Diltiazem reduces levels of NT-proBNP and improves symptoms compared with metoprolol in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation.

AIMS: Short-term treatment with calcium channel blockers lowers levels of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and reduces rhythm-related symptoms compared to treatment with beta-blockers. The aim of this study was to compare the longer-term effects of metoprolol and diltiazem for rate control in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation after six months. METHODS AND RESULTS: Men and women with permanent atrial fibrillation and preserved left ventricular systolic function were randomised to receive either diltiazem 360 mg or metoprolol 100 mg once daily. The primary endpoint was the level of NT-proBNP after a six-month treatment period. Secondary endpoints included heart rate, rhythm-related symptoms and exercise capacity. A total of 93 patients (mean age 71 ±7 years, 28 women) were randomised. After six months' treatment, mean levels of NT-proBNP decreased in the diltiazem group and increased in the metoprolol group, with a significant between-group difference (409.8 pg/mL, 95% CI: 230.6 - 589.1, P<0.001). Treatment with diltiazem significantly reduced rhythm-related symptoms compared to baseline, but no change was observed in the metoprolol group. Diltiazem and metoprolol had similar effects on heart rate and exercise capacity. CONCLUSION: Diltiazem reduced NT-proBNP levels and improved rhythm-related symptoms. Metoprolol increased peptide levels but had no impact on symptoms despite similar heart rate reduction. Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers should be considered more often for rate control in permanent atrial fibrillation.

Lesion-to-anal-verge distance in rectosigmoid endometriosis on transvaginal sonography vs magnetic resonance imaging: prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare transvaginal sonography (TVS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with intraoperative measurement (IOM) using a rectal probe in the estimation of the location of rectosigmoid endometriotic lesions, i.e. lesion-to-anal-verge distance (LAVD), and to compare two different MRI techniques for measuring LAVD. METHODS: This was a prospective single-center observational study that included women undergoing surgery for symptomatic rectosigmoid endometriosis by discoid (DR) or segmental (SR) resection from December 2018 to December 2019. TVS and MRI were performed presurgically for each participant to evaluate LAVD, and the measurements on imaging were compared with IOM using a rectal probe. Clinically acceptable difference and limits of agreement (LoA) between TVS and MRI compared with IOM were set at ± 20 mm. Two different measuring methods for MRI, MRICenter and MRIDirect , were proposed and evaluated, as there is currently no guideline to describe deep endometriosis on MRI. Bland-Altman plots and LoA were used to assess agreement of TVS and both MRI methods with IOM. Systematic and proportional biases were assessed using paired t-test and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: Seventy-five women were eligible for inclusion. Twenty-eight women were excluded, leaving 47 women for the analysis. Twenty-three DR and 26 SR procedures were performed, with both procedures performed in two women. The Bland-Altman plots showed that there were no systematic differences between TVS or MRICenter when compared with IOM for all included participants. MRIDirect systematically underestimated LAVD for lesions located further from the anal verge. TVS, MRICenter and MRIDirect had LoA outside the preset clinically acceptable difference when compared with IOM. LAVD was within the clinically acceptable difference from IOM of ± 20 mm in 70% (33/47) of women on TVS, 72% (34/47) of women on MRICenter and 47% (22/47) of women on MRIDirect . CONCLUSIONS: TVS should be the preferred method to estimate the location of a rectosigmoid endometriotic lesion, i.e. LAVD, as it is more available, less expensive and has a similar accuracy to that of MRI. Estimating LAVD can be relevant for planning colorectal surgery for rectosigmoid endometriosis. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Impulsivity in Parkinson's disease patients treated with subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation-An exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) is a recognized treatment in Parkinson's disease (PD). Knowledge is still limited regarding the possible impact of STN-DBS on personality traits and the personality characteristics of PD patients who undergo surgery. METHODS: To assess personality traits in relation to STN-DBS we did an ancillary protocol as part of a prospective randomized study that compared two surgical strategies. Patients were assessed with the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), the Urgency, Premeditation, Perseverance and Sensation Seeking impulse behavior scale, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale preoperatively and after one year of STN-DBS. EPQ and TCI baseline scores were compared with mean scores of healthy reference populations. RESULTS: After 12-months of STN-DBS, there was a significant decline in Persistence compared to baseline. Preoperatively, the STN-DBS patients had significantly lower Persistence and Self-Transcendence scores, and significantly higher scores on Novelty-Seeking, Self-Directedness, Cooperativeness and on Social Conformity than referenced populations. No difference was found in Neuroticism or Harm-Avoidance scores. The baseline prevalence of alexithymia was low and at 1-year follow-up there was no significant change in alexithymia scores. CONCLUSIONS: We found a higher baseline level of impulsivity in PD patients who underwent STN-DBS. After one year of STN-DBS, our results indicated that the treatment may affect the patients' personality by increasing certain aspects of impulsivity. There was no effect on alexithymia. The preoperative personality profile of PD patients might influence the outcome of STN-DBS.

Correction to: Effects of a resistance and balance exercise programme on physical fitness, health-related quality of life and fear of falling in older women with osteoporosis and vertebral fracture: a randomized controlled trial.

The original version of this article, published on 10 January 2020, contained a mistake. An author's name was misspelled.

Effects of a resistance and balance exercise programme on physical fitness, health-related quality of life and fear of falling in older women with osteoporosis and vertebral fracture: a randomized controlled trial.

Exercise is recommended for people with osteoporosis, but the effect for people who have suffered vertebral fracture is uncertain. This study shows that a multicomponent exercise-program based on recommendations for people with osteoporosis improved muscle strength, balance, and fear of falling in older women with osteoporosis and vertebral fracture. INTRODUCTION: Guidelines for exercise strongly recommend that older adults with osteoporosis or osteoporotic vertebral fracture should engage in a multicomponent exercise programme that includes resistance training in combination with balance training. Prior research is scarce and shows inconsistent findings. This study examines whether current exercise guidelines for osteoporosis, when applied to individuals with vertebral fractures, can improve health outcomes. METHODS: This single blinded randomized controlled trial included 149 older women diagnosed with osteoporosis and vertebral fracture, 65+ years. The intervention group performed a 12-week multicomponent exercise programme, the control group received usual care. Primary outcome was habitual walking speed, secondary outcomes were physical fitness (Senior Fitness Test, Functional Reach and Four Square Step Test), health-related quality of life and fear of falling. Descriptive data was reported as mean (standard deviation) and count (percent). Data were analyzed following intention to treat principle and per protocol. Between-group differences were assessed using linear regression models (ANCOVA analysis). RESULTS: No statistically significant difference between the groups were found on the primary outcome, walking speed (mean difference 0.04 m/s, 95% CI - 0.01-0.09, p = 0.132). Statistically significant between-group differences in favour of intervention were found on FSST (dynamic balance) (mean difference - 0.80 s, 95% CI - 1.57 to - 0.02, p = 0.044), arm curl (mean difference 1.55, 95% CI 0.49-2.61, p = 0.005) and 30-s STS (mean difference 1.85, 95% CI 1.04-2.67, p < 0.001), as well as fear of falling (mean difference - 1.45, 95% CI - 2.64 to - 0.26, p = 0.018). No statistically significant differences between the groups were found on health-related quality of life. CONCLUSION: Twelve weeks of a supervised multicomponent resistance and balance exercise programme improves muscle strength and balance and reduces fear of falling, in women with osteoporosis and a history of vertebral fractures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClincialTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02781974. Registered 25.05.16. Retrospectively registered.

High risk of positive Trendelenburg test after using the direct lateral approach to the hip compared with the anterolateral approach: a single-centre, randomized trial in patients with femoral neck fracture.

AIMS: The aim of this randomized trial was to compare the functional outcome of two different surgical approaches to the hip in patients with a femoral neck fracture treated with a hemiarthroplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 150 patients who were treated between February 2014 and July 2017 were included. Patients were allocated to undergo hemiarthroplasty using either an anterolateral or a direct lateral approach, and were followed for 12 months. The mean age of the patients was 81 years (69 to 90), and 109 were women (73%). Functional outcome measures, assessed by a physiotherapist blinded to allocation, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected postoperatively at three and 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients in the direct lateral group had a positive Trendelenburg test at one year compared with one patient in the anterolateral group (11/55 (20%) vs 1/55 (1.8%), relative risk (RR) 11.1; p = 0.004). Patients with a positive Trendelenburg test reported significantly worse Hip Disability Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (HOOS) compared with patients with a negative Trendelenburg test. Further outcome measures showed few statistically significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: The direct lateral approach in patients with a femoral neck fracture appears to be associated with more positive Trendelenburg tests than the anterolateral approach, indicating a poor clinical outcome. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:793-799.

Biomarkers of muscle damage increased in anterolateral compared to direct lateral approach to the hip in hemiarthroplasty: no correlation with clinical outcome : Short-term analysis of secondary outcomes from a randomized clinical trial in patients with a displaced femoral neck fracture.

In this study, we found elevated levels of serum CK in the anterolateral approach to the hip compared to the direct lateral approach in patients with a displaced femoral neck fracture. No correlation was found between levels of CK and functional outcomes. INTRODUCTION: To compare increase in serum creatine kinase (CK) and its association with functional outcome between the muscle-sparing anterolateral approach and the direct lateral approach to the hip in patients with displaced femoral neck fracture (FNF). METHODS: In this randomized trial, we enrolled eligible patients between 70 and 90 years of age with FNF. Patients were allocated to an uncemented hemiarthroplasty inserted through a direct lateral or an anterolateral approach. The primary endpoints were pain and patient satisfaction assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Among secondary endpoints was increase in CK at 24 and 48 h compared to baseline and its association with surgical parameters, Timed up and Go Test (TUG), Harris Hip Score (HHS), and the presence of a Trendelenburg sign using correlation analysis. This paper reports on increase in serum CK and its association with functional outcome. RESULTS: At 24 h, there was a mean increase from baseline in total CK of 228 U/L (95% CI 187 to 269; P < 0.001). There was a difference between groups at 24 h in CK increase with higher levels in the anterolateral group (mean difference 80 U/L; 95% CI - 0.5 to 162; P = 0.05). Likewise, at 48 h, there was a mean difference of 117 U/L (95% CI 22 to 212; P = 0.01). No correlation was found between CK values and functional assessments. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the direct lateral approach, the anterolateral approach yielded higher levels of postoperative CK. However, there was no correlation between levels of CK and functional outcome. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02028468.

The gluteal muscles in end-stage osteoarthritis of the hip: intra- and interobserver reliability and agreement of MRI assessments of muscle atrophy and fatty degeneration.

AIM: To assess the intra- and interobserver reliability and agreement of muscular atrophy and fatty degeneration of the gluteal muscles on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with end-stage osteoarthritis of the hip. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with end-stage osteoarthritis of the hip, who scheduled for hip replacement surgery, were included in the study. The cross-sectional areas of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles were manually circumscribed and automatically calculated, while intramuscular fatty degeneration was assessed using the semi-quantitative classification system of Goutallier. Two independent observers performed all the evaluations. RESULTS: Good agreement and excellent reliability were found for the cross-sectional areas of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] for intra-observer 0.97 and 0.93, ICC for interobserver 0.98 and 0.95). Fair reliability was found for fatty degeneration of the gluteus muscles (mean kappa 0.23 and mean prevalence-adjusted kappa 0.53). The average proportion of agreement for the raters was 0.71. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated substantial agreement and excellent intra- and interobserver reliability for the measurements of the cross-sectional areas of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. Assessment of fatty degeneration had fair intra- and interobserver reliability, but acceptable agreement.

Preoperative liquid gastric emptying rate does not predict outcome after fundoplication.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Preoperative gastric emptying (GE) rate in patients with gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) was evaluated as a predictor of outcome after antireflux surgery. METHODS AND PATIENTS: GE was assessed using radionuclide scintigraphy and a standardized meal with cow's milk. GE half time (T1/2), patient demographics and GERD symptoms including vomiting (>4days/week), retching (>4days/week), prolonged feeding time (>3h/day), and discomfort after meals were recorded pre- and postoperatively. A standardized follow-up included a 24-h pH-monitoring and an upper gastrointestinal contrast study. Of 74 patients undergoing Nissen fundoplication between 2003 and 2009, 35 underwent a preoperative GE study. The remaining 39 patients were not examined owing to volume intolerance, cow's milk intolerance or allergy, inability to lie still, or parents refusing participation. MAIN RESULTS: Median age at fundoplication was 4.9 [range 1.1-15.4] years, and follow-up time was median 4.3 [1.9-8.9] years. GERD recurred in 7 (20%) patients. Preoperative T1/2 in the seven patients with recurrent GERD was median 45 [21-87] min compared to 44 [16-121] min in the 28 patients without recurrent GERD (p=0.92). There was no significant difference between the one third of patients with the slowest GE [T1/2 54-121min] and the remaining patients [T1/2 16-49min] regarding GERD recurrence or postoperative vomiting, retching, prolonged feeding time, or discomfort after meals. CONCLUSION: Preoperative GE rate did not predict outcome after antireflux surgery, as slow GE was not associated with recurrent GERD or postoperative troublesome symptoms such as vomiting, retching, or meal discomfort.

The effect of prenatal lifestyle intervention on weight retention 12 months postpartum: results of the Norwegian Fit for Delivery randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of a prenatal lifestyle intervention on postpartum weight retention (PPWR). DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Healthcare clinics in southern Norway. POPULATION: Healthy, nulliparous women with body mass index ≥19 kg/m2 , age ≥18 years, and singleton pregnancy of ≤20 gestational weeks. METHODS: Women were randomised to intervention (dietary counselling twice by phone and access to twice-weekly exercise groups during pregnancy) or control group (standard prenatal care). Intervention compliance was defined post-factum as attending dietary counselling and ≥14 exercise classes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: PPWR (weight measured postpartum minus self-reported pre-pregnancy weight) and the proportion of women returning to pre-pregnancy weight. RESULTS: Of 606 women randomised, 591 were included in an intention-to-treat analysis of pregnancy outcomes and 391 (64.5%) were analysed 12 months postpartum. Mean PPWR was not significantly different between groups (0.66 kg for intervention versus 1.42 kg for control group, mean difference -0.77 kg, 95% CI -1.81, 0.28; P = 0.149). An increased proportion of intervention participants achieved pre-pregnancy weight (53% versus 43%, OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.003, 1.471; P = 0.045). However, the difference was not statistically significant when we adjusted for missing data (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.23, P = 0.067) using logistic mixed-effects models analysis. Women compliant with intervention had significantly lower PPWR than control participants, also after adjusting for potential confounders (adjusted mean diff -1.54 kg, 95% CI -3.02, -0.05; P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: The Norwegian Fit for Delivery intervention had little effect on PPWR, although women who were compliant with the intervention demonstrated significantly lower PPWR at 12 months. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Norwegian Fit for Delivery RCT: little effect of lifestyle intervention on weight retention 1 year postpartum.

The outcome and prognostic factors in children with bilateral Perthes' disease: a prospective study of 40 children with follow-up over five years.

AIMS: The aims of this study were to describe the course of non-operatively managed, bilateral Perthes' disease, and to determine specific prognostic factors for the radiographic and clinical outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified 40 children with a mean age of 5.9 years (1.8 to 13.5), who were managed non-operatively for bilateral Perthes' disease from our prospective, multicentre study of this condition, which included all children in Norway who were diagnosed with Perthes' disease in the five-year period between 1996 and 2000. All children were followed up for five years. The hips were classified according to the Catterall classification. A modified three-group Stulberg classification was used as an outcome measure, with a spherical femoral head being defined as a good outcome, an oval head as fair, and a flat femoral head as a poor outcome. RESULTS: Concurrent, simultaneous bilateral Perthes' disease was seen in 23 children and 17 had the sequential onset of bilateral disease. The mean delay in onset for the second hip in the latter group was 1.9 years (0.3 to 5.5). The five-year radiographic outcome was good in 30 (39%), fair in 25 (33%) and poor in 21 (28%) of the hips. The strongest predictors of poor outcome were > 50% necrosis of the femoral head, with odds ratio (OR) 19.6, and age at diagnosis > 6 years (OR 3.3). Other risk factors for poor outcome were the timing of the onset of disease, where children with the sequential onset of bilateral disease had a higher risk than those with the concurrent onset of bilateral disease (p = 0.021, chi-squared test). Following a diagnosis of Perthes' disease in one hip, there was a 5% chance of developing it in the contralateral hip. CONCLUSION: These results imply that we need to distinguish between children with concurrent onset and those with sequential onset of bilateral Perthes' disease, as the outcomes may be different. This has not been previously described. Children with concurrent onset of bilateral disease had a similar outcome to our previous series of those with unilateral disease, whereas children with sequential onset of bilateral disease had a worse prognosis. The increased risk of developing Perthes' disease in the contralateral hip in those with unilateral disease is important information for the child and parents.

The Neck Disability Index (NDI) and its correlation with quality of life and mental health measures among patients with single-level cervical disc disease scheduled for surgery.

BACKGROUND: The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is widely used as a self-rated disability score in patients with cervical radiculopathy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the NDI score correlated with other assessments of quality of life and mental health in a specific group of patients with single-level cervical disc disease and corresponding radiculopathy. METHODS: One hundred thirty-six patients were included in a prospective, randomized controlled clinical multicenter study on one-level anterior cervical discectomy with arthroplasty (ACDA) versus one-level anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF). The preoperative data were obtained at hospital admission 1 to 3 days prior to surgery. The NDI score was used as the dependent variable and correlation as well as regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationship with the short form-36, EuroQol-5Dimension-3 level and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: The mean age at inclusion was 44.1 years (SD ±7.0, range 26-59 years), of which 46.3 % were male. Mean NDI score was 48.6 (SD = 12.3, minimum 30 and maximum 88). Simple linear regression analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between NDI and the EuroQol-5Dimension-3 level [R = -0.64, 95 % confidence interval (CI) -30.1- -19.8, p < 0.001] and to a lesser extent between NDI and the short form-36 physical component summary [R = -0.49, 95 % CI (-1.10- -0.58), p < 0.001] and the short form-36 mental component summary [R = -0.25, 95 % CI (-0.47- -0-09), p = 0.004]. Regarding NDI and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, a significant correlation for depression was found [R = 0.26, 95 % CI (0.21-1.73), p = 0.01]. Multiple linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant and the strongest correlation between NDI and the independent variables in the following order: EuroQol-5Dimension-3 level [R = -0.64, 95 % CI (-23.5- -7.9), p <0.001], short form-36 physical component summary [R = -0.41, 95 % CI (-0.93- -0.23), p = 0.001] and short form-36 mental component summary [R = -0.36, 95 % CI (-0.53- -0.15), p = 0.001]. CONCLUSION: The results from the present study show that the NDI correlated significantly with a different quality of life and mental health measures among patients with single-level cervical disc disease and corresponding radiculopathy.

Vulvovaginal photodynamic therapy vs. topical corticosteroids in genital erosive lichen planus: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Genital erosive lichen planus (GELP) in women is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by painful vulval and vaginal erosions. Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is increasingly used in premalignant and malignant diseases and may have an effect in inflammatory diseases. OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility, efficacy and safety of hexyl 5-aminolevulinate-hydrocloride (HAL)-PDT in GELP. METHODS: Forty women, diagnosed with GELP at a specialized vulva clinic, were randomized to one session HAL-PDT in vulva and/or vagina (n = 20) or daily applications of clobetasol propionate 0·05% ointment in vulva and optional hydrocortisone acetate 1·0% foam in vagina for 6 weeks (n = 20). After 6 weeks, all patients were allowed to use topical corticosteroids as needed. Clinical examinations were performed at weeks 0, 6 and 24, using a clinical score developed for the study. All patients wrote a weekly log on pain, topical corticosteroid use and adverse events. RESULTS: Three patients, all in the corticosteroid group, withdrew from the study after 1-3 weeks. The mean reduction in clinical scores was similar in the PDT group and the corticosteroid group; 25% vs. 22% after 6 weeks (P = 0·787) and 35% vs. 38% after 24 weeks (P = 0·801). The mean reduction in pain visual analogue scale scores was 38% vs. 55% after 6 weeks (P = 0·286) and 39% vs. 12% after 24 weeks (P = 0·452). Patients in the PDT group reported significantly less topical corticosteroid use during weeks 7-24 than those in the corticosteroid group. No major adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Vulvovaginal HAL-PDT seems to be an effective and safe treatment for GELP.

Reliability of measures used in radiographic evaluation of the adult hip.

OBJECTIVE: The reliability of radiographic measurements has been studied in pediatric hips, but less has been published on the adult hip, and none have examined the reliability of measurements for the location of the center of rotation (COR) of the hip joint. We have investigated the reliability of various radiographic variables with a focus on the COR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on a standardized format for anterior-posterior radiographs of the pelvis. The measured variables were; (A) the distance from a sagittal reference line to the COR, (B) the distance from the sagittal reference line to the proximal end of the lateral cortical line of the femur, (C) the distance from the sagittal reference line to the medial rim of the acetabulum, (D) the distance from the horizontal reference line to the roof of the acetabulum, and (E) the distance from the horizontal reference line to the COR. One observer (JAB) conducted the measurements twice separated by a time interval of 45-60 days to assess intra-observer reliability, and the first measurements of JAB were compared to those performed by another observer (OR) to assess inter-observer reliability. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficients were above 0.98 for all measurements, and the minimum and maximum values that statistically include 95% of the observer differences were all within -3 to +3 mm. CONCLUSIONS: These measurements proved to have high reliability and agreement of both within the same observer and between two observers. They should therefore be reproducible in a clinical setting.

Monitoring bypassing agent therapy - a prospective crossover study comparing thromboelastometry and thrombin generation assay.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the capability of thromboelastometry (ROTEM) and thrombin generation assay (TGA) to monitor the treatment response of bypassing agent (BPA) therapy and to study whether one method is superior to another. In a prospective crossover study haemophilia A patients with high titre inhibitors were included to receive a dose of 75 U kg(-1) activated prothrombin complex concentrates (aPCC) intravenously. Blood sampling was performed at baseline, 15, 30 min, 1, 2, 3 and 4 h post-infusion for TGA and ROTEM analysis. After a washout period of 14 days the subjects received recombinant FVIIa (rFVIIa) at a dose of 90 µg kg(-1) and similar blood sampling was performed. Healthy subjects were used as controls. Six haemophilia A patients with inhibitors were included. We found that TGA parameters endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and peak thrombin increased 2-3 folds from baseline 15-30 min after infusion. ROTEM parameters MaxVel and maximum clot firmness increased to a level comparable to that of healthy controls. An individual difference in response was observed for different parameters among participants. ETP and peak thrombin were almost two-fold greater following aPCC infusion compared to rFVIIa, whereas ROTEM parameters showed no difference in response between the two products. The study showed that ROTEM and TGA have a great potential to evaluate the effect of BPA in haemophilia patients with inhibitors. TGA seemed to be more sensitive than ROTEM in reflecting the difference in treatment response between aPCC and rFVIIa. Additional prospective clinical studies are needed to clarify which assay and what parameters are clinically predictive.

The acetabulum in Perthes' disease: a prospective study of 123 children.

PURPOSE: We assessed the radiographic changes of the acetabulum during the course of Perthes' disease and investigated whether they were associated with femoral head sphericity 5 years after diagnosis. METHODS: We studied 123 children with unilateral Perthes' disease, femoral head necrosis more than 50 % and age at diagnosis 6 years or older. Pelvic radiographs were taken at onset, 1 year and 5 years after diagnosis. Sharp's angle, acetabular depth-to-width ratio (ADR) and lateral acetabular inclination were measured. RESULTS: Compared to the unaffected hips, the Perthes' hips developed significantly higher Sharp's angles (p < 0.001) and a higher proportion with an upward-sloping lateral acetabular margin (Perthes' hips: 49 %, unaffected hips 1 %). The mean ADR values were significantly lower on the affected side at all stages (p < 0.001). ADR values at diagnosis were associated with a more spherical femoral head at the 5-year follow-up [odds ratio (OR) 1.012, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.002-1.022, p = 0.016]. None of the other acetabular parameters were significantly associated with the femoral head shape 5 years after diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The acetabulum developed an increasingly dysplastic shape in the course of Perthes' disease. Early dysplastic changes of the acetabulum were not associated with a poor radiological outcome 5 years after diagnosis. Routine measurement and monitoring of acetabular changes in plain radiographs were of little prognostic value and can, therefore, hardly be recommended in clinical practice.

Short communication: Is consumption of a cheese rich in angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibiting peptides, such as the Norwegian cheese Gamalost, associated with reduced blood pressure?

Epidemiological and clinical studies have shown that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibiting peptides derived from dairy products may decrease blood pressure. These peptides have been identified in many cheeses, and Gamalost, a traditional Norwegian cheese, is particularly rich in these peptides. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine whether frequency of Gamalost intake was associated with blood pressure in a Norwegian population sample. Blood pressure and other clinical measurements, including the factors of metabolic syndrome, were obtained from 168 participants (56% female, mean age = 51 yr) who completed a questionnaire about dietary habits and other health-related factors. Mean Gamalost intake was 2 servings per week. The prevalence of hypertension was 23.8% in the population, with mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures of 128 and 78 mmHg, respectively. Intake of Gamalost was inversely associated with systolic blood pressure. Each increase in frequency unit of Gamalost intake corresponded to a reduction in systolic blood pressure of 0.72 mmHg, after controlling for sex, age, education, waist circumference, physical activity, smoking status, and dairy food intake. Results from this study indicate that consumption of Gamalost (or other foods rich in ACE-inhibiting peptides) may reduce blood pressure.

The effect of blood glucose and pCO2 on spectral EEG of premature infants during the first three days of life.

BACKGROUND: Spectral EEG analysis using automated quantification of total absolute band power (tABP) expresses brain function. We hypothesized that pCO2 or blood glucose affects tABP during the critical first days of life in premature infants. OBJECTIVE: To use automated tABP quantification to determine whether EEG background activity in premature infants during the first 3 days of life is influenced by pCO2 or blood glucose levels. METHODS: Preterm infants, group 1 [gestational age (GA) = 24-27 weeks] and group 2 (GA = 28-30 weeks), underwent continuous EEG monitoring for 3 days after birth. Biochemical data were extracted from the observational datasheet used during monitoring. Blood samples were taken at the request of the attending physician. Statistical analyses were performed as repeated measurements using linear mixed models with a random intercept. The effect of time was treated as a fixed covariate and the GA groups as a fixed factor in all models. Continuous data were described using the mean ± SD or median and range, and categorical data were described using the number of patients and percentages unless otherwise indicated. RESULTS: There was an association between increased pCO2 and tABP and between increased blood glucose and tABP. Further, there were no differences in the responses between groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSION: Both hyperglycemia and hypercapnia showed a negative effect on brain activity decreasing tABP during the first 3 days of life in premature infants.

Tranexamic acid as adjunct therapy to bypassing agents in haemophilia A patients with inhibitors.

Haemophilia patients with inhibitors require bypassing agents (BPA) like activated prothrombin complex concentrate (aPCC) and recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) to control bleeds. Adjunct tranexamic acid (TXA) may improve haemostasis. The objective of this study was to investigate safety and haemostatic effect of TXA given in combination with BPA. Healthy volunteers (N = 5) and haemophilia inhibitor patients (N = 6) were enrolled in a prospective case crossover design. Controls were treated with TXA 20 mg kg(-1) orally (O.R.) Patients were treated with aPCC 75 IU kg(-1) intravenous (I.V.) on day 1 followed by TXA 20 mg kg(-1) O.R. combined with aPCC 75 IU kg(-1) I.V. on day 2. A 14-day washout occurred before crossover to rFVIIa 90 µg kg(-1) I.V. ±TXA. Safety evaluation and blood sampling processes were performed at baseline, 15, 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min post treatment. Primary outcome was maximum clot firmness (MCF) evaluated by whole blood thromboelastometry using a TF + tissue plasminogen activator-based assay. Healthy controls showed a 20-fold increase in MCF following TXA. Adjunct TXA to aPCC or rFVIIa induced a significant increase in MCF (P < 0.0001) reaching levels indistinguishable from healthy controls treated with TXA (P > 0.05). Infusion of aPCC or rFVIIa alone induced only 3-10 fold increase in MCF from baseline, with a decline in MCF starting after 60-120 min. TXA did not increase the endogenous thrombin potential. No clinical or laboratory signs of thromboembolic events, disseminated intravascular coagulation, or hypercoagulability were observed. Combination of aPCC or rFVIIa with TXA normalizes clot stability in haemophilia patients with inhibitor as compared to healthy controls. No clinical or laboratory adverse events were observed.

No difference in mortality between cemented and uncemented hemiprosthesis for elderly patients with cervical hip fracture. A prospective randomized study on 334 patients over 75 years.

INTRODUCTION: Laboratory and human mechanical studies indicated that chemical substances in bone cement had toxic and prothrombotic effects. Impaction of cement added a mechanical trauma to the reaming and broaching procedure and contributed to a substantial local and systemic thrombin generation. Case reports and materials have indicated bone cement as the immediate trigger of cardiorespiratory and vascular dysfunction, occasionally fatal, and described as the bone cement implantation syndrome. In spite of this knowledge, bone cement has gained popularity and is widely used for prosthesis fixation, possibly due to a lack of clinical evidence supporting the basic science indicating bone cement as a mortality risk factor. METHOD: This is a prospective, randomized study comparing cemented and non cemented hemiprosthesis on patients suffering a dislocated cervical hip fracture. Perioperative characteristics and 1 year mortality differences between the groups were estimated. PATIENTS: Hundred and thirty-four patients over 75 years were enrolled from two hospitals in Norway. Average age was 84 years, 75 % were female and 60 % had symptomatic comorbidities. RESULTS: We find no difference in mortality between cemented and uncemented hemiprosthesis up to 1 year (HR 0.77, 95 % CI 0.51-1.18, p = 0.233). However, statistically significant reduced operation time and blood loss were found in the non-cemented group. (mean difference of 13 min, 95 % CI 4-22, p = 0.004 and 92 ml 95 % CI 3-181, p = 0.043, respectively). CONCLUSION: Installation of non-cemented hemiprostheses in elderly with hip fracture may have benefits perioperatively regarding operation time and bleeding, and do not seem to influence 1 year mortality relative to cemented implants.