The effects of once-weekly teriparatide on hip structure and biomechanical properties assessed by CT.

SUMMARY: Once-weekly administration of 56.5 µg teriparatide improved cortical bone parameters and biomechanical parameters at the proximal femur by CT geometry analysis. INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of weekly administration of teriparatide [human PTH (1-34)] on bone geometry, volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), and parameters of bone strength at the proximal femur which were longitudinally investigated using computed tomography (CT). METHODS: The subjects were a subgroup of a recent, randomly assigned, double-blind study (578 subjects) comparing the anti-fracture efficacy of a once-weekly subcutaneous injection of 56.5 µg teriparatide with placebo (TOWER trial). RESULTS: Sixty-six ambulatory postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were enrolled at 15 study sites having multi-detector row CT, and included women injected with teriparatide (n = 29, 74.2 ± 5.1 years) or with placebo (n = 37, 74.8 ± 5.3 years). CT data were obtained at baseline and follow-up scans were performed at 48 and 72 weeks. The data were analyzed to obtain cross-sectional densitometric, geometric, and biomechanical parameters including the section modulus (SM) and buckling ratio (BR) of the femoral neck, inter-trochanter, and femoral shaft. We found that once-weekly teriparatide increased cortical thickness/cross-sectional area (CSA) and total area, and improved biomechanical properties (i.e., decreasing BR) at the femoral neck and shaft. Teriparatide did not change the cortical perimeter. CONCLUSIONS: Our longitudinal analysis of proximal femur geometry by CT revealed that once-weekly administration of 56.5 µg teriparatide improved cortical bone parameters at the femoral neck and shaft and also improved biomechanical parameters.

Tacrolimus is effective for lupus nephritis patients with persistent proteinuria.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and potential efficacy of tacrolimus for the treatment of patients with lupus nephritis and persistent proteinuria. METHODS: A total of 23 Japanese patients with lupus nephritis (21 females/2 males) were enrolled in this study. Patients were administered tacrolimus at a dose of 2-3 mg once daily after the evening meal for 6 months. The dose of tacrolimus was unchanged throughout the study period. Concomitant prednisolone therapy was unchanged or gradually tapered, while other immunosuppressants were stopped at the start of tacrolimus treatment. RESULTS: Tacrolimus was well tolerated, and none of the patients developed adverse drug reactions that required discontinuation of the study. Daily urinary protein loss, the U-prot/U-creat ratio, and serum albumin were significantly improved after 4 months, 3 months, and 1 month of treatment with tacrolimus (p<0.05), respectively, and the improvement persisted until 6 months. The serum complement hemolytic activity (CH50), complement C3 level, and CRP level were also significantly improved after treatment with tacrolimus (p<0.05). Improvement of the U-prot/U-creat ratio was most prominent for patients who were in WHO class IV. CONCLUSIONS: Tacrolimus is safe and effective as maintenance therapy for patients with lupus nephritis, at least for 6 months. A larger randomised, controlled trial over a longer period is needed to confirm these results.

Evaluation of inosin-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase activity during maintenance therapy with tacrolimus.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify a target range for inosin-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) activity in maintenance therapy with tacrolimus (TCL), and to apply the measurement of IMPDH activity to the therapeutic drug monitoring for mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). METHODS: Eleven patients with renal transplants and 10 healthy volunteers were investigated. All patients were treated with a combination of TCL, steroid and MMF for 2 months after transplantation, and were in stable and good condition. IMPDH activity was determined indirectly by measuring xanthosine 5'-monophophate in cell lysates supplemented with IMP and beta-nicotine adenine dinucleotide using an high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. RESULTS: The within-run reproducibility of the assay was excellent, with relative standard deviation (RSD) values of 0.41-4.08%. The mean differences between the spiked concentrations of xanthosine 5'-monophophate and their real values (mean relative errors; MREs) were within a range of 2.66-8.89%, showing good accuracy. The interday RSD values were 1.51-6.12% and MREs ranged from 2.10% to 8.89%. Cell lysates showed a 5-6 nmol/L IC(50) mycophenolic acid (MPA) concentration. TCL, cyclosporine and prednisolone did not affect IMPDH activity. The peak MPA concentration was achieved at 1 h after dosing. IMPDH activity decreased to 75% and 67% at 1 and 2 h after dosing respectively. Therefore, the inhibition rates of MPA against IMPDH activity may be adequate at 25-40% in TCL maintenance therapy. CONCLUSION: Inosin-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase activity in cell lysates could be reliably determined by HPLC. A 25-40% inhibition of IMPDH activity may be an appropriate range for preventing rejection with MPF but this requires further validation using larger studies with harder outcomes such as rejection episodes.

Estimation of the area under the curve for mycophenolic acid in adult renal transplant patients with concomitant tacrolimus using a limited sampling strategy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop a limited sampling strategy (LSS) for monitoring the use of mycophenolic acid (MPA) in maintenance therapy with tacrolimus (TCL) in renal transplant patients. METHODS: Eighteen adult patients receiving a first transplant were investigated. All patients were treated with a combination of TCL, steroid and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Besides the predose trough concentration (C(0)), whole blood samples were taken for measurement of the MPA concentration at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 h for a 14-point 12-h pharmacokinetic (PK) profile. Using stepwise linear regression analysis, an abbreviated area under the concentration time curve (AUC) was calculated using all 14, and any combination of sampling points to give an estimating equation with up to three predictors. RESULTS: The equation derived from C(2), C(7) and C(12,) for AUC estimation: AUC = (2.05 x C(2)) + (8.51 xC(7)) + (2.29 x C(12)) + 4.24. was found to be optimal. Using this formula, there was an excellent correlation between the estimated 3-point AUC and AUC(0-12 h). To assess the agreement between the abbreviated methods and the full PK profile, we plotted the average AUC of the abbreviated estimates and the full PK profile. This Bland-Altman analysis indicated good agreement to within +/-2 SD and a prediction variability of 7.56 microg x h/mL. CONCLUSION: Our proposed three-sampling-point estimate of AUCs is clinically acceptable. However, the sampling times are inconvenient for outpatients, and is recommended only for monitoring MMF treatment of inpatients with suspected toxicity or at high risk of organ rejection.

Routine laparoscopic ultrasound can significantly reduce the need for selective intraoperative cholangiography during cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: The use of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC), routinely rather than selectively, during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is controversial. Recent findings have shown laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) to be safe, quick, and effective not only for screening of the bile duct for stones, but also for evaluating the biliary anatomy. This study aimed to evaluate, on the basis of the LC outcome and the cost of LUS and IOC, whether and how much the routine use of LUS would be able to reduce the need for IOC. METHODS: During LC, LUS was used routinely to screen the bile duct for stones and to evaluate the biliary anatomy, whereas IOC was used selectively only when LUS was unsatisfactory or unsuccessful. RESULTS: For 193 (96.5%) of 200 patients, LUS was completed successfully, whereas IOC was needed for 7 patients (3.5%). Bile duct stones were identified in 20 patients (10%). For the detection of bile duct stones, LUS yielded 19 true-positive, 175 true-negative, 0 false-positive, and 1 false-negative results. It had a sensitivity of 95%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100%, and a negative predictive value of 99.4%. The postoperative complications included bile leaks from the liver bed in two patients and a retained bile duct stone in one patient. If IOC had been used selectively in a traditional manner on the basis of preoperative risk factors, IOC would have been needed for 77 patients (38.5%). The total cost of LUS plus IOC for the current 200 patients was 26,256 dollars. The total estimated cost of selective IOC, if it had been performed for the 77 patients, would have been 31,416 dollars. CONCLUSIONS: Routine LUS accurately diagnosed bile duct stones and significantly reduced the need for selective IOC from a potential 38.5% to an actual 3.5% without adversely affecting the outcome of the LC or increasing the overall cost. The routine use of LUS during LC is accurate and cost effective.

Involvement of de novo ceramide synthesis in radiocontrast-induced renal tubular cell injury.

We reported previously that various radiocontrast media cause apoptosis in porcine proximal tubular (LLC-PK(1)) cells, in which reduction in B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2 expression and caspase-3 activation are implicated. In the present study, we investigated a role for ceramide in radiocontrast media-induced apoptosis in renal tubular cells. LLC-PK(1) cells were exposed to radiocontrast media for 30 min, followed by incubation for 24 h in normal medium. Cell viability was assessed by 2-(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium monosodium salt assay, while apoptosis was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling stain. Immunofluorescent stains were performed using antibodies against phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) (pCREB), and ceramide. The mRNA expression and protein content of Bcl-2 were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme immunoassay, respectively. In vivo model of contrast-induced renal injury was induced in mice with unilateral renal occlusion. The cell injury induced by the nonionic radiocontrast medium ioversol was reversed by inhibiting de novo ceramide synthesis with fumonisin B(1) (FB(1)) and L-cycloserine, but not by suppressing sphingomyelin breakdown with D609. FB(1) reversed ioversol-induced decrease in the immunoreactivities of pAkt and pCREB, reduction in Bcl-2 expression and caspase-3 activation. Like ioversol, C2 ceramide and the Akt inhibitor Src homology-6 induced apoptosis by reducing pAkt and pCREB-like immunoreactivities, lowering Bcl-2 expression and enhancing caspase-3 activity. Indeed, various radiocontrast media, excluding iodixanol which showed the least nephrotoxicity, enhanced ceramide-like immunoreactivity. The role for de novo ceramide synthesis was also shown in the in vivo model of radiocontrast nephropathy. We demonstrated here for the first time that the enhancement of de novo ceramide synthesis contributes to radiocontrast nephropathy.

Fenofibrate induces apoptotic injury in cultured human hepatocytes by inhibiting phosphorylation of Akt.

Fibric acid derivatives have a potent and effective lipid-lowering action, however, the use of these compounds is sometimes limited due to the occurrence of hepatic injury. In the present study, we characterized cell injury induced by fenofibrate in cultured human hepatocytes. Fenofibrate caused a loss of cell viability and nuclear damage as assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling or by DNA electrophoresis, in which caspase activation is involved. The cell injury was accompanied by the shrinkage and the translocation of phosphatidyl serine from inner membrane to the outer membrane as determined by annexin V stain. The mRNA expression for bcl-2 was reduced by fenofibrate. An immunofluorescent stain with antiserum raised against phosphorylated Akt revealed that fenofibrate inhibited insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt. Like fenofibrate, several compounds that inhibit the phosphorylation of Akt, including wortmannin, SH-6 and a high concentration (100 microM) of SB203580, reduced the viability of cultured human hepatocytes. Both nuclear damage and cell injury induced by fenofibrate were reversed by insulin in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, bezafibrate or 8(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid had no hepatotoxic action. These findings suggest that fenofibrate causes caspase-dependent apoptosis in human hepatocytes by inhibiting phosphorylation of Akt, in which PPARalpha is not involved.

Delayed adverse reactions to iodinated radiographic contrast media after coronary angiography: a search for possible risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of and risk factors for delayed adverse events (DAEs) that appear from 1 h to 7 days after injection of radiographic contrast media were investigated in patients who had undergone coronary angiography (CAG). METHODS: DAEs were monitored by questionnaire in 155 patients who received iomeprol. Isosorbide dinitrate was injected in every case. Risk factors for DAEs were analysed by a logistic regression model. RESULTS: Of 118 patients who returned questionnaires, 54 complained of DAEs, although no severe or fatal reactions occurred. Erythema, rash and nausea were frequent events. Female gender, total dose of isosorbide dinitrate <2 mg, and execution of acetylcholine provocation test were found to be the major risk factors, and the incidence of DAEs increased as the number of risk factors increased. CONCLUSION: Care should be taken when CAG is performed on female patients who undergo acetylcholine provocation tests and receive low-dose nitric oxide donor injections.

Sulphasalazine-induced leucopenia in a patient with renal dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Sulphasalazine is used for the long-term maintenance therapy of ulcerative colitis to prevent the relapse of symptoms. However, its clinical use is often restricted by its serious adverse effects. OBJECTIVE: Leucopenia occurred in a patient with severe renal dysfunction after administration of sulphasalazine. The present study was designed to examine whether the adverse event was associated with a disability in the metabolism of sulphasalazine. SUBJECT: A 29-year-old male patient with ulcerative colitis, who underwent haemodialysis thrice a week because of severe renal dysfunction. The chief complaint was diarrhoea. METHODS: Serum concentrations of three major metabolites of sulphasalazine, (5-aminosalicylic acid, sulphapyridine and N-acetyl-sulphapyridine), were measured. The polymorphism of N-acetyltransferase 2, an enzyme that metabolizes sulphapyridine, was also determined by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The trough levels of 5-aminosalicylic acid, sulphapyridine and N-acetyl-sulphapyridine were 0.77-1.45 microg/mL, 31.20-39.25 microg/mL and 14.19-15.03 microg/mL, respectively. The gene diagnosis of N-acetyltransferase 2 suggested that the type was classified as NAT2*6A/*7B, indicating that the patient was a slow acetylator. CONCLUSION: The patient was a slow acetylator, which might lead to a rise in the serum sulphapyridine concentration. Moreover, the decrease in protein binding of sulphasalazine as a result of severe renal dysfunction might have potentiated the effect because of the extremely high protein binding of this compound. Thus, it is most likely that these two factors contributed to the sulphasalazine-induced leucopenia.

High-performance liquid chromatographic method for mycophenolic acid and its glucuronide in serum and urine.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a simple analytical method for monitoring serum and urine concentrations of mycophenolic acid (MPA), an active metabolic constituent of the immunosuppressive pro-drug mycophenolate mofetil, and its glucuronide. METHODS: Serum samples were prepared by solid-phase extraction (SPE), while urine samples were simply diluted with water. Serum was added to an SPE cartridge, then washed twice with 5% methanol solution. The analytes were eluted with methanol containing benzoic acid as internal standard for mycophenolic acid glucuronide (MPAG). The resultant eluate was directly injected into a high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) to determine MPAG. For the assay of MPA, the remaining eluate was dried under nitrogen and resolved in a mixture of acetonitrile and 20 mM phosphate buffer (pH 3.0). RESULTS: The present methods were reproducible and accurate based on the intra- and inter-assay, and had detection limits of 0.225 microg/mL for MPA and 9.0 microg/mL for MPAG. The present methods enabled us to monitor the time course of changes in the concentrations of MPA and MPAG in serum and urine in a patient with a renal transplant during 12 h after ingestion of mycophenolate mofetil. CONCLUSION: The HPLC method described should be useful for the routine monitoring of serum and urine concentrations of MPA and MPAG during immunosuppressive medication for renal transplantation.

Simple and simultaneous determination of sulphapyridine and acetylsulphapyridine in human serum by column-switching high-performance liquid chromatography.

OBJECTIVE: A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with an automated on-line column-switching system was used for the simultaneous determination of sulphapyridine and acetylsulphapyridine, two major active metabolites related to the adverse effects of sulphasalazine, in human serum. METHODS: Serum samples were directly injected into the HPLC, with the valve automatically switched on to remove serum proteins and other hydrophilic components remaining in the pre-column after elution of sulphapyridine and acetylsulphapyridine to the analytical column. RESULTS: Serum proteins did not interfere with the analysis of either compound. The recoveries of SLP and Ac-SLP from drug-free human serum were 93.03-99.18% and CV were 2.88-4.34%. The within-run reproducibility of assays was excellent with relative standard deviations (RSD) of 1.01-3.90% (SLP) and 0.77-5.56% (Ac-SLP). The limit of quantification of sulphapyridine and acetylsulphapyridine was 3.13 microg/mL and 0.50 microg/mL, respectively. The serum concentrations in a patient with ulcerative colitis, who took 1.0 g sulphasalazine twice daily, were 31.20 microg/mL for sulphapyridine and 14.64 microg/mL for acetylsulphapyridine at 7 h after ingestion. CONCLUSION: The present simple and reproducible assay was useful for the monitoring of serum sulphapyridine and acetylsulphapyridine.

Simple determination of mycophenolic acid in human serum by column-switching high-performance liquid chromatography.

A column-switching high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis was established to monitor the serum concentration of mycophenolic acid, the active metabolite from mycophenolate mofetil administered for the prophylaxis of acute organ rejection in renal transplantation. The system consisted of two pumps for solvent delivery, a column-switching valve, a precolumn, and a reversed-phase analytical column. The present method enabled us to determine MPA by injecting serum samples directly into HPLC without any pretreatment. The mobile phases with different amounts of organic solvent were delivered to the precolumn and analytical column by separate lines, and samples were applied to the precolumn. The column switching valves were switched automatically following the processes for the elimination of protein and the drug analysis. The peak heights of MPA were linearly related to the concentrations (r=0.999) in the range of 0.1-20 micro g/ml, and the limit of quantification was 0.1 micro g/ml (S/N ratio=3). This method was accurate and reproducible on the basis of the results of recovery (94.0-98.0%) and small coefficient of variations of intra and inter-assay (less than 8.3%).

Application of dynamic laser scattering to the quality control of injectable drugs: polymer formation in ampicillin solution.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the usefulness of dynamic laser scattering for monitoring the stability of ampicillin after reconstitution from commercially available vials with respect to the polymer formation and potency. METHODS: Polymer formation and the remaining potency of the reconstituted ampicillin solution were estimated using dynamic laser scattering and high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The laser light-scattering submicron particle analyser was sufficiently sensitive for detecting both monomer and polymer aggregates with the average diameter of 1.1 +/- 0.2 and 7.3 +/- 1.7 nm, respectively, in the ampicillin solution. Polymer formation was dependent on both the storage temperature and the storage period, but it was detected, even when no precipitates were visible and when loss of potency was less than 10% of the initial value following storage at 4 or -15 degrees C. CONCLUSION: Submicron particle analysis using scanning electron microscopy, when used in combination with high-performance liquid chromatography, provides a useful method for studying polymer formation in antibiotic solutions and for the quality control of antibiotic injections during storage.

Nasal glucagon delivery using microcrystalline cellulose in healthy volunteers.

We developed an intranasal powder form of glucagon to improve metabolic status and fatty liver in patients with pancreatectomy. Microcrystalline cellulose, which is commonly used in commercial preparations for allergic rhinitis was used as an absorption enhancer. We compared the intranasal powder form with some spray solutions of glucagon with regard to glucagon absorption, concentration of blood glucose, stability and nasal irritation. The absorption of glucagon from the spray solution including 1.5% sodium glycocholate or 1% sodium caprate was 1.3- and 2.6-fold higher than that from the powder form mixed with microcrystalline cellulose at a ratio of 1:69, respectively. The C(max) values of plasma glucose were 2.18, 3.39 and 1.56 mmol l(-1) in the spray solutions including sodium glycocholate and sodium caprate and in the powder form, respectively. However, glucagon in spray solutions was unstable, but that in the powder form was stable at 5 and 25 degrees C for at least 84 days. The spray solution caused strong irritation, but the powder form did not. These results suggested usefulness of the powder form of glucagon for treatment of pancreatectomized patients.

Ovariectomy aggravates convulsions and hippocampal gamma-aminobutyric acid inhibition induced by cyclosporin A in rats.

The possible cyclosporin A application for rheumatoid arthritis that develops preferentially in middle-aged women raises concerns about adverse effects of cyclosporin A, including neurotoxicity in patients with climacterium. The present study was aimed at elucidating the effect of cyclosporin A on the convulsive activity and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neural activity of the hippocampus in ovariectomized rats, as a menopause/climacterium model. Ovariectomy markedly aggravated the effect of repeated administration of cyclosporin A (40 mg/kg, once a day for 5 or 6 days), convulsions and reduction of the basal GABA levels and aminooxyacetic acid-evoked GABA accumulation. These aggravations were blocked by estradiol replacement. The present findings demonstrated that ovariectomy increased the susceptibility to cyclosporin A-induced convulsions by accelerating an inhibitory action of cyclosporin A on GABA neural activity in the hippocampus, this being blocked by estrogen replacement. Menopause/climacterium is, therefore, included in the risk factors for cyclosporin A-induced neurotoxicity and this risk is lowered by estrogen replacement therapy.

Pharmacological characterization of cyclosporine A-induced kaolin intake in rats.

Kaolin intake behavior of rats is known to be one of the useful animal models to evaluate the emetic and antiemetic actions of drugs. The present study was aimed at elucidating the pharmacological characterization of cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced kaolin intake in rats. Subchronic treatment (once a day for 3 days) with CsA produced a dose- and time-dependent increase in kaolin intake. Scopolamine (muscarinic antagonist), mepyramine (selective histamine H(1) antagonist) and diphenhydramine (H(1) and muscarinic antagonist) but neither domperidone (dopamine D(2) antagonist) nor ondansetron (serotonin 5-HT(3) antagonist) significantly inhibited CsA-induced kaolin intake. These findings suggest that an activation of central muscarinic and H(1) receptor is closely associated with CsA-induced kaolin intake in rats. Use of scopolamine and/or diphenhydramine may be possible regimens to alleviate and avoid nausea and vomiting in patients with CsA therapy.

Microanalysis of propofol in human serum by semi-microcolumn high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection and solid-phase extraction.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a simple analytical method for monitoring the low serum levels of propofol found when administered for the sedation of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: A high-performance liquid chromatographic method (HPLC) was used with UV detection. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges and a semi-microcolumn (TSK gel ODS-80Ts, 2.0 mm i.d. x 25 cm, 5 microm) were used to improve sensitivity. Propofol in the eluate obtained from the SPE cartridge was concentrated to about five times the initial concentration. RESULTS: The sensitivity using the semi-microcolumn was amplified by about three-fold. The assay showed a good linearity with a quantification limit 20 ng/mL. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were less than 2.2% and 10.0%, respectively. The mean recoveries ranged from 97.6 to 109.5%. CONCLUSION: The HPLC method described should be useful for measuring the low serum propofol levels found when the drug is used for ICU sedation.

Usefulness of forced diuresis for acute boric acid poisoning in an adult.

BACKGROUND: Boric acid is generally not recognized as a poisonous substance. However, boric acid has potentially fatal actions such as hypotension, metabolic acidosis and oliguria. Death may result from circulation collapse and shock. OBJECTIVE: We present a clinical case history of the successful use of forced diuresis with furosemide and intravenous fluid for boric acid poisoning. SUBJECT: A 26-year-old female who attempted suicide by consuming a large quantity of boric acid. She was brought to the hospital in a state of clouded consciousness, fever and erythema 14 h after ingestion. METHOD: 3.25 L of intravenous fluid and 100 mg of furosemide were administered over a period of 4 h in the intensive care unit and the serum and urinary concentrations of boric acid measured. RESULTS: The elimination rate of boric acid obtained with diuresis was similar to that obtained with haemodialysis on a previous occasion when the same patient attempted suicide with boric acid. The patient showed only temporary emesis and diarrhoea along with erythema, and was moved to the general ward 4 h after admission. Although in the general ward the patient's fever persisted and nausea, vomiting and headache often recurred, possibly because of an insufficient dose of furosemide, the patient's condition steadily improved over the 64 h after admission. CONCLUSION: Forced diuresis without haemodialysis is recommended early after admission for boric acid poisoning.

Safety and efficacy of radiofrequency thermal ablation in advanced liver tumors.

HYPOTHESIS: Radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) can be performed safely and effectively to control local disease in patients with advanced, unresectable liver tumors. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: Prospective study of 76 patients with unresectable liver tumors who underwent RFA at a private tertiary referral hospital. INTERVENTIONS: Ninety-nine RFA operations were performed to ablate 328 tumors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Complications and local recurrence. RESULTS: There was 1 death (1%), major complications occurred in 7 operations (7%), and minor complications occurred in 10 operations (10%). Local recurrence was identified in 30 tumors (9%) at a mean follow-up of 15 months. Size (P<.001), vascular invasion (P<.001), and total volume ablated (P<.001) were associated with recurrence but the number of tumors was not (P =.39). CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency thermal ablation provides local control of advanced liver tumors with low recurrence and acceptable morbidity.

Particulate contamination of lyophilized amphotericin B preparation during reconstitution process.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the reconstitution methods for the commercial amphotericin B preparation with respect to particulate contamination. METHODS: The particle counts in amphotericin B solutions reconstituted according to three different methods and amphotericin B fluids made with intravenous fluids after reconstitution were performed using a light extinction method. The particle contaminants were identified with X-ray emission spectrometry attached to a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: Amphotericin B in a vial induced particle contamination during the reconstitution process, and the contamination was especially marked by shaking vigorously after injecting water into the vial. From the X-ray analysis, it appeared that the increased number of particles was derived from the amphotericin B-deoxycholate complex containing substances such as silicone released from the vial components. Amphotericin B fluid made with intravenous fluids after reconstitution also contained particles over the acceptable limits according to the Japanese or US pharmacopoeia. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that reconstituted solutions should be filtered with membrane filters and diluted fluids with in-line filters.