Predictor parameters for poor prognosis in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss: fibrinogen to albumin ratio vs C-reactive protein to albumin ratio / Parâmetros preditores de mau prognóstico em pacientes com perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita: relação fibrinogênio/albumina vs. relação proteina C-reativa/albumina

Abstract Introduction Prognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss may be predicted using several parameters of laboratory blood analysis. Objective To identify and investigate the most significant indicator parameters related to the poor prognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Methods Eighty-eight patients were included, and three groups were constituted: non-recovery group with14 patients, recovery group with 33 patients and control group with 41 individuals. We compared fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio, C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, white blood cell and hemoglobin of the groups. Then, we investigated the most significant indicator parameters related to the poor prognosis of sudden hearing loss. Results The mean hemoglobin, mean platelet-lymphocyte ratio and median white blood cell values did not significantly differ among three groups (p = 0.36, p = 0.86 and p = 0.79, respectively). A significant difference of median fibrinogen-albumin ratio, C-reactive protein-albumin ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was evident among three groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.003 and p = 0.002, respectively). Median fibrinogen-albumin ratio, C-reactive protein-albumin ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio values were significantly greater in the non-recovery group, compared with the controls (p < 0.001, p = 0.003 and p = 0.005, respectively). Median fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio, C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were significantly greater in the recovery group, compared with the controls (p < 0.001, p = 0.013 and p = 0.005, respectively). Moreover, the median fibrinogen-albumin ratio was significantly greater in the non-recovery group compared with the recovery group (p = 0.017). However, no statistically significant difference of median C-reactive protein-albumin ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte was evident between the non-recovery and recovery groups (p = 0.15). Conclusion Increased levels of fibrinogen-albumin ratio may be predictive for poor prognosis in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Resumo Introdução O prognóstico de perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita pode ser previsto com vários parâmetros da análise laboratorial do sangue. Objetivo Identificar e investigar os parâmetros indicadores mais significativos relacionados ao mau prognóstico da perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita. Método Foram incluídos 88 pacientes e três grupos foram constituídos: grupo não recuperado, com14 pacientes; grupo com recuperação, 33 pacientes, e grupo controle com 41 indivíduos. Foram comparadas a relação fibrinogênio/albumina, proteína C-reativa/albumina, relação neutrófilos/linfócitos, relação plaquetas/linfócitos, glóbulos brancos e hemoglobina dos grupos. Em seguida, investigamos os parâmetros indicadores mais significativos relacionados ao prognóstico ruim da perda súbita de audição. Resultados A média de hemoglobina, média da relação plaquetas/linfócitos e mediana dos valores de glóbulos brancos não diferiram significativamente entre os três grupos (p = 0,36, p = 0,86 e p = 0,79, respectivamente). Uma diferença significante da média da relação fibrinogênio/albumina, proteína C-reativa/albumina e neutrófilos/linfócitos foi evidente entre os três grupos (p < 0,001, p = 0,003 e p = 0,002, respectivamente). Os valores da mediana da relação fibrinogênio/albumina, proteína C-reativa/albumina e relação neutrófilos/linfócitos foram significantemente maiores no grupo sem recuperação, em comparação com os controles (p < 0,001, p = 0,003 e p = 0,005, respectivamente). As medianas da relação fibrinogênio/albumina, relação proteína C-reativa/albumina e relação neutrófilos/linfócitos foram significantemente maiores no grupo com recuperação, em comparação com os controles (p < 0,001, p = 0,013 e p = 0,005, respectivamente). Além disso, a mediana da relação fibrinogênio/albumina foi significantemente maior no grupo não recuperado comparado ao grupo com recuperação (p = 0,017). No entanto, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante da mediana da relação proteína-C reativa/albumina e relação neutrófilos/linfócitos entre os grupos sem recuperação e com recuperação (p = 0,15). Conclusão Níveis elevados de relação fibrinogênio/albumina podem ser preditores de mau prognóstico em pacientes com perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita.

Eustachian tube dysfunction in sleep apnea patients and improvements afforded by continuous positive airway pressure therapy / Disfunção da trompa de Eustáquio em pacientes com apneia do sono e melhoria proporcionada pela terapia com pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas

Abstract Introduction Upper airway resistance may accompany eustachian dysfunction and alter middle ear pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Objective To investigate effects of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and continuous positive airway pressure treatment on eustachian tube functions. Methods Forty-two mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients, 45 moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients, 47 severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients with continuous positive airway pressure therapy, 32 severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients without continuous positive airway pressure therapy, and 88 individuals without sleep apnea (controls) were included. Tympanometric parameters of groups were compared. Results Right middle ear pressures in mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome groups did not differ significantly from that of control group (p = 0.93 and p = 0.55), as was also true of the left middle ear pressures (p = 0.94 and p = 0.86). Right middle ear pressure was significantly higher in severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome groups than in the control group, as was the left middle ear pressure (p < 0.001). Middle ear pressure (negative) was significantly lower in severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients with continuous positive airway pressure therapy compared to those without (p < 0.001). Right ear type B and C tympanogram frequencies were significantly higher in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome without continuous positive airway pressure therapy (12.4%) than in the controls (0%) (p = 0.02). Left ear type B or C tympanogram frequencies were significantly higher in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome without continuous positive airway pressure therapy (21.9%) than in the controls (0%) (p = 0.002). Conclusion Mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome did not affect middle ear pressure but severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome may increase the (negative) middle ear pressure. In severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients, long-term continuous positive airway pressure therapy may normalize middle ear pressure.

Resumo Introdução A resistência das vias aéreas superiores pode se acompanhar de disfunção da trompa de Eustáquio e alterar a pressão na orelha média em pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono Objetivo Investigar os efeitos do tratamento da síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono com pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas nas funções da trompa de Eustáquio. Método Foram incluídos 42 pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono leve, 45 pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono moderada, 47 pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono grave submetidos à terapia de pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas, 32 pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono grave sem terapia de pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas e 88 indivíduos sem apneia do sono (controle). Os parâmetros timpanométricos dos grupos foram comparados. Resultados As pressões na orelha média direita nos grupos com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono leve e moderada não diferiram significantemente das do grupo controle (p = 0,93 e p = 0,55), assim como nas pressões da orelha média esquerda (p = 0,94 e p = 0,86). A pressão na orelha média direita foi significantemente maior nos grupos com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono grave do que no grupo controle, assim como a pressão na orelha média esquerda (p < 0,001). A pressão negativa na orelha média foi significantemente menor nos pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono grave submetidos à terapia com pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas em comparação com aqueles que não receberam tratamento (p < 0,001). As frequências dos timpanogramas do tipo B e C da orelha direita foram significantemente maiores em pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sonograve que não receberam terapia com pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas (12,4%) do que nos controles (0%) (p = 0,02). As frequências dos timpanogramas do tipo B ou C na orelha esquerda foram significantemente maiores em pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sonograve que não receberam terapia com pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas (21,9%) do que nos controles (0%) (p = 0,002). Conclusão Síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono leve e moderada não afetou a pressão da orelha média, mas a síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono grave pode aumentar a pressão negativa da orelha média. Em pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono grave, a terapia em longo prazo com pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas pode normalizar a pressão da orelha média.

The effects of intraday operation time on pain and anxiety of patients undergoing septoplasty / Os efeitos do tempo de cirurgia intradia na dor e ansiedade de pacientes submetidos à septoplastia

Abstract Introduction Anxiety and pain levels of septoplasty patients may vary according to intraday operation time. Objective To investigate the effects of septoplasty operation and intraday operation time on anxiety and postoperative pain. Methods Ninety-eight voluntary patients filled out the hospital anxiety and depression scale to measure the anxiety level three weeks before, one hour before and one week after surgery. Forty-nine patients were operated at 8:00 am (morning group); other 49 were operated at 03:00 pm (afternoon group). We used a visual analogue scale to measure postoperative pain. Preoperative and postoperative scores were compared, as were the scores of the groups. Results Median hospital anxiety and depression scale scores one hour before the operation [6 (2-10)] were significantly higher compared to the median scores three weeks before the operation [3 (1-6)] (p < 0.001), and one week after the operation [2 (1-6)] were significantly lower compared to the median scores three weeks before the operation [3 (1-6)] (p < 0.001). Hospital anxiety and depression scale scores one hour before the operation were significantly greater in the afternoon group [8 (7-10)], compared to the morning group [4 (2-6)] (p < 0.001). Postoperative first, sixth, twelfth and twenty-fourth-hour pain visual analogue scale scores were significantly higher in the afternoon group compared to the morning group (p < 0.001). Conclusion Septoplasty might have an increasing effect on short-term anxiety and postoperative pain. Performing this operation at a late hour in the day might further increase anxiety and pain. However, the latter has no long-term effect on anxiety.

Resumo Introdução Os níveis de ansiedade e dor em pacientes submetidos à septoplastia podem variar de acordo com o tempo de cirurgia intradia. Objetivo Investigar os efeitos da cirurgia de septoplastia e do tempo de cirurgia intradia na ansiedade e dor pós-operatória. Métodos Noventa e oito pacientes voluntários preencheram a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) para medir o nível de ansiedade três semanas antes, uma hora antes e uma semana após a cirurgia. Quarenta e nove pacientes foram operados às 8h (grupo da manhã) e 49 foram operados às 15h (grupo da tarde). Usamos a Escala Visual Analógica para medir a dor pós-operatória. Os escores pré e pós-operatórios foram comparados, assim como os escores dos grupos. Resultados As medianas dos escores da HADS uma hora antes da operação [6 (2-10)] foram significativamente mais altas em comparação com as medianas dos escores da HADS três semanas antes da operação [3 (1-6)] (p < 0,001) e as medianas dos escores da HADS uma semana após a operação [2 (1-6)] foram significativamente mais baixas em comparação com as medianas dos escores três semanas antes da operação [3 (1-6)] (p < 0,001). Os escores da HADS uma hora antes da operação foram significativamente mais altos no grupo da tarde [8 (7-10)], em comparação ao grupo da manhã [4 (2-6)] (p < 0,001). Os escores da EVA para dor na primeira, sexta, 12ª segunda e 24ª hora do pós-operatório foram significativamente mais altos no grupo da tarde em comparação com o grupo da manhã (p < 0,001). Conclusão A septoplastia pode ter um efeito crescente sobre a ansiedade em curto prazo e na dor pós-operatória e a feitura dessa cirurgia em hora mais tardia pode aumentar ainda mais a ansiedade e a dor. No entanto, isso não tem efeito em longo prazo na ansiedade.

INCREASED TISSUE TRANSGLUTAMINASE LEVELS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED EPILEPTIFORM ACTIVITY IN ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY AMONG PATIENTS WITH CELIAC DISEASE

Background - Celiac disease is an autoimmune systemic disorder in genetically predisposed individuals precipitated by gluten ingestion. Objective - In this study, we aimed to determine asymptomatic spike-and-wave findings on electroencephalography in children with celiac disease. Methods - A total of 175 children with the diagnosis of celiac disease (study group) and 99 age- and sex-matched healthy children as controls (control group) were included in the study. In order to determine the effects of gluten free diet on laboratory and electroencephalography findings, the celiac group is further subdivided into two as newly-diagnosed and formerly-diagnosed patients. Medical histories of all children and laboratory findings were all recorded and neurologic statuses were evaluated. All patients underwent a sleep and awake electroencephalography. Results - Among 175 celiac disease patients included in the study, 43 were newly diagnosed while 132 were formerly-diagnosed patients. In electroencephalography evaluation of patients the epileptiform activity was determined in 4 (9.3%) of newly diagnosed and in 2 (1.5%) of formerly diagnosed patients; on the other hand the epileptiform activity was present in only 1 (1.0%) of control cases. There was a statistically significant difference between groups in regards to the presence of epileptiform activity in electroencephalography. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that epileptiform activity in both sleep and awake electroencephalography were positively correlated with tissue transglutaminase levels (P=0.014 and P=0.019, respectively). Conclusion - We have determined an increased epileptiform activity frequency among newly-diagnosed celiac disease patients compared with formerly-diagnosed celiac disease patients and control cases. Moreover the tissue transglutaminase levels were also correlated with the presence of epileptiform activity in electroencephalography. Among newly diagnosed celiac disease patients, clinicians should be aware of this association and be alert about any neurological symptoms.

Contexto - A doença celíaca é uma doença sistêmica auto-imune em indivíduos geneticamente predispostos, precipitada pela ingestão de glúten. Objetivo - Neste estudo, tivemos como objetivo determinar achados de picos e onda assintomáticos na eletroencefalografia de crianças com doença celíaca. Métodos - Foi incluído um total de 175 crianças com o diagnóstico de doença celíaca (grupo de estudo) com idade e sexo correspondentes a 99 crianças saudáveis como controles (grupo controle) com o fim de determinar os efeitos da dieta livre de glúten nos resultados laboratoriais e na eletroencefalografia. O grupo de doença celíaca é subdividido em dois, com pacientes recém diagnosticados e anteriormente diagnosticados. Foram registrados históricos médicos e resultados laboratoriais de todas as crianças e foram avaliados os estados neurológicos. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a um eletroencefalografia em sono e acordado. Resultados - Dos 175 pacientes com doença celíaca incluídos no estudo, 43 foram recém diagnosticados, enquanto 132 foram diagnosticados anteriormente. Na avaliação de eletroencefalografia dos pacientes a atividade epileptiforme foi determinada em 4 (9,3%) de recém diagnosticados e em 2 (1,5%) dos pacientes anteriormente diagnosticados; por outro lado, a atividade epileptiforme estava presente em apenas 1 (1,0%) dos casos de controle. Houve uma diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos no que diz respeito à presença de atividade epileptiforme em eletroencefalografia. Análise de correlação de Pearson revelou que atividade epileptiforme na eletroencefalografia tanto no sono como na vigília foram positivamente correlacionados com níveis de transglutaminase tecidual (P=0,014 e P=0,019, respectivamente). Conclusão - Determinamos uma frequência de atividade epileptiforme aumentada entre pacientes recém diagnosticados com doença celíaca em comparação com pacientes anteriormente diagnosticados e casos de controle. Além disso, os níveis de transglutaminase tecidual também foram correlacionados com a presença de atividade epileptiforme na eletroencefalografia. Os clínicos devem estar cientes dessa associação e alertas sobre algum sintoma neurológico entre pacientes recentemente diagnosticados de doença celíaca.

Peripheral neurppathy electrophysiological screening in children with celiac disease / Triagem eletrofisiológica de neuropatia periférica em crianças com doença celíaca

Background The involvement of the peripheral nervous system in children with celiac disease is particularly rare. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the need for neurophysiological testing in celiac disease patients without neurological symptoms in order to detect early subclinical neuropathy and its possible correlations with clinical and demographic characteristics. Methods Two hundred and twenty consecutive children with celiac disease were screened for neurological symptoms and signs, and those without symptoms or signs were included. Also, patients with comorbidities associated with peripheral neuropathy or a history of neurological disease were excluded. The remaining 167 asymptomatic patients as well as 100 control cases were tested electro-physiologically for peripheral nervous system diseases. Motor nerve conduction studies, including F-waves, were performed for the median, ulnar, peroneal, and tibial nerves, and sensory nerve conduction studies were performed for the median, ulnar, and sural nerves with H reflex of the soleus muscle unilaterally. All studies were carried out using surface recording electrodes. Normative values established in our laboratory were used. Results Evidence for subclinical neuropathy was not determined with electrophysiological studies in any of the participants. Conclusion In this highly selective celiac disease group without any signs, symptoms as well as the predisposing factors for polyneuropathy, we did not determine any cases with neuropathy. With these results we can conclude that in asymptomatic cases with celiac disease electrophysiological studies are not necessary. However, larger studies with the electrophysiological studies performed at different stages of disease at follow-ups are warranted. .

Contexto O envolvimento do sistema nervoso periférico em crianças com doença celíaca é particularmente raro. Objetivo O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a necessidade de testes neurofisiológicos em pacientes com doença celíaca sem sintomas neurológicos, a fim de detectar neuropatia subclínica precoce e suas possíveis correlações com características clínicas e demográficas. Métodos Duzentos e vinte crianças consecutivas com doença celíaca foram pesquisadas para os sinais e sintomas neurológicos, e foram incluídos somente aqueles sem sintomas ou sinais. Além disso, os portadores de comorbidades associadas à neuropatia periférica ou história de doença neurológica também foram excluídos. Os 167 pacientes assintomáticos, bem como 100 casos controles foram testados electrofisiologicamente para doenças do sistema nervoso periférico. Estudos de condução nervosa motora, incluindo ondas F foram realizados para os nervos medianos, ulnar, fibular e tibiais; realizaram-se estudos de condução sensorial para o nervo mediano, ulnar, e nervos surais com reflexo H do músculo sóleo unilateralmente. Todos os estudos foram realizados utilizando gravação por eletrodos de superfície. Foram usados valores normativos estabelecidos em nosso laboratório. Resultados Não foi determinada evidência de neuropatia subclínica com estudos eletrofisiológicos em qualquer um dos participantes. Conclusão Neste grupo altamente seletivo de pacientes com doença celíaca sem quaisquer sinais, sintomas, bem como os fatores predisponentes para a polineuropatia, não se determinou qualquer caso com neuropatia. Com estes resultados, pode-se concluir que, em casos assintomáticos com doença celíaca os estudos eletrofisiológicos não são necessários. No entanto, são necessários maiores estudos eletrofisiológicos realizados em diferentes fases da doença. .

Neural Network Based Response Prediction of rTMS in Major Depressive Disorder Using QEEG Cordance

OBJECTIVE: The combination of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-pharmacological form of therapy for treating major depressive disorder (MDD), and electroencephalogram (EEG) is a valuable tool for investigating the functional connectivity in the brain. This study aims to explore whether pre-treating frontal quantitative EEG (QEEG) cordance is associated with response to rTMS treatment among MDD patients by using an artificial intelligence approach, artificial neural network (ANN). METHODS: The artificial neural network using pre-treatment cordance of frontal QEEG classification was carried out to identify responder or non-responder to rTMS treatment among 55 MDD subjects. The classification performance was evaluated using k-fold cross-validation. RESULTS: The ANN classification identified responders to rTMS treatment with a sensitivity of 93.33%, and its overall accuracy reached to 89.09%. Area under Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) value for responder detection using 6, 8 and 10 fold cross validation were 0.917, 0.823 and 0.894 respectively. CONCLUSION: Potential utility of ANN approach method can be used as a clinical tool in administering rTMS therapy to a targeted group of subjects suffering from MDD. This methodology is more potentially useful to the clinician as prediction is possible using EEG data collected before this treatment process is initiated. It is worth using feature selection algorithms to raise the sensitivity and accuracy values.

Is There a Relationship Between Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Tissue Fibrillin-1 Levels? / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: Pelvic organ prolapse is a multifactorial disorder in which extracellular matrix defects are implicated. Fibrillin-1 level is reduced in stress urinary incontinence. In Marfan syndrome, which is associated with mutations in Fibrillin-1, pelvic floor disorders are commonly observed. We hypothesize that Fibrillin-1 gene expression is altered in pelvic organ prolapse. METHODS: Thirty women undergoing colporrhaphy or hysterectomy because of cystocele, rectocele, cystorectocele, or uterine prolapse were assigned to a pelvic prolapse study group, and thirty women undergone hysterectomy for nonpelvic prolapse conditions were assigned to a control group. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was conducted on vaginal tissue samples to measure the expression of Fibrillin-1. Expression levels were compared between study and control groups by Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni revision. RESULTS: Fibrillin-1 gene expression was not significantly lower in the study group than in the control group. Similarly, no significant correlation between Fibrillin-1 levels and grade of pelvic prolapse was found. Age over 40 years (P=0.018) and menopause (P=0.027) were both associated with reduced Fibrillin-1 levels in the pelvic prolapse group, whereas the delivery of babies weighing over 3,500 g at birth was associated with increased Fibrillin-1 expression (P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: The results did not indicate a significant reduction in Fibrillin-1 gene expression in pelvic prolapse disorders; however, reduced Fibrillin-1 may contribute to increased pelvic organ prolapse risk with age and menopause. Increased Fibrillin-1 gene expression may be a compensatory mechanism in cases of delivery of babies with high birth weight. Further studies are needed for a better understanding of these observations.

Evaluation of the efficacy of the continuation electroconvulsive therapy in treatment-resistant schizophrenia / Avaliação da eficácia da eletroconvulsoterapia contínua para esquizofrenia resistente ao tratamento

Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been reported being a safe and effective treatment in schizophrenia. However, there are a limited number of studies assessing continuation ECT utilization in patients with schizophrenia giving partial response to pharmacological treatment. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of continuation ECT in preventing relapse in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, schizophrenia patients (n = 73) were defined in three groups such as patients who received only AP treatment (only AP), patients who received acute ECT only during hospitalization (aECT+AP), patients who received acute ECT and continuation ECT (a-cECT+AP). Three groups were compared according to positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores. Results : As per comparison of only AP group, aECT+AP group and a+cECT+AP groups in terms of after discharge PANSS and after discharge BPRS scores for 1st month, 3rd month and 6th month; 3rd and 6th month’s PANSS scores of a+cECT+AP group were statistically significantly lower than other two groups. Discussion: Although this study suffers the limitations of retrospective medical chart analysis, results suggest that, in patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia who have responded to an acute course of ECT, continuation ECT in combination with antipsychotics is more effective than antipsychotics alone in preventing relapse...

Contexto: A eletroconvulsoterapia (ECT) tem mostrado ser um tratamento seguro e eficaz para esquizofrenia. No entanto, o número de estudos que avaliam a utilização contínua de ECT em pacientes com esquizofrenia e a resposta parcial ao tratamento farmacológico é limitado. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a eficácia da ECT de continuação na prevenção de recaída em pacientes com esquizofrenia resistente ao tratamento. Métodos: Nesta análise retrospectiva, pacientes com esquizofrenia (n = 73) foram alocados em três grupos: pacientes que receberam apenas o tratamento AP (somente AP), pacientes que receberam um curso agudo de ECT durante a hospitalização (aECT+AP) e pacientes que receberam um curso agudo de ECT durante a hospitalização e ECT de continuação (a-cECT+AP). Esses três grupos foram comparados de acordo com a pontuação atribuída na Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) e na Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Resultados: De acordo com a comparação dos grupos, somente em AP, aECT+AP e a+cECT+AP, em termos de PANSS e BPRS, após descarga no primeiro, terceiro e sexto mês, as pontuações na PANSS no terceiro e sexto mês no grupo a+cECT+AP foram estatística e significativamente menores do que nos outros dois grupos. Conclusões: Embora este estudo mostre limitações causadas pela análise retrospectiva de prontuários, os resultados sugerem que a continuação da ECT em combinação com antipsicóticos é mais eficaz do que somente os antipsicóticos, na prevenção da recaída em pacientes com diagnóstico de esquizofrenia que responderam ao curso agudo de ECT...

Comparison of advanced stage mucinous epithelial ovarian cancer and serous epithelial ovarian cancer with regard to chemosensitivity and survival outcome: a matched case-control study / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare clinicopathologic characteristics, surgery outcomes and survival outcomes of patients with stage III and IV mucinous epithelial ovarian cancer (mEOC) and serous epithelial ovarian carcinoma (sEOC). METHODS: Patients who had surgery for advanced stage (III or IV) mEOC were evaluated retrospectively and defined as the study group. Women with sEOC who were matched for age and stage of disease were randomly chosen from the database and defined as the control group. The baseline disease characteristics of patients and platinum-based chemotherapy efficacy (response rate, progression-free survival and overall survival [OS]) were compared. RESULTS: A total of 138 women were included in the study: 50 women in the mEOC group and 88 in the sEOC group. Patients in the mEOC group had significantly less grade 3 tumors and CA-125 levels and higher rate of para-aortic and pelvic lymph node metastasis. Patients in the mEOC group had significantly less platinum sensitive disease (57.9% vs. 70.8%; p=0.03) and had significantly poorer OS outcome when compared to the sEOC group (p=0.001). The risk of death for mEOC patients was significantly higher than for sEOC patients (hazard ratio, 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.34 to 3.42). CONCLUSION: Advanced stage mEOC patients have more platinum resistance disease and poorer survival outcome when compared to advanced stage sEOC. Therefore, novel chemotherapy strategies are warranted to improve survival outcome in patients with mEOC.

A family of Bart-Pumphrey syndrome.

Bart-Pumphrey syndrome (BPS) is an autosomal-dominant disorder characterized by hearing loss, leukonychia, knuckle pads and palmoplantar keratoderma. Two mutations in the extracellular domain of GBJ2 are resposible for this syndrome. To date, less than 10 case reports or clinical series about BPS have been published in the literature. Hearing loss and knuckle pads are the more commonly seen findings of this syndrome. Three generations and six family members with variable findings of knuckle pads, leukonychia, hearing loss and palmoplantar hyperkeratosis were presented in this report. We want to emphasize that dermatogists must be alert during the evaluation of these findings because some findings of this disorder may be vague or absent.

Hepatic artery resistance in children with obesity and fatty liver.

Objective. To assess correlation between hepatic artery resistive index (HARI) and increase of body mass index and hepatosteatosis grading in children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods. Thirty three healthy children [body mass index(BMI): mean± standart deviation(SD), min-max: 20.1±1.14(18.5-23.7), 33 overweight [BMI:25.1±2.2 (18.5-23.7)] and 66 obese [BMI:31.1±2(25.6-40)] adolescents were enrolled into the study. To search the relation of HARI with fatty liver degree, study subjects subdivided into groups according to their degree of fatty liver at ultrasonography(US). Results. Increase of HARI was correlated with increase in BMI (p<0.0001, r=0.533). Increase of HARI was well correlated with increase in degree of fatty liver (p<0.0001, r=0.630). Conclusion. The present study results suggest that there are positive correlations of HARI with BMI and hepatoseatosis grade in obese children with NAFLD. HARI may be a candidate parameter to determine early alarming hemodynamic changes in hepatic tissue of obese children with fatty liver before development of severe stages NAFLD.

Myocarditis diagnosed in twins

Myocarditis is inflammation of the cardiac myocytes. In the first 6 months of life, myocarditis is slow-progressing and sudden death is common. It should not be forgotten that these patients can have intrauterine myocarditis. A 4-month-old male patient had fast breathing and cyanosis during crying in the last month. At admission, we found tachypnea and hypoxia in his physical examination, and cardiomegaly on the chest radiogram. Subsequently, dilatation of left ventricle and left atrium, systolic dysfunction of left ventricle, and mitral valve regurgitation were found in echocardiography. The patient was diagnosed with myocarditis. We were informed that he had a twin brother, so we evaluated the second baby too. Similar but less severe findings were obtained in the echocardiographic examination of the twin brother, who had normal findings in physical examination. Infectious and metabolic scanning tests were performed on both patients. The underlying cause could not be spotted. Sizes of ventricles and atria, and left ventricle functions of the patients were found to be normal with treatment at the end of the 6th week. Four-month-old twins were diagnosed and recovered from myocarditis with supportive therapy in a short time. We think that the twins had intrauterine myocarditis

Topiramate as a long-term therapy in children with refractory epilepsy

To evaluate the long-term efficacy, safety, and retention rate of topiramate [TPM] in childhood refractory epilepsies. This study was designed as a single-center, retrospective study. Children with refractory epilepsy who has been followed in Behcet Uz Children's Hospital, Izmir, Turkey, between 2003 and 2007 were included in the study. The study population consisted of 43 boys [60.6%], and 28 girls [39.4%] aged between 2-18 years. Mean age was 8.83 [SD: 3.77] and mean duration of epilepsy was 3.89 [SD: 1.51] years. There were 41 children [57.7%] with mental retardation. Twenty-seven children had generalized epilepsy, and 44 children had localization-related epilepsy. Fifty-one children [71.8%] showed a good response to initial treatment. The retention at a mean of 32 months was 31 out of 71 children [43.6%], and approximately 18 children [25.3%] were seizure free. A loss of efficacy in long-term use occurred in 17 [33.3%] of initial responders. Adverse events were seen in 20 children [28.1%]. There were no significant differences between the groups who continued and discontinued TPM treatment in long-term use. As a result, it was determined that the drug was more effective and well tolerated in localization-related epilepsies, on long-term follow up