Clinical results of pulsed signal therapy on patellofemoral syndrome with patellar chondropathy.

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of pulsed signal therapy (PST) on patellofemoral pain syndrome associated with patellar chondropathy. A prospective randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial included 25 patients (41 knees) between 20 and 50 years with pain due to isolated patellofemoral syndrome with chondropathy. PST group received nine 60-min daily sessions of PST treatment. Control group received the same protocol of blinded placebo treatment. The main outcome was change from baseline Kujala score at 3 months. After 3 months, patients in the control group received effective treatment (placebo post-treatment). All patients were then followed, for up to 12 months. Seventeen knees (5 males and 12 females, mean age 36.7 ± 7.9) received placebo and 24 knees (8 males and 16 females, mean age 35.5 ± 8.9) received PST. By the third month, PST group exhibited a mean change from baseline of 9.63 ± 7.5 Kujala points, compared to 0.53 ± 1.8 in the placebo group (P < 0.001). A significant progressive improvement was seen in the PST group between the 3rd and 6th and between the 6th and 12th month (P < 0.016). Patients initially allocated in the control group also improved at 3 months (P < 0.001) and 6 months (P = 0.005) post-effective treatment. In conclusion, PST in patellofemoral pain syndrome with chondropathy was effective compared to placebo at 3 months, showing an important improvement of Kujala score. The improvement was progressive and maintained up to 12 months. PST is safe and should be considered as a non-invasive option for management of this condition. Bioelectromagnetics. 40:83-90, 2019. © 2019 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Oncological outcomes in oncoplastic breast surgery: a single institution analysis.

Oncoplastic surgery is a well-acknowledged technique that combines conserving treatment in breast cancer with plastic surgery reconstruction. The aim of our analysis is to evaluate the safety of this surgical procedure in the setting of invasive primary breast cancer, and then compare breast oncoplastic surgery with the Veronesi quadrantectomy.We have analyzed 1541 patients who underwent breast surgery for primary breast tumor between October 2004 and May 2018 at Sant'Andrea University Hospital in Rome: 880 women experienced the breast oncoplastic approach, while 660 patients received conservative surgery alone. The median follow-up time was 14 years with a completeness of 70% (1067 pts vs 1554). The statistic comparison across these subpopulations suggested that there are no statistically significant results in term of Overall Survival, Disease Related Survival, Local recurrence or positive margins. Therefore oncoplastic surgery for primary invasive breast cancer represents a feasible procedure and an oncological safe surgical option.

Translation and validation of the new version of the Knee Society Score - The 2011 KS Score - into Brazilian Portuguese.

OBJECTIVE: Translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the new version of the Knee Society Score - The 2011 KS Score - into Brazilian Portuguese and verification of its measurement properties, reproducibility, and validity. In 2012, the new version of the Knee Society Score was developed and validated. This scale comprises four separate subscales: (a) objective knee score (seven items: 100 points); (b) patient satisfaction score (five items: 40 points); (c) patient expectations score (three items: 15 points); and (d) functional activity score (19 items: 100 points). METHOD: A total of 90 patients aged 55-85 years were evaluated in a clinical cross-sectional study. The pre-operative translated version was applied to patients with TKA referral, and the post-operative translated version was applied to patients who underwent TKA. Each patient answered the same questionnaire twice and was evaluated by two experts in orthopedic knee surgery. Evaluations were performed pre-operatively and three, six, or 12 months post-operatively. The reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between the two applications. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: The ICC found no difference between the means of the pre-operative, three-month, and six-month post-operative evaluations between sub-scale items. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian Portuguese version of The 2011 KS Score is a valid and reliable instrument for objective and subjective evaluation of the functionality of Brazilian patients who undergo TKA and revision TKA.

OBJETIVO: Traduzir, adaptar culturalmente e validar a nova versão da escala Knee Society Score ­ The 2011 KS Score ­ para a língua portuguesa e verificar suas propriedades de medida, reprodutibilidade e validade. Em 2012, a nova versão do Knee Society Score foi desenvolvida e validada, com quatro subescalas: a) avaliação objetiva do joelho (sete itens: 100 pontos); b) satisfação do paciente (cinco itens: 40 pontos); c) expectativa do paciente (três itens: 15 pontos); e d) atividade funcional (19 itens: 100 pontos). MÉTODO: Foram avaliados 90 pacientes entre 55 e 85 anos em estudo clínico transversal. A versão traduzida pré-operatória foi aplicada em pacientes com indicação de ATJ e a versão traduzida pós-operatória foi aplicada em pacientes submetidos a ATJ. Cada paciente respondeu o mesmo questionário duas vezes, foram avaliados por dois ortopedistas especialistas em cirurgia do joelho. Foram feitas avaliações pré-operatórias com três, seis ou 12 meses de pós-operatório. A confiabilidade do questionário foi avaliada através do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI) entre as duas aplicações. A consistência interna foi avaliada através do alfa de Cronbach. RESULTADOS: O índice do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse não detectou diferença entre as médias das avaliações no pré-operatório, com três meses e seis meses de pós-operatório entre os subitens da escala. CONCLUSÃO: A versão brasileira do The 2011 KS Score mostrou-se um instrumento válido e confiável para avaliação objetiva e subjetiva da função de pacientes brasileiros submetidos a ATJ e revisão de ATJ.

Translation and validation of the new version of the Knee Society Score - The 2011 KS Score - into Brazilian Portuguese / Tradução e validação da nova versão da escala Knee Society Score - The 2011 KS Score - para a língua portuguesa

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: Translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the new version of the Knee Society Score - The 2011 KS Score - into Brazilian Portuguese and verification of its measurement properties, reproducibility, and validity. In 2012, the new version of the Knee Society Score was developed and validated. This scale comprises four separate subscales: (a) objective knee score (seven items: 100 points); (b) patient satisfaction score (five items: 40 points); (c) patient expectations score (three items: 15 points); and (d) functional activity score (19 items: 100 points). METHOD: A total of 90 patients aged 55-85 years were evaluated in a clinical cross-sectional study. The pre-operative translated version was applied to patients with TKA referral, and the post-operative translated version was applied to patients who underwent TKA. Each patient answered the same questionnaire twice and was evaluated by two experts in orthopedic knee surgery. Evaluations were performed pre-operatively and three, six, or 12 months post-operatively. The reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between the two applications. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: The ICC found no difference between the means of the pre-operative, three-month, and six-month post-operative evaluations between sub-scale items. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian Portuguese version of The 2011 KS Score is a valid and reliable instrument for objective and subjective evaluation of the functionality of Brazilian patients who undergo TKA and revision TKA.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Traduzir, adaptar culturalmente e validar a nova versão da escala Knee Society Score - The 2011 KS Score - para a língua portuguesa e verificar suas propriedades de medida, reprodutibilidade e validade. Em 2012, a nova versão do Knee Society Score foi desenvolvida e validada, com quatro subescalas: a) avaliação objetiva do joelho (sete itens: 100 pontos); b) satisfação do paciente (cinco itens: 40 pontos); c) expectativa do paciente (três itens: 15 pontos); e d) atividade funcional (19 itens: 100 pontos). MÉTODO: Foram avaliados 90 pacientes entre 55 e 85 anos em estudo clínico transversal. A versão traduzida pré-operatória foi aplicada em pacientes com indicação de ATJ e a versão traduzida pós-operatória foi aplicada em pacientes submetidos a ATJ. Cada paciente respondeu o mesmo questionário duas vezes, foram avaliados por dois ortopedistas especialistas em cirurgia do joelho. Foram feitas avaliações pré-operatórias com três, seis ou 12 meses de pós-operatório. A confiabilidade do questionário foi avaliada através do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI) entre as duas aplicações. A consistência interna foi avaliada através do alfa de Cronbach. RESULTADOS: O índice do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse não detectou diferença entre as médias das avaliações no pré-operatório, com três meses e seis meses de pós-operatório entre os subitens da escala. CONCLUSÃO: A versão brasileira do The 2011 KS Score mostrou-se um instrumento válido e confiável para avaliação objetiva e subjetiva da função de pacientes brasileiros submetidos a ATJ e revisão de ATJ.

Composition of personalized and standard nutritional mixtures in patients on home parenteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The compounding of personalized parenteral nutrition mixtures (PPNMs) for home parenteral nutrition (HPN) gives the possibility to better satisfy nutritional requirements for patients in selected clinical conditions. The objective of this study was to compare the composition of PPNMs prescribed in selected cases, by a practitioner nutritionist, with that of industrially manufactured standard parenteral nutrition mixtures (SPNMs). SUBJECTS/METHODS: Two hundred and ninety-eight patients (151 men, 147 women, aged 17-87 years) on HPN, followed up in 2011 at our Center, were retrospectively recruited. RESULTS: Industrially manufactured SPNMs were prescribed in 230 (77.2%) patients, whereas compounded PPNMs were prescribed in 68 (22.8%). Formulation of PPNMs, adjusted for body weight, did not significantly differ from SPNMs as regards total daily calorie amount, but was significantly different as far as nutrient composition is concerned (P<0.01). Analysis on the daily amount of nutrients per kg of body weight and per patient disease showed that 16/34 (47%) benign chronic intestinal failure (CIF) patients, 47/233 (20%) cancer patients and 5/31 (16%) patients grouped as 'having other diseases' needed personalized mixtures (in PPNMs 4-9 nutrients were significantly different from those in SPNMs). Moreover, in CIF patients receiving PPNMs, frequent changes in the formulation (mean 6 times per year, range 1-28) were necessary. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that, presently, PPNMs cannot be completely replaced by SPNMs owing to special needs in macro and/or micronutrients of some patients and/or the necessity of frequent changes in the nutritional mixture composition, at least until stabilization of clinical and metabolic conditions.

Fish oil decreases C-reactive protein/albumin ratio improving nutritional prognosis and plasma fatty acid profile in colorectal cancer patients.

Previous studies have shown that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids n-3 (n-3 PUFA) have several anticancer effects, especially attributed to their ability to modulate a variety of genomic and immune responses. In this context, this randomized, prospective, controlled clinical trial was conducted in order to check whether supplementation of 2 g/day of fish oil for 9 weeks alters the production of inflammatory markers, the plasma fatty acid profile and the nutritional status in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Eleven adults with CRC in chemotherapy were randomized into two groups: (a) supplemented (SG) daily with 2 g/day of encapsulated fish oil [providing 600 mg/day of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] for 9 weeks (n = 6), and (b) control (CG) (n = 5). All outcomes were evaluated on the day before the first chemotherapy session and 9 weeks later. Plasma TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-10 and IL-17A, the pro/anti-inflammatory balance (ratio TNF-α/IL-10 and IL-1ß/IL10) and serum albumin, showed no significant changes between times and study groups (p > 0.05). C-reactive protein (CRP) and the CRP/albumin ratio showed opposite behavior in groups, significantly reducing their values in SG (p < 0.05). Plasma proportions of EPA and DHA increased 1.8 and 1.4 times, respectively, while the ARA reduced approximately 0.6 times with the supplementation (9 weeks vs baseline, p < 0.05). Patients from SG gained 1.2 kg (median) while the CG lost -0.5 kg (median) during the 9 weeks of chemotherapy (p = 0.72). These results demonstrate that 2 g/day of fish oil for 9 weeks of chemotherapy improves CRP values, CRP/albumin status, plasma fatty acid profile and potentially prevents weight loss during treatment.

Translation and Validation of the Knee Society Score - KSS for Brazilian Portuguese.

OBJECTIVE: To translate, culturally adapt and validate the "Knee Society Score"(KSS) for the Portuguese language and determine its measurement properties, reproducibility and validity. METHODS: We analyzed 70 patients of both sexes, aged between 55 and 85 years, in a cross-sectional clinical trial, with diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis ,undergoing total knee arthroplasty surgery. We assessed the patients with the English version of the KSS questionnaire and after 30 minutes with the Portuguese version of the KSS questionnaire, done by a different evaluator. All the patients were assessed preoperatively, and again at three, and six months postoperatively. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference, using Cronbach's alpha index and the Bland-Altman graphical analysis, for the knees core during the preoperative period (p =1), and at three months (p =0.991) and six months postoperatively (p =0.985). There was no statistical difference for knee function score for all three periods (p =1.0). CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of the Knee Society Score is easy to apply, as well providing as a valid and reliable instrument for measuring the knee score and function of Brazilian patients undergoing TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I - Diagnostic Studies- Investigating a Diagnostic Test- Testing of previously developed diagnostic criteria on consecutive patients (with universally applied 'gold' reference standard).

Tradução e validação da escala Knee Society Score: KSS para a Língua Portuguesa / Translation and validation of the Knee Society Score: KSS for Brazilian Portuguese

OBJETIVO: Traduzir, adaptar culturalmente e validar o "Knee Society Score" (KSS) para a língua portuguesa e verificar suas propriedades de medida, reprodutibilidade e validade. MÉTODO: Avaliados 70 pacientes de ambos os sexos, em estudo clínico transversal, idade entre 55 e 85 anos, osteoartrose primária submetidos a artroplastia total de joelho, com o questionário KSS pelo avaliador 1 (inglês) e após 30 minutos pelo avaliador 2 (português) no pré- operatório e após três e seis meses de pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: O índice alfa de Cronbach e a diagramação de Bland-Altman não detectaram diferença entre as médias das duas avaliações no pré-operatório (p=1,000), com três meses (p=0,991) e seis meses de pós-operatório (p=0,985) na pontuação do joelho e na nota da função do joelho, p=1,000 nos três períodos. CONCLUSÃO: A versão brasileira do Knee Society Score, o Escore da Sociedade do Joelho, mostrou ser um instrumento de fácil compreensão e aplicação; válido e confiável para medir a pontuação e função do joelho de pacientes brasileiros submetidos a ATJ. Nível de Evidências: Estudos diagnósticos - Nivel de Evidência I, Teste de critérios diagnósticos desenvolvidos anteriormente em pacientes consecutivos (com padrão de referência "ouro" aplicado).

OBJECTIVE: To translate, culturally adapt and validate the "Knee Society Score" (KSS) for the Portuguese language and determine its measurement properties, reproducibility and validity. METHOD: We analyzed 70 patients of both sexes, aged ages between 55 and 85 years, in a cross-sectional clinical trial, with diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis, undergoing total knee arthroplasty surgery. We assessed the patients with the English version of the KSS questionnaire and after 30 minutes with the Portuguese version of the KSS questionnaire, done by a different evaluator. All the patients were assessed preoperatively, and again at three, and six months postoperatively. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference, using Cronbach's alpha index and the Bland-Altman graphical analysis, for the knee score during the preoperative period (p = 1), and at three months (p = 0.991) and six months postoperatively (p = 0.985). There was no statistical difference for knee function score for all three periods (p = 1.0). CONCLUSION The Brazilian version of the Knee Society Score is easy to apply, as well providing as a valid and reliable instrument for measuring the knee score and function of Brazilian patients undergoing TKA. Level of Evidence: Level I - Diagnostic Studies- Investigating a Diagnostic Test - Testing of previously developed diagnostic criteria on consecutive patients (with universally applied 'gold' reference standard).

Role of EGFR family receptors in proliferation of squamous carcinoma cells induced by wound healing fluids of head and neck cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Mounting evidence suggests that recurrence of resected head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) is due to the outgrowth of unrecognized residual tumor cells as well as to the premalignant and/or precursor-field epithelial cells. We studied the impact of processes triggered by HNSCC surgery in stimulating both residual tumor cells [demonstrated to overexpress epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)], and premalignant cells surrounding the resected lesion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: EGFR expression/activation by immunohistochemistry/biochemistry and gene status by FISH were investigated in 23 primary HNSCCs and surrounding tissues. The ability to induce cell proliferation of wound healing drainages collected from 12 relapsed and 11 not relapsed patients was evaluated by a colorimetric assay in squamous cell carcinoma cell lines A431 (carrying EGFR amplification) and CAL27 (carrying three EGFR copies) in the presence/absence of EGFR therapeutic inhibitors. RESULTS: Primary tumors showed intermediate/high EGFR expression (91%), EGFR phosphorylation and EGFR-positive FISH (35%). Normal, metaplastic and dysplastic epithelium surrounding the resected tumor displayed EGFR overexpression. EGFR activation and gene amplification were observed in normal and dysplastic epithelium, respectively. Each tested wound healing drainage induced the cells to proliferate and the proliferation was significantly higher in relapsed compared with not relapsed HNSCC patients (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03). Anti-EGFR treatments inhibited the drainage-induced proliferation, with the highest inhibitory efficiency by cetuximab on A431 cells, while CAL27 cell growth was more efficiently inhibited by tyrosine kinase inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery could favor the proliferation of cells showing EGFR overexpression/activation/amplification such as residual tumor cells and/or precursor-field epithelial cells already present after surgery. Treatment with anti-EGFR reagents inhibits wound-induced stimulation, according to the EGFR family status.

Avaliação isocinética em pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total de joelho / Isokinetic evaluation of patients submitted to total knee arthroplasty

OBJETIVOS: Tem-se afirmado que a via de acesso minimamente invasiva na artroplastia total de joelho (ATJ) por não agredir o músculo quadríceps femoral permite reabilitação mais precoce. A fim de verificar a influência da preservação do aparelho extensor no ato cirúrgico, avaliou-se a força da musculatura extensora e flexora do joelho em pacientes submetidos à ATJ por duas vias de acesso diferentes. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Este estudo comparou, no período de janeiro de 2005 a julho de 2006, os valores de torque máximo e de trabalho total obtidos por dinamometria isocinética aos seis meses de pós-operatório. Foram avaliados 12 indivíduos submetidos a ATJ por via de acesso minimamente invasiva e 8 indivíduos submetidos a ATJ por via de acesso transquadricipital. RESULTADOS: A análise estatística dos valores de torque máximo e de trabalho total absolutos e corrigidos pelo peso corporal não demonstrou diferença entre os dois grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Não há diferença de força da musculatura extensora e flexora do joelho aos seis meses de cirurgia.

OBJECTIVE: In total knee arthroplasty, the minimally-invasive approach has been claimed to enable earlier rehabilitation because it spares the femoral quadriceps muscle. To check the influence of preserving the extensor apparatus during surgery, the strength of knee extension and flexion muscles was evaluated in patients submitted to total knee arthroplasty with different approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The values of maximum torque and total work obtained by isokinetic dynamometry six months after surgery were compared for the Minimally invasive surgery group constituted of 12 individuals submitted to total knee arthroplasty by the minimally invasive surgical approach and the Control group, constituted of eight patients submitted to total knee arthroplasty by the transquadricipital approach, between January 2005 and July 2006. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of the absolute values for maximum torque and total work adjusted for body weights did not show differences between both groups. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in the extension and flexion strength of the knee muscles six months after surgery.

Estudo comparativo entre dois métodos de reabilitação fisioterapêutica na artroplastia total do joelho: protocolo padrão do IOT x protocolo avançado / Comparative study between two physiotherapeutic rehabilitation methods in total knee arthroplasty: IOT standard protocol and advanced protocol

Este estudo compara dois protocolos de reabilitação fisioterapêutica - um com três meses de duração (protocolo padrão IOT) e outro com dois meses (protocolo avançado) - para evidenciar a real necessidade de um tempo prolongado de reabilitação em 31 pacientes submetidas a artroplastia total do joelho. O estudo é prospectivo e randomizado e a faixa etária avaliada está entre 60 e 76 anos. As pacientes são avaliadas no pré-operatório e após o tratamento com avaliação clínica (escala de dor, Knee Society Score, SF-36 e goniometria) e avaliação de força (avaliação isocinética) para comparação dos protocolos. A análise estatística dos valores da escala de dor, do Knee Society Score, da amplitude de movimento, do pico de torque muscular e da avaliação da qualidade de vida (SF-36) demonstra que todas as pacientes obtêm melhora quando comparamos o pré e pós-operatório, independente do grupo. Conclui-se que o protocolo de reabilitação fisioterapêutica com dois meses de duração para o pós-operatório de artroplastia total do joelho mostra ser eficaz, alcançando os mesmos objetivos e resultados que o protocolo com três meses de duração.

The present study compares two physiotherapeutic rehabilitation protocols - one lasting three months (standard IOT protocol), the other lasting two months (advanced protocol) - to assert the actual need of a prolonged rehabilitation period in 31 cases of patients who went through total knee arthroplasty. The study is prospective and randomized; the age group of evaluated patients is between 60 and 76 years-old. In order to compare the two protocols, patients are evaluated before surgery and after treatment, by means of clinical evaluation (pain scale, Knee Society Score, SF-36 and goniometry) and isokinetic strength test. Statistical analyses of results from pain scale, Knee Society Score, movement amplitude, muscular torque peak and quality of life show improvement for all patients between pre- and post-operation, regardless of group. The study concludes the two months physiotherapeutic rehabilitation protocol for total knee arthroplasty is as effective as the three months protocol, as both reached the same goals and results.

[Laparoscopic conservative treatment of ovarian dermoid cysts]. / Trattamento laparoscopico conservativo delle cisti dermoidi ovariche.

Two methods for the laparoscopic dissection of dermoid ovarian cysts, less than 10 cm, in 55 fertile women, are compared. Water dissection was performed in 23 patients and bipolar scissors were used in 32 patients, creating a rhomb on the surface of the ovary, just to obtain a good traction for atraumatic dissection. The mean surgical time, complications and hospital stay have been compared. Operative laparoscopy is the technique of choice to remove most, if not all, ovarian dermoid cysts. It is suggested to use particular strategies in order to safely and easily dissect in toto the cysts.

[Value and significance of cystoscopy during laparoscopic hysterectomy]. / Valore e significato della citoscopia durante l'isterectomia laparoscopica.

The purpose of our study is to identify the ureteral and vesical lesions that may occur in the course of total laparoscopic hysterectomy using intraoperative cystoscopy. After the patient has been placed in dorsolithotomic position, we used a Hourcabie manipulator, a 10 mm umbilical trochar and two 5-mm suprapubics. Total hysterectomy is carried out and after closing the vagina 5 ml of stain in a physiological solution are injected into the vein to carry out cystoscopy. Analysis refers to the first 120 patients from 1998 to 1999 treated with laparoscopic hysterectomy. No material or vesical intraoperative lesions were found in any of the patients with the exception of a vesical lesion which was sutured during laparoscopy. Even with the cystoscopic finding normal, 2 fistulas were observed 20 and 25 days after the operation, so the negativity of the cystoscopy excludes certainly immediate complications but not late ones. Furthermore, not all surgeons carry out intraoperative cystoscopy, so the data available are scanty.

[The use of Foley's catheter and suturing to control abdominal wall haemorrhage provoked by the trochar. Comparative study]. / L'impiego del catetere di Foley e delle suture per il controllo dell'emorragia della parete addominale, provocata dal trocar. Studio comparativo.

Lesions of the abdominal vessels are becoming more frequent owing to the increase in the number of laparoscopies carried out with trochars: they occur in fact in 2% of cases. A study has been carried out to compare the effectiveness of 2 methods for stopping haemorrhage: the use of a Foley catheter and suturing with a Reverdin needle. Abdominal haemorrhages take place as a result of lesions during introduction of accessory trochars in the superficial, circumflex and deep epigastric vessels. Six patients were treated with Foley's catheter while 13 were treated with Reverdin's needle under visual control, maintaining the same operative route, something that is not possible with the Foley catheter. Patients treated with suturing were discharged within 24 hours without irritation or pain.

Does chronic pacing affect exercise capacity after Mustard operation for transposition of the great arteries?

Late survival after Mustard repair of transposition of the great arteries is generally good but is often characterized by progressive deterioration of ventricular function and by late postsurgical arrhythmias, thus imposing the need for permanent pacing. To evaluate how chronic pacing affects long-term exercise capacity, we compared two groups of these patients: group 1, comprising 12 patients, aged 9.0 +/- 2.6 years, without pacemaker; and group 2, comprising 18 patients, aged 9.3 +/- 2.0 years, with pacemaker. Patient evaluation included history, physical examination electrocardiograph, Holter monitoring, and echocardiography. Pacing modes were as follows: AAI (6 patients), AAIR (9 patients), VVI (2 patients), and VVIR (1 patient). At exercise test we evaluated exercise tolerance, maximum heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen consumption, and cardiac output at rest and at peak exercise. The two groups were comparable for all variables examinated. All pacemakers showed normal function. During the exercise, 11 of 12 patients in group 1 showed sinus rhythm, and in group 2, 11 patients showed sinus rhythm, 5 junctional rhythm, and 2 continuous pacing. There were no significant differences between groups. Chronically paced Mustard patients but with restoration of spontaneous rhythm during the exercise test do not show reduced exercise tolerance in comparison with nonpaced Mustard patients.

Cardiorespiratory functional assessment after pediatric heart transplantation.

Limited data are available on the exercise capacity of young heart transplant recipients. The aim of this study was therefore to assess cardiorespiratory responses to exercise in this group of patients. Fourteen consecutive heart transplant recipients (six girls and eight boys, age-range 5-15 yr) and 14 healthy matched controls underwent a Bruce treadmill test to determine: duration of test; resting and maximum heart rates; maximum systolic blood pressure; peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak); and cardiac output. Duration of test and heart rate increase were then compared with: time since transplantation, rejections per year, and immunosuppressive drugs received. The recipients also underwent the following lung function tests: forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). When compared with healthy controls, transplant recipients had tachycardia at rest (126 +/- 3.7 beats/min; p < 0.001); significantly reduced tolerance (9.3 +/- 0.4 min; p < 0.001), a maximum heart rate of 169 +/- 5.4 beats/min (p < 0.05); a cardiac output of 5.65 +/- 0.6 L/min (p < 0.05); and a lower heart-rate increase from rest to peak exercise (p < 0.001) but a similar VO2 peak. The heart-rate increase correlated significantly with time post-transplant (r = 0.55; p < 0.05), number of rejection episodes per year (r = - 0.63; p < 0.05), and number of immunosuppressive drugs (r = - 0.60; p < 0.05). The recipients had normal FVC and FEV1 values. After surgery, few heart transplant recipients undertake physical activity, possibly owing to over-protective parents and teachers and to a lack of suitable supervised facilities. The authors stress the importance of a cardiorespiratory functional evaluation for assessment of health status and to encourage recipients, if possible, to undertake regular physical activity.

Clinical and cardiorespiratory assessment in children with Down syndrome without congenital heart disease.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical and functional status of a young Down syndrome (DS) population without congenital heart disease. DESIGN: Prospective study of children with DS and control subjects. SETTING: Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Forty-two children with DS (mean +/- SD age, 9.8 +/- 3.6 years) underwent genetic, clinical, neuropsychological (IQ), and cardiorespiratory evaluation. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed with a treadmill test and a lung function test to determine forced vital capacity, first-second forced expiratory volume, and peak expiratory flow. Data were expressed as a percentage of the predicted values for control children. To assess cooperation during exercise testing, we devised a compliance scale assigning a score according to the subjects' ability to understand instructions, ability to walk and run as required, and need for vocal encouragement. RESULTS: Eighteen (43%) of 42 children with DS were obese, 10 (24%) were short, and 17 (40%) had microcephaly. On the Leiter International Performance Scale, 2 of 35 subjects had a normal IQ score (80-120); all others had low IQ scores (79 to <40). Five subjects did not undergo cardiorespiratory assessment. Eighteen of 37 subjects completed lung function tests: the results for 10 were unremarkable, and results from 8 revealed reduced forced vital capacity because of poor compliance. The subjects tested had low exercise tolerance (mean +/- SD tolerance percentage, 61% +/- 12%), mild tachycardia (maximal heart rate, 91% +/- 4%), and a mild hypertensive response (maximal blood pressure, 89% +/- 8%). Compliance scores correlated significantly with exercise time and age but not with IQ. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and cardiorespiratory assessment is feasible in subjects with DS without congenital heart disease and should be useful in gauging their fitness level for safe physical activity.

Exercise testing as a rehabilitative/training tool.

Exercise testing is an exceedingly useful noninvasive method for assessing cardiovascular function not only at rest but also during programmed, supervised physical exercise. Exercise testing has been intensively studied to delineate the cardiovascular response in various disorders [3-5, 15, 19, 22, 23, 26, 32]. Exercise testing as a tool for rehabilitation and for training to perform physical activity is discussed here.

The natural history and the effects of gabapentin in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Glutamate excitotoxicity seems to play an important role in the aetiopathogenesis and progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Gabapentin is a modulator of the glutamatergic system and has been shown to prolong survival in the transgenic model of familial ALS. It has also been demonstrated to slow the decline of arm strength in human sporadic cases. The aim of our study was to assess the effects of different dosages and duration of treatment of gabapentin on the natural history and survival of ALS patients. A total of 110 patients affected by definite ALS entered the study. After a 6-12 month period of observation, patients were randomly assigned to receive oral gabapentin 500 mg/day (Group A) or 1000 mg/day (Group B) for 6 months. In addition a group of patients received gabapentin 500 mg/day for 6 months and 1000 mg/day for a further 6 months (Group C). A group of 121 patients referred to our Institute, who received only symptomatic treatment, was considered as the control group (Group D). Each patient was seen at entry and every 3 months. All average slopes were negative but the comparison of all slopes showed a trend toward a slower rate of decline of muscle strength loss in all treated groups of patients compared with the control group. The differences were statistically significant. Analysis between the pretreatment and treatment period showed a statistically significant decrease of the decline of muscle strength and Norris score during the treatment period. Survival analysis showed a significantly longer survival in treated patients of Groups B and C. Our study suggests that gabapentin may be an effective drug for ALS; hence a controlled trial involving a sufficient large number of patients is warranted.