Photoplethysmography in postoperative monitoring of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) free flaps.

OBJECTIVE: Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) free flaps are widely used as a reconstruction option following mastectomy in breast cancer. During such cases partial tissue necrosis can occur due to the insufficient blood supply to the transplanted tissue site. Therefore, monitoring of flap perfusion and early detection of flap failure is a prerequisite to flap survival. There is a need to develop a non-invasive, easy to use, reproducible and inexpensive monitoring device to assess flap perfusion postoperatively. APPROACH: A three-wavelength reflective optical sensor and processing system based on the principle of photoplethysmography (PPG) has been developed to investigate blood volumetric changes and estimate free flap blood oxygen saturation continuously and non-invasively in DIEP free flaps in the postoperative period. The system was evaluated in 15 patients undergoing breast reconstructive surgery using DIEP free flap. Main results and Significance: Good quality red, infrared and green PPG signals were obtained in the postoperative period. Initial estimation of blood oxygen saturation values estimated from the free flap PPGs seem to be in broad agreement with the commercial finger pulse oximeter used in this study. This pilot study has demonstrated that PPG has the potential to be used as a monitoring technique in assessing free flap viability.

Assessing bone banking activities at University of Malaya medical centre.

The main advantage of establishing in-house bone banks is its ability to readily provide allograft bones for local surgeries. Bone procurement activities of our university bone bank during the 10 years of operation were reviewed. Socio-demographic data of donors, types of bone procured, cases of rejected bones and types of allograft bones transplanted are presented. From 179 potential donors, 73 % were accepted with 213 procured bones. Femoral head was the common bone transplanted (45 %), as it was also the most common procured (82 %). Bones were rejected mainly due to non-technical reasons (83 %) rather than positive results of microbiological (13 %) and serological (4 %) tests. Comprehensive data could not be obtained for further analysis due to difficulties in retrieving information. Therefore, quality assurance system was improved to establish more systematic documentations, as the basis of good banking practice with process control hence allowing traceability.

Free flap pulse oximetry utilizing reflectance photoplethysmography.

The successful salvage of a free flap is dependent on the continuous monitoring of perfusion. To date there is no widely accepted and readily available post-operative monitoring technique to reliably assess the viability of free flaps by continuously monitoring free flap blood oxygen saturation. In an attempt to overcome the limitations of the current techniques a reflectance photoplethysmographic (PPG) processing system has been developed with the capability of real-time estimation of arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels implemented in LabVIEW. This system was evaluated in clinical measurements on five patients undergoing breast reconstruction using Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap. Good quality PPG signals were obtained from the flaps and fingers simultaneously. The estimated free flap SpO2 values were in broad agreement with the oxygen saturation readings from the commercial pulse oximeter. The results suggest that reflectance free flap photoplethysmography can be used as a continuous monitoring technique to non-invasively monitor the perfusion of free flaps.

Novel Mutations in Sandhoff Disease: A Molecular Analysis among Iranian Cohort of Infantile Patients.

BACKGROUND: Sandhoff disease is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by ß-hexosaminidase deficiency and accumulation of GM2 ganglioside resulting in progressive motor neuron manifestations and death from respiratory failure and infections in infantiles. Pathogenic mutations in HEXB gene were observed which leads to enzyme activity reduction and interruption of normal metabolic cycle of GM2 ganglioside in sandhoff patients. METHODS: Six infantile index patients with typical biochemical and clinical picture of the disease were studied at the molecular level. After DNA extraction and amplification, probands and their parents, were evaluated by direct sequencing of amplicons. RESULTS: We identified 7 different mutations among which 4 were novel. The most prevalent finding (50%) among our population was a 16 kb deletion including the promoter and exons 1-5. The other findings included c.1552delG and c.410G>A, c.362 A>G, c.550delT, c.1597C>T, c.1752delTG. CONCLUSION: We conclude that Cys137Tyr and R533C mutations may be pathogenic because of changing amino acid and locating at the conserved region and also they have not been observed in hundred controls. Besides, four mutations including: Cys137Tyr, c.1552delG, c.1597C>T and c.550delT fulfilled almost criteria for pathogenic mutation.

Development of a reflectance photoplethysmographic sensor used for the assessment of free flap perfusion.

Monitoring of free flap perfusion and early identification of flap failure is an indispensable prerequisite for flap salvage. Although many methods of free flap monitoring are available, there is still no single reliable continuous non-invasive perfusion monitoring technique which will also assist in the early recognition of flap failure. In order to overcome the current technological limitations, we have developed a multi-wavelength photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor and processing system to systematically investigate the perfusion mechanism in flaps used in reconstructive plastic microsurgery. The new prototype reflectance photoplethysmographic sensor was evaluated on three anaesthetized patients undergoing elective breast reconstructive (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap) surgery. PPG signals were successfully obtained pre-operatively, intra-operatively and post-operatively. These preliminary results suggest that a PPG sensor may be a suitable method for evaluating the perfusion of free flap.

Retention rates of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) currently form the mainstay of treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to evaluate the retention rates of "therapeutic segments" of DMARDs in patients with RA. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of RA patients with at least one year of follow-up. A therapeutic segment is said to begin when one DMARD combination is instituted and it ends with a subsequent change. The disability index for each patient was calculated using a modified health assessment questionnaire. Retention rates were calculated using the Kaplan Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: 375 DMARD courses in 102 patients were analysed. 99 courses were being continued at the time of the study and hence were censored for the purposes of analysis. The respective median (interquartile range [IQR]) retention period for segments containing methotrexate (MTX), sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine and leflunomide was 28 (15-45), 12 (3-20), 18 (9-24), 15 (4-32) months. The log-rank statistical test indicated that MTX was retained longer singly (median [IQR] 43 [32-70] months) than in combination (median [IQR] 19 [10-24] months) (p-value is 0.001). The commonest reason for the discontinuation of the DMARD segment was the disease "slipping out" of control (51.1 percent) followed by adverse effects (24.3 percent). Treatment termination on account of disease control was encountered in 16.3 percent of courses only. As many as 63 percent of single DMARD segments were changed because of disease "slip out" as compared to 41 percent of combination DMARD segments. Adverse effects were a more frequent cause of termination of the combination segments (32 vs. 15 percent). CONCLUSION: MTX, used singly, had the highest retention rates among all the DMARDs used in RA patients. Disease "slip out" and adverse effects frequently required a change of the therapeutic segment.

Measurement of blood flow in the rotator cuff using laser Doppler flowmetry.

The aim of this study was to define the microcirculation of the normal rotator cuff during arthroscopic surgery and investigate whether it is altered in diseased cuff tissue. Blood flow was measured intra-operatively by laser Doppler flowmetry. We investigated six different zones of each rotator cuff during the arthroscopic examination of 56 consecutive patients undergoing investigation for impingement, cuff tears or instability; there were 336 measurements overall. The mean laser Doppler flowmetry flux was significantly higher at the edges of the tear in torn cuffs (43.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 37.8 to 48.4) compared with normal cuffs (32.8, 95% CI 27.4 to 38.1; p = 0.0089). It was significantly lower across all anatomical locations in cuffs with impingement (25.4, 95% CI 22.4 to 28.5) compared with normal cuffs (p = 0.0196), and significantly lower in cuffs with impingement compared with torn cuffs (p < 0.0001). Laser Doppler flowmetry analysis of the rotator cuff blood supply indicated a significant difference between the vascularity of the normal and the pathological rotator cuff. We were unable to demonstrate a functional hypoperfusion area or so-called 'critical zone' in the normal cuff. The measured flux decreases with advancing impingement, but there is a substantial increase at the edges of rotator cuff tears. This might reflect an attempt at repair.

Giant penoscrotal filariasis.

A 42 year old male individual having a hugely distended scrotum and barely perceptible penis, unable to maintain his livelihood on account of his handicap and socially withdrawn for the fear of humiliation, got admitted into the Surgery department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital in August 5, 2007. The person had been carrying the so called curse for the last four years. On the basis of clinical, serological and haematological examinations, diagnosis was established as lymphatic filariasis causing elephantiasis of the scrotum. After assessment for operative feasibility, the patient underwent an operation in August 20, 2007 during which, ligation of both the spermatic cords, excision of the scrotum along with the testicles and reposition of the penile shaft into the anterior pelvic wall in the subcutaneous plane (Fleying procedure) was performed. The scrotum measured about 36 inches in diameter and weighed 40 kgs after excision. Histopathological examination of the scrotal skin confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was released without any complication, on the 11th post operative day after removal of stitches, with indwelling urethral catheter. He was prescribed Doxicycline for the next 8 weeks, a drug which has been found to be effective in treating filariasis in a number of studies, and acts by killing a symbiotic bacteria necessary for the survival of the worm. Follow up after 3 months was uneventful.

Prevention of beta-thalassemia in a large Pakistani family through cascade testing.

BACKGROUND: We report cascade testing of a large Pakistani family for beta-thalassemia alleles. The family was still practicing consanguineous marriages and was at risk of having more affected births. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to show that identification of disease carriers in families with index cases in order to create awareness about disease and provide genetic counseling would result in reduction of the frequency of beta-thalassemia in Pakistan. METHODS: In this large family with an index case, 27 available living members were tested for beta-thalassemia. Carriers of the disease were detected by measuring hemoglobin indices, and amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction was used for mutation analysis. Genetic counseling was provided to members of this family. RESULTS: There were already 3 marriages between the carrier members and 1 between a carrier and noncarrier in this large family; 12 (44.4%) members were found to carry the mutant gene, representing a very high carrier rate compared to the 5.4% carrier frequency of beta-thalassemia in the general population of Pakistan. The family was counseled for prevention of affected births. The initially reluctant family gradually became cooperative and seriously attended the genetic counseling sessions. CONCLUSION: Cascade testing is more practical than general population screening in a country with limited health facilities where consanguineous marriages are practiced. This report emphasizes the need of extensive testing within families with index cases to identify the carriers of beta-thalassemia in order to reduce disease occurrence through awareness and genetic counseling.

The use of a mobile lithotripter in the treatment of tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of the mobile lithotripter in the treatment of tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis. METHOD: A prospective single blind randomised trial was performed on 24 patients with tennis elbow and 23 patients with plantar fasciitis, with a mean duration of symptoms of 11 months. All patients had failed one or more method of treatment--conservative, topical non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), steroid injection and/or surgery. The patients were divided into treatment and placebo groups. The placebo group received treatment with a clasp on the elbow/heel to stop penetration of shock waves. A baseline pain score was obtained using the Million Visual Analogue scale (0-10). The affected area was infiltrated with 3-5mls of 1% lignocaine. The treatment consisted of 2000 shock waves at 2.5 bars of air pressure with a frequency of 8-10Hz. A total of three treatments were given at an interval of two weeks, each lasting for three to four minutes. RESULTS: In the treatment groups, a final pain score at six months post treatment showed significant improvement (three or more points) in 78% of patients with tennis elbow and 93% of patients with plantar fasciitis. In the placebo groups, significant improvement was seen in one patient (9%) with tennis elbow. The other patients in the placebo groups did not show significant improvement. This was statistically significant (chi square test) for both conditions. CONCLUSION: The mobile lithotripter is an effective way of treating tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis but warrants further larger studies.

Coronary capillary remodeling in non-insulin-dependent diabetic rats: amelioration by inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme and its potential clinical implications.

Using Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats, a model of human non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) that exhibits hypertension, obesity, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, the role of local angiotensin II in cardiovascular complications at early stages of NIDDM was characterized. OLETF rats were given an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, cilazapril (10 mg/kg/day) or vehicle from the age of 5 weeks to 20 weeks. Arteriolar, intermediate and venular capillary proportions were determined by the double-staining method and levels of collagen and non-collagenous proteins were determined by the selective dye-binding method in heart tissues. In OLETF rats at 20 weeks of age, capillary network remodeling (i.e., an increase in arteriolar portions and a decrease in venular portions) and an increase in collagen content were detected. Cilazapril not only exerted favorable effects on markers of diabetes, but also prevented capillary network remodeling and ameliorated the increase in collagen content. These results suggest that 1) capillary network remodeling and increase in extracellular matrix protein levels precede the onset of overt NIDDM in OLETF rats, and 2) angiotensin II may be involved in the pathogenesis of cardiac complications in the early stages of NIDDM.

Psoralen-ultraviolet A therapy vs. psoralen-ultraviolet B therapy in the treatment of plaque-type psoriasis: our experience with fitzpatrick skin type IV.

BACKGROUND: Oral psoralen, when combined with UVB, shows an increased response in psoriasis. In this study, conventional psoralen-UVA (PUVA) therapy was compared with psoralen-UVB (PUVB) therapy in plaque-type psoriasis in patients with Fitzpatrick skin type IV. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Equal numbers of patients with stable, plaque-type psoriasis were treated with either PUVA (n = 22) or PUVB (n = 22), three times weekly until 90% clearance was achieved. A final evaluation was made 3 months later. RESULTS: The two groups showed no significant differences in terms of clearance of disease, mean number of exposures, or the average duration of therapy; however, the cumulative dose of UVB required for clearance was significantly lower than that of UVA. Both groups had a similar acute side-effects' profile. CONCLUSIONS: PUVB therapy is as effective as conventional PUVA in the treatment of stable, plaque-type psoriasis in patients with Fitzpatrick skin type IV. A significantly lower dose of UVB is required for clearance as compared with UVA.

Constituents and cytotoxicity of Zanthoxylum rhesta stem bark.

3,5-Dimethoxy-4-geranyloxycinnamyl alcohol (1), 8-methoxy-N-methylflindersine (2), xanthyletin and sesamin have been isolated from petroleum ether extract of the stem bark of Zanthoxylum rhesta. The petroleum ether extract and 8-methoxy-N-methylflindersine showed cytotoxicity on brine shrimp nauplii.

Diminished fibrinolysis and thrombosis: clinical implications for accelerated atherosclerosis.

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Cytokines and oxygen-centered free radicals implicated in insulin resistance stimulate adipocyte and endothelial production of plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), the primary physiologic inhibitor of fibrinolysis, in vitro. In obese hyperinsulinemic animal models simulating insulin resistance, plasma PAI-1 activity is increased. As the cardiovascular risk profile in specific populations may differ, endogenous fibrinolysis in lean and obese subjects was characterized and the mechanisms underlying differences were identified. Obese subjects (body mass index > 26) exhibited increased blood levels of PAI-1 antigen compared with corresponding values in lean controls. Blood t-PA antigen differed as well, yet basal endogenous fibrinolytic activity was decreased because of the high PAI-1 activity. The increased PAI-1 level was associated with increased levels of immunoreactive insulin (IRI). In diabetic subjects, coronary atherectomy specimens exhibited strong positive PAI-1 immunostaining, suggesting that in the diabetic vascular wall, intramural fibrinolytic activity is diminished. Using the oral glucose tolerance test, patients with significant stenosis confirmed by coronary angiography exhibited increased sigmaIRI, sigmaBS, sigmaIRI/sigmaBS, and IRI at 120 min compared to subjects without significant stenosis. IRI at 120 min was closely correlated with the severity of coronary artery disease. These results indicate that adipocyte overproduction of PAI-1 by insulin induces decreased endogenous fibrinolytic activity and contributes to the accelerated coronary macroangiopathy in hyperinsulinemic obese subjects with insulin resistance.

MRI findings in simultaneous bilateral meniscal lesions.

This study investigates concurrent lesions of the knee that may be associated with bilateral simultaneous meniscal lesions. The MRI images of the knees of 22 patients with this condition were examined in detail. The results suggest a degenerative cause.

Arthroscopic shaving of a hematoma after total knee arthroplasty.

A large hematoma in the immediate postoperative period after total knee arthroplasty may result in wound breakdown and skin necrosis, leading to a delay in recovery or prosthetic infection and failure. Needle aspiration is ineffective because of the viscous nature of the hematoma. This is the first report of the use of an arthroscopic shaver to evacuate such a hematoma in an 81-year-old woman 6 days after a primary total knee arthroplasty. This allowed for immediate pain relief, early mobilization, and primary wound healing.

Pressure dependence of atrial natriuretic peptide during norepinephrine infusion in humans.

The relative contribution of increased blood pressure (BP) or norepinephrine (NE), or both, to the stimulatory effect of an NE pressor infusion on circulating immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was evaluated in 10 healthy young men. They were studied during an infusion of NE, which was applied initially alone and then in combination with sodium nitroprusside. NE infusion rate was increased in four 30-minute intervals to a final dose of 200 ng/kg body weight per minute, leading to 12-fold higher plasma NE levels than were seen during control conditions. This increased mean BP (from a mean basal value of 94 +/- 3 to 119 +/- 4 [SEM] mm Hg; p less than 0.001) and plasma immunoreactive ANP (from 50 +/- 7 to 112 +/- 17 pg/ml; p less than 0.001), whereas heart rate decreased (p less than 0.001). The NE infusion was continued at the highest dose and an additional infusion of sodium nitroprusside was started to titrate mean BP in 30-minute intervals down to control values; a mean sodium nitroprusside dose of 0.95 micrograms/kg/min restored mean BP to 93 +/- 4 mm Hg (p less than 0.001), decreased plasma immunoreactive ANP to basal values (51 +/- 4 pg/ml; p less than 0.001), increased heart rate (p less than 0.001), and left plasma levels of NE largely unchanged. Plasma protein and hematocrit rose about 5 to 6% (p less than 0.001) during the NE infusion and then decreased about 3 to 4% (p less than 0.001 and p less than 0.01) when sodium nitroprusside was added.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)