תוצאת חיפוש

Outcome in Fetuses with Increased Nuchal Translucency Thickness

Ron Maymon, Eli Dreazen, Yosi Tovbin, Zwi Weinraub, Arie Herman

Ultrasound Unit, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Increased thickness of fetal nuchal translucency (TNT) measured at 10-14 weeks of gestation, may suggest underlying fetal chromosomal defects, structural abnormalities or genetic syndromes. We examined the relationship between increased TNT and pregnancy outcome, especially in fetuses with normal karyotypes.

1400 pregnant women underwent first trimester scanning and screening for chromosomal abnormalities and measurement of fetal TNT. 25 fetuses (2%) with increased TNT (>3 mm) were identified. 8 (30%) had an abnormal karyotype. Of these, 5 pregnancies were aborted, 3 ended in spontaneous abortions before karyotyping, and 2 were terminated, all before detailed cardiac scanning. There was a high association between increased TNT and karyotype abnormalities. The total incidence of favorable outcome in fetuses with normal chromosomal and cardiac features but enlarged TNT was 56%.

Prevalence of APOE 4 Allele in Israeli Ethnic Groups

O. Hilkevich, J. Chapman, B-S. Bone, A.D. Korczyn

Neurology Dept., Tel Aviv Medical Center, and Depts. of Physiology, Pharmacology and Human Genetics, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

The 4 allele of the APOE gene, coding for apo-lipoprotein E, is the most common genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and a significant risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis. There is therefore much interest in studying its frequency in different ethnic groups.

We examined its frequency in Jews originating from Libya, Buchara and Ethiopia and in Jews of Sepharadi and Ashkenazi origins. Its frequency among Ethiopian immigrants was 0.27, significantly higher than in the other groups, in which the frequency was between 0.067 and 0.10. These differences in allele frequency may serve as a basis for future studies in Israel to assess the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to the incidence of dementia.

Combined Sclerotherapy and Surgery for Huge Cervical Lymphangioma

Zvi Steiner, Asher Pressman, Jorge Mogilner

Dept. of Pediatric Surgery, B'nei Zion Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa

Lymphangioma is a benign developmental anomaly of the lymphatic system located in about 40% of cases in the neck and usually completely resectable. In some cases it invades adjacent structures such as the larynx, pharynx, or tongue. In such cases it is almost impossible to resect completely, as this would endanger vital structures.

We describe a baby born with a huge cervical lymphangioma which invaded the tongue, larynx, pharynx and other cervical structures. He was treated with bleomycin and aethoxysklerol. The sclerotherapy shrank the lymphangioma considerably and it became resectable. At 2 years of age the cosmetic result is good and vital function, such as swallowing and facial expression, are preserved.

Effect of Specific Inspiratory Muscle Training on Dyspnea and Exercise Tolerance in Congestive Heart Failure

Paltiel Weiner, Joseph Waizman, Rasmi Magadle, Noa Berar-Yanay, Benny Pelled

Depts. of Medicine A and Cardiology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera

It has been shown that the inspiratory muscles of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) are weaker than normal. This weakness may contribute to dyspnea and limit exercise capacity. But respiratory muscles can be trained for increase in both strength and endurance. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of specific inspiratory muscle training (SIMT) on muscular performance, lung function, dyspnea and exercise capacity in moderate heart failure.

10 patients with CHF (NYHA functional class II-III) received 1/2 hour of SIMT daily, 6 times/week, for 3 months. They started breathing at a resistance 15% of their Pimax for 1 week and the resistance was then increased incrementally to 60%. Spirometry, inspiratory muscle strength and endurance, and the 12-minute walk test were performed before and after the training period. All showed an increase in inspiratory muscle strength and endurance. This was associated with a small but significant increase in FVC, a significant increase in the distance walked (458±29 to 562±32 m, p<0.01), and improvement in the dyspnea index score.

SIMT resulted in increased inspiratory muscle strength and endurance. This increase was associated with decreased dyspnea and an increase in submaximal exercise capacity. SIMT may prove to be useful complementary therapy in CHF.

Home Palliative Care of Terminal Cancer Patients, with Family Feedback

Hana Arad, Hana Geva, Valery Rosin, Ruth Kibrik, Isaac Kersz

Home Care Unit of Kupat Holim Haklalit, HaEmek Medical Center, Afula and Quality Improvement Unit, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa

Palliative care of terminal cancer patients is one of the tasks of our Home Care Unit. Increasing hospitalization costs have brought forward the decision to treat them at home, assuming that they would prefer to return and die in their natural surroundings, among family.

Most of our patients are aged, recent immigrants from the Soviet Union, of low socioeconomic status; most live with their close families. Our care model combines social, cultural, economic, medical and nursing aspects. More patients choose to die at home, and that is where costs are minimal. Care management and characteristics of 44 terminal cancer patients, who died between January and October 1996, are described. Living with a family was not required for treatment at home. Length of care by the unit ranged from 1-48 weeks, with an average of 8.5 and a median of 6. 55% of patients were hospitalized, most (58%) for 5-9 days for noncancerous diseases, and then discharged home. 54% died at home, a third were hospitalized for 2-17 days before death. Compared to the average length of stay in palliative care oncology wards, 1044 days and more than NIS 500,000 were saved.

A telephone survey examined families' satisfaction with various components of care. 92% were satisfied with the home treatment. 79%-82% felt that the nurse and doctor of the team met their needs and expectations. Half the families were satisfied with the treatment of pain. Families in which treatment was 24 weeks or more were generally less satisfied than those with shorter treatment at home. We learned that an early entry into treatment is necessary; hospital referral criteria should consider to a greater extent the coping ability of families; nursing aid hours should be increased and professional emotional support added; additional pain control methods should be used. All these would strengthen families, improve quality of care, and contribute to additional savings by decreasing hospital stay.

Prognostic Implications in Pediatric Head Injuries

Gideon Paret, Ron Ben Abraham, Susana Berman, Amir Vardi, Rami Harel, Yossi Manisterski, Zohar Barzilay

Depts. of Pediatric Intensive Care and of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

An unselected series of 200 consecutive cases of major head trauma in children aged 6 months to 16 years, seen during 4 years, was studied. Injuries were due to road accidents (40%), falls (30.5%) and other causes (29.5%), and were assessed clinically and by cranial CT.

On admission the Glasgow Coma Score ranged from 4.72-11.65 and in addition to pupillary responses and brain stem reflexes, was a significant predictor of outcome. Brain edema, midline shift, intracranial hemorrhage and also hyperglycemia, hypokalemia and coagulopathy, were associated with poor outcome. While 17% died, 53% were discharged in good functional condition.

Early identification of clinical features related to prognosis can help the caring team provide maximal support for patient and family.

Monocytic Ehrlichiosis - An Emerging Pathogen

Irena Zikonov, Israel Potasman

Dept. of Internal Medicine A and Infectious Disease Unit, B'nai Zion Medical Center and Technion Faculty of Medicine, Haifa

Ehrlichiosis is an emerging zoonotic disease transmitted to man by ticks. Its clinical features include fever, headache, myalgia, nausea and rash. The diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion; the disease has a specific serology, and has never been reported in Israel.

We describe a 52-year-old man hospitalized with fever, a diffuse rash, arthralgia and epididymitis. Skin biopsy disclosed necrotizing small vessel disease consistent with periarteritis nodosa. Acute phase serum titer for E. chaffeensis was 1:256. Fever promptly subsided following ciprofloxacin.

Management of Pancreatic Trauma in Damage-Control Laparotomy

Gad Shaked, Mario Golocovsky

Dept. of Surgery and Trauma Service, Soroka University Hospital, Beer Sheba and Dept. of Surgery and Trauma Service, Washington Hospital Center, Washington DC

Major pancreatic trauma challenges the trauma surgeon with diagnostic problems and choices of treatment modalities. The most important determinant guiding management is the integrity of the main pancreatic duct. The preoperative and intraoperative assessment and treatment of pancreatic injury may be difficult, especially when concurrent severe injuries are present. There are alternative approaches in the management of the traumatized pancreas when ductal injury is not obvious during initial exploratory laparotomy.

Laparoscopic Spermatic Vein Ligation for Varicocele in Adolescents

Zahavi Cohen, Alon Yulevich, Vadim Kapuler, Niza Newman, Abraham J. Mares

Pediatric Surgery Dept., Soroka Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba

We report our initial experience with laparoscopic ligation of spermatic veins in the treatment of varicocele in adolescence. 19 boys, 13 to 18 years old, underwent this treatment between I 1997 and III 98. The varicocele was always on the left side. 12 complained of scrotal discomfort and pain, but in 7 it was found incidentally during routine medical examination by the family or school physician. The diagnosis was based only on physical examination.

There has been no morbidity related to the laparoscopic procedure and all returned to normal activity within a few days. Follow-up 2-12 months after surgery showed no varicocele in any. We conclude that laparoscopy is useful in the treatment of varicocele in adolescents.

Attentional Characteristics of Developmental Right Hemi-Sphere Syndrome

Yael E. Landau, Varda Gross-Tsur

Neuropediatric Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem

Developmental right hemisphere syndrome (DRHS) is characterized by emotional and interpersonal difficulties, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), visuo-spatial handicaps, subtle left body neurologic signs and failure in nonverbal academic domains, especially arithmetic. Concurrence of ADHD and DRHS is not surprising because research has implicated dysfunction of the right hemisphere in both syndromes. Furthermore, the right hemisphere has more brain areas devoted to attentional processing, making it more important and more vulnerable in attentional problems.

We describe the clinical parameters of DRHS as exemplified by 2 cases, a boy and a girl, both 13 years old. They participated in a study group in which attention and speed of performance were assessed in children with DRHS and were compared to children with ADHD and to a control group. A tendency to overfocusing, difficulty in inhibition, perseverative behaviors, stereotypy, and slowness and absence of hyperactivity characterized the DRHS group. These behaviors led us to hypothesize that the attentional symptoms in DRHS define a specific subgroup of ADHD which requires a different therapeutic approach.

Pelvic Floor Exercise and Biofeedback in Genuine Stress Incontinence

D. Gordon, D. Luxman, Y. Sarig, A. Groutz

Women and Children's Division, Liss Hospital, Sourasky-Tel Aviv Municipal Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Stress urinary incontinence is a medical and social problem. In the past decade there has been increased awareness of this condition and the number of those affected who seek help is increasing. Treatment is usually surgical - elevation of the bladder neck. Pelvic floor exercise is an accepted conservative treatment modality used for mild to moderate cases that have not yet completed their families.

We present our results in 30 women, aged 28-71 years, av. 49% with genuine stress incontinence treated with pelvic floor exercise and biofeedback. 14 patients (46.7%) were completely cured and 15 (50%) were improved. In only 1 was there no improvement.

Our results show significant improvement in the duration and intensity of pelvic floor contractions after treatment. Pelvic floor exercise with biofeedback is a very important treatment modality, requiring a highly motivated patient and a physiotherapist specialized in pelvic floor exercise.

Treatment of Retroperitoneal Sarcoma

Dina Lev-Chelouche, Subhi Abu-Abeid, Mordechai Gutman, Yoram Kluger, Moshe Michovitch, Isaac Meller, Moshe Inbar, Joseph M. Klausner

Depts. of Surgery B, Orthopedic Oncology and Oncology, Tel Aviv - Sourasky Medical Center (Affiliated with Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University)

Soft tissue sarcomas are exceedingly rare, making up less than 1% of all solid malignancies. In the retroperitoneum, they tend to be large when diagnosed and are a therapeutic challenge to the surgical oncologist. Our experience with 51 patients with retroperitoneal sarcomas operated on during the past 4 years is presented. 37 were primary and 26 presented as recurrent tumors. The group included many different histological sub-types, the majority being high grade tumors.

Complete resection was achieved in 84%, necessitating extensive surgery, but was not possible in 8 patients (16%) who underwent partial resection or biopsy only. There was 1 perioperative fatality (2%). 18 (35%) suffered complications, all of which were reversible. The estimated 5-year survival in the complete resection group is 40%, while none of those who underwent partial resection survived more than 2 years. There was significantly better survival in patients with primary, low grade sarcomas which were smaller than 8 cm, compared to those with high-grade, recurrent sarcomas larger than 8 cm. Local recurrence developed in 8 patients of the complete resection group (18%), 2 months to 3 years after surgery.

These data show that despite the concept of retroperitoneal sarcomas as being aggressive, invasive tumors with a poor prognosis, the prognosis is not unusually bad. With proper surgical technique, resectability may be high, with improved overall survival.

Acute Malaria in an Israeli Tourist to Kenya

Doron Zamir, Chen Zamir, Shimon Storch, Moni Litmanovich, Paltiel Weiner

Dept. of Internal Medicine A, Hadera Sub-District Health Office and Nephrology Dept. and Intensive Care and Infectious Disease Units, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera

Malaria is 1 of the main causes of death in third world countries. It has become extinct in Israel and imported cases are rare, since most visitors to endemic countries take anti-malarial prophylaxis. We report an Israeli tourist to Kenya infected with falciparum malaria complicated by severe metabolic acidosis, renal failure and adult respiratory distress syndrome. After intensive care treatment this preventable condition improved.

Plagiocephaly in Children: Etiology, Differential Diagnosis and Helmet Treatment

A. Margulis, V. Hatuel, A. Weinberg, A. Neuman, Z. Israel, M.R. Wexler

Depts. of Plastic Surgery, Occupational Therapy, and Neurosurgery, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem

Plagiocephaly in a head-and-neck irradiated rat model or rhomboid-shaped head, occurs in at least 1 in 300 live births. In most cases such asymmetry is not caused by synostosis of the unilateral coronal or lambdoid sutures, but is rather a deformity produced by intrauterine and/or postnatal deformational forces. Categorization and diagnosis of plagiocephaly as synostotic or deformational is reliably made by physical examination and computerized tomography. Its differential diagnosis is extremely important because prompt surgical correction is usually indicated for the synostotic type. In contrast, infants with deformational frontal or occipital plagiocephaly generally respond to helmet treatment.

10 infants with significant deformational plagiocephaly were treated with individual plastic helmets during the past 2 years and 4 other infants with plagiocephaly are currently being treated. In each instance, cranial asymmetry dramatically improved as the brain grew and the head filled out the helmet. There were no significant complications. Awareness of deformational plagiocephaly allows more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, avoiding unnecessary surgical intervention in patients with positional molding.

Irradiation Injury of the Salivary Glands

R. M. Nagler

Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral Biochemistry Laboratory, Rambam Medical Center and Technion Faculty of Medicine, Haifa

Ionizing irradiation of the salivary glands often leads to severe histological and functional alterations. Such exposure usually occurs during radiotherapy in patients with head and neck malignancy. The consequent xerostomia, often life-long, may result from even relatively low dosage irradiation, and causes a great deal of suffering. We suggest a radiobiological mechanism for this phenomenon which has been studied extensively since first described in 1911. The suggested injurious role of redox active transition metal ions and highly destructive free radicals is discussed in relation to the ultimate radiosensitive cellular target, DNA.