Systematic reviews and quality assessment of patient-reported outcome measures for physical function in comparative effectiveness studies regarding acute postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty-Do we need to start all over again?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Recently, a consensus process specified a core outcome set (COS) of domains to be assessed in each comparative effectiveness research and clinical practice related to acute postoperative pain. Physical function (PF) was one of these domains. The aim of this review was to investigate which patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used to assess PF after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in clinical trials and if they fulfil basic requirements for a COS of PROMs based on their psychometric properties.

METHODS

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials and observational studies based on a search in MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL was undertaken. PROMs and performance measures were extracted and investigated, including evaluation of psychometric properties of PROMs based on COSMIN recommendations.

RESULTS

From initially 2896 identified records, 479 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Only 87 of these trials (18%) assessed PF using PROMs, whereas especially performance outcome measures were used in 470 studies (98%). Application of the 'COSMIN Risk-of-Bias-Box 1' to 13 of the 14 identified PROMs resulted in insufficient content validity of the included PROMs regarding the target population based on the inauguration or development articles.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that a patient-centred postoperative assessment of PF in pain-related clinical trials early after TKA is not common, even though patient-reported assessment is widely recommended. In addition, none of the applied PROMs shows content validity based on their inauguration or development articles for the assessment of postoperative pain-related PF after TKA.

SIGNIFICANCE

A systematic search for patient-reported outcome measures assessing postoperative, pain-related physical function after total knee arthroplasty in clinical trials and assessment of their content validity revealed none that fulfilled requirements based on COSMIN recommendations.

[Pathology didactics : Development and pilot study of a pathology didactics curriculum (PaDiCu)]

BACKGROUND

Pathologists are lifelong teachers. However, specialist training contains hardly any didactic learning objectives. Here, the competency-based learning objectives that a pathology didactics curriculum could include were examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Learning objectives were determined through expert discussions and literature research. Four teaching units were designed: A) Interactive small-group seminars; B) The timely application of what has been learned under supervision; C) A longitudinal component by providing digital resources; D) Workshops and seminars by third-party providers.

RESULTS

Initially, 11 small group seminars were designed: 1. + 2. General and special presentation techniques, 3. Public speaking, 4. Activation of audience, 5. Macro- and microphotography, image processing and graphic design, 6. Pathology teaching concept, 7. Standardized case conferences, 8. Standards for teaching events, 9. Standardized evaluation, 10. Research of pathology education, 11. Digitalization of teaching and pathology. Pilot seminars were appreciated and positively evaluated.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, competence-based didactic learning objectives were identified for pathology. The pathology didactics curriculum (PaDiCu) could be disseminated with little effort.

Optimierung der Bestrahlungsplanung beim nicht-kleinzelligen Bronchialkarzinom (NSCLC) mit Hilfe von 18FDG-PET

Ziel: Die FDG-PET-Untersuchung hat in den vergangenen Jahren bei onkologischen Fragestellungen insbesondere beim Staging des Bronchialkarzinoms wachsende Bedeutung erlangt. In der vorliegenden retrospektiven Untersuchung wurde der Einfluss der PET auf die Strahlentherapieplanung bei Patienten mit non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) untersucht. Methoden: Die Untersuchung umfasste 39 Patienten mit einem NSCLC, die zwecks Staging mit PET untersucht worden waren. Sie wurden über (anhand der CT- und Bronchoskopiebefunde geplante) anterior/posteriore Gegenfelder bestrahlt, die den Primärtumor und das Mediastinum einschlossen. Die Ergebnisse der PET-Untersuchung wurden bei der Bestrahlungsplanung zunächst nicht berücksichtigt. Retrospektiv wurden anhand der FDG-Anreicherungen die Bestrahlungsfelder unter Berücksichtigung der Größe und Lokalisation des Primärtumors neu definiert, weiterhin wurde die Ausdehnung des mediastinalen Anteils der Feldkonturen auf PET-Aktivitäten außerhalb des Bestrahlungsfelds überprüft. Ergebnisse: Bei 15 von 39 Patienten unterschieden sich die CT- von den CT/PET-geplanten Bestrahlungsfeldern. In den meisten Fällen (n = 12) war das CT/PET-Feld kleiner als das CT-Feld. Die mediane Größe der Bestrahlungsfelder betrug 179 cm2 und nach Neudefinition durch PET 166 cm2. Bei 20 Patienten mit Tumor-verursachten Belüftungsstörungen (Atelektasen, Dystelektasen) wurde die Änderung des Bestrahlungsfelds signifikant häufiger (p = 0,03) als bei den übrigen Patienten vorgeschlagen. Schlussfolgerung: Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen den Synergismus von topographischer (CT) und metabolischer (FDG-PET) Information, die in der Bestrahlungsplanung des Bronchialkarzinoms insbesondere bei Patienten mit Belüftungsstörungen von Nutzen sein könnte.

Early developmental outcomes of children with congenital HHV-6 infection

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to determine if congenital human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) infection influences early neurodevelopment.

METHODS

We enrolled 57 newborns with HHV-6 congenital infection and 242 control newborns without congenital infection into a prospective, double-blind study with 4 visits between 4 and 30 months of age. Assessments included the Fagan Test of Infant Intelligence, the Visual Expectation Paradigm, and the Mental Development Index (MDI) of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II. Newborn audiology screening and follow-up audiology examinations were completed at 12 to 24 months.

RESULTS

No differences were noted in baseline characteristics between infants with HHV-6 congenital infection and control infants. No clinical syndrome due to congenital infection with HHV-6 was evident at birth. No differences were identified on the Fagan Test of Infant Intelligence or the Visual Expectation Paradigm between the two groups. In 39 infants with HHV-6 congenital infection, the mean ± SD Bayley Scale of Infant Development II MDI score was 103.4 ± 8.9 at 12 months of age. The matched control infants had a mean score of 105.4 ± 12.4. After controlling for covariates, HHV-6 congenital infection was associated with lower scores on the Bayley Scale of Infant Development II MDI at 12 months of age (mean difference: 4.3 [95% confidence interval: 0.4 to 8.1]; P = .03) compared with infants without HHV-6 congenital infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Congenital HHV-6 infection may have a detrimental effect on neurodevelopment at 12 months of age and requires further study given that congenital infection with HHV-6 is present in ∼1 in every 101 births.

Mechanical embolectomy for acute ischemic stroke in the anterior cerebral circulation: the Gothenburg experience during 2000-2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Intra-arterial treatment of proximal occlusions in the cerebral circulation have become an important tool in the management of acute ischemic stroke. Our goal was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intra-arterial acute ischemic stroke treatment performed in our institution in consecutive patients with anterior circulation occlusion during 2000-2011.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified, in our data base, 156 consecutive cases with anterior acute ischemic stroke treated intra-arterially during 2000-2011. Stroke severity was defined according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, the results of the procedure were defined according to the modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score, and clinical outcome was defined according to the modified Rankin scale, with favorable outcome ≤2 at 90 days.

RESULTS

The mean admission NIHSS score was 19.4 (median, 20), with a mean time from stroke onset to groin puncture of 197 minutes (median, 171 minutes). The embolectomy tool of choice was the Amplatz GooseNeck snare (83%). Successful recanalization (modified TICI 2b +3) was seen in 74% of cases. A mRS ≤ 2 at 90 days was seen in 42% with a mortality rate of 17% and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage in 4%.

CONCLUSIONS

A high recanalization rate was obtained with the Amplatz GooseNeck snare without any device-related complications. Favorable outcome, mortality, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage are comparable with results of newer embolectomy devices.

Assessing quality of life in long-term survivors after ¹²⁵I brachytherapy for low-grade glioma in childhood

Quality of life (QOL) is important for the survivors of malignancies. We investigated health-related QOL in 51 patients treated with iodine-125 (¹²⁵I) brachytherapy for childhood low-grade gliomas. Instruments included a questionnaire on life situation, German versions of PEDQOL (8-18 years), EORTC QLQ-30 and head and neck module H&N-35 (>18 years), strength and difficulties questionnaire, "Fertigkeitsskala Münster Heidelberg", and an adapted Rankin score. The time lapsed since ¹²⁵I-brachytherapy was 134 months (median, range: 29-293 months). 57% of the patients were over 18 years of age, 34% were 11-17 years old and 8% were younger. 14 had undergone other treatments after ¹²⁵I brachytherapy. Over half of the >18 year olds reported residual problems; 68% were disabled, 38% to a severe degree. Many of the young adults still lived with their parents and 17% were jobless. 43% of the children/adolescents needed rehabilitative treatment, 20% visited special schools and 71% were disabled, 33% severely. The patients and their caregivers rated their QOL as not different from that of the normal population. However, many QOL dimensions correlated to the severity of disability. Comparison of QOL outcomes between different treatment measures would require a prospective study controlling for the most important factors of influence.

Diagnostic assays for active infection with human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6)

BACKGROUND

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) causes ubiquitous infection in early childhood with lifelong latency or persistence. Reactivation of HHV-6 has been associated with multiple diseases including encephalitis. Chromosomal integration of HHV-6 also occurs. Previous studies have suggested that the detection of HHV-6 DNA in plasma is an accurate marker of active viral replication.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine whether PCR assays on plasma could correctly differentiate between primary HHV-6 infection, chromosomal integration of HHV-6 and latent HHV-6 infection.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed qualitative PCR, real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR), and reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) assays on samples of peripheral and cord blood mononuclear cells, as well as plasma, from groups of subjects with well defined HHV-6 infection, including subjects with chromosomally integrated HHV-6.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The detection of HHV-6 DNA in plasma was 92% sensitive compared to viral isolation for the identification of primary infection with HHV-6. All plasma samples from infants with chromosomally integrated HHV-6 had HHV-6 DNA detectable in plasma while only 5.6% were positive by RT-PCR. The specificity of plasma PCR for active replication of HHV-6 was 84% compared to viral culture while the specificity of RT-PCR was 98%. Our results demonstrate that qualitative or quantitative PCR of plasma is insufficient to distinguish between active viral replication and chromosomal integration with HHV-6. We found a higher specificity of RT-PCR performed on PBMC samples compared to PCR or RQ-PCR performed on plasma when evaluating samples for active HHV-6 replication.

Chromosomal integration of human herpesvirus 6 is the major mode of congenital human herpesvirus 6 infection

OBJECTIVE

We examined the frequency and characteristics of chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 among congenitally infected children.

METHODS

Infants with and without congenital human herpesvirus 6 infection were prospectively monitored. Cord blood mononuclear cell, peripheral blood mononuclear cell, saliva, urine, and hair follicle samples were examined for human herpesvirus 6 DNA. Human herpesvirus 6 RNA, serum antibody, and chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 levels were also assessed.

RESULTS

Among 85 infants, 43 had congenital infections and 42 had postnatal infections. Most congenital infections (86%) resulted from chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6; 6 infants (14%) had transplacental infections. Children with chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 had high viral loads in all sites (mean: 5-6 log(10) genomic copies per mug of cellular DNA); among children with transplacental infection or postnatal infection, human herpesvirus 6 DNA was absent in hair samples and inconsistent in other samples, and viral loads were significantly lower. One parent of each child with chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 who had parental hair samples tested had hair containing human herpesvirus 6 DNA. Variant A caused 32% of chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 infections, compared with 2% of postnatal infections. Replicating human herpesvirus 6 was detected only among chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 samples (8% of cord blood mononuclear cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells). Cord blood human herpesvirus 6 antibody levels were similar among children with chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6, transplacental infection, and postnatal infection and between children with maternal and paternal chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 transmission.

CONCLUSIONS

Human herpesvirus 6 congenital infection results primarily from chromosomally integrated virus which is passed through the germ-line. Infants with chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 had high viral loads in all specimens, produced human herpesvirus 6 antibody, and mRNA. The clinical relevance needs study as 1 of 116 newborns may have chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 blood specimens.

[Optimization of radiotherapy planning for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using 18FDG-PET]

AIM

In recent years, FDG-PET examinations have become more important for problems in oncology, especially in staging of bronchogenic carcinoma. In the retrospective study presented here, the influence of PET on the planning of radiotherapy for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was investigated.

METHODS

The study involved 39 patients with NSCLC who had been examined by PET for staging. They received radiotherapy on the basis of the anterior/posterior portals including the primary tumour and the mediastinum planned according to CT- and bronchoscopic findings. The results of the PET examination were not considered in initial radiotherapy planning. The portals were retrospectively redefined on the basis of FDG uptake considering the size and localization of the primary tumour; and FDG activities outside the mediastinal part of the portals.

RESULTS

In 15 out of 39 patients, the CT/PET-planned portals differed from the CT-planned ones. In most causes (n = 12) the CT/PET field was smaller than the CT field. The median geometric field size of the portals was 179 cm2, after redefinition using PET 166 cm2. In 20 patients with disturbed ventilation caused by the tumour (atelectasis, dystelectosis), a correction of the portal was suggested significantly more frequently than in the other patients (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate the synergism of topographical (CT) and metabolic (FDG-PET) information, which could be helpful in planning radiotherapy of bronchial carcinoma, especially for patients with disturbed ventilation.

Impaired explicit memory after recovery from propofol/sufentanil anaesthesia is related to changes in the midlatency auditory evoked response

BACKGROUND

Midlatency auditory evoked responses (MLAER) can distinguish different stages of anaesthesia. We studied MLAER during emergence from propofol/sufentanil anaesthesia in relation to recovery of explicit memory.

METHODS

MLAER were recorded in 29 healthy patients before and during anaesthesia and during emergence until the patients opened their eyes spontaneously. After a structured interview the next day, patients were classified into those with and without explicit memory of the recovery period. Latencies Na, Pa and Nb and the peak-to-peak amplitudes NaPa and PaNb were compared between the groups by multivariate analysis of variance. Results are mean (SD).

RESULTS

At eye opening (37 (12) min after the end of anaesthesia) the latency Nb (47 (5) compared with 41 (5) ms; P < 0.001) was prolonged and the amplitude PaNb (1.3 (0.8) compared with I (0.5) ms; P = 0.012) was greater than the baseline value, respectively. The Nb latency was significantly shorter in patients with explicit memory (49 (2) ms compared with 45 (I); P = 0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

Large intra- and inter-individual variability in the MLAER values limited their ability to predict memory responses in individual patients during emergence from propofol/sufentanil anaesthesia.

Recovery of memory after general anaesthesia: clinical findings and somatosensory evoked responses

BACKGROUND

Mid-latency somatosensory evoked responses are used to monitor the integrity of the sensory pathways intra-operatively. They can quantify the effects of anaesthetics on the central nervous system. Mid-latency auditory evoked responses have been related to cognition during anaesthesia, but there are no detailed studies using median nerve somatosensory evoked responses (MnSSER).

METHODS

We studied 49 patients during recovery from general anaesthesia (isoflurane/nitrous oxide or propofol) to assess implicit and explicit memory function in relation to mid-latency MnSSER. The MnSSER recordings were made before anaesthesia, during steady-state anaesthesia, and at the end of the recovery period. The patients were interviewed 24 h later about their memory for the immediate wake up phase. Statistical analysis was by multivariate analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Out of 49 patients, 23 recalled the recovery period, 11 had implicit memory for an object shown to them during the recovery period, and 15 did not have any memory for the recovery period. At RECOVERY the patients with recall had significantly shorter MnSSER latencies N45 and P50 and inter-wave conduction times LatN35-LatP45 than patients without memory (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that MnSSER components warrant further investigation for studying the effects of anaesthetic drugs on cognitive function.

Incidence of recall, nightmares, and hallucinations during analgosedation in intensive care

OBJECTIVE

To define the incidence of recall and dreams during analgosedation in critically ill patients.

DESIGN

Prospective clinical study.

SETTING

Anaesthesiological intensive care unit (ICU) in a university hospital.

PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred and eighty-nine critically ill patients, who either arrived intubated and sedated at the ICU or required intubation, mechanical ventilation, and sedation during their ICU stay.

INTERVENTIONS

none.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

The patients were interviewed 48-72 h after discharge from the ICU. By a structured interview they were asked whether they recalled any event before they had regained consciousness at the ICU. Moreover they were asked for dreams. Descriptive statistics: 64.7% of all patients did not recall any event, before they regained consciousness. However, 17% ( n=49) of all patients indicated that they remembered the tracheal tube or being on the ventilator, before they woke up. Some patients (21.1%) reported dreams or dreamlike sensations. Some patients (9.3%) recalled nightmares, while 6.6% reported hallucinations.

CONCLUSIONS

Critically ill patients reported a high incidence of recall for unpleasant events, which they thought to have taken place before they regained consciousness. The patients, who stayed longer than 24 h at the ICU, indicated vivid memory for nightmares and hallucinations. Further studies are suggested to evaluate: 1) whether there is an impact of the present findings on outcome; and 2) whether clinical scores for sedation or neurophysiological monitoring help to define the exact time, when recall happens, in order to guide therapeutic intervention.

Median nerve evoked responses: stimulation modalities for midlatency cortical components

PURPOSE

Median nerve somatosensory evoked responses (MnSSER) are frequently used clinically and scientifically. However, the stimulus-response interrelationship has not been documented for the midlatency components. Therefore we investigated the spinal and cortical midlatency MnSSER, to document the effect of different stimulus intensities.

METHODS

Spinal and midlatency MnSSER were recorded following percutaneous electrical stimulation of the median nerve at the wrist in 32 neurological healthy females. Three different stimulation intensities were applied: threefold sensory threshold (INT 1), motor plus sensory threshold (INT 2), individual level of tolerance (INT 3).

STATISTICS

Multivariate analyses of variance (independent variable: stimulation intensity).

RESULTS

Three negative and two positive midlatency components were identified after median nerve stimulation. At INT 1 the early waves N20, P25 and N35 were identified in all of the patients. In contrast, the component P45 was identifiable in 23% of the sample at the lowest intensity level and N55, respectively, in 32%. At INT 2 the spinal and the midlatency cortical amplitudes (except amplitude N35P45) were significantly increased (p < 0.014). At INT 3 the amplitudes of the primary cortical complex did not increase further, but the components > 35 ms became identifiable in the whole sample except in one subject. In contrast, there was no change in the MnSSER latencies. The intensity was comfortable for all subjects.

CONCLUSION

For monitoring the midlatency MnSSER components > 35 ms the authors suggest a stimulation intensity close to individual tolerance level for optimal cortical responses.

Boost irradiation of breast carcinoma: teletherapy vs. brachytherapy

BACKGROUND

The results of adjuvant radiotherapy including a boost dose after breast-conserving surgery of mamma carcinoma were retrospectively analysed to relate local tumor control, survival, and cosmetic results to the boost technique.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 229 female patients who were treated in the period 1986--1997. Group A consisted of patients where the primary irradiation was hyperfractionated (two fractions per day) and the boost was applied by reduced portals, also at two fractions per day. In group B the 'boost' was applied interstitially intraoperatively and the 'primary' irradiation followed at one fraction per day. The cosmetic results and the late changes to the mamma were the subjects of follow-up examinations and were assessed using the EORTC score.

RESULTS

129 patients formed group A, median follow-up 4.2 years, and 100 patients with median follow-up of 9.4 years formed group B. 59% of group A and 60% of group B were in stage pT1, 38% and 39% were in pT2, and 25% and 39% were in stage N1 or N2 (no significant differences). Tumors were mostly poorly to moderately differentiated. The upper outer quadrant was most afflicted. Local recurrence occurred in two and five cases, lymph-node recurrence in two cases each, while there were ten and 12 cases of distant metastases. There were no deaths in group A and in group B six with obvious distant metastases and eight with other causes of death. The cosmetic results and late side-effects (induration, teleangiectasis, ulcers) were significantly worse in the interstitial group B. Multivariate analysis revealed that only the total applied dose significantly affected the severity of late radiation side-effects. The cosmetic results worsened with time, the tendency for lymph edemas in the irradiated side increased. Induration decreased continuously after pure teletherapy but increased continuously after interstitial therapy. These trends did not change in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Both therapy schemes resulted in successful local tumor control with good cosmetic results and few side effects, but the interstitial boost therapy was clearly less favourable. Longer-term follow-up is required to compare the late side-effects even further.

Dose-response relationships for radiotherapy of brain metastases: role of intermediate-dose stereotactic radiosurgery plus whole-brain radiotherapy

The effects of intermediate-dose radiotherapy consisting of whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT, 10 fractions of 3 Gy) plus stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) were studied prospectively. Twenty-five adult patients with 31 brain metastases received WBRT plus linear accelerator (LINAC)-based single dose SRS with fixed treatment parameters (10 Gy at the isocenter, target volume enclosed by the 90% isodose). Median age was 63 years, median Karnofsky performance status 80%, and median diameter of brain metastases 2.4 cm. Fifteen patients had non-small-cell lung cancer. Because of some early deaths, only 26 lesions could be evaluated for response. We observed 1 complete and 15 partial remissions. Median time to progression inside or outside the SRS volume was 4.5 months. Actuarial local control of SRS-treated lesions was 61% at 1 year. At that time, only 37% of patients were free from new lesions outside the SRS volume. Median survival and cause-specific survival were 2.3 and 4.5 months, respectively (1-year survival rate 8% and 21%). Ten patients died of progressive brain metastases, 13 from extracranial disease progression (unknown cause of death in 2 cases). Comparable to SRS studies with higher doses, the majority of brain failures occurred outside the SRS volume and more patients died of extracranial progression than of uncontrolled brain metastases. Failure to improve survival can be explained by the high percentage of patients with extracranial metastases (52%). However, the present results appear less favorable than those of previous studies of SRS with 15 Gy to 16 Gy (1-year actuarial local control rates of 66-89%). Therefore, we recommend SRS with 15 Gy to 16 Gy for patients whose favorable prognostic factors justify a boost after WBRT.

Cortical arousal in critically ill patients: an evoked response study

OBJECTIVE

Assessing the level of sedation in critically ill patients remains a challenge for the intensivist in order to avoid over or under-sedation. Clinical scoring systems may fail in patients with concomitant neurological disorders or requiring muscle relaxants. We evaluated auditory (AER) and median nerve somatosensory evoked responses (MnSSER) in critically ill patients sedated with sufentanil and propofol, in order to quantify the level of sedation during therapeutic interventions.

DESIGN

Prospective clinical study.

SETTING

Anaesthesiological intensive care unit (ICU) in a university hospital.

PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-two patients following major abdominal or thoracic surgery requiring sedation during their stay on the ICU.

INTERVENTIONS

During physiotherapy and following nursing care (tracheal suctioning) AER and MnSSER were recorded. The level of sedation was evaluated clinically in relation to vital parameters. Data were analysed by multivariate analyses of variance (Hotellings T2), Friedman test.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

In comparison to baseline levels the AER latency Nb decreased, while the amplitude NaPa increased during physiotherapy and after tracheal suctioning (p < 0.001). In contrast, the MnSSER latency P25 decreased and the amplitude P25N35 increased after tracheal suctioning only (p < or = 0.001). Clinical sedation scores decreased and mean arterial blood pressure increased during physiotherapy and nursing care.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes of AER or MnSSER waves indicated cortical arousal in ICU patients during nursing care and physiotherapy. Further studies with evoked responses are recommended to evaluate whether bolus injections of sedatives and/or analgesics reduce cortical arousal and thereby minimise the patient's stress during nursing care.

A palliative accelerated irradiation regimen for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer vs. conventionally fractionated 60 GY: results of a randomized equivalence study

PURPOSE

Radiation oncologists are often faced with patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), who are not suitable candidates for state-of-the-art radical treatment, but who also are not judged to have a very short life expectancy. Some physicians treat these patients palliatively, whereas others advocate more intensive treatment. To find out if there is a substantial difference in outcome between these approaches, we performed a randomized prospective study.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between 1994 and 1998, 152 eligible patients with advanced NSCLC Stage III (n = 121) or minimal Stage IV (n = 31) were randomized to receive conventionally fractionated (cf; A: 60 Gy, 6 weeks, n = 79) or short-term treatment (PAIR; B: 32 Gy, 2 Gy b.i.d.; n = 73) of tumor and mediastinum.

RESULTS

One-year survival rate for all patients was 37% with no significant difference between the two treatment arms (A: 36%; B: 38%; p = 0.76). As far as can be judged from limited data available, palliation was adequate and similar for the two treatment arms. Apart from expected differences in the time course of esophagitis, acute side effects were moderate and equally distributed. No severe late effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present randomized trial, survival and available data on palliation were not different after cf to 60 Gy compared to the palliative PAIR regimen. Therefore, for patients who are not suitable for radical treatment approaches, the prescription of a palliative short-term irradiation appears preferable compared to cf over several weeks.

Median nerve evoked responses and explicit memory during recovery from isoflurane/nitrous oxide anesthesia

PURPOSE

To evaluate median nerve somatosensory evoked responses during recovery from anesthesia in relation to clinical findings.

METHODS

Twenty-two gynecologic patients received isoflurane in nitrous oxide for anesthesia. Midlatency somatosensory evoked responses (N20, P25, N35, P45, N50) were recorded the day before surgery (AWAKE), during steady state anesthesia (STABLE), and every five minutes after discontinuation of anesthesia until the patients were able to name a shown object correctly (RECOVERY). Next day the patients were questioned with a structured interview about their explicit memory of the immediate recovery period and classified into groups: No-MEM (no memory) and MEM (memory). Multivariate analysis of variance compared electrophysiological parameters at the different time points and between the two memory groups.

RESULTS

During STABLE isoflurane/N2O anesthesia, all cortical amplitudes were reduced (P< or =0.003) and all latencies were prolonged compared with AWAKE (P<0.001). At RECOVERY the latencies N35, P45, N50 remained prolonged (P< or =0.001), while the amplitudes N20P25 and P45N50 were reduced in comparison to AWAKE (P< or =0.02). The latencies P45 (48+/-8 vs. 61+/-9 msec) and N50 (67+/-12 vs. 81+/-10 msec) were shorter in the patients of the group MEM (P< or =0.03) at RECOVERY.

CONCLUSION

The reversibility of anesthetic induced changes in amplitudes and latencies of median nerve somatosensory evoked responses reflected clinical awakening during emergence from isoflurane/nitrous oxide anesthesia. In the patients who had recall for the immediate recovery period, the reversibility of anesthetic induced changes of components P45 and N50 was faster than in patients without recall.

[The window in the falciform ligament. A rare case of hernia of the small intestine through the falciform ligament]

The most common causes for small-bowel obstructions with subsequent strangulation are intra-abdominal adhesions and external hernias. We report an unusual case of strangulated small-bowel hernia through a congenital window in the falciform ligament. The diagnosis and surgical treatment are discussed.

Midlatency median nerve evoked responses during recovery from propofol/sufentanil total intravenous anaesthesia

BACKGROUND

Median nerve somatosensory evoked responses (MnSSER) are frequently used to monitor the integrity of the somatosensory pathway during surgery. We investigated MnSSER components during the wakeup phase from anaesthesia with propofol/sufentanil, because detailed information is lacking about the reversibility of anaesthetic induced changes of MnSSER. The aim of the study was to document precisely the MnSSER waves in relation to the clinical awakening. The hypothesis was that anaesthetic induced MnSSER changes are reversed when the patient becomes responsive after anaesthesia.

METHODS

In 20 gynaecological patients anaesthesia was maintained with propofol 8 mg kg(-1) h(-1) supplemented by bolus injections of sufentanil. MnSSER were recorded at C4' (N20, P25, N35, P45, N50) following electrical median nerve stimulation on the day before surgery, after the end of surgery during anaesthesia and every 5 min during recovery, till the patients were responsive again and able to identify a shown object.

RESULTS

While the primary cortical MnSSER complex N20P25 regained baseline values, the cortical latencies > or =35 ms remained prolonged (P<0.001) and the amplitudes P45N50 were suppressed (P< or =0.013), when the patients were responsive after 26+/-7 min following anaesthesia. However, the amplitudes P25N35 exceeded their corresponding baseline value (P<0.01)

CONCLUSION

Persistent changes of MnSSER waves > or =35 ms reflect impaired signal processing along the somatosensory pathway following propofol/sufentanil anaesthesia when the patients are responsive again. Further studies combining MnSSER recording with distinct neuro-psychological tests are needed to define the clinical relevance of these findings.

Evaluation of magnetic resonance cholangiography in the management of bile duct stones

HYPOTHESIS

Magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) offers the potential for accurate, noninvasive detection of common bile duct stones (CBDSs) before cholecystectomy, and for a consequent reduction in the incidence of preoperative negative diagnoses associated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC).

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study: MRC results were correlated with ERC (high-risk patients) or intraoperative cholangiography (moderate-risk patients).

SETTING

A university hospital providing primary, secondary, and tertiary care.

PATIENTS

Seventy patients with suspected CBDSs scheduled to undergo elective cholecystectomy between April 15, 1997, and September 30, 1998. Forty patients were considered at high risk and 30 at moderate risk for CBDSs, according to results of liver function tests and sonograms of the upper abdomen.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Confirmation or exclusion of CBDSs by MRC was assessed by a panel of radiologists who were unaware of the ERC results. Results of ERC and intraoperative cholangiography were analyzed by the investigating gastroenterologists or surgeon.

RESULTS

Results of MRC were positive for CBDSs in 21 (52%) of 40 high-risk patients, a finding confirmed by preoperative ERC in 19 (90%) of 21 patients. Results of MRC were positive for CBDSs in 6 (20%) of 30 moderate-risk patients, all of which were confirmed by intraoperative cholangiography. Finally, CBDSs were present in 19 (48%) of 40 high-risk patients and 6 (20%) of 30 moderate-risk patients (P = .02). Overall sensitivity and specificity of MRC were 100% and 95.6%, respectively; the positive and negative predictive values were 92.6% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Magnetic resonance cholangiography is a reliable, noninvasive method for the detection or exclusion of CBDSs, and seems to reduce the frequency of negative diagnoses associated with ERC. Magnetic resonance cholangiography revealed no CBDSs in 19 (48%) of 40 patients at high risk for CBDSs. Thus, MRC-based diagnosis has the potential to reduce the number of invasive preoperative diagnostic procedures and their associated risks and overall health care costs.

[Median nerve evoked potentials and explicit memory function during recovery from propofol-sufentanil anesthesia]

OBJECTIVE

In a prospective study rnidlatency somatosensory evoked Potentials (SEP) were investigated in relation to explicit memory function during recovery from propofol/sufentanil anaesthesia.

METHODS

Anaesthesia was maintained in 20 patients with 8 mg kg-1 h-1 propofol and supplemented with sufentanil. SEPs (N20, P25, N35, P45 N50) elicited by median nerve stimulation were recorded at the day before surgery (AWAKE) and during recovery from anaesthesia, when patients were able to identify a shown object (RECOVERY). The day after surgery patients were interviewed about their memory of the recovery period.

STATISTICS

Hotellings' T2.

RESULTS

One day after anaesthesia 9 patients could remember events during the recovery period. At RECOVERY SEP-latencies P45 and N50 were significantly shorter in the patients with recall for the wakeup-phase (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

SEP latencies P45 and N50 indicated impaired explicit memory function during recovery from propofol/sufentanil anaesthesia.

Prognostic factors in brain metastases: should patients be selected for aggressive treatment according to recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) classes?

PURPOSE

To determine whether or not Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) derived prognostic classes for patients with brain metastases are generally applicable and can be recommended as rational strategy for patient selection for future clinical trials. Inclusion of time to non-CNS death as additional endpoint besides death from any cause might result in further valuable information, as survival limitation due to uncontrolled extracranial disease can be explored.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of prognostic factors for survival and time to non-CNS death in 528 patients treated at a single institution with radiotherapy or surgery plus radiotherapy for brain metastases. For this purpose, patients were divided into groups with Karnofsky performance status (KPS) <70% and KPS > or =70%, as proposed by the RTOG.

RESULTS

Median overall survival was 2.9 months (2.0 months for patients with KPS <70% and 3.6 months for patients with KPS > or =70%, p < 0.001). We did not find other variables splitting patients with KPS <70% in different prognostic groups. However, advanced age, multiple brain metastases, presence of extracranial metastases, and uncontrolled primary tumor each predicted shorter survival in patients with KPS > or =70%. When grouped into the original RTOG RPA classes, our data set split into three subgroups with different prognosis and median survival times of 10.5, 3.5, and 2 months, respectively (p < 0.05). Only 3% of patients fell into the most favorable group. Median time to non-CNS death was 4.1 months (12.9 months in RPA class I, 4.9 months in RPA class II, and 3.8 months in RPA class III, respectively, p > 0.05 for RPA class II versus III). However, it was 8.5 months in RPA class II patients with controlled primary tumor, which was found to be the only prognostic factor for time to non-CNS death in patients with KPS > or =70%. In patients with KPS <70%, no statistically significant prognostic factors were identified for this endpoint.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite some differences, this analysis essentially confirmed the value of RPA-derived prognostic classes, as published by the RTOG, when survival was chosen as endpoint. RPA class I patients seem to be most likely to profit from aggressive treatment strategies and should be included in appropriate clinical trials. However, their number appears to be very limited. Considering time to non-CNS death, our results suggest that certain patients in RPA class II also might benefit from increased local control of brain metastases.

Late radiation toxicity after whole brain radiotherapy: the influence of antiepileptic drugs

This retrospective study had the following aims: (a) calculation of actuarial rate of late radiation toxicity after whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT), (b) correlation of clinical symptoms with changes of computed tomography (CT) scans, and (c) analysis of potentially predictive factors with special regard to concomitant treatment with antiepileptic drugs. We analyzed 49 adult patients, selected from a preexisting data base. Inclusion criteria were as follows: no previous brain irradiation; WBRT without boost; CT, clinical, and neurologic examination before and more than 3 months after completion of WBRT. Uni- and multivariate tests of various patient- and treatment-related parameters as possible predictive factors for clinical symptoms of late radiation toxicity (scored according to the RTOG/EORTC system) as well as cerebral atrophy and white matter abnormalities were performed. Median age was 54 years. Patients were treated for brain metastases (n = 37), primary cerebral lymphoma (n = 2), primary brain tumors (n = 7), or with prophylactic intention (n = 3). Carbamazepine was given to 15 patients, phenytoin to 12, and barbiturate to 7, respectively; 42 patients also received corticosteroids. The median dose of WBRT was 30 Gy (range 27-66 Gy). Median fraction size was 3 Gy (1-3 Gy). Nine patients received two fractions per day. The biologically effective dose (BED) according to the linear-quadratic model ranged between 90 and 141 Gy (median, 120 Gy; alpha/beta value, 1 Gy). Median follow-up was 10 months (range, 4-130 months). In 16 cases, symptoms of late radiation toxicity grade I-III appeared. Actuarial rates were 32% after 1 year, 49% after 2 years, and 83% after 5 years. Actuarial rates of cerebral atrophy were 50% after 1 year and 84% after 2 years (white matter abnormalities: 25% and 85%, respectively). There was a significant correlation between atrophy and white matter abnormalities, but not between CT changes and clinical symptoms. CT changes were dependent on BED, absence of barbiturate use, and preexisting cerebral atrophy. Clinical symptoms usually were dependent on BED too, but treatment with carbamazepine was more important in the multivariate model. Neither other drugs nor other factors influenced late radiation toxicity. A detailed analysis showed that most carbamazepine-treated symptomatic patients took the drug during WBRT as well as during follow-up. Actuarial rates of grade I-III symptoms were 18% versus 50% after 1 year with or without carbamazepine. Even after exclusion of carbamazepine-treated patients, CT changes and clinical symptoms did not correlate. In conclusion, a BED <120 Gy was associated with a lower rate of late radiation toxicity after WBRT. The anticonvulsant drug carbamazepine showed a surprisingly clear influence on clinical symptoms of late radiation toxicity; that might be explained by the fact that the side effects of long-term drug treatment are indistinguishable from mild or moderate true radiation sequelae, rather than that it has a role in the pathogenesis of radiation-induced changes.

Detection of human herpesvirus 6 by reverse transcription-PCR

The role of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) in disease beyond primary infection remains unclear. We have developed and validated a new reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assay for HHV-6 that can determine the presence of HHV-6 in clinical specimens and differentiate between latent and replicating virus. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 109 children were evaluated for HHV-6 by RT-PCR, DNA PCR, and viral culture. Of these samples, 106 were suitable for analysis. A total of 20 samples were positive for HHV-6 by culture and DNA PCR, of which 19 were positive by RT-PCR (sensitivity, 95%). All 28 samples from children that were negative by viral culture, but positive by DNA PCR, were negative for viral transcripts by our RT-PCR assay. One positive RT-PCR result was observed in 56 samples that were negative by tissue culture and DNA PCR. This indicates a low rate of false-positive results (1.2%) and a specificity of 98.8%. This RT-PCR assay can reliably differentiate between latent and actively replicating HHV-6 and should allow insight into the pathogenesis of this ubiquitous virus.

[Implantation metastasis at the exit site after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in esophageal carcinoma]

In patients with esophageal cancer causing obstruction percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a well-established procedure with a low complication rate to provide sufficient enteral nutrition. We report on a 68-year-old patient suffering from inoperable squamous cell cancer of the proximal esophagus, who underwent PEG insertion prior to a combined radiochemotherapy. Initially bougienage was performed because of subtotal esophageal stenosis. Four months later a metastasis was found at the PEG exit site with involvement of the gastric wall, most likely caused by spread of tumor cells during insertion of the PEG.

[Palliative accelerated irradiation for advanced non-small-cell lung bronchial carcinoma: results of a pilot study]

In order to reduce the aggressivity of radiotherapy of very advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to shorten treatment time, a palliative accelerated irradiation regimen (PAIR) was developed. Before the onset of a randomised study, we performed a one-year pilot study, of which the paper presented here gives the results after complete follow-up. 34 patients (S) with locally inoperable advanced NSCLC stage III (74%) and IV (26%) were irradiated with accelerated fractionation schedule, focussing on tumour and mediastinum, with a total dose of 32 Gy (PAIR, 2 x 2 Gy/d). Treatment results were compared to those of a group of 178 controls (K) treated conventionally, who were selected from a preexisting database according to study inclusion criteria (tab. 2-5 stage III 65%, IV 35%). 105 of them had been treated with a total dose of 60 Gy (K60). After complete follow-up a final evaluation was made. Local control did not differ significantly between both groups, and not between groups S and K60 (tab. 6, fig. 2). Median survival for all patients (S + K) was 6 months. With 8.7 months, that of the study patients (S) was significantly longer than that of the controls (K, fig. 1). This was also true of stage III. Comparison with the 60-Gy-controls (K60) did not reveal significant survival differences. In Cox regression analysis independent prognostic factors were: Karnofsky index, UICC stage, and N stage. Concerning the palliation of tumour-related symptoms, both therapies were comparable (tab. 7). The side-effects were moderate and also comparable. These results induced us start a randomized study comparing both regimens in respect of prognosis and palliation.

18F-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) for the planning of radiotherapy in lung cancer: high impact in patients with atelectasis

PURPOSE

18F-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is increasingly applied in the staging of lung cancer (LC). This study analyzes the potential contribution of PET in radiotherapy planning for LC with special respect to tumor-associated atelectasis.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Thirty-four patients with histologically confirmed LC, who had been examined by PET during pretreatment staging, were included. All were irradiated after CT-based therapy planning with anterior/posterior (AP) portals encompassing the primary tumor and the mediastinum (CT portals, CP). The result of the PET examination was unknown in treatment planning. In retrospect, a PET portal (PP) was delineated and compared with the CP.

RESULTS

In 12/34 cases, the shape and/or size of the portals were changed, primarily (n = 10) the size of the fields was reduced. The median area of CP was 182 cm2 versus 167 cm2 of PP. Seventeen of 34 patients had dys- or atelectasis caused by a central primary tumor. In these cases, differences between CP and PP were significantly more frequent than in the other patients (8/17 vs. 3/17, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective analysis, the information provided by FDG-PET would have contributed to a substantial reduction of the size of radiotherapy portals. This applies particularly for patients with tumor-associated dys- or atelectasis.

Effect of combined mouth closure and chin lift on upper airway dimensions during routine magnetic resonance imaging in pediatric patients sedated with propofol

BACKGROUND

In pediatric patients, obstruction of the upper airway is a common problem during general anesthesia. Chin lift is a commonly used technique to improve upper airway patency. However, little is known about the mechanism underlying this technique.

METHODS

The authors studied the effect of the chin lift maneuver on airway dimensions in 10 spontaneously breathing children (aged 2-11 yr) sedated with propofol during routine magnetic resonance imaging. The minimal anteroposterior and corresponding transverse diameters of the pharynx were determined at the levels of the soft palate, dorsum of the tongue, and tip of the epiglottis before and during the chin lift maneuver. Additionally, cross-sectional areas were calculated at these sites, including tracheal areas 2 cm below the glottic level.

RESULTS

Minimal anteroposterior diameter of the pharynx increased significantly during chin lift at all three levels in all patients. The diameters of the soft palate, tongue, and epiglottis increased from 6.7+/-2.8 mm (SD) to 9.9+/-3.6 mm, from 9.6+/-3.6 mm to 16.5+/-3.1 mm, and from 4.6+/-2.5 mm to 13.1+/-2.8 mm, respectively. The corresponding transverse diameter of the pharynx also increased significantly at all three levels in all patients but without significant predominance. The diameters at the levels of the soft palate, tongue, and epiglottis increased from 15.8+/-5.1 mm to 22.8+/-4.5 mm, from 13.5+/-4.9 mm to 18.7+/-5.3 mm, and from 17.2+/-3.9 mm to 21.2+/-3.7 mm, respectively. Cross-sectional pharyngeal areas increased significantly at all levels (soft palate, from 0.88+/-0.58 cm2 to 1.79+/-0.82 cm2; tongue, from 1.15+/-0.45 cm2 to 2.99+/-1.30 cm2; epiglottis, from 1.17+/-0.70 cm2 to 3.04+/-0.99 cm2), including the subglottic level (from 0.44+/-0.15 cm2 to 0.50+/-0.14 cm2).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that all children had a preserved upper airway at all measured sites during propofol sedation. Chin lift caused a widening of the entire pharyngeal airway that was most pronounced between the tip of the epiglottis and the posterior pharyngeal wall. In pediatric patients, chin lift may be used as a standard procedure during propofol sedation.

Progressive development of diffuse liver hemangiomatosis

Diffuse liver hemangiomatosis is extremely rare. The etiology and natural history of the disease are unknown. It is also unclear whether tumor growth is induced or modulated by drug therapy. Tumor recurrence after ablative therapy has not been described in patients with diffuse liver hemangiomatosis. Diffuse hemangiomatosis of the left hepatic lobe was suspected in a 35-year-old woman by ultrasonography, CT and hepatic arteriography, and confirmed by laparotomy and biopsies. The patient denied any drug or estrogen use. The tumor was removed by left hepatectomy. Two and six years later, the patient was again hospitalized with progressive tumor growth into the right hepatic lobe. Although diffuse liver hemangiomatosis is a rare disease, its diagnosis should be considered in patients with progressive tumor growth in one or both hepatic lobes. The absence of drug intake or estrogen use does not exclude the diagnosis.

Patients' vs nurses' assessments of postoperative pain and anxiety during patient- or nurse-controlled analgesia

We have compared patients' and nurses' assessments of postoperative pain and anxiety after different analgesic treatments. Sixty orthopaedic patients were allocated randomly to receive i.v. piritramide (either nurse-controlled or patient-controlled) or subarachnoid bupivacaine (nurse-controlled or patient-controlled). Patients and nurses assessed pain and anxiety using a visual analogue scale (VAS; 1-100 mm). Pain and anxiety ratings of patients and nurses were significantly correlated (Spearman's r > or = 0.69; P < 0.001). In general, patients' pain scores were higher than nurses' scores (patients' median VAS = 34 (range 1-76) mm; nurses VAS 21 (1-59) mm) and for all groups except the patient-controlled subarachnoid bupivacaine group, where they were significantly higher (P < 0.01). Discrepancy in pain estimates between patients and nurses increased with the level of pain. The relationship between patients' and nurses' anxiety scores was less clearly defined and did not depend on the level of anxiety.

Hyperfractionated and accelerated-hyperfractionated radiotherapy for glioblastoma multiforme

Because of promising radiobiological advantages allowing dose escalation and/or reduction of treatment time, hyperfractionated and accelerated-hyperfractionated radiotherapy (hf-rt, ahf-rt) were introduced as part of treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (gbm). In December 1988 we started a prospective study of hf-rt (total dose 78 Gy, two daily fractions of 1.3 Gy, interval between daily fractions 6 hr, treatment time 6 weeks, n = 34 patients). The results were compared with our previous regimen of conventionally fractionated radiotherapy (cf-rt: total dose 60 Gy, single dose 2 Gy, treatment time 6 weeks, n = 32 patients). In June 1990, the protocol was modified in order to reduce treatment time (ahf-rt: total dose 60 Gy, two daily fractions of 1.5 Gy, interval 6 hr, treatment time 4 weeks, n = 92 patients until December 1996). No chemotherapy was given. Entry criteria were: age > or = 17 years, pathological diagnosis of supratentorial gbm, and no previous treatment other than surgery. The ahf-rt group included significantly more patients with previous surgical resection instead of biopsy only. Compared with the cf-rt group, both the hf-rt and the ahf-rt group included significantly more patients with frontal tumor location. We found no significant survival difference between the groups (median survival 7-10 months, 1-year survival rate 19%-29%). Progression-free survival, clinical course, and toxicity were also not significantly different. Karnofsky performance status, age, and corticosteroid dose during radiotherapy were the most important prognostic factors. The results of this trial are in large agreement with most previous publications. It demonstrated no improved survival. However, it showed that treatment time can be reduced by ahf-rt without loss of survival benefit or intolerable toxicity. A short radiotherapy course might be appropriate for many patients with gbm who are not suitable for rather aggressive investigational therapies.

Subarachnoid and intravenous PCA versus bolus administration for postoperative pain relief in orthopaedic patients

BACKGROUND

Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with intravenous piritramide and subarachnoid bupivacaine was studied during postoperative pain management in comparison with nurse-administered bolus injections.

METHODS

Following general anaesthesia (n = 60) patients randomly received either 3.75-7.5 mg i.v. piritramide on demand (group P-Bolus) or via PCA (group P-PCA; initial bolus: 3.75 mg i.v. piritramide, baseline rate: 1 mg/h, demand-dose 1.5 mg, lockout time: 20 min). Following continuous spinal anaesthesia (n = 60; CSA; 28-G spinal catheter) patients randomly received a subarachnoid injection of 1.5 ml bupivacaine 0.25% every 2-4 h (group B-Bolus) or a baseline infusion of 0.5 ml/h bupivacaine 0.125% plus 0.5 ml bupivacaine 0.125% on demand via PCA (group B-PCA; lockout time: 30 min). Pain ratings were assessed hourly by patients using a visual analogue scale (0 = no pain, 100 mm = unbearable pain).

STATISTICS

multivariate analysis of variance.

RESULTS

While pain scores did not differ between group P-Bolus and P-PCA, group B-PCA showed the lowest pain ratings (18 +/- 22 mm) differing significantly from group B-Bolus (41 +/- 32 mm; P < 0.001). Group P-PCA required more piritramide than group P-Bolus (46 +/- 15 mg vs. 31 +/- 13 mg, P = 0.001). In contrast group B-PCA required less bupivacaine than group B-Bolus (18 +/- 4 vs. 23 +/- 7 mg, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

PCA with CSA was more effective than nurse-administered bolus-administration of bupivacaine, while the present study failed to show superiority of i.v. PCA over i.v. bolus-administration of piritramide. PCA using the subarachnoid route is a promising concept for treatment of postoperative pain in orthopaedic patients, while the PCA piritramide regime of this study warrants improvement.

Primary human herpesvirus 7 infection: a comparison of human herpesvirus 7 and human herpesvirus 6 infections in children

OBJECTIVE

To define the clinical and virologic characteristics of primary human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) infection and to compare these characteristics with those of primary human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infection.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective convenience sample study of 496 children < or =3 years old. HHV-7 and HHV-6 infections were identified by viral isolation. Polymerase chain reaction and serology for HHV-7 and HHV-6 were performed. Clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients were obtained from medical records and follow-up interviews.

RESULTS

Children with primary HHV-7 infection (n = 8) were identified and compared with children with primary HHV-6 infection (n = 29) detected during the same time period. All children were febrile (mean temperature 39.8 degrees C) with no difference in the degree of fever, frequency of rash, or gastrointestinal complications between the groups. The median age of children with primary HHV-7 infection was 26 months, significantly older than that of children with primary HHV-6 infection (median, 9 months). Children with primary HHV-7 infection were also more likely than those with primary HHV-6 infection to have seizures associated with the illness (P = .004).

CONCLUSION

Primary infection with HHV-7 can cause a highly febrile illness in childhood, complicated by seizures. The serologic diagnosis of primary HHV-6 and HHV-7 infections may be confounded by cross-reacting antibodies.

Dose/effect relationships for brain metastases

PURPOSE

Only in selected patients with brain metastases, e.g. those with controlled or absent extracranial tumour, may application of higher total doses of radiotherapy improve survival. However, local control is the prerequisite for long-term survival. This study aimed to answer the question whether or not local control can be improved by dose escalation.

METHODS

Computed tomography scans of 322 patients were analysed in order to evaluate the best local result after radiotherapy and the time to local progression. Total doses of 25-60 Gy were administered (single doses 1.8-5 Gy). The biologically effective dose (BED10) was calculated for statistical evaluation according to the linear-quadratic model assuming an alpha/beta-value of Gy. It ranged between 37.5 Gy and 72 Gy.

RESULTS

The best local result was dependent on the number of brain metastases, BED and the histology of the primary tumour (small-cell and breast carcinoma had higher remission rates than squamous-cell carcinoma, non-breast adenocarcinoma and others). Partial remission rates significantly increased with BED, whereas complete remission rates did not improve. Histology was the only significant factor in multivariate tests. The 1-year-failure rate improved with increased BED from 44% to 31% (P > 0.05). Overall survival (median 3 months) was not dependent on total dose.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous studies suggested that a prolongation of survival can be achieved through better local management (e.g. surgery plus radiotherapy, radiosurgery). However, it is still uncertain whether conventional external-beam radiotherapy with higher total doses leads to comparable results. The optimum dose level still has to be established. For squamous-cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma a BED of at least 72 Gy seems to be necessary, for small-cell and breast carcinoma, doses between 48 Gy and 60 Gy might be sufficient. The important influence of tumour histology on local remission and progression-free survival should be considered when planning future clinical trials.

Multivariate logistic analysis of dose-effect relationship and latency of radiomyelopathy after hyperfractionated and conventionally fractionated radiotherapy in animal experiments

PURPOSE

We examined in rats whether the radiation tolerance of spinal cord is enhanced by using hyperfractionated radiotherapy compared to a conventional schedule. Higher tolerable doses to the spinal cord would allow dose escalation to the tumor and thus possibly lead to higher cure rates, especially in tumors with high cell proliferation.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Cervical spinal cord of 276 healthy rats was irradiated over 6 weeks hyperfractionally with single doses ranging from 0.75-2.5 Gy up to total doses ranging from 45-150 Gy (60 fractions) and conventionally with single doses of 1.5-4.0 Gy up to total doses of 45-120 Gy (30 fractions). The rats were examined neurologically and sacrificed when paralysis of the hind legs occurred. After fixation, spinal cord was removed and examined histologically. Dose-effect relationship and latency from the beginning of radiotherapy to the onset of paralysis were computed and analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The model fitted the observed data excellently. There were highly significant effects both for the dose level and for the treatment regimen. Latency analysis showed earlier and more intense acute side effects after hyperfractionation but radiomyelopathy occurred markedly later.

CONCLUSIONS

The sparing effect of hyperfractionation on spinal cord as predicted by radiobiologists could be confirmed in our experiments. Thus, it seems possible to escalate tumor doses using hyperfractionation without enhanced risk to spinal cord but with higher probability of tumor cure.