תוצאת חיפוש

Accidental Severance of a Venous Catheter: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach

Harel Gilutz, Aharon Gavriel, Shmuel Yurfest

Cardiology, Heart and Lung, and Vascular Surgery Depts., Soroka Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba

The most common invasive procedure performed in hospitals ithe insertion of a vascular access device. This procedure has the rare complication ofcatheter emboli. Accidental cutting of a peripheral catheter, the use of duplex ultrasound to locate the cut and the extraction of the catheter through a venesection is described. If peripheral extraction fails, percutaneous extraction or thoracotomy should be tried, in that order. The immediate precautions have an impact on the final results.

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.

High Alkaline Phosphatase in Subacute Thyroiditis

Rami Kantor, Rachel Pauzner, Elena Pali, Zvi Farfel

Dept. of Internal Medicine E, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Subacute thyroiditis may be hard to diagnose, therefore patients are sometimes misdiagnosed and subjected to unnecessary work-up. We report a 37-year-old man with subacute thyroiditis and a high concentration of serum alkaline phosphatase. After aspirin treatment there was clinical improvement and decrease in rapid ESR, and in high serum thyroxin and alkaline phosphatase. The increased alkaline phosphatase, seen in as many as 50% of patients, is of hepatic origin, and is not caused by high serum thyroxin. Awareness of this relationship may help in diagnosis and may prevent unnecessary diagnostic procedures, which may be invasive.

Is Official Data on Reported Morbidity Valid? Hepatitis A in Israel as an Example

Yehuda Lerman, Gabriel Chodik, Hava Aloni, Shai Ashkenazi

Occupational Health and Rehabilitation Institute, Ra'anana, Schneider Children's Hospital, Petah Tikva, and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Hepatitis A is one of the most frequently reported notifiable infectious diseases in Israel. The annual incidence as reported is around 70/100,000. The physician or the diagnostic laboratory notifies the district health office of the Ministry of Health.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the sensitivity of passive surveillance of hepatitis A morbidity among adults, 18 years and over. Methods included study of notifications to the Ministry of Health or hospitalizations of cases of hepatitis A and of positive laboratory tests results (IgM) for hepatitis A. We estimated the extent of under-reporting by 2 different methods of extrapolation.

Data based on passive surveillance among the adult population, between 1.1.1993-31.12.1994, comprised less than 1/5 of the actual number of cases. Physicians notified about 6.2% of their hepatitis A patients. 5.1% of the notifications to the district health office were sent twice or more, usually both by the physicians and labs.

The official data on hepatitis A morbidity, based on passive surveillance, are considerably underestimated. Physicians and public health officials should be aware that such data may not accurately reflect the magnitude of the risk or the amount of disease that can be prevented. Efforts should be made to improve this situation.

Knowledge and Practice of Primary Care Physicians Relating to Streptococcal Pharyngitis

S. Leshem, H. Tabenkin, E. Dan, A. Tamir

Family Medicine Dept., Emek Medical Center and Northern District of Kupat Holim; and Northern Branch of Specialization Institute, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba

Knowledge and practice of primary care physicians as to diagnosis and treatment of group A, b-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis, and the degree to which they agreed with the medical literature and current clinical guidelines were examined. The study was conducted in a group of 195 general physicians, pediatricians, and family medicine specialists and residents. The data were collected using questionnaires which included personal information and questions relating to b-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis and were analyzed by chi-square and t-tests, and logistic regression, as appropriate. A new dependent variable, good clinical practice (GCP), was defined as the total number of correct answers to the questions in the questionnaire. 147 of the 195 eligible physicians returned completed questionnaires, a compliance rate of 76%.

96.6% cited pV as the drug of choice at a daily dosage of 1 g (43.7%) or 2 g (25.4%), for 10 days (90%). 133 physicians (90%) stated that the goal of penicillin therapy for beta-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis is to prevent late complications. 116 physicians (82%) cited rheumatic fever as a complication of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis, preventable by appropriate antibiotic therapy. However, only 84 (59%) cited glomerulonephritis as a preventable complication.

When the knowledge and attitudes of the respondents was analyzed in terms of the new variable, GCP, a significant association (p<0.001) was found between physicians’ attitudes and variables such as where they had studied medicine, and work seniority. Those with less seniority and or medical graduates of the Americas demonstrated greater knowledge and better clinical judgment than their more senior colleagues and graduates of European and Asian medical schools. Most primary care physicians in northern Israel treat group A b-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis as recommended in the medical literature.

The level of medical studies in Israel and the Americas and the quality of training of residents in family medicine and pediatrics, have a positive influence on the degree of knowledge of as common a subject as b-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis. Emphasis should be placed on continuing medical education among primary care physicians, particularly veteran general physicians and those who studied in European or Asian medical schools.

Recording Nocturnal Erections and Insurance Claims: Cost-Effectiveness

Ron Peled, Giora Pillar, Y. Berger, Naveh Tov, Nir Peled, Peretz Lavie

Sleep Lab, Gutwirth Building, Technion Medical School, Haifa

Road accidents, work accidents, or other trauma can cause impotence and are frequently followed by insurance claims. During 1990-97 we examined 230 males with such a complaint. All underwent full polysomnographic recordings in the sleep laboratory for 2 nights, during the course of which NPT (nocturnal penile tumescence) was examined with special equipment. It was assessed by an experienced technician following planned awakenings from REM sleep.

In 75 of the 230 subjects (33%), satisfactory erections were observed. In 100 (43%), who experienced at least 3 periods of REM sleep, no erections occurred. These patients were categorized as suffering from organic impotence. In the remaining 55 (24%), the results were inconclusive, with only partial erections or not enough REM sleep periods.

Since a man recognized as suffering from impotence may be awarded large monthly payments for life, these examinations, in our opinion, are an important tool to prevent unjustified claims, and can save the state unnecessary expenses.
 

Epidural Spinal Abscess

E. Tamir, Y. Mirovsky, N. Halperin

Orthopedics Dept., Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin

A 42-year-old man was admitted for fever and severe low back pain radiating to both legs. On MRI, an epidural spinal abscess from S1 to D10 was seen. Treatment included laminectomy, drainage of the abscess and antibiotics. Recovery was complete without neurological damage. Increased awareness of this disease may lead to diagnosis and treatment.

Use of Restraints in a General Hospital

Bella Bar-Cohen, Orly Rotem-Picker, Zvi Stern

Nursing Services and Administration, Hadassah University Medical Center, Jerusalem

28 in-patient units were surveyed during a 5-day period to determine the extent of the use of physical restraints in hospitalized patients. Information was gathered on the characteristics of restrained patients and indications for use and removal of restraints, patterns and means of restraints, monitoring, and written notations. 31 different patients (6% of those surveyed) were restrained in 13 units during the 5 days of the survey, an average of 15 (3%) daily.

Characteristics of restrained patients were: age 70 and over requiring emergency hospitalization, reduced level of consciousness, limitation of mobility, incontinence, history of 2 or more chronic diseases, requiring multiple drugs, and use of multiple medical devices. Bilateral, soft hand restraints were most often used to prevent patients from removing tubes. Nurses initiated the decision to apply or remove restraints, which were usually removed as the patients' condition improved. Written policies were lacking regarding monitoring and follow-up of restrained patients. Clearly written policies and increased staff awareness of potential hazards may reduce the use of restraints and the length of time they are employed.

Open Reduction and Internal Sternal Fracture Fixation

Y. Kluger, Y. Paz, N. Gebart, B. Sagie, A. Kremer

Rabin Trauma Center and Dept. of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tel Aviv-Souraski Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

We describe a 63-year-old woman who sustained a sternal fracture after a motor vehicle crash. Due to persistent pain, open reduction and internal fixation of the sternal fracture were performed; recovery was uneventful.

Epidemiology of Invasive Hemophilus Influenzae B Infections in Bedouins and Jews; Conjugate Hib Vaccines

Limor Gortzak-Uzan*, Drora Fraser, Ron Dagan

Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit and Dept. of Epidemiology, Soroka Medical Center and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba

From 1989 to 1996, 139 cases of invasive Hemophilus influenzae B (Hib) infections were identified in children in the Negev, 110 of which occurred before introduction of the conjugate vaccine (1989-92). At that time there were 60.5 cases of Hib per 100,000 in the Negev among children under 5 years of age. During 1995-1996, when Hib conjugate vaccine was part of the regular immunization program, Hib decreased to 6.5 cases per 100,000 in that age group. The effectiveness of PRP-OMP vaccine was 96.5% among Jews and 89% among Bedouins, and the efficacy of the immunization program was 99.99%. This degree of success exceeded all expectations based on the literature. During the whole study period, Hib infections were more frequent among Bedouins than Jews. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of Hib among Jews in the Negev before and after the vaccine was introduced. Hib among Bedouins in the Negev was significantly more frequent than in the Israeli population as a whole before the vaccine was introduced. That gap narrowed after the vaccine was introduced because of the decrease in morbidity among the 2 groups.

* Medical student.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone in Azoospermia in Prediction of Spermatogenic Patterns

David B. Weiss, Shoshana Gottschalk-Sabag, Zvi Zukerman, Elchanan Bar-On, Zvi Kahana

Kupat Holim Me'uhedet; and Dept. of Pathology and Cytology and Male Infertility Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem; Andrology Unit, Rabin Medical Center (Beilinson Campus), Petah Tikva; and Paper Research Consultant Institute, Jerusalem

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is considered to be the most important plasma hormone correlated with spermatogenesis. Elevated FSH plasma levels were shown to be associated with complete damage to testicular seminiferous tubule germinal epithelium. Recently, there have been conflicting reports with regard to the value of FSH plasma levels in predicting seminiferous tubule histology in the azoospermic patient and hence, as a guide for therapy in assisted reproduction using testicular sperm retrieval. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether FSH plasma levels can predict spermatogenic pattern in the testes of the azoospermic infertile patient. 69 infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia and 18 with very severe oligospermia were studied. In all, plasma levels of testosterone, free testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone were measured by enzyme immunoassay. In the azoospermic patients the seminiferous tubule spermatogenic pattern was determined in testicular aspirates obtained by multiple fine needle aspiration and categorized according to the most mature spermatogenic cell type in the aspirates: Sertoli cells only, spermatogenic maturation arrest or full spermatogenesis. There were no significant differences in plasma levels of any hormone measured except in very severely oligospermic and azoospermic patients. Both normal and elevated levels were detected in all, regardless of seminiferous tubule cytological pattern or plasma FSH in azoospermic patients. It is concluded that plasma levels of FSH can not be used as a predictive parameter, neither for the presence of spermatozoa nor for any other seminiferous tubule cytological pattern in azoospermic infertile men. They cannot serve as guides for selection of azoospermic men for trials of testicular sperm retrieval in assisted reproduction.

Pheochromocytoma Multi-Organ Crisis: Nonseptic Hyperthermia and Shock

Michael Y. Shapira, Elena Zuckerman, Taufic Zuebi, Oded Jurim

Divisions of Medicine and Surgery, Hadassah-University Hospital; Geriatrics Dept.; Herzog Hospital, Jerusalem; and Dept. of Medicine, Yoseftal Hospital, Eilat

Pheochromocytoma usually presents with nonspecific symptoms such as headache, palpitation, chest pain and hypertension. We present a 48-year-old woman hospitalized due to a pheochromocytoma multi-organ crisis (PMC). It consists of a tetrad of symptoms: multi-organ failure, hyperthermia, encephalopathy and unstable blood pressure. Distinguishing PMC from septic shock may be difficult, and requires needs a high clinical index of suspicion.

Viagra, the First Oral Treatment for Impotence

Y. Assouline-Dayan, Y. Levi, Y. Shoenfeld

Medical Dept B, Chaim Sheba Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Impotence, a common problem especially among older men, can now be treated with Viagra, This oral pill, unlike previous approved treatments mostly involving local injections, does not directly cause penile erection, but increases response to sexual stimulation. It acts by enhancing the relaxant effects of nitric acid on smooth muscle, and thus increases blood flow to certain areas of the penis, leading to erection. It has been evaluated in many randomized trials and in all was more successful in inducing erection than placebos. The most common side-effects include headache, flushing and indigestion, but there have also been reports of fatalities.

We describe a 75-year-old man who had an acute myocardial infraction in the past and who had maturity-onset diabetes and hypertension. In the week prior to admission he had a cardiac scan following a few weeks of exacerbation of anginal pain for which he had been taking nitrites. He took a Viagra pill without prescription or medical advice and 2 hours later, during intercourse with his wife, developed audible respiratory distress and lost consciousness. His wife started cardiac massage but not mouth-to-mouth breathing. The emergency team found ventricular fibrillation and gave 5 electrical shocks and amines and atropine. He remained unconscious, but his pulse returned and he was hospitalized. He then had several generalized convulsions treated with IV valium. 20 minutes after admission there was asystole and all attempts at resuscitation failed.

Cardiovascular status must be considered prior to prescribing Viagra, and the associated risk evaluated.

Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy

Boaz Moskovitz, Shahar Madjar, Sarel Halachmi, Ofer Nativ

Dept. of Urology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa

The effectiveness of transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) for benign prostatic hypertrophy in poor surgical risk patients (ASA class IV) with indwelling catheters, was assessed. All had had an indwelling catheter for 1-12 months. Removal of the catheter was possible in 14 out of the 24 (58.3%). Urinary peak flow rates were 12.2±3.5 ml/sec at 3 months of follow-up and post-voiding residual urine volumes of less than 50 ml were recorded in 13 catheter-free patients. Our data suggest that TUMT is an effective procedure for management of high risk patients with indwelling catheters in whom surgery or anesthesia are contraindicated.

Oncogenetic Counseling and Genetic Testing of Those at High Risk for Breast and Ovarian Cancer

Livia Theodor, Ronit Shiri-Sverdlov, Galit Hirsch Yechezkel, Revital Bruchim Bar-Sade, Eva Gak, Irit Friedman, Anna Kruglikova, Gilad Ben-Baruch, Shulamit Risel, Moshe Z. Papa, Boleslav Goldman, Eitan Friedman

Oncogenetics Unit, Dept. of Clinical Epidemiology, Institute of Genetics, and Gynecology, Oncology, and Surgical Depts., Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer

There is inherited predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer in 5-10% of all women with these diseases. Germline mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 presumably account for most of the genetically susceptible individuals. We summarize 2 years of experience in counseling and testing for inherited predisposition to these cancers.

597 women (from 320 families) have been evaluated since August 1995. 242 were evaluated for inherited predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer. One-third had clear-cut evidence of familial background. 74 families were of Ashkenazi origin; the age range of breast cancer was 30-35, of ovarian cancer 40-45. In 80% of families other cancers were also noted in first degree family members, including lung, colon, and prostate cancer and leukemia.

Genetic testing revealed that 45% of affected and 25% of unaffected women were carriers of a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2: 67/90 185delAG (BRCA1), 12/90 6174delT (BRCA2), and 4/90 of 5382insC (BRCA1). In addition, a novel mutation in exon 11 of BRCA1 was detected, carried by 7/90 women. The experience gained in oncogenetic counseling and genetic testing for inherited cancer predisposition will eventually enable determining an optimal, rational therapeutic regimen in carriers of mutations.