Relationship between Occupation and Clinical Characteristics during Pregnancy and Recommendation to Stop Working

S. Gazit-Nissim, E. Sheiner, M. Mazor, I. Shoham-Vardi

Depts. of Epidemiology and Health Services Evaluation, and of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba

We examined the relationship between occupation and clinical characteristics during pregnancy and medical recommendations to stop working. Using a case-control design, we compared 58 working women who had preterm births, with 126 who had delivered at term. All women were interviewed postpartum while still in hospital.

There were no differences between the groups with regard to physical activity outside the home, weekly work hours, nor duration of work. Only a small proportion had been exposed to unusually difficult working conditions, to hazardous agents or to a very uncomfortable working environment. Women who had had preterm births were advised more often to leave their jobs or modify their working patterns. Multivariate analysis revealed that the physician's decision to recommend cessation of work was influenced primarily by complications during the current pregnancy.

It appears that our patients at risk for preterm birth are probably correctly identified, and receive appropriate guidelines as to working patterns. It is possible that a poor obstetric history or previous abortions may paradoxically have a protective effect, as they influence the physician to recommend cessation of work.

Physicians' Reminders Promote Annual Fecal Occult Bloodtesting Compliance

Shlomo Vinker, Vardina Shumla, Eliezer Kitai

Family Medicine Dept., Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Screening for the early detection of colorectal cancer using the fecal occult blood test has been shown to be effective in reducing mortality. In Israel family physicians recommend that their patients, aged 50-75, have the test performed annually. But compliance with testing in the general population has been poor.

We therefore studied this issue in 3 primary care facilities, in 384 patients, average age 62.7‏6.9 years; 81 (21.1%) performed the fecal occult blood test. Performance rates were significantly lower (13.9%) in those aged 50-59 (p = 0.0003), as compared wh those aged 60-69 and 70-75 (24.3% and 24.7%, respectively). Compliance rates of the patients of different physicians varied as well.

Recommendation of family physicians led to overall compliance of 21.1%. Additional efforts are needed to increase compliance in order to decrease colorectal cancer morbidity and mortality in Israel.

Diabetes and Premature Delivery: Etiology and Risk Factors 

Avi Beigelman, Arnon Wiznitzer, Ilana Shoham-Vardi, Hilel Vardi, Gershon Holtcberg, Moshe Mazor

Depts. of Obstetrics and Gynecology and of Epidemiology and Health Services Evaluation, Soroka Medical Center and Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba

Preterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality, while preterm labor and delivery in diabetes mellitus (DM) carries an increased risk of perinatal complications. We investigated the hypothesis that DM (gestational and pregestational) is an independent risk factor for preterm birth and evaluated the hypothesis that the risk factors for preterm birth in diabetics are different from those in non-diabetics.

The study population consisted of all singleton deliveries at this hospital between 1990-1997. Excluded were those of mothers who had not had prenatal care, or who had only partial care or multiple gestations. There were 3 subgroups: 834 women with pregestational DM, 3,841 with gestational DM, and 66,253 non-diabetics.

The combined spontaneous and induced preterm delivery rate was determined in each subgroup. Potential risk factors for spontaneous preterm deliveries were assessed by a univariate model. A logistic regression model was used to assess the unique contribution of DM (gestational and pregestational) to preterm delivery in the presence of the other risk factors, and to compare risk factors for preterm delivery between subgroups.

The prevalence of spontaneous preterm delivery was: 7.1% in non-diabetics, 10.0% in those with gestational DM and 25.5% in those with pregestational DM. When adjusted by a multivariate model for other risk factors for preterm delivery, DM still remained an independent risk factor for spontaneous preterm delivery (gestational DM: odds ratio 1.28, 95% CI: 1.1-1.48; pregestational diabetes: odds ratio 3.4, 95% CI: 2.65-4.36).

The main difference in risk factors for preterm birth between the 3 subgroups was the amount of amniotic fluid. Polyhydramnios was an independent risk factor for preterm delivery in non-diabetics and in pregestational DM, but not in gestational DM. On the other hand, oligohydramnios was associated with a higher risk for preterm delivery only in gestational DM compared to non-diabetics.

DM (gestational and pregestational) is an independent risk factor for spontaneous preterm delivery. Polyhydramnios is an independent risk factor for preterm delivery in pregestational but not in gestational DM. Oligohydramnios is a greater risk factor for preterm delivery in gestational DM compared to non-diabetics.

Thallium Scan and Pulmonary Carcinoma 

Adam Mor, Amit Segev, Rami Herskoviz, Yoseph A. Mekori

Dept. of Medicine B, Meir General Hospital, Kfar Saba Affiliated with Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv

A 70-year-old man was admitted for exacerbation of congestive heart failure. In his assessment thallium scan of the heart was performed. An incidental finding was a focus of absorption in the right lung. The lesion was later diagnosed as adenocarcinoma based on the cytological findings.

Tacrolimus does not Accentuate Hepatic Damage due to Hypoperfusion 

Ron Ben Abraham, Ivgeni Isartal, Richard Nakache, Vallery Rudick, Daniel Ogorek, Gideon Paret, Avi Weinbroum

Dept. of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Organ Transplantation and Postoperative Care Units, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center; and Pediatric Intensive Care Units, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer; and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Deterioration of hepatic function following liver transplantation is a known complication, sometimes attributed to the use of cyclosporin A. Reaction to tacrolimus (Prograf), a relatively new and effective immunosuppressant drug, is thought to result in a much lower grade of organ dysfunction, especially in the transplanted liver.

Using the ex-vivo rat model of isolated perfused liver, we evaluated hepatocellular damage and oxygen extraction when tacrolimus was administered following liver hypoperfusion. Tacrolimus did not worsen hepatic dysfunction caused by the hypoperfusion. Therefore using tacrolimus in the perioperative period might be safer than cyclosporin A, which tends to worsen hepatic damage in the presence of hypoperfusion.

Color Doppler Imaging of Central Retinal Artery in Retinopathy of Prematurity

Alon Harris, Hanna J. Garzozi, Mira Harris-Izhak, Nir Shoham, Daniel R. Holland

Depts. of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis and of HaEmek Medical Center, Afula; and Eye Health Northwest, Portland, Oregon

Color Doppler imaging (CDI) is a noninvasive technique, combining 2-dimensional brightness-modulated (B-mode) ultrasound evaluation of eye and orbital structures, with simultaneous color-coded Doppler imaging of orbital blood flow. It has been used to characterize various ophthalmic disorders in adults. Currently there is no data describing orbital blood flow parameters in either normal children or in those with ophthalmic disease, such as the retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

We evaluated blood flow in the central retinal artery of preterm infants undergoing examination for ROP. We also investigated whether useful readings could be obtained on a consistent basis, and the reproducibility of differences in central retinal artery blood flow between subjects with and without ROP (including the influence of "plus" disease).

We obtained hemodynamic readings in 43 of 46 eyes of preterm infants. 13 eyes had no signs of ROP; 18 had ROP (at least stage 1) without "plus" disease, and 12 had ROP with "plus" disease. There were no statistically significant differences in systolic blood flow velocity within the 3 groups. However the average velocity was slower in the "plus" disease group, correlating with the clinical finding of dilated and tortuous blood vessels which characterize the posterior retina of ROP eyes with "plus" disease.

Man in a Hot Climate - Early Studies of the Institute of Military Physiology 

Ezra Sohar, Yair Shapiro, Yoram Epstein

Institute of Military Medicine, Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces and Heller Institute of Medical Research, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer

In the 1950's many IDF soldiers were hospitalized for heat stroke - about 25% of whom died. Analyzing these cases revealed that commanders misinterpreted human ability to perform in the heat and ignored basic concepts of fluid and electrolyte balance and heat load.

In the early 1960's a series of studies was conducted with regard to soldiers' performance in the heat. The first study (1959), which later became a classic, was conducted during a 21-day march from Eilat to Metula, crossing all climatic zones of Israel. The study was followed by other investigations which approached the issues of voluntary dehydration, fluid consumption vs sweat loss, salt additives, and the effect of heat load on performance.

Based on these early studies, proper regulations were issued to field officers. Over the years, the lessons learned from these studies saved many lives. The number of cases of heat stroke and of other climate-related injuries was dramatically reduced, and performance was enhanced.

Acipimox as a Secondary Hypolipidemia in Combined Hypertriglyceridemia and Hyperlipidemia

D. Yeshurun, H. Hamood, N. Morad, J. Naschitz

Hyperlipidemia Clinic, Dept. of Medicine A, Bnai-Zion Medical Center, and Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa

32 patients with hypertriglyceridemia, excessive hypertri- glyceridemia, and combined hyperlipidemia, were treated with the nicotinic acid derivative acipimox (Olbetam). First line treatment with bezafibrate, or statins in some with combined hyperlipidemia, had failed. In 10 acipimox was discontinued due to side effects or absence of clinical response. The other 22 completed 6 months of treatment with no side effects.

Acipimox caused a significant 54% decrease in triglyceride levels, a 23% decrease in total cholesterol, and a 12% increase in HDL-cholesterol. LDL-cholesterol was difficult to calculate because of the high triglyceride levels, so no results are presented.

Although acipimox was much better tolerated than nicotinic acid, it also had side effects, but fewer. Acipimox can therefor be used as a second-line drug, mainly in those with combined hyperlipidemia and hypertriglyceridemia.

Preflight Assessment by Hypoxic Inhalation Test in Cardio-Pulmonary Patients 

J. Lebzelter, G. Fink, E. Kleinman, I. Rosenberg, M.R. Kramer

Pulmonology Institute, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tikva

Flying may expose passengers to hypoxic conditions, which may induce hypoxemia, particularly in those with chronic heart and/or lung disease. Onset of dyspnea, wheezing, chest pain, cyanosis and right heart failure can lead to urgent need for oxygen during flight. The hypoxia inhalation test (HIT) provides a safe and simple means of identifying those who may develop hypoxemia during flight.

We report our experience with 48 self-reporting patients who underwent HIT prior to pre-planned air travel. They inhaled for 15-minute periods a reduced oxygen concentration (F₁O₂ 15%) under normobaric conditions, during which O₂ saturation was monitored by pulse oximeter; electrocardiogram, blood pressure and symptoms were also monitored. O₂ saturation of 85% (PaO₂ 50 mm Hg) was considered a positive test. In the 8 cases (17%) with a positive test, 5 had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 3 had cardiovascular and/or combined heart-lung disease.

We calculated predicted O₂ partial pressure in altitude (PaO₂ ALT) and compared it to actual results in the 8 patients with a positive HIT. In 5, use of the predicted formula would have under-diagnosed the hypoxemia that developed during the HIT. Thus, the results of the HIT changed treatment strategy in these patients. We recommend that patients with positive tests use O₂ (2LPM or 4LPM) during flight.

HIT is practical and of potential benefit in the objective assessment of patients with various degrees of heart, lung or combined heart-lung disease. Clinicians should be aware of the relative risk of hypoxia during flight in such patients, and of the value of HIT in identifying them, leading to increase in its use.

Relationship Between Preterm Birth and Exertion During Pregnancy

S. Gazit-Nissim, E. Sheiner, M. Mazor, I. Shoham-Vardi

Depts. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Epidemiology and of Health Services Evaluation, Soroka-University Medical Center, and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba

The relationship between physical activity at home and at work during pregnancy and preterm birth was studied. Using a case-control design, 99 women who delivered preterm were compared with 189 women who had term deliveries. The risk of preterm birth was tested in relation to characteristics of work in and outside the home. All women were interviewed post-partum before discharge.

There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in relation to sociodemographic and obstetrical factors, but level of education was significantly lower in the study group versus the control group (p=0.001).

Women who delivered preterm had devoted less time 3 months prior to delivery to household chores (mean of 3.7 hours vs. 4.8 hours in the control group, p=0.002). They also had spent less time walking around the home than the controls (1.2 vs. 1.5 hours, p=0.02). There were no differences between the groups in relation to physical activity outside the home, not during working hours, nor in duration of work. Significantly fewer women who delivered preterm were active in sports (odds ratio 0.22; 95% confidence interval 0.50-0.65; p=0.002).

A low level of education was significantly related to the risk of preterm birth, which may have resulted from lesser compliance with their physician's recommendations. It appears that in women not used to significant physical activity but who had access to adequate prenatal care, physical effort during pregnancy was not related to a higher risk of preterm birth.

Favorable Outcome of Hyperacute Epidural Hematoma in an Octogenarian

A. Rakier, I. Orlovsky, M. Feinsod

Center for Applied Research in Head Injuries, Neurosurgery Dept. Rambam Medical Center, and B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, The Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa

Acute epidural hematoma is very rare in the elderly after head injury. It is usually associated with extremely high mortality or severe disability. In an 87-year-old woman a large, hyperacute, epidural hematoma was diagnosed. She was treated promptly and enjoyed an uneventful, complete recovery. This exceptional case should encourage an intensive approach even in seemingly minor head trauma in the elderly.

Cilazapril for Essential Hypertension Treated in the Community 

Reuven Zimlichman

Dept. of Medicine and Hypertension Institute, Wolfson Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

In a multicenter study in community clinics, 413 patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension were treated with cilazapril (Vasocase), 2.5 mg daily. Patients had either been untreated or had developed side-effects from previous antihypertensive treatment. When response was inadequate the dose was either increased to 5 mg or another antihypertensive medication was added, or both.

Treatment significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Pulse rate decreased significantly from the second month of treatment onwards. At the end of the 3rd month of treatment blood pressure was normalized or had decreased by more than 10 mmHg in 91.9% of patients. Physicians' evaluations revealed improvement in 62%; patients' self-evaluations suggested improvement in 61%. Efficacy was equal in all age groups and in both obese and nonobese patients. Antihypertensive response was superior in those with normal renal function. Side-effects were rare and similar to those reported in the literature.

Phenobarbital Coma for Psychogenic Status Epilepticus

A. Taliansky, U. Kramer, M.Y. Neufeld

EEG and Epilepsy Unit, Dept. of Neurology and Neuropediatric Unit, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center

Among patients seen for epileptic seizures, there is a subgroup of those who do not have epilepsy but suffer from psychogenic paroxysmal events which mimic epileptic seizures. The differential diagnosis between them is of the utmost importance, as incorrect diagnosis of seizures subjects the patient to incorrect management. In the case psychogenic status epilepticus, the treatment may endanger the patient.

We report 3 women, aged 20, 20 and 28 and a man aged 24 with psychogenic status epilepticus admitted to an intensive care unit and treated by induction of phenobarbital coma when other antiepileptic medication failed.

Early Detection of Glaucoma by a Mobile Unit

S. Kurtz, M. Goldenfeld, S. Melamed

Sam Rothberg Glaucoma Center, Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer

Glaucoma, the third leading cause of blindness in the western world, is characterized by painless, gradual loss of visual fields which may lead to severe visual impairment or even blindness. In 4 years of operation of a mobile glaucoma unit for screening and early diagnosis of glaucoma, 10,037 subjects aged 18-95 years were screened (4504 women, 45%); 55% were under 50 years (Graph 1).

Ocular hypertension was diagnosed in 8.0%; primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in 0.8%, with 2/3 already under treatment, the rest newly diagnosed. Pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma was diagnosed in 0.2%; only 2 cases had closed angle glaucoma; 91% of those screened were normal (Fig. 4; age stratification, Graph 3).

POAG increased with age, from 0.2% in those under 40 years to 10% in those over 80; POAG was more common in men, but OHT was similar in both sexes (6.0% vs. 5.3%). There was no correlation between incidence of POAG and place of work except in the Sorek Nuclear Center (1.9% vs. 0.8%, p=0.11). Other conditions significantly more frequent in POAG than normals were diabetes mellitus (x 2.5), systemic hypertension (x 4), myopia (x 2) and history of intraocular surgery (x 6).

Progressive Ptosis in Children as a Presenting Sign of Kearns-Sayre Syndrome 

Ron Gal, Eli Lahat

Pediatric Neurology Unit, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Mitochondrial encephalopathies represent a heterogeneous group of various neurological syndromes caused by defects in mitochondrial metabolism. All clinical syndromes can be subdivided by type of biochemical defect into 3 subgroups: defective oxidation, defects in pyruvate metabolism and various defects in the respiratory chain.

We present a 12-year-old girl admitted for evaluation of progressive ptosis over a period of 3 years, diagnosed as having the rare mitochondrial encephalopathy, Kearns-Sayre syndrome.