Ossification of the posterior capitellum: description of a new pathology and its radiological appearance.

BACKGROUND: Boxer elbow and handball goalkeeper elbow are causes of impingement characterized by osteophytes formation at the olecranon and coronoid tip as well as their corresponding fossae. Herein, we present another distinct pathology in these patients: the formation of an exostosis at the posterolateral aspect of the elbow. METHODS: Between April 2016 and May 2020, 12 athletes with boxer elbow and handball goalkeeper elbow (mean age of 22 years) suffering from elbow pain were enrolled in the present study. Plain radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computer tomography (CT) scans were used to evaluate the bone conformation of the posterolateral aspect of the elbow. Assessment and staging of the ossification was performed by two independent fellowship-trained elbow surgeons. RESULTS: Bone marrow edema of the posterior aspect of the elbow at the origin of the anconeus muscle was initially detected in MRI scans. With the progression of the condition, imaging revealed an ossification posterior to the capitellum with bony bridges. In the advanced stage of the disease, the exostoses was unstable as the ossification had no adherence to the posterior capitellum during surgical excision. Plain radiographs are limited in their ability to detect the condition, whereas MRI and CT scans allow to identify a signal enhancement at the posterolateral aspect of the elbow. CONCLUSION: In patients without history of elbow trauma, bony irregularities of the posterior aspect of the capitellum may indicate ossification of the posterolateral aspect of the elbow, most likely caused by repetitive hyperextensions.

[Coronoid reconstruction with autologous iliac crest bone graft in chronic elbow instability through a medial approach]. / Coronoidaufbau mittels Beckenkammspan über einen medialen Zugang zur Therapie von chronischen Coronoiddefekten mit posteromedialer Rotationsinstabilität.

OBJECTIVE: Neutralizing a posteromedial rotatory instability (PMRI) caused by coronoid deficiency by restoration of the humeroulnar joint surface with an autologous iliac crest bone graft. INDICATIONS: Surgery is indicated in patients with chronic deficiency of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid with subsequent PMRI. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Coronoid reconstruction is not recommended in patients with advanced osteoarthritis of the elbow caused by subluxation of the humeroulnar joint. General contraindications like acute infection, pregnancy and lack of operability should also be taken into account. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: First, a medial approach is established and the base of the coronoid is prepared. Afterwards an autologous iliac crest bone graft is placed onto the defect and secured by screws or a plate. In addition, a reconstruction of the anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament with an autologous tendon graft is performed. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: An elbow orthesis is worn for 6 weeks after surgery to avoid valgus or varus stress. There is no restriction in range of motion. A continuous passive motion elbow chair supports the patient in regaining elbow mobility. RESULTS: Between 2015 and 2017, we treated 10 patients suffering from chronic coronoid defects with coronoid reconstruction. Eight of the patients were available for follow-up 86 weeks after surgery. The mean age was 41.4 years. In all patients, elbow range of motion and patient-related outcome measures were improved after surgery. Plain radiographs illustrated correct centering of the elbow joint. One patient had to undergo elbow arthroplasty and was excluded. Coronoid reconstruction with an autologous iliac crest bone graft restored humeroulnar joint congruency and improved satisfaction in patients suffering from chronic coronoid deficiency.

[Latissimus dorsi transfer with a modified single-incision Herzberg technique and description of its arthroscopic advancement]. / Latissimus-dorsi-Transfer in modifizierter Single-incision-Technik nach Herzberg und Beschreibung einer arthroskopischen Erweiterung.

OBJECTIVE: Latissimus dorsi transfer aims to reduce pain and improve function for irreparable tears of the posterosuperior rotator cuff by restoring the transversal force couple to improve external rotation and delaying superior migration of the humeral head. INDICATIONS: Surgery is advocated in patients with unbearable shoulder pain and limited external rotation caused by an irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear. Usually, a latissimus transfer is recommended in the presence of superior migration of the humeral head, higher grade fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff and a restriction of range of motion and strength for abduction and external rotation. Advantages of the arthroscopically assisted technique are the missing need of detaching the deltoid from its origin, smaller incisions and therapy of concomitant intraarticular lesions. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Little pain and sufficient shoulder function in massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tears do not necessitate latissimus transfer. In the presence of subscapularis tears, osteoarthritis and deltoid dysfunction as well as shoulder stiffness tendon transfer are associated with inferior clinical outcomes. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Surgery is performed in prone position. The incision is made about 5 cm caudal of the posterolateral corner of the acromion and extends over 6 cm at the inferior border of the deltoid muscle. After exploration and protection of the axillary and radial nerve the latissimus tendon is peeled off of the humerus. The medial part of the latissimus is then mobilized to gain length for the later transfer. Afterwards the footprint of the infraspinatus is visualized and debrided. Two or three suture anchors are placed into the posterosuperior aspect of the greater tuberosity. The sutures are stitched through the tendon in a horizontal mattress stitch configuration and the tendon tied onto the bone. In arthroscopic advancement, the patient is placed in an upright beach-chair position with the arm attached to an arm holder. After debridement of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus footprint, arthroscopic preparation at the anterior border of the subscapularis tendon is performed. The latissimus tendon is visualized and detached with electrocautery. Afterwards the interval between posterior rotator cuff and deltoid muscle is prepared to allow the transfer of the latissimus tendon to the posterosuperior footprint. This marks the transition to the open approach, in which the arm is placed in a flexed and internally rotated position. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Immobilization in a shoulder sling for 3 weeks. Early passive range of motion (ROM: flexion 30°, internal rotation 60°, abduction 0°, external rotation 0°) was immediately allowed. After 3 weeks, passive ROM was increased to 90° of flexion, 60° of abduction, whereas external rotation was still restricted. After 7 weeks, free passive ROM and after 8 weeks active ROM (assisted) were allowed. RESULTS: In all, 67 patients (mean age 63 years) were examined 54 months (±â€¯28) after open transfer of the latissimus dorsi tendon. Constant score improved from 24 (±â€¯6) points to 68 (±â€¯17) points. Active flexion increased from 83° (±â€¯47°) to 144° (±â€¯35°), abduction from 69° (±â€¯33°) to 134° (±â€¯42°) and external rotation from 24° (±â€¯18°) to 35° (±â€¯21°). The VAS score decreased from 6.3 (±â€¯1.1) to 1.8 (±â€¯2). However, osteoarthritis worsened over time and the Hamada-Fukuda stage increased from 1.4 to 2.1 and the acromihumeral distance decreased from 7.9 (±â€¯2.6) to 5.1 (±â€¯2.2) at final follow-up.

Assessment of acetabular chondral damage and labral pathologies via direct MR arthrography: specialization matters.

AIMS: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of investigators from different specialities (radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons) with varying levels of experience of 1.5 T direct magnetic resonance arthrography (dMRA) against intraoperative findings in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). METHODS: A total of 272 patients were evaluated with dMRA and subsequent hip arthroscopy. The dMRA images were evaluated independently by two non-hip-arthroscopy-trained orthopaedic surgeons, two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists, and two hip-arthroscopy-trained orthopaedic surgeons. The radiological diagnoses were compared with the intraoperative findings. RESULTS: Hip arthroscopy revealed labral pathologies in 218 (79%) and acetabular chondral lesions in 190 (69%) hips. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy for evaluating the acetabular labral pathologies were 79%, 18%, 79%, 18%, and 66% (non-hip-arthroscopy trained orthopaedic surgeons), 83%, 36%, 83%, 36%, and 74% (fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists), and 88%, 53%, 88%, 54% and 81% (hip-arthroscopy trained orthopaedic surgeons). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of dMRA for assessing the acetabular chondral damage were 81%, 36%, 71%, 50%, and 66% (non-hip-arthroscopy trained orthopaedic surgeons), 84%, 38%, 75%, 52%, and 70% (fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists), and 91%, 51%, 81%, 73%, and 79% (hip-arthroscopy trained orthopaedic surgeons). The hip-arthroscopy trained orthopaedic surgeons displayed the highest percentage of correctly diagnosed labral pathologies and acetabular chondral lesions, which is significantly higher than the other two investigator groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The accuracy of dMRA on detecting labral pathologies or acetabular chondral lesions depends on the examiner and its level of experience in hip arthroscopy. The highest values are found for the hip-arthroscopy-trained orthopaedic surgeons. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective cohort study; III.

Results after arthroscopic treatment of iliopsoas impingement after total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: A cause of groin pain after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is mechanical irritation or impingement of the iliopsoas tendon. The incidence is about 4%. If conservative therapy fails, an arthroscopic release of the iliopsoas tendon can be performed. The aim of the study was to assess the mid-term clinical outcome after arthroscopic release. We hypothesize that good results can be achieved by a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure. METHODS: Using our in-house database, all patients who received an endoscopic release of the iliopsoas tendon due to mechanical irritation after THA were identified. Inclusion criteria were mechanical irritation of the iliopsoas tendon after cementless THA with minimal acetabular component prominence. Exclusion criteria were marked prominence of the acetabular component and groin pain after THA for any other reason. In these patients, the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the pain level using the numerical analogue scale and the UCLA Activity Score were measured. The mean follow-up period was 7 ± 3.8 (2.6-11.7) years. RESULTS: 25 patients were identified in whom an arthroscopic release of the iliopsoas tendon had been performed since 2007. The data of 20 patients were available at follow-up. The gender ratio was 1:1, the average age at the time of arthroscopy was 59 ± 27.7 (52-78) years. The average interval between THA and arthroscopy was 6.3 ± 4.0 (1.7-15) years. The mHHS showed a significant improvement from preoperative 31.2 ± 9.8 (17.6-47.3) to 82.0 ± 9.8 (46.2-100) points (p = 0.001). The pain level on the NAS decreased significantly from 8.5 ± 1.2 (7-10) to 2.5 ± 1.8 (0-6) points (p = 0.001). The activity level based on the UCLA Activity Score raised from 4.0 ± 2.7 (0-7) to 6.5 ± 1.8 (3-9) (p = 0.09). CONCLUSION: Mechanical irritation and impingement of the iliopsoas tendon is an important diagnosis to be considered in persistent groin pain after total hip arthroplasty. In failure of non-operative treatment, good clinical results can be achieved with arthroscopic release and the pain level can be significantly reduced. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Outstanding radiation resistance of tungsten-based high-entropy alloys.

A body-centered cubic W-based refractory high entropy alloy with outstanding radiation resistance has been developed. The alloy was grown as thin films showing a bimodal grain size distribution in the nanocrystalline and ultrafine regimes and a unique 4-nm lamella-like structure revealed by atom probe tomography (APT). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and x-ray diffraction show certain black spots appearing after thermal annealing at elevated temperatures. TEM and APT analysis correlated the black spots with second-phase particles rich in Cr and V. No sign of irradiation-created dislocation loops, even after 8 dpa, was observed. Furthermore, nanomechanical testing shows a large hardness of 14 GPa in the as-deposited samples, with near negligible irradiation hardening. Theoretical modeling combining ab initio and Monte Carlo techniques predicts the formation of Cr- and V-rich second-phase particles and points at equal mobilities of point defects as the origin of the exceptional radiation tolerance.

[Performance control after arthroscopic arthrolysis with capsulectomy in fresh-frozen elbow joints]. / Erfolgskontrolle nach arthroskopischer Arthrolyse mit Kapsulektomie am Ellenbogengelenk im Fresh-frozen-Präparat.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Posttraumatic or postoperative movement restrictions in elbow joints can often occur (including capsular contracture) and can generate everyday limitations. In persistent elbow stiffness, arthroscopic arthrolysis with removal of the dorsal and ventral capsule portions can be carried out. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of arthroscopic capsulectomy by means of an in vitro anatomical study. METHODS: A standardized elbow arthroscopy with ventral and dorsal capsulectomy was performed and image-documented in five fresh-frozen elbow specimens. Subsequently, open dissection of the elbow joint was performed to analyze the amount of residual capsule by means of photodocumentation of the specimens. RESULTS: Regardless of the surgeon and surgical experience, anterior and posterior remnants of the capsule remained in all specimens. Dorsal capsule strands around the standard arthroscopy portals were noticed particularly more often in the area of the high dorsolateral camera portal. An incomplete capsulectomy was seen on the ulnar side at the level of the posterior medial ligament (PML) in the immediate vicinity of the ulnar nerve. Ventrally, a capsulectomy was performed from the radial side and also the ulnar side until the brachialis muscle and additionally a complete capsulectomy as far as the anterior medial ligament (AML) and radial collateral ligament (RCL) was achieved. The capsule was completely resected in a proximal direction. Distally, irrelevant capsular remnants were found in the region of the annular ligament and distal of the tip of the coronoid process. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic arthrolysis can be performed with a high degree of radicality. The radicality must be self-critically taken into account in one's own action. The radicality of the portal change may even be higher ventrally than with an isolated column procedure. On the other hand, it must be critically considered that posteriorly, the PML cannot be adequately addressed by means of arthroscopy due to the risk of ulnar nerve injury. Portal changes might help to enable a more complete visualization of the joint capsule and may avoid leaving possibly relevant remnants of the capsule. If a release of the PML is required, this may have to be carried out in combination with an ulnar nerve release in a mini-open technique.

Reasons for surgical revision after conservatively treated radial head fractures-retrospective study of 70 patients.

BACKGROUND: An inadequate clinical outcome after conservatively treated radial head fractures is not uncommon. We analyzed the subjective limitations, objective complaints, and surgical procedures for radial head fractures initially treated conservatively. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Between 2007 and 2016, 70 patients (42 men, 28 women) who suffered from fracture sequelae after conservatively treated radial head fractures were examined. Demographic (age, 41.8 years, range, 16-75 years) and clinical data (pain, range of motion, instability) were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The average time to surgery after trauma was 50 months (range, 5-360 months). In 38 cases, radial head fractures were initially treated with immobilization for 3.4 weeks (range, 1-8 weeks). Physiotherapeutic treatment was performed in 39 cases. In only half of the cases was retrospective Mason classification possible: 20 type I, 8 type II, 5 type III, and 2 type IV. Of the 70 patients, 53 had posttraumatic elbow stiffness; 34 had isolated lateral and four patients isolated medial ligament instability. There were eight cases with a combination of lateral and medial ligament instability and 27 cases of elbow stiffness combined with instability. An average of 1.2 (range, 1-4) surgical procedures per patient were performed. In all, 64 patients underwent elbow arthroscopy with arthrolysis and additional treatment depending on other injuries. The range of motion improved on average from preoperative flexion/extension of 131-15-0° to postoperative flexion/extension of 135-5-0° (gain in flexion: 4.2° and extension: 10.6°). CONCLUSION: Conservative treatment of radial head fractures does not always yield good results. Reasons for a poor outcome include chronic instability, cartilage damage, stiffness, or a combination thereof. Improved outcomes can be achieved via arthroscopic arthrolysis.

The Impact of Pinless Navigation in Conventionally Aligned Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Restoration of the mechanical axis is a main objective in total knee replacement (TKR). Aim of this study was to analyse the verification tool of a pinless navigation system in conventional TKR (cTKR). METHODS: In a prospective study, 147 TKR were performed by conventional technique. Using the "pinless verification" mode of a smartphone based navigation system, the cutting block position and final resection plane for distal femur and proximal tibial resection were measured. If necessary, the block position or resection level were optimized, corrections were protocolled. Postoperatively, standardized radiographs were performed. RESULTS: In 65.3%, intraoperative measurements changed the surgical procedure (corrections: 20.4% femoral, 25.9% tibial, 19% both). The additional time for surgery compared to cTKR averaged 6 minutes (79 ± 15 versus 73 ± 17 minutes). Using navigation data, the final femoral and tibial axes were in 93% within a range of ±2°. A mean difference of 1.4° and 1.6° could be shown between the final measurement of the navigation system and the postoperative mLDFA and mMPTA. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative pinless navigation has impact on the surgical procedure in the majority of cTKR. It represents a less time-consuming tool to improve implant position while maintaining the routine of conventional technique.

[Destruction of the radial head : Endoprosthesis, autologous reconstruction or anconeus arthroplasty?] / Destruktion des Radiuskopfes : Endoprothese, autologer Aufbau oder Anconeusplastik?

BACKGROUND: Radiocapitellar arthritis or defects most often result from trauma. Most of the patients are young and have high functional demands with high load capacities. Therefore, endoprosthetic options should be postponed for as long as possible. If conservative treatment cannot relieve symptoms sufficiently, radial head preservation, resection or replacement options are at the surgeon's disposal. In early stages of radiocapitellar arthritis, radial head preservation options can be taken into account. The chances ofgood results decrease with increasing cartilage damage. TREATMENT OPTIONS: In addition to radial head preservation options this article discusses radial head resection with and without anconeus interposition and radial head as well as radiocapitellar replacement. Clinical data are rare. The advantages and disadvantages of each option must be discussed with the patient and the decision should be made individually on the basis of patient specific factors. The aim must be to postpone endoprosthetic options - especially total elbow arthroplasty - for as long as possible, while assuring a functional range of motion with an acceptable pain level.

Inter- and intraobserver reliability of the Rockwood classification in acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations.

PURPOSE: The reliability of the Rockwood classification, the gold standard for acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations, has not yet been tested. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability of visual and measured AC joint lesion grades according to the Rockwood classification. METHODS: Four investigators (two shoulder specialists and two second-year residents) examined radiographs (bilateral panoramic stress and axial views) in 58 patients and graded the injury according to the Rockwood classification using the following sequence: (1) visual classification of the AC joint lesion, (2) digital measurement of the coracoclavicular distance (CCD) and the horizontal dislocation (HD) with Osirix Dicom Viewer (Pixmeo, Switzerland), (3) classification of the AC joint lesion according to the measurements and (4) repetition of (1) and (2) after repeated anonymization by an independent physician. Visual and measured Rockwood grades as well as the CCD and HD of every patient were documented, and a CC index was calculated (CCD injured/CCD healthy). All records were then used to evaluate intra- and interobserver reliability. RESULTS: The disagreement between visual and measured diagnosis ranged from 6.9 to 27.6 %. Interobserver reliability for visual diagnosis was good (0.72-0.74) and excellent (0.85-0.93) for measured Rockwood grades. Intraobserver reliability was good to excellent (0.67-0.93) for visual diagnosis and excellent for measured diagnosis (0.90-0.97). The correlations between measurements of the axial view varied from 0.68 to 0.98 (good to excellent) for interobserver reliability and from 0.90 to 0.97 (excellent) for intraobserver reliability. CONCLUSION: Bilateral panoramic stress and axial radiographs are reliable examinations for grading AC joint injuries according to Rockwood's classification. Clinicians of all experience levels can precisely classify AC joint lesions according to the Rockwood classification. We recommend to grade acute ACG lesions by performing a digital measurement instead of a sole visual diagnosis because of the higher intra- and interobserver reliability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series, Level IV.

[Injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament in athletes]. / Verletzungen des vorderen Kreuzbandes bei Sportlern.

Anterior cruciate ligament ruptures represent serious injuries for athletes which are often associated with accompanying injuries and lead to relevant kinematic alterations in the femorotibial roll-glide mechanism of the knee joint. Instability resulting in recurrent giving way events, as well as instability-related meniscal and cartilage lesions can cause functional long-term impairment that may limit the athlete's career. Anterior cruciate ligament replacement is therefore considered to be the gold standard for recovery of physical performance and to prevent secondary meniscal and cartilage damage. Continuous changes in the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament have led to a variety of different methods, including graft choice, fixation devices and surgical techniques, which support the consideration of individual requirements of the athlete as well as sport-specific aspects. One of the main factors for restoring stability and the physiological kinematic roll-glide mechanism of the knee is an anatomical tunnel placement as well as a stable graft fixation in the tibia and femur. By achieving of these fundamental technical requirements an early functional rehabilitation and accelerated recovery of neuromuscular skills, strength and coordination can be achieved, so that an early return to sport activities is possible.

Infection rates in patients undergoing primary knee arthroplasty with pre-existing orthopaedic fixation-devices.

BACKGROUND: Prior knee surgery in the setting of knee arthroplasty (KA) can influence the overall outcome of the procedure and render the operation more technically challenging. The effects of residual fixation devices on subsequent procedures about the knee are ill-defined. Some authors claim an increase in periprosthetic infection in this cohort of patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the overall incidence of periprosthetic infections in patients undergoing primary KA with pre-existing osteosynthetic hardware in situ. METHODS: The current investigators retrospectively reviewed 124 patients undergoing knee arthroplasty and removal of orthopaedic fixation devices, due to prior high tibial osteotomies, fracture fixation or cruciate ligament reconstruction. The exclusion criterion was a prior history of infection of the fixation device. The mean follow-up time was 5.4 years (range 15 months to 9 years). Nine patients were lost to follow-up. RESULTS: Joint aspiration was performed two weeks prior to surgery in 53 patients (42.4%) and intra-operative samples were obtained in 106 patients (84.8%), which did not show any bacterial growth. A subacute periprosthetic infection occurred after seven months in only one patient. CONCLUSION: The results of the current study demonstrate that previously implanted osteosynthetic fixation devices do not significantly increase the risk of developing periprosthetic knee infections. A two-stage procedure with implant retrieval prior to total knee arthroplasty is not clinically indicated in the cohort described, amongst whom an infection rate of 0.9% was revealed.

[Post-exposure prophylaxis following exposure to HIV: adaptation to the situation may be indicated]. / Postexpositieprofylaxe na blootstelling aan HIV: aanpassing aan de situatie kan geïndiceerd zijn.

A woman aged 36 injured herself on a needle that had been used to take an iliac-crest biopsy from an HIV-positive patient and a man aged 34 and a woman aged 35 had sexual contact with their HIV-positive partners during which the condom tore. They were given post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) which was formulated using medication and virus resistance data from the HIV-positive individual. At 3 and 6 months the patients were all still HIV-negative. After occupational or non-occupational exposure to HIV, PEP is initiated if there is a reasonable risk of transmission of HIV. In The Netherlands a combination of 3 antiretroviral drugs is advised based on demonstrated antiviral effectiveness in the regular treatment of HIV-infections. Frequently a standard PEP-regimen is prescribed. If the source patient has a history of antiretroviral therapy, the virus might be resistant to standard PEP-regimens. In these cases the choice of drugs in the PEP-regimen can be individualised based on the antiretroviral medication history of the source patient and known resistance patterns of the source virus.

HIV-infected patient with a Rhodococcus equi pneumonia.

The case history of a HIV patient with a pulmonary infect of Rhodococcus equi is presented. He recovered after prolonged treatment with antibiotics and lobectomy. The Rhodococcus equi infection was the presenting symptom of his impaired immune status caused by HIV infection.

Discontinuation of prophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in HIV-1-infected patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic drugs for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) are strongly recommended for HIV-1-infected patients with CD4 cell counts of less than 200 cells/microL. Because of the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) currently available, we speculated that prophylaxis can be discontinued in patients with CD4 cell counts of more than 200 cells/microL. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, PCP prophylaxis (primary or secondary) was discontinued in HIV-1-infected patients whose CD4 cell count had increased above 200 cells/microL (documented twice with an interval of at least 1 month) as a result of HAART. Patients and their CD4 cell counts were monitored every 3 months. The primary endpoint of the study was the occurrence or reoccurrence of PCP. FINDINGS: 78 patients were enrolled: 62 patients were receiving prophylaxis for primary prevention of PCP and 16 patients for secondary prevention of PCP. At the time of discontinuation of prophylaxis, the mean CD4 cell count was 347 cells/microL, and HIV-1-RNA was not detectable in 61 patients. The lowest mean CD4 cell count during prophylaxis was 79 cells/microL. Patients stopped prophylaxis 9.8 (SD 6.4) months after they started HAART. The mean follow-up after discontinuation of prophylaxis was 12.7 (SD 7.6) months, and none of the patients developed PCP (97.5% one-sided CI 0-4.4%). INTERPRETATION: The preliminary results of this study indicate that PCP prophylaxis can be stopped safely in HIV-1-infected patients whose CD4 cell counts have increased above 200 cells/microL after treatment with HAART.

[A changed pattern of opportunistic infections and malignancies in HIV-seropositive patients after the introduction of intensive anti-HIV-combination therapy]. / Veranderd patroon van opportunistische infecties en maligniteiten bij HIV-seropositieve patiënten na de introductie van krachtige anti-HIV-combinatiebehandeling.

The application of potent combinations of antiretroviral drugs ('highly active antiretroviral therapy' (HAART)) makes effective therapy of HIV infection feasible. Consequently, the pattern of opportunistic infections and other secondary complications has changed. The incidence of infections and mortality due to aids has declined significantly. Further, the occurrence of other infections and syndromes, till now unknown in patients with aids, has been observed. It is thought that these are caused by HAART-induced inflammation, a phenomenon due to immune enhancement following HAART. An important issue is whether primary and secondary prophylaxis against opportunistic infections can be discontinued after improvement of the immune system: indeed, there are reports that discontinuation is safe in patients with persistent CD4+ cell counts above the critical level for that particular infection while CD4+ cell counts are monitored carefully.

[Poor results of treatment of echinococcosis with albendazole in 7 patients]. / Matig resultaat van behandeling van echinokokkose met albendazol bij 7 patiënten.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of treatment of echinococcal disease with albendazole, a drug recently licensed in the Netherlands for this treatment. SETTING: The University Hospital Utrecht and the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht. DESIGN: Follow-up study. METHOD: Clinical symptoms, serology and size and morphology of cysts of all patients (n = 7) treated with albendazole with a therapeutical dose (10 mg/kg for adults and 6 mg/kg for children in two daily doses during three cycles of 28 days) were monitored for at least one year. RESULTS: Two patients improved, two patients did not show any change, and the condition of three patients deteriorated. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of albendazole treatment with this regimen for hydatid disease is disappointing. If patients are treated with albendazole, the total dose administered to adults should be more than 80 g.