Approach to inherited hypertrichosis: A brief review

Hypertrichosis refers to the growth of hair, of an excessive amount and thickness, on any part of the body. It must be distinguished from hirsutism which is characterized by excess growth of hair in androgen-dependent areas on the upper lip, chin, chest, linea alba, thigh and axilla. Hypertrichosis may be localized or generalized, and congenital or acquired. Excess hair growth has a psychological impact on the child as well as the parents due to the cosmetic disfigurement it produces. Current treatment options are limited and not wholly satisfactory. Treatment should be customized according to the area, nature and amount of hair growth, age of the patient and personal preferences. In addition, when hypertrichosis occurs as a component of a syndrome, multidisciplinary management is required to address the associated systemic features. A detailed review of inherited generalized hypertrichosis is presented here with emphasis on clinical clues to identifying complex syndromes with multisystem involvement.

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis: Presentation and Management

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is a benign, typically asymptomatic, acquired leukoderma characteristically affecting mature individuals. Although the etiopathogenesis is unclear, chronic sun exposure and senile degeneration are important triggers. Researchers have been engaged in a continuous effort to unveil the gray areas encompassing different aspects of IGH pathogenesis. IGH is a clinical diagnosis; however, histopathology and dermoscopy may aid in quetionable cases. Patients often seek cosmetic treatment. There has been no standard therapy for this condition. Newer treatment modalities range from topical agents to procedure-based therapies and have enhanced the therapeutic armamentarium. Here we discuss the pathogenesis, presentation, and management of IGH.

Noninvasive diagnostic techniques of port wine stain

Port-wine stain (PWS) is a benign capillary malformation that most commonly occurs in the head and neck. It is present at birth and progresses over time. It is formed by progressive dilatation of post-capillary venules and is associated with hypertrophy and nodularity with increasing age, leading to cosmetic disfigurement and psychological aggravation. It is caused by genetic mosaicism in GNAQ and GNA11 genes. Histopathology is the gold standard for assessment of PWS but it is invasive and may cause scarring. Inadequate characterization of the lesions may predispose to inadequate treatment protocols as well as higher treatment dosages. Clinical evaluation of treatment efficacy is subjective and may not be a representative of actual results. Therefore, an objective visualization modality is required. With evolving technology, numerous optical instruments have been developed for objective evaluation and visualization of subsurface structures. These include VISIA-CR™ system, videodermoscopy, high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS), laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), reflectance spectrophotometers and tristimulus colorimeter, laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), cross-polarized diffuse reflectance imaging system (CDR), reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI). These semi-quantitative modes of diagnosis are complementary to each other. Some can be used in the clinical setting while others, due to high instrument cost, are limited to the research settings. In this review, we bring to you a brief overview of noninvasive diagnostic modalities in PWS.

Dermoscopy Saga - A Tale of 5 Centuries

The origin of dermoscopy can be traced back to the middle of the modern age and Borel's discovery (1655 - 1656) laid the foundation stone with important contributions from Ernst Karl Abbe, Unna, Muller, Saphier and others. However, the work done by Dr. Ronald Mackie (1971) for the early detection of melanoma marks the peak. The entire journey of evolution was eventful. This article is a brief overview on the history of dermoscopy and the contribution of various scientists leading to emergence of dermoscopy as an independent, dynamic field today.

Distribution and risk factors of canine haemotropic mycoplasmas in hunting dogs from southern Italy

Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum" (CMhp) are the main haemoplasma species known to infect dogs. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of haemoplasma species infections in hunting dogs from southern Italy and assess related risk factors. 1,433 hunting dogs living in Campania region were tested by qPCR assay. The prevalence was 19.9 %; 13.1 % for Mhc and 11.4 % for CMhp; 4.6 % showed a coinfection with both haemoplasma species. Statistical analysis revealed living in Salerno province (Mhc: OR 3.72; CMhp: OR 2.74), hound (Mhc: OR 5.26; CMhp: OR 8.46) and mixed breed (Mhc: OR 3.38; CMhp: OR 2.80), rural environment (Mhc: OR 12.58; CMhp: OR 10.38), wild mammal hunting (Mhc: OR 8.73; CMhp: OR 8.32), cohabitation with other animals (Mhc: OR 2.82; CMhp: OR 2.78) and large pack size (Mhc: OR 2.96; CMhp: OR 1.61) as risk factors for haemoplasmas. Male gender (OR 1.44) and tick infestation history (OR 1.40) represented risk factors only for Mhc, while adult age (2-7 years - OR 2.01; > 7 years - OR 1.84) and large body size (OR 1.48) were associated only to CMhp. Mhc infection was significantly associated to Babesia vogeli (p < 0.05) and Hepatozoon canis (p < 0.001), while CMhp with H. canis (p < 0.001). This study adds information on haemoplasma species distribution in hunting dogs in southern Italy. Outdoor lifestyle and contact with wild fauna, through greater exposure to tick infestation, or possibly wounds acquired during hunting or fighting, could be factors contributing to haemoplasma infections.

Hepatozoon canis in hunting dogs from Southern Italy: distribution and risk factors

Hepatozoon canis is a hemoprotozoan organism that infects domestic and wild carnivores throughout much of Europe. The parasite is mainly transmitted through the ingestion of infected ticks containing mature oocysts. The aims of the present survey were to determine the prevalence of H. canis in hunting dogs living in Southern Italy and to assess potential infection risk factors. DNA extracted from whole blood samples, collected from 1433 apparently healthy dogs living in the Napoli, Avellino, and Salerno provinces of Campania region (Southern Italy), was tested by a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay to amplify H. canis. Furthermore, the investigated dog population was also screened by qPCR for the presence of Ehrlichia canis, a major tick-borne pathogen in Southern Italy, in order to assess possible co-infections. Two hundred dogs were H. canis PCR-positive, resulting in an overall prevalence of 14.0% (CI 12.2–15.9). Breed category (P < 0.0001), hair coat length (P = 0.015), and province of residence (P < 0.0001) represented significant risk factors for H. canis infection. The presence of H. canis DNA was also significantly associated with E. canis PCR positivity (P < 0.0001). Hunting dogs in Campania region (Southern Italy) are frequently exposed to H. canis, and the infection is potentially associated with close contact with wildlife. Further studies are needed to assess the pathogenic potential of H. canis, as well as the epidemiological relationships between hunting dogs and wild animal populations sharing the same habitats in Southern Italy.

Measurements of echocardiographic indices and biomarkers of kidney injury in dogs with chronic kidney disease

Pathophysiological cardiac and renal interactions are termed cardiovascular-renal disorder (CvRD). Cardiovascular disease/dysfunction secondary to kidney disease (CvRD_K), is a leading cause of death in human chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The presence and clinical impact of CvRD_K in dogs with CKD is unknown. We hypothesized that echocardiographic measurements, and cardiac and renal biomarkers, will be altered in dogs with CKD and associated with survival. Eleven dogs with CKD (n = 6 IRIS stage 2, n = 5 IRIS stage 3) and without primary cardiac disease, plus 12 healthy age-matched control dogs, were recruited to this prospective observational study. Dogs underwent standard echocardiography, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation by iohexol clearance, and measurement of plasma cardiac troponin I and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), plasma and urinary cystatin B, and urinary clusterin and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). Values were compared between groups, and their association with all-cause mortality explored. Dogs with CKD had significantly lower GFR and higher NT-proBNP, urinary cystatin B, clusterin, and NGAL, compared to controls (P < 0.05). Echocardiographic measurements were similar between dogs with CKD and controls. Median follow-up time was 666 days, during which six dogs with CKD died. Risk of death was associated with increasing age, serum total protein, and normalized left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWDN) and decreasing bodyweight and packed cell volume. Although baseline differences in echocardiographic measurements were not evident between dogs with moderate CKD and controls, the presence of CvRD_K was suggested by the association between LVPWDN and survival.

Evaluation of the efficacy of emodepside plus praziquantel topical solution against ascarid infections (Toxocara cati or Toxascaris leonina) in cats

Eleven controlled studies were conducted in the United States and Europe to evaluate the efficacy of a topical solution of emodepside (3 mg/kg)+praziquantel (12 mg/kg) (Profender, Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany) against infection with various stages of the ascarid nematodes Toxocara cati and Toxascaris leonina. Infections were induced by administration of larvated ascarid eggs, and stage-specific efficacy was evaluated by treating cats at scheduled intervals post-inoculation. All studies featured random allocation to treatment groups, placebo-treated control animals and assessment of outcome measures by masked personnel. The product (emodepside+praziquantel topical solution) was 100% effective against mature adults and immature adult T. cati. In addition, it was 96.8% effective against third stage larvae and at least 99.4% effective against fourth stage larvae of T. cati, respectively. Efficacy against mature, immature adult and L4 stages of T. leonina exceeded 93.4%, but regulatory "adequacy of infection" criteria were not met in some studies. No adverse reactions to treatment were noted in cats treated with the emodepside+praziquantel topical solution.

Efficacy of a topically administered combination of emodepside and praziquantel against mature and immature Ancylostoma tubaeforme in domestic cats

This paper reports the efficacy of emodepside/praziquantel spot-on (Profender), Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany), a novel broad-spectrum anthelmintic for dermal application, against L4 larvae and immature adult and adult stages of Ancylostoma tubaeforme in cats. The formulation contains 2.14% (w/w) emodepside and 8.58% (w/v) praziquantel, with emodepside being active against gastrointestinal nematodes and praziquantel against cestodes. Five randomized, blinded and controlled laboratory studies demonstrated 100% efficacy of emodepside/praziquantel spot-on against mature A. tubaeforme and an efficacy of >95% and >97%, respectively, against L4 larvae and immature adults (based on worm counts after necropsy) at approximately the minimum proposed dose rate in cats of 3.0 mg emodepside and 12.0 mg praziquantel/kg body weight. No adverse reactions to the treatment were observed. It is concluded that emodepside/praziquantel spot-on is an effective and safe treatment against infections with mature and immature A. tubaeforme. Emodepside/praziquantel spot-on will considerably facilitate the treatment of cats against nematodes and cestodes compared with orally administered preparations.

Field evaluation of the efficacy and safety of emodepside/praziquantel spot–on solution against naturally acquired nematode and cestode infections in domestic cats

Two controlled, blinded and randomized multi-site clinical field studies evaluated the efficacy and safety of emodepside/praziquantel spot-on in the treatment of gastrointestinal nematode and cestode infections in cats. In a study conducted in Europe, faecal egg count reductions of >98% for all nematode eggs and eggs of Toxocara cati, respectively, were observed in cats treated with emodepside/praziquantel spot-on (Profender, Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany). For a positive-control product containing selamectin (Stronghold) reductions of >95% were observed. A 100% reduction of faecal eggs and proglottids was observed in cats treated with emodepside/praziquantel spot-on that were infected with cestodes. In a study conducted in North America, cats were treated with either emodepside/praziquantel spot-on plus a placebo tablet or a combination of two control products containing, respectively, selamectin (Revolution) and epsiprantel (Cestex). Faecal egg count reduction for eggs of T. cati was >99% for both treatments. For faecal eggs and proglottids of Dipylidium caninum reductions of >99 and >97% were recorded for cats treated with emodepside/praziquantel spot-on and the control group, respectively. No adverse reactions were observed in the European study, and only mild ones of short duration in a few cats from both treatment groups of the North American study. The two studies demonstrated that emodepside/praziquantel spot-on is highly efficacious and safe under field conditions.

Evaluation of the efficacy of emodepside+praziquantel topical solution against cestode (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia taeniaeformis, and Echinococcus multilocularis) infections in cats

Emodepside+praziquantel topical solution was developed to provide broad-spectrum anthelmintic activity against gastrointestinal parasites in cats. Eight controlled studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a topical solution of emodepside (3 mg/kg) and praziquantel (12 mg/kg) (Profender, BayerAG, Leverkusen, Germany) against feline infections with three species of cestodes. Studies featured naturally acquired infections of Dipylidium caninum or Taenia taeniaeformis, or experimental infections with Echinococcus multilocularis that were placebo-controlled, randomized and blinded. Cats were euthanatized and necropsied between 2 and 11 days after treatment, depending on the target parasite. The efficacy of emodepside+praziquantel topical solution was 100% against D. caninum and T. taeniaeformis, and 98.5- 100% against E. multilocularis. No significant systemic or local adverse reactions to treatment were noted in cats that received the combination. Topical treatment of cats with emodepside+praziquantel topical solution was safe and highly effective against cestode infections.

Mutations in apoptosis genes: a pathogenetic factor for human disease

Cell death by apoptosis is exerted by the coordinated action of many different gene products. Mutations in some of them, acting at different levels in the apoptosis process, have been identified as cause or contributing factor for human diseases. Defects in the transmembrane tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNF-R1) lead to the development of familial periodic fever syndromes. Mutations in the homologous receptor Fas (also named CD95; Apo-1) are observed in malignant lymphomas, solid tumors and the autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome type I (ALPS I). A mutation in the ligand for Fas (Fas ligand; CD95 ligand, Apo-1 ligand), which induces apoptosis upon binding to Fas, was described in a patient with systemic lupus erythematodes and lymphadenopathy. Perforin, an other cytotoxic protein employed by T- and NK-cells for target cell killing, is mutated in chromosome 10 linked cases of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Caspase 10, a representative of the caspase family of proteases, which plays a central role in the execution of apoptosis, is defect in autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome type II (ALPS II). The intracellular pro-apoptotic molecule bcl-10 is frequently mutated in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas and various non-hematologic malignancies. The p53, an executioner of DNA damage triggered apoptosis, and Bax, a pro-apoptotic molecule with the ability to perturb mitochondrial membrane integrity, are frequently mutated in malignant neoplasms. Anti-apoptotic proteins like bcl-2, cellular-inhibitor of apoptosis protein 2 (c-IAP2) and neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein 1 (NAIP1) are often altered in follicular lymphomas, MALT lymphomas and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), respectively. This article reviews the current knowledge on mutations of apoptosis genes involved in the pathogenesis of human diseases and summarises the gradual transformation of discoveries in apoptosis research into benefits for the clinical management of diseases.

Can superoxide organic chemistry be observed within the liposomal bilayer?

--2-(Dimethylamino) fluorene (1a) and 5-benzoyloxy-2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethylporphyrin (4) react with superoxide anion radical (generated from KO2/18-crown-6 polyether) in aprotic media. Yet, when incorporated into the lipid bilayer of dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine liposomes, these two substrates are inert to superoxide, generated enzymatically (xanthine oxidase/acetaldehyde) or radiolytically (60Co or 137Cs source/formate solution). On the other hand, 7-acetoxy-4-methylcoumarin (6), which reacts with superoxide in aprotic media yielding the corresponding 4-methylumbelliferone (7), also gives the same product when incorporated within the liposomal bilayer and reacted with radiolytically or enzymatically generated superoxide. In the latter case, the reaction is inhibited by SOD. NMR studies indicate that in contradistinction to the highly lipophilic 1a and 4, which presumably lie well within the lipid bilayer, 7 lies in a highly polar region of the bilayer. These results suggest that superoxide anion does not penetrate deep into the liposomal bilayer; nevertheless, superoxide reactions can, indeed, be observed, provided the active site of the substrate lies at or near the lipid-water interface.

[Intramedullary nailing of unstable forearm shaft fractures in children]

Forearm diaphyseal fractures in children are commonly treated by conservative management. In about 5% of cases, however, unstable fractures occur and require surgical intervention. We prefer the intramedullary pinning procedure, which has already been published in a similar version in 1913 by Schöne and in 1947 by Bsteh. 41 patients were followed up between 1979 and 1988. One instance with a severe infection of a second-degree open fracture required two reoperations and was completely restored with a very good result. An overall assessment of our collective yielded 31 patients with findings rated as very good, four patients rated as good, five as satisfactory and one as moderate.

Functional properties in vitro of systemic small arteries from rabbits fed a cholesterol-rich diet for 12 weeks

1. Recent evidence has suggested that the impairment of endothelium-dependent cholinergic relaxation in vitro, which is seen in atherosclerotic large arteries of animals and man, could be part of a general deleterious effect to the endothelium of hypercholesterolaemia. 2. This possibility has been investigated in vitro by measuring the response to acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside, 5-hydroxytryptamine and noradrenaline in segments of aorta and of femoral, mesenteric and cerebral small arteries (internal diameter approximately 200 microns) from control rabbits (n = 12) and from rabbits fed a 1% (w/w) cholesterol and 3% (w/w) coconut oil diet (n = 12) for 12 weeks. 3. Thoracic aorta segments from the control rabbits exhibited a maximal relaxation in response to acetylcholine of 64 +/- 11% compared with 10 +/- 5% (P less than 0.01) for thoracic segments from cholesterol-fed animals. Cerebral, femoral and mesenteric small arteries exposed to acetylcholine (10(-9)-10(-4) mol/l) relaxed to the same degree as arteries from control rabbits. The responses to sodium nitroprusside and bradykinin of the small arteries from the cholesterol-fed rabbits remained unaffected. 5-Hydroxytryptamine evoked comparable contractions in the small arteries, while the sensitivity to noradrenaline of the femoral small arteries was significantly decreased and the response of cerebral small arteries to noradrenaline in cholesterol-fed rabbits slightly increased compared with control rabbits. 4. Aorta from the cholesterol-fed rabbits had extensive atheromatous lesions. Morphological measurements and histological examination showed unchanged thickness and light microscopic appearance of intima and media of small arteries from cholesterol-fed animals compared with control animals. 5. The present study indicates that hypercholesterolaemia in this rabbit model is followed by atherosclerotic lesions and changed function of large arteries, but that both function and structure of systemic small arteries are largely unaffected.

[Conservative treatment of calcaneus fracture versus repositioning and percutaneous bore wire fixation. A comparison of 2 methods]

From 1976 to 1985 we treated 236 patients with fractures of the calcaneum without additional injuries to the legs or pelvis. Among 129 patients, 22 female/107 male, with an average age of 50 and 42 years, respectively, we performed a total of 141 fractures of the calcaneum. The average post-traumatic follow-up was 6 years. For 62 fractures we performed conservative therapy with immobilization in plaster and for 79 fractures, reduction and percutaneous drill wire fixation. The fractures were classified according to Boehler, Watson Jones, and Essex Lopresti, and on the basis of the tuber joint angle (Boehler's angle). The resulting groups, however, were not homogeneously structured. Of 82 intraarticular fractures with fragment dislocation, 19 were treated conservatively and 63 surgically. Boehler's angle at trauma was 14 degrees in the conservative group and 2 degrees in the surgical group. The more severe types of fractures were thus treated by surgery. There were two Sudeck's dystrophies with conservative and three with surgical treatment. Inadequate surgical technique (drill wires extending greater than 2 mm over the bone and insufficient compression) led to the following complications: 10 drill wire perforations without subsequent complications, 8 drill wire migrations, 2 deep infections. In four patients drill wires had to be shortened, and in 1 patient drill wires had to be shortened, and in 1 patient drill wires were misplaced and had to be corrected. Surgically treated fractures were followed by arthrodesis in 2 patients, medialization of the lateral wall of the calcaneum in 1 patient, and peroneal tendon revision in 1 patient.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Radiographic examination of the thorax, fluoroscopy and echocardiography in cardiac calcification]

The value of radiographic examination of the thorax, fluoroscopy and echocardiography in demonstration and localization of intracardiac calcifications were compared in an investigation of 40 patients with valvular heart disease prior to planned cardiac catheterization or operation. Radiographic examination of the thorax revealed only the most severe calcifications. By means of echocardiography it proved possible to undertake a simple semi-quantitative characterisation of the calcified tissue with acceptable intra- and inter-observer variation. Echocardiography and fluoroscopy were found to be of equal value in demonstration of the degree of calcification of the heart. Echocardiography was, however, superior to fluoroscopy in fine localization of the calcifications. The relative and additive values of the methods could be illustrated employing Bayes' theorem and could be represented graphically provided that the observations carried out with the three methods could be considered independent of one another. It is concluded that radiographic examinations of the thorax is unsuitable for screening for cardiac calcifications. Fluoroscopy can no longer be considered to be the method of choice in assessing lesions of this type but should be employed in cases where echocardiography does not provide sufficient information or is not available. The greatest certainty in demonstration of calcifications is obtained with combined employment of fluoroscopy and echocardiography.

Long-term follow-up of right ventricular function after Mustard operation for transposition of the great arteries

As development of right ventricular (RV) failure is a potential risk after Mustard operation for transposition of the great arteries, 17 patients were reexamined 5-13 years postoperatively. Comparisons were made with healthy controls. There were no clinical signs of heart failure. Echocardiographically determined RV end-diastolic diameter was increased to 2.5 +/- 0.8 cm (controls: 1.5 +/- 0.4 cm, p less than 0.001). Comparison of RV systolic time intervals (STI) in patients with normal left ventricular (LV) STI revealed decreased RV function, with RPEPI 165 +/- 19 msec (controls 126 +/- 12, p less than 0.001) and RPEP/RVET 0.484 +/- 0.096 (controls 0.284 +/- 0.045, p less than 0.001). Nuclear angiography demonstrated decreased RV ejection fraction (EF), viz. 42.8 +/- 6.6% (normal RV 53 +/- 6%, LV 68 +/- 9%, p less than 0.001). Only two patients showed normal (5%) rise in RV-EF during exercise. There was no evidence of deterioration with passage of time. The results do not justify use of anatomic repair at our center, since the perioperative mortality might then be higher than in the Mustard or Senning procedures.

[Posterior shoulder dislocation]

Posterior dislocations of the shoulder can be caused by various mechanisms, the most common one, being epileptic seizures. Therefore many patients or their relatives hesitate to admit, how the injury has actually occurred. Spängler et al. published in 1975 several reasons why the diagnosis of "posterior subluxation of the humeral head" is often missed. Usually very typical errors in the evaluation of the clinical findings lead to misinterpretation of the radiograms. In spite of the fact that long-term results of untreated posterior subluxations can be surprisingly good, reduction must be achieved as soon as possible. Deep impression-fracture of the humeral head are the cause of recurrent dislocations. Various methods have been described to treat this condition by filling the defect with subscapularis tendon or cancellous bone. Avulsion-fractures of the posterior rim of the glenoid can successfully be refixed with small screws. In case of dislocation fractures through the anatomical neck, prosthetic replacement of the head leeds to satisfying results. So-called habitually dislocations are more common in boys and do usually not require surgery, as the inclination to dislocate becomes less frequent in later years. Only in adults operation may be indicated. Posterior apposition of a bone graft can be recommended.

Different patterns of hemodynamic abnormalities in patients with ischemic heart disease compared with patients with congestive cardiomyopathy

48 patients with chest pain or unexplained heart failure were examined with exercise test, systolic time intervals, apexcardiogram and left- and right-sided heart catheterization including coronary arteriography. The 23 patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and 19 patients with congestive cardiomyopathy (COCM) could as groups be separated by several of the parameters. Two major patterns of change were present when using the whole range of parameters, probably reflecting that the heart and circulation had compensated for left ventricular dysfunction in different ways in IHD and COCM. Comparing patients with the same ejection fraction (EF), preejection-period index (PEPI) pre-ejection-period/left ventricular ejection time (PEP/LVET) and systolic blood pressure/left ventricular end systolic volume index (SBP/LVESVI), were all more abnormal in patients with COCM than with IHD at most EF levels. The best separation between the diseases was obtained using exercise capacity in combination with PEP/LVET. The correlations between invasive and noninvasive parameters underlined that no single parameter can satisfactorily characterize the circulatory function in patients with individual differences in preload, afterload, pulse rate, cardiac volumes, compliance and contractility. No or poor correlations were found between exercise capacity and the different function parameters used.

Late infections of pacemaker units due to silicone rubber insulation boots

Early in 1980, there was an increase at our hospital of late infections of pulse generator pockets not due to perforation. No source of contamination could be found; then, late in 1981, the infection rate decreased. The only change in procedure during this period was the introduction of silicone rubber boots around the pacemaker unit to prevent muscle pacing. The risk of late infection was 13.8%, when using a rubber boot, while otherwise it was only 2.6% (p less than 0.001). The infections were usually caused by ordinary skin bacteria. The authors believe that the infections were due to bacteria introduced inside the rubber boot, where they were practically out of reach of the ordinary defense mechanisms. The decrease in infection rate occurred after the introduction of silicone-coated pacemakers.

Influence of atenolol and nifedipine on digoxin-induced inotropism in humans

Short term effect of digoxin on left ventricular performance was studied in six healthy volunteers before and during atenolol or nifedipine administration. Left ventricular function was evaluated by systolic time intervals and echocardiography. No changes in left ventricular end diastolic or systolic dimensions occurred throughout the study, indicating unchanged ventricular pre- and afterload. Thus, changes in the systolic time intervals must be attributed to changes in cardiac contractility. Changes in the pre-ejection period index (PEPI) obtained from the systolic time intervals were used as a measure of digoxin-induced inotropism. A concentration-response relationship between plasma digoxin level and changes in PEPI was revealed when digoxin was given alone. Atenolol did not influence the digoxin-induced inotropism at a given serum digoxin level. During nifedipine administration no inotropic effect of digoxin could be demonstrated. Thus, it is concluded that nifedipine attenuates digoxin-induced inotropism, while atenolol seems without this effect. These results are in accordance with previous experiments and reflect the different pharmacological sites of action of beta-adrenoceptor antagonists and calcium channel blocking agents. Plasma digoxin concentration, renal digoxin clearance and creatinine clearance did not change during atenolol or nifedipine.

Cardiovascular effects of intramuscular or inhaled terbutaline in asthmatics

8 stable asthmatics were at random given placebo, 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg terbutaline intramuscularly or 2.5 mg as inhalation. Systolic time intervals, echocardiographic parameters and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were measured. Maximal circulatory and respiratory response was obtained after 0.5 mg and 0.25 mg, respectively. The circulatory effect of 2.5 mg inhaled terbutaline equalled 0.125 mg given intramuscularly, while this dosage elicited maximal bronchodilator effect. Thus, nebulized terbutaline has only a minimal circulatory effect, and even the intramuscular dosages were without dramatic circulatory side effects.

Endocarditis caused by Cardiobacterium hominis. Two case reports

Two cases of endocarditis caused by Cardiobacterium hominis are reported. There were no unusual clinical features of endocarditis in the patients except for the extensive valvular damage present at time of hospitalization. Properties with distinguish C. hominis from other fastidious, gram negative rods are oxidase and catalase reactions, indole production and carbohydrate fermentation pattern.

Sustained effect of zinc-protamin-glucagon in hyperlipidaemic patients

Is is well known from laboratory investigations and acute intervention studies that glucagon is involved in lipid metabolism. The present study was undertaken in order to evaluate a possible sustained effect of zinc-protamin-glucagon in moderately hyperlipidaemic patients. 4 patients were investigated after an acute bolus dose of glucagon 5 mg intravenously and 16 patients were given zinc-protamin-glucagon 5 mg subcutaneously, b.i.d. for 5 days. A similar degree of decrease of plasma cholesterol and triglycerides was obtained in the acute and chronic study, while the increase in fasting blood sugar and plasma insulin seen in the acute study was not present after 5 days treatment. The effect on plasma triglycerides was much more variable than the effect on plasma cholesterol. Five days after treatment the lipid concentrations had returned to the pretreatment values. The effect could not be predicted from the pretreatment lipid concentrations, neither by the type of hyperlipidaemia present. The decrease in plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were not correlated. The drug might prove useful in the long term research of lipid metabolism and the various complex hormonal interactions.

Non-invasive measuring of the circulatory effect of afterload reduction in order to monitor the pharmacodynamic effect of drugs in normal volunteers

In order to measure the effect of a decrease in afterload on systolic time intervals, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, and left ventricular wall stress, eight healthy young persons underwent a randomised placebo controlled trial of terbutaline before and during atenolol treatment. Pre-ejection period index, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, and wall stress all decreased after terbutaline, the decrease being clearly dose dependent. This was identical before and during atenolol administration. Consequently the observed changes were induced by beta-2 elicited vasodilatation, possibly combined with some decrease of parasympathetic tone. A close correlation between changes in pre-ejection period index (PEPI) and changes in left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) and wall stress was shown both before and during atenolol treatment. When using non-invasive methods in the evaluation of changes in contractility, it is important to correct for changes in preload and afterload. For normal subjects it is suggested that the relation between delta PEPI and delta LVESD as a percentage of the mean values should be used for evaluation of afterload changes. A method is suggested for estimating changes in pre-ejection period index induced by changes in left ventricular end-systolic diameter or wall stress.

Interactions between digoxin and potassium-sparing diuretics

A kinetic and hemodynamic study of digoxin was performed in six healthy subjects and similar studies were performed during digoxin with spironolactone and with triamterene. Spironolactone reduced renal tubular secretion of digoxin and attenuated its positive inotropic effect (evaluated by systolic time intervals and echocardiography) and triamterene reduced the extrarenal elimination of digoxin, but induced no changes in digoxin-elicited inotrophy. It is suggested that the renal handling of digoxin is influenced by the intracellular potassium concentration in the renal tubular cell. The results indicate a drug-receptor interaction between spironolactone metabolites and digoxin at the hypothetical inotropic digitalis receptor. Amiloride has been reported to suppress digoxin inotropism, whereas spironolactone induces minor inhibition and triamterene does not affect digoxin inotropism.

Systolic time intervals during spironolactone treatment of digitalized and non-digitalized patients with ischaemic heart disease

The effect of spironolactone on cardiac contractility indices was studied by externally recording systolic time intervals in four digitalized and four non-digitalized patients with ischaemic heart disease. A negative inotropic effect was found after spironolactone 100mg b.i.d. in all eight patients, as measured by an increase in pre-ejection period index PEPI (p less than 0.01), and the ratio between pre-ejection period and left ventricular ejection time PEP/LVET (p less than 0.001), while pre- and afterload remained constant. As expected, digoxin exerted a positive inotropic effect, as a decrease was observed in PEPI (p less than 0.01), and PEP/LVET (p less than 0.001). It was not possible to ascertain whether the observed effect was caused by a pharmacological interaction at receptor level between spironolactone and digoxin, or indirectly to changes in endogenous substances e.g. aldosterone. The results suggest that spironolactone may have unintended side effects in patients with severe heart failure and that its use be reevaluated.

Hazards of diazoxide in pulmonary hypertension

The use of diazoxide in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension has been advocated recently. We describe three patients who responded less favourably. The first patient had cardiac arrest (asystole) after the acute bolus dose. After recovery only a slight increase in cardiac index was seen while pulmonary vascular resistance was unchanged. The second patient developed total atrioventricular block after the acute bolus dose. Ater recovery the cardiac index was unchanged while pulmonary vascular resistance was decreased. The third patient felt ill after the acute bolus dose, and the blood pressure dropped, but no conduction abnormalities were noted. The cardiac index rose slightly and the pulmonary vascular resistance was essentially unchanged. Long term treatment with oral diazoxide could not be administered to this patient because abdominal pain and distension developed. Because we lack reliable alternative treatment, it is justifiable to try diazoxide, provided great care is taken.

Amiloride-induced changes in digoxin dynamics and kinetics: abolition of digoxin-induced inotropism with amiloride

Digoxin dynamics and kinetics were studied in six healthy subjects with and without amiloride. Amiloride increased mean renal digoxin clearance from 1.3 to 2.4 ml . kg-1 . min-1 (p less than 0.001) due to increased tubular secretion of digoxin, while the glomerular filtration rate was unchanged. This might be caused by an increase in intracellular potassium concentration in the tubular cells provoked by amiloride. In contrast, the extrarenal clearance of digoxin was almost blocked by amiloride; it fell from a mean of 2.1 to 0.2 ml . kg-1 . min-1 (p less than 0.025). Total body clearance tended to fall, but the decrease was not statistically significant. EValuation of myocardial contractility by systolic time intervals revealed a concentration-response relationship between digoxin and changes in preejection period index when digoxin was given alone (rs = 0.750, p less than 0.001). Pretreatment with amiloride abolished this relationship (rs = 0.307, p = NS). Blood pressure and echocardiographically determined left ventricular end-diastolic diameter measurements indicated no changes in the left ventricular post- and preload. It is concluded that amiloride suppressed digoxin-induced inotropism.

Correlation between changes in systolic time intervals and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter after preload reduction. Non-invasive monitoring of pharmacological intervention

In order to measure the effect of a decrease in preload on systolic time intervals and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) measured by echocardiography, eight healthy young subjects were given 40 mg frusemide intravenously. The pre-ejection period index (PEPI) increased and the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased. A correlation between delta PEPI and delta LVEDD was shown. Using changes in systolic time intervals in the evaluation of changes in contractility it is important to correct for changes in preload. For normal subjects it is suggested that the relation between delta PEPI and delta LVEDD as a percentage of the mean values should be used for this correction. A method is suggested for estimating the changes in pre-ejection period index induced by changes in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter.

Interrupted aortic arch in two siblings

Two siblings with identical malformations consisting of complete interruption of the aortic arch, type B, ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus and anomalous origin of the right subclavian artery are described. Five other unrelated patients with interrupted aortic arch have been investigated in the years 1971--79. Of their 6 siblings, one had a coarctation of the aorta, while 5 were normal. Together with future reports this may help us to elucidate the genetics of this entity and may improve genetic counselling.

Reduction of digoxin-induced inotropism during quinidine administration

A kinetic and dynamic study of digoxin was performed in 6 healthy subjects, and repeated in the same subjects after administration of quinidine for 1 wk. Myocardial performance evaluated by systolic time intervals increased in parallel with plasma digoxin concentration, whereas left ventricular end-diastolic diameter on echocardiography and arterial blood pressure remained constant. The positive inotropic effect of digoxin was abolished during concomitant treatment with quinidine. Quinidine has been reported to increase the risk of digitoxicity, and therefore the treatment with digoxin and quinidine in combination should be reconsidered.

Children's response to various local fluoride treatments

The aim of the study was to evaluate children's responses to four different gel tray systems and their preference to gel treatment twice a year versus fortnightly fluoride rinsing. For the study 91 children attending third grade (10-11 years) were divided into 3 groups and 119 children attending seventh grade (14-15 years) into 4 groups. The children were treated with a neutral 2% sodium fluoride tixotropic gel by means of one of the following trays: A. Air Cushion Fluoridator B. Centrays C. An individually constructed tray made of impression material (Citricon) D. An individually constructed tray made from soft acrylic. After treatment the children's response toward the treatment was evaluated by means of interviews. The majority of the children preferred gel tray treatment to fortnightly mouth rinsing (p less than 0.0003). Disposable trays were less acceptable than the individually made trays or the Air Cushion Fluoridator. However, all trays were tolerated for 15 minutes by all children. Cost analysis showed that the difference in expense using the various trays decreased as the number of treatments of the single individual increased.

Canrenoate--a spironolactone metabolite. Acute cardiac effects in digitalized patients

Canrenoate (Soldactone)--a spironolactone metabolite for intravenous use--has recently been suggested as a specific antidote in patients suffering from digitalis intoxication. Theoretically, this would imply that canrenoate could counteract the effect of digoxin. The influence of canrenoate on inotropy in 12 digitalized patients was investigated by measurement of sytolic time intervals. Canrenoate improved the left ventricular contractility, since both preejection period (PEP) and the ratio between PEP and left ventricular ejection time (PEP/LVET) decreased significantly. The maximal changes in controlled atrial fibrillation, canrenoate had no effect on ventricular rate, whereas atropine increased the ventricular rate significantly.

Serum digoxin and empiric methods in identification of digitoxicity

A prospective study of consecutive patients admitted to a medical service was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of cardiac digitalis toxicity and the relative diagnostic values of serum digoxin versus an empiric method, based on calculations of digoxin dose in relation to kidney function and body weight. Of 711 patients admitted, 109 were treated with digitalis on admission. Sixteen of the patients developed cardiac arrhythmias consistent with digitalis intoxication. Five of these, none with serum digoxin above 1.6 ng/ml, were not toxic. The remaining eleven patients, all with serum digoxin levels above 1.6 ng/ml, were either definitely or possibly toxic. A similar borderline between intoxicated and nonintoxicated patients could not be established on the basis of calculations based on body weight and renal function. In all cases in which suspicion of digitalis intoxication was raised, serum digoxin measurements could discriminate between the toxic and the nontoxic patients.