Application of a Novel Methodology for Efficient Optimization of Hippocampal Avoidance Whole-Brain Radiotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

A growing awareness of the long-term neurocognitive toxicity associated with whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) has led to the development of newer delivery methods to achieve relative hippocampal sparing. In order to accomplish the required target coverage and dose constraints, however, hippocampal-avoidance WBRT (HA-WBRT) can prove labor intensive and time-consuming. We therefore developed a simplified and efficient planning model for generating optimized HA-WBRT treatment.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Target volumes and organs at risk (OARs) were contoured per the NRG-CC001 protocol, including the whole-brain parenchyma, bilateral hippocampi, and optic apparatus. Treatment was planned using Eclipse 16.1 for a TrueBeam STx 2.7 LINAC, applying customizable optimization and clinical goals templates to rapidly generate uniform plans. An isocenter was placed at the point corresponding to the center of mass between the bilateral contoured 3-dimensional hippocampi. Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) using 6MV photons was designed using two sets of bi-directional full arcs, with collimator rotations of 85° and 95°. The two paired sets independently covered the superior and inferior portions of the treatment volume, respectively. Arcs shared a total 2cm overlap in the superior-inferior (X Jaws) direction.

RESULTS

A total of 10 consecutive cases of HA-WBRT were retrospectively re-optimized using the described planning model. All plans were normalized to cover 95% of the treatment volume with prescription dose (V30Gy = 95%). The model achieved favorable dosimetry relative to NRG-CC001 per protocol constraints. Average maximal dose to the hottest 2% and minimal dose to 98% of the volume were 32.22 ± 0.26 Gy and 29.82 ± 1.46 Gy, well within protocol limits of 37.5 Gy and 25 Gy, respectively. The average maximal dose to 100% of the hippocampi (D100%) and to its hottest 0.03cc (Dmax) were 8.50 ± 0.34 Gy and 12.85 ± 0.70 Gy, compared to protocol limits of 9Gy and 16Gy, respectively. Mean Dmax to the total optic apparatus was 29.67 ± 0.52 Gy, with a maximum value within the cohort of 30 Gy, matching protocol constraints.

CONCLUSION

The above presented methodology for optimizing HA-WBRT can consistently and efficiently generate plans with excellent target coverage and strict hippocampal avoidance per current collaborative group constraints. This method can be broadly applied to decrease the burden and heterogeneity across HA-WBRT planning.

An ecological momentary assessment study of age effects on perceptive and non-perceptive clinical high-risk symptoms of psychosis

Among individuals with clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR), perceptive symptoms are more frequent but have less clinical significance in children/adolescents compared to adults. However, findings are based on clinical interviews relying on patient's recall capacity. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) can be used to explore experiences in real-time in the subject's daily life. The aim of this study was to assess frequency and stability of (perceptive and non-perceptive) CHR symptoms and to explore potential age effects. EMA was used in a sample of an early detection for psychosis service in Bern, Switzerland (N = 66; 11-36 years). CHR symptoms were recorded in random time intervals for seven days: eight assessments per day per subject, minimum time between prompts set at 25 min. CHR symptoms were additionally assessed with semi-structured interviews including the 'Structured Interview for Psychosis-Risk Syndromes' and the 'Schizophrenia Proneness Instruments'. Mixed-effects linear regression analysis on the frequency of CHR symptoms revealed a significant effect of age group, and the interaction CHR symptoms x age group for both perceptive and non-perceptive symptoms. Further, regarding stability of CHR symptoms, there was a significant effect of the interaction CHR symptoms x age group for perceptive symptoms only. Based on EMA, perceptive CHR symptoms were more frequently reported but less stable in children/adolescents compared with adults. Together with previous findings, our finding of higher instability/variability of perceptive symptoms in younger persons might suggest that with advancing age and more stability of CHR symptoms, clinical relevance (reduced psychosocial functioning) may increase.

Bone density in youth with prediabetes: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005-2006

Youth with type 2 diabetes might have suboptimal peak bone mass, but it is unknown whether similar effects are evident in youth with prediabetes. Results from this study suggest that diabetes-related effects on peak bone mass likely occur before disease onset, and involve the muscle-bone unit.

INTRODUCTION

Type 2 diabetes might adversely influence bone health around the age of peak bone mass, but it is unknown whether diabetes-related effects on areal bone mineral density (aBMD) are evident in youth with prediabetes. We compared age-related trends in aBMD and associations between lean body mass (LBM) and aBMD between children and adolescents with prediabetes vs. normal glucose regulation.

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005-2006) in youth ages 12-20 years (49% female, 34% black) with prediabetes (n = 267) and normal glucose regulation (n = 1664). Whole body aBMD and LBM were assessed via DXA. LBM index (LBMI) and Z-scores for aBMD and LBMI were computed.

RESULTS

Unadjusted between-group comparisons revealed greater mean weight and LBMI Z-scores in youth with prediabetes vs. normal glucose regulation, but similar bone Z-scores between the two groups. While accounting for differences in BMI Z-score, there was a significant interaction between prediabetes status and age with respect to whole body aBMD Z-score (P < 0.05), such that children with prediabetes tended to have increased aBMD but adolescents and young adults with prediabetes tended have lower aBMD. Furthermore, the positive association between LBMI and whole body aBMD was moderated in youth with prediabetes (P < 0.001), who had slightly lower whole body aBMD for a given LBMI (P = 0.068). Lumbar spine bone measures did not differ between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Type 2 diabetes-related threats to peak bone mass might occur prior to disease onset, therefore potentially impacting a considerable proportion of US youth.

Preliminary findings of four-week, task-based anodal prefrontal cortex transcranial direct current stimulation transferring to other cognitive improvements in schizophrenia

Most transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) trials of schizophrenia administer few sessions and do not assess transfer effects to other cognitive domains. In a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, parallel groups trial, we determined the extent to which 4-weeks of 2 mA tDCS at 20 min/day totalling 20 tDCS sessions administered during a spatial working memory test, with anodal right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and cathodal left tempo-parietal junction (TPJ) placement, as an adjunct to antipsychotics reduced auditory hallucinations and improved cognition in 12 outpatients with schizophrenia. Anodal tDCS significantly improved language-based working memory after 2 weeks and verbal fluency after 2 and 4 weeks. Thus, four weeks of tDCS appears to be safe and elicits transfer benefits to other prefrontal-dependent cognitive abilities in schizophrenia.

Resting-state EEG in schizophrenia: auditory verbal hallucinations are related to shortening of specific microstates

OBJECTIVE

Abnormal perceptions and cognitions in schizophrenia might be related to abnormal resting states of the brain. Previous research found that a specific class (class D) of sub-second electroencephalography (EEG) microstates was shortened in schizophrenia. This shortening correlated with positive symptoms. We questioned if this reflected positive psychotic traits or present psychopathology.

METHODS

Resting-state EEGs of frequently hallucinating patients, indicating on- and offset of hallucinations by button press, were analyzed. Microstate class D duration was related to spontaneous within-subject fluctuations of auditory hallucinations.

RESULTS

Microstate D was significantly shorter in periods with hallucinations.

CONCLUSIONS

Microstates of class D resemble topographies associated with error monitoring. Its premature termination may facilitate the misattribution of self-generated inner speech to external sources during hallucinations.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results suggest that microstate D represents a biological state marker for hallucinatory experiences.

Elevated bilirubin in acute and transient psychotic disorder

INTRODUCTION

Mild unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia seems to be more common in patients with disorders from the schizophrenic spectrum than in other psychiatric patients or in the general population and has been linked to brain alterations. This spectrum however contains a number of diagnostic entities that might not share the same etiological and environmental factors.

METHODS

325 hospital admissions were analysed over a one-year period.

RESULTS

We found an association of acute and transient psychotic disorders (ATPD) with total bilirubin level and rate of elevated total bilirubin that was increased compared to paranoid schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, all patients, and was higher than in the general population. Concomitant increased direct bilirubin might suggest that reduced UGT activity, causing Gilbert's syndrome in the general population, is not the reason for elevated bilirubin in ATPD.

CONCLUSIONS

The difference between ATPD and schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder might be due to disorder severity, aetiology, or environmental factors that influence enzyme activity.

[Septic shock with purpura fulminans after a dog bite]

HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS

A 61-year-old man presented with a four-day history of back pain and nonspecific abdominal pain. His condition had significantly worsened since the day before admission with generalized weakness and dyspnea. His temperature was 39.1 C, he had tachycardia and was tachypneic. Peripheral cyanosis was noted. The abdomen was soft with mild epigastric tenderness. A diffuse skin rash developed with increasing petechial bleeding and central necrosis. It was revealed that he had been bitten by a dog several weeks before admission.

INVESTIGATIONS

Laboratory data indicated an acute inflammatory process with a marked increase in white blood cells and C-reactive protein. An elevated procalcitonin level suggested a systemic bacterial infection. Chest X-ray and abdominal CT scan were unremarkable. Echocardiography revealed a globally hypokinetic heart with no evidence of valvular vegetations. One set of blood cultures grew micro-aerophilic, Gram-negative rods. Gene sequencing identified the slow growing, fastidious bacillus as CAPNOCYTOPHAGA CANIMORSUS.

TREATMENT AND COURSE

The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit and initially treated with intravenous piperacillin/tazobactam and hydrocortisone for septic shock. Transfusions of platelets and blood products were given because of disseminated intravascular coagulation. The patient developed multi-organ failure requiring ventilation and hemodialysis; he died four days after admission.

CONCLUSIONS

As a rare cause of septicemia, especially in immunocompromised patients, Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection should be considered after an animal bite. Given the slow growth of this bacterium in culture, Gram-staining of a peripheral blood smear may provide an early diagnosis and avoid delay before appropriate antibiotic therapy, which may favorably influence the potentially fatal course, is started.

Coexistence of antitopoisomerase I and anticentromere antibodies in patients with systemic sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Antibodies targeting DNA topoisomerase I (ATA) or centromere proteins (ACA) are associated with clinical subsets of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The occurrence of those autoantibodies is considered to be mutually exclusive.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical and immunogenetic data of three patients who are co-expressing both antibodies, and then review previous publications.

METHODS

Both antibodies were detected by different methods, including indirect immunofluorescence technique, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, immunodiffusion, and immunoblot. Patients were HLA typed by serological and molecular genetic methods. Data were extracted from published reports for comparison. The search for published studies was through Medline and other database research programmes.

RESULTS

During routine laboratory diagnostics over several years three patients with scleroderma and coincidence of ATA and ACA were identified: patient 1 with diffuse SSc, Raynaud's phenomenon, puffy fingers and fingertip necrosis, contractures, and calcinosis; patient 2 with diffuse SSc, Raynaud's phenomenon, oedema of the hands, and interstitial calcinosis of hands, knees, and shoulders, and pulmonary fibrosis; patient 3 with scleroderma of hands, forearms, and face, Raynaud's phenomenon, puffy fingers, finger contractures, fingertip necrosis, and calcinosis. All three patients studied were carriers of HLA alleles known to be associated with these autoantibodies. In serial measurements the concentrations of the two antibodies showed independent or even reverse fluctuations. Screening of 100 patients with ACA for ATA and vice versa disclosed no further patients with coincidence of these antibodies. Twenty eight cases of ACA/ATA coexistence in 5423 patients (0.52%) with SSc or SSc associated symptoms were found in an analysis of published studies.

CONCLUSION

The expression of ATA and ACA is not totally mutually exclusive, but coincidence is rare (<1% of patients with SSc). Patients with both autoantibodies often have diffuse scleroderma and show immunogenetic features of both antibody defined subsets of SSc.

Coronary vasculopathy in polycythemia vera

Thrombosis is a common complication in polycythemia often causing death. In coronary artery occlusion, thrombosis due to hyperviscosity and thrombocytosis is mostly discussed as the origin of the infarction. We discuss the case of a 30-year-old male patient, with polycythemia, who died of myocardial infarction. On autopsy the vessels showed neither ateriosclerotic changes nor thrombotic occlusions. Instead, a marked intima proliferation was found leading to multiple occlusions whereas media and adventitia were unchanged. This pattern of a coronary vasculopathy has not been described before, and can be interpreted as an alternative mechanism for vascular occlusion in polycythemia. Similar histopathological changes have already been found in skin lesions in erythromelalgia, a common symptom in polycythemia.

[Small cell bronchial carcinoma and pleural empyema after pneumonectomy for tuberculosis]

We report the case of a 60-year-old man with a destructive ipsilateral bronchial carcinoma after pneumonectomy performed for tuberculosis several decades previously. The diagnosis steps in this case report are demonstrated and the correlations between the two diseases are discussed. The early diagnosis of malignant processes after thoracotomy performed because of tuberculosis is emphasized.

Long-term ciclosporine A treatment in adults with minimal change nephrotic syndrome or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of long-term ciclosporine A (CSA) treatment in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, we prospectively followed immunosuppressive therapy in 22 nephrotic adults for a median of 32 months (range 7-91 months) and obtained repeat renal biopsies. CSA induced complete remission in 60.0% and 14.3% of patients with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) (n = 7), respectively. In addition, partial remissions were achieved in 20.0% of patients with MCNS and in 42.9% of patients with FSGS. Resolution of proteinuria was strictly CSA-dependent and no sustained remission occurred following withdrawal, thereby requiring long-term treatment in 18 patients. In 10 patients CSA was administered for more than 43 months. During maintenance therapy the antiproteinuric effect of CSA was preserved and renal function as well as blood pressure remained stable in patients with MCNS, whereas renal function deteriorated in two patients with FSGS due to progression of the underlying renal disease. Renal biopsies revealed slight signs of CSA toxicity in four patients. However, in no case loss of renal function was attributable to these lesions. In conclusion, the present data suggest that long-term maintenance treatment of MCNS with CSA is efficacious and safe at least for a period of up to 43 months. In contrast, CSA has some effect on proteinuria in FSGS, but the results are less favorable.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of oral nitrendipine solution in hypertensive patients with advanced renal failure

Nitrendipine solution 5 mg.ml-1 in the dose of 5 mg was given orally to 20 patients with chronic renal failure and elevated diastolic blood pressure (> or = 110 mmHg), of whom 10 were on maintenance haemodialysis (endogenous creatinine clearance < 5 ml.min-1) and 10 were at the predialysis stage (endogenous creatinine clearance 5-20 ml.min-1). The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of kidney function and/or dialysis treatment on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of a solution of nitrendipine and to assess its antihypertensive efficacy. After 10 min there was a significant reduction in blood pressure from 188/113 to 173/100 (patients not dependent on dialysis) and from 197/112 to 161/94 mmHg (patients dependent on dialysis). The maximum fall in blood pressure (approximately 30%) was attained after 90 min in the dialysis patients and after 120 min in the non-dialysis group. Blood pressure increased again about 3 h after the administration of nitrendipine but it was still below baseline after 12 h. The terminal elimination half-life (4.1 h in the dialysis patients and 3.6 h in non-dialysis patients) was similar to that observed in patients with normal renal function. The pharmacokinetics of nitrendipine did not differ between the dialysis and non-dialysis groups. There was a correlation between plasma concentration and the blood pressure reduction. The maximum plasma concentration of nitrendipine was reached after 0.5 h (median) and did not differ between the two groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Torasemide in advanced renal failure

In patients with advanced renal failure, high doses of loop diuretics are required to promote negative sodium and water balance and to treat hypertension. Torasemide is a new loop diuretic that has a high bioavailability of 90% and a plasma half-life of 3-5 hours, which remains unchanged in chronic renal failure. Even in patients with advanced renal failure, intravenous and oral high-dose torasemide proves effective in increasing fluid and sodium excretion in a dose-dependent manner. A number of studies in renal failure patients provide evidence that, on a weight-by-weight basis, the ratio of diuretic potency between torasemide and furosemide is 1:2.5 after oral dosing and 1:1 after intravenous administration. The lack of a substantial calciuretic effect of torasemide in chronic renal disease needs further confirmation. Two controlled multicenter clinical trials comparing high oral doses of furosemide and torasemide in patients with end-stage renal disease requiring maintenance hemodialysis demonstrated a substantial increase in urinary volume and electrolyte excretions in patients receiving 100 or 200 mg oral torasemide once daily. A dose of 200 mg oral torasemide appears equally natriuretic to oral furosemide 500 mg, whereas the antihypertensive effect of torasemide is more pronounced. Neither torasemide nor furosemide in the above doses has a negative influence on the neurological status of hemodialysis patients.

Serial kidney biopsies in patients with nephrotic syndrome treated with cyclosporin

A total of 21 patients with severe steroid-resistant or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome have been treated with cyclosporin (CsA) over a period of 6 to 71 months. A permanent treatment was started in patients with complete [c] (proteinuria less than 0.3 g/day) or partial [p] (0.3 to less than 3.0 g/day) remission. In four cases proteinuria was markedly reduced but still greater than 3 g/day. Informed consent was obtained and all patients agreed to further control biopsies. Out of 14 patients treated for longer than 6 months, a fall in creatinine clearance was seen in three cases, including two patients with focal sclerosis who required dialysis treatment. Control biopsies were performed once in 11 and twice in seven patients. In two cases definite CsA-related damage was diagnosed after 1 and 24 months of treatment. Possible CsA-induced damage could not be excluded in three additional cases. In all other biopsies no CsA-related alterations could be demonstrated up to 47 months of treatment. The mean values of the creatinine clearance showed no deterioration. The drop off in a few cases has been related to the basic disease.

[The effect of various factors on the progression of kidney insufficiency cause by analgesic nephropathy]

In a retrospective study of 33 patients the influence of different anamnestic, clinical and laboratory parameters on the progression of renal failure was investigated. The analysis of progression of renal failure was evaluated in terms of a reasonable criterium intuitively suggesting itself which is based on a non-linear fitting of the serum creatinine profile. Follow-up serum creatinine levels showed that renal function became worse in 28 cases, with terminal renal failure developing in 6 cases. In 5 patients significant improvement in kidney function was observed. The variables systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total amount of ingested analgesics, continued abuse and cessation of analgesics, frequency of urinary tract infections and amount of proteinuria had no significant influence on progression of renal failure. However, a strong relationship between the initial serum creatinine level and the progression of renal failure could be established. In conclusion our results indicate that long-term prognosis of analgesic nephropathy mainly depends on early diagnosis.

Fournier's gangrene in hypersensitivity vasculitis

Fournier's gangrene in IgE positive hypersensitivity vasculitis demands concurrent high dose immunosuppression, radical surgery and intensive treatment of septic sequelae. Even extended autologous skin grafting is possible with immunosuppression. A case of fulminant necrotizing infection of the genitalia, perineum and abdominal wall during the acute generalization phase of IgE positive hypersensitivity vasculitis is described. Apart from the radical surgical approach, medical treatment demands a different strategy than in classical Fournier's gangrene. The favorable outcome in a 21-year-old man after several months of intensive care could be realized only by close cooperation of internal specialists, urologists and plastic surgeons.

Steady-state kinetics of ramipril in renal failure

In an open trial, the pharmacokinetics of ramipril and its active metabolite ramiprilat were studied in 23 hypertensive patients with various degrees of renal insufficiency. During a 2-week treatment period, each subject took daily a 5-mg tablet of ramipril. Serum profiles and urinary excretion of the parent compound and ramiprilat, the active metabolite, were then evaluated. Peak concentrations of ramipril were slightly greater in patients with severe renal insufficiency; however, most of the ramipril was metabolized in the liver. The drug concentration-time curve was almost independent of renal function and no accumulation was observed after multiple dosing. In contrast, ramiprilat kinetics were significantly influenced by renal function. Initial apparent half-lives (8-16 h), mean trough concentrations (5-19 ng/ml), and absolute accumulation all increased with worsening renal function, and renal clearance of ramiprilat was significantly correlated with creatinine clearance. The subsequent long terminal phase at low ramiprilat serum concentration represents the slow dissociation of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-bound drug. This study indicates that in patients with severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance below 30 ml/min), smaller doses of ramipril will be required than in patients with normal or borderline normal renal function.

Single-dose pharmacokinetics of recombinant human erythropoietin in patients with various degrees of renal failure

The pharmacokinetic profile of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) was studied after a single intravenous dose of 150 U/kg in ten patients with various degrees of renal function: group I, creatinine clearance greater than 80 ml/min, n = 2; group II, creatinine clearance 10-50 ml/min, n = 6; group III, creatinine clearance less than 3 ml/min (patients undergoing haemodialysis) n = 2. Erythropoietin concentrations in serum and urine samples obtained over 48 h were measured by RIA. rHuEpo was cleared from circulation in an exponential fashion, the half-life ranged from 6.5 to 12.7 h (mean 9.03 h) and was not different between the groups. The apparent volume of distribution varied from 0.041 to 0.099 l/kg (mean 0.070 l/kg) this corresponds to 1.5 times the plasma volume and was unrelated to kidney function. Renal clearance (groups I, II) accounted for less than 3% of total body clearance, both parameters were unaffected by decreasing renal function. These results indicate that, in accordance with animal data, the elimination of rHuEpo occurs mainly through non-renal mechanisms.

Pharmacokinetics of ramipril in hypertensive patients with renal insufficiency

In an open trial, the pharmacokinetics of ramipril and its active metabolite ramiprilat were studied in 25 hypertensive patients with various degrees of renal insufficiency given 5 mg ramipril p.o. for 14 days. Ramipril was rapidly absorbed and reached a peak concentration after 1-2 h. Cmax was greater in patients with severe renal insufficiency, which might indicate a reduced renal elimination rate, although, the rapid decline of the concentration-time curve for ramipril was almost independent of renal function. The mean initial apparent half-lives on Days 1 and 12, respectively, were 2.8 and 3.4 h (Group I: creatinine clearance 5-15 ml/min), 1.8 and 2.3 h (Group II: creatinine clearance 15-40 ml/min), and 1.9 and 1.9 h (Group III: creatinine clearance 40-80 ml/min). No accumulation was observed after multiple dosing. In contrast, the kinetics of its active acid metabolite ramiprilat was significantly influenced by renal function. The mean times to the peak plasma concentration were 5.7 h in Group I, 4.4 h in Group II and 3.8 h in Group III. The initial decline in plasma ramiprilat was dependent upon renal function; the mean initial apparent half-lives (Days 1 and 12, respectively) were 16.0 and 14.8 h (Group I), 10.1 and 9.5 h (Group II) and 10.6 and 8.0 h (Group III). Mean trough concentrations and absolute accumulation also increased with worsening renal function, and the renal clearance of ramiprilat was significantly correlated with the creatinine clearance. The subsequent long terminal phase at low plasma ramiprilat concentrations represented slow dissociation of the ACE-inhibitor complex.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Therapeutic efficacy and tolerance of ramipril in hypertensive patients with renal failure

In an open trial, the antihypertensive and hormonal effects of ramipril, a new nonsulfhydryl angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, were studied in 23 hypertensive patients with various degrees of renal failure: group I, creatinine clearance 5-15 ml/min, n = 10; group II, creatinine clearance 15-40 ml/min, n = 7; group III, creatinine clearance 40-80 ml/min, n = 6. In a 2-week placebo run-in period, antihypertensive agents were reduced or discontinued. During the treatment phase, patients received a 5-mg tablet of ramipril once daily for a period of 2 weeks. Concomitant medication remained unchanged. In all groups, ramipril significantly decreased mean arterial blood pressure. Blood pressure response was not different in the three groups, although plasma ramipril levels were higher in patients with severe renal failure. In patients with high plasma renin activity (PRA), reduction of blood pressure was greater than in subjects with low PRA. Plasma ACE activity was suppressed to less than 20% of its initial value in all groups during the whole treatment period, and the suppression was more marked and lasted longer in patients with severe renal failure. A strong correlation between the plasma ramiprilat levels and the inhibition of plasma ACE activity was noted for all groups. Mean serum creatinine did not increase significantly; serum potassium levels rose from 4.5 to 4.9 mmol/L on day 14 (p less than 0.01). In conclusion, in patients with various degrees of renal failure, ramipril represents an effective and well-tolerated antihypertensive agent.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Torasemide for diuretic treatment of advanced chronic renal failure

In a double-blind randomized clinical trial the efficacy and safety of oral high-dose torasemide (1-isopropyl-3- ([4-(3-methyl-phenylamino)pyridine]-3-sulfonyl)urea, T) therapy was compared with that of furosemide (F) in 10 patients with advanced chronic renal failure. The efficacy on edema, fluid and electrolyte balance including the influence on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and cochlear function was evaluated. Patients were randomly allocated to either 500 mg F/d (group 1) or 200 mg T/d (group 2). After 14 days of treatment doses were doubled in each group for further 14 days. With respect to the 2.5 times lower dose of T the clinical effect of both drugs on edema, fluid and sodium excretion was equipotent. Significant differences were noted on calciuresis. Serum calcium levels were reduced with F, while T had no influence on calcium balance. A significant increase in plasma renin activity (PRA) was observed after F, whereas T had no raising effect on PRA. No significant alteration of plasma aldosterone concentration occurred with T or F. No adverse effects were noted in both groups. Serial audiometries showed no significant impairment of cochlear function with both drugs. In conclusion, these results indicate that high-dose T is efficient and safe in the treatment of advanced chronic renal failure. The lack of a calciuric effect with T can be regarded as an advantage in patients with hypocalcemia in chronic renal failure.

Effect of food intake on plasma levels and antihypertensive response during maintenance therapy with endralazine

A sensitive HPLC assay has been used to determine the effect of food on plasma endralazine levels in 8 patients with essential hypertension. Subjects were investigated whilst on maintenance therapy with endralazine combined with a fixed antihypertensive baseline treatment for at least 4 weeks, samples being collected after the usual oral morning dose of endralazine (5 mg and 10 mg), on two occasions at least 7 days apart. Endralazine was administered with the concomitant therapy in randomised order once 90 min before and once immediately after a standard breakfast. Acetylator status did not affect its pharmacokinetics in the postprandial study after a 5 mg dose, the peak endralazine concentration averaged 57.5% lower and the AUC had fallen significantly by 49.9%, whereas after 10 mg the postprandial peak level and the AUC were 82.9% and 64.7%, lower. In the 5 mg study the mean arterial blood pressure was decreased by 30 mm Hg in the fasting subjects and by 21 mm Hg in the postprandial group. For the 10 mg dose the corresponding values were 35 and 24 mm Hg. The blood pressure lowering effect was only weakly correlated with the food--related reduction in the plasma endralazine levels. The results suggest that endralazine has a similar kinetic interaction with food as that found for hydralazine.

Empiric antibiotic treatment of infections in myelosuppressed cancer patients. Preliminary results

A prospective, randomized study was performed to compare the efficacy and safety of mezlocillin plus sisomicin (Regimen A) and cefamandole plus tobramycin (Regimen B). Sixty-one episodes of documented infections were treated in 49 adult myelosuppressed cancer patients. About two-thirds of the patients treated with either regimen responded to this antibacterial therapy. The patients failing to respond to the initial therapy were treated with additional antibiotics, either with the empiric Regimen C (cefotaxime plus amikacin plus azlocillin) or with antibiotics selected on the basis of bacteriological results (Regimen D). With these schedules, the over-all response rate was increased to about 90%. The data suggest that febrile granulocytopenic cancer patients may profit from this empiric and sequential antibiotic treatment.

Antihypertensive effects of captopril and saralasin in essential and renal hypertension

The antihypertensive effect of captopril and its mechanism of action were studied in patients with essential and renal hypertension. In mild essential hypertension (n = 12), during monotherapy with captopril (50 to 450 mg, 4 to 12 weeks) blood pressure was normalized in seven, improved in two and remained unchanged in three patients, plasma levels of active and acid-activatable inactive renin significantly increased and angiotensin II decreased, whereas no consistent changes in urinary kallikrein excretion occurred. In severe renal (n = 14) and essential (n = 9) hypertension, blood pressure was normalized in eight (seven with renal hypertension), improved in seven and unchanged in eight patients, when captopril (50 to 450 mg, 3 to 15 months) was added to the antihypertensive medication. In one patient with stenosis in a transplanted renal artery reversible renal failure occurred during captopril therapy possibly because of a steep initial decrease in blood pressure, although a toxic effect of the drug cannot be excluded. In another series of 12 renal and 8 essential hypertensive patients, a significant correlation between the acute effect of captopril (within 90 minutes) an saralasin on blood pressure was demonstrated (r=0.71, p less than 0.001). The change in blood pressure after either drug was significantly related to the initial plasma renin concentration. In conclusion, captopril seems to be an effective antihypertensive agent in essential and renal hypertension. Renal function should be monitored during captopril therapy. Our studies suggest that captopril decreases blood pressure by inhibiting the vasopressor action of the renin-angiotensin system.

Dopamine treatment of human cadaver kidney graft recipients: a prospectively randomized trial

In a prospectively randomized trial, 50 human cadaver kidney graft recipients were tested for the effect of dopamine infusion on kidney function after transplantation. The kidneys were taken from beating-heart donors under optimal conditions. The dopamine infusion did not affect the dialysis frequency in the 1st week after transplantation, in the dopamine group only slightly better creatinine clearances could be detected. However, the diuresis increased significantly when dopamine was given and this resulted in the fact that in the dopamine group 47.4% of the patients were dialyzed although the diuresis amounted to more than 11/day as compared to 15.7% of such patients in the nondopamine group. These findings correspond to experimental data, which showed that the dopamine infusion of the recipient mainly ameliorated renal function in those cases where kidneys were taken after hypotensive injury of the donor.

[Plasma exchange in rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (author's transl)]

The combination of plasma exchange and immunosuppression appears to result in considerable improvement of therapeutic measures in rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. In contrast to the unfavourable prognosis prior to the introduction of plasma exchange, 8 out of 13 patients (idiopathic rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, n = 4; Goodpasture syndrome, n = 2; Wegener's granulomatosis, n = 4; lupoid nephritis, n = 3) showed recompensation of terminal renal insufficiency. Treatment of 4 patients who were already anuric led to reversal of renal function in only one case. There was a clear correlation between demonstration of circulating immune complexes and the response to treatment: in 6 out of 7 patients with circulating immune complexes recompensation of severe renal insufficiency was achieved.