Haplotypes and gene expression implicate the MAPT region for Parkinson disease: the GenePD Study

BACKGROUND

Microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) has been associated with several neurodegenerative disorders including forms of parkinsonism and Parkinson disease (PD). We evaluated the association of the MAPT region with PD in a large cohort of familial PD cases recruited by the GenePD Study. In addition, postmortem brain samples from patients with PD and neurologically normal controls were used to evaluate whether the expression of the 3-repeat and 4-repeat isoforms of MAPT, and neighboring genes Saitohin (STH) and KIAA1267, are altered in PD cerebellum.

METHODS

Twenty-one single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the region of MAPT on chromosome 17q21 were genotyped in the GenePD Study. Single SNPs and haplotypes, including the H1 haplotype, were evaluated for association to PD. Relative quantification of gene expression was performed using real-time RT-PCR.

RESULTS

After adjusting for multiple comparisons, SNP rs1800547 was significantly associated with PD affection. While the H1 haplotype was associated with a significantly increased risk for PD, a novel H1 subhaplotype was identified that predicted a greater increased risk for PD. The expression of 4-repeat MAPT, STH, and KIAA1267 was significantly increased in PD brains relative to controls. No difference in expression was observed for 3-repeat MAPT.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports a role for MAPT in the pathogenesis of familial and idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD). Interestingly, the results of the gene expression studies suggest that other genes in the vicinity of MAPT, specifically STH and KIAA1267, may also have a role in PD and suggest complex effects for the genes in this region on PD risk.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of left adrenal gland masses

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

Although the left adrenal gland is readily visible by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), there are few published data on the utility of EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) of this site. The aim of this study was to report our experience of EUS-FNA of left adrenal gland masses.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this retrospective case series, we reviewed our EUS and cytology databases to identify consecutive patients who underwent EUS-FNA of the left adrenal gland between January 1997 and January 2004. Medical records were reviewed and the results of EUS examinations and cytological investigations were abstracted.

RESULTS

Our searches resulted in the identification of a series of 38 consecutive patients who underwent EUS for the evaluation of a lung mass (n = 14), a pancreatic mass (n = 14), obstructive jaundice (n = 1), dysphagia (n = 2), an ampullary adenoma (n = 1), celiac block (n = 1), or a left adrenal gland mass (n = 5). The mean maximal left adrenal mass diameter was 24 mm (range 7-66 mm). Diagnoses after EUS-FNA (the mean number of passes was 3.6) were: metastatic lung cancer (n = 2), esophageal adenocarcinoma (n = 1), melanoma (n = 1), renal cell carcinoma (n = 1), and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (n = 1); primary pheochromocytoma (n = 1); benign adrenal tissue (n = 21); and granulomatous inflammation (n = 1). Nine aspirations (24 %) were nondiagnostic. The absence of a discrete adrenal mass on EUS occurred more frequently in patients with nondiagnostic biopsies than in those with diagnostic biopsies (56 % vs. 7 %; odds ratio 23.4, 95 %CI 3.5 - 157.0; P = 0.004). No complications were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-FNA of the left adrenal gland is safe and can be useful for the evaluation and staging of suspected malignancy. Nondiagnostic biopsies are more common when sampling diffusely enlarged glands, compared with glands with a focal mass.

Multicenter comparative trial of the V-scope system for therapeutic ERCP

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

A new duodenoscope (the V-scope), with a modified elevator used in combination with a dedicated short guide wire, constitutes the V-system. This system is intended to allow fixation of the guide wire at the elevator lever, thereby enhancing the speed and reliability of accessory exchange over a guide wire during ERCP. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent to which the V-system provides improved efficiency in comparison with conventional duodenoscope and guide wire combinations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was an industry-sponsored multicenter randomized trial. Patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures in which treatment was anticipated were randomly assigned to the V-system or to a conventional duodenoscope and accessories used routinely in each center. The parameters recorded included the total case time, fluoroscopy time, catheter/guide wire exchange time, guide wire repositioning, loss of guide wire access, and success or failure of guide wire fixation when using the V-system.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were included, 22 in the conventional group and 28 in the V-system group. A total of 135 exchanges were carried out. The patients had up to six exchanges. The median exchange time was 19.4 s with the V-system and 31.7 s with the conventional systems ( P < 0.001). Guide wire repositioning was required less often in the V-system group ( P = 0.0005). The V-system effectively locked the guide wire in 63 of 71 exchanges (89 %). Loss of guide wire access occurred in two patients in the conventional group and four in the V-system group, attributable to failure to lock the guide wire early during the experience (no significant differences).

CONCLUSIONS

The V-system can effectively secure the guide wire during accessory exchange in ERCP and reduces the time required to exchange accessories. This may enhance overall efficiency during ERCP.

Recurrence rate of anastomotic biliary strictures in patients who have had previous successful endoscopic therapy for anastomotic narrowing after orthotopic liver transplantation

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

The development of anastomotic strictures is one of the most common complications of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) with choledochocholedochostomy anastomosis. Endoscopic therapy with balloon dilation and/or stent placement is an effective therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the recurrence rate of anastomotic strictures and the features that predict recurrence after previously successful endoscopic therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We searched the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) database for all patients who had had an OLT who were undergoing ERCP. The study cohort consisted of post-OLT patients who had a recurrence of anastomotic stricture after initial resolution following a course of endoscopic therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 916 OLT operations were performed during the study period from June 1994 to November 2004. Out of this group, 143 patients (15.6 %) were diagnosed with anastomotic stricture and underwent a total of 423 ERCPs for endoscopic treatment. Twelve patients who are still undergoing endoscopic therapy were excluded from the analysis. The technical success rate was 96.6 %, and the endoscopic therapy was successful in 82 % of patients; 18 % had a recurrence of cholestasis and ERCP revealed a recurrence of the anastomotic stricture that required intervention. The mean time of follow-up after stent removal was 28 months (range 1 - 114 months). The study did not reveal any clinical or endoscopic parameters that could predict recurrence, though the presence of a biliary leak at initial ERCP and a longer time to initial presentation were factors that showed a trend toward an increased likelihood of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Biliary strictures remain a common complication after OLT, and in nearly one in five patients these strictures recur after initially successful endoscopic therapy. There were no clinical or endoscopic parameters identified in this study that predicted recurrence. Further study is needed to determine what type of endoscopic therapy would minimize the risk of stricture recurrence.

BDNF genetic variants are associated with onset age of familial Parkinson disease: GenePD Study

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) stimulates neuronal growth and protects nigral dopamine neurons in animal models of Parkinson disease (PD). Therefore, BDNF is a candidate gene for PD. The authors investigated five single-nucleotide polymorphisms in 597 cases of familial PD. Homozygosity for the rare allele of the functional BDNF G196A (Val66Met) variant was associated with a 5.3-year older onset age (p = 0.0001). These findings suggest that BDNF may influence PD onset age.

Radioiodine ablation of thyroid remnants after preparation with recombinant human thyrotropin in differentiated thyroid carcinoma: results of an international, randomized, controlled study

CONTEXT

After surgery for differentiated thyroid carcinoma, many patients are treated with radioiodine to ablate remnant thyroid tissue. This procedure has been performed with the patient in the hypothyroid state to promote endogenous TSH stimulation and is often associated with hypothyroid symptoms and impaired quality of life. OBJECTIVE AND INTERVENTION: This international, randomized, controlled, multicenter trial aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) to prepare euthyroid patients on L-thyroxine therapy (euthyroid group) to ablate remnant thyroid tissue with 3.7 GBq (100 mCi) 131I, compared with that with conventional remnant ablation performed in the hypothyroid state (hypothyroid group). Quality of life was determined at the time of randomization and ablation. After the administration of the 131-I dose, the rate of radiation clearance from blood, thyroid remnant, and whole body was measured.

RESULTS

The predefined primary criterion for successful ablation was "no visible uptake in the thyroid bed, or if visible, fractional uptake less than 0.1%" on neck scans performed 8 months after therapy and was satisfied in 100% of patients in both groups. A secondary criterion for ablation, an rhTSH-stimulated serum thyroglobulin concentration less than 2 ng/ml, was fulfilled by 23 of 24 (96%) euthyroid patients and 18 of 21 (86%) hypothyroid patients (P = 0.2341). Quality of life was well preserved in the euthyroid group, compared with the hypothyroid group, as demonstrated by their lower pretreatment scores on the Billewicz scale for hypothyroid signs and symptoms, 27 +/- 7 vs. 18 +/- 4 (P < 0.0001) and their significantly higher Short Form-36 Health Assessment Scale scores in five of eight categories. Euthyroid patients had a statistically significant one third lower radiation dose to the blood, compared with patients in the hypothyroid group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates comparable remnant ablation rates in patients prepared for 131I remnant ablation with 3.7 GBq by either administering rhTSH or withholding thyroid hormone. rhTSH-prepared patients maintained a higher quality of life and received less radiation exposure to the blood.

Endoscopic ultrasound for esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancer: Impact of increased use of primary neoadjuvant therapy on preoperative locoregional staging accuracy

Initial treatment of locally advanced esophageal and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) malignancies for selected patients at some institutions has recently changed from surgical resection to neoadjuvant therapy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of this change in treatment strategy on both the overall disease profile and locoregional endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) staging accuracy for a cohort of patients managed with primary surgical resection over a 10-year period at our institution. All subjects at our institution who underwent primary esophagectomy from 1993 to 2002 following preoperative EUS for known or suspected esophageal and/or GEJ cancers were identified. Patients with dysplasia alone, prior upper gastrointestinal tract surgery, preoperative neoadjuvant therapy, cancer of the gastric cardia or recurrent malignancy were excluded. EUS findings and staging results were compared to surgical pathology following resection. The impact of the gradually increased use of primary chemoradiation during the second half of the study was assessed. Of the 286 operations performed, 184 subjects were excluded. The remaining 102 underwent primary surgical resection a median of 18 days following EUS staging for adenocarcinoma (88%) or squamous cell carcinoma (12%) of the esophagus (69%) or GEJ (31%). Overall EUS locoregional T and N staging accuracy was 72% and 75% respectively; accuracy for T1, T2, T3 and T4 cancer was 42%, 50%, 88% and 50% respectively. Despite an increased frequency of pathologically confirmed T1 and T2 cancers (P = 0.005) and an insignificant trend toward increased N0 malignancy (P = 0.05) during the second half of the study period, no statistically significant changes in T (P = 0.07) or N (P = 0.82) staging accuracies for EUS or disease characteristics were noted between the first and second half of the study period. Despite both inaccurate radial EUS staging and increased relative use of primary surgery for early cancers, recent increased use of primary neoadjuvant therapy did not change overall disease characteristics and accuracy of locoregional EUS staging of esophageal and GEJ cancers managed with primary surgical resection.

Therapeutic biliary endoscopy

Some steps of progress have been seen in the area of biliary therapeutic endoscopy, in the understanding and management of primary sclerosing cholangitis, problems relating to liver transplantation, malignant biliary strictures, and complications after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, as well as sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. These topics are reviewed here.

Giant fibrovascular polyp of the esophagus

The role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the diagnosis and management of a giant fibrovascular polyp of the esophagus in a 46-year-old woman is described here. The fibrovascular polyp was detected at esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and EUS demonstrated that it originated from the submucosa. EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration was performed, and cytological examination of the specimen revealed benign fibro-fatty elements. The lesion was resected via a transcervical esophagotomy. The literature on fibrovascular polyps is reviewed.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of melanoma metastatic to the pancreas: report of two cases and review

Malignant melanoma is a neoplasm which originates from melanocytes. Surgical exploration for abdominal metastases of cutaneous melanoma reveals pancreatic metastases in 16 % of patients which is usually accompanied by other intra-abdominal spread. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) of primary and metastatic pancreatic masses have already been described. We report the first use of EUS-FNA for the diagnosis of malignant melanoma metastatic to the pancreas. As our cases illustrate, these lesions may present as either cystic or solid pancreatic masses. Preparation of a cell block from the FNA aspirate and use of immunostaining may help to obtain the diagnosis. Despite thorough examination of the skin and mucous membranes, however, a primary site might not be found in these patients.

Therapeutic biliary endoscopy

Some steps of progress have been seen in the area of biliary therapeutic endoscopy, in the understanding and management of primary sclerosing cholangitis, problems relating to liver transplantation, malignant biliary strictures, complications after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, and tissue sampling. The benefits (or lack thereof) of preoperative biliary drainage in the setting of malignant obstructive jaundice have received an extensive review.

The association of endogenous hormone concentrations and bone mineral density measures in pre- and perimenopausal women of four ethnic groups: SWAN

We evaluated bone mineral density (BMD), hormone concentrations and menstrual cycle status to test the hypothesis that greater variations in reproductive hormones and menstrual bleeding patterns in mid-aged women might engender an environment permissive for less bone. We studied 2336 women, aged 42-52 years, from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) who self-identified as African-American (28.2%), Caucasian (49.9%), Japanese (10.5%) or Chinese (11.4%). Outcome measures were lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip BMD by dual-energy X-ray densitometry (DXA). Explanatory variables were estradiol, testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from serum collected in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle or menstrual status [premenopausal (menses in the 3 months prior to study entry without change in regularity) or early perimenopause (menstrual bleeding in the 3 months prior to study entry but some change in the regularity of cycles)]. Total testosterone and estradiol concentrations were indexed to SHBG for the Free Androgen Index (FAI) and the Free Estradiol Index (FEI). Serum logFSH concentrations were inversely correlated with BMD (r = -10 for lumbar spine [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.13, -0.06] and r = -0.08 for femoral neck (95% CI: -0.11, -0.05). Lumbar spine BMD values were approximately 0.5% lower for each successive FSH quartile. There were no significant associations of BMD with serum estradiol, total testosterone, FEI or FAI, respectively, after adjusting for covariates. BMD tended to be lower (p values = 0.009 to 0.06, depending upon the skeletal site) in women classified as perimenopausal versus premenopausal, after adjusting for covariates. Serum FSH but not serum estradiol, testosterone or SHBG were significantly associated with BMD in a multiethnic population of women classified as pre- versus perimenopausal, supporting the hypothesis that alterations in hormone environment are associated with BMD differences prior to the final menstrual period.

Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction: pancreaticobiliary sphincterotomy with pancreatic stent placement has a lower rate of pancreatitis than biliary sphincterotomy alone

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Patients with suspected or documented sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) who undergo standard biliary sphincterotomy have high rates of post-procedure pancreatitis. Approximately 75% of such patients have elevated basal pressures of the pancreatic sphincter. Biliary sphincterotomy (BES) on its own leaves the pancreatic sphincter unablated and may cause transient edema which aggravates the increase in pancreatic sphincter pressure. Combined pancreaticobiliary therapy (PBR), using pancreatic stenting in addition to sphincterotomy may therefore be safer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) database was queried for patients with successful double-duct sphincter of Oddi manometry (SOM) who underwent BES alone or PBR between 1994 and 1997. The endoscopist had decided on the technique to be used. From 1995 to 1997 there was a general trend to do PBR. Pancreatitis was defined according to established criteria.

RESULTS

The post-ERCP pancreatitis rate among all 436 SOD patients was 19.7%, while 256 patients with normal SOM results had a pancreatitis rate of 12.9%. The use of combined PBR was associated with a lower frequency of pancreatitis compared with BES alone (needle-knife over pancreatic duct stent, 14/131 patients, 10.7 %; pull-type pancreaticobiliary sphincterotomy plus pancreatic stent, 15/78 patients, 19.2%; BES alone, 52/184 patients, 28.3%). Episodes of moderate and severe pancreatitis were seen more frequently in the BES group.

CONCLUSION

In SOD patients, post-ERCP pancreatitis rates remain high, but have improved with the addition of combined pancreaticobiliary sphincter therapy.

Routes of drug administration, differential affiliation, and lifestyle stability among cocaine and opiate users: implications to HIV prevention

Types of drugs used and routes of administration were assessed, and correlations to social affiliation, HIV status, and lifestyle stability were explored among 672 street-recruited drug users in Baltimore. Participants reported 63 patterns of drug use, which were categorized into five groups: (1) only sniff heroin; (2) smoke crack and may snort cocaine; (3) sniff heroin and smoke crack; (4) inject heroin and cocaine; and (5) inject heroin and cocaine, smoke crack, and may snort heroin. Social network analysis revealed that heroin sniffers and crack smokers both tended to associate with those with similar drug use patterns. High symptoms of drug dependence were observed among heroin users irrespective of mode of administration. Injectors reported higher rates of hospitalization compared to noninjectors even after adjusting for HIV status. Implications to HIV prevention and drug use transitions are discussed.

Preventing and treating osteoporosis: strategies at the millennium

Osteoporosis has been defined as "a progressive systemic disease characterized by low bone density and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture." Osteoporosis and the consequences of compromised bone strength--particularly vertebral and hip fractures--are a significant cause of frailty, and increased morbidity and even mortality and hence are a serious and costly public health problem in the elderly population. However, due to remarkable advances in basic and clinical research and in drug design, development, and testing, a number of efficacious, evidence-based options are available for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. These options extend far beyond estrogen/progestin therapy and include lifestyle and dietary changes such as increasing weight-bearing activity, enhancing calcium and vitamin D intake, as well as incorporating pharmacologic agents such as the bisphosphonates and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) such as raloxifene. In addition to its efficacy in increasing bone mineral density and reducing vertebral fractures by almost 40% in women with osteoporosis, the SERM raloxifene appears to promote a cardioprotective profile and to offer some protection against breast cancer. The potential of raloxifene to prevent or delay the development of a number of chronic diseases of aging such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and perhaps even Alzheimer's disease has stimulated the development and refinement of subsequent generations of SERMs aimed at maximizing beneficial effects in a wide variety of tissues while eliminating deleterious outcomes and side effects.

Executive summary: Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop (STRAW)

A select group of investigators attended a structured workshop, the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop (STRAW), at Park City, Utah, USA, in July 2001, which addressed the need in women for a staging system as well as the confusing nomenclature for the reproductive years.

Conclusions: Considerations regarding SERMs

The "considerations" addressed in this section consist of a number of thought-provoking issues and unresolved questions that emerge from the papers in this volume. The evidence for tamoxifen carcinogenicity in animal models and, to a more restricted extent, in humans has led some investigators to question whether SERMs are ready or appropriate for clinical testing--specifically, in a disease prevention setting involving healthy but high-risk individuals. There is, however, inconsistency in both efficacy and toxicity--specifically, carcinogenicity--between animal models and humans, leading others to question the value of basing the decision to proceed with clinical studies on preclinical results in animals. Although the molecular basis for SERM action is rapidly being clarified, the cellular activity of these agents is still elusive. We discuss the view that the efficacy of tamoxifen in breast cancer is based on its treatment of "occult cancers," or small collections of cancer cells that are not clinically apparent, not only in the context of prevention but also in the treatment setting. As part of our approach that assumes estrogen activity to be the foundation upon which SERM development is being modeled, we discuss the inconsistency between the epidemiologic data and prospective randomized data with respect to the relationship between estrogen use and cardiovascular disease. The need to validate surrogate markers of SERM action is discussed in relation to bone but is clearly relevant to all disease sites. The semantics used in describing SERM action as agonistic or antagonistic in relation to estrogen at various target sites has been inconsistent, especially in the clinical context. We attempt to dissect out some of the inconsistencies in semantics in the hope that this will contribute to improved communication of data resulting from SERM research. In the clinical arena, we begin with the premise that the large, simple randomized trial offers the optimal design for the testing of SERMs. In view of limited resources, however, we counter this position with alternative, if less desirable, approaches to the clinical format for SERM testing. Finally, we explore the process by which statistically meaningful results from clinical trials are extrapolated into the specific drug indications that apply to clinical practice.

Opportunities for future research

Remarkable progress has been made in SERM development. Profiles of new SERMs indicate great potential for efficacy in the prevention and treatment settings, in more than one physiological system, and with improved risk/benefit ratios. The concept of what is achievable with respect to broad-spectrum disease prevention and what constitutes an "ideal" SERM is likely to undergo considerable reevaluation over time. The development of new, more broadly efficacious SERMs will require continued exploration of the effects of estrogen at the cellular and molecular level in tissues and physiologic systems throughout the body. A better understanding is needed of the mechanisms of the biological actions that are mediated through major forms of the estrogen receptor. High priority must be placed on elucidation of the role of the coregulators of estrogen receptor (ER) action. The quest for a SERM(s) with the "optimal clinical profile" also constitutes a major research challenge with respect to designing clinical trials that are simultaneously parsimonious with respect to time, monetary, and human resources and yet capable of delivering unequivocal outcomes with respect to primary end points. A vigorous research effort is needed to identify highly sensitive and specific surrogate measures to facilitate future clinical studies. Research to identify and validate relevant measures of safety is also essential to inform the risk/benefit balance and, thus, the ultimate usefulness of SERMs and their potential for long-term use. Future advances in the modulation of ER action are likely to have profound effects--not only on diseases and conditions known (or later discovered) to be related to estrogen action, but on the development of paradigms for understanding and modifying the action of other nuclear hormone receptors in the prevention and treatment of additional age- and disease-related pathologies.

Double-blind, randomized trial of bupropion SR for the treatment of neuropathic pain

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of bupropion sustained-release (SR) for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

METHOD

This single-center, outpatient, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study consisted of two phases. Forty-one nondepressed patients with neuropathic pain spent 6 weeks in each phase in random order and received identical tablets of 150 mg bupropion SR or placebo. Patients were instructed to take one tablet once daily for 1 week followed by one tablet twice daily for 5 weeks.

RESULTS

While the patients took bupropion SR, neuropathic pain relief was improved or much improved in 30 (73%) patients, and one of these patients became pain-free. The mean average pain score at baseline was 5.7, which remained unchanged at the end of week 6 with placebo, but decreased by 1.7 points to 4.0 (p < 0.001) during therapy with bupropion SR. Pain relief with bupropion SR was significant at week 2 (p < 0.05) and continued throughout weeks 3 through 6 (p < 0.001). A significant decrease in interference of pain on quality of life was observed while patients were receiving bupropion SR compared with placebo. Side effects experienced with bupropion SR were not dose-limiting and consisted primarily of dry mouth, insomnia, headache, gastrointestinal upset, tremor, constipation, and dizziness.

CONCLUSION

This placebo-controlled crossover trial showed that bupropion SR (150-300 mg daily) was effective and well tolerated for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Impact of pancreatic head resection on direct medical costs in patients with chronic pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

To quantitate disease-specific hospital-based medical costs in 34 patients with chronic pancreatitis before and after treatment by either duodenal-preserving pancreatic head resection (DPPHR) or pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD).

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Pancreatic head resection in selected patients with chronic pancreatitis provides pain relief and improves quality of life, but the effect on healthcare costs is unknown.

METHODS

This observational cohort study comprised 34 selected patients with chronic pancreatitis followed up exclusively at the authors' institution treated by either DPPHR or PPPD between 1992 and 1997.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients had DPPHR and 13 had PPPD. Patients in the PPPD group were slightly older, but other clinical characteristics were similar. Before surgery, the mean number of admissions per patient per year, days in the hospital per patient per year, and disease-specific hospital-based medical costs per patient per year were not significantly different between groups. After surgery, those three variables were similar between the groups but significantly less than preoperative values. Pain control remained significantly improved after 36 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

In selected patients with chronic pancreatitis, DPPHR and PPPD are equally effective in providing long-term pain relief and decreasing disease-specific hospital-based costs.