Optical coherence tomography represents a sensitive and reliable tool for routine monitoring of idiopathic intracranial hypertension with and without papilledema.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We previously reported that certain optical coherence tomography (OCT) measures were sensitive and reliable in identifying idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). This prospective study aimed to define OCT measures that allow differentiation of IIH with and without papilledema, thereby helping clinical decision-making. METHODS: Eight patients with IIH with papilledema, nine without papilledema and 19 with other neurological diseases were included. OCT measures were obtained before lumbar puncture and within 2 h, 1, 3 and 6 months after lumbar puncture with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) removal. RESULTS: All patients with papilledema had increased retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and elevated CSF pressure. All patients without papilledema had normal RNFL but elevated CSF pressure. After CSF removal, reduced RNFL thickness was registered in all eight patients with IIH with papilledema. No significant change in RNFL thickness after CSF removal was observed in IIH without papilledema or in patients with other neurological diseases, although reduced CSF pressure was documented. RNFL thickness tended to be normal in patients with IIH with papilledema at 3-6 months after CSF removal. All patients with IIH showed increased rim area and rim thickness, but reduced optic cup volume regardless of RNFL thickness or papilledema. CONCLUSIONS: Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness is sensitive for monitoring acute IIH and evaluating treatment effect. Increased rim area and rim thickness and decreased optic cup volume are reliable parameters that indicate persistently increased CSF pressure and risk of relapse. OCT measures are sensitive and reliable for diagnosing subtle IIH even in the absence of papilledema.

Space-geodetic constraints on glacial isostatic adjustment in Fennoscandia.

Analysis of Global Positioning System (GPS) data demonstrates that ongoing three-dimensional crustal deformation in Fennoscandia is dominated by glacial isostatic adjustment. Our comparison of these GPS observations with numerical predictions yields an Earth model that satisfies independent geologic constraints and bounds both the average viscosity in the upper mantle (5 x 10(20) to 1 x 10(21) pascal seconds) and the elastic thickness of the lithosphere (90 to 170 kilometers). We combined GPS-derived radial motions with Fennoscandian tide gauge records to estimate a regional sea surface rise of 2.1 +/- 0.3 mm/year. Furthermore, ongoing horizontal tectonic motions greater than approximately 1 mm/year are ruled out on the basis of the GPS-derived three-dimensional crustal velocity field.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of terbutaline in healthy horses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine pharmacokinetics of terbutaline in healthy horses and to relate serum terbutaline concentrations with the drug's pharmacodynamic effects. ANIMALS: 6 healthy horses. PROCEDURE: Horses were given terbutaline i.v. (10 microg/kg of body weight) and, 1 week later, p.o. (100 microg/kg). Responses to drug administration (eg, heart rate and serum lactate concentration) were measured. Serum terbutaline concentration was measured by means of gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Protein binding was determined in vitro. RESULTS: Following i.v. administration, median maximum serum terbutaline concentration and mean residence time were 9.3 ng/ml and 30 minutes, respectively. Bioavailability following oral administration was < 1%. All horses developed sweating, trembling, excitement, and tachycardia during i.v. infusion. The 2 horses with the highest serum terbutaline concentrations developed severe tachycardia and CNS stimulation; 30 minutes after the i.v. infusion was completed, they were hyperventilating and lethargic. Heart rate and serum lactate concentration increased as serum terbutaline concentration increased. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that terbutaline is rapidly cleared from the bloodstream following i.v. administration to horses, suggesting that continuous i.v. infusion would be needed to maintain therapeutic serum concentrations. Oral administration of terbutaline to horses is not practical because of the low bioavailability.

On the regeneration of cartilage after x-irradiation. A study on rabbits ears.

The present investigation demonstrates cartilage healing in experimental defects in rabbits ears. The authors confirm the importance of the presence of the perichondrium. Ears X-irradiated with disages of 2 000-4 000 R show a reduced healing capacity as compared with control ears.