תוצאת חיפוש

Diagnosis and Treatment of Heart Failure within the Communuity

Haim Ben-Ami, Yehuda Edoute

Dept. of Medicine C, Rambam Medical Center and Technion Faculty of Medicine, Haifa

Congestive heart failure causes substantial morbidity and mortality. Symptoms and physical findings can help in diagnosis, but have limited sensitivity and specificity. Objective measurement of ventricular function is essential in virtually all patients in whom heart failure is suspected; reversible causes of heart failure must be sought.

Out-patient management includes education and counseling, emphasis on and assessment of compliance with diet, and pharmacological treatment. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are the mainstay of treatment but are underused, and maximal doses are not given, apparently because of concern about side-effects. Diuretics should be administered only as needed to manage fluid overload. Calcium channel blockers are relatively contraindicated in patients with impaired ventricular function. Patient follow-up should be guided by results of the medical history and physical examination. Routine serial testing of ventricular function and exercise performance is discouraged.

Second Degree A-V Block in Graves© Disease

Yoram Singer, Pesach Shvartzman

Dept. of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba

Cardiac tachyarrhythmias are common in thyrotoxicosis. We report an uncommon case of a 53-year-old woman with Grave's disease who developed second degree A-V block while euthyroid on propylthiouracil. The most likely mechanism is an autoimmune response causing infiltration of the cardiac conduction pathways.

Investigating Chest Pain: is there a Gender Bias?

Leonardo Reisin, Chaim Yosefy, Sharon Kleir, Emil Hay, Ronit Peled, Shimon Scharf

Cardiology and Emergency Depts. and Epidemiology Unit, Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon (Affiliated with Ben-Gurion University, Beer Sheba)

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) in women is characterized by a higher morbidity and mortality in the peri-infarction and coronary bypass peri-operative periods. These epidemiological data strengthen our impression that the health system unintentionally "ignores" the high proportion of females with IHD.

The process of investigating chest pain, diagnosing IHD, and the subsequent treatment and rehabilitation, seem to differ between the genders. Time elapsed from beginning of chest pain to diagnosis of IHD seems to be longer in women than in men. Personal, educational and social factors are contributory.

Although time elapsed between diagnosis and rehabilitation is usually similar in the genders, peri-operative morbidity and mortality are higher in women. It may be that the higher rates in women are caused by delay in diagnosis and treatment, which allows worsening of the disease in women before treatment. This delay can occur during the time needed for evaluation of chest pain, from the door of the physician to diagnosis and treatment.

In our retrospective study we determined the difference in referral of men and women with chest pain to the emergency department (ED) and the attitude of physicians in the ED and medical department to chest pain in men and in women, including final diagnosis on discharge. 615 patients over 18 years referred to the ED for chest pain during 3 randomly chosen, consecutive months were studied. We found that women constituted only 39.5% of the referred patients, but the proportion hospitalized was similar to that in men. Hospitalized women were older (57.7±18.4 versus 49.7±17.8 years in men), and had more risk factors (4 versus 2 in men). Proportions of specific diagnoses on discharge from hospital were equal in the genders.

To bridge the differences and to implement education in prevention, investigation and treatment of IHD in women, we established the "Female Heart" clinic. The objective of this clinic is to reduce differences in the first step, in the process of evaluating chest pain in women, by educating and encouraging them to present early to their physicians, and by changing physicians' attituin the investigation of chest pain in women. We plan to determine in a prospective study if these goals are.

Characteristics, Management and Prognosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction (Israel 1990-1996)

Israeli Survey Group On Acute Myocardial Infarction

From 1990 to 1996 we conducted consecutive 2-month surveys in all CCUs (n=26) in Israel. The aim was to compare the characteristics, management, and prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) between the 4 surveys.

Patient characteristics were similar in all surveys. About 75% of patients were males and had a first MI. Mechanical and arrhythmic complications decreased slightly between 1990 and 1996. In contrast, frequency of treatment with thrombolysis, aspirin, beta-blockers and ACE-I, as well as coronary interventional procedures, increased tremendously.

In parallel, 30-day and 1-year mortality decreased significantly, from 16.5% and 22.5%, respectively, to 9.0% and 13.9%. After multiple adjustment for factors associated with mortality, the 30-day relative risk of death for patients hospitalized in 1992, 1994 and 1996 was 0.79 (95% CI 0.59-1.08), 0.75 (95% CI 0.56-1.01) and 0.54 (95% CI 0.39-9.74), respectively, as compared with 1990.

Although there is no direct proof that changes in management of AMI are related to the reduction in mortality seen during the course of the surveys, the association seems likely.

Methotrexate Treatment in Refractory Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

R. Brik

Pediatrics B Dept., Rambam Medical Center, Haifa

The mean time from initiation of methotrexate (MTX) treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) to partial remission of clinical symptoms and total clinical remission was assessed. 9 girls and 8 boys, from 3 to 18 years of age (mean 11.4±5.4) with active JRA by American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria (5 systemic, 8 polyarticular and 4 pauciarticular disease onset), who failed to respond to adequate courses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), steroids or disease-modidrugs were studied.

Clinic visits were scheduled at monthly intervals for physical and laboratory assessment disease activity and drug safety. Partial response to MTX was defined a 25% reduction of the active joint count and/or articular severity score. Total clinical remission was defined as in adult rheumatoid arthritis. The duration of disease activity until enrollment ranged from 6 months to 14 years (4.5±3.7 yr); duration of therapy was 3 months to 3 years (14.6±9.3mo) and dosage ranged from 5 to 15 mg/m²/week. Prednisone in doses below 10 mg/day and NSAID were permitted.

14 of 17 patients (82%) had a 25% reduction in joint activity after 6 weeks to 4 months (9.2±3.2 weeks); 10 (59%) went into full clinical remission after 5 to 26 months (14.3±9 months); 3 relapsed after an initial response to treatment, and 4 (23%) did not respond to MTX. The non-responders were males who required higher doses of prednisone (p<0.0001).

MTX appears to be effective therapy for children with JRA. An initial response can be expected in most patients after 9 weeks of treatment, and full clinical remission occurs after a mean of 14 months.

Pulmonary Hypertension and Multi-Valvular Damage Caused by Anorectic Drugs

Serge E. Goldstein, Yair Levy, Yehuda Shoenfeld

Medical Dept. B and Institute for Immunological Disease Research, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Marked obesity is an independent risk factor for multisystem morbidity. The use of anorectic drugs is an aggressive strategy for weight reduction. It appears to be an easy way of dealing with the problem, because the patient needn't change his behavior. However, such treatment is not harmless. At the end of the 60's an outbreak of pulmonary hypertension was associated with the drug aminorex, and it was soon withdrawn from the market. 30 years later it became clear that new-generation anorectic drugs (fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, phentermine), which were being used world-wide, lead to both pulmonary hypertension and valvular damage.

We describe a woman of 70 with both these complications which developed after prolonged anorectic therapy with a fenfluramine-phentermine combination.

Autonomic Dysregulation in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Power Spectral Analysis of Heart Rate Variability

Hagit Cohen, Uri Loewenthal, Mike A. Matar, Hanoch Miodownik, Zeev Kaplan, Yair Cassuto, Moshe Kotler

Mental Health Center, Israel Ministry of Health; Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences; Dept. of Life-Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba

Spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) has been shown to be a reliable noninvasive test for quantitative assessment of cardiovascular autonomic regulatory response, providing a dynamic map of sympathetic and parasympathetic interaction. In a prior study exploring the state of hyperarousal that characterizes the post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) syndrome, we presented standardized heart rate analyses in 9 patients at rest, which demonstrated clear-cut evidence of a baseline autonomic hyperarousal state.

To examine the dynamics of this hyperarousal state, standardized heart rate analysis was carried out in 9 PTSD patients, compared to a matched control group of 9 normal volunteers. 20-minute ECG recordings in response to a trauma-related cue, as opposed to the resting state, were analyzed. The patients were asked to recount the presumed triggering traumatic event, and the control subjects recounted a significant stressful negative life event.

Whereas the control subjects demonstrated significant autonomic responses to the stressogenic stimulus of recounting major stressful experiences, the patients demonstrated almost no autonomic response to the recounting of the triggering stressful event. The patients demonstrated a degree of autonomic dysregulation at rest comparable to that seen in the control subjects' reaction to the stress model.

The lack of response to the stress model applied in the study appears to imply that PTSD patients experience so great a degree of autonomic hyperactivation at rest, that they are unable to marshal a further stress response to the recounting of the triggering trauma, as compared to control subjects. A subsequent study of the effect of medication on these parameters showed that they are normalized by use of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI's).

Neither the clinical implications of these findings, nor their physiological mechanisms are clear at present. We presume that they reflect a central effect, as the peripheral automatic effects of SSRI's are relatively negligible.

Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defects: Initial Clinical Applications

Shahar Zimand, Einat Birk, Mira Frand, Patricia Benjamin, Julius Hegesh

Dept. of Pediatric Cardiology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer and Schneider Medical Center, Petah Tikva

The incidence of congenital heart defects is 0.8% of live-born infants. Of these 13% are ostium secundum atrial septal defects (ASD) which can be successfully repaired by open heart surgery with less than 1% mortality. However, morbidity associated with cardiac surgery is universal. Transcatheter closure of ASDs was introduced 2 decades ago to decrease surgical complications, hospital stay and cost. Few devices have undergone clinical trials but all of them have been associated with instances of failure and complications. The most important mechanism for acute failure was selection of cases with too large a defect or selection of a defective device. In the past decade great progress has been made with the aid of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and modifications of the device. We present our experience in our first 5 patients. They ranged in age from 4 to 27 years; the ASD diameter was 11-15 mm and the device diameter was 17-33 mm. All transcatheter closures were performed on the same day without any complications, and all patients were discharged home after 2 days of hospitalization. We conclude that transcatheter occlusion of ASDs up to 15 mm is feasible, relatively safe and effective. This transcatheter method appears to be a viable alternative to surgery for some patients with secundum atrial septal defects.

Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defect

Benjamin Zeevi, Michael Berant, Rami Fogelman, Galit Bar-Mor, Leonard Blieden

Cardiology Institute, Schneider Children's Medical Center, Petah Tikva and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Isolated secundum atrial septal defect is one of the most common congenital heart defects. Surgical closure is the treatment of choice but is associated with a chest scar, some morbidity and a relatively long recovery and the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. Transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defect is therefor an attractive approach.

3 children, aged 5-10 years, underwent successful transcatheter closure of moderate to large central atrial septal defects with the Cardioseal device. The procedures were performed under x-ray and transesophageal echocardiographic guidance.

Our initial experience, and that of others, indicates that transcatheter occlusion of secundum atrial septal defects is safe and effective and can be an appropriate alternative in approximately 60% of patients.

Art Therapy for Hospitalized Children (Inspired by Elizabeth Kuebler-Ross's Approach)

Edna Pinchover*

Pediatric Wards School, Hadassah Hospital (Ein Karem and Mt. Scopus), Jerusalem

This paper presents a combined strategy for coping with the emotional condition of hospitalized children, and reports the results of its implementation in pediatric wards. The strategy combines art therapy methods with the spiritual-psychological approach developed by Elizabeth Kuebler-Ross. Art therapy uses art for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes; in this study it was employed to encourage the child-patients to express their feelings, and lead them to processes of understanding of and adjustment to their conditions. Kuebler-Ross' methods, known for dealing with difficult emotional situations at the bedside of the seriously ill, were enlisted to build a relationship of trust and respect between patient and therapist.

The population dealt with consisted of children (age 3-13) injured in road accidents, and cardiac and oncological cases. 7 case studies are brought to demonstrate the integrated therapeutic process. The process starts from the child-patient's artwork, which allows the therapist better insight into emotional conditions and to relate closely to issues brought up by the work. Through conversation with the therapist in an atmosphere of empathy and honest consideration, the patient becomes aware of her/his reactions, behavior, intentions and ambitions.

The belief underlying this study is that the patient derives from these contacts new abilities which moderate anxieties and strengthen healthy energies. Better collaboration and sounder ways of coping with intrusive medical treatment, as well as more trust and hope seem to emerge from the relationships created by these contacts.

* Principal of School.

Purpura - an Unusual Presentation of Takayasu Arteritis

N. Reichman, N. Kaufman, R. Mader, E. Flatau

Dept. of Medicine B and Rheumatic Disease Unit, HaEmek Hospital, Afula and Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, The Technion, Haifa

Takayasu arteritis is an uncommon vasculitis, often referred to as aortic arch syndrome. It is most prevalent in young women. Physical findings such as the combination of pulseless arms and carotid bruits suggest the diagnosis. Associated skin manifestations such as pyoderma gangrenosum and erythema nodosum have been described. We present a 27-year-old woman with diffuse purpuric eruption and Takayasu arteritis. This appears to be the first description of such an association.

Treating Mother and Baby in Conjoint Hospitalization in a Psychiatric Hospital

Shmuel Maizel, Vladislav Fainstein, Sarah K. Katzenelson

Dept. B, Eitanim Mental Health Center, Jerusalem

Since 1990 we have been admitting mothers with postpartum psychiatric morbidity together with their babies to our open psychiatric ward. The aim of conjoint hospitalization is to maintain and develop the bond between mother and baby while treating the mother's psychiatric disorder. The presence of the infant in the hospital allows both a thorough evaluation of the mothers' maternal ability and to use the infant as a facilitator of the mothers' recovery by engaging maternal functions. It prevents the infants from being placed in a foster home for the duration of the mothers' hospitalization. Readily available in Britain and Australia, such conjoint hospitalization is controversial and rarely available elsewhere. In the past 5 years we hospitalized 10 women with 11 babies (1 woman was hospitalized twice, after different births). All women had received psychiatric treatment prior to childbirth, but this was the first psychiatric hospitalization for 2 of them. Diagnoses (DSM-IIIR) were chronic paranoid schizophrenia (4), disorder (4), schizo-affective schizophrenia (1) and borderline disorder (1). 8 were suffering from active psychotic symptoms on admission. They were treated pharmacologically, received individual and group psychotherapy, and participated in all ward activities. Families were engaged in marital, family and/or individual therapy according to need. All participated in cognitive-behavior treatment tailored to individual need to build and enrich the mother-infant bond. All improved significantly and were able to function independently on discharge, but in 1 case adoption was recommended.

Popliteal Vascular Trauma

R. Avrahami, M. Haddad, B. Watemberg, E. Stelman, A. Koren, J. Dahn, A. Zelikovski

Dept. of Vascular Surgery, Rabin Medical Center (Beilinson Campus), Petah Tikva

6 cases of popliteal vascular trauma are presented, 3 due to posterior dislocation of the knee and 3 due to crush injury. The patients were referred from another hospital and some had undergone unnecessary angiography when ischemia was present, leading to delay in surgery. All patients presented with distal ischemia and underwent reconstructive surgery; 2 subsequently underwent below-knee amputation because of irreversible ischemia and sepsis.

Urgent operation for popliteal vascular trauma is necessary whenever there is ischemia and intraoperative angiography may be necessary. There should be reconstruction of the artery and vein when there is concomitant venous damage, and fasciotomy and debridement are important. The harmful potential of occult popliteal vascular injuries and their ostensible mild presentation present a challengfor the emergency room surgeon.

Splenic Artery Aneurysm

M. Shimonov, M. Nobel, M. Kunichevski, E. Antebi

Depts. of Surgery A and Pathology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva

Splenic artery aneurysm is an uncommon form of vascular disease of unknown etiology. Its clinical importance is due to its high mortality, especially in pregnancy, when maternal mortality is 70% and fetal mortality 95%. Most cases of splenic artery aneurysm are asymptomatic and are diagnosed incidentally. We present a woman with incidentally diagnosed splenic artery aneurysm in whom the splenic artery and its aneurysm were resected.

Mechanism of Primary Hypertension

Ludwig Kornel,* Arthur V. Prancan

Steroid Research Laboratory, Depts. of Internal Medicine and Biochemistry, and Dept. of Pharmacology, Rush Medical Center, Chicago and *Endocrinology-Diabetes Outpatient Clinic, Kupat Holim Klalit, Jerusalem

We review various theories of the pathogenetic mechanisms of steroid-induced and essential hypertension. We investigated the possibility that a pathogenetic mechanism leading to glucocorticoid (GC)-induced hypertension or to mineralocorticoid (MC)-induced hypertension, or both, may be of critical importance in primary hypertension. We studied plasma levels of corticosterone (BK) and aldosterone (Aldo), and their concentrations in arterial and renal tissues of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), a model of primary hypertension, and in the antecedent strain WKY rats as a normotensive control. Plasma levels of BK and Aldo were found to be normal and identical in SHRs and WKYs. Tissue (intracellular) levels of BK were more than double in SHRs than in WKYs. Subsequently we examined the activity of 11b-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (11-HSD) in both aortic and renal tissues of SHRs and WKYs. 11-HSD converts BK to the corresponding 11-keto compound, 11-dehydro-corticosterone (cpd.AK), which is inactive, in view of its inability to bind to the MC receptors (and also to the GC receptors). BK, the main glucocorticoid in the rat, as well as cortisol, have high affinity for the MC-receptor (MR). Normally BK or cortisol are present in 10²-10³ times greater concentrations than Aldo in tissues possessing MR. The enzyme 11-HSD deactivates BK (or cortisol), thus protecting MC-receptors in the MC target tissues from being activated by GC. When we examined arterial and renal tissue activities of 11-HSD in SHRs, the activity of 11-HSD was only one-third that found in the WKY rats. This explained higher levels of BK in the tissues of SHR, and suggested that decreased activity of 11-HSD is a pathogenetic factor for hypertension in SHRs.

Thus, in a model of primary hypertension such as SHR, decreased activity of 11-HSD in the target tissues of MC appears to lead to glucocorticoid-induced mineralocorticoid hypertension.