Citations

Background and Purpose— In clinical trials and observational studies there is considerable inconsistency in the use of definitions to describe delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. A major cause for this inconsistency is the combining of radiographic evidence of vasospasm with clinical features of cerebral ischemia, although multiple factors may contribute to DCI. The second issue is the variability and overlap of terms used to describe each phenomenon. This makes comparisons among studies difficult. Methods— An international ad hoc panel of experts involved in subarachnoid hemorrhage research developed and proposed a definition of DCI to be used as an outcome measure in clinical trials and observational studies. We used a consensus-building approach. Results— It is proposed that in observational studies and clinical trials aiming to investigate strategies to prevent DCI, the 2 main outcome measures should be: (1) cerebral infarction identified on CT or MRI or proven at autopsy, after exclusion of procedure-related infarctions; and (2) functional outcome. Secondary outcome measure should be clinical deterioration caused by DCI, after exclusion of other potential causes of clinical deterioration. Vasospasm on angiography or transcranial Doppler can also be used as an outcome measure to investigate proof of concept but should be interpreted in conjunction with DCI or functional outcome. Conclusion— The proposed measures reflect the most relevant morphological and clinical features of DCI without regard to pathogenesis to be used as an outcome measure in clinical trials and observational studies.

Abstract Mutations in one of the two genes encoding type I procollagen (COL1A1 and COL1A2) are frequently the cause of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a disorder characterized by brittle bones. Here we tested whether patients with low bone density also have mutations in these genes. The 26 patients studied had no apparent metabolic bone disease, but most had a positive family history of osteopenia or osteoporosis. Although a diagnosis of OI was considered by the clinician in some cases, the clinical criteria for OI were not satisfied. Our strategy for mutation analysis consisted of PCR amplification of cDNA made to fibroblast mRNA using primers specific for the coding regions of COL1A1 and COL1A2. The PCR products were then sequenced directly with primers located within each PCR product. We found that 3 of 26 patients had mutations that altered the encoded amino acid. One mutation, at position α2(I)-661 has been reported (Spotila et al. 1991 Proc Natl Acad Sci USA PNAS 88: 5423). The other 2 patients, who were not related to each other, had a mutation that altered the proline codon at α1(I)-27 to alanine. This mutation was not found in 81 normal individuals or in 37 additional osteopenic individuals. However, its effect on the biologic function of type I collagen, as well as its role in osteopenia, is uncertain. In addition to the two mutations, we found a polymorphism in codon α2(I)-459. Although this polymorphism involved an amino acid substitution, it was present with equal frequency in the patient and the normal population. By analyzing this and previously reported neutral sequence variants in the COL1A2 gene, we determined that all patients expressed both alleles of the COL1A2 gene. The 12 patients who were heterozygous for a COL1A1 neutral sequence variant also expressed both alleles. Here we present all PCR primer and sequencing primer information. The results suggest that surveying a larger group of similarly selected individuals may reveal additional mutations in the COL1A1 or COL1A2 genes.

Advances in extracorporeal life support have expanded indications for use extending beyond patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The approach to cannulation in patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation should be individualized and based on the specific clinical scenario in which the need arises. Adherence to proper techniques of vessel visualization, exposure, and cannulation along with accurate placement of cannulae will optimize flows and minimize complications in this setting. Patients in need of mechanical circulatory support require input from a multidisciplinary team approach with systematic clinical evaluation to optimize outcome. If hemodynamics do not initially permit the successful separation from mechanical support, then a systematic search for potentially reversible patient and/ or pump related factors should be undertaken. The success of this therapy is predicated on patient selection, a multidisciplinary team approach in the intensive care unit, adherence to precise technical principles, and repeated patient evaluation.

Purpose The goal of this study was to compare open and arthroscopic surgical techniques for “cam‐type” femoroacetabular impingement in terms of feasibility and reliability. Methods We used 5 fresh‐frozen cadaver specimens (10 hips). Anteroposterior and cross‐table radiographs were taken for each. The head‐neck union diameter was measured for each. The amount of bone resection at the anterolateral quadrant of the head‐neck union was planned for each, with specific references to width, length, depth, and position. One side was randomly assigned to the open group and the other to the arthroscopic group. Surgical time, position of the osteotomy, and variation of the length, width, and depth of the final osteotomy with respect to the proposed dimensions were compared. Results In all specimens partial resection of the anterior‐lateral femoral head‐neck junction with improvement of the femoral head‐neck offset was accomplished. A statistically significant difference ( P < .05) was observed for surgical time between the open and arthroscopic groups (shorter in open group). Conclusions When comparing surgical precision, no statistically significant differences were found between the open and arthroscopic procedures in any of the measurements. The depth and width of the osteoplasty were reliably obtained by the arthroscopic technique. However, there was a tendency to underestimate the osteoplasty length with the arthroscopic procedure. Positioning the osteoplasty was also less reliable with the arthroscopic procedure than with the open procedure because of the tendency to place the osteoplasty more posterior and distally than intended. Clinical Relevance Surgical resection of the femoral neck prominence and/or part of the anterolateral neck has been reported to improve femoral head offset and alleviate impingement. This study attempts to document the accuracy of this resection when done arthroscopically compared with an open procedure.

Objective: To assess the association between self-assessed stair-climbing limitation and weight control among family medicine patients, after adjustment for age, gender, marital status, body mass index (BMI), and co-morbidity. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of a cohort of 840 adult family medicine patient records drawn from a large family medicine department in Rochester, Minnesota. Weight control was measured as no change or decline in BMI over approximately 1 year. Results: Adjusting for co-morbidity and other confounders using multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that limited stair-climbing ability was unrelated to weight control over approximately 1 year. Instead, patients with BMI ≥ 30 were more likely to control their weight (p<0.01), and age exhibited a non-linear relationship with weight control. The odds of weight control were lower for patients between the ages of 36 and 45 years than for those aged 18—35 years (p<0.01). Conclusions: In our sample of family medicine patients, self-assessed stair-climbing limitations did not preclude weight control. Weight gain prevention programmes might be targeted at patients who are entering middle age.

Purpose There has been a significant increase in surgeon as well as patient interest in arthroscopic treatment of shoulder pathology. We hypothesize that patients have a strong preference for arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Currently, there are no data in the literature reporting on how people perceive open versus arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Methods Prospectively, a total of 202 patients were administered a questionnaire at the offices of 2 fellowship‐trained shoulder surgeons, 1 located at a tertiary referral center (center A) and 1 in private practice (center B). The questionnaire asked a series of questions about specific factors when choosing an orthopaedic surgeon and the preference for arthroscopic or open surgery. In addition, 7 short‐term and long‐term outcomes were listed, and the patient was asked to choose whether open or arthroscopic surgery would provide the best outcome or whether he or she felt that there was no difference. Results Among patients at center A, 88% would prefer arthroscopy if they were to have shoulder surgery, as would 96% of patients at center B. Among patients at center A, 14% would avoid shoulder surgery if the only option was open surgery, as would 25% at center B. The reputation of the surgeon and institution were the primary factors in choosing a surgeon. Recommendation of a former patient and years of surgeon experience were less important factors for patient selection of a shoulder surgeon. Conclusions The study shows that the vast majority of patients perceive multiple advantages of arthroscopic shoulder surgery despite a lack of published data to support many of these assumptions, particularly with regard to expected functional outcome of arthroscopic versus open shoulder surgery. Clinical Relevance Shoulder surgeons should be aware of these perceptions when discussing treatment options with patients. A continued effort should be made to emphasize known scientific data when considering the relative risks and benefits of arthroscopic and open shoulder surgery.

OBJECTIVE—Management of diabetes is frequently suboptimal in primary care settings, where providers often fail to intensify therapy when glucose levels are high, a problem known as clinical inertia. We asked whether interventions targeting clinical inertia can improve outcomes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A controlled trial over a 3-year period was conducted in a municipal hospital primary care clinic in a large academic medical center. We studied all patients (4,138) with type 2 diabetes who were seen in continuity clinics by 345 internal medicine residents and were randomized to be control subjects or to receive one of three interventions. Instead of consultative advice, the interventions were hard copy computerized reminders that provided patient-specific recommendations for management at the time of each patient’s visit, individual face-to-face feedback on performance for 5 min every 2 weeks, or both. RESULTS—Over an average patient follow-up of 15 months within the intervention site, improvements in and final HbA1c (A1C) with feedback + reminders (ΔA1C 0.6%, final A1C 7.46%) were significantly better than control (ΔA1C 0.2%, final A1C 7.84%, P &lt; 0.02); changes were smaller with feedback only and reminders only (P = NS vs. control). Trends were similar but not significant with systolic blood pressure (sBP) and LDL cholesterol. Multivariable analysis showed that the feedback intervention independently facilitated attainment of American Diabetes Association goals for both A1C and sBP. Over a 2-year period, overall glycemic control improved in the intervention site but did not change in other primary care sites (final A1C 7.5 vs. 8.2%, P &lt; 0.001). CONCLUSIONS—Feedback on performance aimed at overcoming clinical inertia and given to internal medicine resident primary care providers improves glycemic control. Partnering generalists with diabetes specialists may be important to enhance diabetes management in other primary care settings.

Abstract In this study, we observed loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in human chromosomal fragment 6q25.1 in sporadic lung cancer patients. LOH was observed in 65% of the 26 lung tumors examined and was narrowed down to a 2.2-Mb region. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis of genes located within this region identified a candidate gene, termed p34. This gene, also designated as ZC3H12D, C6orf95, FLJ46041, or dJ281H8.1, carries an A/G nonsynonymous SNP at codon 106, which alters the amino acid from lysine to arginine. Nearly 73% of heterozygous lung cancer tissues with LOH and the A/G SNP also exhibited loss of the A allele. In vitro clonogenic and in vivo nude mouse studies showed that overexpression of the A allele exerts tumor suppressor function compared with the G allele. p34 is located within a recently mapped human lung cancer susceptibility locus, and association of the p34 A/G SNP was tested among these families. No significant association between the less frequent G allele and lung cancer susceptibility was found. Our results suggest that p34 may be a novel tumor suppressor gene involved in sporadic lung cancer but it seems not to be the candidate familial lung cancer susceptibility gene linked to chromosomal region 6q23-25. [Cancer Res 2007;67(1):93–9]