תוצאת חיפוש

Effect of Specific Inspiratory Muscle Training on Dyspnea and Exercise Tolerance in Congestive Heart Failure

Paltiel Weiner, Joseph Waizman, Rasmi Magadle, Noa Berar-Yanay, Benny Pelled

Depts. of Medicine A and Cardiology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera

It has been shown that the inspiratory muscles of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) are weaker than normal. This weakness may contribute to dyspnea and limit exercise capacity. But respiratory muscles can be trained for increase in both strength and endurance. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of specific inspiratory muscle training (SIMT) on muscular performance, lung function, dyspnea and exercise capacity in moderate heart failure.

10 patients with CHF (NYHA functional class II-III) received 1/2 hour of SIMT daily, 6 times/week, for 3 months. They started breathing at a resistance 15% of their Pimax for 1 week and the resistance was then increased incrementally to 60%. Spirometry, inspiratory muscle strength and endurance, and the 12-minute walk test were performed before and after the training period. All showed an increase in inspiratory muscle strength and endurance. This was associated with a small but significant increase in FVC, a significant increase in the distance walked (458±29 to 562±32 m, p<0.01), and improvement in the dyspnea index score.

SIMT resulted in increased inspiratory muscle strength and endurance. This increase was associated with decreased dyspnea and an increase in submaximal exercise capacity. SIMT may prove to be useful complementary therapy in CHF.

Clinical and Immunological Characteristics of HIV-Positive AIDS in Children in Northern Israel

E. Kedem, A. Etzioni, E. Shahar, S. Pollack

Institute of Immunology, Allergy and AIDS and Dept. of Pediatrics A, Rambam Medical Center and B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, The Technion, Haifa

We are treating 11 children in our AIDS clinic. All were infected by vertical transmission from carrier mothers. However, among 31 HIV-carrier AIDS patients who were under follow-up during pregnancy, supposedly taking zidovudine prophylaxis, only 1 (3.3%) gave birth to a baby infected with HIV. Our children with HIV and AIDS are 3 months to 12 years of age (average 4.5 years); mean age at diagnosis was 18 months. All are either symptomatic or have laboratory evidence of progressive immunodeficiency, 1 is asymptomatic (N2), 1 has mild symptoms (A2) and the rest present significant symptoms or AIDS-defining disease. All have moderate to severe immunodeficiency, as evidenced by CD4+ cells counts. 60% have rapidly progressive disease, based on their symptomatology and immune state, whereas clinical reports in the literature point to only 10-15%. However, the average CD4+ cell count was 22% (749/mm³) at diagnosis and 22% (759/mm³) at last follow-up. These stable findings during an average follow-up of 28 months probably reflect the effect of medical and supportive treatment.

All received antiretroviral medication consisting of a combination of 2 or 3 drugs. 8 of 11 also received prophylactic treatment against opportunistic infections and 8 of 11 are clinically well. Routine follow-up and a good relationship with the patient's family increase cooperation and promote optimal medical treatment, and consequently improve the clinical condition and quality of life.

Treatment of Retroperitoneal Sarcoma

Dina Lev-Chelouche, Subhi Abu-Abeid, Mordechai Gutman, Yoram Kluger, Moshe Michovitch, Isaac Meller, Moshe Inbar, Joseph M. Klausner

Depts. of Surgery B, Orthopedic Oncology and Oncology, Tel Aviv - Sourasky Medical Center (Affiliated with Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University)

Soft tissue sarcomas are exceedingly rare, making up less than 1% of all solid malignancies. In the retroperitoneum, they tend to be large when diagnosed and are a therapeutic challenge to the surgical oncologist. Our experience with 51 patients with retroperitoneal sarcomas operated on during the past 4 years is presented. 37 were primary and 26 presented as recurrent tumors. The group included many different histological sub-types, the majority being high grade tumors.

Complete resection was achieved in 84%, necessitating extensive surgery, but was not possible in 8 patients (16%) who underwent partial resection or biopsy only. There was 1 perioperative fatality (2%). 18 (35%) suffered complications, all of which were reversible. The estimated 5-year survival in the complete resection group is 40%, while none of those who underwent partial resection survived more than 2 years. There was significantly better survival in patients with primary, low grade sarcomas which were smaller than 8 cm, compared to those with high-grade, recurrent sarcomas larger than 8 cm. Local recurrence developed in 8 patients of the complete resection group (18%), 2 months to 3 years after surgery.

These data show that despite the concept of retroperitoneal sarcomas as being aggressive, invasive tumors with a poor prognosis, the prognosis is not unusually bad. With proper surgical technique, resectability may be high, with improved overall survival.

Intrahospital Transport of Critically Ill Children

Gideon Paret, Ron Ben Abraham, Oshrat Yativ, Amir Vardi, Zohar Barzilay

Dept. of Pediatric Intensive Care and of Anesthesiology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer and University of Tel Aviv

Prospective evaluation of intrahospittransportation of 33 critically ill children to and from the pediatric intensive care unit was conducted over the course of a month. Factors contributing to risk of transport were assessed.

There were 33 children (25 boys and 8 girls), 3 days to 15 years of age. Reasons for admission included: disease and trauma in 19, and status post operation in 11. The pretransport PRISM score was 4.84. 22 children (66.6%) were being mechanically ventilated and 10 (30.3%) were being treated with amines. Transport time ranged from 8-150 minutes. 15 of the transports (45.4%) were urgent and a special intensive care team escorted 22 (66.6%). Equipment mishaps and physiolog-ical deterioration occured in 12 (36.3%) and 11 (30.3%) of the cases, respectively. The use of amines, mechanical ventilation, longer transport time and high PRISM score were all associated with physiological deterioration on transport.

Danaparoid-Sodium for Dialysis in Heparin-Associated Thrombocytopenia

Ronen Ben Ami, Ruth Rachmimov, Shlomo Berliner

Medicine Dept. D and Anticoagulation Therapy Unit, Tel Aviv-Souraski Medical Center, and Nephrology Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer

Danaparoid sodium is an anticomposed of 3 glycosaminoglycans: heparan sulfate, dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. Similar to heparin, operates by activating antithrombin 3, but does not contain heparin or heparin fragments, and is therefore antigenically distinct.

Danaparoid has been advocated as a safe and effective anticoagulant for heparin-associated thrombocytopenia. However, there is little experience in its use as a substitute for heparin in hemodialysis.

We report 2 men, aged 82 and 73 years, respectively, who developed thrombocytopenia while undergoing hemodialysis with heparin, and who subsequently underwent successful dialysis with danaparoid. There was a rise in platelet levels in both while receiving danaparoid, and dialysis was completed without hemorrhagic or thrombotic complications. Danaparoid is a safe and effective substitute for heparin, and may be used as an anticoagulant in hemodialysis.

Reactive Increase in Blood Pressure on Immobilization, but not Hypertension, Prevents Pressure Ulcers

Vladimir Shats, Silvio Kozacov

Geriatric Dept., Rebecca Sieff Hospital, Safed

Of 135 geriatric patients immobilized for at least 2 days, 37 (27.4%) had pressure ulcers (PU). Those without PU were the control comparison group. Gender, length of immobilization, number of blood pressure determinations and proportion with hypertension were similar in those with and without PU. Those with PU were slightly older than those in the comparison group: 75.5±8.8 and 74.7±9.6 years, respectively (p>0.05).

Of 66 patients with acute ischemic stroke, reactive increase of systolic or diastolic blood pressure to 140/90 mm Hg or above following immobilization, was seen in 60.6% and 22.7% of patients, respectively, and there were PU in 12.1%. Of 17 with recurrent ischemic stroke, corresponding figures were: 41.2%, 23.5% (p>0.05), and 47.1% (p<0.01). In 7 patients with previous ischemic stroke corresponding figures were: 14.3% and 0% (p<0.01) and 100% (p<0.001). In 36 operated for fracture of the femur, corresponding figures were: 50%, 11.1% (p>0.05), and 27.8% (p>0.05). For 9 patients with severe infections, sepsis or pneumonia, the corresponding figures were: 22.2% and 0.0% (p>0.05), and 44.4% (p<0.04).

The proportion of patients with reactive increase in systolic blood pressure on immobilization was lower in the PU group than in the controls, 27% vs 59.2%, (p<0.001). The corresponding figures for reactive increase in diastolic blood pressure were similar, 8.1% and 20.4%, respectively (p>0.05).

The mean systolic blood pressure on immobilization was higher in the control than in the PU group, 145.4±21.7 and 130.8±14.9 mm Hg, respectively (p<0.001). The corresponding figures for the mean diastolic blood pressure were similar, 81.2±10.5 and 75.7±8.9 mm Hg, respectively (p<0.01). An increase in systolic blood pressure on immobilization reduced the risk of developing PU (p<0.05).

There was no significant statistical relation between diagnosis of hypertension and proportion of patients with PU (p>0.05). Of 67 patients with hypertension, in 23.9% and 74.6% of them there was no increase in systolic or diastolic blood pressure, respectively. Statistical difference between lack of diastolic or systolic response was very significant (p<0.001).

Reactive increase of blood pressure, but not hypertension, predicts reduced risk of PU on immobilization in the hospitalized elderly. Diminished reactive increase of blood pressure in response to stress of any kind may be a criterion of frailty and reduced physiological reserves. Efforts to reduce elevated blood pressure when a patient is immobilized appear irrational.

Laparoscopic Repair of Inguinal Hernia Experience in 54 Consecutive Cases

S. Kyzer, I. Kristalni, M. Alis, I. Charuzi

Surgical Dept. B, Wolfson Medcial Center, Holon

We describe our experience in 54 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic repair of 86 inguinal hernias. Laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia is technically feasible, does not prolong the length of the procedure nor of hospitalization and is not accompanied by increased morbidity. Although there is not yet general agreement, in our experience and that of others, it appears that laparoscopic repair will be the preferred approach to the treatment of inguinal hernia.

Combination Chemotherapy in Metastatic Urothelial Cancer

A. Sella, D. Flex, D. Gafni, O. Rabinovitz, A. Sulkes, J. Baniel

Genitourinary Medical Oncology Unit, Depts. of Oncology and Urology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tikva and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv

The treatment of metastatic urothelial cancer is based on the combination of cisplatin, methotrexate, vinblastine and adriamycin (M-VAC). From November 1994 to May 1997 we treated 25 patients (51 men, 3 women, aged 50-77) with M-VAC. The tumor originated from the urinary bladder in 14 (56%) and the upper urinary tract in 11 (44%). Disease sites included: primary - 5 (25%), lymph nodes - 17 (68%), lungs - 10 (40%), bones - 8 (32%), pelvic mass and liver each - 4 (16%), with an overall median of 2 (1-5) sites per patient.

9 patients (38%) had complete responses and 8 (32%) had partial responses, for an overall response rate of 68% (95% CI 48.5%-85%). The median duration of response was 15.3 (1.6-29.6+) months. Median survival of responders was 19.1 (4.8-35.7+) months compared to 6.2 (0.7-11.2) for the non-responders (p<0.05). 13 (52%) of patients are alive, of whom 8 (32%) are free of disease and 5 with a single metastatic site on presentation at follow-up.

In the 118 treatment cycles we observed grade III-IV toxicity: myelosuppression 53 (45%), thrombocytopenia 4 (3%), stomatitis 8 (6.7%), diarrhea 3 (2.5%). There were 22 infectious episodes and 1 patient died of sepsis.

We achieved a high response rate with the combination M-VAC. However, only a third had long-term disease-free states and treatment was associated with excessive toxicity. Thera-peutic approaches with new agents are required to improve the response rate and toxicity.

Muir-Torre Syndrome: Importance of Clinical Diagnosis and Genetic Investigation

Hana Strul, Paul Rozen, Tova Naiman, Ruth Shomrat

Gastroenterology Dept. and Genetics Institute, Tel Aviv Medical Center and Tel Aviv University

Muir-Torre syndrome is a relatively rare cutaneous manifestation of hereditary nonpolypous colorectal cancer (HNPCC). This autosomal dominant syndrome is characterized by a combination of sebaceous gland and malignant visceral tumors. The common sites of internal malignancies are the gastrointestinal tract and urinary system. It appears in early adult life and its clinical course is relatively slow.

In some families genetic diagnosis can identify asymptomatic carriers of the mutation. All first-degree relatives, especially mutation carriers, should be referred from the age of 20 years for routine follow-up and early treatment, as it has been proven to decrease morbidity and mortality.

We present a 51-year-old man with Muir-Torre syndrome diagnosed by the presence of multiple adenomas of sebaceous glands, colonic adenoma and adenocarcinoma of the duodenum. The family history was typical for HNPCC. A mutation in the hMSH2 gene on chromosome 2p was found in the patient and in several asymptomatic family members. The aim of this report is to increase awareness of this syndrome and emphasize the importance of referring patients and their families for clinical and genetic counseling and diagnosis.

The Current Compulsory Hospitalization Order and Patients' Rights

Y. Bar-el, R. Durst, J Mazar, J. Rabinowitz, Y. Lerner, H.Y. Knobler

Office of Jerusalem District Psychiatrist; Jerusalem Mental Health Center, Kfar Shaul Hospital; Mental Health Services, Israel Ministry of Health; School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University; and Falk Institute for Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Kfar Shaul (Affiliated with the Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School)

Israel's "Treatment of Mentally Sick Persons Law" of 1955 was repealed and replaced by the "Treatment of Mental Patients Law" of 1991. Under the latter, the "Compulsory Hospitalization Order" (CHO) defines the new order based on accumulated experience with the old legislation, and on the philosophy that considers the CHO one of the most severely oppressive forms of deprivation of human liberty and rights. The new order sets limits and boundaries for CHO, guarding the rights of those unavoidably committed by force. According to the new law, the district psychiatrist decides upon and issues the order, while the tribunal (District Psychiatric Committee) considers appeals. The order is limited to 1 week, with an option for the district psychiatrist to prolong it on written request for up to 14 days. The tribunal can later prolong the order further.

The objective of this study was to review changes that have occurred following enforcement of the new law in the Jerusalem district. A comparison was made between CHO's issued the year before the new legislation took effect and the year after. The comparison included review of all CHO's and medical files of all patients hospitalized by coercion during 1990 and 1992. It was assumed that there would be a decline in rate and length of hospitalization of patients forced to be committed by the new law.

The main findings refuted this hypothesis. In 1992 there was an increase of 38% in the number of compulsory hospitalizations. This increase derived mainly from increased demands for CHO's from psychiatric emergency rooms. There was also an increase in patients hospitalized by order of the District Psychiatric Committee using its authority under section 10(C) of the law.

Conversely, length of compulsory hospitalization was shorter under the new law.

In light of these findings, it would seem that the new law has only partially fulfilled expectations of reform in individual rights. There is need for further evaluation and follow-up of the CHO in order to determine whether the "Treatment of Mental Patients Law" of 1991 has in fact fulfilled its objectives. Furthermore, it is necessary to determine means, medical or legal, that may possibly advance further the prospective of human rights while maintaining a suitable balance between civil liberties and clinical needs, of over-confinement versus under-treatment, which may lead to neglect or danger.

Use of Abciximab (Reopro) in the Catheterization Laboratory and in Unstable Coronary Syndromes

Shmuel Banai, Andre Keren, Nataly Daniel, Jesaia Benhorin

Heiden Dept. of Cardiology, Bikur Cholim Hospital, Jerusalem

Blockage of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor by Reopro c7E3 Fab-abciximab) has been shown to reduce markedly ischemic complications during and following elective and high-risk coronary intervention CI). Between July ’96 and February ’98, 120 consecutive patients (85 men and 34 women, aged 34-90 - mean 62) received Reopro (20 mg bolus, followed by 10 mg/min for 12-48 hours). 100 were treated with Reopro in the catheterization laboratory, in 76 as prophylactic treatment preceding high-risk CI and in 24 as bailout treatment for acute complications during CI. 20 additional patients were treated in the CCU for acute coronary syndromes, 17 of whom underwent CI 6-48 hours later.

Coronary angiography demonstrated multivessel disease in 66 (56%), and the target lesions were LAD - 77, RCA - 41, LCX - 22, SVG - 6, and 2 unprotected LMCA (total: 148 lesions dilated in 117 patients). Of the 117 CI, 44 were PTCA alone, and 73 included stenting.

Indications for prophylactic Reopro for high risk CI were: acute MI (48 hours), early post-MI angina, unstable AP, and/or complex anatomy with visible thrombus. In this high-risk population the overall success rate (open artery, no MI, discharged alive, no need for urgent re-vascularization) was 97% when Reopro was given prophylactically prior to CI. The success rate was lower (87.5%) when Reopro was given in bailout situations.

In 20 patients with acute coronary syndromes treated in the CCU while receiving maximal combined conventional therapy (including full-dose heparin), all symptoms and dynamic ischemic ECG changes disappeared within minutes following Reopro. 17 underwent successful CI during hospitalization and 3 were treated medically.

Reopro given prior to high risk CI was associated with a very low rate of complications. In a few cases with acute coronary syndromes, Reopro given in the CCU cases immediate relief of myocardial ischemia and reduced the need for urgent coronary intervention.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Laparoscopy for Non-Palpable Testis

Zahavi Cohen, Niza Newman, Edna Kurzbart, Vadim Kapuller, Abraham J. Mares

Dept. of Pediatric Surgery, Soroka Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba

From January 1994 to July 1997, 20 boys 1.5-13 years of age underwent laparoscopic examination and treatment for non-palpable testis. In 1 there was bilateral nonpalpable testis. Only 3 had intra-abdominal testes viable for orchiopexy. In 8 atrophic testicles were removed and in 9 laparoscopic examination revealed intra-abdominal blind ending of the spermatic cord and no testicular tissue.

We conclude that laparoscopy is a useful and safe technique for accurate diagnosis and may avoid additional intervention in treating non-palpable testes. Furthermore, intra-abdominal testes may be managed laparoscopically under the same anesthetic.

Use of Restraints in a General Hospital

Bella Bar-Cohen, Orly Rotem-Picker, Zvi Stern

Nursing Services and Administration, Hadassah University Medical Center, Jerusalem

28 in-patient units were surveyed during a 5-day period to determine the extent of the use of physical restraints in hospitalized patients. Information was gathered on the characteristics of restrained patients and indications for use and removal of restraints, patterns and means of restraints, monitoring, and written notations. 31 different patients (6% of those surveyed) were restrained in 13 units during the 5 days of the survey, an average of 15 (3%) daily.

Characteristics of restrained patients were: age 70 and over requiring emergency hospitalization, reduced level of consciousness, limitation of mobility, incontinence, history of 2 or more chronic diseases, requiring multiple drugs, and use of multiple medical devices. Bilateral, soft hand restraints were most often used to prevent patients from removing tubes. Nurses initiated the decision to apply or remove restraints, which were usually removed as the patients' condition improved. Written policies were lacking regarding monitoring and follow-up of restrained patients. Clearly written policies and increased staff awareness of potential hazards may reduce the use of restraints and the length of time they are employed.

Evaluation of Predictive Factors for Stroke Rehabilitation

Abraham Adunsky, Shlomo Levenkrohn, Yehudit Fleissig, Angela Chetrit, Zvia Blumstein

Geriatric Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology Depts., Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer

Our objective was to assess the functional disability of stroke patients by the functional independence measure (FIM) and to examine predictive factors for successful rehabilitation. In 127 consecutive stroke patients efficacy of FIM was 23.9±188, efficiency 0.54±0.45 and 81.9% of patients returned home. Functional improvement was statistically significant (p<0.001) in all FIM domains. Multivariate analysis showed that improvement in FIM score was significantly greater in the younger, among the married, the hemiparetic, and those with an admission FIM of 40-60, while efficiency was related only to type of diagnosis. In addition, the hemiparetic were 3.3 times more likely to return home than the hemiplegic.

We conclude that rehabilitation priorities should be directed towards patients younger than 75 years and to those with an admission FIM of 40-60 points. The results of this study reaffirm the usefulness of the FIM index in assessing stroke rehabilitation.

Characteristics, Management and Prognosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction (Israel 1990-1996)

Israeli Survey Group On Acute Myocardial Infarction

From 1990 to 1996 we conducted consecutive 2-month surveys in all CCUs (n=26) in Israel. The aim was to compare the characteristics, management, and prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) between the 4 surveys.

Patient characteristics were similar in all surveys. About 75% of patients were males and had a first MI. Mechanical and arrhythmic complications decreased slightly between 1990 and 1996. In contrast, frequency of treatment with thrombolysis, aspirin, beta-blockers and ACE-I, as well as coronary interventional procedures, increased tremendously.

In parallel, 30-day and 1-year mortality decreased significantly, from 16.5% and 22.5%, respectively, to 9.0% and 13.9%. After multiple adjustment for factors associated with mortality, the 30-day relative risk of death for patients hospitalized in 1992, 1994 and 1996 was 0.79 (95% CI 0.59-1.08), 0.75 (95% CI 0.56-1.01) and 0.54 (95% CI 0.39-9.74), respectively, as compared with 1990.

Although there is no direct proof that changes in management of AMI are related to the reduction in mortality seen during the course of the surveys, the association seems likely.