[EVALUATION OF THE DIZZY PATIENT - FROM THE VESTIBULAR IMPAIRMENT TO THE PATIENT'S FUNCTIONAL ABILITY]

The vestibular system - the sixth sense - allows humans to preserve balance, stable vision, and body orientation in space. This system performs a continuous integration of the activity of the vestibular end-organ in the inner ear, the sense of sight, and the proprioceptive sense. Damage to the components of the vestibular system causes dizziness, imbalance, and poor orientation in space. Following vestibular injury, central compensation mechanisms are recruited to reduce the symptoms and improve the functional ability of the dizzy patient. Dizziness is a subjective complaint. Yet, the development that has taken place in the field of vestibular function testing allows accurate diagnosis, targeted treatment, and disability assessment of the dizzy patient. The dizzy patient must be examined meticulously, taking into account all the levels on which the vestibular impairment can affect (physiological, behavioral, and functional). Meaning, clinical and laboratory evaluation of the vestibular function together with functional testing of the patient. In this article, the authors present the range of existing innovative tests of the vestibular system. Vestibular tests are accepted in advanced vestibular laboratories in Israel and around the world, and enable assimilation in vestibular clinics and medical committees in Israel.

[Is there an indication for parenteral nutrition support in the terminally ill cancer patient?]

Cancer cachexia is mediated by cytokines affecting intermediate metabolism of energy, proteins, carbohydrate and lipid. It is aggravated by common therapeutic measures: surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy that reduce oral intake as well as increase catabolism. Enteral or parenteral nutrition support decreases the catabolic rate of the patient, helping the patient withstand the side effects of the therapeutic measures, but do not reverse to anabolism. Terminally ill cancer patients who are refractory to the different therapeutic measures need palliative care. Nutrition is a basic human right and is conceived by the patient and his family, as well as by the medical community and human society, to be vital for survival. We obviously make every effort to feed our cancer patients as long as they can tolerate food via the alimentary system. However, we are reluctant to administer parenteral feeding, due to fear of accelerated tumor growth, complications, cost and futility, thereby leading to unnecessary prolongation of suffering. However, there is a group of patients who, although they are not candidates for any antineoplastic therapy, are still in good physical and mental condition, with expected life spans of three months or more, suffering from conditions such as intestinal obstruction, fistulas or any condition which makes the preferred route of enteral nutrition impossible. In these specific patients, palliative parenteral nutrition should be considered. The functional status of the patient has to be reasonable (Karnofsky status > 50, ECOG< 3). The decision should be taken after careful multidisciplinary discussion. The patient and caregivers should be aware that this is not a cancer-specific treatment and probably will not prolong the patient's life. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in this situation is best if provided at the patient's home.

Bleeding, Obstruction, and Perforation in a Series of Patients With Aggressive Gastric Lymphoma Treated With Primary Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

The management of patients with gastric lymphoma has evolved, with a shift toward nonsurgical treatment. The rates of surgical complications in patients receiving chemotherapy have been insufficiently studied. The objective of this study was to assess the frequency of bleeding, perforation, and gastric outlet obstruction in patients who received chemotherapy as primary treatment for gastric diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

METHODS

We reviewed files of all patients with gastric DLBCL who were diagnosed and treated primarily with chemotherapy in our hospital between 1990 and 2005.

RESULTS

Eighteen (25%) of 73 patients experienced surgical complications, of whom 6 (8%) underwent surgery. Eight patients (11%), six with active lymphoma, experienced gastric bleeding; one required gastrectomy. Eight patients (11%) developed gastric outlet obstruction, of whom three were treated conservatively, three required surgery, one stopped treatment, and one received further chemotherapy. Six of the eight patients had no evidence of active lymphoma at the time of obstruction. Two additional patients underwent gastrectomy due to resistant or relapsed disease. Gastric perforation was not observed. Median survival was 90 months for the entire series, 94 months for patients with gastric outlet obstruction, and 11.5 months for patients with gastric bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the rate of surgical complications, especially gastric bleeding and gastric outlet obstruction, there is still an important role for the surgical consultant in the treatment of patients with gastric DLBCL receiving chemotherapy. Gastric perforation, although frequently cited as a complication, is in fact rarely observed.

Dental Complications Following Gastric Restrictive Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND

Morbid obesity is a scourge of the 21st century. The effective therapeutic measure is bariatric surgery. The medical literature has inadequately reported the potential deleterious effects of such surgery on dental health. Acidic levels in the oral cavity, which are known to be one of the postoperative side-effects of bariatric surgery, directly result in dental caries and tooth erosion. We investigated the self-assessment of postoperative bariatric patients with regard to their dental health and associated variables.

METHODS

113 patients (25% compliance), who had been operated on in three Jerusalem hospitals, responded to a mailed questionnaire.

RESULTS

Patients' average age was 40+/-10 years; bariatric surgery had been performed 5+/-4 years previously. Of the patients, 37% reported eating more sweet foods after surgery, only 20% reported improved oral hygiene, only 34% reported increased frequency of visits to the dentist, and 37% reported greater dental hypersensitivity after surgery. Significant associations were found between reported dental hypersensitivity and vomiting (P=0.013), and also dental hypersensitivity and indigestion (P=0.021). Patients from the three hospitals reported different patterns of visits to the dentist. The most common variable (80% of the subjects) associated with visits to the dentist after surgery was dental hypersensitivity.

CONCLUSION

Medical teams need to consider potential dental problems after bariatric surgery, and to supply their patients with the appropriate information and instructions regarding oral hygiene maintenance, healthy dietary patterns and regular dental health monitoring by a dentist or dental hygienist.

Unique Features of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in ?? Thalassemia Patients

Beta Thalassemia patients suffer from a high incidence of gallstones as well as systemic complications of iron overload. We performed laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 8 beta thalassemia patients and describe their specific features. Diagnosis was based on patients' clinical presentation and sonography. Trocars were readjusted due to the hepatomegaly. No intraoperative cholangiograms were performed. Follow-up included clinical assessment and abdominal sonography. All procedures were completed laparoscopically. Pigment cirrhosis and fibrosis around the cystic duct were noted in all patients. No biliary injury occurred. Post operatively, 4 patients suffered fluid leakage through the trocar site, treated conservatively. No major cardiopulmonary complications occurred. During a mean follow-up time of 65 months, all patients are symptom free and without evidence of biliary lithiasis. Thalassemia patients are difficult and often high-risk patients. Improvement in anesthesia and monitoring enables better management of these patients. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be advised in carefully selected thalassemia patients.

Autologous cell vaccine as a post operative adjuvant treatment for high-risk melanoma patients (AJCC stages III and IV). The new American Joint Committee on Cancer

This study evaluates the overall survival and disease free survival of melanoma patients that were treated with an autologous melanoma cell vaccine, administered as a post-operative adjuvant. Included are 43 patients with totally resected metastatic melanoma (28-AJCC stage III, 15-AJCC stage IV), with a median follow up of 34 months (6-62). The treatment consisted of eight doses of a vaccine made of 10-25x10(6) autologous melanoma cells either released from the surgical specimen or grown in cell cultures. Tumour cells were conjugated with hapten dinitrophenyl, mixed with Bacille Calmette Guérin and irradiated to 110 Gy. Both disease free survival and overall survival were found to be correlated with intensity of evolving delayed type hypersensitivity to subcutaneous injection of unmodified melanoma cells. Patients with a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction of > or =10 mm had a median disease free survival of 17 months (mean 35 months) and a mean overall survival of 63 months (median not reached). In contrast, patients with a negative or weak delayed type hypersensitivity had a median disease free survival of 9 months (relative risk of recurrence=4.5, P=0.001), and a median overall survival of 16 months (relative risk of death=15, P=0.001). Stage III patients with a positive delayed type hypersensitivity reaction had an improved disease free survival of 16 months and a mean overall survival of 38 months, whereas patients with a negative delayed type hypersensitivity had a median disease free survival of 7 months (relative risk=4.5, P=0.02) and a median overall survival of 16 months (relative risk=9.5, P=0.005). The adjuvant administration of autologous melanoma vaccine was associated with improved disease-free and overall survival to selected patients who successfully attained anti-melanoma reactivity as detected by positive delayed type hypersensitivity reactions to unmodified melanoma cells.

[Medical support during the Sinai War of Attrition (1968-1970) from a 30-year perspective]

The War of Attrition between Israel and Egypt along the Suez Canal line lasted 23 months (9/1968-8/1970), during which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were mostly in fixed fortifications. A few of the important principles of field medical support, which became cornerstones of IDF procedure, were established during that war. These included use of armored vehicles for evacuation under artillery fire, as well as emergency treatment, physiological stabilization, and maintenance of the wounded until evacuation. The latter objectives were achieved by stationing medical officers and paramedics within the fortifications, where they remained with the troops. A field surgical hospital was established in Refidim which had a trained surgical staff and a well-equipped emergency department. It included an operating theater and post-op recovery facilities for proper surgical care until evacuation to hospitals in the rear. Tables showing the number of casualties throughout 1 year of the War of Attrition are presented. Better personal shielding by helmets and body shields decreased the number and severity of head and thoraco-abdominal injuries. The relative large number of those who died-of-wounds was due to the proximity of medical facilities, so that treatment could be administered within the fortifications. Otherwise, many more would have been included among the killed-in-action.

Right atrial thrombi are related to indwelling central venous catheter position: insights into time course and possible mechanism of formation

We studied the effect of central line catheters on thrombus formation in the right atrium (RA), including the incidence and echocardiographic characteristics of the catheter-associated thrombus as well as possible clinical implications in patients. We prospectively studied 55 patients by transesophageal echocardiography within 1 week after Hickman catheter implantation and on a follow-up study at 6 to 8 weeks. We succeeded in imaging the catheter tip in 48 of the 55 patients (87%). In the baseline study 13 had the tip placed in the RA, eight at the superior vena cava-atrium junction, and 27 in the superior vena cava. An abnormal mass, consistent with a thrombus, was found in 12.5% of the patients, all of which were seen within the 13-patient (46%) group with the Hickman catheter tip placed in the RA. Hickman catheter insertion is associated with high incidence (12.5%) of early formation of RA thrombus. The formation of these thrombi is asymptomatic and highly associated (p < 0.001) with the catheter tip position in the RA, in contrast to their positioning in the superior vena cava or in its junction with the right atrium. On the basis of these findings, we recommend that special attention and effort be given to placing of the catheter tip in the superior vena cava and avoiding the RA during the implantation procedure.

Abdominal compartment syndrome due to delayed identification of a ureteral perforation following abdomino-perineal resection for rectal carcinoma

Abdominal compartment syndrome develops whenever the mean intraperitoneal pressure rises above the physiological pressure, leading to renal and mesenteric ischemia and respiratory decompensation due to pressure on the diaphragm. Abdominal compartment syndrome may occur after conditions such as peritonitis, intestinal obstruction, laparoscopic procedures, or abdominal tumors. Leakage from the urinary tract may cause accumulation of urine in the peritoneal cavity which commonly manifests as single or multiple urinomas, or urinary ascites. The case of a patient who had delayed identification of a ureteral perforation following the abdomino-perineal resection of a rectal carcinoma is presented. Massive urinary leakage into the peritoneal cavity led to the abdominal compartment syndrome. Peritoneal drainage and ureteral stenting improved her condition. A high index of suspicion is necessary in order to diagnose this rare condition.

Irradiation induced blood flow changes in the breast during radiotherapy--a pilot study

Skin blood flow and underskin temperature were measured in breasts during the complementary radiotherapy following lumpectomy, using the noninvasive transient thermal clearance method. On average, blood flow and tissue temperature increased at the start of the irradiation then slightly decreased. The response varied significantly among the patients. The increase in blood flow is associated with the vasodilatation which accompanies irradiation-induced inflammation and the method enables the assessment of this vasodilatation during the irradiation treatment. The decrease of blood flow after the initial increase is attributed to vascular damage. The method provides a noninvasive means for the evaluation of radiation effects on individual patients during radiotherapy.

Torture rhabdomyorhexis--a pseudo-crush syndrome

Two patients who were systematically tortured and deprived of any oral intake presented with acute renal failure several days later. Unlike the classical crush syndrome, we describe a clinical entity wherein repeated direct muscle injury from blunt trauma, in addition to forced dehydration, led to myoglobinuria and renal failure. The literature is reviewed, and biochemical indices predicting severity of injury, pathophysiology, and management protocol are described. This pseudo-crush syndrome caused by rhabdomyorhexis in addition to rhabdomyolysis is an unusual entity, in part related to extreme sociopolitical factors.

Infections caused by Pseudomonas pickettii in association with permanent indwelling intravenous devices: four cases and a review

Permanent indwelling intravenous devices (PIIDs) have become increasingly prevalent in the past decade. These devices offer the advantage of long-term and convenient venous access, but their not-infrequent colonization by bacterial or fungi can lead to bloodstream infection with or without sepsis. We describe a series of four patients with PIIDs who became infected with Pseudomonas pickettii, and we review the properties of this unusual organism and the clinical presentation of the infections it causes.

The effect of age on the caloric requirement of malnourished individuals

The effect of age on the response to total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was evaluated in 325 patients by measuring body composition by multiple-isotope dilution at the onset and at 2-wk intervals during the course of TPN. On the basis of their initial body composition, patients were divided into two groups: normally nourished and malnourished. TPN did not alter the body composition of the normally nourished patients. In the malnourished patients, a statistically significant correlation existed between the daily change in the dependent variable body cell mass (BCM) and the independent variables caloric intake, nutritional state, and age. With advancing age, more calories are required to maintain the BCM of malnourished patients. With a similar nutritional intake, a depleted BCM is restored more slowly in older patients. Age is a significant independent variable affecting the response to nutritional support.

[A decade of experience with home total parenteral nutrition]

Between August 1980 and October 1990 we treated 36 patients with home total parenteral nutrition (HTPN) with a cumulative treatment duration of 92 years. They included 14 females and 22 males ranging in age from newborn to 75 years, with a mean of 38 +/- 21. The 4 commonest indications for HTPN were short bowel syndrome (mainly due to mesenteric occlusion (50%), inflammatory bowel disease 14%), motility disorders (14%) and malabsorption (11%). All-in-one nutritional mixtures utilizing the big-bag technique were used for all patients. Broviac or Hickman catheters were implanted in 35 patients and an infusion port in 2. Infusions were administered during the night for 8-12 hours with a volumetric pump. 14 patients are still receiving HTPN (39%) while in 8 it was discontinued as they can maintain their nutritional status by the gastrointestinal route (22%). 14 patients have died (39%), 3 from HTPN-related causes (2 of sepsis and 1 of liver failure). Catheter-related sepsis was 0.42/year of HTPN. Other common complications were metabolic bone disease, deranged liver function and cholecystolithiasis. 80% were able to return to work, school, or housekeeping activities, or at least to take care of themselves and cope with HTPN unaided. Social rehabilitation was full or partial in 72% and only 29% were house-bound and needed major assistance. Patients with a poor life quality tended to be older and suffer from intestinal diseases as a manifestation of a systemic disorder, such as atherosclerosis or malignancy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acute surgical abdominal disease in chronic schizophrenic patients: a unique clinical problem

From our experience with chronic schizophrenic patients treated for acute intra-abdominal surgical disease, we present seven examples of this unique clinical condition. In all seven cases the decision to operate was preceded by considerable delay, owing to misleading medical history, patient behavior, and the lack of definitive signs of peritonitis. The intra-operative findings were unexpected, and in all cases the disease had reached an advanced stage. As chronic schizophrenic patients have a distorted perception of pain and seldom demonstrate a clinical picture commensurate with the disease, we advocate that a higher index of suspicion be assigned to these patients than to the average acutely ill patient.

Progressive bone loss during long-term home total parenteral nutrition

Metabolic bone disease occurs in patients receiving prolonged home total parenteral nutrition (HTPN). We studied bone-mass status in 10 patients (seven males, three females, age 19-66 years) who had been receiving HTPN for 0 to 67 months (mean 24 months), mostly for short-bowel syndrome. Four patients had spinal osteoporosis on radiograms. The density of various bone components at the wrist was measured noninvasively using a novel technique based on Compton scattering effect. The density of the cancellous and cortical bone was decreased in nine and six patients, respectively. During a follow-up period of up to 19 months, a further significant decrease in the density of both bone components was found. We conclude that prolonged HTPN is associated with an ongoing bone diminution, affecting mainly the cancellous bone.

High incidence of cholelithiasis in older patients with homozygous beta-thalassemia

The records of 48 patients with homozygous beta-thalassemia were reviewed for evidence of cholelithiasis by abdominal ultrasonography or plain abdominal X-ray. The presence of cholelithiasis was reported in 25 patients (52%). The incidence increased with age to 83% in patients over 31 years of age. Gallstones were more frequent among patients with beta-thalassemia intermedia and with less blood transfusion requirements. Eleven patients with cholelithiasis (44%) became symptomatic. Eight received operations on an elective or semielective basis. Another patient had incidental cholecystectomy during splenectomy. The preoperative evaluation included abdominal ultrasonography, nucleotide biliary scan and evaluation of the cardiopulmonary status. Due to the longer survival of patients with homozygous beta-thalassemia, the problem of cholelithiasis is becoming more frequent.

[Torsion of the appendix in a child]

Torsion of the vermiform appendix is a rare condition that simulates acute appendicitis. An 8-year-old girl with symptoms suggestive of acute appendicitis is reported. At operation the appendix was found to be twisted 72 degrees and was resected.

Parenteral nutrition-induced anaphylaxis

A case report of a 4-yr-old child who developed an anaphylactic reaction to parenteral nutrition is presented. Dermal allergy tests demonstrated a sensitivity to Travasol solution and Armour multivitamin 2 solution. This is the first reported case known to us of such a response to elemental parenteral nutrition.

Placental glycogen accumulation and maternal-fetal metabolic responses in hyperglycaemic non-diabetic rats

The effect of maternal hyperglycaemia on glycogen and triglyceride accumulation in the feto-placental unit of non-diabetic rats was studied. Hyperglycaemia was induced by continuous infusion of a 400 g/l glucose solution at the rate of 2-4 g/hr/kg, from day 18.5-20.5 of gestation. Hyperglycaemic mothers were hyperinsulinaemic; their fetuses were hyperglycaemic but their insulin levels were comparable with those of control pregnant rats (infused with a 50 g/l glucose solution at the same rate). Fetal pancreas insulin content in the hyperglycaemic fetuses was pronouncedly reduced. The hyperglycaemia produced an approximately 2-fold increase in placental glycogen content in association with increased activities of placental glycogen synthase and phosphorylase. Maternal serum triglycerides fell concomitant with the hyperglycaemia. Placental triglyceride content of hyperglycaemic rats did not change significantly, whereas up to a 2-fold increase in maternal and fetal liver triglyceride concentration was observed. There was no change in fetal and placental weight. Since we have shown previously an increase in both placental glycogen and triglycerides in diabetic rats with hyperglycaemia, concomitant with elevation of plasma triglycerides and free fatty acids, the present experiments demonstrate that these 2 factors causing placental glycogen and triglyceride accumulation can be dissociated. On the other hand, maternal and fetal liver triglycerides accumulate in the hyperglycaemic rats probably as a result of local de vovo lipogenesis.

The optimal branched-chain to total amino acid ratio in the injury-adapted amino acid formulation

Several recent studies have suggested that solutions containing increased amounts of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) might be useful in the treatment of patients with trauma and/or sepsis. In this study we investigated the optimal amount of BCAA in a balanced nutritional solution in an injured rat laparotomy model. The amino acid content of a standard BCAA-enriched amino acid solution was enriched to 40, 45, and 50% by the addition of equimolar amounts of the three BCAA. Rats were infused with either 3.6 cal/100 g body weight/24 hr or with 18 cal/100 g body weight/24 hr with either a 40, 45, or 50% BCAA mixture and evaluated for nitrogen balance, plasma amino acid levels, and levels of plasma blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, glucose, albumin, and blood ammonia. Nitrogen balance was negative in rats receiving only 3.6 cal/100 g body weight/24 hr, but was least negative in the group receiving 45% BCAA. Nitrogen balance was positive in groups receiving 18 cal/100 g body weight/24 hr, but was most positive in groups receiving 40 or 45% BCAA-containing solutions. Plasma amino acid patterns were least distorted in the 40 and 45% formulations. Blood ammonia was highest in the 40% BCAA group and plasma albumin was best maintained in the 45% BCAA group regardless of the amount of caloric supply. The results suggest that a 45% BCAA-enriched solution is the most appropriate in this injured rat model.

Serum lactic dehydrogenase: a tumor marker of ovarian dysgerminoma in a female pseudohermaphrodite

A case of a female pseudohermaphrodite who presented with a large ovarian dysgerminoma is reported. Preoperatively, markedly elevated levels of serum lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) were noted. After complete excision of the tumor, serum levels of LDH returned to normal levels. Only five other cases of dysgerminoma with elevated serum LDH have been reported. In each case, as in the present one, LDH levels were significantly higher than in any other ovarian tumor. LDH can be considered as an enzymatic tumor marker of ovarian dysgerminoma, for diagnosis, prognosis, and surveillance.

Increased lithogenicity of the bile after jejunoileal bypass in the rat

Increased formation of biliary calculi is a complication of jejunoileal bypass (JIB) in man. We investigated the biliary lipid composition and bile flow rate in the rat 42 days after a JIB or sham operation. In the bile of the bypassed rats, the percentage cholesterol saturation and the concentration of phospholipids were significantly increased, while the concentration of bile acids and the lithogenic index (bile acids + phospholipids/cholesterol) were markedly decreased. The concentrations of cholesterol in the bile and in the liver were unchanged. These results suggest an increase in lithogenicity of the bile with decreased bile flow after JIB in the rat.

The effect of parenteral and enteral nutrition on portal and systemic immunoreactivities of gastrin, glucagon and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)

To compare the effect of parenteral with enteral nutrition on gastroentero-pancreatic hormones, hypercaloric and hypocaloric nutrient preparations, commonly used clinically, were administered to rats either through cannulae in the jugular vein or gastrostomies. Control rats were fed orally ad libitum. Portal and aortic plasma was collected for radioimmunoassay with antibodies to C-terminal regions of gastrin and glucagon and to N-terminal-to-central regions of glucagon and VIP. Levels of all immunoreactivities were significantly lower in aortic than portal plasma. Apparent clearance of glucagon and gastrin by liver or lung both was enhanced by administration of the hypercaloric nutrient intravenously. Only intragastric hypercaloric nutrition maintained levels of VIP immunoreactivity close to those of control rats. Intragastric administration of either preparation appeared to maintain adequate levels of gastrin. Differences in the levels of glucagon immunoreactivities may be related to the stimulatory effects of metabolites in the lower gut and pancreas.

Surgical aspects of multifocal involvement of the gastrointestinal tract in progressive systemic sclerosis

An operative approach to the problem of progressive systemic scleroderma, affecting both the esophagus and duodenum, is demonstrated in the case of a 38-year-old woman severely incapacitated by protracted vomiting. Nissen's fundoplication, antrectomy and Billroth II gastroenterostomy were performed. The need for a comprehensive balanced surgical therapeutic approach in patients suffering from scleroderma is emphasized.