Embryo-feto-toxicity of anticancer drug, heptaplatin in laboratory mice.

The present study was conducted to test the possible teratogenic and toxic effects of anti-cancer drug heptaplatin (SKI 2053) on developing embryos and fetuses in gestating SWR/J mice. Dose levels of 5.0, 10.0 and 12.5 mg heptaplatin/kg b.wt. were intraperitoneally administered to pregnant mice on days 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14 of gestation. On day 17 of gestation, all fetuses were removed and examined for toxic phenomena (embryo-fetal toxicity) by taking observation on live fetuses and embryonic resorption. Fetuses were also examined for external, internal and skeletal malformations. None of the dams treated with heptaplatin at any of the dose levels used in the present study died during the experimental period. Higher doses of heptaplatin caused greater embryonic resorption and reduced number of live fetuses. However, no loss of body weight was noticed in fetuses at any of the dose levels administered. At highest dose of heptaplatin (12.5 mg kg(-1)), tail deformity was observed in the form of short and curve tails whereas no other anatomical or skeletal malformations were noticed in any of the fetuses. In addition to mild embryo-fetotoxicity, the study indicates mild teratogenic effects of hetaplatin as reflected in fetal abnormalities at low frequency. These results have significant implications for protracted use of this drug.

Evaluation of variable mandibular advancement appliance for treatment of snoring and sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate an adjustable mandibular positioning appliance for treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. METHODS: One hundred thirty-four patients with baseline apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) of 37 +/- 28 events/h (mean +/- SD) received the appliance. The efficacy of the appliance was assessed by the following investigations, performed at baseline and with the appliance: polysomnography, Epworth sleepiness scale, bedpartners' assessment of snoring severity, patients' assessment of side effects, and overall satisfaction. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were lost to follow-up. An additional 46 patients had no follow-up polysomnography, but answered the questionnaires. A total of 75 patients had polysomnography at baseline and with the appliance. We found a significant reduction in AHI from 44 +/- 28 events/h to 12 +/- 15 events/h (p < 0.0005) and a reduction in the arousal index from 37 +/- 27 events/h to 16 +/- 13 events/h (p < 0.05). Epworth scores fell from 11 +/- 5 to 7 +/- 3 (p < 0.0005). Bedpartners' assessment revealed marked improvement in snoring. For example, at baseline 96% of patients were judged to snore loudly "often" or "always" by their bedpartners, whereas only 2% were judged so while using dental appliance. The most frequent side effect was teeth discomfort, present "sometimes" or "often" in up to 32% of patients. Follow-up clinical assessment in 121 patients conducted on the average 350 days after the insertion of the appliance revealed that 86% of patients continued to use the appliance nightly; 60% were very satisfied with the appliance, 27% were moderately satisfied, 11% were moderately dissatisfied, and 2% were very dissatisfied. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the adjustable mandibular positioning appliance is an effective treatment alternative for some patients with snoring and sleep apnea.