Evaluation of hearing function in patients with lichen planus.

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory disease. We believe that tympanic membrane and outer ear canal can be affected by the disease and since it is an autoimmune disease inner ear involvement may be seen. The aim of this study was to evaluate hearing functions in patients with LP. Thirty patients with LP and 28 healthy controls were involved in the study. Pure tone audiometry, tympanogram and Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions tests were applied to the patients. When the airway hearing thresholds of the patient and control groups in the 125-8000 Hz frequency range were compared, statistically significant differences were found at 4000, 6000 and 8000 Hz frequencies in the right ear and at 125, 4000, 6000 and 8000 Hz frequencies in the left ear. In the LP patient group, 6 patients had sensorineural hearing loss, 3 patients had conductive hearing loss, and 2 patients had mixed hearing loss. Of the 3 patients with conductive hearing loss, 2 had cutaneous and 1 had both mucosal and cutaneous involvement. Of the patients with mixed hearing loss, 1 had cutaneous and 1 had both mucosal and cutaneous involvement. In patients with sensorineural hearing loss, 1 had mucosal, 3 had cutaneous, and 2 had both mucosal and cutaneous involvement. Sensorineural, conductive or mixed hearing loss can be observed in LP patients.

Cytotoxic activities of some novel benzhydrylpiperazine derivatives.

This study presents the synthesis of nineteen 1-(substitutedbenzoyl)-4-benzhydrylpiperazine and 1-[(substitutedphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-benzhydrylpiperazine derivatives. In vitro cytotoxic activities of the compounds were screened against hepatocellular (HUH-7), breast (MCF-7) and colorectal (HCT-116) cancer cell lines by sulphorhodamine B assay. Among the test compounds, benzamide derivatives had high cytotoxic activity whereas sulfonamide derivatives showed variable 50% growth inhibition (GI50).

Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of novel 3-methyl-1-[(4-substitutedpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1H-indole derivatives.

A series of novel 3-methyl-1-[(4-substitutedpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1H-indoles (3a-l) were synthesized and their cytotoxicities were analyzed against 3 different human cell lines, including liver (HUH7), breast (MCF7) and colon (HCT116). The Mannich reaction of 3-methylindole (1) with 4-substitutedpiperazines (2) and formaldehyde resulted to the 3-methyl-1-[(4-substitutedpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1H-indoles (3a-l) in 38-69% yields. The investigation of anticancer screening revealed that the tested compounds showed comparable activity to the reference drug 5-fluorouracil and compounds 3g, 3h, 3i and 3k, had lower 50% inhibition (IC50) concentration than reference drug. Moreover, the cytotoxic effect of the most potent compound 3h on HUH7 and MCF7 cells through apoptosis was visualized by Hoechst staining and compared with paclitaxel, which is a mitotic inhibitor acting on microtubules. The morphological features of apoptosis were observed as condensed and fragmented nuclei that are similar to paclitaxel.

Acute intraoperative arterial elongation: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVES: small arterial defects resulting from either trauma or resection of an aneurysm often present difficult problems to the vascular surgeon. DESIGN: to demonstrate that certain arterial gaps as a result of traumatic injury or aneurysm resection could be closed with acute intraoperative arterial elongation. MATERIALS: fifteen mongrel dogs underwent acute intraoperative arterial elongation of the right superficial femoral artery, with the left side used for a control vessel. METHODS: arterial defects created surgically (median 50 (range 25 to 60 mm) mm). Appropriate length of artery was then undermined. A Foley catheter was placed proximally and distally directly beneath this undermined portion of vessel. The vessel is lengthened following 3 expansion/relaxation cycle of Foley catheter. Arterial gaps were closed by end to end anastomosis. Arterial pressure study was performed in all vessels. RESULTS: acutely, arterial pressure differences proximal and distal to the anastomosis were seen only when arterial gaps were exceeded 55 mm. There was no occlusion either acutely or after 4 weeks follow-up period. Light microscopic examination of arterial specimens revealed partial disruption of internal elastic lamina. At the end of the follow-up period, formation of neointima with regeneration of the internal elastic lamina was demonstrated. Scanning electron microscopy revealed minimal endothelial denudation. CONCLUSIONS: we believe that, acute intraoperative elongation can be used as an alternative technique to vein grafting for the repair of small traumatic arterial defects in selected cases.

[Coronary artery bypass re-operations: basic principles]. / Koroner bypass reoperasynolari: temel prensipler.

Mortality and major complications during primary coronary artery bypass operation has decreased substantially during the past 20 years. However, patients undergoing reoperative myocardial revascularization still face markedly elevated perioperative mortality and morbidity. On the other hand, the incidence of reoperative coronary bypass surgery continues to increase. Aggressive perioperative care and optimal myocardial protection is mandatory in these patients. In this article we reviewed the patient profiles, indications for operation, operative techniques and their impact on the surgical results for patients undergoing reoperative coronary artery bypass surgery.

Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with chronic renal failure.

OBJECTIVE: Renal failure is known to increase the morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The results of heart surgery in patients with non-dialysis-dependent, mild renal insufficiency are not clear. METHODS: One hundred nineteen adult patients with chronic renal failure underwent cardiac surgery. Group I consisted of 93 patients who had creatinine levels between 1.6 and 2.5 mg/dL but who were not supported by dialysis. Group II consisted of 18 patients with creatinine levels higher than 2.5 mg/dL who were not supported by dialysis. Group III consisted of 8 patients with end-stage renal disease who were receiving hemodialysis. RESULTS: The hospital mortality rates were 11.8%, 33.0%, and 12.5%, respectively. Morbidity was 21.5%, 44.4%, and 75.0%, respectively, in groups I, II, and III. Postoperative hemodialysis was needed in 2 (2.15%) patients from group I and 6 (33%) patients from group II. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, risk factors for mortality were preoperative creatinine level more than 2.5 mg/dL, angina class III-IV, emergency operation, excessive mediastinal hemorrhage, postoperative pulmonary insufficiency, low cardiac output, and rhythm disturbances. Risk factors for morbidity were preoperative creatinine level more than 2.5 mg/dL and postoperative dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic renal failure increases the mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Renal insufficiency with creatinine levels higher than 2.5 mg/dL increases the risk of postoperative dialysis and prolongs the length of hospital stay. Careful preoperative management and intraoperative techniques, such as avoiding low perfusion pressure and using low-dose dopamine, may be useful for a good operative outcome.

Proximal clamping levels in abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery.

In the surgical treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm, the single proximal cross-clamp can be placed at 3 alternative aortic levels: infrarenal, hiatal, and thoracic. We performed this retrospective study to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the 3 main aortic clamping locations. Eighty patients presented at our institution with abdominal aortic aneurysms from March 1993 through May 1998. Fifty of these patients had intact aneurysms and underwent elective surgery, and 30 had ruptured aneurysms that necessitated emergency surgery. Proximal aortic clamping was applied at the infrarenal level in 24 patients (22 from the intact aneurysm group, 2 from the ruptured group), at the hiatal level in 34 patients (22 intact, 12 ruptured), and at the thoracic level (descending aorta) via a limited left lateral thoracotomy in 22 patients (6 intact, 16 ruptured). Early mortality rates (within 30 days) were 4% (2 of 50 patients) among patients with intact aneurysms and 40% (12 of 30 patients) among those with ruptured aneurysms. In the 2 patients from the intact aneurysm group, proximal aortic clamps were applied at the hiatal level. In the ruptured aneurysm group, proximal aortic clamps were placed at the thoracic level in 10 patients, the infrarenal level in 1, and the hiatal level in 1. According to our study, the clinical status of the patient and the degree of operative urgency--as determined by the extent of the aneurysm--generally dictate the proximal clamp location. Patients who present with aneurysmal rupture or hypovolemic shock benefit from thoracic clamping, because it restores the blood pressure and allows time to replace the volume deficit. Infrarenal placement is advantageous in patients with intact aneurysms if there is sufficient space for the clamp between the renal arteries and the aortic aneurysm. In patients with juxtarenal aneurysms, hiatal clamping enables safe and easy anastomosis to the healthy aorta. Clamping at this level also helps prevent late anastomotic aneurysm formation, which is frequently encountered after inadvertent anastomosis of the graft to a diseased portion of the aorta. Further studies are needed in order to confirm these results.

The role of 99Tcm-tetrofosmin myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in the assessment of patients with previous myocardial infarction: a comparative study with 201Tl.

The aim of this study was to determine the utility of 99Tcm-tetrofosmin cardiac imaging in patients with previous myocardial infarction and with significant coronary artery disease (CAD) compared with that of 201Tl cardiac imaging. Sixteen patients (14 males, 2 females) were studied by same-day exercise-rest 99Tcm-tetrofosmin imaging and exercise, rest and reinjection 201Tl cardiac imaging. For each study, semi-quantitative visual analysis was performed in 20 segments using a 4-point scale. The regional distribution and defect reversibility with the two tracers were compared with the results of coronary angiography. A total of 320 segments were analysed. There was a statistically significant concordance between the numbers of fixed and reversible segments in both studies in myocardial segments supplied by totally occluded coronary arteries (Group 1), as well as in segments supplied by significantly stenosed coronary vessels (Group 2). The exercise and rest uptake of both 99Tcm-tetrofosmin and 201Tl in myocardial segments supplied by totally occluded coronary arteries with poor collateral flow was significantly lower compared with segments supplied by totally occluded coronary arteries with efficient collateral flow (P < or = 0.05). When the uptake of both tracers was analysed according to each major vascular territory, the mean exercise and rest uptake grades of 99Tcm-tetrofosmin and 201Tl were similar. There was also no significant difference in defect reversibility between the two tracers. Discordant results were observed in the territory of the right coronary artery in Group 1 (mean exercise grade of 99Tcm-tetrofosmin = 2.26 +/- 0.7 and of 201Tl = 1.92 +/- 0.8; P < or = 0.001) and in Group 2 (mean grade of 99Tcm-tetrofosmin = 0.79 +/- 0.65 and of 201Tl = 0.95 +/- 0.65; P < or = 0.05). The results of the present study indicate that the overall diagnostic utility of 99Tcm-tetrofosmin in the identification of individual stenosed vessels is comparable with 201Tl in both patients with totally occluded coronary arteries and those with significantly stenosed vessels. The regional distribution of both tracers was lower in myocardial segments supplied by totally occluded coronary arteries with poor collateral flow.

Endoaneurysmorrhaphy for left ventricular aneurysm. Follow-up in 69 patients.

We reviewed the cases of 69 consecutive patients who underwent physiologic reconstruction of the left ventricular cavity with an endoventricular patch (endoaneurysmorrhaphy) after aneurysmectomy. Eight patients had isolated endoaneurysmorrhaphy, 60 patients had concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting, and 1 patient had concomitant closure of an atrial septal defect. The primary indications for operation were angina pectoris (New York Heart Association functional class I or II) in 42 patients and dyspnea (functional class III or IV) in 27 patients. The preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction evaluated with ventriculography was 28.95% +/- 7.27% (mean +/- standard error of the mean). The global perioperative mortality rate was 2.8%. Total follow-up was 139.3 patient-years. The late mortality rate was 4.3% per patient-year. A marked increase was found in the mean postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction of the patients: 41.91% +/- 11.83%. Survivors were interviewed in person: their functional status was class I or II in 58 patients and class III in 3 patients. We conclude that left ventricular endoaneurysmorrhaphy results in satisfactory functional improvement and can be performed with relatively low early and late mortality rates.

Continuous retrograde cerebral perfusion supplies substrates for brain metabolism during hypothermic circulatory arrest.

Ten patients underwent replacement of ascending aorta and/or aortic arch with aneurysm or dissection, using hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) with retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP). RCP was administered through the superior vena cava cannula continuously during HCA (15 degrees C to 20 degrees C). Mean HCA time was 32 minutes (range, 18-45 minutes). To assess the metabolic changes during RCP, blood samples were taken from carotid arteries and the superior vena cava cannula simultaneously, five minutes after the onset and five minutes prior to termination of continuous retrograde cerebral perfusion (CRCP) for analysis of blood gas and glucose level. One patient died intraoperatively due to left ventricular failure. Nine patients survived their operations and all except one with stroke due to partial intimal flap obstruction of innominate artery awoke neurologically intact within four to six hours. One patient died on the postoperative fifth day due to septic shock following resection of ischaemic bowel due to dissection involving the mesenteric artery. Oxygen saturation, pH and glucose level were all found to be lower in blood back-bleeding from the carotid arteries than in blood perfused through the superior vena cava cannula at all sampling times during HCA and CRCP (p < 0.05). Although oxygen and glucose extraction is not only from brain tissue, these data demonstrate the efficacy of CRCP in supplying substrates for brain protection. CRCP is a reliable method as an adjunct to HCA for brain protection.

Effect of pulsatile flow during cardiopulmonary bypass on thyroid hormone metabolism.

Changes in thyroid hormone levels during and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are well documented. However, little is known about the effects of pulsatile flow during CPB on thyroid hormone metabolism. To examine the effect of flow pattern, a prospective study was carried out using 30 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Fifteen patients had pulsatile flow during CPB and 15, nonpulsatile flow. Serum samples were obtained preoperatively, during bypass, and at 2 and 24 hours postoperatively. Thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), free T4, and free T3 levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. All measured hormone levels except free T4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone decreased after the initiation of CPB. There were no differences in preoperative values between the two groups. However, levels of T3 and free T3 during and after CPB showed a significant difference between the two groups, with a smaller decrease in patients in whom pulsatile flow was used during bypass (p < 0.05). Thyroxine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone free T4 values showed no difference between the two groups at any sampling time. These data provide support for the use of pulsatile flow during CPB to establish a more physiologic state and maintain better thyroid hormone metabolism.

Bicuspid mitral bioprosthesis.

A bicuspid mitral bioprosthesis was prepared by mounting glutaraldehyde-processed porcine pericardium onto commercially available Brownlee-Yates stents. The bioprostheses were inserted into 17 dogs. Haemodynamic performance and long-term function of the valve was assessed. Of the 11 animals in the survival group, eight died within the 24-72 hour postoperative period. The clinical picture of these animals revealed progressive left ventricular failure although the bioprostheses were tested and found competent both at insertion and at necropsy. The causes of the late deaths were deterioration of the porcine pericardium in two, and cerebral embolism in another. The acute haemodynamic studies showed a significantly high closing reflux from within the tubular bioprosthesis, and this reflux was found to be inherent in the design. It was concluded that any stented bicuspid valve where the stent assumes the function of the papillary muscles, has to be tailored so that parts of the tissue can assume the function of the chordae tendineae to minimise the closing reflux.