COVID19 Pandemic Impact on Same-Day Discharge Rates after Minimally Invasive Surgery for Endometrial Cancer

Study Objective

To determine if the COVID19 pandemic increased the rate of same-day discharge (SDD) after minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for endometrial cancer.

Design

Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing MIS hysterectomy for endometrial cancer for the six months before and after the COVID19 restrictions went into place on March 17, 2020.

Setting

Robotic or laparoscopic procedure in the low dorsal lithotomy position. Arms were tucked and padded at their sides.

Patients or Participants

166 patients underwent a MIS procedure for the indication of endometrial cancer at a large, academic institution from September 1, 2019, through October 1, 2020. 80 patients prior to the implementation of the COVID19 restrictions and 86 patients after.

Interventions

COVID19 pandemic with visitor restrictions and hospital policy changes placed on March 17, 2020.

Measurements and Main Results

SDD rate was increased following the start of the COVID19 pandemic (40% vs 58%, p= 0.02). There were no differences between the two groups in regard to operative time (p= 0.07), estimated blood loss (EBL) (p= 0.21), uterine weight (p= 0.12), age (p= 0.06), BMI (p=0.42), or surgery start time (p= 0.15). In a multivariable logistic regression model, subjects in the post COVID19 group had a 3.08 (95% CI: 1.40, 6.74, p= 0.01) higher odds of SDD than those in the pre COVID19 group. There was no difference in 30-day readmission rates (7.5% vs 5.8%, p=0.66).

Conclusion

With no additional interventions from a surgical standpoint, the start of the COVID19 pandemic improved SDD rates. The reason for this is speculative but may be related to patient and physician desire to keep patients out of the hospital and may provide further evidence that subjective reasons lead to an increase in hospital length of stay.

Outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis comparing bilateral versus single internal thoracic artery grafts

Background

Patients with diabetes and/or obesity are at higher risk of adverse outcomes following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The use of bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BITA) can potentially offer survival benefit in higher risk patients compared to single internal thoracic artery (SITA) in patients undergoing CABG, but the overall evidence base for BITA has not influenced guidelines, and there are concerns over increased risk of sternal wound complications.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify observational studies and randomised controlled trials (RCT) comparing the efficacy (mortality) and safety (sternal wound infection) of BITA and SITA in diabetic and obese patients.

Results

We identified 18 observational studies and one RCT to obtain data comparing BITA and SITA in 19,589 diabetic patients, and two observational studies and one RCT comparing BITA and SITA in 6972 obese patients. Pooled analysis demonstrated significant mortality benefit of BITA compared to SITA in diabetic patients (risk ratio [RR] 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70, 0.90; Z=3.62, p=0.0003; I2=88%) (Figure 1a). Pooled analysis in obese patients found no significant difference in mortality rates between BITA and SITA (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.47, 1.12; Z=1.43, p=0.15; I2=78%) (Figure 1b). A significantly higher rate of sternal wound complications following BITA was observed in diabetic (RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.23, 1.90; Z=3.86, p=0.0001; I2=4%) and obese patients (RR 2.24, 95% CI 1.63, 3.07; Z=5.00, p<0.00001; I2=0%).

Conclusions

BITA is associated with better long-term survival in diabetic patients, but most of the supportive data comes from observational studies. The effects of BITA grafting in patients who are obese is uncertain due to low numbers. BITA is associated with higher rates of sternal wound complications than SITA in both diabetic and obese patients. Further research is needed to understand if BITA has a role in higher risk patients undergoing CABG.

Figure 1. Pooled all-cause mortality

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Effects of diabetes and obesity in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: ten-year results from the Arterial Revascularisation Trial

Background

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is an effective way to manage advanced coronary heart disease. Diabetes is associated with higher risk of mortality in patients undergoing CABG but the effects of obesity, and the interactions between diabetes and obesity in the context of CABG, have not been fully explored.

Methods

The Arterial Revascularisation Trial (ART) compared ten-year mortality in patients undergoing CABG randomised to single or bilateral internal thoracic arterial grafts. Effects of diabetes and obesity on mortality and risk (sternal wound complications) were explored. Diabetes was defined according to clinical history at baseline and combined insulin and non-insulin dependent patients, and obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥30kg/m2 at baseline.

Results

Information on diabetes, obesity and ten-year mortality were documented for 3094 patients who were included in the analysis. Mean age was 64 years, 86% male, mean weight 82kg and BMI 28. Diabetes was documented in 24% and obesity in 30% and as expected obese patients were more likely to be diabetic. The hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for ten-year mortality using the no diabetes, non-obese group as a reference were 1.33 (1.08, 1.64) (diabetes, non-obese), 0.93 (0.75, 1.16) (no diabetes, obese) and 1.18 (0.91, 1.54) (diabetes, obese) groups (Figure 1). Similar patterns of risk were observed whether patients were randomised to receive single or bilateral internal thoracic arteries and diabetes appeared to be the main driver of elevated risk of early sternal wound complications following CABG.

Conclusions

Obesity and diabetes are closely associated but our analysis shows that patterns of risk of death after CABG are not additive for these characteristics, and obesity may actually be associated with lower death rates in patients with and without diabetes. These findings will be explored further to understand mechanisms and interactions with other factors.

Figure 1. Hazard ratios at 10 years

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Randomized controlled trials define shape of dose response for Pollinex Quattro Birch allergoid immunotherapy

BACKGROUND

The Birch Allergoid, Tyrosine Adsorbate, Monophosphoryl Lipid A (POLLINEX^® Quattro Plus 1.0 ml Birch 100%) is an effective, well-tolerated short course subcutaneous immunotherapy. We performed 2 phase II studies to determine its optimal cumulative dose.

METHODS

The studies were conducted in Germany, Austria and Poland (EudraCT numbers: 2012-004336-28 PQBirch203 and 2015-000984-15 PQBirch204) using a wide range of cumulative doses. In both studies, subjects were administered 6 therapy injections weekly outside the pollen season. Conjunctival Provocation Tests were performed at screening, baseline and 3-4 weeks after completing treatment, to quantify the reduction in Total Symptom Scores (as the primary endpoint) with each cumulative dose. Multiple Comparison Procedure and Modeling analysis was used to test for the dose response, shape of the curve and estimation of the median effective dose (ED₅₀ ), a measure of potency.

RESULTS

Statistically significant dose responses (P < .01 & .001) were seen, respectively. The highest cumulative dose in PQBirch204 (27 300 standardized units [SU]) approached a plateau. Potency of the PQBirch was demonstrated by an ED₅₀ 2723 SU, just over half the current dose. Prevalence of treatment-emergent adverse events was similar for active doses, most being short-lived and mild. Compliance was over 85% in all groups.

CONCLUSION

Increasing the cumulative dose of PQBirch 5.5-fold from 5100 to 27 300 SU achieved an absolute point difference from placebo of 1.91, a relative difference 32.3% and an increase in efficacy of 50%, without compromising safety. The cumulative dose response was confirmed to be curvilinear in shape.

Pulmonary metastasectomy in colorectal cancer: time for a trial

Pulmonary metastasectomy is undertaken for a range of cancers. The questions we raise here are specifically related to colorectal cancer, the commonest tumour for which pulmonary metastasectomy is undertaken. The primary objective of metastasectomy is to increase survival. There are no randomised trials in support of this practice nor are there any other forms of controlled studies. We present a critical look at the assumption of efficacy for this surgery and propose that a trial is needed and suggest a trial design.

Use of a (proposed) standard protocol to validate Terumo TSCD-II connections between dissimilar blood bag tubing

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

ISO standards for blood bags do not adequately define and control the dimensions of blood bag transfer tubing. This lack of standardization presents potential difficulties when making sterile connections between the wide range of tubing that has evolved in the absence of such standards. We aim to validate the suitability of the TSCD-II and provide a minimum standard for assessing the suitability of sterile connections (welds) between dissimilar tubing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Terumo TSCD-II was used in this study to connect by hermetic welding seven tubing types with a wide range of dimensions from five suppliers. Thirty sterile connections were made between each combination split between dry/dry, wet/wet and dry/wet connections. Welds were assessed for visual defects, by tensile stress test (TST) and pressure tests.

RESULTS

All welds passed visual inspection and pressure tests. All welds had a minimum tensile strength of greater than 40 N and mean of greater than 45 N.

CONCLUSION

Successful connections have been made between dissimilar tube types and this work does not support the requirement for 'tight' tubing dimensional specifications. We have recommended to the ISO Technical Committee 76 Work Group 1 that ISO 3826-1 be revised and should include a minimum standard validation protocol for joining dissimilar tubing.

Comparison of hypertonic saline and alternate-day or daily recombinant human deoxyribonuclease in children with cystic fibrosis: a randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Daily recombinant human deoxyribonuclease (rhDNase) is an established but expensive treatment in cystic fibrosis. Alternate-day treatment, if equally effective, would reduce the drug cost. Hypertonic saline improved lung function to the same degree as rhDNase in short-term studies. We compared the effectiveness of daily rhDNase, hypertonic saline, and alternate-day rhDNase in children with cystic fibrosis.

METHODS

In an open cross-over trial, 48 children were allocated in random order to 12 weeks of once-daily rhDNase (2.5 mg), alternate-day rhDNase (2.5 mg), and twice-daily 5 mL 7% hypertonic saline. The primary outcome was forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)). Secondary outcomes were forced vital capacity, number of pulmonary exacerbations, weight gain, quality of life, exercise tolerance, and the total costs of hospital and community care.

FINDINGS

Mean FEV(1) increased by 16% (SD 25%), 14% (22%), and 3% (21%) with daily rhDNase, alternate-day rhDNase, and hypertonic saline, respectively. There was no difference between daily and alternate-day rhDNase (2% [95% CI -4 to 9], p=0.55). However, daily rhDNase showed a significantly greater increase in FEV(1) than hypertonic saline (8% [2 to 14], p=0.01). The average difference in 12-week cost between daily and alternate-day rhDNase was pound513 (95% CI -546 to 1510) and that between daily rhDNase and hypertonic saline was pound1409 (440 to 2318). None of the secondary clinical outcomes showed significant differences between treatments.

INTERPRETATION

Hypertonic saline, delivered by jet nebuliser, is not as effective as daily rhDNase, although there is variation in individual response. There is no evidence of a difference between daily and alternate-day rhDNase.

17beta-estradiol (1 mg/day) continuously combined with dydrogesterone (5, 10 or 20 mg/day) increases bone mineral density in postmenopausal women

Although the minimal dose of 17beta-estradiol in hormone replacement regimens was originally considered to be 2 mg/day, it is now increasingly accepted that a lower dose of 1 mg/day is effective in protecting women from the detrimental effects of the menopause. A 1-year, multicentre, double-blind, randomised study was conducted in 214 healthy postmenopausal women in order to assess the effect of 17beta-estradiol (1 mg/day) continuously combined with dydrogesterone (5, 10 or 20 mg/day) in preventing bone loss. Bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluable in 177 women who completed the study. In all women, a statistically significant increase from baseline in lumbar vertebrae (L2-L4) BMD was seen after 6 months ( + 2.4%; p < 0.01); this increase was somewhat greater after 12 months ( + 3.6%; p < 0.01). Similar effects were seen in the hip. After 6 months, BMD in the femoral neck, Ward's triangle and trochanter had increased by 0.20% (not significant [n.s.]), 0.32% (n.s.) and 1.08% (p < 0.01), respectively, compared with baseline. Greater increases were again seen after 12 months ( + 1.16%, + 1.62% and + 2.83%, respectively), all of which were statistically significant (p < 0.01) compared with baseline. The change in BMD from baseline did not differ significantly between the three dydrogesterone dosages for either L2-L4 or hip. All dosages were well-tolerated and amenorrhoea was achieved in over 70%. In conclusion, 17beta-estradiol (1 mg/day) continuously combined with dydrogesterone (5, 10 or 20 mg/day) results in a significant increase in lumbar vertebrae and hip BMD in postmenopausal women. The lower dose of oestrogen and the avoidance of cyclical bleeding make this a particularly suitable regimen for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in older women.

The prevention of osteoporosis using sequential low-dose hormone replacement therapy with estradiol-17 beta and dydrogesterone

Low-dose hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women may produce fewer side-effects but its efficacy in the prevention of bone loss and osteoporosis is not established. To address this we compared the effect of 1 mg estradiol-17 beta with a 2 mg dose, in combination with cyclical dydrogesterone, in the prevention of postmenopausal bone loss. We conducted a multicenter double-masked prospective randomized, placebo-controlled study in 595 apparently healthy postmenopausal women randomized to either placebo, or continuous oral estradiol-17 beta 1 mg or 2 mg with sequential dydrogesterone for 2 years. The primary endpoint was the percentage change from baseline in bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) of actively treated groups compared with placebo. Women taking either 1 mg or 2 mg estradiol-17 beta showed a significant increase in BMD of the LS (mean +/- SD, 5.2 +/- 3.8% and 6.7 +/- 4.0% respectively, both p < 0.001) whilst BMD in the placebo group decreased (-1.9 +/- 4.0%). Increases were also observed in FN BMD in both treated groups (2.7 +/- 4.2% and 2.5 +/- 5.2% respectively, both p < 0.001) in contrast to the placebo group (-1.8 +/- 4.8%). The oldest women showed the greatest treatment response. One milligram estradiol-17 beta in combination with dydrogesterone is effective in conserving LS and proximal femur bone mass, both of which are clinically important sites of osteoporotic fracture, and is as effective as 2 mg in preventing FN bone. The lower dose of estradiol-17 beta is a particularly suitable treatment for osteoporosis management in older women since it should minimize side-effects and improve the acceptability of HRT.

DXA longitudinal quality control: a comparison of inbuilt quality assurance, visual inspection, multi-rule Shewhart charts and Cusum analysis

The performance of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) instruments can be monitored using various quality control (QC) procedures. It has not been established which of these is most appropriate. The aim of this study was to determine which of four QC procedures is the best to use for longitudinal monitoring. Eighteen centres with DXA instruments scanned an aluminium spine phantom weekly for up to 16 months, and the bone mineral density data were used for the QC procedures. The methods investigated were the instrument's inbuilt quality assurance (QA) procedure, visual inspection, multi-rule Shewhart control charts, and Cusum analysis using a truncated-V mask. True and false positive fractions (TPF and FPF) of each method were calculated, including those for a range of action levels for the Shewhart charts and dimensions of the Cusum mask. For Shewhart, the action levels giving the most desirable TPF and FPF were whole multiples of the standard deviation (SD). For Cusum, the most desirable mask dimensions were 3.6 SD for the total height of the vertical section and 0.9 SD per data point for the gradient of the wings. Predictive power of each method as a means of fault detection was decided by the number of faults detected out of a total of 8 non-mechanical faults subsequently diagnosed. The inbuilt QA detected 2, visual inspection 7, Shewhart chart 7 and Cusum analysis 7. The FPFs were: visual inspection 0.09, Shewhart 0.04, Cusum 0.08. At these levels of FPF, the average time in days (range) from onset of a fault to detection was 39 (6-82) for visual inspection, 39 (4-116) for Shewhart and 21 (1-49) for Cusum. All three "phantom" methods are excellent for DXA QC, with modified Cusum analysis being the most effective. The inbuilt QA appears of little use on its own for longitudinal QC.

Evaluation of the European Spine Phantom in a multi-centre clinical trial

The European Spine Phantom (ESP) has recently been developed as a universal standard for instruments measuring bone density. The ESP is composed of three semi-anthropomorphic hydroxyapatite vertebrae of varying densities surrounded by soft tissue equivalent plastic designed to resemble human bone and soft tissue when scanned on bone densitometers. In multi-centre studies it is particularly important to verify that each participating bone densitometer is performing in a stable and linear fashion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ESP within the context of a multi-centre clinical trial. Eighteen centres in the UK and Canada with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) instruments (Lunar DPX, DPX-alpha and DPX-L) participated in the study. The ESP was scanned 10 times on each instrument without repositioning using standardized protocols. The precision of the bone mineral density (BMD) measurements (LI-3) expressed as a coefficient of variation ranged from 0.4% to 1.1% (mean 0.7%). The mean BMD of each instrument was expressed as a percentage difference from the overall mean and ranged from -1.33% to 1.33%. Linear regression analysis showed that all instruments behaved in a linear fashion across the range of densities with correlation coefficients all > or = 0.999 and standard errors of the estimate < 1.5% of the mean BMD ESP value. The data from this study demonstrate that the ESP is a useful phantom for assessing the linearity, stability and differences between DXA instruments from one manufacturer.

Intranasal salmon calcitonin for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we have studied the effects of intranasal salmon calcitonin (SCT) on bone mineral density (BMD) and biochemical markers of bone turnover over a period of 2 years. Our study comprised 117 Caucasian postmenopausal women, otherwise healthy apart from reduced bone density. They received either intranasal synthetic SCT (200 IU either three times weekly or daily) or placebo. Compared with placebo, daily intranasal calcitonin resulted in no significant bone loss in the lumbar spine, as assessed by dual photon absorptiometry, over the 2-year study period (P < 0.02). In this group, women more than 5 years postmenopause, with the lowest baseline bone mass, showed the greatest response to this treatment, with a total increase placebo in lumbar spine BMD of 3.1%. Significant spinal bone loss (P < 0.005) occurred in women receiving either placebo or thrice-weekly calcitonin. Although the rates of bone loss in the proximal femur were not significantly different in the three groups, there were differences over time. Whereas bone loss in the daily calcitonin group was insignificant, women who received placebo or thrice-weekly calcitonin experienced significant bone loss (P < 0. 001). No significant changes in biochemical markers were observed in any group. Therapy was well tolerated and there were no significant treatment-related adverse events. We conclude that intranasal SCT 200 IU daily is effective and safe for the prevention of bone loss in postmenopausal women with reduced bone mass.

Role of oral pamidronate in preventing bone loss in postmenopausal women

We have performed a 2-year prospective double-masked study to determine whether the bisphosphonate pamidronate can prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women and its optimal dosage regimen. One hundred and twenty-one such women (mean +/- SD age 57.6 +/- 3.4 years; mean +/- SD time since menopause 7.5 +/- 3.5 years) were randomized to receive either oral pamidronate (300 mg/day) for 4 weeks every 4 months (group A), oral pamidronate (150 mg/day) for 4 weeks every 2 months (group B) or identical placebo capsules (group C). Bone mineral density (BMD) measurements at the lumbar spine and proximal femur were performed at baseline and at 6-month intervals for 2 years using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. BMD at the lumbar spine (L2-4) increased significantly in groups A and B after 2 years of treatment (mean +/- SD 2.8 +/- 2.1% and 3.0 +/- 2.9% respectively, both p < 0.001) but decreased in the placebo group (-1.6 +/- 3.1%, p < 0.01). Identical results were seen for BMD at the femoral neck, which increased significantly in groups A and B after 2 years of treatment (1.2 +/- 2.3% and 1.3 +/- 2.9% respectively, both p < 0.05) but decreased in the placebo group (-1.9 +/- 3.9%, p < 0.05). There were significant differences over 2 years between the groups at all anatomical sites (lumbar spine, femoral neck and trochanteric region, all p < 0.001; Ward's triangle, p < 0.01). However, there were no significant differences between groups A and B, suggesting that the two treatment regimens were equally effective in conserving BMD. There were, however, marked differences in tolerability between the two treatment regimens: 13 women (34%) in group A withdrew from the study because of side-effects, but only 5 women (12%) in group B, which was comparable with placebo. These data demonstrate that intermittent oral pamidronate will prevent bone loss from the lumbar spine and proximal femur of postmenopausal women, and that the more frequent but lower dose regimen is well tolerated.

Body fat distribution, rather than overall adiposity, influences serum lipids and lipoproteins in healthy men independently of age

PURPOSE

We investigated the relationships between the amount and distribution of body fat and fasting serum lipids and lipoproteins to explore whether coronary artery disease (CAD) risk may be mediated through effects on the serum lipid profile.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We determined serum total cholesterol and triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and HDL subfractions 2 and 3 in 103 healthy men, aged 21 to 77 years (mean 48.7). The amount and distribution of fat were determined directly by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Adiposity was determined as the ratio between total body fat tissue and total body lean tissue, while fat distribution was taken as the ratio between the mass of fat tissue in the android (central) and gynoid (hip and thigh) regions.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed both adiposity and fat distribution to be correlated with total serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations (adiposity r = .20, .21; both P < 0.05: fat distribution r = .25, .38; P < 0.05, P < 0.001, respectively). Fat distribution was also negatively correlated with HDL2 cholesterol (r = -.20, P < 0.05). In multiple linear regression analysis, neither age nor adiposity was significantly correlated with any serum lipid or lipoprotein concentration, while increasing android-to-gynoid ratio was independently associated with elevated total serum triglyceride (r = .40, P < 0.01) and decreased HDL2 (r = -.25, P < 0.05) concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

The association of both age and overall adiposity with the fasting serum lipid profile are mediated via their correlations with body fat distribution. In men, the distribution, rather than the amount, of body fat is related to adverse changes in serum lipids and lipoproteins, and hence potentially to increased CAD risk.

Relationships between insulin metabolism, serum lipid profile, body fat distribution and blood pressure in healthy men

Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia may be important in a cluster of coronary heart disease-related metabolic disturbances known as the insulin resistance syndrome. Whether the relationships between insulin and other features of the syndrome are independent of the amount and distribution of body fat is uncertain. We have investigated these relationships in 103 healthy males, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to measure body fat directly. Volunteers underwent an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT), from which insulin sensitivity, secretion and elimination were determined by mathematical modelling analysis. Independently of adiposity and body fat distribution, serum triglyceride concentration was correlated with fasting C-peptide concentration and second-phase intravenous glucose tolerance test insulin concentration (r = 0.42, P < 0.001; r = 0.28, P < 0.05). High density lipoprotein subfraction 2 (HDL2) cholesterol was correlated with fasting C-peptide, first-phase IVGTT insulin concentration, and the hepatic insulin throughout index (r = -0.15 -0.20, -0. 20 respectively, all P < 0.05). The association of HDL2 cholesterol with the hepatic throughput index was additionally independent of serum triglyceride concentration (r = -0.18, P < 0.05). Our results suggest that relative hyperinsulinaemia leads to elevated triglyceride concentration, independently of body fat mass and distribution. Furthermore, the independent association of HDL2 cholesterol with hepatic insulin throughput confirms that hepatic insulin processing may may directly influence lipoprotein metabolism.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (goserelin) plus hormone replacement therapy for the treatment of endometriosis: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether treatment of endometriosis with a GnRH analogue (GnRH-a; goserelin) combined with continuous estrogen and progestogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) would prevent the hypoestrogenic effects, including loss of bone density, while maintaining efficacy for treatment of endometriosis.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

PATIENTS

Fifty premenopausal women with laparoscopically diagnosed endometriosis (revised American Fertility Score for endometriosis implants equal to four or greater) and significant symptoms of dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia, and other pelvic pain.

INTERVENTION

Patients were randomized to receive either goserelin alone, 3.6 mg SC depot every 4 weeks for 24 weeks, or goserelin, 3.6 mg SC depot every 4 weeks for 24 weeks, plus HRT (25 micrograms transdermal 17 beta E2 daily and 5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate orally daily) for 20 weeks commencing with the second goserelin injection.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction in the extent of pelvic endometriosis in both groups, with no difference between the groups. Both groups experienced an improvement in symptoms and signs, again with no difference between groups. Hypoestrogenic side effects of hot flushes and loss of libido were significantly less in the group that received HRT. The amount of bone mineral density loss was significantly less in the HRT group at the lumbar spine, although it was not prevented completely.

CONCLUSION

The addition of HRT to GnRH-a for the treatment of endometriosis did not reduce the efficacy of treatment, and adverse hypoestrogenic effects were decreased, although not abolished.

Insulin resistance syndrome in postmenopausal women with cardiological syndrome X

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether postmenopausal women with cardiological syndrome X (chest pain and abnormal exercise electrocardiogram despite normal coronary angiography) exhibit disturbances in the full range of proposed components of the putative "insulin resistance syndrome".

PATIENTS AND METHODS

20 postmenopausal women with syndrome X and 20 healthy controls each underwent measurement of insulin resistance (by minimal model analysis of the intravenous glucose tolerance test), lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein concentrations, a range of haemostatic variables, serum uric acid concentration, and centrality of body fat distribution (by dual energy x ray absorptiometry).

RESULTS

Women with syndrome X had higher fasting triglyceride concentrations than controls (median: 1.60 v 1.02 mmol/l, P < 0.05). Concentrations of high density lipoprotein cholesterol were lower (1.33 v 1.61 mmol/l, P < 0.05) as were those of the high density lipoprotein apolipoproteins AI and AII. Insulin and C peptide responses to the intravenous glucose tolerance test were higher (27.6 v 19.8 microU/ml/min, P < 0.01; 101 v 72 pmol/ml/min, P < 0.05, respectively), and insulin sensitivity was lower (1.89 v 3.09 min/microU/ml, P < 0.05). There were, however, no significant differences between other proposed components of the insulin resistance syndrome (blood pressure, glucose tolerance, proportion of central body fat, serum uric acid concentration, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity). Antithrombin III activity was higher in women with syndrome X (121 v 113%, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with syndrome X tend to be insulin resistant and have lipid and lipoprotein abnormalities, but do not exhibit all characteristics of the insulin resistance syndrome. Such variation in correlated risk factors is consistent with underlying heterogeneity in the insulin resistance syndrome and cardiological syndrome X.

Changes in bone density in women starting hormone replacement therapy compared with those in women already established on hormone replacement therapy

It is well established that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) will prevent postmenopausal loss of bone. However, it is not known to what extent HRT will continue to affect bone mineral density (BMD) in women established on HRT compared with those commencing treatment. We recruited 48 healthy early postmenopausal women into a prospective, comparative study. Twenty-nine women had never taken HRT (group A) whilst 19 women were already taking HRT (group B) (conjugated equine oestrogens, 0.625 mg daily; mean (+/- SD) years of use 2.2 (1.5) years). All of the women were started on, or switched to, micronized 17 beta-oestradiol (2 mg/day) continuously with dydrogesterone (10 mg/day) for the first 14 days of each cycle. BMD measurements were performed at the lumbar spine and proximal femur using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at baseline and after 12 and 24 months of treatment. Group A showed a significantly greater increase in lumbar spine BMD after 12 months (mean +/- SD) = 5.3 (4.6)%) compared with group B (mean +/- SD) = 2.1 (2.1)%) and 24 months of treatment (group A, mean (+/- SD) = 6.4 (5.2)%; group B, mean (+/- SD) = 2.3 (2.6)%; both p < 0.01) and 24 months of treatment (r = -0.05). These data demonstrate that HRT has the greatest effect on BMD when it is first administered, especially in those women with low BMD, but improvements may still be observed in women continuing HRT in the longer term.

Effect of degenerative spinal and aortic calcification on bone density measurements in post-menopausal women: links between osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease?

The effect of spinal degenerative changes and aortic calcification on bone mineral density measurements was studied in 115 healthy early post-menopausal women. Lateral lumbar spine radiographs and quantitative computer tomography images were used to determine the presence and severity of aortic calcification and degenerative changes in the lumbar spine. Women with spinal degenerative calcification had higher spine bone density when measured by dual photon absorptiometry compared to those without calcification (P < 0.01), but this was not reflected by the quantitative computer tomography or the proximal femur bone densities, suggesting that spinal calcification artefactually increases spinal bone density when measured by dual photon techniques. Women with aortic calcification had significantly lower quantitative computer tomography and proximal femur bone density compared to those without calcification (both P < 0.05). These women may be at increased risk for both osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, suggesting a common aetiological factor such as oestrogen deficiency.

Long-term effects of transdermal and oral hormone replacement therapy on postmenopausal bone loss

Transdermal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is now an accepted form of treatment, but the long-term skeletal effects have not been assessed. Sixty-six early postmenopausal women were randomized to receive either transdermal HRT (continuous 17 beta-oestradiol 0.05 mg/day, with 0.25 mg/day of norethisterone acetate added for 14 days of each 28-day cycle) or oral HRT (continuous conjugated equine oestrogens 0.625 mg/day, with 0.15 mg/day dl-norgestrel added for 12 days of each 28-day cycle). Treatment was given for 3 years and 30 matched untreated women were studied concurrently as a control group. Bone density was measured in the lumbar spine and proximal femur by dual-photon absorptiometry at 6-monthly intervals. Bone turnover was assessed by measurement of biochemical markers. At 3 years bone density had declined by 4% in the lumbar spine and by more than 5% in the femoral neck in the untreated group. By comparison bone density increased in both treatment groups at both sites (p < 0.001 vs. untreated) and biochemical measurements indicated a significant reduction in bone turnover. There were no significant differences between the treatment groups. Twelve per cent of women on transdermal or oral treatments lost a significant amount of bone from the femoral neck by 3 years despite adequate compliance. Women taking therapy primarily for hip fracture prevention may require a follow-up bone density measurement to establish the efficacy of treatment.

Bone density and endometriosis

To establish whether there is evidence of low bone density in women with endometriosis, we compared bone density between 48 women with laparoscopically proven endometriosis and 48 age-matched normal controls. Bone density of the lumbar spine (L2-4), proximal femur (femoral neck, Ward's triangle, and trochanteric region), and total body were measured by dual energy roentgenogram absorptiometry. After adjusting for physical and lifestyle differences, bone density was not significantly different between the groups in any site. Bone density measurements were not related to the severity of endometriosis. These results do not confirm evidence of low bone density in women with endometriosis.

Preliminary evaluation of a new ultrasound bone densitometer

A new ultrasound bone densitometer has been developed that measures ultrasonic properties of the os calcis, namely, the speed of sound (SOS), broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), and a proprietary factor derived from SOS and BUA, termed "stiffness." Short-term precision of ultrasound measurements was 1.4% for BUA, 0.2% for SOS, and 1.5% for stiffness in healthy women, and 1.1% for BUA, 0.1% for SOS, and 1.5% for stiffness in osteopenic women. One hundred seven women underwent measurements by ultrasound, together with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone mineral density (BMD) measurements of the lumbar spine and proximal femur. Correlations between SOS, BUA, and stiffness measurements and DXA BMD measurements were all highly significant (P < 0.001) with r values varying from 0.54 to 0.67. BUA, SOS, and stiffness measurements were all significantly different between normal and osteopenic women even after adjusting for age, height, and weight (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, and P < 0.01, respectively). These results demonstrate that this ultrasound system measures ultrasonic properties of the os calcis with good precision, the measurements correlate moderately well with DXA BMD measurements and they can differentiate between normals and those with osteopenia.

Differences in proximal femur bone density over two centuries

The incidence of osteoporotic hip fractures in northern Europe has been increasing over the past few decades faster than the rate adjusted for increased life expectancy. One important factor that determines osteoporotic fracture risk is bone density. The restoration of a London church, during which skeletal material dating from 1729 to 1852 was recovered, gave us the opportunity to compare the rate of bone loss in the femora of these samples with that of present-day women. The rate of bone loss, as judged by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, was significantly greater in modern-day women than in the women from two centuries ago, both pre-menopausally (p < 0.05) and post-menopausally (p < 0.01). The difference in bone loss in the Ward's triangle region between the Spitalfields samples and present-day women remained even when the assumed age at menopause was increased to 48 years or decreased to 42 years. The results suggest that differences in rates of bone loss over two centuries may partly account for the increasing incidence of hip fracture in modern-day women. Reasons for these differences are unclear, but one factor may be a lower degree of physical activity in present-day women.

A randomized comparative study of the metabolic effects of two regimens of gestrinone in the treatment of endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

To study some of the metabolic effects of oral gestrinone on plasma lipoprotein risk markers for cardiovascular disease and on bone density, a risk marker for osteoporosis.

DESIGN

Randomized double-blind study.

SETTING

All patients were referred to Gynaecology Clinic of Royal Free Hospital Medical School.

PATIENTS

Twenty premenopausal women with laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis.

INTERVENTIONS

Subjects were randomized in a double-blind fashion to receive either 1.25 mg or 2.5 mg gestrinone two times per week for 6 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Laparoscopy was performed before treatment, and clinical responses were determined by second laparoscopy after 6 months. Plasma lipid and bone density measurements during and after therapy were compared with baseline.

RESULT

Median total endometriosis scores decreased from 7.5 to 1.0 in the 1.25-mg group and from 7.0 to 0 in the 2.5-mg group. There were no significant between-group differences in endometriosis scores. At both doses, bone density in the spine and the proximal femur was conserved, but plasma concentrations of low-density lipoproteins rose by 13% and those of high-density lipoproteins fell by 40%.

CONCLUSIONS

Reducing the dose of gestrinone to 1.25 mg appeared to maintain the therapeutic effectiveness of this treatment but was still associated with potentially unfavorable effects on lipids and lipoproteins.

An evaluation of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and comparison with dual-photon absorptiometry

Dual-photon absorptiometry (DPA) is a well-established procedure for measuring bone mineral density (BMD). Recently, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) has become available, which has the ability to measure BMD both regionally and in the total body (TB). We have evaluated the in vivo and in vitro precision of a DXA instrument and compared it with a DPA instrument with similar software characteristics. The short-term precision of BMD measurements using DXA was assessed in 65 postmenopausal women who had duplicate scans performed, with repositioning between scans. Precision was 0.9% in the lumbar spine and 1.4% in the femoral neck. The midterm precision of DXA was compared with DPA by scanning 10 volunteers a mean of four times over 24 weeks, on both instruments. The precision of the bone mineral content (BMC) and area measurements was significantly better (P less than 0.05) with DXA than with DPA. Long-term in vitro precision was assessed by scanning an aluminium spine phantom over 42 weeks, and a cadaveric sample over 52 weeks, on both instruments. Precision was similar using the aluminium phantom, but was significantly improved (P less than 0.001) when using DXA for scanning the cadaveric sample. Highly significant correlations (all P less than 0.001) of BMD, BMC and area measurements were observed when 70 volunteers were scanned on both instruments. However, there was a systematic difference in BMD values between the instruments. The precision of TB composition measurements assessed in 16 volunteers, over a 16-week period, were TB BMD 0.65%, TB lean tissue 1.47%, and TB fat tissue 2.73%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Sex- and menopause-associated changes in body-fat distribution

We investigated sex- and menopause-related differences in body composition and regional fat distribution, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in nonobese healthy volunteers. Men (n = 103) had a 50% greater lean tissue mass (P less than 0.001) but a 13% lower fat mass (P less than 0.001) than the women (n = 131). Postmenopausal (n = 70) women had a 20% greater fat mass (P less than 0.001) than premenopausal (n = 61) women. The proportion of android (upper body) fat was greatest in men (48.6%, P less than 0.001) but was significantly lower in premenopausal (38.3%) than in postmenopausal (42.1%) women (P less than 0.001). The reverse was found for gynoid (lower body) fat (P less than 0.001). DEXA measurements thus clearly demonstrated that sex differences in total fat mass were opposite those of android fat, and that marked menopausal changes in fat mass and its distribution existed. Body mass indices did not demonstrate that men had less total fat than women whereas postmenopausal women had more total fat than did premenopausal women. Our findings suggest that DEXA measurements of fat distribution may be useful for studies related to obesity-associated disease risk.

Changes in body composition with danazol therapy

Whole body lean and fat mass measurements by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry were performed in 14 premenopausal women undergoing danazol treatment for endometriosis. After 6 months, there was a significant increase in lean tissue mass. Body fat decreased but this was significantly less in the android (upper body segment) region than in the gynoid (lower body segment) region. Danazol thus has both anabolic and androgenic effects on body composition. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry provides a new, noninvasive, and rapid means of studying body composition.

The effects of different formulations of oral contraceptive agents on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism

BACKGROUND

Oral contraceptives can induce changes in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism similar to those associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, including increased serum triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and insulin levels and decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. In this study, we examined whether modification of the type or dose of progestin in oral-contraceptive preparations diminishes these changes.

METHODS

We measured plasma lipoprotein levels and performed oral glucose-tolerance tests in a cross section of 1060 women who took one of nine types of oral contraceptives for at least three months and 418 women who took none. Seven of the contraceptive formulations contained various doses and types of progestin: levonorgestrel in low (150 micrograms), high (250 micrograms), and triphasic (50 to 125 micrograms) doses; norethindrone in low (500 micrograms), high (1000 micrograms), and triphasic (500 to 1000 micrograms) doses; and a new progestin, desogestrel, in one dose (150 micrograms). All seven contained 30 to 40 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol. Two additional formulations contained progestin alone.

RESULTS

As compared with controls, women taking combination drugs did not have increased serum total cholesterol levels but did have increases of 13 to 75 percent in fasting triglyceride levels. Levels of LDL cholesterol were reduced by 14 percent in women taking the combination containing desogestrel and by 12 percent in those taking low-dose norethindrone. Levels of HDL cholesterol were lowered by 5 percent and 16 percent by the combinations containing low-dose and high-dose levonorgestrel, respectively; these decreases were due to reductions of 29 percent and 43 percent, respectively, in the levels of HDL subclass 2. The combination pill containing high-dose norethindrone did not affect HDL cholesterol levels, whereas that containing low-dose norethindrone increased HDL cholesterol levels by 10 percent. The desogestrel combination increased HDL cholesterol levels by 12 percent. Levels of apolipoproteins A-I, A-II, and B were generally increased by combination drugs. Depending on the dose and type of progestin, combination drugs were associated with plasma glucose levels on the glucose-tolerance test that were 43 to 61 percent higher than in controls, insulin responses 12 to 40 percent higher, and C-peptide responses 18 to 45 percent higher. Progestin-only formulations had only minor metabolic effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The appropriate dose and type of progestin may reduce the adverse effects of oral contraceptives on many metabolic markers of risk for coronary heart disease. Progestin-only formulations or combinations containing desogestrel or low-dose norethindrone were associated wtih the most favorable profiles.

Effects of transdermal versus oral hormone replacement therapy on bone density in spine and proximal femur in postmenopausal women

66 early postmenopausal women were randomised to 28-day cycles of either transdermal hormone replacement therapy--continuous oestradiol 17-beta 0.05 mg daily, with norethisterone acetate 0.25 mg daily for 14 of each 28 days--or oral therapy--continuous conjugated equine oestrogens 0.625 mg daily, with dl-norgestrel 0.15 mg daily for 12 of each 28 days. An untreated reference group of 30 women were studied concurrently. Bone density was measured in the lumbar spine and proximal femur by dual photon absorptiometry at 6-month intervals for 18 months. Skeletal turnover was assessed by serum measurements of calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase, and by urine estimations of hydroxyproline/creatinine and calcium/creatinine excretion. In both treatment groups by comparison with the untreated groups by comparison with the untreated group, bone density increased in the vertebrae and proximal femur and biochemical measurements indicated a significant reduction in bone turnover.