The long-term outcome of anti-TNF alpha therapy in perianal Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha therapy in perianal Crohn's disease and identify factors predicting response to treatment. METHODS: Data from hospital clinical records and coding databases were retrospectively reviewed from a tertiary care hospital in Christchurch, New Zealand. The study included 75 adult patients with perianal Crohn's disease commenced on anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha therapy from January 2000 to December 2012. Response to treatment was determined from records relating to clinical evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging follow-up and whether further surgical intervention was required. RESULTS: 73% (55) of all patients and 38 of the 57 (67%) patients with perianal fistulas responded to anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha therapy. Patients with complex fistulas were less likely to improve as compared to patients without fistulising disease. Five of the 57 (13%) patients with perianal fistulas demonstrated complete healing on clinical evaluation; however, magnetic resonance imaging confirmed complete healing in only two. Patients that had taken antibiotics and those that had previously required abscess drainage were less likely to respond to treatment [relative risk (RR) = 0.707 and 0.615, respectively; p = 0.03, p = 0.0001]. Responders were less likely to require follow-up surgery (RR = 0.658, p = 0.014) including ileostomy or proctectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Although anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha tends to improve symptoms of perianal Crohn's disease, in the long term, it rarely achieves complete healing. Perianal fistulising disease, a history of perianal abscess and antibiotic treatment are predictors of poor response to therapy.

Extramedullary intradural spinal tumors: a pictorial review.

Defining the location of tumors and mass lesions of the spine in relation to the spinal cord and the dura is of the utmost importance as certain types of lesions tend to occur in certain locations. The differential diagnostic considerations will vary according to location of the mass lesion as will the treatment and prognosis of these various lesions. The category of extramedullary intradural masses includes a variety of lesions from meningiomas and nerve sheath tumors (neurofibromas, schwannomas) to less common tumors (hemangiopericytoma), metastases, benign tumors (lipoma, dermoid, epidermoid), inflammatory disorders (arachnoid adhesions, sarcoidosis), vascular lesions (spinal-dural arteriovenous fistula), and cystic lesions (perineural or Tarlov cysts). Characteristic magnetic resonance imaging findings are helpful for localization and characterization of these lesions before treatment, as well as for follow-up after treatment. We present a pictorial review of the various extramedullary intradural lesions of the spine, with pathologic correlation. We discuss imaging features that are typical for the various entities and describe various therapeutic options that are important considerations for surgical treatment of these lesions.

CT slice index and thickness: impact on organ contouring in radiation treatment planning for prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of CT slice index and thickness (3 mm versus 5 mm) on (i) prostate volume, dimensions, and isocenter coordinates, (ii) bladder and rectal volumes, and (iii) DRR quality, in the treatment of prostate cancer. METHODS: 16 patients with prostate cancer underwent two planning CT-scans using 3 and 5 mm slice index/thickness. Prostate, bladder, and rectum were outlined on all scans. Prostate isocenter coordinates, maximum dimensions, and volumes were compared along with bladder and rectal volumes. Bladder volumes and maximum diameters were further investigated using a second observer. A comparative analysis of DRR quality was conducted as well as a dosimetric analysis using DVH. RESULTS: The differences in measurements of prostate volume, isocenter coordinates and maximum dimensions between the 3 and 5 mm scans, were small and not statistically significant. Similar finding was seen for rectal volume. However, bladder volume was always larger on the 3 mm scan (mean difference=27.9 cc; SE=4.8 cc; 95% CI: 17.7-38.2 cc; p<0.001) and the findings were reproduced with the second observer (mean difference=31.9 cc; SE=4.7 cc; 95% CI: 21.9-41.9 cc; p<0.001). The differences in volume are caused by a slight increase in (1) the measurement of the longitudinal dimensions on the 3 mm scans, and (2) the slice by slice measured bladder area on the 3 mm scans. The latter is due to partial volume effect. The 3 mm DRR were slightly better than the 5 mm DRR. The bladder DVH differed significantly in some patients. CONCLUSION: Bladder volume is significantly larger on the 3 mm scans. Differences in contoured areas may be accounted for, in part, by the partial volume effect.

A prospective randomized trial of the surgical blood order equation for ordering red cells for total hip arthroplasty patients.

BACKGROUND: The majority of crossmatched blood is for surgical patients, and most of it is never transfused. An alternative system for ordering red cell (RBC) units, called the surgical blood order equation (SBOE), which incorporates specific patient variables for surgical patients, has been developed. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A prospective double-blind randomized trial compared the SBOE with the maximal surgical blood order schedule (MSBOS) system for ordering allogeneic RBC units in 60 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Autologous RBCs were available for none of the patients. RESULTS: There were no differences in patient demographic, surgical, or laboratory variables at any time. The median number (range) of allogeneic RBC units ordered was 2 (2-3) for the MSBOS and 0 (0-3) for the SBOE (p<0.0001). The SBOE ordered the correct number of RBC units for 58 percent of patients, while the MSBOS did so for 7 percent (p<0.0001). The SBOE had a lower crossmatch-to-transfusion ratio than the MSBOS (0.83 vs. 4.12). Costs were also lower with the SBOE. CONCLUSION: Incorporation of patient factors in the use of the SBOE system resulted in increased efficiency of blood-ordering practices for total hip arthroplasty.

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) constitutes a spectrum of benign and malignant diseases that are associated with conception. The majority of patients with a benign GTN (hydatidiform mole) spontaneously enter remission after evacuation; however, 15% to 20% will develop a malignant form of GTN. The malignant GTN are classified as nonmetastatic GTN and metastatic GTN. Chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for malignant GTN. Patients require continuous emotional support during intense medical therapy because of issues related to the treatment and future pregnancies.

AIDS: knowledge and attitudes in Otago.

A postal questionnaire was sent to 307 people, during July 1987. The questionnaire examined public knowledge, attitudes and strategies for education for future planning by the Southern Region Health Services Association. According to the age group those respondents aged 45-59 years scored best in the knowledge section. The younger ages (18-29) years and 30-44 years scored closely, while the elderly scored least. However, more than 10% of respondents were incorrect in their answers concerning the most basic questions, and an even larger number were unsure about casual contact as a method of AIDS virus transmission. Many people did not realise all blood donations in New Zealand were screened for AIDS virus. Attitudes reflected current controversy concerning the availability of free needles and condoms. Fifty five percent of respondents were definitely in favour of compulsory blood testing even though the question did not specify which groups of people might be tested. The vast majority made a strong plea for more information about AIDS.

Effect of bilateral nephrectomy on growth hormone cells of the rat pituitary. A histologic, immunocytologic and electron microscopic study including ultrastructural morphometry.

Adult male Long Evans rats were bilaterally nephrectomized and their adenohypophyses studied at various time intervals by histology, immunocytology, electron microscopy and ultrastructural morphometry. In addition, radioimmunoassay was carried out to establish blood growth hormone concentrations. Growth hormone cells appeared to be more conspicuous and fine structural morphometry revealed an increase in the volume density of their secretory granules. Radioimmunoassay showed elevation of blood growth hormone levels. Morphologic alterations were also noted in some corticotroph cells and gonadotroph cells. Many capillaries showed congestion. The perivascular spaces had widened and edema fluid accumulated in the perivascular spaces. The pathogenesis of the changes remains to be elucidated.

Development of systemic lupus erythematosus after thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. Studies of suppressor cell function.

Systemic lupus erythematosus developed in an 18-year-old man three years after thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. The patient had considerable defects in suppressor cell function that seemed to be partially reversed in vitro by the addition of thymic hormone.

Improvement in multiple sclerosis during prolonged induced hypothermia.

Moderate hypothermia (33 degrees C) was induced for 7 and 3 days, respectively, in two patients with multiple sclerosis. In both patients, striking improvement of clinical signs persisted throughout the period of cooling, indicating the potential for sustained reversal of the neurologic deficit. Hypothermia may aid management of severe acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis.

Spironolactone and acute mountain sickness.

Thirteen adults trekking in Nepal in 1974 to altitudes between 4,300 m and 5,500 m remained free from acute mountain sickness while taking spironolactone as a prophylactic measure. Two years previously five of these adults trekking at similar altitudes, but without treatment, had suffered from acute mountain sickness. The regime used was spironolactone in a dosage of 25 mg three times a day for two days preceding and during the periods spent at altitudes above 3,000 m.

The final F.F.A.R.A.C.S. examination.

The development of the Final Examination of Fellowship of the Faculty of Anaesthetists of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons is described from its inception in 1956 to the present. A statistical analysis was made of the examinations in 1969 and 1970. The correlations between marks for essay questions, within the multiple choice examination and between clinical examinations were low, suggesting that the reliability of these tests was unsatisfactory. At this same time, applied anatomy was added to the subjects in this examination. The examination was restructured with more emphasis on the oral and multiple choice examination and the marking system was revised. Continuing analysis has shown higher correlations between and within most parts of the examination. The correlations for the essay marks have remained lower, but essays have been retained in an attempt to assess and encourage the skills involved. Feedback of teaching and learning information obtained from analysis of the examination is provided to Regional Education Officers and Supervisors of Training.