesia was performed in 15 patients with 22 G Whitacre pencil‐point‐design spinal needles. In the pre‐ and on the first and the second day postoperatively, the pure tone audiogram was performed in the audiology laboratory of our hospital, using a calibrated Kamplex Diagnostic Audiometer AC 40 in a noise‐free room. When the CSE anaesthesia group and 22 G spinal group were compared for change in hearing between the pre‐ and postoperative periods, a statistically significant difference was observed at R‐right ear 125 Hz (P < 0.025) and at L‐left ear 125 Hz (P < 0.023), and at L‐left ear 1000 Hz (P < 0.036) and at R‐right ear 1500 Hz (P < 0.006), and at L‐left ear 1500 Hz (P < 0.022). At other frequencies, the difference was insignificant. When the CSE anaesthesia group and 25 G spinal group were compared for change in hearing between the pre‐ and postoperative periods, no statistically significant difference was detected at any frequency tested. When 22 G spinal group and 25 G spinal group were compared for change in hearing between the pre‐ and postoperative periods, there was some hearing loss at low frequency, although this difference did not reach statistical significance. The positive correlation of low‐frequency hearing loss and increased pressure in the epidural space (which decrease the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leakage through the dura) suggests that cerebrospinal fluid leakage via the spinal puncture hole is not the only factor involved. Perioperative fluid replacement alone may not prevent hearing loss but CSF loss through the dural puncture site should also be prevented.     

The effect on the middle-ear cavity of an absorbable gelatine sponge alone and with corticosteroids

The objectives of this study were to establish whether there is an obvious difference between intact mucosa and abraded mucosa of the middle-ear cavity in respect to the potential side effects from the application of absorbable gelatine sponge (Gelfoam) and to investigate if Gelfoam combined with corticosteroid ointment (cortimycine, sterile 1% hydrocortisone acetate) can reduce the occurrence of these effects. Twenty Albino rats were used in the study. These animals were divided into four groups, with ten ears in each group. In group A, the middle-ear mucosa was kept intact, and Gelfoam was inserted into the middle-ear cavity. In group B, the middle-ear mucosa was abraded, and Gelfoam was inserted. In group C, Gelfoam with corticosteroid was implanted over the intact mucosa, and in group D, the mucosa was abraded prior to the insertion of Gelfoam with corticosteroid. The changes were evaluated 8 weeks postoperatively. In group A, there was a minimal increase in fibroblastic activity, vascular proliferation with mild to moderate fibrosis and all but two tympanic membranes were perfectly normal. However, in group B, we encountered a significant increase in fibroblastic activity, vascular proliferation and fibrosis, and we observed that all tympanic membranes were moderately to severely thickened. These histopathologic changes related to Gelfoam were noted to be decreased in group C and especially in group D. As previously reported in the literature, Gelfoam was found to promote the formation of connective tissue in the middle-ear cavity regardless of the status of the mucosa. The unwanted effects of this material may be decreased if it is combined with corticosteroids in the middle-ear cavity.     

妊娠合并肺动脉高压23例分析

目的 探讨合并肺动脉高压(PH)妇女能否妊娠及妊娠的适宜时间。方法 回顾性分析1997～2002年在我院诊治的23例合并有PH的孕妇，分析PH的分类，妊娠结局。结果 3例合并原发性肺动脉高压(PPH)孕妇，2例在剖宫产术中死亡，1例在孕早期终止妊娠后存活。14例因合并风湿性心脏病(风心病)致PH的孕妇，妊娠至足月行剖宫产者10例，1例早产，3例引产，无一例孕妇死亡。6例因合并先天性心脏病(先心痛)致PH的孕妇，轻度PH孕妇3例，均妊娠至足月；重度PH孕妇3例，2例死亡，1例存活。结论 PPH患者应避免妊娠。风心病致PH的孕妇，依心功能、PH高低及血氧饱和度决定是否终止妊娠。对先心病致PH者，最好在手术或药物治疗后妊娠；患Eisenrnenger’s综合征妇女禁止妊娠。     

Augmentation of Shoulder Contour Using a Calf Implant

Sprengel deformity is a rare orthopedic condition that is associated with functional and cosmetic impairment. Results of orthopedic procedures are usually inconsistent and cosmetic results are far from satisfactory in these patients. A silicone-gel-filled calf prosthesis was used to correct the shoulder contour in a patient with Sprengel deformity. Cosmetically the deformity can be restored by using a calf implant for patients in whom orthopedic procedures are not likely to yield a satisfactory outcome.     

原发性卵巢平滑肌肉瘤临床分析(附3例报告及国内20例综合分析)

目的 探讨原发性卵巢平滑肌肉瘤的临床特点、诊断、治疗方法，以及可能预后相关因素。方法 对3例原发性卵巢平滑肌肉瘤综合国内近10年报道20例进行分析。结果 原发性卵巢平滑肌肉瘤可发生于任何年龄，主要为绝经后妇女。临床表现不典型，诊断主要依靠病理，同时结合免疫组化Desmin( )，Vimentin( )诊断。结论 原发性卵巢平滑肌肉瘤恶性度高，预后差，并且可能与分化程度及其微血管相关。治疗以手术为主，辅以合适的放疗和化疗综合治疗。