[Serum cellular inflammatory markers in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.] / Marcadores inflamatorios celulares séricos en el diagnóstico de cáncer de próstata.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most frequent neoplasms in the masculine sex, which has multiple etiological factors, inflammation is one of them. OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of different inflammatory markers in the diagnosis of PCa in first prostatic biopsies. METHODS: This is a prospective study evaluating neutrophil/ lymphocyte (NLR), neutrophil/monocyte (NMR) and platelet/lymphocyte (PLR) ratios of 78 patients with suspected PCa due to PSA alteration and/or abnormal digital rectal examination, and its correlation with twelve-cylinder biopsy result. RESULTS: The NLR, NMR and PLR were all higher in the group diagnosed with PCa compared to the group with benign prostatic hyperplasia (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory markers can be predictive factors in the diagnosis of PCa, although more studies are needed for their routine use.

El cáncer de próstata (CaP) es una de las neoplasias más frecuentes en el sexo masculino, la cual tiene descrito múltiples factores etiológicos, entre ellos la inflamación. OBJETIVO: Describir el papel de diferentes marcadores inflamatorios en el diagnóstico de CaP en biopsias prostáticas por primera vez.MÉTODOS: Es un estudio prospectivo donde se evaluaron las relaciones neutrófilo/linfocito (RNL), neutrófilo/ monocito (RNM) y plaqueta/linfocito (RPL) séricas de 78 pacientes con sospecha de CaP por alteración de PSA y/o tacto rectal, y su correlación con el resultado de biopsia de 12 cilindros. RESULTADOS: Las RNL, RNM y RPL fueron todas más elevadas en el grupo con diagnóstico de CaP en comparación al grupo con hiperplasia prostática benigna (p > 0,05). CONCLUSIONES: Los marcadores inflamatorios pueden ser factores predictivos en el diagnóstico de CaP, que necesitan más estudios para su utilización rutinaria.

Marcadores inflamatorios celulares séricos en el diagnóstico de cáncer de próstata / No disponible

El cáncer de próstata (CaP) es una de las neoplasias más frecuentes en el sexo masculino, la cual tiene descrito múltiples factores etiológicos, entre ellos la inflamación. Objetivo: Describir el papel de diferentes marcadores inflamatorios en el diagnóstico de CaP en biopsias prostáticas por primera vez. Métodos: Es un estudio prospectivo donde se evaluaron las relaciones neutrófilo/linfocito (RNL), neutrófilo/ monocito (RNM) y plaqueta/linfocito (RPL) séricas de 78 pacientes con sospecha de CaP por alteración de PSA y/o tacto rectal, y su correlación con el resultado de biopsia de 12 cilindros. Resultados: Las RNL, RNM y RPL fueron todas más elevadas en el grupo con diagnóstico de CaP en comparación al grupo con hiperplasia prostática benigna (p > 0,05). Conclusiones: Los marcadores inflamatorios pueden ser factores predictivos en el diagnóstico de CaP, que necesitan más estudios para su utilización rutinaria

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most frequent neoplasms in the masculine sex, which has multiple etiological factors, inflammation is one of them. Objective: To determine the role of different inflammatory markers in the diagnosis of PCa in first prostatic biopsies. Methods: This is a prospective study evaluating neutrophil/lymphocyte (NLR), neutrophil/monocyte (NMR) and platelet/lymphocyte (PLR) ratios of 78 patients with suspected PCa due to PSA alteration and/or abnormal digital rectal examination, and its correlation with twelve-cylinder biopsy result. Results: The NLR, NMR and PLR were all higher in the group diagnosed with PCa compared to the group with benign prostatic hyperplasia (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Inflammatory markers can be predictive factors in the diagnosis of PCa, although more studies are needed for their routine use

Nefrectomía parcial en Venezuela ¿dónde estamos? consideraciones actuales / Partial nephrectomy in Venezuela. Where are we? present considerations

Objetivo: La nefrectomía parcial históricamente se usaba en urología para el tratamiento de procesos benignos del riñón. En los últimos 20 años su mayor uso se centró en tumores localizados, siendo una alternativa a la nefrectomía radical. Inicialmente las indicaciones absolutas incluían pacientes de riñón único o tumores bilaterales. Con el tiempo las indicaciones se ampliaron en base al riesgo de desarrollo de enfermedad renal, y se convirtió en una cirugía electiva realizada en pacientes con tumores de menos de 4 cm y hasta de tumores mayores de 4 cm. Se presenta un sondeo en la población médica urológica venezolana, con respecto a la nefrectomía parcial, como parte de tratamiento de las masas renales. Métodos: Basados en una encuesta de 27 preguntas, sobre consideraciones quirúrgicas de nefrectomía parcial y consideraciones sobre abordajes y conductas, se entregó la encuesta a urólogos y residentes en el XXVII Congreso Nacional Venezolano de Urología 2017. Resultados: Se logró obtener respuesta de 71 personas, en su mayoría de Caracas y Distrito metropolitano (53,5%) 57 eran urólogos (80,2%) y 14 (19,71%) residentes de tercer año. La mayor parte de urólogos que contestaron la encuesta tenían en su mayoría, de 1 a 3 años de graduado (29,82%). El 45,07% ( n: 32 / 71) de los encuestados ejerce su práctica en centros hospitalarios la mayoría nivel IV. Dichos centros de trabajo son universitarios en el 46,4%. EL 38,02% ( n: 27 / 71) de los encuestados hace 4 o menos nefrectomías radicales al año. En el caso de tener un paciente candidato a nefrectomía parcial, el 73,23% de los encuestados la realiza. La gran mayoría de los encuestados realizan nefrectomías parciales como parte del tratamiento de las masas renales ( 84,5%), y de los que hacen nefrectomía parcial el 57,74% hacen entre 1 y 3 al año. El límite de las masas renales en tamaño para realizar una nefrectomía parcial es menor de 4 cm para el 40,84%. La gran mayoría utilizan la vía abierta (61,97%). El 38,02% de los encuestados no utiliza ningún score para determinar el grado de dificultad de la nefrectomía parcial y esto solo lo hacen rigurosamente el 36,61%, el RENAL score, es el más utilizado, seguido del PADUA. Con respecto al clampaje del pedículo vascular renal el 66,19% realiza isquemia. Conclusiones: La nefrectomía parcial se viene realizando cada vez más no solo cuando las indicaciones absolutas, lo ameritan, si no que se ha ampliado su uso, con el fin de preservar la función renal, esta encuesta permitió conocer el manejo actual y las conductas de la población urológica venezolana con respecto a nefrectomía parcial, así mismo, nos permitió demostrar que gran parte de los urólogos realizan esta cirugía con la finalidad de preservar la función renal y garantizar la calidad de vida de los pacientes sin descuidar el control oncológico, en este sentido aun cuando se siguen realizando un gran número de nefrectomías radicales, se sigue avanzando en la realización de cirugías parciales en beneficio del paciente, en cuanto a la laparoscopia no es la técnica más utilizada, pero eso no impide mantener las indicaciones claras

Objectives: Partial nephrectomy was historically used in urology for the treatment of benign kidney processes. In the last 20 years, its greater use was focused on localized tumors being an alternative to radical nephrectomy. Initially, absolute indications included patients with a single kidney or bilateral tumors. Over time indications were expanded based on the risk of developing kidney disease, and became elective surgery in patients with tumors of less than 4 cm, and even tumors larger than 4 cm. We present a survey of the Venezuelan urological population, regarding partial nephrectomy, as part of treatment for renal masses. Methods: Based on a 21-question survey, by Lopera Toro Adrián et al. Partial nephrectomy in Colombia: current situation, with their previous authorization and adding some questions, the survey was given to urologists and residents of the XXVII National Congress of Urology. Results: 71 people answered, mostly from Caracas and the Metropolitan District (53.5%), 57 were urologists (80.2%) and 14 (19.71%) third year residents. The majority of urologists who answered the survey had a majority of 1 to 3 years of schooling (29.82%). 45.07% (n: 32/71) of the respondents practiced in most Level IV hospitals. 46.4% of these were university hospitals. 38.02% (n: 27/71) respondents did 4 or fewer radical nephrectomies per year. In the case of having a patient candidate for partial nephrectomy, 73.23% of the respondents performed it. Most of the respondents performed partial nephrectomies as part of the treatment of renal masses (84.5%). Conclusions: In the first place, it was very supportive to have a survey designed by Lopera Toro Adrian et al. It allowed us to carry out a survey in our urological population and to see the current state of partial nephrectomy in our environment, considering that a large part of the urological population performs this surgery in order to preserve nephrons even if laparoscopy is not the most used technique. Nevertheless, clear indications are kept

[Partial nephrectomy in Venezuela. Where are we? present considerations.] / Nefrectomía parcial en Venezuela ¿dónde estamos? consideraciones actuales.

OBJECTIVES: Partial nephrectomy was historically used in urology for the treatment of benign kidney processes. In the last 20 years, its greater use was focused on localized tumors being an alternative to radical nephrectomy. Initially, absolute indications included patients with a single kidney or bilateral tumors. Over time indications were expanded based on the risk of developing kidney disease, and became elective surgery in patients with tumors of less than 4 cm, and even tumors larger than 4 cm. We present a survey of the Venezuelan urological population, regarding partial nephrectomy, as part of treatment for renal masses. METHODS: Based on a 21-question survey, by Lopera Toro Adrián et al. Partial nephrectomy in Colombia: current situation, with their previous authorization and adding some questions, the survey was given to urologists and residents of the XXVII National Congress of Urology. RESULTS: 71 people answered, mostly from Caracas and the Metropolitan District (53.5%), 57 were urologists (80.2%) and 14 (19.71%) third year residents. The majority of urologists who answered the survey had a majority of 1 to 3 years of schooling (29.82%). 45.07% (n: 32/71) of the respondents practiced in most Level IV hospitals. 46.4% of these were university hospitals. 38.02% (n: 27/71) respondents did 4 or fewer radical nephrectomies per year. In the case of having a patient candidate for partial nephrectomy, 73.23% of the respondents performed it. Most of the respondents performed partial nephrectomies as part of the treatment of renal masses (84.5%). CONCLUSIONS: In the first place, it was very supportive to have a survey designed by Lopera Toro Adrian et al. It allowed us to carry out a survey in our urological population and to see the current state of partial nephrectomy in our environment, considering that a large part of the urological population performs this surgery in order to preserve nephrons even if laparoscopy is not the most used technique. Nevertheless, clear indications are kept.

OBJETIVO: La nefrectomía parcial históricamente se usaba en urología para el tratamiento de procesos benignos del riñón. En los últimos 20 años su mayor uso se centró en tumores localizados, siendo una alternativa a la nefrectomía radical. Inicialmente las indicaciones absolutas incluían pacientes de riñón único o tumores bilaterales. Con el tiempo las indicaciones se ampliaron en base al riesgo de desarrollo de enfermedad renal, y se convirtió en una cirugía electiva realizada en pacientes con tumores de menos de 4 cm y hasta de tumores mayores de 4 cm. Se presenta un sondeo en la población médica urológica venezolana, con respecto a la nefrectomía parcial, como parte de tratamiento de las masas renales. MÉTODOS: Basados en una encuesta de 27 preguntas, sobre consideraciones quirúrgicas de nefrectomía parcial y consideraciones sobre abordajes y conductas, se entregó la encuesta a urólogos y residentes en el XXVII Congreso Nacional Venezolano de Urología 2017. RESULTADOS: Se logró obtener respuesta de 71 personas, en su mayoría de Caracas y Distrito metropolitano (53,5%) 57 eran urólogos (80,2%) y 14 (19,71%) residentes de tercer año. La mayor parte de urólogos que contestaron la encuesta tenían en su mayoría, de 1 a 3 años de graduado (29,82%). El 45,07% ( n: 32 / 71) de los encuestados ejerce su práctica en centros hospitalarios la mayoría nivel IV. Dichos centros de trabajo son universitarios en el 46,4%. EL 38,02% ( n: 27 / 71) de los encuestados hace 4 o menos nefrectomías radicales al año. En el caso de tener un paciente candidato a nefrectomía parcial, el 73,23% de los encuestados la realiza. La gran mayoría de los encuestados realizan nefrectomías parciales como parte del tratamiento de las masas renales ( 84,5%), y de los que hacen nefrectomía parcial el 57,74% hacen entre 1 y 3 al año. El límite de las masas renales en tamaño para realizar una nefrectomía parcial es menor de 4 cm para el 40,84%. La gran mayoría utilizan la vía abierta (61,97%). El 38,02% de los encuestados no utiliza ningún score para determinar el grado de dificultad de la nefrectomía parcial y esto solo lo hacen rigurosamente el 36,61%, el RENAL score, es el más utilizado, seguido del PADUA. Con respecto al clampaje del pedículo vascular renal el 66,19% realiza isquemia. CONCLUSIONES: La nefrectomía parcial se viene realizando cada vez más no solo cuando las indicaciones absolutas, lo ameritan, si no que se ha ampliado su uso, con el fin de preservar la función renal, esta encuesta permitió conocer el manejo actual y las conductas de la población urológica venezolana con respecto a nefrectomía parcial, así mismo, nos permitió demostrar que gran parte de los urólogos realizan esta cirugía con la finalidad de preservar la función renal y garantizar la calidad de vida de los pacientes sin descuidar el control oncológico, en este sentido aun cuando se siguen realizando un gran número de nefrectomías radicales, se sigue avanzando en la realización de cirugías parciales en beneficio del paciente, en cuanto a la laparoscopia no es la técnica más utilizada, pero eso no impide mantener las indicaciones claras.

[Vaginal repair of vesico-vaginal fistula: Experience at a tertiary care center in Venezuela.] / Reparación vía vaginal de la fístula vesico-vaginal (FVV): experiencia en un centro de atención terciaria en Venezuela.

Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) is a pathology with serious social repercussions; its resolution can be achieved through multiple surgical, abdominal or vaginal techniques, the choice of which will generally depend on the characteristics of the fistula and the experience of the surgeon.OBJETIVE: We describe our experience with vaginal approach to treat VVF using different flap interpositions. METHODS: A retrospective review of the charts of VVF patients attended at University Hospital of Caracas (UHC) during the 2009 - 2016 period was undertaken. The follow up period ranged from 3 months to 7 years, with an average of 2 years and 6 months. RESULTS: Of a total of 22 cases of VVF, most had a single orifice, retrotrigonal position, with an average diameter of 9.5 mm. A peritoneal flap was used in 77.27 % of the cases, Martius flap in 13.63 %, and omentum and vaginal mucosa each in 4.54 % of the cases. Success rate was 90.91%. Failure occurred in 2 cases (9.09%), due to relapse of the pathology. Morbidity rate was 13.64%, mainly due to urinary tract infections. CONCLUSION: The vaginal technique for the treatment of VVF is safe and effective with low recurrence rate and complications.

La FVV es una patología con graves repercusiones sociales, cuya resolución se puede realizar a través de múltiples técnicas quirúrgicas, abdominales o vaginales, cuya elección generalmente dependerá de las características de la fístula y la experiencia del cirujano. OBJETIVO: Describir nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento de la FVV mediante cirugía por abordaje vaginal usando diferentes colgajos de interposición. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una revisión retrospectiva y descriptiva de las pacientes operadas de FVV en el periodo comprendido entre 2009 y 2016 en el Hospital Universitario de Caracas (HUC). El período de seguimiento osciló entre 3 meses a 7 años, con un promedio de 2 años y 6 meses. RESULTADOS: De un total de 22 casos operados de FVV, la mayoría tenían un orificio único, de posición retrotrigonal y con un diámetro promedio de 9,5 mm. El tipo de colgajo más frecuentemente utilizado fue peritoneal en el 77,27% de los casos, seguido por colgajo de Martius en el 13,63%, y epiplón y mucosa vaginal con 4,54% cada uno. La tasa de éxito global fue de 90,91%. El fracaso se presentó en 2 casos (9,09%), dado por recidiva de la patología. La morbilidad estuvo en un 13,64%, dada en gran parte por infecciones urinarias. CONCLUSIÓN: La técnica vaginal para cura de FVV es segura y efectiva con baja tasa de recidiva y complicaciones.

Reparación vía vaginal de la fístula vesico-vaginal (FVV): experiencia en un centro de atención terciaria en Venezuela / Vaginal repair of vesico-vaginal fistula: Experience at a tertiary care center in Venezuela

La FVV es una patología con graves repercusiones sociales, cuya resolución se puede realizar a través de múltiples técnicas quirúrgicas, abdominales o vaginales, cuya elección generalmente dependerá de las características de la fístula y la experiencia del cirujano. Objetivo: Describir nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento de la FVV mediante cirugía por abordaje vaginal usando diferentes colgajos de interposición. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión retrospectiva y descriptiva de las pacientes operadas de FVV en el periodo comprendido entre 2009 y 2016 en el Hospital Universitario de Caracas (HUC). El período de seguimiento osciló entre 3 meses a 7 años, con un promedio de 2 años y 6 meses. Resultados: De un total de 22 casos operados de FVV, la mayoría tenían un orificio único, de posición retrotrigonal y con un diámetro promedio de 9,5 mm. El tipo de colgajo más frecuentemente utilizado fue peritoneal en el 77,27% de los casos, seguido por colgajo de Martius en el 13,63%, y epiplón y mucosa vaginal con 4,54% cada uno. La tasa de éxito global fue de 90,91%. El fracaso se presentó en 2 casos (9,09%), dado por recidiva de la patología. La morbilidad estuvo en un 13,64%, dada en gran parte por infecciones urinarias. Conclusión: La técnica vaginal para cura de FVV es segura y efectiva con baja tasa de recidiva y complicaciones

Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) is a pathology with serious social repercussions; its resolution can be achieved through multiple surgical, abdominal or vaginal techniques, the choice of which will generally depend on the characteristics of the fistula and the experience of the surgeon. Objetive: We describe our experience with vaginal approach to treat VVF using different flap interpositions. Methods: A retrospective review of the charts of VVF patients attended at University Hospital of Caracas (UHC) during the 2009 - 2016 period was undertaken. The follow up period ranged from 3 months to 7 years, with an average of 2 years and 6 months. Results: Of a total of 22 cases of VVF, most had a single orifice, retrotrigonal position, with an average diameter of 9.5 mm. A peritoneal flap was used in 77.27 % of the cases, Martius flap in 13.63 %, and omentum and vaginal mucosa each in 4.54 % of the cases. Success rate was 90.91%. Failure occurred in 2 cases (9.09%), due to relapse of the pathology. Morbidity rate was 13.64%, mainly due to urinary tract infections. Conclusion: The vaginal technique for the treatment of VVF is safe and effective with low recurrence rate and complications

Oxidation by Fenton's reagent combined with biological treatment applied to a creosote-comtaminated soil.

In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using Fenton oxidation to remove sorbed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in aged soil samples with creosote oil from a wood preserving site. The optimal dosage of reagents was determined by a statistical method, the central composite rotatable experimental design. The maximum PAH removal was 80% with a molar ratio of oxidant/catalyst equal to 90:1. In general low molecular weight PAHs (3 rings) were degraded more efficiently than higher molecular weight PAHs (4 and 5 rings). The hydrogen peroxide decomposition kinetic was studied in the presence of KH(2)PO(4) as stabilizer. The kinetic data were fitted to a simple model, the pseudo-first-order which describes the hydrogen peroxide decomposition. The PAH kinetic degradation was also studied, and demonstrated that non-stabilized hydrogen peroxide was consumed in less than 30 min, whilst PAH removal continued for up to 24h. In a second part of the work, a combined chemical and biological treatment of the soil was carried out and shown to be dependent on the pre-oxidation step. Different reagent doses (H(2)O(2):Fe) were used (10, 20, 40, 60:1) in the pre-treatment step. An excess of hydrogen peroxide resulted in a poor biological removal, thus the optimal molar ratio of H(2)O(2):Fe for the combined process was 20:1. The combined treatment resulted in a maximum total PAH removal of 75% with a 30% increase in removal due to the biodegradation step. The sample with highest PAH removal in the pre-oxidation step led to no further increase in removal by biological treatment. This suggests that the more aggressive chemical pre-oxidation does not favour biological treatment. The physico-chemical properties of the pollutants were an important factor in the PAH removal as they influenced chemical, biological and combined treatments.

Measuring contributions to the clinical mission of medical schools and teaching hospitals.

This is the final report of a panel convened as part of the Association of American Medical College's (AAMC's) Mission-based Management Program to examine the use of metrics (i.e., measures) in assessing faculty and departmental contributions to the clinical mission. The authors begin by focusing on methods employed to estimate clinical effort and calculate a "clinical full-time equivalent," a prerequisite to comparing productivity among faculty members and departments. They then identify commonly used metrics, including relative-value units, total patient-care gross charges, total net patient fee-for-service revenue, total volume per CPT (current procedural terminologies) code by service category and number of patients per physician, discussing their advantages and disadvantages. These measures reflect the "twin pillars" of measurement criteria, those based on financial or revenue information, and those based on measured activity. In addition, the authors urge that the assessment of quality of care become more highly developed and integrated into an institution's measurement criteria. The authors acknowledge the various ways users of clinical metrics can develop standards against which to benchmark performance. They identify organizations that are sources of information about external national standards, acknowledge various factors that confound the interpretation of productivity data, and urge schools to identify and measure secondary service indicators to assist with interpretation and provide a fuller picture of performance. Finally, they discuss other, non-patient-care, activities that contribute to the clinical mission, information about which should be incorporated into the overall assessment. In summary, the authors encourage the use of clinical productivity metrics as an integral part of a comprehensive evaluation process based upon clearly articulated and agreed-upon goals and objectives. When carefully designed, these measurement systems can provide critical information that will enable institutional leaders to recognize and reward faculty and departmental performance in fulfillment of the clinical mission.

Measuring faculty effort and contributions in medical education.

A national panel on medical education was appointed as a component of the AAMC's Mission-based Management Program and charged with developing a metrics system for measuring medical school faculty effort and contributions to a school's education mission. The panel first defined important variables to be considered in creating such a system: the education programs in which medical school faculty participate; the categories of education work that may be performed in each program (teaching, development of education products, administration and service, and scholarship in education); and the array of specific education activities that faculty could perform in each of these work areas. The panel based the system on a relative value scale, since this approach does not equate faculty performance solely to the time expended by a faculty member in pursuit of a specific activity. Also, a four-step process to create relative value units (RVUs) for education activities was developed. This process incorporates quantitative and qualitative measures of faculty activity and also can measure and value the distribution of faculty effort relative to a school's education mission. When adapted to the education mission and culture of an individual school, the proposed metrics system can provide critical information that will assist the school's leadership in evaluating and rewarding faculty performance in education and will support a mission-based management strategy in the school.

Public knowledge, perception, and expressed choice of telemedicine in rural West Virginia.

OBJECTIVE: It is doubtful that any new health care delivery system that requires as much adjustment as telemedicine does will be sustained if its users do not fully support it. We sought to determine the familiarity with, perceptions of, and attitudes toward telemedicine among rural adults in West Virginia. METHODS: Data were collected in a statewide telephone survey of 461 non-institutionalized rural adults. The survey contained questions about familiarity with telemedicine, perceptions about its attributes and benefits, and willingness to use it for routine, specialty, and emergency care. Responses were examined in relation to the subjects' age, sex, socioeconomic status, access to care, and insurance coverage. RESULTS: Despite mass media coverage of the subject, only one third of the respondents had heard of telemedicine. Nearly two thirds thought patients would find it less satisfactory than seeing a physician in person. Male subjects, younger subjects, and those with higher incomes were more likely to think telemedicine would be as satisfactory as a face-to-face meeting. There was a general consensus on the benefits of telemedicine, such as greater convenience and easier contact with specialists. For chronic conditions, 47% of the respondents would use telemedicine if no physician was available locally, whereas 27% would go out of town to see another physician in person, and 25% would wait for their own physician. For emergency care, these figures were 41%, 58%, and 0. Three fourths of the respondents were somewhat or very willing to use telemedicine for routine or specialist care. CONCLUSION: More work needs to be done to demonstrate the efficacy of telemedicine and disseminate this knowledge to the public.

Interaction of indomethacin and sulindac with labetalol.

The effects of sulindac and indomethacin on the blood pressure response to labetalol were determined in well-controlled predominantly obese hypertensive patients (n = 26). A stabilized dose of labetalol alone was administered on weeks 1 and 3, and either indomethacin or sulindac was administered with labetalol on week 2, with cross-over to the other drug on week 4. Indomethacin and sulindac increased the sitting and standing systolic blood pressure (BP) to a statistically significant extent compared with placebo. The effects of indomethacin on systolic BP, diastolic BP, and weight were not significantly different from those with sulindac. Indomethacin but not sulindac produced minor increases in diastolic BP and weight compared with placebo.

Predicting treatment outcome to progressive relaxation training in essential hypertensive patients.

Nineteen borderline essential hypertensive patients participated in (a) a pretreatment assessment of sympathetic nervous system activity (SNS), (b) a progressive muscle relaxation training program, and (c) a posttreatment assessment of SNS functioning. During both pre- and posttreatment assessments, each subject participated in a laboratory session during which cardiovascular responses to two behavioral challenges were measured, a 24-hr urine collection for catecholamine analysis and the completion of relevant self-report questionnaires. Results revealed that subjects who improved the most with relaxation training (showed the greatest reduction in blood pressure) were individuals who, at pretreatment, (a) were less reactive to laboratory challenges, (b) possessed lower levels of resting epinephrine, and (c) scored lower on measures of trait anger and higher on assertiveness. Posttreatment assessment results showed that relaxation training did not affect cardiovascular reactivity to laboratory tasks or self-report of anger and assertion.

Effect of naproxen and sulindac on blood pressure response to atenolol.

Twenty-eight patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension well controlled by atenolol entered a five-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the effects of sulindac and naproxen on blood pressure (BP) control. Atenolol alone was administered during weeks 1, 3, and 5. Naproxen or sulindac was administered with atenolol during week 2, with crossover during week 4. Data were analyzed for 27 of the patients (one dropped out after developing a skin rash). Naproxen significantly increased the systolic BP compared with placebo (mean 4.0 mm Hg; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.1-7.0; p less than 0.05). There were no significant differences in systolic BP during sulindac administration compared with placebo or naproxen. No significant effects on diastolic BP were observed. Weight was increased by naproxen and sulindac compared with placebo (mean 0.6-0.8 kg, p less than 0.05), although not to a clinically significant extent. One-week therapy with naproxen has a greater potential than sulindac to increase systolic BP in well-controlled hypertensive patients receiving atenolol; however, the increase is minor and unlikely to be of clinical significance.

Smokeless tobacco: health hazard on the rise.

There are an estimated 22 million users of smokeless tobacco in the United States, 3 million of them under age 21. We surveyed physicians and patients to determine whether the health hazard of smokeless tobacco was recognized and whether preventive measures were being implemented. Although more than 80% of physicians were aware that the use of smokeless tobacco is rising and potentially harmful, only 25% inquired regularly about the habit, only 58% recorded the patient's answer, and only 11% routinely performed a digital oral examination. Patients were less well informed; only 30% believed that smokeless tobacco was potentially harmful, and 93% always placed the tobacco in the same area of their mouth. Although physicians tended to be more informed than patients, preventive measures were not being instituted. There is a need for patient education programs.

Planning with elderly outpatients for contingencies of severe illness: a survey and clinical trial.

The authors examined whether elderly patients would report positive or adverse emotional effects after their doctor, during a routine clinic visit, asked them to begin planning for future serious illness. Seventy-four patients, 65 years old or older, who were followed at a university hospital medical clinic were randomly allocated to an intervention or a control group. The intervention was a detailed discussion with the patient's physician of the patient's wishes about decision making and life support therapy in the event of extreme or incapacitating illness. A blinded interviewer then asked all consenting patients how they felt about the physician, the clinic visit, and their medical care. Intervention-group patients were questioned about their reactions to the physician and the discussion. Four important findings emerged: 1) Some emotional uncertainty was created when doctors raised these questions unexpectedly: one patient became visibly upset during the discussion, and three who gave consent to be interviewed afterward said that the discussion had made them wonder about their health. Nonetheless, all patients who received the intervention and completed the study were pleased that their doctor had asked. 2) Only 44% of all consenting patients reported having discussed these issues previously; only one had done so with a doctor. 3) 97% of patients who responded wanted to be kept informed by the doctor about their medical situations in times of serious illness. 4) Patients' replies to specific questions about life-sustaining therapy in the event of their own severe illnesses were quite variable. During routine clinic visits doctors can encourage most elderly patients to begin specific planning for potential severe illnesses.

Clinical performance of interns after being on call.

We assessed the effect of in-hospital call on clinical performance and emotional state in seven medical interns. Clinical performance was evaluated through the use of actors who were trained to pose as patients seeking consultation because of specific medical complaints. The physician-patient interaction was scored according to predetermined criteria. There was no significant difference in interns' performance whether or not the preceding 24 hours had been spent on call. On a standardized questionnaire, interns reported significantly more fatigue and depression after call. We conclude that the major discernible effect of call is a deterioration of interns' feelings of well-being.