Enhancing post-operative analgesia following spinal cord stimulation implant: a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of erector spinae plane block utilizing liposomal bupivacaine

Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is an inter-fascial plane block that provides multi-dermatomal analgesia for treatment of acute pain and chronic neuropathic pain in the trunk. This retrospective case series describes a novel method of treating acute postoperative pain after spinal cord stimulation implant with erector spinae plane block using liposomal bupivacaine. Bilateral erector spinae plane block was administered at L1-L2 intervertebral level in 18 cases prior to performing spinal cord stimulation implant at one interspace above. This study reveals that the block provides effective analgesia as evidenced by low pain scores and less opioid consumption after surgery.

An international study to explore the feasibility of collecting standardised outcome data for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: recommendations for an international clinical research registry

Introduction

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a persistent pain condition with low prevalence. Multi-centre collaborative research is needed to attain sufficient sample sizes for meaningful studies. This international observational study: (1) tested the feasibility and acceptability of collecting outcome data using an agreed core measurement set (2) tested and refined an electronic data management system to collect and manage the data.

Methods

Adults with CRPS, meeting the Budapest diagnostic clinical criteria, were recruited to the study from 7 international research centres. After informed consent, a questionnaire comprising the core set outcome measures was completed: on paper at baseline (T1), and at 3 or 6 months (T2) using a paper or e-version. Participants and clinicians provided feedback on the data collection process. Clinicians completed the CRPS severity score at T1 and optionally, at T2. Ethical approval was obtained at each international centre.

Results

Ninety-eight adults were recruited (female n=66; mean age 46.6 years, range 19-89), of whom 32% chose to receive the T2 questionnaire in an electronic format. Fifty-five participants completed both T1 and T2. Eighteen participants and nine clinicians provided feedback on their data collection experience.

Conclusion

This study confirmed the questionnaire core outcome data are feasible and practicable to collect in clinical practice. The electronic data management system provided a robust means of collecting and managing the data across an international population. The findings have informed the final data collection tools and processes which will comprise the first international, clinical research registry and data bank for CRPS.

Admission serum magnesium levels associated with short- and long-term clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients

Introduction

In the face of the global pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created, readily available prognostic markers may be of great use.

Purpose

To evaluate the association between serum magnesium levels (sMg) on admission and clinical outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed all consecutive patients admitted to our medical center with a primary de novo diagnosis of COVID-19.Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were extracted from the electronic medical record. Clinical outcomes were compared between five groups of patients according to the quintiles of sMg on hospital admission.

Results

From 2,433 consecutive COVID-19 patients during the years 2020–2021, we included 1,522 patients with sMg on admission (1–3 day of hospitalization) (58% male, 69±17 years old). Patients were followed for a mean of 10±7 months. A low sMg level (1st quintile) was associated with higher rates of diabetes and steroid use, whereas a high sMg level (5th quintile) was associated with dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease, andhigher levels of inflammatory markers (Table 1). Both low and high sMg levels were associated with lower oxygen saturation during hospitalization. All-cause in-hospital and long-term mortality was higher in patients with both low and high sMg levels, compared with mid-range sMg levels (2nd, 3rd and 4thquintiles; 19% and 30% vs. 9.5%, 10.7% and 17.8% and 35% and 45.3% vs. 23%, 26.8% and 27.3% respectively; p<0.001 for all) (Figure 1).

Conclusions

Both low and high sMg levels were associated with worse short- and long-term clinical outcomes and all-cause mortality in a large cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Thus, admission sMg levels may play a prognostic role in risk stratificationof COVID-19 patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Meralgia Paresthetica

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review article summaries the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentations, and latest treatment modalities of meralgia paresthetica, including the latest data about peripheral and spinal cord stimulation therapy. Meralgia paresthetica (MP) causes burning, stinging, or numbness in the anterolateral part of the thigh, usually due to compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN).

RECENT FINDINGS

There are emerging data regarding the benefit of interventional pain procedures, including steroid injection and radiofrequency ablation, and other interventions including spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation reserved for refractory cases. The strength of evidence for treatment choices in meralgia paraesthetica is weak. Some observational studies are comparing local injection of corticosteroid versus surgical interventions. However, more extensive studies are needed regarding the long-term benefit of peripheral and spinal cord stimulation therapy.

Assessment of vascular endothelial function in COVID-19 patients

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor as a means to enter the host. High density of ACE2 receptor in vascular endothelial cells may explain why vascular complications related to endothelial dysfunction occur in COVID-19. However, in vivo assessment of vascular endothelial function during COVID-19 has not been reported.

Objective

To investigate the vascular endothelial function and its temporal changes in COVID-19 patients.

Methods

In this prospective blinded study, systemic endothelial function was assessed using plethysmography-derived peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT). The reactive hyperemia index (LnRHI), a measure of endothelium-mediated hyperaemia, and the augmentation index, a measure of arterial vascular stiffness, were measured in 102 individuals across three study groups using PAT: group 1 (active infection), constituted by 20 patients hospitalised due to acute COVID-19; group 2 (past infection), constituted by 52 patients who had recovered from COVID-19; and group 3 (controls), constituted by 30 healthcare workers not infected by SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, among group 1, PAT assessment was repeated in 14 patients several weeks after recovery from acute COVID-19. PAT studies were analysed at a blinded fashion with respect to the assigned study group.

Results

Lower resting PAT amplitude was found in acute COVID-19 patients compared to the other groups (ratio of arterial tone signal between hyperemia to resting condition was 1.5 [interquartile range, 1.1] in group 1, 1.3 [0.3] in group 2 and 1.2 [0.3] in group 3, p=0.041). On the contrary, no significant differences between groups were found with respect to the hyperemic PAT amplitude (867.9 [486.1] in group 1, 944.7 [748.1] in group 2 and 819.3 [639.6] in group 3, p=0.444). Due to the lower resting PAT amplitude, there was a paradoxically significantly increased LnRHI during acute COVID-19 compared to past infection and controls (0.73 [0.32] vs. 0.53 [0.31] vs. 0.44 [0.23], respectively; p=0.013) (Figure A). Furthermore, among group 1 patients, LnRHI normalised markedly from acute COVID-19 to past infection stage (0.73 [0.32] vs. 0.49 [0.28], respectively; p=0.005) (Figure B). Augmentation index was significantly higher during acute COVID-19 compared to past COVID-19 and controls (9.6 [19.1] in group 1, 6.97 [18.6] in group 2 and −0.35 [20.53] in group 3; p=0.045 for COVID groups vs. controls).

Conclusions

Non-invasive assessment of systemic vascular endothelial function with PAT revealed significant differences between subjects with acute COVID-19, past COVID-19 and controls. Lower baseline PAT amplitude and high augmentation index suggest vasoconstriction at rest during the acute phase of COVID-19. These findings open new research opportunities to investigate the prognostic value of PAT in COVID-19 patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Renal cell carcinoma with unusual metachronous metastasis up to 22 years after nephrectomy: two case reports

Introduction

Renal cell carcinoma is the third most common malignant tumor in the urogenital tract. An estimated 25% of renal cell carcinomas are in stage IV when diagnosed. The 5-year-survival with stage IV is about 20%. Late metastases are found after an extended disease-free interval up to 20 years after primary nephrectomy.

Case presentation

Here, we present two cases with late-onset metastasis of renal cell carcinoma with different clinical presentations. The first patient, an 88-year-old Caucasian man, presented with bleeding of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Biopsies taken from the duodenal bulb showed a tumor compatible with a solitary metastasis from renal cell carcinoma 22 years ago. The second patient, a 79-year-old Caucasian man, consulted our gastroenterological department with results of an outpatient computed tomography scan with multiple suspected tumor areas in the liver, omentum, thyroid, and mediastinum. A computed tomography-guided liver biopsy was performed that showed a clear-cell tumor consistent with a metastasis of the renal cell carcinoma 17 years ago.

Conclusion

Both cases show that patients with a history of renal cell carcinoma should be followed up for a longer time than patients with other malignant tumors.

Co-presentation of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in a patient with Post Dural Puncture Headache

INTRODUCTION

Post Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH) is a well-known complication of neuraxial anesthesia, however the occurrence of seizures and vision loss within few days after dural puncture could be alarming. Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) is associated with reversible edema and leukoencephalopathy in the posterior parieto-occipital cortex. We report the co-presentation of PRES and PDPH after labor epidural analgesia.

CASE PRESENTATION

25-year-old multiparous African-American woman was admitted for evaluation of new onset seizures and headache in the postpartum period. She had a recent history of multiple needle insertion attempts and inadvertent dural puncture during epidural analgesia for delivery. Soon after delivery, she was diagnosed with PDPH and was treated with epidural blood patch, with no relief of symptoms. Six days later, she developed sudden onset transient blindness, seizures and altered sensorium and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed white matter changes suggestive of PRES.

CONCLUSION

PRES is an uncommon complication of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and intracranial hypotension. We report the occurrence of PRES in a patient with no known risk factors, except a traumatic dural tap. Is it important to expand the differentials for headache after dural puncture to encompass PRES as a possibility, especially in patients with a delayed presentation of seizures and cortical blindness.

Association of Pain With Atrial Fibrillation and Delirium After Cardiac Surgery: A DECADE Sub-Study

OBJECTIVE

The authors aimed to evaluate the effects of postoperative pain on the incidence of atrial fibrillation and delirium in patients having surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

DESIGN

Post hoc analysis of the (An investigator-initiated, multicentre, double-blind trial (ClinicalTrials NCT02004613) (DECADE)), a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING

Tertiary, academic hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Six hundred five adults from the DECADE enrolled at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, who had had surgery with CPB.

INTERVENTIONS

Dexmedetomidine versus placebo started before surgical incision and postoperatively was maintained until 24 hours.

MEASUREMENTS

Primary outcomes were atrial fibrillation, diagnosed by clinicians in the intensive care unit (ICU), presence of delirium assessed with the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU, data on pain scores, and opioid consumption, occurring between ICU admission and the earlier of postoperative day five or hospital discharge.

RESULTS

Postoperative pain levels were similar among patients with or without atrial fibrillation. Two hundred six (34%) patients had atrial fibrillation and ninety-two (15%) had delirium before hospital discharge within the first five postoperative days. The risk of atrial fibrillation was not significantly different between groups (hazard ratio: 1.09; 97.5% confidence interval [CI]: 0.99, 1.20, p = 0.039); there were no associations between postoperative pain and the risk of postoperative delirium (hazard ratio: 0.96; 97.5% CI: 0.84-1.11; p = 0.57). Postoperative opioid consumption was neither significantly associated with postoperative atrial fibrillation nor delirium.

CONCLUSIONS

Atrial fibrillation and delirium was not associated with pain after cardiac surgery. Opioid use was not associated with atrial fibrillation and delirium. Because both atrial fibrillation and delirium have a multifactorial nature, further studies should be focused on other plausible mechanisms.

COMBINED BIPOLAR AND V-SHAPED LESIONS FOR LUMBAR FACET RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION: A TECHNICAL REPORT

INTRODUCTION

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a demonstrated safe and effective treatment for chronic low back pain. RFA delivers high density electrical current near lumbar medial branch nerve. The success of RFA is contingent upon creating a lesion that overlaps the sensory nerve supplying the affected facet joint(s). Both bipolar-RFA and V-shaped active tip cannulas increase lesion size in experimental models. We describe successful application of concomitant bipolar and V-shaped lesions in a single patient with chronic low back pain caused by lumbar spondylosis.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 81-year-old male with atrial fibrillation on chronic warfarin anticoagulation was previously treated with conventional monopolar lumbar facet RFA resulting in a 75% decrement in pain intensity exceeding eight months. Nine months after the procedure, his pain returned with similar pretreatment character and was unresponsive to additional physical therapy and acetaminophen. We elected to use a V-shaped cannula to maximize lesion diameter and lengthen intervals between anticoagulant abstinence to minimize the risk. Intraoperatively, a grounding-pad malfunction compelled us to convert to bipolar-RFA by placing a second adjacent V-shaped cannula, eliminating grounding-pad requirement. Bilateral bipolar medial branch RFA of L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1 nerves was performed between these two cannulas without further incident. The patient had sustained analgesia that lasted over twelve months resultant from treatment.

CONCLUSION

We herein describe a technique of combined bipolar-RFA utilizing proximally adjacent V-shaped cannulas. Both bipolar and V-shaped cannulas create larger lesions in experiments. While both techniques purport theoretical advantages, the clinical superiority of a combined technique warrants continued clinical investigation.

Direct Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A 30-Year Review

INTRODUCTION

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), formerly known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), is a difficult to treat condition characterized by debilitating pain and limitations in functional ability. Neuromodulation, in the form of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), have been traditionally used as a treatment for CRPS with variable success.

OBJECTIVE

This chart review describes the use of implantable PNS systems in the treatment of CRPS of the upper and lower extremities spanning nearly three decades.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on 240 patients with PNS implanted between 1990 and 2017 at our institution. Of these, 165 patients were identified who had PNS systems implanted for a diagnosis of CRPS. Patient profile, including baseline characteristics, comorbidities, past/current interventions/medications and targeted nerves, was descriptively summarized through standard summary statistics. Patients' pain scores and opioid consumptions at baseline (preimplant), 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months were collected and compared. Device revisions and explants were summarized, and patient functional outcomes were described.

RESULTS

Pain scores at baseline and at 12-month follow-up were decreased from a mean of 7.4 ± 1.6 to 5.5 ± 2.4 and estimated to be 1.87 (95% CI: [1.29, 2.46], paired t-test p-value <0.001) lower at 12 months. At baseline, 62% of patients were on chronic opioid therapy, compared with 41% at 12 months. Of 126 patients who reported changes in functional status, 64 (51%) reported improvement, 27 (21%) reported worsening, and 35 (28%) did not report any meaningful change. Excluding end-of-life battery replacements, surgical revision occurred in 56 (34%) of patients. Thirteen patients (8%) underwent implantation of a second PNS because of symptomatic expansion outside of the original painful region. Device explant was performed in 32 (19%) of patients. Median length of follow-up was 74 [14, 147] months. Of the 36 patients who continue to follow-up at our institution, 29 (81%) continue to use their PNS.

CONCLUSIONS

We can conclude that PNS is a useful modality to improve function and reduce long-term pain in selected patients suffering from CRPS type I and type II.

Multimodal Analgesia for Perioperative Management of Patients presenting for Spinal Surgery

Multimodal, non-opioid based analgesia has become the cornerstone of ERAS protocols for effective analgesia after spinal surgery. Opioid side effects, dependence and legislation restricting long term opioid use has led to a resurgence in interest in opioid sparing techniques. The increasing array of multimodal opioid sparing analgesics available for spinal surgery targeting novel receptors, transmitters, and altering epigenetics can help provide an optimal perioperative experience with less opioid side effects and long-term dependence. Epigenetic mechanisms of pain may enhance or suppress gene expression, without altering the genome itself. Such mechanisms are complex, dynamic and responsive to environment. Alterations that occur can affect the pathophysiology of pain management at a DNA level, modifying perceived pain relief. In this review, we provide a brief overview of epigenetics of pain, systemic local anesthetics and neuraxial techniques that continue to remain useful for spinal surgery, neuropathic agents, as well as other common and less common target receptors for a truly multimodal approach to perioperative pain management.

Agenesis of dorsal pancreas associated with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor: a case report and review of the literature

Background

Agenesis of the dorsal pancreas is very rare. Less than 70 cases have been reported to date. Some of these cases had an association with a tumor. The literature of agenesis of the dorsal pancreas and agenesis of the dorsal pancreas-associated pancreatic neoplasia is limited. Here we report the second case of a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor in a setting of agenesis of the dorsal pancreas.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old man, originally from North Africa, with a history of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, presented with a 2-month history of nonspecific abdominal symptoms. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated an almost 3 cm round, quite well-defined and homogeneous tumor formation in the area between the neck and absent body and tail of his pancreas. The mass was confirmed by endoscopic ultrasound. Our patient underwent computed tomography-guided biopsy of the mass which provided proof of a neuroendocrine tumor. He underwent pancreas resection because of the presence of a neuroendocrine tumor. Seven months later his glycated hemoglobin increased from 6.9 to 8.7%.

Conclusions

Diagnosis of agenesis of the dorsal pancreas is based on imaging techniques like computed tomography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, or endoscopic ultrasound. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration can be helpful for the histological diagnosis of the tumor. The hypothesis of the association between pancreatic neoplasia and agenesis of the dorsal pancreas leads us to the suggestion that every patient with diagnosed agenesis of the dorsal pancreas should be observed with a focus on the early detection of potential malignancy.

Evaluation of Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Imaging (ARFI) for the Determination of Liver Stiffness Using Transient Elastography as a Reference in Children

PURPOSE

Transient elastography (Fibroscan(©); (FS)) and acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (ARFI) represent noninvasive, user-friendly and quick methods providing an objective and reproducible measure of liver stiffness. The aim of the study was to evaluate cut-off values and performance of ARFI measurements in children using transient elastography as a reference.

METHODS/PATIENTS

A total of 198 children were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent liver stiffness measurements with FS (FS-LS) as well as ARFI (with shear wave velocity quantification; ARFI-SWV) and the performance of ARFI in comparison to FS was studied.

RESULTS

Significantly higher rates of successful measurements were found for ARFI compared to FS (198/198 (100%) vs. 160/198 (80.8%); p<0.001). ARFI-SWV correlated significantly with FS-LS (r=0.751, p=0.001). ARFI-SWV increased significantly with the stage of fibrosis (1.19+0.15 m/s for patients with FS-LS<7.6 kPa); 1.34+0.22 m/s for patients with 7.6<FS-LS<13.0 kPa); and 1.83+0.58 m/s for patients with FS-LS>13.0 kPa). ARFI-SWV cut-off values were identified for no significant fibrosis (1.31 m/s; sensitivity 61.8% and specificity 79.5%) and for liver cirrhosis (1.63 m/s; sensitivity 70.0% and specificity 97.4%). The median values of liver stiffness measured by FS were age-dependent in 90 children without liver diseases with 4.8, 5.6, and 5.7 kPa in children 0-5, 6-11, and 12-18 years, respectively.

Point Shear Wave Elastography by Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Quantification in Comparison to Transient Elastography for the Noninvasive Assessment of Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis C: A Prospective International Multicenter Study

PURPOSE

The aim of the present prospective European multicenter study was to demonstrate the non-inferiority of point shear wave elastography (pSWE) compared to transient elastography (TE) for the assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

241 patients with chronic hepatitis C were prospectively enrolled at 7 European study sites and received pSWE, TE and blood tests. Liver biopsy was performed with histological staging by a central pathologist. In addition, for inclusion of cirrhotic patients, a maximum of 10 % of patients with overt liver cirrhosis confirmed by imaging methods were allowed by protocol (n = 24).

RESULTS

Owing to slower than expected recruitment due to a reduction of liver biopsies, the study was closed after 4 years before the target enrollment of 433 patients with 235 patients in the 'intention to diagnose' analysis and 182 patients in the 'per protocol' analysis. Therefore, the non-inferiority margin was enhanced to 0.075 but non-inferiority of pSWE could not be proven. However, Paired comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of pSWE and TE revealed no significant difference between the two methods in the 'intention to diagnose' and 'per protocol' analysis (0.81 vs. 0.85 for F ≥ 2, p = 0.15; 0.88 vs. 0.92 for F ≥ 3, p = 0.11; 0.89 vs. 0.94 for F = 4, p = 0.19). Measurement failure was significantly higher for TE than for pSWE (p = 0.030).

CONCLUSION

Non-inferiority of pSWE compared to TE could not be shown. However, the diagnostic accuracy of pSWE and TE was comparable for the noninvasive staging of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

An assessment of the awareness of local anesthetic systemic toxicity among multi-specialty postgraduate residents

Local anesthetics (LAs) are extensively used in clinical practice by both anesthesiologists and non-anesthesiologists and are often associated with systemic toxicity. We hypothesize that this awareness is inadequate among medical specialists and entails a risk of misdiagnosis and underreporting of such events. We therefore conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study to assess the level of understanding of LA use and effective management of systemic toxicity among 200 postgraduate residents of various specialties (with the exception of anesthesiology) in a tertiary care hospital in India from October to December 2013. Among those residents who had used LAs (193/200), 27 and 25 % of responders correctly identified the toxic doses of lidocaine and of lidocaine + adrenaline, respectively. Of the responders, 70 % always performed a negative aspiration of blood before injecting the drug, 27 % sometimes aspirated and the remaining 3 % never aspirated. The majority of the responders (93 %) were unaware of the toxic dose of bupivacaine. Only 70 % of responders believed that LAs could be toxic [95 % confidence interval (CI) 65.5-74.5 %], and 81 % of these correctly identified the signs and symptoms of cardiotoxicity. Only 2 % of responders knew that lipid emulsion is a part of its treatment (95 % CI 0.6-3.4 %). Based on these results, there is a definite need to increase the awareness of detection and treatment of local anesthetic toxicity among all medical practitioners who regularly use LAs.

Cholestatic liver diseases from child to adult: the diversity of MDR3 disease

The phospholipidfloppase MDR3 (gene symbol: ABCB4) is expressed in the canalicular membrane of hepatocytes and mediates the biliary excretion of phosphatidylcholine, which is required for the formation of mixed micelles in bile. Several mutations of ABCB4 have been identified, which cause cholestatic liver diseases of varying severity including progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC-3), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and the low phospholipid associated cholelithiasis syndrome (LPAC). Here, we report on four new (S1076N; L 23Hfs16X; c.286 + 1G > A; Q 1181E) and one known (S27G) MDR3 mutations in eight patients of three families. The patients presented with a wide spectrum of liver diseases. The clinical presentation and decisive laboratory findings or the association to a trend-setting family history led to the identification of the genetic background in these patients. Even the same mutation may be associated with varying disease progression.

[Diagnosis of focal liver lesions in cirrhotic patients: comparison of contrast-enhanced ultrasound using sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) microbubbles and MRI using Gd-EOB-DTPA]

AIM

The diagnostic accuracies of contrast-enhanced sonography and hepatobiliary contrast-enhanced MRI of the liver in evaluating focal liver lesions in patients with liver cirrhosis were compared.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In 33 patients (25 men, 8 women, mean age 63.2 ± 11.2 years) MRI of the liver using Gd-EOB-DTPA (Primovist®, Bayer Schering Pharma, Berlin) was performed. Axial T(2)-weighted, unenhanced T(1)-weighted and enhanced T(1)-weighted scans during arterial, portal venous and late phases were acquired, followed by coronary T(1)-weighted and axial fat-suppressed T(1)-weighted scans 15 minutes post contrast application. In all patients within 4 weeks contrast-enhanced sonography using sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles (SonoVue®, Nycomed, Germany) was obtained.

RESULTS

Cirrhosis of the liver was related to viral infection in 45.4% and to alcoholism in 39.4%. All hepatic lesions were confirmed by histologic examination. Sensitivity and specificity of MRI were 90.2% and 83.3%, compared to contrast-enhanced sonography with 92.7 % and 50 %, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 97.4% and 55.5 % for MRI and 90.5% and 50% for contrast-enhanced sonography, respectively.

DISCUSSION

In this retrospective study MRI using Gd-EOB-DTPA as well as contrast-enhanced sonography using sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles gave excellent results in detecting HCC in patients suffering from liver cirrhosis. Although the specificity was higher for MRI, the accuracy showed no significant difference between these two imaging techniques.

Retrospective analysis of chronic hepatitis D in a West German University Clinic over two decades: migratory pattern, prevalence and clinical outcome

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Epidemiology, clinical features and long term-course of chronic hepatitis D were addressed in a non-endemic Central European area.

METHODS

Sixty-seven patients with chronic hepatitis D were identified among 1307 HBsAg carriers at the university hospital Düsseldorf during two decades (1989 - 2008) and followed for a mean of 7 +/- 6 years. Forty-one of these were treated with IFN-alfa for at least six months.

RESULTS

Hepatitis D prevalence increased from 4.1 to 6.2 % among HBsAg carriers during the two decades (p < 0.06). Patients originating from the former Soviet Union (32.1 vs. 46.2 %) and Africa (0 vs. 17.9 %) became more frequent whereas the prevalence of patients from Southern Europe declined (46.5 vs.17.9 % p < 0.03). The time span between the diagnosis of hepatitis B and D was 4.8 +/- 7 years (p < 0.0001). A sustained virological response to interferon-alfa was achieved in 19.5 % of the patients. The yearly incidence rates for death, HCC and complications were 3.2 %, 2.7 % and 8 % among patients with liver cirrhosis. Estimated survival and complication-free survival during 12 years were 72 % and 45 % in cirrhotic compared to 100 % in non-cirrhotic patients (p < 0.008 and p < 0.0001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Hepatitis D in western Germany appears to be on the increase and has a migration background that should be considered in clinical practice. Clinical outcome and response to IFN are as poor as in endemic regions, indicating the need to improve early diagnosis.

A study on knowledge, attitude and practice of contraception among college students in Sikkim, India

OBJECTIVE

To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of contraception among the college students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross sectional study was conducted in the Government College, Gangtok, Sikkim, during the month of April 2009 to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of contraception among 156 students enrolled in the first year bachelor course. Descriptive statistics was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

98% (153/156) of the students had knowledge about family planning and 86% (134/156) of them had heard about contraceptives. Most of them knew about condoms (85%) and contraceptive pills (40%) but knowledge about permanent methods and Cu-T was poor (average 12%). Most students thought contraceptives were to be used to prevent unwanted pregnancy (35%) and for birth spacing (30%). 11% of students had used some form of contraceptive in the past and 7% were currently users. The most commonly used contraceptives were condoms, followed by combined use of OCP and condom.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the need to motivate the youth for effective and appropriate use of contraceptives when required and arrest the trend towards unwanted pregnancy.

Wireless capsule endoscopy for the detection of small bowel diseases in HIV-1-infected patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In HIV-infected patients, manifestations of the disease are common in the gastrointestinal tract. The objective of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of the Given(R) Video Capsule System (Given Imaging, Yoqneam, Israel) in these patients.

METHODS

After the exclusion of GI-tract stenosis by anamnestic exploration, 49 patients were included into the study. Stratification: Group A (n = 19): HIV-positive, CD4 cell count < 200/microl, gastrointestinal symptoms present. Group B: HIV-positive, CD subset4 < 200/microl, without gastrointestinal symptoms (n = 19 Group) C: healthy volunteers (n = 11).

RESULTS

In group A there was a total of 30 pathological findings, 15 of which had therapeutic implications. In group B, there was a total of 22 pathological findings, 5 relevant for therapy. In group C there was a total of 13 pathological findings, 3 with therapeutic relevance. In 89% (group A) vs. 26% (group B), pathological findings were detected distal to the ligament of Treitz (p = 0.001). All capsules were recovered without any complication after 12 to 96 h from the stool.

CONCLUSION

Wireless capsule endoscopy of the small intestine should be considered for HIV-infected patients with marked immunosuppression and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Incidence and outcome of peripartum cardiomyopathy from a tertiary hospital in South India

There is very little literature regarding peripartum cardiomyopathy (PCM) from Asian countries. A study of PCM was conducted at Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Manipal, with special reference to incidence and outcome. The incidence of PCM was 1 case per 1374 live births. Major risk factors for the development of PCM were multiparity and advanced maternal age. Echocardiography is useful in early diagnosis and for follow-up assessment of left ventricular function. Most of the patients noticed good symptomatic improvement at time of discharge and during the follow-up with standard therapy. Clinical improvement was well correlated with improvement of LV function by echocardiography. Significant thrombotic complications were noticed. None of the patients died during the study and follow-up period.

SEN Virus infection in HIV/HCV coinfected patients

BACKGROUND

Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is currently one of the most relevant coinfections in HIV positive patients. The influence of SEN Virus (SENV) on the outcome of HCV therapy in HIV/HCV coinfected patients who underwent combination therapy with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin is unclear.

METHODS

SENV DNA was determined by polymerase chain reaction in 67 HIV/HCV coinfected patients, 77 HIV monoinfected patients, 95 treatment naive HCV monoinfetcted patients, and 122 healthy blood donors. Quantitative analysis was done for SENV H DNA.

RESULTS

SENV DNA was detected in 8 of 67 (12%) HIV/HCV coinfected patients, in 9 of 77 (11.7%) HIV monoinfected patients, in 21 of 95 (22%) HCV monoinfected patients, and 12 of 122 (9.8%) healthy blood donors. HIV monoinfected patients showed the highest mean SENV H DNA level. The mean SENV H DNA was significantly lower in HIV/HCV coinfected patients compared to all other groups. The sustained virological response rates to combination therapy of HCV in HIV/HCV coinfected patients did not differ between patients with detectable SENV 5/8 (62.5%) and without SENV 28/59 (47.5%; p = 0.47). We found no significant difference in SENV H DNA pretreatment levels between nonresponders and responders to combination therapy (112 +/- 144 copies vs. 8 +/- 7 copies/ml; p = 0.27).

CONCLUSION

Coinfection with HCV may reduce SENV H replication in HIV positive patients and results in significantly lower SENV H DNA levels in HIV/HCV coinfected patients. SENV infection has no influence on the outcome of HCV combination therapy in HIV/HCV coinfected patients.

Therapy outcome in patients with chronic hepatitis C: role of therapy supervision by expert hepatologists

Previous large multicentre trials reported sustained virological response (SVR) rates of 45-80% in chronically infected hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients. However, it is unclear whether such a treatment success is also achieved in daily routine and to what extent it depends on expert hepatological supervision. This was retrospectively analysed in patients presenting at our outpatient department during May 1997 and March 2004 and receiving at least one treatment dose. A total of 302 treatment-naive HCV patients [72% genotypes 1 or 4 (n = 215), 25% genotypes 2/3 (n = 78) and 3% undetermined genotype (n = 9)] were included in the analysis. Out of these, 196 patients consulted an expert hepatologist at least once every 3 months during treatment [regular visitors (RV)], whereas in 106 patients treatment was performed and supervised by a general practitioner (irregular visitors). Both patient groups did not differ in their baseline characteristics. However, the virological response rates at the end of treatment (ETR; 146/196, 74%vs 51/106, 48%, P < 0.001) and 6 months thereafter (SVR; 129/196, 66%vs 36/106, 34%, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in RV. In patients treated with pegylated-interferon (PEG-IFN)/ribavirin, this difference was statistically highly significant (P < 0.001) for HCV genotypes 1 and 4 (treated patients: SVR: 62/101, 61%vs 14/51, 27%, P < 0.001), but not for genotypes 2/3. SVR rates were also significantly better in RV with advanced liver damage [SVR 69% (22/32) vs 25% (5/20), P = 0.004]. In regular and irregular visitors treatment was discontinued in 7% (14/196) and 15% (16/106) respectively (P = 0.015). Patients with unfavourable genotypes 1 and 4 or with advanced liver damage benefit from HCV therapy supervision by a specialist, probably because of less frequent treatment interruptions or dose reductions.

[Epidemiology of primary drug resistance in chronically HIV-infected patients in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, 2001-2005]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Primary HIV drug resistance, characterized by mutant virus strains in untreated HIV-infected persons, is of significant epidemiological significance. Primary resistance is associated with reduced efficacy of antiretroviral therapy (ART). We determined the prevalence of primary resistance in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Genotypic resistance testing was performed in a prospective multicenter study in chronically infected previously untreated HIV-positive patients before administration of first-line ART. Mutations were classified according to the International AIDS Society USA guidelines and the geno2pheno interpretation tool.

RESULTS

Between January 2001 and December 2005, resistance testing was performed in 831 patients. 77.4% were males, the mean age was 39 years (SD: 10.5). The mean duration of diagnosis of HIV infection was 1.6 years (SD: 3.4). 32.4% of patients were at CDC stage C, mean CD4 cell count was 236 /microl (SD: 205), and mean viral load was 206,855 copies/ml (SD: 450,610). In total, resistance-associated mutations were detected in 75 patients (9.0%; 95%CI, 7.1-11.0). After inclusion of mutations E44D and V118I, resistance was identified in 99 patients (11.9%; 95%CI, 9.7-14.1). 5.4% had mutations indicating nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) resistance (95%CI, 3.9-7.0), 3.0% had non-NRTI resistance (95%CI, 1.8-4.2), and 2.4% had protease inhibitor resistance (95%CI, 1.4-3.4), respectively. Two-class resistance was detected in 0.8% (95%CI, 0.2-1.5), three-class resistance in 0.5% (95%CI, 0.01-1.0). Mutations indicating revertant variants of resistant strains were found in 3.9% (95%CI, 2.5-5.2). Considering the variables age, gender, time since diagnosis, CDC stage, CD4 cell count, viral load, HIV subtype, ethnic origin, and HIV transmission group, no significant risk factor for the presence of primary resistance was demonstrated in univariate and mutlivariate analyses.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of primary resistant virus strains was about 10% in chronically infected ART-naive HIV-patients in the largest federal state of Germany. The majority of these patients had NRTI-associated resistance. No risk factor for the presence of primary drug resistance was identified. Because of the high prevalence and the possible impact on efficacy of drug treatment, routine genotypic resistance testing should be performed in untreated HIV-positive patients before administration of first-line ART.

[Transient elastography for diagnosing liver cirrhosis]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Detection of liver cirrhosis has numerous implications because of the potential sequelae of cirrhosis. Transient elastography (Fibroscan), was evaluated as a novel, non-invasive means of assessing cirrhosis by measuring liver stiffness.

METHODS

147 consecutive patients with different forms of liver disease and histologically determined stages of liver fibrosis were prospectively studied by transient elastography. 48 patients had liver cirrhosis.

RESULTS

The number of transient elastographic measurements per patient was 12+/-4 (range 6 - 30). Valid elastography measurements were available for 135 out of 147 patients (92 %). The results of transient elastography correlated positively with the histological score of liver fibrosis (r = 0.8; 95 % CI: 0.72 - 0.85; p < 0.001). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) were 0.91 for > or = F3 fibrosis (95 % CI: 0.85 - 0.96) and 0.94 for cirrhosis (95 % CI: 0.90 - 0.98). Using a cut-off value of 13 kPa for detection of liver cirrhosis a sensitivity of 90 %, a specificity of 82 %, a positive predictive value of 71 % and a negative predictive value of 95 % were obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

Measuring liver stiffness by transient elastography proved to be an easy method to assess liver cirrhosis. In combination with clinical signs, ultrasound and biochemical markers noninvasive diagnosis of liver cirrhosis will be further improved.

Response to interferon alfa is hepatitis B virus genotype dependent: genotype A is more sensitive to interferon than genotype D

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Current interferon alfa (IFN) treatment of chronic hepatitis B has limited efficacy. The role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes for response to IFN was investigated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

HBV genotype was determined by direct sequencing of the HBV X gene in 165 consecutive patients with chronic replicative hepatitis B treated with standard IFN. HBV genotype A or D was found in 144 cases.

RESULTS

Sustained response (six months after treatment) to standard IFN therapy was higher in HBV genotype A compared with HBV genotype D infected patients (49% v 26%; p<0.005). Sustained response to IFN was 46% versus 24% (p<0.03) in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive hepatitis (n = 99) and 59% versus 29% (p<0.05) in HBeAg negative hepatitis (n = 45) for HBV genotype A compared with HBV genotype D. HBeAg status had no negative impact on IFN response. Multivariate logistic regression identified HBV genotype A and high pretreatment alanine aminotransferase levels (>2 x upper limit of normal) as independent positive predictive parameters of IFN response.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicates that HBV genotypes A and D are important and independent predictors of IFN responsiveness in chronic hepatitis B. HBV genotype adapted treatment regimens may further improve treatment efficacy in chronic hepatitis B.

Impact of rosiglitazone treatment on the bioavailability of antiretroviral compounds in HIV-positive patients

OBJECTIVES

The insulin-sensitizer rosiglitazone is under investigation for therapy of HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome (LDS). Little is known about pharmacological interactions with antiretroviral (ARV) drugs.

METHODS

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of ARV drugs was performed in a prospective study before and at day 28 after start of treatment with 4 mg of rosiglitazone for combined LDS. Drug levels were measured in the morning fasting, and 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h after standardized drug intake. Values were log-transformed for analysis.

RESULTS

Twelve males and six females were assessed; mean age was 50.7 years and mean CD4 cell count was 496 cells/mm(3). All patients had a viral load below 50 copies/mL, and backbone ARV therapy consisted of two or three nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors in all cases. After administration of rosiglitazone, no significant differences in Cmax, Cmin and AUC were found in cases treated with efavirenz (n = 10) and lopinavir (n = 4). Mean Cmax of nevirapine (n = 4) was reduced significantly [-0.44; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.86 to -0.01]. Furthermore, there was a consistent trend to a reduction in the geometric mean ratio (GMR) of Cmax, Cmin and AUC (GMR of Cmax 0.95; 95% CI 0.9-1.0; GMR of Cmin 0.89; 95% CI 0.65-1.13; GMR of AUC 0.96; 95% CI 0.91-1.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with 4 mg of rosiglitazone for HIV-associated LDS is likely to reduce the bioavailability of nevirapine. Thus, routine TDM is recommended for patients treated with rosiglitazone and nevirapine. A therapy consisting of efavirenz or lopinavir seems to be without negative impact. Further studies on the interaction of rosiglitazone with ARV drugs are necessary.

Atazanavir for treatment of HIV infection in clinical routine: efficacy, pharmacokinetics and safety

INTRODUCTION

Atazanavir (ATV) is a novel protease inhibitor that has been recently introduced into therapy of HIV infection. Currently there is little data on ATV therapy from daily practice.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we report on ATV efficacy and safety in clinical routine. Drug monitoring was performed consisting of unscheduled single measurements and a 4-hour-profile. Trough concentration of >80 ng/ml and peak concentration of 2000-6000 ng/ml were regarded as sufficient.

RESULTS

Between May 2003 and April 2004, ATV treatment was started in 42 patients, mean observation time was 32 weeks (6-53). Mean age was 45.6 years, 38% had prior AIDS, viral load was undetectable in 73%. Important side effects were minor or moderate diarrhea (27%) and fatigue (15%). ATV was discontinued in 10% due to side effects or malignant diseases. No significant influence on mean values of cholesterol, triglycerides, liver enzymes, CD4-cell-count, and HI-viral load was seen. Virologic failure occurred in 13% of patients, all of them were PI-experienced. Pharmacokinetic data are available for 32 patients, all patients had sufficient trough levels. 30% with unboosted ATV and 21% with boosted ATV had peak plasma concentrations below the level defined as sufficient. Mean trough levels, plasma profile and AUC did not differ significantly between groups with non-boosted versus boosted ATV regimes but showed a wide inter-patient variability.

CONCLUSIONS

ATV treatment of HIV-infected patients with or without a RTV booster was safe and effective in clinical routine. Drug levels were sufficient in the majority of cases. The variability of pharmacokinetic results in our sample supports therapeutic drug monitoring in patients treated with ATV.

Inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A: relevant drug interactions in gastroenterology

Cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) is involved in biotransformation of more than half of all drugs currently available. Drug interactions by inhibition of CYP3A are of major interest in patients receiving combinations of drugs. Some interactions with CYP3A inhibitors also involve inhibition of the multidrug export pump, P-glycoprotein. An increasing number of adverse drug reactions might be avoided on the basis of knowledge about CYP3A substrates and inhibitors. This article summarizes some examples of such interactions relevant to gastroenterologists. Serious cases by coadministration of CYP3A inhibitors resulting in acute hepatitis, hypotension, rhabdomyolyis, torsade de pointes, sedation, or ergotism are presented: interactions with azole antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole), HIV protease inhibitors (ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir, nelfinavir), macrolide antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin), and grapefruit juice. In addition, 1 case is reported who presented the highest trough levels of the CYP3A substrate budesonide in serum ever measured. Practitioners have to be aware of the high potential of metabolic drug interactions when they prescribe a CYP3A inhibitor. It is wise to check carefully comedication in patients complaining of side effects with substrates of CYP3A.

Socioepidemiological data on hepatitis delta in a German university clinic--increase in patients from Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The relevance of chronic hepatitis delta results from its high morbidity leading frequently to rapid cirrhosis progression. The aim of the present study was the socioepidemiological characterization of patients with hepatitis delta, in order to identify patients at risk for hepatitis delta.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical parameters of 36 consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis delta, seen between 1989 and 2002 at the University Hospital in Düsseldorf, were evaluated for the present study. Socioepidemiological parameters, available in 31 of these patients who returned a questionnaire, were compared to data of the population of Nordrhein-Westfalen (NRW).

RESULTS

Liver cirrhosis was found in 33.3% of patients. There was a mean delay of 3 years between the diagnosis of hepatitis B and D. Patients with delta hepatitis were characterized by lower education, were more frequently unemployed, exhibited less qualified work and had less property compared to the population of NRW. 86.1% of hepatitis delta patients were immigrants to Germany. Before 1995 hepatitis delta infections were mainly seen in patients from Southern Europe (75%), whereas after 1996 predominantly patients from Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union (53.6%; p < 0.04) contributed to the newly diagnosed cases of hepatitis delta.

CONCLUSIONS

The present data underline that hepatitis delta is a severe disease. It seems reasonable to intensify screening for hepatitis delta among patients with low socioeconomic status, especially among immigrants of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.

Malaria and tourism: retrospective analysis of German malaria cases imported from the Dominican Republic

We report on malaria acquired by German tourists to formerly non-endemic tourist resorts in the Dominican Republic between July 1999 and March 2000. Falciparum malaria is endemic in the western provinces and the hinterland of the Dominican Republic. By contrast, the risk of contracting malaria has always been considered so low in the main tourist resorts in the eastern part of the country that antimalarial chemoprophylaxis was not recommended.

Successful treatment of hepatitis B virus associated polyarteritis nodosa with a combination of prednisolone, alpha-interferon and lamivudine

Therapy of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated poly-arteritis nodosa is still evolving. Here we report a successful treatment with a short-term steroid administration in combination with a-interferon and lamivudine and a complete sequence analysis of the HBV genome. A 58-year-old man presented with the symptoms of mononeuritis multiplex associated in time with the onset of highly replicative hepatitis B. Polyarteritis nodosa was confirmed by biopsy. During an initial course with alpha-interferon and prednisolone no clinical improvement or hepatitis B virus seroconversion was observed. After addition of lamivudine to the protocol with fast tapering of prednisolone, HBV DNA fell to undetectable levels within 1 month and liver transaminases normalized. After 6 months of treatment HBeAg seroconversion took place, followed by HBsAg seroconversion 2 months later. Clinical symptoms of polyarteritis improved. No relapse of polyarteritis or hepatitis B was seen during the follow up of 9 months. Complete sequence analysis of the HBV genome revealed 6 nucleotide mutations but none in a relevant antigenic epitope. The present protocol of short-term prednisolone administration combined with alpha-interferon and lamivudine was effective for the treatment of HBV-related polyarteritis nodosa and may be a promising new therapeutic approach.