תוצאת חיפוש

Multicenter Community-Based Trial of Amlodipine in Hypertension

C. Yosefy, J.R. Viskoper, Y. Leshem, Y. Rav-Hon, G.I. Rosenberg, E. Yaskil

(Representing the 39 Investigators of Project AML-IL-95-001, WHO Collaborative Center for Prevention of CV Diseases) Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba; Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon; Hypertension Clinic, Kupat Holim Afula; Statistics Consulting Unit, Haifa University; and Promedico Ltd., Petah Tikva

The safety and efficacy of Amlodipine (AML) for mild to moderate hypertension was evaluated in a "real life" setting. This open non-comparative trial included 123 men and 143 women (age 30-91 years, mean 59.4). All had sitting diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between 95 and 115 mmHg, confirmed in most by 2 baseline measurements, 2 weeks apart.

Eligible patients were given AML 5 mg daily as add-on or monotherapy and were evaluated 4 weeks later. If DBP was then >90 mmHg, the daily dose was raised to 10 mg; those with <90 mmHg remained on 5 mg. AML was continued for 8 weeks. Other BP-lowering drugs were unchanged.

Of the original 266 patients 22 (8.2%) withdrew due to adverse events (AE), and others were protocol violators, lost to follow-up or withdrew, leaving 211 available for efficacy analysis. In this major group BP was reduced from 165±15/101±4 to 139±11/83±5 after 12 weeks of AML (p<0.05). The reduction was greater in those under 70 years, from 173±12/100±5 to 142±12/80±4 (p<0.05). In those with BMI>30 kg/m², BP decreased from 165±15/101±5 to 140±12/83±5 (p<0.05).

Mean change in heart rate was -1.5 bpm (p<0.05). Mean final AML dose was 5.5 mg/day. The most common AML-related AE requiring cessation of the drug was pedal edema in 2.6% of the 266 patients; in 3.7% it persisted during therapy. Other AE occurring in >1% were dizziness in 1.8%, headache 1.5%, flushing 1.1% and fatigue 1.1%.

We conclude that AML is an effective and well-tolerated antihypertensive suitable for most hypertensive patients.

Limited Percutaneous Surgical Drainage in Severe Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Low Birth Weight Prematures

Robert Finaly, Zahavi Cohen, Vadim Kapuller, Agneta Golan, Edna Kurtzbart, Abraham Mares

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

The usual treatment of complicated neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is resection of the necrotic bowel, lavage of the peritoneal cavity and diversion enterostomy. Low-birth-weight premature neonates with this condition are in special danger if general anesthesia and full exploratory surgery is contemplated.

A relatively simple alternate procedure is percutaneous insertion under local anesthesia of a soft abdominal drain, most often in the right lower quadrant. The procedure is done in the neonatal intensive care unit without moving the whole set-up to the operating room.

4 such cases have been treated within the past year. 3 were discharged home as they did not require additional surgical treatment, not having developed intestinal stenosis or obstruction. 1 recovered from the acute episode, but succumbed to a severe intraventricular hemorrhage and respiratory failure 7 days after the procedure.

Our limited but most gratifying experience, in addition to similar experience of others, encourages us to recommend this simple surgical approach in the very sick low-birth-weight premature with fulminant NEC.

Malignant Lymphoma of the Bladder

Y. Mor, Z. Dotan, J.H. Pinthus, I.S. Engelberg, J. Golomb, J. Ramon

Depts. of Urology and Pathology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer

Urinary tract lymphoma is usually reported when the secondarily stem is affected by widespread non-Hodgkin lymphoma. We describe an 83-year-old woman who presented with secondary lymphoma of the bladder 3 years after diagnosis when it initially infiltrated her breast. Treatment included local transurethral excision followed by chemotherapy, during which she died of disseminated disease.

Nerve Palsies Following Prolonged Use of Limb Tourniquets

G. Volpin, R. Said, W. Simri, B. Grimberg, M. Daniel

Depts. of Orthopedic Surgery and Neurology, Western Galilee Hospital, Nahariya

Nerve paralysis following the use of tourniquets, regular or pneumatic, for limb surgery is rare. We describe a 19-year-old male soldier who had tourniquets applied for 3 1/4 hours to his arm and both legs due to penetrating injuries. As a result, he suffered palsy of the radial nerve and both common peroneal nerves. Nerve palsy in such cases has not been described in the literature. It is not clear whether the cause is direct mechanical pressure on the nerve, nerve ischemia, or a combination of both.

We recommend that tourniquets should not be used continuously for more than 2 hours. If evacuation of the injured is delayed, the medical team should consider loosening tourniquets for short intervals or changing for a pressure bandage. This is providing the patient's condition is stable and bleeding does not start again on release of the tourniquet.

Ilizarov Reconstructive Surgery in Complex Problems of the Musculoskeletal System

H. Shtarker, G. Volpin, A. Lerner, H. Stein, S. Wientroub, D. Hendel

Depts. of Orthopedic Surgery, Western Galilee Hospital, Naharyia, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Dana Children Hospital, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, and Rabin Medical Center (Golda Campus, and Hasharon Hospital), Petah Tikva

The Ilizarov technique is an important modality of reconstructive surgery for limb deformities, such as malunion and nonunion of fractures, persistent osteomyelitis, and bone loss following complex limb injuries, as well as in limb- lengthening procedures. It has received wide recognition in the Western world over the past decade. In MEDLINE we found 537 articles published between 1971-1995 that describe the use of this technique. Of these, only 18 were published between 1971-1975, while 261 were published between 1991-1995.

The present paper describes the developments and updates in this method, as a result of the large experience gained by the authors in a number of centers in Israel using this technique. The Ilizarov apparatus is a circular frame that allows accurate control, much more than any other external fixator, during correction of limb deformities and limb-lengthening. It is minimally invasive, and open techniques and use of internal hardware and bone grafts are not needed.

Based on our experience, we suggest that this method requires careful preoperative planning and meticulous surgical technique. More important, cooperation between surgeon and patient throughout the lengthy treatment is a prerequisite to ensure complete success, even in the most complicated cases.

Radiologic Appearance of "Falling Gallstones" during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

E. Alkalay, D. Yaffe, Z. Spindel

Eyn Vered Clinic and Depts. of Radiology and Surgery, Sapir Medical Center, Kfar Saba and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the "gold standard" in treating cholelithiasis. Stones are frequently lost in the peritoneal cavity during the procedure, but "missing stones" have been regarded as insignificant. However, there is accumulating evidence that untreated "lost" stones may cause complications even years after operation.

We present a 65-year-old woman who presented with vague complaints, anemia and an elevated ESR. CT scan showed an infiltrating process in extra-abdominal muscles compatible with sarcoma. At operation, 2.5 years after previous laparoscopic cholecystectomy, an abscess was found which contained biliary stones. Because of their small size they were not visible on CT scan. We discuss the possible ways of handling "falling stones."

Bowel-Lengthening in a Newborn with Short Bowel Syndrome

Schmuel Katz, Ilan Erez, Ita Litmanovitz, Ludwig Lazar, Arie Raz, Zipora Dolfin

Depts. of Pediatric Surgery, Neonatology and Pediatrics; Meir Hospital, Kfar Saba

Advances in parenteral nutrition and supportive therapy have led to improvement in survival of babies with short-bowel syndrome. Those whose intestinal mass is very unlikely to be adequate should have surgical therapy as soon as possible, before they develop the complications of long-term parenteral nutrition or significant enteritis.

We present a newborn with short-bowel syndrome due to prenatal midgut volvulus. At operation the remaining viable jejunum, 15 cm long, was anastomosed to the cecum. All feeding attempts failed, and the infant suffered from malabsorption. Calories and proteins had to be supplied by intravenous total parenteral nutrition.

At 3 months of age there was significant widening of the remaining bowel and Bianchi's bowel-lengthening procedure was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful and there was gradual improvement in intestinal absorptive capacity. The patient was weaned from parenteral nutrition at 3 years of age. Now, 2 years later, she eats a normal diet.

The Mitrofanoff Pouch in Lower Urinary Tract Reconstruction

J.H. Pinthus, Y. Mor, J. Ramon

Urology Dept., Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer

The Mitrofanoff principle, first described in 1980, consists of implanting a tubular organ such as the appendix, ureter, or fallopian tube into the wall of the bladder (or urinary reservoir) to create a non-refluxing, catherizable urinary conduit. Between 1993-1996, 7 men and 1 woman (aged 48-64, average 59) underwent radical cystectomy and urethrectomy combined with the creation of a MAINZ I urinary reservoir (based on the Mitrofanoff principle). In men the indication for the procedure was the diagnosis of invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder with involvement of the prostatic urethra. All patients had refused urinary diversion to an ileal conduit because of its deleterious effect on the quality of life.

In all patients the postoperative course was uneventful, apart from intraperitoneal urinary leakage from the reservoir in 1, successfully managed conservatively. The patients have gained full control of urinary drainage, performing intermittent self-catheterizations every 4-5 hours. In 3 patients there were difficulties with catheterization due to stenosis of the conduit, usually at the skin level. None have suffered leakage from the reservoir, during the day, even when it was full.

Our experience shows that creation of a continent urinary reservoir according to the MAINZ I technique is an excellent surgical solution for patients in whom the creation of an orthotopic reservoir is impractical. The use of the umbilicus as a stomal site preserves normal body image and thus does not interfere with quality of life as in those undergoing radical cystectomy.

Empirical Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections in the Delivery Room

Peter Jakobi, Orly Goldstick, Renato Finkelstein, Joseph Itzkovitz-Eldor

Obstetrics and Gynecology Dept. and Infectious Disease Unit, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infection during pregnancy. In prenatal and delivery wards treatment is usually started at once in pregnant women with symptoms suggesting UTI, but there is no uniformity as to treatment. We surveyed such treatment in the delivery rooms throughout Israel, and whether the treatment differed in simple cystitis as opposed to pyelonephritis. Results of positive urine cultures from symptomatic parturients admitted here during 1995-1996 were examined.

There were 17 different empiric treatment protocols in 28 delivery rooms, whose daily cost ranged from 1-119 NIS. We present the antimicrobial sensitivity of 156 bacteria isolated from the urinary cultures from pregnant women in our prenatal ward. Based upon urinary flora, sensitivity and daily cost, we suggest a protocol for empiric treatment. We recommend first and second generation cephalosporins for treatment of simple lower (UTIs), while gentamicin is suggested for treatment of clinical pyelonephritis during pregnancy. There is no medical nor economic justification for the multiplicity of empiric treatment protocols currently used. Considering our results, our protocol is cost-effective for the empiric treatment of UTI in hospitalized parturients and in the community as well.

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.

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.

Experience with Under-Water Birth

Eylon Lachman, Zvi Finelt

Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yoseftal Hospital, Eilat

Underwater birth is now deemed an acceptable type of delivery. Safety is a recurring consideration, the main concern being that of drowning. But in reports of 19,000 underwater births no untoward events were noted. Also, need for pain relief and of intervention during labor were both reduced. The short term indicators of neonatal outcome were good. A recent review explains 5 different physiological factors which inhibit initiation of fetal breathing under warm water. Many studies have shown no increase in risk of infection of either mother or baby. We report our experience with 26 women, 23 of whom actually delivered in the pool with excellent results. We believe that birth under water is safe and beneficial if done properly for low-risk patients.

Terbinafine-Induced Cholestatic Liver Injury

E. Shiloah, M. Horowiz, E. Zecler

Dept. of Medicine C, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin (Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University)

A 43-year-old man presented with weakness, pruritus, skin rash and jaundice 2 weeks after treatment for onychomycosis with terbinafine (Lamisil) was started. Liver function tests showed combined hepatocellular and cholestatic injury. Ultrasound examination, computerized tomography and ERCP excluded extrahepatic obstruction. Serology was negative for HBV, HCV, HAV, CMV, and EBV. Liver biopsy was consistent with drug-induced cholestatic injury. Since the clinical picture did not improve when terbinafine was stopped, corticosteroids were started and resulted in complete clinical and laboratory recovery; liver function tests were normal 8 months after corticosteroids were discontinued.

Therapeutic and Toxic Theophylline Levels in Asthma Attacks

Aliza Zeidman, Joseph Gardyn, Zinaida Fradin, Gershon Fink, Moshe Mittelman

Dept. of Medicine B, Rabin Medical Center, Golda (Hasharon) Campus and Pulmonary Institute, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tikva; and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Although first-line therapy for bronchial asthma has changed over the past decade to anti-inflammatory medication such as inhaled corticosteroids and cromolyn with possible addition of beta-agonists, theophylline is still useful and therefor widely used. However, several studies have raised serious questions regarding its efficacy in acute asthmatic exacerbations. These studies, the narrow therapeutic range of the drug, the frequency of side effects and interactions with common drugs, and individual variation in clearance and metabolism, have prompted its reevaluation in the management of asthma. Therapeutic serum levels of theophylline are between 10 to 20 mcg/ml. Most adults achieve these concentrations with daily slow-release oral theophylline preparations, 200-400 mg (approximately 10 mg/Kg) twice a day. However, when such a patient presents to the emergency room (ER) in an asthmatic attack, immediate intravenous theophylline is often given, regardless of maintenance treatment. Since the rationale for this common therapeutic approach has been challenged, the current study was undertaken. Serum theophylline levels were measured in 23 consecutive asthmatics presenting to the ER in an acute attack. 15 (68%) had therapeutic levels (above 10 mcg/ml) and 2 had toxic levels (above 20 mcg/ml), prior to receiving the standard intravenous theophylline dose given for an attack. These data indicate that most patients with bronchial asthma on oral maintenance theophylline do not require additional intravenous theophylline when in an attack. It probably will not benefit them and may even induce serious theophylline toxicity.