Vitamin D receptor genotype and risk of osteoporotic hip fracture in elderly women of Utah: an effect modified by parity

Introduction The associations between vitamin D receptor (VDR) Bsm I and Fok I genotypes, parity, and risk of osteoporotic hip fracture were evaluated in a statewide population-based case-control study in Utah.Methods Women age 50–89 years with hip fracture (n=882) were ascertained via surveillance of 18 Utah hospitals from 1997 to 2001. Age-matched controls were randomly selected (n=897). Participants were interviewed in their homes, and blood samples were collected for genotyping.Results In logistic regression analyses that controlled for multiple confounders, Bsm I VDR genotype but not Fok I genotype was associated with risk of osteoporotic hip fracture (OR bb vs. BB genotype: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.50, 0.95). In similar analyses, no overall association was observed between parity status and risk of osteoporotic hip fracture. However, the effect of VDR genotype was modified by parity status. Among nulliparous women (n=140), Bsm I genotype was not associated with risk of hip fracture (OR bb vs. BB: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.28, 2.4); among primiparous women (n=133), bb genotype was associated with increased risk of hip fracture (OR bb vs. BB: 3.30; 95% CI: 0.96, 11.29); among multiparous women (n=1,400), bb genotype was associated with decreased risk of hip fracture (OR bb vs. BB: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.42, 0.84).Conclusion VDR Bsm I genotype was associated with risk of hip fracture in Utah women, and this effect was modified by parity status. Hormonal or lifestyle factors related to parity may underlie this interaction.     

Left ventricular mass regression following aortic valve replacement with mechanical valves

Objective The degree of Left Ventricular Mass Index (LVMI) regression following aortic valve replacement correlates with long-term survival. This study aims to assess the extent of LVMI regression at 3 months following aortic valve replacement (AVR) with different types and sizes of mechanical valves in rheumatic aortic valve disease. Methods The LVMI regression was studied in 34 consecutive patients, undergoing elective AVR for rheumatic aortic stenosis and/or regurgitation. They were grouped in A and B, matched in age, body surface area and pre-operative LVMI, receiving respectively a tilting disc and a bileaflet mechanical valve. The LVMI was calculated by M-mode echocardiography using the Devereux' formula pre-operatively and three months post-operatively. The trend of LVMI reduction was compared between the two groups and amongst the patients with stenotic, regurgitant and mixed aortic valve, pathologies; and receiving different sizes of valves. Results The mean preoperative LVMI was 199g±79.5 g/m². At three months post aortic valve replacement, the mean LVMI was 130g±49.0 g/m². There was a significant reduction of LVMI post-operatively (p=0.001) at three months follow-up. The extent of LVMI regression following surgery amongst the groups A and B did not vary significantly (p=0.92). The extent of LVMI regression did not vary significantly in patients with different aortic valve pathology nor with different sizes of the valves implanted. Conclusions There is a significant early LVMI regression following aortic valve replacement in rheumatic aortic valve disease. The type and the size of the mechanical prosthesis or the rheumatic pathology do not appear to influence this regression.     

Migration of a Kirschner wire from the greater trochanter to the popliteal fossa: a case report

Migration of Kirschner (K) wires from the upper extremity joints has often been reported, but it is less common from the lower extremities. In this report, we describe an 85-year-old man treated, during a hip replacement procedure, with a K-wire because of a trochanteric fracture; after one year, the K-wire was found in the popliteal fossa. This report illustrates the first case of K-wire migration in the popliteal area of the knee and suggests avoiding the use of free K-wires without any tension banding.     

高龄股骨颈骨折人工关节置换的围手术期处理

目的:对行人工关节置换手术的高龄股骨颈骨折患者进行围手术期综合处理,探讨其围手术期治疗的必要性与重要性。方法:68例股骨颈骨折的高龄患者,男28例,女40例;年龄70～88岁,平均76.4岁。所有患者于关节置换术前采用有效的降糖,降压,营养心肌,保肝,纠正贫血、低蛋白血症等综合处理,控制合并症。患者全身情况、脏器功能状况可耐受手术后行人工关节置换手术。结果:所有患者均安全渡过手术期,切口Ⅰ期愈合。1例术后早期出现腹泻并发症,经应用制霉菌素及金双岐调节肠道菌群,腹泻控制。按Harris标准评价疗效,优39例,良24例,可5例,优良率92.6%。结论:严格有效的围手术期综合治疗是处理高龄股骨颈骨折患者行人工关节置换手术的安全保障。     

Pediatric valve replacement, 15 years experience in Oman

Background Despite improving surgical techniques, treatment of heart valve disease in children remains controversial. Somatic growth and adequate anticoagulation are of concern when children undergo valve replacement. We conducted this study to evaluate the performance of valves in this age group. Methods 42 children under the age of 13 years who underwent valve replacement were included in this study. Totally, 50 valves were implanted in 42 patients: 48 were mechanical prostheses, two were bioprosthetic both in pulmonary position. 37 (74%) valves were implanted in mitral position, 10 (20%) in aortic position, 1 (2%) in tricuspid position and 2 (4%) in pulmonary position. Preoperatively, 14 (33,3%) patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV, while 27 (64.2%) were in NYHA class III. Results There were 2 (4.7%) hospital deaths and 2 (4.7%) late deaths while 2 (4.7%) patients were lost to follow up. The mean follow up period was 9.4 yrs. 35 (83.3%) patients are in NYHA Class I and free of all medications except warfarin. 3 (7.1%) patients have undergone 5 successful pregnancies. The median INR was 2.23. Major thrombo-embolic episode occurred in 1 (2.3%) patient. Conclusions In view of the problems of sizing, anticoagulation and need for re-operation at an early age, there is a reluctance to replace valves in children. This study shows that despite these problems, valve replacement can be undertaken safely and successfully in children, when repair has failed or not technically feasible.     

Diastolic function in children and adolescents on dialysis and after kidney transplantation: an echocardiographic assessment

Thirty-seven children and adolescents on renal replacement therapy (11 on haemodialysis, 14 on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and 12 after renal transplantation) were studied by echocardiography, echo-Doppler and phonocardiography. Right and left ventricular (R/L V) diastolic functions were measured by transmitral and transtricuspid flow velocities and by LV isovolumic relaxation time (LVIRT). Thirty-seven age- and sex-matched healthy subjects served as controls. R/L V diastolic dysfunction was only observed in the dialysis patients. In these patients LVIRT was prolonged. LV and RV peak inflow velocities were increased both in early (E) and late (A) diastole with a reduction in the E/A ratios. This pattern of diastolic dysfunction is compatible with the combined effects of a hypercirculatory state (volume overload, anaemia, arteriovenous fistula) and an abnormality of cardiac relaxation. The transplant patients showed no major cardiac abnormalities.     

Patient-proxy response comparability on measures of patient health and functional status

The present study evaluates the response comparability between 361 elderly hip fracture patients admitted from the community to seven Baltimore area hospitals between 1984 and 1986 and interviewer selected proxies on items pertaining to patients' pre-fracture health and functional status. Agreement across items ranges from very poor to good and varies with respect to the health or functional area assessed. Proxies tend to overestimate patient disability relative to the patients themselves, especially with regard to capacity to perform instrumental activities of daily living. Although proxies who report the greatest contact with patients respond most comparably to the patients, when they do disagree, proxies with the greatest patient contact tend to overestimate patient disability. The authors suggest that attention to item construction and phrasing may improve response comparability.     

Long-term effect of estradiol implants on the female urinary tract during the climacteric

The incidence of lower urinary tract dysfunction increases during the climacteric, and there is embryological, biochemical and epidemiologic evidence to suggest that depleted estrogen status is at least partially responsible. Twelve climacteric women underwent full assessment before and 1 year after treatment with a 50 mg subcutaneous estradiol implant +5 mg norethisterone for 7 days per month. Assessment consisted of a symptoms questionnaire, midstream urine sample, uroflowmetry, videocystourethrography with pressure flow studies, and urethral pressure profilometry. Subjectively, only the symptom of nocturia significantly improved. There was no change in flow variables but there was a significant decrease in residual urine and the degree of bladder base descent. Cystometric capacity was slightly but significantly decreased, and two patients developed genuine stress incontinence whilst on treatment. Nonetheless, there was a significant improvement in urethral pressures at rest but not under stress. This effect was predominantly in the proximal urethra. These data do not support the contention that estrogen replacement therapy is beneficial for lower urinary tract dysfunction during the climacteric.     

两种剂量的7-甲异炔诺酮对60例绝经后妇女症状控制的比较

目的:探讨两种剂量的7-甲异炔诺酮(OrgOD14,利维爱)对绝经症状控制的比较。方法:60例绝经后妇女随机分为两组:①A组30例,每日口服7-甲异炔诺酮2.5mg。②B组30例,隔日口服7-甲异炔诺酮2.5mg,共6个月。观察服药前后的Kupperman评分变化及血雌二醇、促卵泡激素水平的改变。结果:两组服药后绝经症状明显改善,Kupperman评分明显降低(P<0.01),雌二醇水平显著上升(P<0.01),促卵泡激素水平明显下降(P<0.05),而两组之间差异无显著性。结论:7-甲异炔诺酮可有效地控制绝经症状,每日口服2.5mg并不比隔日口服2.5mg有较好的控制效果(除控制失眠外),故推荐隔日口服2.5mg7-甲异炔诺酮。     

Ethical aspects of withdrawing/withholding renal replacement therapies on patients in acute renal failure in an intensive care unit

The majority of patients being treated for acute renal failure in intensive care units have multiple medical problems. Accordingly, the withdrawal of renal replacement therapies should be considered as part of a general decision about whether to initiate or continue with treatment per se. Several guidelines on withdrawing and withholding therapy have been produced and some common themes emerge: concerns to avoid euthanasia, potential for benefit, patient consent (shared decision‐making), team consensus/decision‐making, and the provision of appropriate palliative care and resource implications. Each of these is considered in turn, although the word limit for this paper does not permit detailed exposition.