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%.

Relapse of Sarcoidosis after Alternative Medical Treatment

Georgy Edelson, Yair Levy, Yehuda Shoenfeld

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

Reference to alternative medicine frequently appears in newspaper headlines, advertisements and in articles in medical journals. The practice of alternative medicine has increased, even as the number of critical articles warning of deleterious effects have also increased. Public demand is strong and growing, but there are no clear rules as to what is not permissible, particularly when treatment is not by qualified physicians. There are still no clear indications and contra-indications for complementary (not alternative) medicine in patients with organic injuries and life-threatening conditions. However, it is obvious that in these patients complementary medicine should not be substituted for conventional therapy.

We present a 32-year-old man with sarcoidosis who discontinued conventional therapy on his own initiative and began alternative medicine (homeopathy) with subsequent deterioration in his condition. He was hospitalized for a relapse of his sarcoidosis which required large doses of corticosteroids.

Retroperitoneoscopic Lumbar Sympathectomy

D. Seror, O Zamir, D. Eimerl, H.R. Freund

Depts. of Surgery and Anesthesia, Hadassah University Hospital, Mount Scopus and Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem

We present our initial experience with retroperitoneoscopic lumbar sympathectomy in a series of 5 men aged 25-45 years. 3 suffered from ischemia of the lower limbs due to Buerger's disease, 1 had severe reflex sympathetic dystrophy and 1 had vasculitis with severe, non-healing lower leg ulcers.

The right retroperitoneal space was developed with a dissecting balloon-trocar introduced via a small lateral muscle- splitting flank incision. 2 additional 5 mm trocars were used for instrumentation and clipping. L2-L3 or L3-L4 ganglia were resected; mean operating time was 120 minutes. Only oral analgesics were needed for postoperative pain control and oral food intake was resumed the following morning. The procedure was successful in all and was without complications. Mean hospital stay was 2 days.

All patients reported significant relief of ischemia or dystrophic pain and/or improvement in trophic changes in the extremities. In the patient with leg ulcers, the largest was successfully covered with a skin graft. The retroperitoneoscopic approach to lumbar sympathectomy successfully combines the advantages of minimal invasive surgery and the reliability and effectiveness of well-established open sympathectomy.

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.

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.

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.

ACE Gene Polymorphism in a Diabetic Cohort and Diabetic Nephropathy

Orna Levinson, Shmuel Oren, Chana Yagil, Marina Sapojnikov, Alexander Wechsler, Rosanna Bloch, Yoram Yagil

Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba and Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon

The renin-angiotensin system is thought to play an important role in the pathophysiology of kidney disease in diabetes. Previous studies have shown a possible association between the D allele of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene, known to be associated with higher circulating levels of ACE, and increased risk of developing nephropathy in NIDDM. The present study investigated the distribution of ACE gene genotypes in the general population and patients with NIDDM, the association between the D allele and diabetic nephropathy, and the association between the ACE genotype and involvement of other target organs in NIDDM. The ACE genotype (insertion/deletion I/D) was determined in all subjects, subsequently divided into 3 groups based on their polymorphism (DD, DI and II). The presence of nephropathy was defined by an albumin-creatinine ratio of 30 mg/g or greater (mean of 2 first morning urine samples).

In the general population most had the D allele (DD or ID) and a minority the II genotype. There was no association between genotype and hypertension, ischemic heart disease, hyperlipidemia, and cerebrovascular or peripheral vascular disease. In diabetics the genotype distribution was not different from that in the general population. Within the diabetic group, there was no association between genotype and hypertension, hyperlipidemia, duration of diabetes, or HbA1C levels. Nephropathy, found in 81 of the 156 with NIDDM, was not associated with genotype. Diabetic nephropathy was not associated with retinopathy, neuropathy, or ischemic heart, cerebrovascular or peripheral vascular disease. We conclude that in the population sampled, there was no association between the D allele of the ACE gene and the risk of developing nephropathy in NIDDM.

Depression Scale for Research in and Identification of Postpartum Depression

Saralee Glasser, Vita Barell

Health Services Research Unit, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a relatively frequent and serious condition, with negative consequences for the mother, her infant, and the family. From research and clinical experience in many countries, it has been found that PPD can be identified early, and women at risk for developing PPD can be identified before delivery in the framework of primary health care service. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) has been found valid for this purpose, both in the original English version, and in translation to numerous languages. The Hebrew translation of the EPDS is presented, and it is recommended that Israeli researchers use the same translation to facilitate accumulation of knowledge regarding the epidemiology of PPD and intervention strategies in various Israeli population groups, and for comparison with data from other countries.

Interactive Effects of Perinatal Co-Infection with Hepatitis B and HIV Viruses

Galia Soen-Grisaru, Asher Barzilai

Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

We report the case study of a 1-year-old girl who was perinatally infected with both hepatitis B (HBV) and HIV viruses. The clinical presentation and treatment are described. We examined the interaction between the 2 viruses and the possible effects of the interaction on the development of each virus and on treatment. Our findings demonstrate that combined HIV and HBV infections intensified deterioration, as the HBV liver disease aggravated the HIV infection. The medication of choice was Lamivudine, since it prevents the transcription of both viruses.

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.

Polyneuropathy in Critical Illness

M. Mouallem, A. Adunsky, H. Semo, M. Dolgopiat

Depts. of Medicine E, Geriatrics, and Neurological Rehabilitation, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Critical illness polyneuropathy developed in 8 patients aged 22-84 years in our intensive care units. This acute polyneuropathy, predominantly axonal and motor, develops in the setting of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multi-organ failure. It is found in about 50% of patients treated in intensive care units for more than 2 weeks. In those who survive, neurological and functional recovery is the rule.

Malignant Nodular Hidradenoma (Sweat Gland Tumor)

Anat Engel, Yaron Bar-Dayan, Santiago Engelberg, Yair Levi

Depts. of Medicine B, Pathology, and Disease Research Unit, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Malignanhidradenoma is a very rare tumor that originates from sweat glands. We present a 61-year-old man with an ulcerated tumor in his right flank, 4 cm in diameter, that was excised with a wide free margin. Histopathologic study showed an ill-defined, epithelial neoformation, formed by lobules of clear polygonal cells in the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue, diagnosed as malignant nodular hidradenoma.

1.5 years after excision there was enlargement of the right axillary and inguinal lymph nodes, which showed metastatic, adnexal neoplastic cells. Axillary resection and superficial dissection of the right inguinal nodes were performed. After 3 months the tumor had spread to other lymph nodes and acute obstructive renal failure required insertion of a pig-tail catheter into the right ureter. Radiotherapy was followed by chemo-therapy, but he died from end-stage metastatic disease in multi-organ failure.

Laparoscopic Treatment of Small Bowel Obstruction Caused by Adhesions

S. Kyzer, Y. Aloni, I. Charuzi

Surgery Unit B, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon

We describe our experience in 14 patients operated on for small bowel obstruction, who underwent laparoscopic adhesiolysis. In 13 (93%) the obstruction was relieved and only 1 case required conversion to open operation. Bowel activity usually resumed within 24-48 hours, and there were no remarkable intraoperative and postoperative complications. During follow-up none developed recurrent obstruction.

Our experience demonstrates that laparoscopic adhesiolysis is a valid therapeutic option. Additional experience is needed to determine which types of cases are suitable for the procedure.

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.