Drainage of pancreatic fluid collections using a lumen-apposing metal stent with an electrocautery-enhanced delivery system.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a lumen-apposing metal stent with an electrocautery-enhanced delivery system (EDS-LAMS) for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) in regular clinical practice. METHODS: A retrospective and subsequent prospective analysis was undertaken of all patients who underwent EUS-guided drainage of their PFCs using the EDS-LAMS at 17 tertiary therapeutic endoscopy centers. RESULTS: Two hundred eight cases of EDS-LAMS deployment were attempted in 202 patients (mean age 52.9 years) at time of evaluation. Ninety-seven patients had pancreatic pseudocysts (PPs), 75 walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN), 10 acute peripancreatic fluid collections (APFCs), 6 acute necrotic collections (ANCs), and 14 postoperative collections (POCs). Procedural technical success was achieved in 202/208 cases (97.1%). Maldeployment occurred in 7/208 cases (3.4%). Clinical success was achieved in 142/160 (88.8%) patients (PP 90%, WOPN 85.2%, APFC 100%, ANC 75%, POC 100%). Delayed adverse events included stent migration in 15/202 (7.4%), stent occlusion and infection in 16/202 (7.9%), major bleeding in 4/202 (2%), and buried EDS-LAMS in 2/202 (1%). PFC recurrence occurred in 13/142 (9.2%) patients; 9/202 (4.5%) required surgical or radiological intervention for PFC management after EDS-LAMS insertion. CONCLUSIONS: This large international multicenter study evaluating the EDS-LAMS for drainage of PFCs in routine clinical practice suggests that the EDS-LAMS are safe and effective for drainage of all types of PFCs; however, further endoscopic therapy is often required for WOPN. Major bleeding was a rare complication in our cohort.

Changes in Nonosteoporotic Bone Density and Subsequent Fractures in Women.

OBJECTIVES: Osteopenia is considerably more common than osteoporosis and accounts for most of the fracture burden in women older than 50 years. It is uncertain when to initiate treatment in osteopenia. We sought to determine in women with osteopenia what effect transitioning to lower categories had on subsequent fracturing. METHODS: We surveyed 1150 women from office-based practices who had initial normal or osteopenic bone mineral densities (BMDs) and who were retested after 5.75 years. We classified categories related to baseline T scores as follows: normal (>-1.0), mild osteopenia (-1.0 to -1.49), moderate osteopenia (-1.5 to -1.99), and severe osteopenia (-2.0 to -2.49). We determined during a 9.6-year follow-up period the fracture occurrence in those who maintained their initial category status or transitioned into lower categories. RESULTS: Transitioning to lower categories was not significantly different among baseline osteopenic categories but significantly more than normal baseline BMDs. Total fractures, individuals fracturing, and major fractures were significantly more, with baseline T scores of ≤-1.5 (<0.001). Although only 10.2% transitioned to osteoporosis, 90.5% of these transitions occurred with baseline T scores ≤-1.5 and accounted for significantly more fractures than baseline T scores of >-1.5. CONCLUSIONS: Most subsequent fractures and transitions to osteoporosis occurred with baseline T scores ≤-1.5. Clinical risk factors need to be used to determine at what T score threshold treatment would be cost effective.

Incidence of gammopathies in long-term plasmapheresis donors at Canadian Blood Services.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the long-term consequences of repeated plasmapheresis on donor health, their donation histories and demographic data were reviewed to determine the frequency of development of monoclonal (Mc) gammopathies or other gamma globulin abnormalities (OGGAs). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Samples from apheresis plasma donors collected at Canadian Blood Services were tested initially and every 4 months for total protein (TP) followed by serum protein electrophoresis (SPE). Out-of-range samples or those showing abnormal band patterns were forwarded to a hospital laboratory for additional investigation. RESULTS: Of 52,972 donors who donated 471,446 apheresis plasmas over 9 years, 89,490 samples were sent for TP and SPE testing. Of 3005 samples forwarded for further investigation, abnormal immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) results were found in 209 (0.4%) donors, 85 from first-time (FT) and 124 from repeat (RPT) plasma donors during participation in the program. There were 167 donors with Mc gammopathies (73 FT, 94 RPT) and 42 with OGGAs (12 FT, 30 RPT). FT or RPT donors with Mc gammopathies or OGGAs were significantly older than those with normal SPEs. RPT donors with Mc gammopathies or OGGAs also had a longer donation period than donors with normal SPEs. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of Mc gammopathies (2.41 per 1000 donors) did not significantly increase from 2004 to 2012. Older donors had a higher incidence of Mc gammopathies and longer donation periods than their healthy counterparts. Overall, gammopathy rates were below those reported over the same age range in the general population.

Management of pancreatic collections with a novel endoscopically placed fully covered self-expandable metal stent: a national experience (with videos).

BACKGROUND: Recent medical literature on novel lumen-apposing stents for the treatment of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) is limited by small numbers, solo operators, and single-center experience. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a recently developed lumen-apposing, fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) in the management of PFCs. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Thirteen tertiary and private health care centers across Australia. PATIENTS: Forty-seven patients (median age 51 years) who underwent endoscopic management of PFCs. INTERVENTION: Insertion of FCSEMS after PFC puncture under EUS guidance. A subgroup of 9 patients underwent direct endoscopic necrosectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Technical and clinical success rate, adverse event rate. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 53 of 54 patients (98.1%), and the initial clinical success rate was 36 of 47 (76.6%), which was sustained for more than 6 months in 34 of 36 (94.4%). Early adverse events included 4 cases (7.4%) of stent migration during direct endoscopic necrosectomy, 4 cases (7.4%) of sepsis, 1 case (1.9%) of bleeding, and 1 case (1.9%) of stent migration into the fistula tract. Late adverse events were 6 (11.1%) spontaneous stent migrations, 3 (5.6%) recurrent stent occlusions, 3 (5.6%) tissue ingrowth/overgrowth, and 2 (3.7%) bleeding into PFC. The majority of stents inserted (48 of 54, 88.9%) and removed (31 of 35, 88.6%) in our study were described by the operator as superior to pigtail stents with regard to ease of use. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study. CONCLUSION: Although FCSEMSs are technically easier to insert and remove compared with traditional pigtail stents, there are significant limitations to the widespread use of FCSEMSs in the management of PFCs. These include cost, adverse events, and lower-than-expected resolution rates.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) following coronary artery bypass: case series and review of the literature.

We reviewed 10 cases of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) following cardiac surgery since November 1998. The object of the study was to define the natural history of post-CABG-TTP and to assess response to therapy. All patients underwent CABG; four also underwent aortic valve replacement and six mitral valve replacement. Eight patients had mental status changes and/or unexplained fever. All patients received plasmapheresis ranging from 5 to 24 days and nine required hemodialysis or continuous renal replacement therapy. All had significant improvement in their platelet count, LDH, renal function, and mental status changes at discharge. None of the five surviving patients has relapsed at follow-up ranging from 8 months to 6 years. Early recognition of this syndrome and early institution of plasmapheresis are important for a favorable outcome.

Significance of high- and low-distal energy forearm fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To determine in men and women aged 50 years or older the proportion of distal forearm fractures related to high- or low-energy events and subsequent fracturing. METHODS: We reviewed records of patients presenting to emergency departments and urgent care facilities with distal forearm fractures occurring during a 7-year entry period and studied for an additional 3.5 years. RESULTS: High-energy events proportionally were 3.25 times more likely in men, whereas low-energy distal forearm fractures proportionally were 7.98 times more likely in women. Although 25% received bone densitometry evaluations, only 3.59% were performed within the first year after a distal forearm fracture. Osteoporosis and osteopenia did not differ between high- and low-energy distal forearm fractures. In logistic regression, subsequent fractures were associated with prior fracture and age 80 years or older. The occurrence of individuals subsequently fracturing was similar in men and women. Compared with controls, the odds ratio of individuals subsequently fracturing was 1.74 (95% confidence interval 1.32-2.30) in women and 1.9 (95% confidence interval 1.07-3.43) in men. Approximately 60% of total subsequent fractures occurred within 3 years. Osteoporosis was significantly more in patients with distal forearm fractures than controls (P < 0.001), but control patients had significantly more osteopenia (P < 0.001). No differences were noted in therapeutic intervention between those with prior distal forearm fractures and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of trauma occurrence, both men and women age 50 years and older with recent distal forearm fractures should be evaluated early for treatment by bone densitometry and clinical risk factors because the majority of recurrent fractures occur within 3 years.

Intraoperative utilization of dexamethasone/bupivacaine/gentamicin solution in laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy and pain management.

Adequately controlling pain is a key component of postoperative care after a hysterectomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of two intraperitoneal (IP) administered solutions during Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH), on the amount of postoperative self-administered morphine. In this prospective, randomized, double blinded study, twenty women undergoing LAVH randomly distributed to two treatment groups: (1) 100 ml dexamethasone/ bupivacaine/ gentamicin (DMG) solution: 60 cc injected vaginally at cuff and 40 cc placed topically via laparoscopy over intra-peritoneal postoperative surfaces (IP) and 5 ml bupivacaine or 5 ml saline injected at the laparoscopic incision sites, (2) 100 ml saline solution: 60 cc injected vaginally at cuff and 40 cc placed topically via laparoscopy over intra-peritoneal postoperative surfaces (IP) and 5 ml bupivacaine or 5 ml saline injected at the laparoscopic incision sites. The amount of morphine utilized by the patients was documented from their patient controlled anesthesia (PCA) pump. Patient parameters recorded included perceived pain score, height, weight, age, race, reason for surgery, pre-surgery medications, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) classification, length of the surgery and estimated blood loss (EBL). Age, EBL, length of surgery, and ASA classification were not significantly different between the groups. The postoperative amount of morphine utilized was higher at 4 (p=.02) and 16 hours (p = .04) and tended to be higher at 8, 12 hours (p=.06), and 24 hours (p=.09) in the saline IP group. Overall the saline IP group (n=10) used (median; range) 21.5; 8-82 mg of morphine while the DMG IP group (n=10) used 10.5; 1-23 mg. No participants reported a postoperative infection. This study demonstrates that intraoperative utilization of DMG solution during LAVH enables patients clinically to have less perceived pain and subsequently tend to utilize about half the amount of morphine, helping to avoid the potential harmful side effects and adverse reactions of morphine.

Risk factors predicting fractures in early postmenopausal women.

Abstract Few studies exist evaluating fracture prediction in women aged 50-59. Clinical risk factors are important determinants for fracture prediction in younger postmenopausal women since most fractures occur outside the range of an osteoporotic bone mineral density. Although fracture incidence rates in this age group are about one-half of those aged 60-69, considerable costs and loss of quality-adjusted life years are still incurred in this age group. We sought to determine what clinical risk factors would predict subsequent fractures. Questionnaires were mailed out to 546 rural women who underwent osteoporosis screening 8.3 years previously by bone densitometry and a 24-item clinical risk factor assessment. Our survey had a 55% response rate and found that 11.9% of respondents had subsequent fractures. A prior fracture history, self-reported rheumatoid arthritis, and menopause age <40 were significantly associated with subsequent fractures. A logistic regression analyses showed only a prior fracture history and menopause age

Minimally invasive management of sleeve gastrectomy collection with a nasobiliary drainage tube.

A staple line leak is a feared complication of sleeve gastrectomy. Endoscopic methods have superseded surgical management of small leaks, however large collections often require surgical intervention. Here, we describe endoscopic management of large collection adjacent to the staple line with an 8Fr nasobiliary tube.

An approach to identify rural women aged 60 to 64 for osteoporosis treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The US Preventive Services Task Force recently recommended that women younger than 65 years undergo a bone mineral density screening if clinical risk factors (CRFs) of a major osteoporotic fracture are ≥9.3% for a period of 10 years. We sought the most cost-effective approach to identify older, rural women who are eligible for osteoporosis treatment. METHODS: We evaluated CRFs and peripheral forearm densitometry (pDXA) in 277 rural women aged 60 to 64 years for treatment eligibility. We compared three strategies of universal screening-pDXA, CRFs, and exclusion of pDXA in specific situations (prior fracture and CRFs ≥20%)-followed by CRF evaluation with pDXA confirmation in the residual population. RESULTS: Our sample showed that 37.5% of women had CRFs at a ≥9.3% cutoff threshold. Only osteoporotic pDXA values were significantly higher at this threshold. Current estrogen use was significantly associated with diminished treatment eligibility (P = 0.001). Body mass index correlated poorly with pDXA values (r = 0.12) and CRFs (r = 0.21). Although a cost-savings strategy nonsignificantly identified more women who were eligible for treatment using the three strategies (P = 0.25), significantly fewer pDXA examinations were required (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Initiating treatment in rural women aged 60 to 64 years who had a prior fracture or CRFs ≥20% without pDXA confirmation, followed by pDXA evaluations in the residual population with CRFs between ≥9.3% and 20%, significantly reduced the number of pDXA examinations and the cost of screening.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP): a community hospital experience and review of the literature.

We reviewed the records of 51 patients with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) who underwent Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) at Charleston Area Medical Center between June 1992 and September 2005. There were 41 males and 10 females with a median age of 68 years (range 49-87). Four patients had a previous splenectomy, one of whom had it performed concomitantly with the CABG. Three patients were on chronic corticosteroids on admission. The median pump time was 114 minutes (range: 42-244 minutes). The median cross-clamp time was 62 minutes (range 22-192 minutes). The median total chest tube drainage postoperatively was 1,346 cc (range: 265-9875cc). The mean preoperative and 24 hour postoperative platelet count was 126,000 (range 58,000-323,000) and 99,000/mm3 (range: 27,000-194,000), respectively. Twenty-one (40%) patients received platelet transfusions. Platelets were given intraoperatively or postoperatively in all but two of those patients. The median number of units of platelets given was 10 (range: 6-52). Twenty-seven (53%) received packed red cells intraoperatively or postoperatively. The median number of red cells given was 2 (range: 1-34). Other hemostatic agents given intraoperatively/ postoperatively included aprotinin (8 patients), aminocaproic acid (10 patients), DDAVP (5 patients), and intravenous gammaglobulin (IgG) in 3 patients. Thirteen patients were given corticosteroids preoperatively with little improvement in platelet count. CABG may be successfully performed in ITP patients with moderate thrombocytopenia (> or = 50,000/mm3) using conventional therapies (e.g., transfusions, IV IgG, hematinics) without the need for preoperative splenectomy or prolongation of hospital stay. However, a prospective study on the ideal management of ITP patients undergoing CABG would be beneficial.

Concurrent cholecystoduodenal fistula and primary aortoenteric fistula.

Bilioenteric fistulae are a rare complication and can pose a diagnostic challenge owing to non-specific symptomology. When occurring with an aortoenteric fistula, it represents a rare and potentially life-threatening disease state. We present the case of a 77-year-old gentleman initially treated as presumed ascending cholangitis. This was complicated by upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to an aortoenteric fistula and cholecystoduodenal fistula.

Randomized, Placebo Controlled Trial of Experimental Hookworm Infection for Improving Gluten Tolerance in Celiac Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where intestinal immunopathology arises after gluten consumption. Previous studies suggested that hookworm infection restores gluten tolerance; however, these studies were small (n = 12) and not placebo controlled. METHODS: We undertook a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of hookworm infection in 54 people with celiac disease. The 94-week study involved treatment with either 20 or 40 Necator americanus third-stage larvae (L3-20 or L3-40) or placebo, followed by escalating gluten consumption (50 mg/d for 12 weeks, 1 g intermittent twice weekly for 12 weeks, 2 g/d sustained for 6 weeks, liberal diet for 1 year). RESULTS: Successful study completion rates at week 42 (primary outcome) were similar in each group (placebo: 57%, L3-20: 37%, and L3-40: 44%; P = 0.61), however gluten-related adverse events were significantly reduced in hookworm-treated participants: Median (range) adverse events/participant were as follows: placebo, 4 (1-9); L3-20, 1 (0-9); and L3-40, 0 (0-3) (P = 0.019). Duodenal villous height:crypt depth deteriorated similarly compared with their enrolment values in each group (mean change [95% confidence interval]: placebo, -0.6 [-1.3 to 0.2]; L3-20, -0.5 [-0.8 to 0.2]; and L3-40, -1.1 [-1.8 to 0.4]; P = 0.12). A retrospective analysis revealed that 9 of the 40 L3-treated participants failed to establish hookworm infections. Although week 42 completion rates were similar in hookworm-positive vs hookworm-negative participants (48% vs 44%, P = 0.43), quality of life symptom scores were lower in hookworm-positive participants after intermittent gluten challenge (mean [95% confidence interval]: 38.9 [33.9-44] vs 45.9 [39.2-52.6]). DISCUSSION: Hookworm infection does not restore tolerance to sustained moderate consumption of gluten (2 g/d) but was associated with improved symptom scores after intermittent consumption of lower, intermittent gluten doses.

Gastrointestinal norovirus infection associated with exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVE: In this study we aimed to determine, in pediatric patients, whether norovirus infection could be associated with exacerbations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and ascertain whether the clinical expression of norovirus gastroenteritis was similar in patients with IBD compared with non-IBD controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a case-control retrospective chart review, over a 10-month interval, of patients with IBD with an exacerbation of their disease. The presence of norovirus in stool and/or rectal swab samples, as determined by an enzyme-linked immunoassay, was assessed. In addition, sex, age, type of IBD, presence or absence of diarrhea, hematochezia, and the need for hospitalization were determined. A similar number of control patients who did not have IBD were used as controls. RESULTS: Nine patients with IBD (8 ulcerative colitis/1 Crohn disease) had exacerbations with diarrhea. Eight had norovirus antigen in at least 1 sample. All 9 patients with IBD presented with bloody diarrhea and 6 of the 8 norovirus-positive patients with IBD required hospitalization. All of the control patients experienced diarrhea; however, no hematochezia was noted and no hospitalization was required. Several patients with IBD and controls remained positive for norovirus months after the initial positive stool and/or rectal swab sample. The virus appeared to be more common during winter months. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that norovirus may be associated with exacerbations of IBD. When norovirus accompanies IBD it is more likely to be associated with hematochezia than when the infection occurs in the absence of IBD.

Does sex make a difference in survival of patients undergoing resection for early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)?

OBJECTIVE: To determine if sex associated differences exist in presentation and survival of patients undergoing resection for early stage nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 2207 patients with Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Summary Stage I, II or III (local or regional disease) patients eligible for surgery, nonsmall cell lung cancer diagnosed and treated in WV between 1993 and 2000, which underwent surgery as a first course of treatment. Data set obtained from the West Virginia Cancer Registry. RESULTS: 1332 male cases and 875 female cases were reviewed. No statistically significant difference was found with mean age of diagnosis (men 66.5 years; women 67.2 years). A greater proportion of women had adenocarcinoma (p < 0.0001), lower grade (p = 0.002), and lower SEER summary stage (p = 0.009). There was no difference in laterality of tumor, 30-day post surgery survival or surgical procedure between men and women. Regression analysis showed a higher hazard ratio was associated with a increasing stage, grade, and those > or =65 years of age while lower hazard ratio was associated with adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that stage, grade, age, and histology, but not sex was the significant prognostic indicators of death in five years.

Use of radiation after breast conserving surgery (BCS) for DCIS and early invasive breast cancer at Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC). A study of compliance with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends that patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and stage I/II invasive breast cancer receive radiation therapy following breast conserving surgery (BCS). The purpose for our study was to determine 1) the percentage of patients with DCIS and stage I/II breast cancer who received radiation therapy following BCS and 2) the clinical factors associated with the use of radiation. We retrospectively studied 606 patients treated between 2000 and 2007 with BCS for DCIS (n=104) and stage I/II breast cancer (n=502). Overall 93 percent of patients in our study received radiation therapy. We found that almost 85 percent and 95 percent of patients with DCIS and stage I/II breast cancer respectively received radiation therapy. Patients with invasive breast cancer who were less than 70 years of age and who received adjuvant systemic therapy were significantly more likely to receive radiation. The data from our study indicate that the use of radiation following BCS is high at our institution. Periodic review of treatment practices at local hospitals is valuable in assessing compliance with national guidelines and in improving quality of care.

Whole exome sequencing of patients who resolved Crohn's disease and complex regional pain syndrome following treatment for paratuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: A whole exome sequencing study was performed on an extended family including a patient with Crohn's disease (CD) and a patient with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The patient with CD and the patient with CRPS have experienced resolution of their disease following treatment for paratuberculosis. The study was performed in order to determine if there is an unusual mutation in this extended family that would explain the susceptibility to mycobacterial infection among many of the members. RESULTS: We identified sets of rare single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were shared among affected family members, including variants in two genes, IL15RA and CASP10, which have established roles in the immune response. In addition, the CD and CRPS patients were found to have heterozygous mutations in MBL2 and DDX58, mutations that have been associated with susceptibility to tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS: The IL15RA and CASP10 variants may contribute to the disease symptoms exhibited in this family. The finding of SNPs associated with immune function supports a complementary role of infection and genetics in these diseases.

Epidemiology of abusive head trauma in West Virginia children <24 months: 2000-2010.

BACKGROUND: Few states have published statewide epidemiology of abusive head trauma (AHT). OBJECTIVE: To examine the statewide epidemiology of AHT in West Virginia (WV), with the primary objective of establishing AHT incidence for comparison to national data, and to use as a baseline for comparison to incidence post-implementation of a statewide AHT prevention program. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: AHT cases in children less than 2 years old were identified from the 3 tertiary pediatric centers in WV. METHODS: Cases were identified by using ICD-9 codes for initially identifying those with injuries which might be consistent with AHT, followed by medical record review to determine which of these met the criteria for inclusion as a case. Medical examiner data was used to find additional cases of AHT. Using the number of cases identified along with relevant census data, incidence of AHT was calculated. RESULTS: There were 120 cases of AHT treated in WV hospitals from 2000 to 2010, 100 of which were WV residents. The incidence was 36.1/100,000 children <1 year of age and was 21.9 cases per 100,000 children <2 years of age. Incidence in infants increased during the latter years (2006-2010) of the study to 51.8/100,000 compared to the incidence during 2000-2005, which was 24.0/100,000 (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to US national, state and regional figures, the WV incidence of AHT was among the highest. In addition, the incidence of AHT increased significantly over the study period. Possible factors contributing to the rise in incidence are discussed.

The detection of nitrate using in-situ copper nanoparticle deposition at a boron doped diamond electrode.

Electrochemical deposition from a 0.1 M sodium sulphate solution, containing Cu2+ (adjusted to pH 3 with hydrochloric acid) produced a well defined copper nanoparticle deposit on the surface of a boron doped diamond electrode. Changing conditions such as potential (-0.8, -1.0 and -1.2 V), time (5, 2 and 0.5 s) and concentration of Cu2+ (500, 250 and 100 microM) was found to give copper nanoparticles of varying size and particle density. The electrocatalytic properties of the copper surface towards nitrate reduction were explored. An in-situ copper nanoparticle production method was developed for the detection of nitrate; this involves electrodeposition, followed by linear sweep voltammetry for the reduction of nitrate and then application of a stripping potential to renew the electrode surface. The linear sweep was discovered to have homogenised the size of the nanoparticles but their number density was still dependant on the initial conditions of deposition. Some particles were still present at the surface after the stripping potential had been applied but repetitions of the procedure showed these did not have an effect on subsequent deposits. Optimisation of the method lead to applying a deposition potential of -0.8 V, at a BDD electrode for 5 s in a 0.1 M sodium sulphate solution (pH 3) containing 100 microM Cu2+ followed by a linear sweep at 1 V/s; this yielded a limit of detection of 1.5 microM nitrate. The analytical applicability of the technique was evaluated for nitrate detection in a natural mineral water sample and was found to agree well with that stated by the manufacturer.