Superior vena caval approach for resecting intracardially extended Ewing sarcoma

Intracardiac extension of Ewing sarcoma is extremely rare. Herein, we report the case of a pediatric patient with mediastinal Ewing sarcoma which extended to right atrium via the azygos vein. Surgical resection was performed through longitudinal incision on anterior surface of the superior vena cava under cardiopulmonary bypass. Resection was feasible because the tumor was sufficiently elastic and non-adherent to the inner surface of the heart. The patient was received chemotherapy and proton beam radiation postoperatively and is doing well with no tumor recurrence for 5 years after surgery.

Pericardial effusion after congenital heart surgery

Objective

Pericardial effusion after cardiac surgery remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality. We describe the risk factors of pericardial effusion after congenital heart surgery through analyzing data from a nationwide, multi-institutional registry.

Methods

The Japan Congenital Cardiovascular Surgery Database, which reflects routine clinical care in Japan, was used for this retrospective cohort study. Multivariable regression analysis was done after univariable comparison of patients with pericardial effusion and no pericardial effusion.

Results

The study enrolled 64,777 patients registered with the Japan Congenital Cardiovascular Surgery Database between 2008 and 2016; 909 of these had postoperative pericardial effusion (1.4%) and were analyzed along with 63,868 patients without pericardial effusion. Univariable analysis found no difference between the groups in terms of gender, early delivery, or preoperative mechanical ventilatory support. In the pericardial effusion group, cardiopulmonary bypass use was lower (58.4% vs 62.1%), whereas the cardiopulmonary bypass time (176.9 vs 139.9 minutes) and aortic crossclamp time (75.1 vs 62.2 minutes) were longer, and 30-day mortality was higher (4.1% vs 2.2%). Multivariable analysis identified trisomy 21 (odds ratio, 1.54), 22q.11 deletion (odds ratio, 2.17), first-time cardiac surgery (odds ratio, 2.01), and blood transfusion (odds ratio, 1.43) as independent risk factors of postoperative pericardial effusion. In contrast, neonates, infants, ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot repair, and arterial switch operation were correlated with a low risk of pericardial effusion development.

Conclusions

The incidence of postoperative pericardial effusion in congenital cardiac surgery was 1.4%. Trisomy 21, 22q.11 deletion, first-time cardiac surgery, and blood transfusion were identified as the principal factors predicting the need for pericardial effusion drainage.

Adult ALCAPA: from histological picture to clinical features

BACKGROUND

Anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare congenital coronary anomaly that results in high mortality if left untreated. Our aim was to extend our knowledge of the histological, angiographic, and clinical characteristics of ALCAPA in order to deepen our understanding of this rare entity.

CASE PRESENTATION

We were involved in the assessment, treatment, and pathological evaluation of two adult ALCAPA patients who were rescued from ventricular fibrillation and then surgically treated to establish a dual coronary artery system. Histological studies indicated various chronic ischemic changes in the myocardium, patchy fibrosis, and severely thickened arteriolar walls in both ventricles. The first patient is alive and well 11.5 years after surgical correction without any implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) activations. The second patient required re-do surgery 9 months after the initial operation but subsequently died. Histologically, chronic ischemic alteration of the myocardium and thickened arteriolar walls persisted even after surgical correction, and coronary angiography (CAG) showed an extremely slow flow phenomenon even after surgical correction in both patients. The average postoperative opacification rate in the first case was 7.36 + 1.12 (n = 2) in the RCA, 3.81 + 0.51 (n = 3) in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, and 4.08 + 0.27 (n = 4) in the left circumflex (LCx) artery. The slow flow phenomenon may represent persistent high arteriolar resistance in both ventricles.

CONCLUSIONS

Seldom reported or new findings in adult ALCAPA were identified in two cases. More frequent diagnosis of adult ALCAPA can be expected because of the widespread availability of resuscitation and more advanced diagnostic modalities. Accumulation of pathological and clinical findings and confirmation of the long-term follow-up results after treatment may contribute to expanding our knowledge of this rare entity and establishing optimal treatment.

Predictors of Pericardial Effusion in Patients Undergoing Pulmonary Artery Banding

BACKGROUND

Although pulmonary artery banding (PAB) is a common palliative procedure for pediatric heart malformation, there are concerns of pressure overload and concomitant immune reactions in the right ventricle causing postsurgical complications such as pericardial effusion. At this time, no clear guidelines as to potential risk factors or procedural contraindications have been widely disseminated. Therefore, a study was undertaken to examine wide-ranging factors to find potential biomarkers for postsurgical pericardial effusion formation risk.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on all cardiac surgeries performed over an eight-year period, and the main inclusion criterion was pericardial effusion development after PAB that required surgical drainage. Nine cases were then analyzed against a control group of 45 cases with respect to body measurements, concomitant surgeries, genetic screens, laboratory tests results, and cardiac function parameters.

RESULTS

Trisomy 21 was strongly associated with the development of severe pericardial effusion after PAB, and postoperative serum albumin levels in patients with trisomy 21 were associated with pericardial effusion development. Other parameters showed no significant correlation with pericardial effusion development.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate a strong association between trisomy 21 and pericardial effusion requiring drainage after PAB, which is in line with translational research findings. Pressure overload from PAB may play a role in the formation of severe pericardial effusion that is exacerbated by cardiac structural defects commonly associated with trisomy 21. Surgical teams should therefore use caution and plan to implement drainage in PAB cases, and postoperative serum albumin may serve as a useful biomarker for pericardial effusion formation.

Patency of Saphenous Vein Grafts Using the PAS-Port System During Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

BACKGROUND

Several proximal anastomosis devices have been developed to shorten the time required for a proximal anastomosis and to avoid aortic cross-/side-clamping during coronary artery bypass grafting. This study retrospectively examined the patency of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) using the PAS-Port System (Cardia Inc, Redwood City, CA).

METHODS

From 2004 to 2014, 451 patients underwent coronary artery bypass graft operations requiring at least 1 proximal anastomosis using a PAS-Port device. A total of 802 PAS-Port devices were used, and 95.0% (762 of 802) were implanted successfully. Among the successfully implanted anastomoses, 76.8% (585 of 762) were evaluated using coronary angiography or multidimensional computed tomography, or both. The evaluations were performed between postoperative days 4 and 3,182 (mean, 319 ± 624 days). The early (1 to 365 days) and the midterm to long-term (more than 366 days) occlusion rates were examined. A complete postoperative clinical course was recorded for 70.7% of the patients.

RESULTS

Overall, 93.8% (549 of 585) of the device-dependent SVGs were patent. The patency rates of device-dependent SVGs that were 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 years old were 90.1% ± 1.8%, 87.1% ± 2.3%, 86.1% ± 2.5%, 82.9% ± 3.3%, 80.6% ± 3.9%, 77.2% ± 5.0%, 77.2% ± 5.0%, and 70.2% ± 8.1%, respectively. The longest follow-up period was 3,182 days (8.7 years). The occlusion rate for device-dependent SVGs tended to decrease as the number of patients accumulated.

CONCLUSIONS

The PAS-Port system provided acceptable SVG patency and clinical outcome for the early and midterm to long-term. There may be a learning curve for the use of PAS-Port device that affects the device-dependent SVG patency.

Two adult cases of Bland-White-Garland syndrome with lethal arrhythmia due to coronary steal phenomenon during physical or mental stress

We experienced two adult cases of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery, so-called Bland-White-Garland (BWG) syndrome, that presented with ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation during exertion in daily life. They presented to our hospital with syncope due to VT, and recovered following application of an automated external defibrillator with cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We diagnosed BWG syndrome by multi-detector computed tomography angiography and coronary angiography. We analyzed the mechanisms of lethal arrhythmias in relation to myocardial ischemia on exertion. Coronary flow modification and implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation were performed in order to prevent future lethal arrhythmia due to myocardial ischemia. It is important to be aware of congenital heart disease in ordinary cases. <Learning objective: We experienced two rare cases of patients who were admitted with ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation who had adult type Bland-White-Garland syndrome during exertion in daily life. It is important to be aware of congenital heart disease in ordinary cases.>.

Abstract P1-15-03: Prevention of letrozole–induced bone loss using risedronate in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer: A multicenter randomized clinical trial

Background

Prevention of letrozole–induced bone loss using oral risedronate has not been proved in the Japanese women. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of risedronate 17.5mg/week on bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal, early breast cancer patients scheduled to receive adjuvant letrozole.

Patients and Methods

Postmenopausal women with hormone receptor–positive early breast cancer were assigned to one of two strata according to their baseline BMD T-score as being at low and high risk of osteoporosis. Patients with low risk (-2.5 ≤ T score) were randomly assigned to letrozole and risedronate (L+R) or to letrozole alone (L). Patients with high risk (-2.5 &gt; T score) received letrozole and risedronate (L+R). Letrozole was given at a dosage of 2.5 mg/day while oral risedronate was given at 17.5mg/week. The primary end point was the change in lumbar spine (LS) BMD at 12 months. The secondary end points included change in total hip (HP) BMD and bone turnover markers.

Results

In the low risk group (N=103), treatment with L+R resulted in a significant increase in BMD at LS and at HP compared to treatment with L only at 12 months (1.8% vs -2.2%, P &lt; 0.001, and -0.3% vs -2.9%, P = 0.001, respectively). In the L+R group, significant decreases in bone turnover makers, NTX and PINP, were recognized compared with L only at 12months (-11.1% vs. 27.5%, P&lt;0.001, -42.3% vs. 15.2%, P&lt;0.001, respectively). In the high risk group (N=28), treatment with L+R resulted in a significant increase in BMD at LS and prevention of decrease in BMD at HP (3.6%; 95%CI, 1.8% to 5.3%, p=0.003, 0.3%; 95%CI, -1.3% to 1.8%, p=0.47, respectively).

Estimated Percentage Change From Baseline to 6 and 12 Months in Lumbar Spine and Total Hip BMD   From Baseline to 6 MonthsFrom Baseline to 12 MonthsBMD areaRisk GroupTreatmentChange in BMD (%), 95% CIPChange in BMD (%), 95% CIPLumbar spineLow riskL+R1.7 (-1.3 to 4.7)&lt;0.0011.8 (-2.1 to 5.7)&lt;0.001  L-1.6 (-4.3 to 1.1) -2.2 (-5.7 to 1.3)  High riskL+R1.8 (0.4 to 3.2)0.043.6 (1.8 to 5.3)0.003Total hipLow riskL+R-0.2 (-2.7 to 2.3)0.001-0.3 (-3.2 to 2.6)0.001  L-2.2 (-5.4 to 1.0) -2.9 (-7.2 to 1.4)  High riskL+R0.1 (-1.3 to 1.6)0.610.3 (-1.3 to 1.8)0.47BMD: bone mineral density, L: Letrozole, R: risedronate

Four patients (14.3%) improved from osteoporotic region to the osteopenic region with L+R treatment. Letrozole and risedronate were well tolerable and there was no serious adeverse event including osteonecrosis of jaw.

Conclusions

At 12 months, 17.5mg/week risedronate therapy prevented bone loss in postmenopausal women with breast cancer who were receiving adjuvant letrozole, of which results were compatible with previous findings of western populations.

Citation Format: Kadoya T, Masumoto N, Shigematsu H, Emi A, Kajitani K, Kobayashi Y, Funakoshi M, Kawabuchi Y, Ohara M, Matsuura K, Noma M, Sasada T, Okada M. Prevention of letrozole–induced bone loss using risedronate in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer: A multicenter randomized clinical trial. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-15-03.

Xenopericardial roll graft replacement for infectious pseudoaneurysms and graft infections of the aorta

Background

Which graft material is the optimal graft material for the treatment of infected aortic aneurysms and aortic graft infections is still a matter of controversy. Orthotopic aortic reconstruction with intraoperatively prepared xenopericardial roll grafts without omentopexy was performed as the “initial” operation to treat aortic infection or as a “rescue” operation to treat graft infection. Mid-term outcomes were evaluated.

Methods

Between 2009 and 2013, orthotopic xenopericardial roll graft replacement was performed to treat eight patients (male/female: 6/2; mean age: 69.5 [55–80] yr). Graft material: equine/bovine pericardium: 2/6; type of operation: initial 4/rescue 4; omentopexy 0. Additional operation: esophagectomy 2. Mean follow-up period: 2.6 ± 1.6 (1.1–5.1) years.

Results

Replacement: ascending 3, arch 1 (reconstruction of neck vessels with small xenopericardial roll grafts), descending 3, and thoracoabdominal 1. Pathogens: MRSA 2, MSSA 1, Candida 1, E. coli 1, oral bacillus 1, and culture negative 2. Postoperative local recurrence of infection: 0. Graft-related complications: stenosis 0, calcification 0, non-infectious pseudoaneurysm of anastomosis 2 (surgical repair: 1/TEVAR 1). In-hospital mortality: 2 (MOF: initial 1/rescue 1); Survival rate exclusive of in-hospital deaths (~3 y): 100 %, but one patient died of lung cancer (3.6 yr).

Conclusions

Because xenopericardial roll grafts are not composed of synthetic material, the replacement procedure is simpler and less invasive than the standard procedure. Based on the favorable results obtained, this procedure may have the possibility to serve as an option for the treatment of aortic infections and aortic graft infections not only as a “rescue” treatment but as an “initial” treatment as well.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13019-015-0343-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Airway obstruction by a retropharyngeal hematoma secondary to thoracic aortic aneurysm rupture

Background

Retropharyngeal hematoma is a rare form of pharyngeal pathology and can present as acute airway obstruction. Among the many causes of retropharyngeal hematoma, thoracic aortic rupture is extremely rare.

Methods and results

A 78-year-old female with airway obstruction by a retropharyngeal hematoma secondary to thoracic aortic aneurysm rupture was successfully treated by total aortic arch replacement and open stent-graft insertion.

Conclusion

Rupture of the thoracic aorta should be considered as a rare but important cause of retropharyngeal hematoma and airway obstruction.

Equine pericardial roll graft replacement of infected pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta

The standard procedure for treating infected aortic aneurysms is to resect the infected aorta, debridement of the surrounding tissue, in situ graft replacement, and omentopexy. However, the question of which graft material is optimal is still a matter of controversy. We recently treated a patient with an infected ascending aortic aneurysm. Because of previous abdominal surgery, the omentum was unavailable. The ascending aorta was replaced in situ with equine pericardial roll grafts. The patient is alive and well 29 months after the operation.

Equine pericardial roll graft replacement of infected pseudoaneurysm of the aortic arch

Resection of the infected aorta, debridement of the surrounding tissue, in situ graft replacement, and omentopexy is the standard procedure for treating infected aortic aneurysms, but the question of which graft material is optimal is still a matter of controversy. We recently treated a patient with an infected thoracic aortic aneurysm. The aneurysm was located in the proximal aortic arch. Because the patients had previously undergone abdominal surgery, the aortic arch were replaced in situ with a branched equine pericardial roll grafts. The patient is alive and well 23 months after the operation.

In vivo fluorometric assessment of cyclosporine on mitochondrial function during myocardial ischemia and reperfusion

BACKGROUND

Cyclosporine A (CsA) limits myocardial reperfusion injury and preserves mitochondrial integrity, but its influence on mitochondrial function has not been described in vivo. Auto-fluorescence of mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide correlate with mitochondrial dysfunction. We hypothesized that CsA limits mitochondrial dysfunction and that fluorometry can quantify this influence.

METHODS

Seventeen rabbits were studied: untreated (UnT, n = 7), CsA preinfarction (CsAp, n = 6), and CsA on reperfusion (CsAr, n = 4). Animals underwent 30 minutes of myocardial ischemia and 3 hours reperfusion. Infarct size was determined by staining. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide fluorescence was continually measured in the risk area. The redox ratio was calculated [flavin adenine dinucleotide(f)/(flavin adenine dinucleotide(f) + nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(f))]. Electron microscopy evaluated mitochondria morphology.

RESULTS

The infarct size by group was 39.1% +/- 1.7% in CsAp, 39.1% +/- 1.7% in CsAr, and 53.4% +/- 1.9% in UnT (p < 0.001). During ischemia, the CsAp group demonstrated less hypoxic reduction, with the redox ratio decreasing to 75.6% +/- 4.1% of baseline. The UnT and CsAr groups deceased to 67.1% +/- 4.0% and 67.2% +/- 3.6%, respectively (p < 0.005). During reperfusion the UnT group redox ratio increased to 1.59 +/- 0.04 times baseline. This increase was blunted in the CsAp (1.17 +/- 0.04, p = 0.026) and CsAr (1.35 +/- 0.02, p = 0.056) groups. Electron microscopy revealed reduced mitochondrial disruption in CsAp (19.7% +/- 7.6%) and CsAr (18.1% +/- 7.1%) rabbits compared with UnT (53.3% +/- 12.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Fluorometric spectroscopy can be used in vivo to quantitatively assess the time course of CsA's influence on the mitochondrial dysfunction associated with myocardial ischemia and reperfusion.

Sex-related resistance to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury is associated with high constitutive ARC expression

The female sex has been associated with improved myocardial salvage after ischemia and reperfusion (I/R). Estrogen, specifically 17beta-estradiol, has been demonstrated to mediate this phenomenon by limiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis. We sought to quantitatively assess the effect of sex, ovarian hormone loss, and I/R on myocardial Bax, Bcl-2, and apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain (ARC) expression. Male (n = 48), female (n = 26), and oophorectomized female (n = 20) rabbits underwent 30 min of regional ischemia and 3 h of reperfusion. The myocardial area at risk and infarct size were determined using a double-staining technique and planimetry. In situ oligo ligation was used to assess apoptotic cell death. Western blot analysis was used to determine proapoptotic (Bax) and antiapoptotic (Bcl-2 and ARC) protein levels in all three ischemic groups and, additionally, in three nonischemic groups. Infarct size (43.7 +/- 3.2%) and apoptotic cell death (0.51 +/- 0.10%) were significantly attenuated in females compared with males (56.4 +/- 1.6%, P < 0.01, and 4.29 +/- 0.95%, P < 0.01) and oophorectomized females (55.7 +/- 3.4%, P < 0.05, and 4.36 +/- 0.51%, P < 0.01). Females expressed significantly higher baseline ARC levels (3.62 +/- 0.29) compared with males (1.78 +/- 0.18, P < 0.01) and oophorectomized females (1.08 +/- 0.26, P < 0.01). Males expressed a significantly higher baseline Bax-to-Bcl-2 ratio (4.32 +/- 0.99) compared with females (0.65 +/- 0.13, P < 0.01) and oophorectomized females (0.42 +/- 0.10, P < 0.01). I/R significantly reduced Bax-to-Bcl-2 ratios in males. In all other groups, ARC levels and Bax-to-Bcl-2 ratios did not significantly change. These results support the conclusion that in females, endogenous estrogen limits I/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by producing a baseline antiapoptotic profile, which is associated with estrogen-dependent high constitutive myocardial ARC expression.

The elimination of the onchocerciasis vector from the island of Bioko as a result of larviciding by the WHO African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control

The island of Bioko is part of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and is the only island in the World to have endemic onchocerciasis. The disease is hyperendemic and shows a forest-type epidemiology with low levels of blindness and high levels of skin disease, and the whole population of 68,000 is estimated to be at risk. Control of onchocerciasis began in 1990 using ivermectin and this yielded significant clinical benefits but transmission was not interrupted. Feasibility and preparatory studies carried out between 1995 and 2002 confirmed the probable isolation of the vector on the island, the high vectorial efficiency of the Bioko form of Simulium yahense, the seasonality of river flow, blackfly breeding and biting densities, and the distribution of the vector breeding sites. It was proposed that larviciding should be carried out from January to April, when most of the island's rivers were dry or too low to support Simulium damnosum s.l., and that most rivers would not need to be treated above 500 m altitude because they were too small to support the breeding of S. damnosum s.l. Larviciding (with temephos) would need to be carried out by helicopter (because of problems of access by land), supplemented by ground-based delivery. Insecticide susceptibility trials showed that the Bioko form was highly susceptible to temephos, and insecticide carry was tested in the rivers by assessing the length of river in which S. damnosum s.l. larvae were killed below a temephos dosing point. Regular fly catching points were established in 1999 to provide pre-control biting densities, and to act as monitoring points for control efforts. An environmental impact assessment concluded that the proposed control programme could be expected to do little damage, and a large-scale larviciding trial using ground-based applications of temephos (Abate 20EC) throughout the northern (accessible) part of the island was carried out for five weeks from 12 February 2001. Following this, a first attempt to eliminate the vectors was conducted using helicopter and ground-based applications of temephos from February to May 2003, but this was not successful because some vector populations persisted and subsequently spread throughout the island. A second attempt from January to May 2005 aimed to treat all flowing watercourses and greatly increased the number of treatment points. This led to the successful elimination of the vector. The last biting S. damnosum s.l. was caught in March 2005 and none have been found since then for more than 3 years.

Infarction induced myocardial apoptosis and ARC activation

BACKGROUND

Apoptosis is thought to play a role in infarction induced ventricular remodeling. Apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain (ARC) has been shown to limit cardiomyocytes apoptosis; however, its role in the pathogenesis of heart failure is not established. This study examines the regional and temporal relationships of apoptosis, ARC, and remodeling.

METHODS

Myocardium was harvested from the infarct borderzone and remote regions of the left ventricle (LV) at 2 (n=8), 8 (n=6), and 32 (n=5) wk after MI. Activated ARC was compared with myocardial apoptosis in each region at each time. Both were then compared with the progression of remodeling.

RESULTS

LV systolic volume increased by a factor 1.56±0.06 and 2.09±0.07 at 2 and 8 wk, respectively then stabilized by 32 wk (2.08±0.18). Activated ARC was elevated at 2 wk, diminished at 8 wk, and increased again at 32 wk in both regions. Apoptosis was elevated at 2 wk, and further increased at 8 wk. By 32 wk, apoptosis had diminished significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large animal infarction model, remodeling varied directly with the degree of apoptosis and inversely with ARC activation, suggesting that ARC acts as a natural regulatory phenomenon that limits apoptosis induced ventricular remodeling.

A modification of extended aortic arch anastomosis augmented with subclavian flap aortoplasty for interrupted or hypoplastic aortic arch

BACKGROUND

Surgical repair for hypoplastic aortic arch in neonates carries a substantial risk of recurrent obstruction. Simple arch anastomosis is not always a solution in cases of extended arch hypoplasia. We present our modified technique of extended aortic arch anastomosis augmented with subclavian flap aortoplasty.

METHOD

We describe two neonates: interrupted aortic arch and transverse arch hypoplasia associated with aortic coarctation, who underwent a modification of extended aortic arch anastomosis augmented with subclavian flap aortoplasty.

RESULTS

The patients recovered without any pressure gradient at the anastomotic site. Postoperative aortography showed no arch obstruction and they successfully underwent second stage repair.

CONCLUSION

Our technique provides extensive augmentation of the aortic arch with a tension-free, wide and non-circumferential suture line which preserves potential for growth. The technique described may avoid persistent or repeat arch obstruction.

Mild hypothermia to limit myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury: importance of timing

BACKGROUND

Hypothermia during ischemia has been shown to reduce myocardial reperfusion injury. We sought to establish the cardioprotective effect of very mild total-body hypothermia (<or= 2.5 degrees C) and to determine whether the application of hypothermia at different points during the ischemia-reperfusion period influenced the degree of myocardial salvage.

METHODS

Rabbits were subjected to 30 minutes of myocardial ischemia followed by 3 hours of reperfusion. Twenty-five animals were maintained at normal temperature (39.5 degrees C) throughout the experiment (W-W-W group). All other animals were cooled to reduce left atrial temperature 2.0 degrees C to 2.5 degrees C. Eleven animals reached goal temperature before coronary occlusion (C-C-C group), in 14 animals cooling was initiated at coronary occlusion (W-C0-C group), in 8 animals cooling was initiated 15 minutes after coronary occlusion (W-C15-C group), in 5 animals cooling was initiated 25 minutes after coronary occlusion (W-C25-C group), and in 13 animals cooling was started concurrently with reperfusion (W-W-C group). Infarct size as a percentage of the risk area (I/AR) was determined by a double staining-planimetry technique.

RESULTS

Goal temperature was achieved before reperfusion in the C-C-C and W-C0-C groups but was not achieved until the reperfusion period in the other treatment groups. Infarct size was 59.0 +/- 1.2% in the W-W-W group and was reduced in all cooling groups (C-C-C = 30.4 +/- 4.9%; W-C0-C = 33.4 +/- 5.0%; W-C15-C = 42.4 +/- 1.4%; W-C25-C = 44.1 +/- 2.3%; W-W-C = 50.5 +/- 4.1%). The temperature at reperfusion correlated most strongly with infarct size (r = 0.72, p < 1 x 10(-12)).

CONCLUSIONS

Very mild hypothermia affords a significant cardioprotective effect. Temperature at the time of reperfusion most strongly correlates with the degree of myocardial salvage.

Dermal filler injection: a novel approach for limiting infarct expansion

BACKGROUND

Early infarct expansion after coronary occlusion compromises contractile function in perfused myocardial regions and promotes adverse long-term left ventricular (LV) remodeling. We hypothesized that injection of a tissue-expanding dermal filler material into a myocardial infarction (MI) would attenuate infarct expansion and limit LV remodeling.

METHODS

Fifteen sheep were subjected to an anteroapical MI involving approximately 20% of the LV followed by the injection of 1.3 mL of a calcium hydroxyapatite-based dermal filler into the infarct. Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography was performed at baseline, 30 minutes after MI, and 15 minutes after injection to assess infarct expansion. Sixteen additional sheep were subjected to the same infarction and followed echocardiographically and hemodynamically for 4 weeks after MI to assess chronic remodeling. Eight animals had injection with dermal filler as described above immediately after MI, and 8 animals were injected with an equal amount of saline solution.

RESULTS

All animals exhibited infarct expansion soon after coronary occlusion. The regional ejection fraction of the apex became negative after infarction, consistent with systolic dyskinesia. Injection of the dermal filler converted the apical wall motion from dyskinetic to akinetic and resulted immediately in significant decreases in global, regional, and segmental LV volumes. Chronically, relative to saline control, dermal filler injection significantly reduced LV end-systolic volume (62.2 +/- 3.6 mL versus 44.5 +/- 3.9 mL; p < 0.05) and improved global ejection fraction (0.295 +/- 0.016 versus 0.373 +/- 0.017; p < 0.05) at 4 weeks after infarction.

CONCLUSIONS

Injection of an acellular dermal filler into an MI immediately after coronary occlusion reduces early infarct expansion and limits chronic LV remodeling.

Proton beam therapy interference with implanted cardiac pacemakers

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of proton beam therapy (PBT) on implanted cardiac pacemaker function.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

After a phantom study confirmed the safety of PBT in patients with cardiac pacemakers, we treated 8 patients with implanted pacemakers using PBT to a total tumor dose of 33-77 gray equivalents (GyE) in dose fractions of 2.2-6.6 GyE. The combined total number of PBT sessions was 127. Although all pulse generators remained outside the treatment field, 4 patients had pacing leads in the radiation field. All patients were monitored by means of electrocardiogram during treatment, and pacemakers were routinely examined before and after PBT.

RESULTS

The phantom study showed no effect of neutron scatter on pacemaker generators. In the study, changes in heart rate occurred three times (2.4%) in 2 patients. However, these patients remained completely asymptomatic throughout the PBT course.

CONCLUSIONS

PBT can result in pacemaker malfunctions that manifest as changes in pulse rate and pulse patterns. Therefore, patients with cardiac pacemakers should be monitored by means of electrocardiogram during PBT.

[Epicardial atrial pacing using an active fixation bipolar endocardial lead in children]

Good performance was observed over 10 years after implantation of bipolar epicardial atrial pacing using an active fixation bipolar endocardial lead in 3 pediatric patients with congenital heart block. The bipolar endocardial lead which was supposed to be fixed transvenously was implanted on the atrial surface by first screwing the lead's helix into the myocardium. The catheter was then laid down on the atrial surface, and both electrodes were wrapped by the atrial tissue. The good performance of this pacing lead seemed to depend on stable positioning of the electrode. This lead is superior to the commercially available, and steroid eluting epicardial bipolar pacing lead, on the point of its small size in head and body, and could be applied to dual chamber pacing in smaller children.

[African programme for onchocerciasis control (APOC): entomological aspects of Onchocerca volvulus transmission by Simulium neavei in the Basin of Sankuru (Eastern Kasai, Democratic Republic of Congo)]

As part of a study to evaluate the long-term impact of community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI), baseline entomological data on the transmission of onchocerciasis in the forest zone of the Eastern Kasai Province were collected from July 1998 to January 1999. Species of the Simulium neavei complex were the only vectors found in the site during the study. Nuisance activity was low with a mean biting rate of only 32.5 bites/man/day. The mean parturity rate was 29.4%, the mean rate of infected females was 14.5% and the mean number of infective Onchocerca larvae per 1000 parous flies was 659. These findings clearly show that the S. neavei population at the study site has high vector capability and constitutes a large microfilarial reservoir. The entomological features found in the study area are consistent with a hyper-endemic zone.

Cigarette-Smoke-Induced Vasoconstriction of Peripheral Arteries Evaluation by Synchrotron Radiation Microangiography

BACKGROUND

Although cigarette smoking is thought to constrict peripheral vessels, details have not been clarified because of the limitation of spatial resolution in conventional X-ray angiography systems. Synchrotron radiation microangiography can identify small arteries down to 50 microm in diameter.

METHOD AND RESULTS

Male Wistar rats (n=9) were made to smoke a cigarette using the modified Griffith snout exposure system. Angiography of the rat hind limb was performed before, during, and 15 min after smoking. Arteries were classified into 3 groups based on the pre-smoking diameter: Group S: <100 microm, Group M 100-200 microm, Group L: >200 microm). In Groups M and L, arteries were constricted with smoking (mean diameter 140-106 microm; p<0.001, 260-162 microm; p<0.00001, respectively), whereas no constriction was noted in Group S (82-83 microm). Constricted arteries in Groups M and L returned to pre-smoking levels at 15 min after cessation of smoking.

CONCLUSION

The acute changes brought about by cigarette smoking in rat peripheral arteries could be identified by synchrotron radiation microangiography. Cigarette smoking exclusively constricted arteries greater than 100 mum in diameter, which means there is vessel-size dependency of the impairment.

[Onchocerciasis in the area of Lastourville, Gabon. Clinical and entomological aspects]

The African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) has implemented a series of surveys aimed at evaluating the long-term impact of its activities. The region of Lastourville (Gabon) is one of the selected sites for this study. A total of 886 persons was examined for skin lesions, and 459 out of them participated in detailed ocular examinations. Blackflies were collected during one year and dissected. Although the focus was found to be hypoendemic (prevalence of nodules: 7.7%), the frequency of onchodermatitis was relatively high. The lesions of the anterior segment of the eye were rare, but the prevalence of optic nerve disease, and of choroido-retinal lesions reached 5.2 and 2.7%, respectively. The annual transmission potential (2,171 infective larvae per man) was high, when compared with the results recorded in the human population. This may be due to the presence of Onchocerca spp. of animal origin in the blackflies. These results indicate that in the area of Lastourville, though regarded as the main focus of onchocerciasis in Gabon, the disease is relatively mild.

[African Programme for Onchocerdasis Control (APOC): Onchocerca Simulium squamosum in two regions in the Republic of Cameroon]

In 1998, the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) decided to launch a long-term impact assessment of its operations. This paper reports the baseline entomological data collected throughout a whole year in two sites of Cameroon (Kahn and Bolo). The Simulium populations of the two study sites were characterized by parous rates of 7.2% and 33.5% respectively and infectivity by O. volvulus of 31 and 190 infective larvae per 1000 parous flies respectively The Annual Transmission Potentials (ATP) were respectively 523 and 9972 infective larvae per man and per year in Kahn and in Bolo. The Simulium populations studied in both sites, even though the ATP in Kahn is 19 times lower than that of Bolo, showed a pattern of an onchocerciasis hyperendemic zone in terms of vector capacities and entomological indices.

Biventricular Repair of Ebstein's Anomaly With Pulmonary Atresia in a Low Birth Weight Neonate

Cyanotic neonates with Ebstein's anomaly associated with pulmonary atresia are a subgroup with the high mortality rate in pediatric cardiac surgery. We report a case of a severely symptomatic low birth weight neonate with Ebstein's anomaly and pulmonary atresia. A biventricular repair with Danielson-type tricuspid valve repair was performed. The baby tolerated the procedure with adequate hemodynamics, but died of peritoneal hemorrhage on the second postoperative day. This report could be an addition to the recent literature regarding the feasibility of biventricular repair for symptomatic neonates with Ebstein's anomaly even in low birth weight neonates.

Programme africain de lutte contre l’onchocercose (APOC) : transmission d’Onchocerca volvulusparSimulium damnosumS. l. dans deux régions de la République Centrafricaine

Entomological baseline data were collected in the villages of Zinga and Boali-Falls in Central African Republic (CAR) in view of the long term impact assessment of community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI). Morphological determinations revealed that flies caught in both sites belong to the sub-group Sou/Sq. In Boali, the nuisance was relatively high with biting rates averaging 243 bites/man/day, with a parous rate of 61.6% and a crude annual transmission potential (ATP) of 8,259 infective larvae/man/year; and the average number of infective larvae per 1,000 parous flies was 177. In Zinga, the mean biting rate was 191 bites/man/day, with a parous rate of 51.6%, a crude ATP of 3,422, and 86 infective larvae per 1,000 porous flies. In conclusion, the vectorial capacity and the entomological indices recorded are characteristic of high onchocerciasis transmission zones. However, some of the infective larvae found, maybe of animal origin, need identification to better determine the real level of endemicity.

Replacement of the common atrioventricular valve with floating annuloplasty in a patient with univentricular physiology

Significant common atrioventricular valve insufficiency is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in patients with univentricular physiology. Shortly after bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis and concomitant valvuloplasty, valve replacement was carried out using a floating annuloplasty technique reinforced by a Dacron strip in a patient with common atrioventricular valve insufficiency. The technique applied is described in detail.

A pitfall in ligation of intrahepatic shunting after Fontan type operation

An 8-year-old boy experienced progressive cyanosis after a Fontan type operation. Under the guidance of intraoperative color Doppler we performed a transabdominal ligation of the accessory hepatic veins which drained into a common atrium. Reoperation was needed through a median sternotomy to eliminate residual shunting. Although intraoperative Doppler is useful to aid in the ligation of accessory veins while portal hypertension is monitored, intraoperative angiogram serves better to ensure the elimination of intrahepatic shunting in a transabdominal approach.

Intracardiac lead fracture in an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

A patient with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) experienced inappropriate shocks. X-rays revealed that the ventricular lead was fractured at a point, which seemed to be in a mechanical stress-free space in the heart. Multiple leads were entwined making a short flexible section sandwiched between the entwined area and the stiff coil susceptible to the stress from heart beats. The present case shows that indirect concentrated stress caused by restriction of lead flexibility can result in lead fracture. Upon implanting multiple endocardial leads, attention should be given to the relative position of each lead.

[Cor triatriatum diagnosed in adulthood; report of a case]

Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly especially in adulthood. A 68-year-old female was diagnosed as a cor triatriatum classified to Lucas-Schmidt IA, severe degree of mitral regurgitation and atrial fibrillation. Resection of the abnormal diaphragm in the left atrium and miral valve replacement were performed. Although the reason of sudden death of this patient after discharge is unknown, surgical intervention for atrial fibrillation should have performed to prevent a thromboembolism in such cases.

[Delayed onset malignant hyperthermia after a closure of ventricular septal defect]

An 18 month-old girl was diagnosed as ventricular septal defect (VSD) with mild aortic valve prolapse. She underwent a closure of VSD. Intra-and early postoperative course was uneventful. However, 20 hours after surgery, sudden bradycardia led to cardiac arrest and strong muscle rigidity was seen. Hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis rapidly progressed and resuscitation was failed. Extracorporeal life support and continuous hemodialysis were initiated, but the patient died with multiple organ failure on 5th postoperative day. Her clinical course supported the diagnosis of delayed onset malignant hyperthermia. Histopathological findings of muscle biopsy were consistent with rhabdomyolysis, and immunopathological stains demonstrated changes as in a Duchenne type muscular dystrophy carrier. Delayed onset malignant hyperthermia is an extremely rare complication of general anesthesia. We should be aware of this lethal condition, which occurs with a certain time lag after surgery, especially when the patient has possible background of myopathy.

[Asplenia syndrome with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection]

Three patients of asplenia syndrome with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) were reported. Case 1 with exceeding pulmonary blood flow, underwent TAPVC repair and pulmonary artery banding as a first palliation before bi-directional Glenn shunt. Case 2 did not require any surgery to control the pulmonary blood flow before the simultaneous procedure of TAPVC repair and bi-directional Glenn shunt. Case 3 with decreased pulmonary blood flow underwent a complicated course with 3 times of Blalock-Taussig shunts and the repair of TAPVC to prepare for bi-directional Glenn shunt. Simultaneous repair of TAPVC with the procedure which aimed to control the pulmonary blood flow at the first palliation surgery will simplify the control of pulmonary blood flow and prepare good condition of the lung for the Fontan operation in the future.

High-frequency QRS potentials as a marker of myocardial dysfunction after cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

High-frequency QRS potentials are sensitive to myocardial ischemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of high-frequency QRS potentials as a marker of myocardial dysfunction after cardiac surgery.

METHODS

Seventy patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting or heart valve surgery were involved. High-frequency QRS potentials were measured by signal-averaged electrocardiogram, and calculated as the root-mean-square voltage of the total QRS duration (RMST). The postoperative RMST was expressed as a percentage of the preoperative RMST. The mean RMST at 1 to 2 hours after removing the aortic cross-clamp was compared with the cardiac index, inotropic agents, and aortic cross-clamping time. The occurrence of ventricular tachycardia within 24 hours and the RMST at 2 postoperative days were also evaluated. Patients were divided into quartile groups from highest to lowest at postoperative RMST (groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, from maximum to minimum).

RESULTS

In postoperative states, cardiac index significantly decreased in accordance with the RMST decrease in a stepwise manner, although there were no differences in cardiac index among the four groups preoperatively. Inotropic agents and aortic cross-clamping time increased as RMST decreased. A high rate of ventricular tachycardia within 24 hours and delayed RMST recovery at 2 postoperative days were seen in group 4. The curve of sensitivity and specificity showed that severe reduction (threshold, 35%) of RMST indicated low-output syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

The severe reduction of filtered high-frequency QRS potentials was related to myocardial dysfunction. Measurement of filtered high-frequency QRS potentials could become a useful, noninvasive, real-time monitor of myocardial dysfunction after surgery.

[Leaflet extension technique in a congenital aortic valve regurgitation]

A 17-year-old boy who was diagnosed as congenital aortic valve regurgitation underwent the leaflet extension technique in 3 aortic leaflets using glutaraldehyde-preserved autologous pericardium. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography and postoperative cardiac catheter revealed grade I regurgitation and the patient has been doing well for more than 4 months after the surgery. The leaflet extension technique is considered to be an acceptable surgical treatment for aortic valve disease especially in young patients to whom valve replacement or Ross procedure might not be suitable. A careful long-term follow-up will be necessary to evaluate the durability of the leaflet extension technique with autologous pericardium.

[Right-sided infective endocarditis with a large size vegetation]

A 2-year-old boy with ventricular septal defect(VSD) had suffered from right-sided infective endocarditis with a vegetation 1.0 cm in size, involving pulmonary valve. Resection of the vegetation and partial resection of the pulmonary valve and patch closure of the VSD was performed after 3 weeks intravenous antibiotic therapy. In right-sided infective endocarditis, it is still unclear, however, which factors may be useful in predicting outcome or determining the need of surgical intervention. We recognize that following factors are the risk for need of surgical intervention. 1. persistent infection, 2. sever right-sided heart failure, 3. multiple embolic episodes, 4. infected by Staphylococcus aureus, 5. infection involving the annulus of the valve, 6. infection of prosthetic valve, 7. vegetation which is floppy and greater than 1.0 cm in size.

Palliative open heart surgery in an infant with factor VII deficiency

An infant with factor VII deficiency underwent palliative open heart surgery for pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum. No references had been found on the management of this rare coagulation disorder in infantile cardiac surgery. We describe the peri- and postoperative management with a replacement therapy including a recombinant factor VIIa concentrate. We conclude that an appropriate replacement therapy is needed to control bleeding during open heart surgery with factor VII deficiency.

[Management of mediastinitis after pediatric cardiac surgery with continuous closed irrigation method]

Two cases are presented as a successful management for mediastinitis with the continuous closed irrigation method after pediatric cardiac surgery. The continuous closed irrigation method has significant advantages over conventional open irrigation method or muscle flap in pediatric cases, because the system is simple to handle and easy to wash out any infectious tissue debris without additional invasive intervention. However, adequate duration of the irrigation and subsequent antibiotic regimen is still unclear. We conclude that the continuous closed irrigation method is an effective management which is applicable to most of mediastinitis cases after pediatric cardiac surgery.

Mortality of pulmonary artery banding in the current era: recent mortality of PA banding

BACKGROUND

The mortality of pulmonary artery banding improved significantly in the 1980s. However, we lack information on this procedure in the current era.

METHODS

The results of pulmonary artery banding in 365 patients who had operations between 1966 and 2001 were reviewed. The patients were divided into three groups: (1) group 1 patients who had operations between 1966 and 1979, (2) group 2 patients who had operations between 1980 and 1989, and (3) group 3 patients who had operations between 1990 and 2001.

RESULTS

Significantly younger and smaller patients have been operated on recently (mean age: group 1, 169.0 +/- 40 days; group 2, 101.8 +/- 11 days; and group 3, 69.7 +/- 8.9 days; and mean weight: 4.6 +/- 0.1, 4.1 +/- 0.1, and 3.2 +/- 0.1 kg, respectively). A decrease was found in the number of simple cardiac anomalies, such as isolated ventricular septal defects. The early mortality in the three groups was 38.3% for group 1 (65 of 187), 13.5% for group 2 (15 of 111), and 13.8% for group 3 (12 of 87). Although the mortality did not vary significantly between groups 2 and 3, it improved over time in patients weighing less than 3 kg. Multivariate analysis of group 3 demonstrated that no isolated variable, including sex, weight, and diagnosis was a significant risk factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the advances in perioperative management, we found no improvement in the early mortality of pulmonary artery banding during the last decade. These results will support the preference for primary repair of intracardiac anomalies in small infants. However, this operation can now be performed with the same risk even in smaller patients. We believe that pulmonary artery banding has a role in the treatment of congenital cardiac anomalies.

Gender issues in the community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) of the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC)

This paper reviews the issues relating to compliance and participation among the men and women of three countries within the remit of the African Programme for the Control of Onchocerciasis (APOC): Cameroon, Nigeria and Tanzania. Project-monitoring data from 109 focus-group discussions, 6069 household-survey respondents and 89 interviews with ivermectin distributors were analysed to gain an insight into the attitudes and behaviours of men and women in relation to ivermectin treatment and their participation in the programme. Although there are no statistically significant gender differences in coverages for ivermectin treatment, culturally prescribed gender relationships influence the ways in which men and women express and experience treatment-related behaviours. Gender roles also affect participation in the programme. Decision-making in communities on the selection of distributors tends to follow socio-cultural hierarchies based upon patriarchy and gerontocracy. Relatively few ivermectin distributors (21%) are women. Although they receive less support than their male counterparts, the female distributors are just as willing to continue ivermectin distribution in the community, and they perform as well or better than men in this regard. The terms 'community-directed', 'community participation' and even 'compliance' obfuscate important gender differences that are inherent in the implementation of onchocerciasis control. Development of strategies that recognize these gender differences will have important implications for long-term adherence to treatment and for the overall quality and sustainability of the programme.

APOC's strategy of community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) and its potential for providing additional health services to the poorest populations. African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control

Since its inauguration in 1995, the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) has made significant progress towards achieving its main objective: to establish sustainable community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) in onchocerciasis-endemic areas outside of the remit of the Onchocerciasis Control Programme in West Africa (OCP). In the year 2000, the programme, in partnership with governments, non-governmental organizations and the endemic communities themselves, succeeded in treating 20,298,138 individuals in 49,654 communities in 63 projects in 14 countries. Besides the distribution of ivermectin, the programme has strengthened primary healthcare (PHC) through capacity-building, mobilization of resources and empowerment of communities. The community-directed-treatment approach is a model that can be adopted in developing other community-based health programmes. The approach has also made it possible to bring to the poor some measure of intervention in some other healthcare programmes, such as those for malaria control, eye care, maternal and child health, nutrition and immunization. CDTI presents, at all stages of its implementation, a unique window of opportunity for promoting the functional integration of healthcare activities. For this to be done successfully and in a co-ordinated manner, adequate funding of CDTI within PHC is as important as an effective sensitization of the relevant policy-makers, healthworkers and communities on the value of integration (accompanied by appropriate training at all levels). Evaluation of the experiences in integration of health services, particularly at community level, is crucial to the success of the integration.

The challenges of community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) within the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC)

The principal strategy adopted by the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC), for the control of onchocerciasis in the 19 countries of Africa that now fall within the programme's remit, is that of community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI). Halfway through its 12-year mandate, APOC has gathered enough information on the main challenges to guide its activities in Phase 2. An analysis of reports and other documents, emanating from consultants, scientists, monitors and national and project-level implementers, indicates that there are three broad categories of challenge: managerial; technical; and socio-political. Under these three categories, this review identifies the most pertinent concerns that APOC must address, during Phase 2, to enhance the prospects of establishing sustainable systems for ivermectin distribution. The major challenges include: (1) maintaining timely drug-collection mechanisms; (2) integrating CDTI with existing primary-healthcare services; (3) strengthening local health infrastructure; (4) achieving and maintaining an optimal treatment coverage; (5) establishing and up-scaling community self-monitoring; (6) designing and implementing operations research locally; (7) ensuring the adequacy of community-directed distributors; (8) increasing the involvement of local non-govemmental develop organizations in the programme; (9) achieving financial sustainability; (10) implementing equitable cost-recovery systems; and (11) engaging in effective advocacy. The implications of the challenges and suggestions about how they are being (or could be) addressed are also highlighted in this brief review, which should be of value to other programmes and agencies that may be contemplating the adoption of this unique strategy.

Rapid epidemiological mapping of onchocerciasis (REMO): its application by the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC)

One of the fundamental challenges that the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) has had to face is how to identify the endemic communities where its mass ivermectin-treatment operations are to be carried out in conformity with its stated objective of targetting the most highly endemic, affected and at-risk populations. This it has done by adopting a technique, known as the rapid epidemiological mapping of onchocerciasis (REMO), that provides data on the distribution and prevalence of onchocerciasis. Integration of the REMO data into a geographical information system (GIS) enables delineation of zones of various levels of endemicity, and this is an important step in the planning process for onchocerciasis control. Zones are included in (or excluded from) the APOC-funded programme of community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI), depending on whether or not their levels of onchocercal endemicity reach the threshold set by APOC. This review describes the application of the REMO/GIS technique by APOC in its operations, and identifies the remaining related challenges.

Monitoring community-directed treatment programmes for sustainability: lessons from the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC)

Community-directed treatment is a relatively new strategy that was adopted in 1997 by the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC), for large-scale distribution of ivermectin (Mectizan). Participatory monitoring of 39 of the control projects based on community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) was undertaken from 1998-2000, with a focus on process implementation of the strategy and the predictors of sustainability. Data from 14,925 household interviews in 2314 villages, 183 complete treatment records, 382 focus-group discussions, and the results of interviews with 669 community leaders, 757 trained community-directed drug distributors (CDD) and 146 health personnel (in 26 projects in four countries) were analysed. The data show that CDD dispensed ivermectin to 65.4% of the total population (71.2% of the eligible population), with no significant gender differences in coverage (P > 0.05). Treatment coverage ranged from 60.2% of the eligible subjects in Cameroon to 76.9% in Uganda. There was no significant relationship between the provision of incentives to CDD and treatment coverage (P > 0.05). The frequency of treatment refusal was highest in Cameroon (29.2%). Although most (72.1%) of the communities investigated selected their CDD on the basis of a community decision at a village meeting, only 37.9% chose their distribution period in the same way. There is clearly a need to improve communication strategies, to address the issues of absentees and refusals, to emphasise community ownership and to de-emphasise incentives for CDD. The investigation of the 'predictor indicators' of sustainability should enable APOC to understand the determinants of project performance and to initiate any appropriate changes in the programme.

The achievements and challenges of the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC)

The main strategy of APOC, of community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI), has enabled the programme to reach, empower and bring relief to remote and under-served, onchocerciasis-endemic communities. With CDTI, geographical and therapeutic coverages have increased substantially, in most areas, to the levels required to eliminate onchocerciasis as a public-health problem. Over 20 million people received treatment in 2000. APOC has also made effective use of the combination of the rapid epidemiological mapping of onchocerciasis (REMO) and geographical information systems (GIS), to provide information on the geographical distribution and prevalence of the disease. This has led to improvements in the identification of CDTI-priority areas, and in the estimates of the numbers of people to be treated. A unique public-private-sector partnership has been at the heart of APOC's relative success. Through efficient capacity-building, the programme's operations have positively influenced and strengthened the health services of participating countries. These laudable achievements notwithstanding, APOC faces many challenges during the second phase of its operations, when the full impact of the programme is expected to be felt. Notable among these challenges are the sustainability of CDTI, the strategy's effective integration into the healthcare system, and the full exploitation of its potential as an entry point for other health programmes. The channels created for CDTI, could, for example, help efforts to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (which will feature on the agenda of many participating countries during APOC's Phase 2). However, these other programmes need to be executed without compromising the onchocerciasis-control programme itself. Success in meeting these challenges will depend on the continued, wholehearted commitment of all the partners involved, particularly that of the governments of the participating countries.