Diaphragmatic eventration presenting as a recurrent diaphragmatic hernia.

Diaphragmatic eventration is an uncommon condition, usually discovered incidentally in asymptomatic patients. Even in symptomatic patients, the diagnosis can be challenging and should be considered among the differential diagnoses of diaphragmatic hernia. The correct diagnosis can often only be made in surgery. We describe the case of a 31-year-old patient with diaphragmatic eventration that was misdiagnosed as a recurrent congenital diaphragmatic hernia and review the corresponding literature.

Safety and retention of combination triple disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in new-onset rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: While efficacy of combination treatment with methotrexate (MTX), sulfasalazine (SSZ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) ('triple therapy') has been shown in clinical trials, few studies have examined its longevity in a real-life setting. AIM: Our aim was to assess the tolerability, longevity and efficacy of a triple disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) regimen initiated in new-onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. METHODS: Patients who met 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria for RA with disease duration less than 2 years were offered triple therapy upon diagnosis. Treatment was intensified according to a response-driven step-up algorithm, which included progression to leflunomide (LEF) or a biologic agent. RESULTS: Of 181 new-onset RA patients, 119 commenced triple therapy. Median duration of triple therapy was 39 weeks, and 23.5% remained on it at last follow up, with median follow up 104 weeks. Continuous therapy with any three-DMARD combination (including LEF) occurred in 32% at last follow up, with median duration of 70 weeks. Cessation of at least one of MTX, SSZ or HCQ occurred because of an adverse event in 38%, remission in 7% and incomplete response in 28% of patients. SSZ accounted for 49% of initial drug withdrawals for an adverse event. Continuation of three-drug therapy did not significantly influence the proportion of patients achieving remission or low disease activity (LDA). CONCLUSIONS: Triple therapy in new-onset RA was reasonably well tolerated, persisting for median 39 weeks. SSZ intolerance commonly reduces longevity of triple therapy. Treating to the target of remission or LDA is more important than the number of DMARD continued.

Cardiopulmonary correlates of cognition in systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the relationship between cognitive dysfunction and lung function, exercise endurance, and self-reported activity levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). BACKGROUND: Cognitive dysfunction is present in 20%-60% of SLE patients. No studies to date have investigated the inter-relationships between cardiopulmonary factors and cognition in this population. METHODS: Thirty-seven SLE patients without overt neuropsychiatric histories and 16 healthy controls completed neuropsychological testing, measures of lung function, exercise capacity (distance walked during a timed walk test,(1) maximal oxygen uptake(2)), and exercise questionnaires. RESULTS: Thirty-two percent of SLE patients demonstrated cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment was correlated with Six-Minute Walk Distance (6MWD) (r = 0.37, p = 0.02) and certain measures of lung function. Also, in SLE patients, self-reported physical activity was correlated with 6MWD (p = 0.012), but none of the more complex measures of physical activity (VO2max). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with mild SLE disease activity have cognitive dysfunction associated with certain objective markers of exercise capacity and activity levels. The lack of associations between self-report activity and VO2max suggests the possibility that multiple factors mediate the relationships between perceived and actual physical ability. Additional studies are needed to better understand the relationship between cognition and physical activity in patients with SLE.

Enhanced research assessment performance in graduate vs. undergraduate-entry medical students: implications for recruitment into academic medicine.

BACKGROUND: Studies investigating variance between the academic performance of direct-entry (DEM) versus graduate-entry (GEM) medical students have yielded conflicting results, but their performance in undergraduate research-based assessments has not been compared to-date. AIM: We aimed to compare the results of DEM and GEM students with respect to their senior research dissertation module. METHODS: This retrospective study examined the final year results between 2011-2012 in DEM, (n = 219) and GEM (n = 84) students. Between-group comparisons of dissertation module marks were conducted using independent t-tests. Correlations between marks in dissertation module and in other disciplines assessed during the final year were attained using Pearson's correlation. Multiple regression analysis was employed to adjust for potential confounding factors such as student age and gender. RESULTS: No apparent difference was apparent between the DEM and GEM students with respect to results achieved across the clinical disciplines examined. However, GEM students performed significantly better than DEMs in their senior research dissertation assessment (Mean = 66.81% vs. 65.00%, fully adjusted p = 0.048). The variable which remained influential in regression analysis was nationality, where North American and Asian students were demonstrated to score lower than their Irish counterparts in the dissertation module (B coefficient = -1.90, SE = 0.94, P = 0.045 and B coefficient = -4.88, SE = 1.00, P < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Performance in the research-based module was significantly better in GEM relative to their DEM colleagues. This finding may have implications for future recruitment into academic medicine, as aptitude and interest in research at undergraduate level has been shown to be associated with increased likelihood of an academic career in medicine.

Chinese whispers in the post anaesthesia care unit (PACU).

We audited verbal handover of information by anaesthetists to recovery room nurses based on Situation, Background, Assessment and Recommendation. In Audit A, 100 handovers for elective procedures were included. For audit B, a second cohort of 100 patients was examined post educational session. There was an improvement in handover of medical background (46.15% Audit A, 77% Audit B, p < 0.001) and allergy status (42% Audit A, 56% Audit B, p = 0.048). Handing over immediate postoperative instructions remained unchanged (58% Audit A, 59% Audit B) and there was a 4% decline in verbal handover of instructions for ward care. Nurse satisfaction with handovers improved by 12%. We conclude that a structured process of information transfer, led to improved handover of immediate care. Further education focussed on the importance of instructions for the ward to maintain continuity of care is recommended.

Site differences in mild cognitive dysfunction (MCD) among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

BACKGROUND: Mild cognitive dysfunction (MCD) is common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (MCD-SLE) but few studies have investigated potential site differences. METHODS: SLE patients from Denver, CO, and New York, NY, were enrolled in two different cognition studies employing similar screening methods. Using the resulting neuropsychological scores, cognitive impairment was calculated using a cognitive impairment index (CII). RESULTS: The rate of MCD-SLE was 24% at the Denver, CO, site and 60% at the New York, NY, site. The mean CII was 2.6 ± 2.3 versus 4.4 ± 2.7, respectively (p = 0.005). The NY participants had a significantly longer disease duration (p = 0.13) and higher American College of Rheumatology SLE criteria scores (p > 0.001). NY participants had a higher frequency of impairment in semantic verbal fluency (p = 0.005), visuomotor speed (p = 0.013), and motor sequencing (p = 0.001). A correlation was found between cognitive impairment and SLE disease duration (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of MCD-SLE was greater in SLE patients from New York, NY, compared to patients in the Denver, CO, area. The greater duration of disease and higher prevalence of medical complications in the NY group might contribute to this difference. Findings suggest that MCD-SLE may differ by site, but future studies that better evaluate site or selection bias are recommended.

Infant feeding and allergy prevention: a review of current knowledge and recommendations. A EuroPrevall state of the art paper.

The relationship between infant feeding patterns and the later development of food allergies has been the focus of much debate and research over the last decade. National recommendations have been made by many countries on how to feed infants to reduce the risk of food allergy but due to the lack of firm evidence the recommendations differ widely. This review has been developed as part of EuroPrevall, a European multicentre research project funded by the European Union, to document the differing feeding recommendations made across Europe, to investigate the current evidence base for any allergy prevention feeding recommendations and to identify areas where further research is needed. This review will also provide information which, when combined with the infant feeding data collected as part of EuroPrevall, will give an indication of compliance to national feeding guidelines which can be utilised to assess the effectiveness of current dissemination and implementation strategies.

A comparison of conventional and radio frequency defrosting of lean beef meats: Effects on water binding characteristics.

The effect of defrosting rate (slow conventional air vs. fast radio frequency (RF) method) on water holding properties of lean beef meat (whole, minced and comminuted) was investigated using a conventional centrifugation method (drip loss), nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry (NMR) and dielectric spectroscopy. Tempering by radio frequency (RF) or a conventional air method had no subsequent effect (P⩾0.05) on drip loss. However, thawing by RF resulted in a significant decrease in drip loss (P<0.05) when compared to air thawing. Micronutrient loss (µg/mL of drip) was also greater in air thawed samples (P<0.05). NMR T(2) distributions did not show any marked difference between thawing methods. The dielectric properties of lean beef, measured from 0.01-20GHz at 5°C, were higher following RF thawing. Increased comminution reduced dielectric values, while fine comminution gave an additional fraction in the NMR T(2) distribution. These results provide valuable information on water binding in meat following RF tempering/thawing.

Urinary lactic acid dehydrogenase activity and the site of urinary tract infections.

A report that elevated urinary lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzyme 5 activity is a reliable tool for separating patients with upper from those with lower urinary tract infections (UTIs) led us to study urinary LDH enzyme activity in girls having bladder washout studies to localize the site of infection. Urinary LDH isoenzyme 5 activity in 64 instances of lower UTI was 16.1 +/- 3.3%, a value not significantly different than that of 18.2 +/- 12.6% found in 26 instances of upper tract infection (t = 0.8726, P = 0.1928). The data show that LDH isoenzyme 5 activity is of no value for localization of the site of a UTI. The data of these studies also showed that urinary LDH enzyme activity clearly separates girls with UTIs from those without infections, but it is unlikely that this finding will be of value in diagnosis or management.

Vascular trauma.

Civilian vascular trauma is not uncommon. Prompt treatment with modern vascular surgical techniques produces good results.

Elevated serum creatinine levels in three patients treated with phenacemide.

Three adolescent patients with severe seizure disorders were treated with phenacemide. All three patients showed elevated serum creatinine and normal blood urea nitrogen values while on phenacemide. Simultaneous urea and creatinine clearance studies performed on each patient demonstrated normal urea clearances and decreased creatinine clearances. Inulin clearance performed in one patient was normal. The medication was discontinued in two of the patients because of co-existing neutropenia. Serum creatinine values returned to normal after phenacemide treatment was terminated. The elevation in serum creatinine values with phenacemide appears to be dose related, reversible, and unrelated to impairment of glomerular filtration.

Wegener granulomatosis in pediatric patients.

Wegener granulomatosis is more easily recognized as a distinct clinical entity than other vasculitides because the initial clinical features frequently include granulomatous vasculitis of the upper and lower respiratory tract and glomerulonephritis. Although the disease has been lethal in the past, prolonged survival and avoidance of end-stage kidney disease can now be expected when cyclophosphamide therapy is introduced early in the course. We report four children with Wegener granulomatosis in whom the initial clinical findings suggested Henoch-Schönlein purpura. In two of the patients Wegener granulomatosis was not recognized until after end-stage kidney disease had developed. The course in these patients emphasizes the need for attention to even scant evidence of inflammation of the upper or lower respiratory tract in patients with glomerulonephritis. Appropriate diagnostic studies may then lead to recognition of Wegener granulomatosis and the prompt institution of appropriate treatment.

Follow-up studies on children with severe dietary chloride deficiency during infancy.

Ten children who had severe dietary chloride deficiency during early infancy have grown normally during their first 4 to 5 years. With the exception of one child who did not get into the sitting position alone until he was 9 1/2 months of age, the patients reached the usual developmental milestones of the first 2 years during the expected age intervals. Developmental and psychological testing indicates that all of the children have at least average ability. However, three children have shown behavior patterns that may interfere with successful school performance. Serum creatinine and urea nitrogen concentrations appear to be normal as does renal concentrating capacity. During a 4-year follow-up, one child has shown persistent and a second intermittent microscopic hematuria.