Aortic valve-sparing operation versus Bentall and mechanical aortic valve replacement--midterm results.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate short-term (one-to-six months) and mid-term (six-to-forty-eight months) results of aortic valve-sparing procedures. The second endpoint was to compare the results with the group of patients undergoing mechanical aortic valve replacement during the same period. METHODS: Between April 2008 and May 2012 at our institution, we treated 76 patients either with ascending aorta/root aneurysm/dissection or with isolated aortic regurgitation. A total of seventy-six patients undergoing aortic valve surgery. RESULTS: Analyzed parameters were divided into two parts as function of time. In the first part, i.e. during hospitalization, the mortality, duration of hospitalization, duration of extra corporeal circulation (ECC), and duration of cardiac arrest (CA) were compared and assessed. In the second part, i.e. during monitoring of the patients after their discharge from hospital (one-to-six months, and six-to-forty-eight months), the grade of postoperative AR aimed mainly at the group of aortic valve-sparing operations (subgroups A1, A2, A3), postoperative peak gradient, presence of thromboembolic and bleeding complications, postoperative endocarditis and need for reoperation or hospitalization due to cardiac reasons were analyzed. CONCLUSION: Based on our first experience, we believe that in spite of higher technical difficulty, the aortic valve-sparing operations can be possibly performed with the same or respectively lower rate of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Presented results show that compared with the aortic valve replacement, the aortic valve-sparing operation is a promising method, and an interesting therapeutic alternative for patients. After proper indications, we consider it to be a method of choice (Tab. 6, Fig. 7, Ref. 28).

[Quiscent trophoblastic disease]. / Neinvazivní trofoblastická nemoc.

TYPE OF STUDY: Case report. SETTING: Center for trophoblastic disease in Czech Republic, Institute for care of mother and child, 3rd Faculty of Medicine of Charles University Prague. METHODS: The autors present a case of quiscent trophoblastic disease diagnosed at 27 years old primipara, secundigravida after previous molar pregnancy. The patient had low levels of serum hCG present for more than 18 months after the termination of pregnancy. After this period there was a malignant transformation associated with rapid elevation of hCG levels with need for chemotherapy which was succesfully completed. CONCLUSION: Quiscent (dormant, noninvasive) trophoblastic disease is a recently described unit defined by low levels of hCG present in patients serum and urine samples without any evidence of trophoblastic tumour or other source of hCG production. Quiscent trophoblastic disease is associated with high risk of malignant transformation.

[New diagnostic approach to different hydatidiform mole types, hydropic abortions and relevant clinical management]. / Nové diagnosticki prístupy k ruzným typum hydatidózních mol, hydropickým abortum a príslusné klinické postupy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe new diagnostic approach to complete hydatidiform mole, immature complete hydatidiform mole, partial hydatidiform mole, proliferative mole and hydropic abortion. TYPE OF STUDY: Original research. SETTING: Trophoblastic Disease Center in the Czech Republic (TDC-CZ), Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague. METHODS: Our study consists of 1321 partial hydatidiform moles, 805 complete hydatidiform moles, 524 proliferative moles, and over 2500 hydropic abortuses diagnosed and treated at theTDC-CZ, besides which 2896 of these lesions were examined at the TDC-CZ by referral. The material was examined by routine histopathological methods, which in selected cases was supplemented by immunohistological examination and correlated with cytogenetic and molecular genetic results and clinical features. RESULTS: The study describes the diagnostic procedures enabling the differential diagnosis between mature complete hydatidiform mole, immature complete hydatidiform mole, partial hydatidiform mole, proliferative mole and hydropic abortion. Fourteen histological parameters have been defined which are most common, individually or in combination, in various types of hydatidiform moles and hydropic abortions. Warning is given to errors in histological diagnosis correlated with cytogenetic and molecular genetic results. Proposed reliable method of eliminating the influence of these errors on the possible development of trophoblastic disease. CONCLUSION: The study describes differential diagnosis of complete hydatidiform mole, immature complete hydatidiform mole, partial hydatidiform mole, proliferative mole, hydropic abortion and relevant clinical management.

[Histological differential diagnosis of hydatidiform moles and hydropic abortions]. / Histologická diferenciální diagnostika hydatidózních mol a hydropických abortu.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the diagnostic methods enabling histological differential diagnosis of complete hydatidiform mole, immature complete hydatidiform mole, partial hydatidiform mole, proliferative mole and hydropic abortion. METHODS: Our study consists of 1321 partial hydatidiform moles, 805 complete hydatidiform moles, 524 proliferative moles, and over 2500 hydropic abortuses diagnosed and treated at the Trophoblastic Disease Center in the Czech Republic (TDC-CZ), Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, plus 2896 of these lesions examined at the TDC-CZ by referral. The material was examined by routine histopathological methods, which in selected cases were supplemented by immunohistological examination and correlated with cytogenetic and molecular genetic results and clinical features. RESULTS: The study describes the diagnostic procedures enabling differential diagnosis between mature complete hydatidiform mole, immature complete hydatidiform mole, partial hydatidiform mole, proliferative mole and hydropic abortion. Fourteen histological parameters have been defined which are most common, individually or in combination, in various types of hydatidiform moles and hydropic abortions. Warning is given to errors in histological diagnosis, correlated with cytogenetic and molecular genetic results. We propose a reliable method of eliminating the influence of these errors on the possible development of trophoblastic disease. CONCLUSION: The study describes a histological differential diagnosis of complete hydatidiform mole, immature complete hydatidiform mole, partial hydatidiform mole, proliferative mole and hydropic abortion.

[Persistent trophoblastic disease in Trophoblastic Disease Center in the Czech Republic in 1955--2007]. / Perzistující trofoblastická nemoc v Centru pro trofoblastickou nemoc v CR v letech 1955--2007.

OBJECTIVE: To define persistent trophoblastic disease as a clinical entity of gestational trophoblastic disease. To describe its classification, treatment and follow-up. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Trophoblastic Disease Center (TDC) in the Czech Republic TDC-CZ, Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague. METHODS: This study analyzes data from the Trophoblastic Disease Center consisting of 396 choriocarcinomas, 512 proliferative moles, 798 complete hydatid moles, 1299 partial hydatid moles, and 2105 persistent trophoblastic invasions treated at the TDC up to the year 2007. The study includes also 2615 cases of trophoblastic disease which documented by gynecologists and pathologists of the Czech Republic and registered in the TDC-CZ. RESULTS: Persistent trophoblastic disease was defined and described in detail as follows: 1. Differentiating autothonic hCG, produced by the gestational trophoblast, from so-called "phantom hCG," hypophyseal hCG and hCG during PLL-Q and PLL-U syndrome. 2. Evaluating the level and length of persistence of hCG relevant for the diagnosis of persistent trophoblastic disease. 3. Identifying three types of persistent trophoblastic disease: A. Non-metastatic B. Metastatic low-risk C. Metastatic high-risk 4. Described treatment, indications, and choice of various chemotherapeutic protocols in individual types of persistent trophoblastic disease as well as its follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study enables the differentiation of persistent trophoblastic disease in general gynecologic and obstetric clinical practice, by evaluating the presence, level, and length of persistence of hCG, and thus allowing for timely referral of the patient to the Trophoblastic Disease Center in the Czech Republic.

Misoprostol for induction of labor with a live fetus.

Induction of labor is common in clinical practice. Many different medical and mechanical methods have been used, but the current gold standard is vaginal dinoprostone. Misoprostol has been used for the induction of labor since 1987. In early studies with large misoprostol doses (e.g. 200 microg) there were high rates of uterine hyperstimulation. Cochrane meta-analysis, however, shows that when used in low doses it is as effective as vaginal dinoprostone and with no excess of hyperstimulation. 25 microg vaginal misoprostol 4-hourly, 50 microg oral misoprostol 4-hourly or 20 microg oral misoprostol solution 2-hourly are all safe and effective regimens. Reports of uterine rupture in women with previous cesarean sections mean that it remains contraindicated in this group.

[Guideline for gynecological malignant tumors I. Standard--a complex therapy of ovarian epithelial malignant tumors]. / Guideline gynekologických zhoubných nádoruu I. Standard--komplexní lécba ovariálních epiteliálních zhoubných nádoru.

OBJECTIVE: Elaboration of guideline for primary and secondary treatment of ovarian cancer. DESIGN: Review, consensus between proposers and opponents. METHOD: A retrospective review of published data, analysis of Czech statistics and consensus between proposers and opponents. RESULTS: We underline importance of comprehensive approach in therapy of ovarian cancer. We notice importance of expert ultrasound and CA 125 level in diagnostic algorithm. Extension of surgery depends on result of frozen section. All departments which want to perform surgery for ovarian resistance must have possibility to do peroperative histopathology. We can perform conservative fertility sparing surgery in patient with wishing of pregnancy and low stage disease. The effort of maximal debulking with radical surgery including lymphadenectomy is the standard procedure. When we diagnose ovarian cancer during laparoscopy, we have to convert on laparotomy procedure. We define the role of the neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery after 3-4 cycles of chemotherapy. We define adequate surgery treatment, indication for adjuvant chemotherapy and indication for second line therapy. CONCLUSION: Guideline for the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer should become directions for clinicians and others, who participate in the process of treatment of the ovarian cancer. The guidelines include all parts of the process from diagnosis, treatment to follow up. All topics of the guidelines arose from a voting of the proposers and opponents.

[Syndrome of persistent low levels of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)]. / Syndrom perzistujících nízkých hladin humánních choriových gonadotropinu (hCG) etiologie, klasifikace, diagnostika, postupy.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the syndrome of persistent low levels of hCG in terms of its etiology, classification, diagnosis, and management. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Center for Trophoblastic Disease in Czech Republic, Institute for Care of Mother and Child, Prague, Institute of Postgraduate medical education, IPVZ, Prague METHODS: An analysis of the syndrome of persistent low levels of hCG recorded in CTN in 29 women in the years 1979-2005 by the immunoluminesence method which can quantitatively assess variable levels of hCG in blood and urine. A comparison was made of our findings with results of a similar studies having been done in England and USA. RESULTS: Persistent low levels of hCG (PLL) can be differentiated according to cause. 1. PLL-F False positive, also known as Phantom hCG, often caused by heterogenous antibodies. 2. PLL-H Of hypophysial origin, mainly in perimenopause and menopause. 3. PLL-Q Quiescent with trophoblastic disease in history, of trophoblastic origin. 4. PLL-U Undetermined, in history without trophoblastic disease, but in the past with physiological or pathological pregnancy. Assuming also to be of trophoblastic origin. All types of PLL lead in practice to the wrong diagnosis of trophoblastic disease and to a high percentage (40-80%) of needless chemotherapy and operations. In no case of PLL did chemotherapy or operations have an effect on PLL and thus are contraindicated. PLL-Q and PLL-U require continuous clinical and laboratory monitoring and repeated examinations with sophisticated visualization methods. The percentage of developing malignant trophoblastic tumors after PLL-Q and PLL-U is unclear. Extreme incidence was established in 7-25%. PLL-Q and PLL-U are considered as a marker of persistent trophoblastic invasion. Its detection by visualization methods in any organ localization before it turns into a limited solid tumor is excluded by it microscopic dissociative structure. CONCLUSION: The syndrome of persistent low levels of hCG (PLL) lately affects all gynecological and obstetrical workplaces. According to cause it can be divided into: 1. PLL false positive, 2. PLL of hypophysial origin, 3.PLL quiescent with trophoblastic disease in the history, 4. PLL undetermined, in history without trophoblastic disease. In the last two items mentioned above we assume to be of trophoblastic origin. Their morphological base is persistent trophoblastic invasion. The syndrome of PLL often leads to the wrong diagnosis of trophoblastic disease and to needless chemotherapy and operations. In this work was described the diagnosis of PLL, its classification, cause, and management. The percentage of PLL turned into malignant trophoblastic disease is unknown and ranges from 7-25% and requires monitoring in an accredited, national center for trophoblastic disease.

Improved resuscitation outcome in emergency medical systems with increased usage of sodium bicarbonate during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

BACKGROUND: The use of sodium bicarbonate (SB) in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is controversial. This study analyzes the effects of SB use on CPR outcome in the Brain Resuscitation Clinical Trial III (BRCT III), which was a multicenter randomized trial comparing high-dose to standard-dose epinephrine during CPR. Sodium bicarbonate use in BRCT III was optional. METHODS: The entire BRCT III database was reviewed. Analysis included only patients who arrested out of the hospital and whose time from collapse to initiation of ACLS was no longer than 30 min (total n = 2122 patients). Sodium bicarbonate use by the 16 participating study sites was analyzed. The study sites were divided according to their SB usage profile: 'low SB user' sites administered SB in less than 50% of CPRs and their first epinephrine to SB time exceeded 10 min; and 'high SB user' sites used SB in over 50% of CPRs and their first epinephrine to SB time was <10 min. RESULTS: Sites' SB usage rates ranged between 3.1% and 98.2% of CPRs. Sodium bicarbonate usage rates correlated inversely with the sites' intervals from collapse (r = - 0.579 P = 0.018) from initiation of ACLS (r = - 0.685 P = 0.003) and from first epinephrine (r = - 0.611 P = 0.012) to SB administration. Mean ROSC rate in the 'high SB user' sites was 33.5% (CI = 30.0-37.0) compared to 25.7% (CI = 23.1-28.4) in the 'low SB user' sites. In the 'high SB user' sites, hospital discharge rate was 5.3% (CI = 3.6-7.0) compared to 3% (CI = 2.0-4.0) in the 'low SB user' sites, and 5.3% (CI = 3.6-7.0) had a favorable neurological outcome compared to 2.1% (CI = 1.2-3.0) in the 'low SB user' sites. Collapse to ACLS interval was 8.5 min (CI = 8.1-9.0) in the 'high SB user' sites compared to 10.2 min (CI = 9.8-10.6) in the 'low SB user' sites, and their ACLS to first epinephrine interval was 7.0 min (CI = 6.5-7.5) compared to 9.7 min (CI = 9.3-10.2). Multivariate regression analysis found that belonging to 'high SB user' sites independently increased the chances for ROSC (OR 1.36, CI 1.08-1.7) and for achieving a good neurological outcome (OR 2.18, CI 1.23-3.86). CONCLUSIONS: Earlier and more frequent use of SB was associated with higher early resuscitability rates and with better long-term outcome. Sodium bicarbonate may be beneficial during CPR, and it should be subjected to a randomized clinical trial.

[Malignant trophoblastic tumors (MTT) treated in the years 1955-2004 in trophoblastic disease center in the Czech Republic (TDC-CZ): clinical-pathological features, curability, typing, pathogenesis]. / Maligní tumory trofoblastu (MTT) lécené v letech 1955-2004 v centru pr trofoblastickou nemoc v CR (CTN-CR): klinicko-patologický obraz, kurabilita, typizace, patogeneze.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical- pathological features, typing, curability and pathogenesis of malignant tumors of trophoblast (MTT). DESIGN: A retrospective analysis. SETTING: Trophoblastic Disease Center in the Czech Republic (TDC-CZ), Mother and Child Care Institute, 3rd Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague. METHODS: Revision of 379 MITT cases treated at TDC-CZ and comparison of their histological picture with developmental stages of orthologic trophoblast from the standpoint of MTT typing and pathogenesis. The determination of curability of different histological types and risk stages (RS) used in TDC-CZ and a comparison with RS axccording to FIGO, WHO and NIH. Differentiation of undifferentiated choriocarcinoma (CH-Und) alias Epitheloid Trophoblastic Tumor (ETT) from the given cohort of MIT and establishment of its clinical and biological properties, curability and formal pathogenesis. RESULTS: Three hundred and seventy nine MTT cases were classified into 5 histological types onthe basis of analogy with developmental stages of 7 to 14 days old trophoblast. 1: typical "classical" choriocarcinoma - No Special Type (CH-NST), which forms more than 80% of MTT. Moreover, the degree of differentiation of tumorous trophoblast and its prevailing (cytological) type made it possible to define other 4 types, i.e.: 2: CH-syncytio-trophoblastic (CH-Syn), representing 3.8%; 3: CH-cytotrophoblastic CH-Cyt with 3.3%; 4: CH-dissociated (CH-Dis), representing 6%; 5: CH-undifferentiated (CH-Und) with 6.8%. Mortality due to MIT of all mentioned types reached 94% until 1963, decreased to 43% until 1980 and has been 5.8% in the period of 1981-2004. In the latter period of time (1981-2004), mortality due to CH-Cyt proved to be 40%, that due to CH-Dis being 11%, and CH-Und 18%, though. Mortality of s.c. Placental Site Trophoblastic Tumor, which includes our CH-Cyt and CH-Dis therefore forms 21.4%. We have been using four RS in TDC-CZ. The following outline includes only the main features: 1st RT includes CH-NST < 30mm limited to uterus in connection with mole. 2nd RS includes CH-NST > 30mm after birth. 3rd RS includes CH-NST with multiple metastases outside GIT and CNS and MTT with the CH-Cyt, Dis, Und component < 75%. 4th RS includes CH-NST with metastases in CNS or GIT. MTT with CH-Cyt Dis, Ned component < 75% with metasteses and MTT with the same components > 75% In the last 23 years 1st RS and 2nd RS includes 85 % of all MTT in the TDC-CZ and curability is 100%. In the 3rd RS curability decreases to 64.3% and decreases to 55.6% in the 4th RS. According to FIGO classification the 1st RS forms 48%, 2nd RT represents 17% and 100% curability applies for both of them. 3rd a RS includes 20% of 100% curability, 3rd bc RS forms 10% with 67% curability and 4th abc RS includes 5 % with 50% curability. In using the WHO classification with four RS, their percentage representation is similar to our classification with similar curability; nevertheless the 1st RS and 2nd RS did not detect almost 8% of MTT, which ended with exitus. 3rd RS according to FIGO is overestimated in view of 100% curability and the abc degree in 1st and 2nd RS are only of theoretical significance and irrelevant for the choice of treatment. The closest results comparable with our classification were those of NIH. A very careful clinical-pathological analysis of 25 CH-Und-ETT, detected among 379 MTT revealed that CH-Und-ETT is anaggressive malignant form of CH, which is best derived from undifferentiated 7-8 days old trophoblast. It is insidious for its seemingly primary extragenital symptomatology in seven out of 25 cases, low hCG values and poor sensitivity to chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: 1) The comparison of histological pictures of 379 MTT with developmental stages of orthologic trophoblast of 7-14 days old embryo was the basis for classification of 5 types of choriocarcinoma (CH): 1. Differentiated CH "No Special Type" (CH-NST), 2. Syncytiotrophoblastic CH (CH-Syn), 3. Cytotrophoblastic CH (CH-Cyt), 4. Dissociated CH (CH-Dis), and 5. Non-differentiated CH (CH-Und); 2) We have determined their percentual (and absolute) occurrence in the group of 379 MTT treated in CTN in the years 1955-2004. 3) We have described biological properties of individual types of CH and established the way they influence curability. 4) Four degrees of risk (RS) were specified in relation to 7 types of risk factors observed (1. size of tumor, 2. type of preceding pregnancy, 3. interval from pregnancy to the diagnosis, 4. histological type of CH, 5. number of metastases, 6. localization of metastases, 7. values of hCG). It has become obvious how RS influenced curability of CH (1st and 2nd RS forms 85% of all CH's and their curability is 100% (!), 3rd and 4th RS are represented in 15% and their curability is 64% in the 3rd RS and 55% in the 4th RS. 6) The curability reached in CTN was compared with that determined according to FIGO, WHO and NIH, respectively. The results proved to be similar, but in case of FIGO the 3rd degree was overestimated and the degrees abc in the 1st and 2nd RS were of theoretical importance only, therefore being of no values for the choice of treatment. Low and medium score according to WHO did not detect 8% of women who had died. The CH curability according to RS, having been recommended by NIH and used in the American Centers was virtually the same as our results. 7) It has been proved that the histological type of CH significantly influenced the determination of RS in the given patient. 8) CH-Und-ETT represents the least differentiated form of MTT, in other words choriocarcinoma. This is associated with a low production of HCG, mostly between 10(1) and 10(3) mIU/ml. 9) Pathogenesis of CH-Und ETT-ETT we derive from the earliest, undifferentiated stage of orthological trophoblast. The origin from the differentiated intermediate trophoblast chorion leeve we considerei improbable. 10) There are continuous transitions from CH-Und-ETT and PSTT to CH-NST, representing an analogy to grading in other malignant epithelial tumors.

[Undifferentiated choriocarcinoma--epithelioid trophoblastic tumors treated at the Center for Trophoblastic Diseases in the Czech Republic 1955-2003]. / Nediferencované choriokarcinomy--epitelioidní trofoblastické tumory lécené v Centru pro trofoblastickou nemoc v CR (CTN) v letech 1955-2003.

OBJECTIVE: The clinical-pathological picture, pathogenesis, biological behavior and therapy of epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) alias undifferentiated choriocarcinoma (CH-Ned). DESIGN: A retrospective analysis. SETTING: Trophoblastic Disease Center in the Czech Republic (TDC-CZ), Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 3rd Medical Faculty, Charles University, Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague. METHODS: The identification of all tumors complying with histopathological criteria of ETT-CHNed among 372 malignant tumors of trophoblast (MTT), treated at TDC-CZ in the years 1955-2003. Their morphological analysis was done from the standpoint of formal pathogenesis, correlation with clinical picture, laboratory and therapeutic results. RESULTS: Among 372 malignant tumors of trophoblast (MTT) we detected 25 ETT-CHNed. The size of the tumor was in the range of 15 to 45 mm except two cases. One tumor diffusely infiltrated thyroid gland and clinically imitated struma. In the other case a massive dissemination of ETT-CHNed in the lungs was supposed to be tuberculosis. The tumor in the uterus and metastases was predominantly of solid character, not infrequently with necroses and haemorrhages. The microscopic analysis revealed larger irregular cells with frequent mitoses, resembling eight-day orthologic trophoblast. There were also infrequent elements of cyto-intermediate and syncytium-trophoblastic character. The mitotic index (3-7), proliferation markers (20%), inhibitin alpha, hCG and PLAP with histological picture suggest a specific form of MTT or choriocarcinoma. The age of the female patients was in the range of 22 to 43 years. In 18 cases (72%) the tumor displayed gynecological symptomatology, in 7 cases (28%) a non-gynecological one (pulmonary 3 times, thyroid once, CNS once, GIT once, mamma once). In the case history there was delivery in 10 cases, abortion in eight, mola hydatiosa completa twice, anamnesis was uncertain once and extra-uterine pregnancy was suspected also once. The interval between pregnancy and established diagnosis was in the range of one to 64 months. The ETT-CHNed diagnosis was established 18 times from curettage of endometrium, six times from biopsies of organs considered as primary localization of the tumor and once during post mortem examination. The hCG values upon admission were in the range of 10(1) to 10(3) mIU/ml in connection with a small number of differentiated syncitium-trophoblastic cells. In the first period (1955-1963) before introduction of chemotherapy all five patients died (100%) in the range of 4 months to 3 years. In the second period (1964-1980), hysterectomy with subsequent monochemotherapy resulted in permanent remission (20 years) in four women out of nine (44%). In the third period (1981-2003), hysterectomy with subsequent polychemotherapy resulted in complete remission from two to 18 years in 9 out of 11 women (82%), while in two cases with absent ETT-CHNed in uterus the intervention was limited to tumor extirpation in the lung or mamma with subsequent treatment with chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: The revision of 372 MTT treated in TDC-CZ (1955-2003) uncovered 25 ETT-CHNed. Their clinical-pathological analysis revealed that ETT-CHNed is a malignant tumor, which is not less aggressive than choriocarcinoma (CH-NST). It becomes manifest by frequent metastases, often with absent demonstrable tumor in the uterus. It represents a less differentiated form of MTT, becoming manifest in a low production of hCG. It can be derived by formal pathogenetics from non-differentiated earliest orthologic trophoblast. There are differentiated transitions between ETT-CHNed and CH-NST, which are analogous to grading of other malignant epithelial tumors. Hysterectomy with subsequent intensive chemotherapy decreased the original 100% mortality in the years 1955-1963 to 18.1% in the years 1980-2003.

[Proliferating mole in menopause imitating choriocarcinoma recurrence--case report]. / Mola proliferans v menopauze imitující relaps choriokarcinomu--kazuistika.

OBJECTIVE: To show the possibility of new invasive mole arising after 2 years of menopause, after choriocarcinoma cured by chemotherapy 5 years ago. SETTING: Trofoblastic disease center (TDC), Prague, Institution for care of mother and child, Prague. CASE REPORT: Patient 50-years-old with choriocarcinoma, in consequence to invasive mole, was cured by chemotheraphy. After 5 years of clinical and laboratory remission and after two years of menopause new pregnancy with invasive mole arised imitating relapse of choriocarcinoma.

Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate and MK-801 by aortic arch flush for cerebral preservation during exsanguination cardiac arrest of 20 min in dogs. An exploratory study.

In our exsanguination cardiac arrest (CA) outcome model in dogs we are systematically exploring suspended animation (SA), i.e. preservation of brain and heart immediately after the onset of CA to enable transport and resuscitative surgery during CA, followed by delayed resuscitation. We have shown in dogs that inducing moderate cerebral hypothermia with an aortic arch flush of 500 ml normal saline solution at 4 degrees C, at start of CA 20 min no-flow, leads to normal functional outcome. We hypothesized that, using the same model, but with the saline flush at 24 degrees C inducing minimal cerebral hypothermia (which would be more readily available in the field), adding either fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP, a more efficient energy substrate) or MK-801 (an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blocker) would also achieve normal functional outcome. Dogs (range 19-30 kg) were exsanguinated over 5 min to CA of 20 min no-flow, and resuscitated by closed-chest cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). They received assisted circulation to 2 h, mild systemic hypothermia (34 degrees C) post-CA to 12 h, controlled ventilation to 20 h, and intensive care to 72 h. At CA 2 min, the dogs received an aortic arch flush of 500 ml saline at 24 degrees C by a balloon-tipped catheter, inserted through the femoral artery (control group, n=6). In the FBP group (n=5), FBP (total 1440 or 4090 mg/kg) was given by flush and with reperfusion. In the MK-801 group (n=5), MK-801 (2, 4, or 8 mg/kg) was given by flush and with reperfusion. Outcome was assessed in terms of overall performance categories (OPC 1, normal; 2, moderate disability; 3, severe disability; 4, coma; 5, brain death or death), neurologic deficit scores (NDS 0-10%, normal; 100%, brain death), and brain histologic damage scores (HDS, total HDS 0, no damage; >100, extensive damage; 1064, maximal damage). In the control group, one dog achieved OPC 2, one OPC 3, and four OPC 4; in the FBP group, two dogs achieved OPC 3, and three OPC 4; in the MK-801 group, two dogs achieved OPC 3, and three OPC 4 (P=1.0). Median NDS were 62% (range 8-67) in the control group; 55% (range 34-66) in the FBP group; and 50% (range 26-59) in the MK-801 group (P=0.2). Median total HDS were 130 (range 56-140) in the control group; 96 (range 64-104) in the FBP group; and 80 (range 34-122) in the MK-801 group (P=0.2). There was no difference in regional HDS between groups. We conclude that neither FBP nor MK-801 by aortic arch flush at the start of CA, plus an additional i.v. infusion of the same drug during reperfusion, can provide cerebral preservation during CA 20 min no-flow. Other drugs and drug-combinations should be tested with this model in search for a breakthrough effect.

Intraperitoneal, but not enteric, adenosine administration improves survival after volume-controlled hemorrhagic shock in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To circumvent the potential adverse systemic side effects of adenosine, this study explored the potential benefit of intraperitoneal or enteric adenosine on survival and inflammatory responses after volume-controlled hemorrhagic shock. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, and blinded. A three-phase, volume-controlled hemorrhagic shock model was used: hemorrhagic shock phase (120 mins), resuscitation phase (60 mins), and observation phase (72 hrs). Three groups were compared: controls, intraperitoneal adenosine, and enteric adenosine. SETTING: Animal research facility. SUBJECTS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats. INTERVENTIONS: Starting at 20 mins of hemorrhagic shock and continuing through the resuscitation phase, all three groups received both intraperitoneal lavage and repeated bolus injections into the ileum of vehicle (normal saline) or adenosine. In the intraperitoneal adenosine group (n = 10), adenosine solution (0.1 mM) was used for intraperitoneal lavage. In the enteric adenosine group (n = 10), adenosine (1.0 mM) was injected into the ileum. Blood cytokine concentrations and leukocyte infiltration in lungs and liver were studied in 12 separate rats (control and intraperitoneal adenosine, n = 6 each) with the same hemorrhagic shock model at resuscitation time 1 hr or 4 hrs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were similar between the three groups during hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation. Potassium, lactate, and blood urea nitrogen concentrations were lower and arterial pH was higher in the intraperitoneal and enteric adenosine groups compared with the control group (both p <.05). Survival time to 72 hrs was longer in the intraperitoneal adenosine group than in the control group(p <.05). Neither plasma interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentrations nor leukocyte infiltration in the lungs and liver was different between the control and intraperitoneal adenosine groups. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of adenosine via the intraperitoneal route improves survival time after severe volume-controlled hemorrhagic shock in rats without worsening hypotension or bradycardia. This beneficial effect may not be attributable to effects of adenosine on the inflammatory response.

The role of the gut in the pathogenesis of death due to hyperthermia.

Pathologic data from the gastrointestinal tract in heat-stroke victims, although documented, are confusing. The object of this study was to document the gastrointestinal changes observed during induced total body hyperthermia (42 degrees C) followed by cooling. An established heat-stroke model was used in a university animal laboratory. Group A underwent immersion hyperthermia for 1 hour, followed by cooling to normothermia. Group B underwent hyperthermia to cardiac arrest, followed by resuscitation plus cooling to normothermia. The postmortem findings in the gastrointestinal tract were evaluated. In group A, several hours after return to normothermia and stable vital signs, delayed secondary deterioration with massive gastrointestinal bleeding occurred. The postmortem findings revealed bleeding into the whole intestine and serosanguineous fluid in the peritoneal cavity. In group B, an adynamic gut was observed after 165 +/- 21 minutes (range 125-174) of heating when mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased to 38 +/- 21 mm Hg (range 30-70). Cardiac arrest occurred at 178 +/- 26 minutes (range 140-208) of immersion. Eight monkeys could be resuscitated to spontaneous circulation with return of normal gut motility, then they rearrested at 158 +/- 68 minutes (range 45-228). The postmortem findings resembled those in group A. The Postmortem findings in the four monkeys in which restoration of spontaneous circulation failed, revealed only some intestinal wall edema and occasional petechial hemorrhages. It is concluded that after a hyperthermic event, tissue injury continues to develop. The pathologic findings are related to the time lapse between hyperthermia, cooling, and death. The similarity to the descriptions of septic shock, multiple organ failure, and the gut reperfusion syndrome is striking. An immunologic response as a mechanism for all these syndromes is discussed.