A clinically relevant modification to existing inhaler therapy.

A modified formulation of inhaled salbutamol and a new inhaler device were studied in a group of 11 moderate-to-severe asthmatic patients. Changes in airway calibre (FEV1, Vmax30) were measured before and after inhalation of the new formulation, and compared with changes following inhalation of conventional salbutamol. A standard Rotahaler was used as a reference for the new inhaler. The study was conducted as a two-part randomized, double-blind cross-over trial. We found a significantly greater bronchodilatation of the larger airways using the modified drug in the Rotahaler. The new inhaler did not show any superiority over the Rotahaler, contrary to expectations from in vitro work. A slightly shorter model may better reflect the in vitro results. The study has implications for inhalation therapy in general.     

A cross-cultural test of the validity of occupational therapy assessments with patients with schizophrenia.

The validity and use of psychosocial assessments in occupational therapy are ongoing concerns (Moyer, 1984) and were the focus of this study. Fifty African patients with schizophrenia and 10 nondysfunctional African volunteers took an an assessment battery that included the Schroeder, Block, Campbell Adult Psychiatric Sensory Integration Evaluation (SBC) (Schroeder, Block, Trottier, & Stowell, 1978), a daily activity, work, and leisure activity interview based on the Model of Human Occupation (Kielhofner, 1985), and a culture-specific test of functional performance. Data on subjects' psychiatric histories and demographics were collected. Rationale for the assessments used, methods for devising the functional assessment, methods and procedures for data collection, and analysis are presented. A stronger relationship was found to exist between subjects' performances on the SBC and the functional activity test than between interviews based on the Model of Human Occupation and the functional activity test, both for patients and for the whole sample. All assessments were found to differentiate between patients and nonpatients, although the SBC was the best discriminator. Among psychiatric history variables, the strongest relationships were between measures of seriousness of illness and both the SBC and functional activity assessment. The most effective way to measure performance dysfunction and seriousness of illness in persons with schizophrenia was to measure the underlying sensorimotor impairment or to use a culture-specific test of functional performance.     

Paediatric gastro-oesophageal reflux: prognostic indicators from pH monitoring.

The original diagnostic 24 hour pH monitoring data in 57 children with gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) were retrospectively reviewed after a minimum of one year follow up. The tracings of children who responded to medical treatment were compared with those who failed to respond and required a fundoplication. Children with GOR secondary to oesophageal atresia/tracheo-oesophageal fistula and neurological conditions (n = 12) were analysed separately from those with primary GOR (n = 45). Children with primary GOR requiring a fundoplication (n = 9) had increased daytime reflux. The percentage time pH < 4 was the best discriminator (21% v 7%) with a threshold of 18% giving a 92% specificity and a 70% sensitivity. For children with secondary GOR the percentage time pH < 4 at night was significantly higher (29% v 3.7%) in those requiring a fundoplication (n = 5). A threshold of 18% gave an 80% specificity and an 86% sensitivity. These results show that both daytime and night time pH monitoring data can be of prognostic value in different subgroups of children with GOR. A percentage time pH < 4 of greater than 18% was a useful threshold to apply when evaluating the pH monitoring data.     

Parasymphyseal and associated insufficiency fractures of the pelvis and sacrum

Eleven post-menopausal women presenting with a parasymphyseal insufficiency fracture of the pubis are reported. The plain radiographs showed delayed healing with a mixed lytic and sclerotic area developed at the fracture site simulating a malignant lesion. Aetiological factors included post-menopausal osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and steroid therapy, previous hip replacement and pelvic radiotherapy. Ten patients had concomitant fractures of the pelvis, including nine with sacral fractures. These were all initially missed on presentation because of the subtle radiographic signs of a longitudinal band of sclerosis, usually bilaterally, in the sacral ala. Bone scanning was shown to be the most sensitive technique in detecting the sacral fractures by demonstrating increased uptake in the sacral ala as well as the other fractures of the pelvis. Computed tomography in three cases was helpful in confirming the presence of fractures and excluding the possibility of malignancy.     

Frequency Doubling Technology perimetry and standard automated perimetry in migraine

The literature suggests that visual field defects may be more common in people who experience migraine. The Humphrey frequency doubling (FDT) visual field instrument selectively examines the magnocellular visual pathway, but has not previously been used to investigate visual function in migraine. In a masked controlled study we compared Humphrey FDT and Humphrey Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm fields of 25 migraine sufferers with 25 age- and gender-matched controls. Although both mean deviation and pattern standard deviation were a little worse in the migraine group, these differences did not reach statistical significance. There were no inter-eye visual field differences in the migraine group compared with controls. Comparing the mean of all the contrast thresholds in each hemisphere, there were no more inter-hemifield visual field differences in the migraine group compared with controls. There was no significant difference between the migraine and control groups in intra-ocular pressures. The visual field parameters were not correlated with the interval since the last migraine headache, the severity of migraine headache, the duration of migraine headache or the number of migraine headaches per annum. In our data, there was no evidence of visual field deficits, a magnocellular deficit, or indications of glaucomatous pathology.     

Community service utilization by youths hospitalized in a state psychiatric facility

A majority of a cohort of 62 children and adolescents who had been hospitalized in a state psychiatric facility was found to have received less restrictive services such as outpatient mental health services prior to their index admission. Also, a number had been involved with the juvenile justice system and almost two-thirds had been placed out-of-home. Ninety percent had at least one prior psychiatric hospitalization. Just over half of the cohort received case management and individual counseling post release. About a third received family counseling, and a few received other types of services. At least a third were rehospitalized within a year of release. Although 90% of the cohort received some type of service post release, a higher proportion of non service receivers were rehospitalized than service receivers. Even those who received services had a high rate of rehospitalization. These findings raise questions as to the appropriateness of service provision during and following hospitalization.This study was funded by a grant from the Office of Program Evaluation and Research, Ohio Department of Mental Health.     

Biometric measurements in fetuses of different race and gender.

Sonographic fetal biometric measurements on 6082 low-risk patients were compared in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy with respect to fetal race and gender. Ultrasonic measurements were obtained from fetuses of women participating in the Routine Antenatal Diagnostic Imaging with Ultrasound Study (RADIUS), who underwent both an early sonographic evaluation between 15 and 22 weeks' gestation and a later scan between 31 and 35 weeks' gestation. In the 16-21-week scans, male fetuses had significantly larger biparietal diameter measurements compared to female fetuses (estimated difference 0.852 mm, 95% CI 0.737-0.967). There was only minimal difference in biparietal diameter between Black and White fetuses. Femur length was similar in both female and male fetuses, but longer in Black compared to White fetuses (estimated difference 0.808 mm, 95% CI 0.539-1.078).During the 31-35-week scans, male fetuses continued to have larger biparietal diameter measurements compared to female fetuses (estimated difference 1.22 mm, 95% CI 1.04-1.40), and femur lengths were persistently longer in Black compared to White fetuses (estimated difference 0.563 mm, 95% CI 0.234-0.893).Further investigation is necessary to evaluate the effect of these slight differences in morphometric fetal measurements between races and genders, so that we can determine how best to use them for optimizing prenatal care.