The epidemiology of fractures of the scaphoid: impact of age, gender, deprivation and seasonality.

AIMS: This study explores the epidemiology of patients with a fracture of the scaphoid presenting to a regional teaching hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with a confirmed fracture of the scaphoid over a retrospective period between January 2010 and May 2013 were included. Their demographics, deprivation status and when the fracture occurred was noted and assessed. There were 415 fractures in 365 males and 50 females. RESULTS: The incidence of fracture of the scaphoid was 12.4 in 100 000 each year in the general population. The mean age of the patients was 22 years (nine to 35); the highest incidence was in males aged between 15 and 19 years. We calculate the annual incidence in the United Kingdom to be 7265 each year. Patients with the lowest socioeconomic status had an incidence of 18.57 in 100 000 whereas the least deprived patients had an incidence of 9.98 (p < 0.001). There was evidence of a seasonal trend (p = 0.022) with the highest monthly rate found in June (16.96 in 100 000 each year) and the lowest was in December (7.61 in 100 000 each year). There were significantly fewer presentations of fracture at the weekend (p < 0.001), and the highest incidence was on Mondays. Most fractures occurred at the waist (64%) and tubercle (18.1%). TAKE HOME MESSAGE: In this large-scale epidemiological study, we confirmed that young men are most at risk of sustaining a fracture of the scaphoid, and report new factors in relation to social deprivation and seasonality that influence scaphoid fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:654-9.

Detection of impaired glucose regulation and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus, using primary care electronic data, in a multiethnic UK community setting.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a score for detecting the glycaemic categories of impaired glucose regulation (IGR) and type 2 diabetes using the WHO 2011 diagnostic criteria. METHODS: We used data from 6,390 individuals aged 40-75 years from a multiethnic population based screening study. We developed a logistic regression model for predicting IGR and type 2 diabetes (diagnosed using OGTT or HbA(1c) ≥ 6.5% [48 mmol/mol]) from data which are routinely stored in primary care. We developed the score by summing the ß coefficients. We externally validated the score using data from 3,225 participants aged 40-75 years screened as part of another study. RESULTS: The score includes age, ethnicity, sex, family history of diabetes, antihypertensive therapy and BMI. Fifty per cent of a population would need to be invited for testing to detect type 2 diabetes mellitus on OGTT with 80% sensitivity; this is slightly raised to 54% that need to be invited if using HbA(1c). Inviting the top 10% for testing, 9% of these would have type 2 diabetes mellitus using an OGTT (positive predictive value [PPV] 8.9% [95% CI 5.8%,12.8%]), 26% would have IGR (PPV 25.9% [95% CI 20.9%, 31.4%]). Using HbA(1c) increases the PPV to 19% for type 2 diabetes mellitus (PPV 18.6% [95% CI 14.2%, 23.7%]) and 28% for an HbA(1c) between 6.0% and 6.4% (PPV 28.3% [95% CI 23.1%, 34.0%]). CONCLUSIONS: The score can be used to reliably identify those with undiagnosed IGR and type 2 diabetes in multiethnic populations. This is the first score developed taking into account HbA(1c) in the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

Association of cardiac and non-cardiac chronic disease comorbidity on glycaemic control in a multi-ethnic population with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

AIMS: To determine the prevalence of chronic disease comorbidity in south Asians (SAs) and white Europeans (WEs) with diabetes and to quantify the relationship of cardiac disease comorbidity (CDCM) and non-cardiac disease comorbidity (NCCM) to glycaemic control in SAs and WEs with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a database of patients of SA (25.5%) and WE (74.5%) origin attending a specialist diabetes clinic in the UK between 2003 and 2005 (n=5664). RESULTS: The prevalence of SAs and WEs with type 1 diabetes was 12% and 88%, respectively; for those with type 2 diabetes the prevalence was 30% and 70%, respectively. Overall, the prevalence of comorbidity in people with type 1 diabetes was 25.5% and with type 2 diabetes was 47%. NCCM was more prevalent in WEs than SAs (17.6% vs 12.8%, p<0.001). In type 2 diabetes, the prevalence of suboptimal glycaemic control was significantly greater in SAs compared to WEs with NCCM and CDCM (79% vs 62%, p<0.001; 78% vs 65%, p<0.001, respectively). SAs with type 2 diabetes and comorbidity had excess odds of suboptimal glycaemic control compared to WEs: OR 2.27 (95% CI 1.50 to 3.43) for those with NCCM and OR 1.91 (95% CI 1.49 to 2.44) for those with CDCM. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CDCM is higher in SAs compared to WEs with type 2 diabetes, whereas the prevalence of NCCM is higher in WEs compared to SAs. Taking into account comorbidities, SAs (compared to WEs) with type 2 diabetes had an excess risk of having HbA1c ≥7% ranging from 1.86- to 2.27-fold. Further research is needed to identify the reasons for unfavourable metabolic conditions in SAs and also develop and evaluate interventions.

The Leicester Risk Assessment score for detecting undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose regulation for use in a multiethnic UK setting.

AIMS: Risk assessment scores identify those at high risk of impaired glucose regulation and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. To date no risk assessment scores that can be completed by a lay person have been developed and validated specifically for multiethnic populations in the UK. METHODS: We used data on 6186 subjects aged 40-75 years from a multiethnic UK screening study (73% white European, 22% South Asian). All participants were given a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. We developed logistic regression models for predicting current impaired glucose regulation (impaired fasting glycaemia/impaired glucose tolerance) or Type 2 diabetes mellitus using data from anthropometric measurements and self-reported questionnaires. Using the best-fitting model, we developed the Leicester Risk Assessment score. We externally validated the score using data from 3171 subjects aged 40-75 years from a separate screening study. RESULTS: The components of the final model are age, ethnicity [white European vs. other (predominantly South Asian)], sex, first degree family history of diabetes, antihypertensive therapy or history of hypertension, waist circumference and body mass index. The score ranges from 0 to 47. Validating this model using the data from the second screening study gave an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 72% (95% confidence interval, 69-74%). A cut point of 16 had a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 45%. CONCLUSIONS: The Leicester Risk Assessment score can be used to identify those at high risk of impaired glucose regulation and Type 2 diabetes mellitus in UK multiethnic populations. The score is simple (seven questions) and non-invasive.

A randomised prospective comparison of Rotecno versus new Gore occlusive surgical gowns using bacterial air counts in ultraclean air.

Ultraclean air (UCA) in operating theatres is defined as <10 colony-forming units (cfu)/m(3). The current European standards for surgical gowns are contained in EN13795 but these do not include containment of bacterial dispersal as a standard test. A trial in 2003 found that there were bacterial air counts of 1 cfu/m(3) with Rotecno gowns and 0.5 cfu/m(3) with body exhaust suits in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study compared bacterial air counts using Rotecno gowns with a new type of occlusive gown made from Gore liquid-proof fabric, which were superior to the Rotecno gowns on standard EN13795 laboratory testing. Fifty-six joint replacements were allocated randomly either to Rotecno or to Gore gowns with stratification into TKA, total hip arthroplasty (THA) or revision THA. Airborne bacteria were collected from within 30 cm of the wound for the first 10 min of surgery using a Casella slit sampler. The new gowns were associated with higher air counts (3.7 cfu/m(3)) than the Rotecno gowns (1.2 cfu/m(3)) (P<0.001). Three of the Gore samples exceeded the clean air standard of 10 cfu/m(3). In TKA patients, the existing Rotecno gowns, now many years old, had higher air counts (2.0 cfu/m(3)) than in the 2003 trial (0.8 cfu/m(3)) (P<0.001). The new gowns were superior in standard laboratory tests but not superior at preventing airborne bacterial dispersal. Rotecno gowns, although many years old, were still effective. This study highlights the importance of testing new materials in a clinical environment with UCA; in-vitro testing alone is probably not an adequate assessment.

Prevalence of diagnosed depression in South Asian and white European people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in a UK secondary care population.

AIM: To examine the prevalence and correlates of diagnosed depression among South Asians and white Europeans with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, attending a specialist diabetes clinic in the UK. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the hospital clinic's computerised database. Medical and demographic data were extracted for 6230 people with diabetes attending the clinic between 2003 and 2005. Multiple logistic regression was used to model ethnic differences in the probability of diagnosed depression after controlling for demographic and diabetes related factors. Analyses were conducted separately for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: The unadjusted prevalence of depression in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes was 8.0% and 9.3%, respectively. Risk factors for depression in type 1 diabetes included female gender, diabetes related complications, and comorbidities. In people with type 2 diabetes the risk factors for depression included younger age, diabetes related complications, comorbidities, insulin use and deprivation. In addition, white Europeans were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with depression compared to South Asians (odds ratio (OR) 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21 to 2.08; p<0.001). Further interaction analyses revealed no evidence that the association between ethnicity and depression differed according to any of the other factors examined in this study. CONCLUSIONS: The findings add to the limited body of knowledge regarding ethnic differences in depression and diabetes. Among those with type 2 diabetes, white Europeans had nearly 60% higher adjusted odds of diagnosed depression compared to South Asians. Disparities may be due to differences in presentation or identification of depression between these two ethnic groups.

Effect of parental smoking on cotinine levels in newborns.

BACKGROUND: Smoking is a major risk factor for cot death. Many infants smoke passively as a result of parental smoking. This paper reports on infants exposed to a smoking environment and how they accumulate metabolites of cigarette smoke, such as cotinine, which may be physiologically harmful. AIM: To assess cotinine levels in infants of smoking parents. METHOD: Cotinine excretion in urine was assessed in 104 infants, of whom 71 had smoking parents and 33 had non-smoking parents. All cotinine levels were measured at approximately 12 weeks of age. The subjects were selected from a database of infants in developmental physiological studies which assessed the impact of various factors on early postnatal development. RESULTS: On average babies with at least one parent who was a current cigarette smoker excreted 5.58 (95% CI 3.4 to 9.5) times as much cotinine in the urine as did the babies of non-smoking parents. Maternal smoking was the largest contributing factor. Co-sleeping (p = 0.037) and the minimum room temperature (p = 0.028) were significant contributory factors. CONCLUSION: Infants from smoking households accumulate cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, which may have a detrimental effect on the cardiorespiratory system.

Recalibration methods to enhance information on prevalence rates from large mental health surveys.

Comparisons between self-report and clinical psychiatric measures have revealed considerable disagreement. It is unsafe to consider these measures as directly equivalent, so it would be valuable to have a reliable recalibration of one measure in terms of the other. We evaluated multiple imputation incorporating a Bayesian approach, and a fully Bayesian method, to recalibrate diagnoses from a self-report survey interview in terms of those from a clinical interview with data from a two-phase national household survey for a practical application, and artificial data for simulation studies. The most important factors in obtaining a precise and accurate 'clinical' prevalence estimate from self-report data were (a) good agreement between the two diagnostic measures and (b) a sufficiently large set of calibration data with diagnoses based on both kinds of interview from the same group of subjects. From the case study, calibration data on 612 subjects were sufficient to yield estimates of the total prevalence of anxiety, depression or neurosis with a precision in the region of +/-2%. The limitations of the calibration method demonstrate the need to increase agreement between survey and reference measures by improving lay interviews and their diagnostic algorithms.

Body-exhaust suit versus occlusive clothing. A randomised, prospective trial using air and wound bacterial counts.

We randomly allocated 50 total knee replacements to scrub teams wearing body-exhaust suits (BES) or Rotecno occlusive clothing. The effectiveness of the clothing was assessed using air andwound bacterial counts. Bacteria were recovered from 62% of wounds (64% BES, 60% Rotecno). The mean air count was 0.5 CFU/ m3 with BES and 1.0 CFU/m3 with Rotecno (p = 0.014). The mean wound counts were 14 bacteria/wound with BES and eight bacteria/wound with Rotecno (p = 0.171). There was no correlation between the air and wound counts (r = -0.011, Spearman's). The higher air counts suggest that Rotecno occlusive clothing is less effective than BES, but wounds were equally contaminated with both types of clothing suggesting that at very low levels of air contamination the contribution of bacteria to the wound from the air is irrelevant. Even doubling the air counts from 0.5 to 1.0 CFU/m3 had no detectable effect on the wound. This allows a reassessment to be made of other sources of contamination the effect of which would previously have been overwhelmed by contamination from air.

Prevalence, morbidity and service need among South Asian and white adults with intellectual disability in Leicestershire, UK.

BACKGROUND: Previous reports have suggested that South Asian and white UK populations have different prevalences of intellectual disability (ID), related psychological morbidity and service use. The aim of the present study was to compare these rates among South Asian and white adults in Leicestershire, UK. METHOD: This cross-sectional study is comprised of two parts. The analysis of prevalence is based on data from all South Asian and white adults known to the Leicestershire Learning Disabilities Register in 1991, with population denominators being drawn from the 1991 census. The other analyses use data collected from the most recent semi-structured home interviews, carried out between 1987 and 1998, with 206 South Asian and 2334 white adults. RESULTS: The prevalence of ID in adults in Leicestershire is 3.20 per 1000 in South Asians and 3.62 per 1000 in whites. Among adults with ID, South Asians have similar prevalences of disabilities to whites and significantly lower skill levels. South Asians show similar levels of psychological morbidity, but make significantly lower use than whites of psychiatric services, residential care and respite care. South Asians use community services as extensively as whites, but feel that they have a substantially greater unmet need, especially with regard to social services. CONCLUSION: South Asian and white populations have similar prevalences of ID and related psychological morbidity. Culturally appropriate services for South Asian adults may need to focus on skill development and community care.

Repeatability of cellular constituents and cytokine concentration in fluid obtained by non-bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage of infants receiving extracorporeal oxygenation.

BACKGROUND: Since few studies have assessed the repeatability of non-bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage (NB-BAL), we compared cellular counts and cytokine concentrations in fluid obtained by standardised NB-BAL from each side of 20 intubated infants receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). METHODS: Total cell counts were obtained from 95 paired lavages and 77 pairs were suitable for differential counts and measurement of cytokine concentrations. RESULTS: Moderate correlation was noted between the two sides for most cell types including total cell counts and percentages of neutrophils and macrophages (R=0.70-0.84) and for cytokine concentrations (IL-8 R=0.78, IL-6 R=0.75, TNF-alpha R=0.64, all p< or =0.001). Using Bland-Altman analysis the mean difference between the two sides approached zero for cellular constituents (total cell counts mean difference 1.7, limits of agreement -187.5 to +190.9 x 10(4)/ml; percentage neutrophils -3.9%, -41.5% to +33.6%; percentage macrophages 3.9%, -33.8% to +41.6%) but tended to be greater on the right for logarithmically transformed cytokine measurements (IL-8: left/right ratio 0.74, limits of agreement 0.12 to 5.45, IL-6: 0.93, 0.09 to 5.87, and TNF-alpha: 0.93, 0.27 to 3.16). Using linear regression with random effects to assess the variability, only the infant's age appeared to influence the cellular results but, for cytokines, only the volume retrieved affected the variability. The magnitude of the measurements, the underlying disease, the operator's experience, days on ECMO, or survival did not affect the variability. CONCLUSION: Measurements obtained by NB-BAL need to be interpreted with caution and strongly suggest that normalisation for the dilutional effects of saline is essential.

Comparison of EMLA cream versus placebo in children receiving distraction therapy for venepuncture.

UNLABELLED: Eutectic mixture of local anaesthetics (EMLA) cream is used routinely as a local anaesthetic prior to venepuncture in children. Despite this, however, a significant proportion of children will still be distressed. Cognitive-behavioural interventions, such as distraction by breathing and blowing exercises, have been used and found to be helpful as alternative coping strategies. There is, however, a paucity of data regarding effectiveness. We have evaluated the efficacy of distraction therapy as a coping strategy before and during venepuncture, and in these children evaluated the need for EMLA using a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Twenty-eight children attending for venepuncture were recruited, median age 6 y (range 4-8 y), and randomly allocated to receive either EMLA or a placebo cream. All were given distraction therapy prior to and during the procedure by a play specialist. Venepuncture was carried out by one investigator. A modified paediatric pain assessment chart was used for objective pain score at the end of the procedure. After one exclusion, the treatment group (17 children) and the placebo group (10 children) were similar: median age of 6 and 7 y (range 4-8), median baseline and post-procedure heart rate and oxygen saturation. The median (interquartile range) for total pain score in the treatment group was 1 (0 to 4.5) and in the control group 1 (0 to 2.3). There was no significant difference in pain score between the two groups (Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.7). The 95% confidence interval for the difference in pain score was -1.0 to +3.0. CONCLUSIONS: The low pain score in both groups suggests the effectiveness of distraction therapy, although factors such as skill of the operator and previous experience of the patient group are of relevance. There was no significant difference in the pain score between the EMLA and placebo groups, suggesting that in this age group if carefully selected children receive distraction during venepuncture EMLA may not be necessary.

Outcome of renal replacement therapy in the very elderly.

BACKGROUND: In a retrospective case-note and computer database analysis we assessed the outcome of very elderly patients (> or = 75 years old) with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on renal replacement therapy (RRT). METHODS: Fifty-eight individuals aged 75 or over (group 1) commenced RRT between 1 January 1991 and 31 December 1995. Comparisons were made with other patients commencing RRT who were divided into two groups: group 2 (201 individuals 65-74 years old) and group 3 (379 patients <65 years old). All subjects were followed up until the point of assessment (30 June 1998), the time of death, or withdrawal from dialysis. Survival rates in the three groups were compared using Kaplan-Meier method. The number of hospital admissions, length of in-patient stay, and complications rate on RRT were assessed for group 1. RESULTS: One-year survival rates in groups 1, 2 and 3 were 53.5, 72.6, and 90.6% respectively and the 5-year survival rates were 2.4, 18.8, and 61.4% respectively. The very elderly spent 20% of their time in hospital, 46% had two co-morbid factors at the outset, and 26% developed multiple complications while on RRT. Withdrawal from dialysis remained the most common cause of death in this group of individuals (38%), followed by cardiovascular causes (24%) and infections (22%). CONCLUSION: Very elderly ESRD patients on RRT have a very poor outcome and, since they are the largest growing group of RRT patients, this has important implications for future health policies.

Pragmatic randomized trial of antenatal intervention to prevent post-natal depression by reducing psychosocial risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Social support theory and observational risk factor studies suggest that increased antenatal psychosocial support could prevent post-natal depression. We used empirical knowledge of risk and protective factors for post-natal depression not employed previously in order to develop and evaluate an antenatal preventive intervention. METHODS: We conducted a pragmatic randomized controlled trial in antenatal clinics. We screened 1300 primiparous women and 400 screened positive, 69 screen-positive women were untraceable or not eligible. Of 292 women who completed baseline assessment, 209 consented to randomization, of these 190 provided outcome data 3 months post-natally. 'Preparing for Parenthood', a structured antenatal risk factor reducing intervention designed to increase social support and problem-solving skills, was compared with routine antenatal care only. We compared the percentage depressed at 3 months after childbirth using the self-completion General Health Questionnaire Depression scale and Edinburgh Post-natal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry a systematic clinical interview. RESULTS: Assignment to the intervention group did not significantly impact on post-natal depression (odds ratio for GHQ-Depression 1.22 (95% CI 0.63-2.39), P = 0.55) or on risk factors for depression. Forty-five per cent of the intervention group women attended sufficient sessions to be likely to benefit from intervention if effective. Attenders benefited no more than non-attenders. CONCLUSIONS: Prevention services targeting post-natal depression should not implement antenatal support programmes on these lines until further research has demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of such methods. The development of novel, low cost interventions effective in reducing risk factors should be completed before further trial evaluation.

Serial changes in spirometry during an ascent to 5,300 m in the Nepalese Himalayas.

The aims of the present study were to determine the changes in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF), during an ascent to 5,300 m in the Nepalese Himalayas, and to correlate the changes with arterial oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry (SpO2) and symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Forty-six subjects were studied twice daily during an ascent from 2,800 m (mean barometric pressure 550.6 mmHg) to 5,300 m (mean barometric pressure 404.3 mmHg) during a period of between 10 and 16 days. Measurements of FVC, FEV1, PEF, SpO2, and AMS were recorded. AMS was assessed using a standardized scoring system. FVC fell with altitude, by a mean of 4% from sea level values [95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.9% to 7.4%] at 2,800 m, and 8.6% (95% CI 5.8 to 11.4%) at 5,300 m. FEV1 did not change with increasing altitude. PEF increased with altitude by a mean of 8.9% (95% CI 2.7 to 15.1%) at 2,800 m, and 16% (95% CI 9 to 23%) at 5,300 m. These changes were not significantly related to SpO2 or AMS scores. These results confirm a progressive fall in FVC and increase in PEF with increasing hypobaric hypoxia while FEV1 remains unchanged. The increase in PEF is less than would be predicted from the change in gas density. The fall in FVC may be due to reduced inspiratory force producing a reduction in total lung capacity; subclinical pulmonary edema; an increase in pulmonary blood volume, or changes in airway closure. The absence of a correlation between the spirometric changes and SpO2 or AMS may simply reflect that these measurements of pulmonary function are not sufficiently sensitive indicators of altitude-related disease. Further studies are required to clarify the effects of hypobaric hypoxia on lung volumes and flows in an attempt to obtain a unifying explanation for these changes.

The 1996 Leicestershire Community Stroke & Ethnicity Study: differences and similarities between South Asian and white strokes.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the number of strokes in Leicestershire and investigate possible differences between South Asian and white patients. DESIGN: Prospective incidence sample survey. SETTING: Leicestershire. PARTICIPANTS: Acute stroke cases occurring in registered populations of 12 'high Asian' and 11 'low Asian' general practices. RESULTS: The age-specific incidence rates of stroke in Leicestershire were similar to those of the Oxford Community Stroke Project. South Asian patients were less likely to be living alone at home before their stroke and they tended to be younger than whites. However, only 12% of South Asian patients with a stroke were not admitted to hospital within 7 days of their stroke compared to 23% of white patients (chi2 = 3.24, d.f. = 1, P = 0.07). Only 21% of South Asian patients died within 28 days of their stroke compared to 33% of white patients (age-adjusted odds ratio = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.14-0.97). CONCLUSIONS: Overlapping case-finding was crucial to finding all 'possible' strokes and this required close collaborative working between general practices, community health services, hospitals and the health authority. Relatively fewer South Asian patients were managed in the community in the first 7 days. Interestingly, South Asian patients were less likely than white patients to die within 28 days. This is an area worthy of further research.

Prognostic significance of DNA ploidy, S-phase fraction, and P-glycoprotein expression in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Parameters that allow prediction of the disease course in colorectal cancer would aid the development of improved treatment strategies. For this reason, we evaluated the prognostic value of flow cytometric DNA ploidy and S-phase fraction (SPF) and P-glycoprotein (Pgp) expression in this type of tumor. METHODS: The prognostic significance of DNA ploidy, SPF, and Pgp expression on paraffin-embedded sections from 107 patients with colorectal carcinoma was determined. The mean follow-up was 36.6 months (range = 3-72 months). DNA ploidy and SPF were evaluated by flow cytometry and Pgp by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibody C219. The Cox regression model was used to adjust for several clinical and pathologic covariates. RESULTS: Of the 107 carcinomas examined, 44 (41.1%) were classified as DNA diploid and 63 (58.9%) as DNA aneuploid. DNA ploidy pattern was significantly related to tumor site (P = 0.010), tumor stage (P = 0.016), and vascular invasion (P = 0.015) but not to other clinicopathologic variables. Patients with DNA diploid tumors showed a better survival rate than did those with aneuploid tumors. After stage IV disease was excluded, patients with diploid tumors also presented a better disease-free and overall survival than did patients with aneuploid tumors. Mean SPF of the whole series was 13.5% (median = 11.3%, range = 1.4%-29.9%). Aneuploid tumors had a higher median SPF than did diploid tumors (17 vs. 6.2; P = 0.0001). SPF was only related significantly with tumor location (P = 0.026). In the multivariate analysis, SPF was a significant independent prognostic factor for overall survival (P = 0.01). When stage IV was excluded, SPF was also an independent prognostic variable for both disease-free (P = 0. 02) and overall (P = 0.01) survival. Of 107 tumors, 61 (57%) were positive for Pgp expression, but no relation was found between this and other clinicopathologic parameters. Pgp expression had no influence on survival. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that flow cytometric DNA ploidy and SPF are significant and independent prognostic factors in patients with colorectal carcinoma, whereas Pgp expression is not.