Heart Rate Variability with Spells of Unconsciousness in the Elderly

H. Semo, S. Feldman, A. Adunsky

Dept. of Geriatric Medicine and Neufeld Institute of Cardiology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer

Presyncope, syncope and falls in undetermined circumstances are frequent among the elderly. They may be caused by orthostatic hypotension secondary to autonomic insufficiency. Tilt-tests and determination of catecholamines in serum and urine may establish the diagnosis, but often may not be feasible in these patients.

A simple, indirect, noninvasive technique to assess autonomic insufficiency is analysis of heart rate variability during Holter-monitoring. We present 5 cases in which it proved useful in the investigation of spells of unconsciousness.
 

Long-Term Sequelae of Malignant Tumors in Childhood

N. M. Peretz, H. Goldberg, A. Kuten, I. Meller, E. Krivoi, A. Lorber, L. Bentur, A. Lightman, V. Gorenberg, M. Ben Arush-Weyl

Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Dept., Oncology Center, Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Pulmonology and Gynecology Depts., and Pediatric Endocrinology Unit; Rambam Medical Center and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa; and Orthopedic-Oncology Unit, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center and Tel Aviv University

110 children with malignant diseases (leukemia excepted) who survived 5-20 years (median 9) post-therapy were followed (1996-1998). Median age during follow-up was 15 years (range 5-23). The most common malignancies were brain tumors, lymphoma, retinoblastoma and Wilm's tumor.

The 174 late side-effects included endocrine disorders (19%), cognitive impairment (14%), orthopedic dysfunction (12%), alopecia (12%), dental damage (11%), psychological (8%) and neurological (8%) disturbances, and azoospermia or amenorrhea (5%). There was no cardiac or renal damage and no second malignancy.

29% of side-effects were severe. There was significant reduction in quality of life in 54 (49%), in 27 of whom it was severe enough to require psychological intervention. Treatment of brain tumor caused 98 late side-effects in 28 patients (sequelae-to-patient ratio [SPR] 3.3). Most cognitive, endocrine and neurological disorders, and most cases of alopecia, dental and psychological difficulties were in these patients. There were frequent late complications in those treated for retinoblastoma (SPR 1.8), and bone or soft tissue sarcomas (SPR 0.8). Those treated for Wilm's tumor had few side-effects (SPR 0.4).

Late side effects were most frequent after radiation, reaching as high as SPR 2.4. It averaged only 0.5 in those treated with chemotherapy alone or in combination with surgery.

Reduction of late side-effects in these patients requires using less toxic modalities, as long as cure rate is not compromised. When considering secondary strategies, screening for early detection of late complications would enable immediate solutions, such as hormonal replacement or providing compensating skills for post-treatment disability.
 

Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Full-Term Neonates

S. Menascu, A. Levitas, A. Golan

Pediatrics B Dept., and Newborn and Preterm Dept., Soroka Medical Center and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba

Intraventricular hemorrhage in full-term neonates is rare; it may develop without any clinical signs. Its cause is not fully understood although some risk factors have been identified. A higher index of suspicion would ensure earlier diagnosis and treatment, which might reduce the rate of severe complications. We describe 2 cases in full-term neonates.

זאב פילדמן¹, זאב קורשון¹, זאב ארינזון¹, רינת פרידמן²

¹מרכז רפואי לגריאטריה, נתניה, ²"נופי השרון", דיור מוגן, נתניה

התלונה על נדודי שינה אופיינית לקשישים ובד"כ מתמידה. שכיחותה עולה עם הגיל ומדווחת אצל נשים, גרושים או אלמנים, המתגוררים לבד, ומשתייכים למעמד חברתי-כלכלי הנמוך. נדודי שינה יכולים להופיע כמחלה בפני עצמה או כביטוי להפרעות פסיכיאטריות, פיזיולוגיות, או על רקע טיפול תרופתי.

המטרה בסקירה: להרחיב את המודעות לנושא נדודי השינה בקרב קשישים ולהרחיב את הנושא, בעיקר בנוגע לשינויים הפיזיולוגיים ולגישה הטיפולית.
 

Prevention and Treatment of Procedural Pain in Pediatric Wards

R. Gorodischer, L. Herzog, E. Herzog

Depts. of Pediatrics A and Anesthesiology, Soroka University Medical Center; and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba

Present knowledge and available pharmacological agents allow for adequate prevention and treatment of pain in children. We present guidelines we prepared for the prevention and treatment of procedural pain in children in our general pediatric ward. This followed extensive review of the literature, participation in scientific meetings, discussions with experts and consultation with interested clinicians. Successful implementation of the guidelines requires increased appreciation of the importance of pain prevention, participation of the nursing, as well as medical staff, and ability to evaluate pain in children of various ages.
 

Atrophic Gastritis Presenting with Pulmonary Embolism

Muhammad A. Abdul-Ghani, Rima Feldman, Moshe Shai, Jacob Varkel

Dept. of Medicine C, Western Galilee Hospital, Naharia

Atrophic gastritis is an autoimmune gastropathy in which there is destruction of gastric parietal cells. This results in intrinsic factor deficiency and disturbance in vitamin B12 absorption. Its clinical manifestationa are therefore the consequences of B12 deficiency and include anemia and neurological defect. In addition, lack of B12 results in metabolic changes, including disturbances of methionine metabolism and accumulation of homocysteine.

In recent years, there has been increasing evidence suggesting that hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for thrombo-embolic disease. We describe a 51-year-old man with atrophic gastritis, severe B12 deficiency and hyperhomocystein-emia. The initial clinical manifestation was pulmonary embolism, without either anemia or neurological signs. B12 deficiency should therefore be considered in patients being investigated for hypercoagulability.

Histoacryl Vs Dermabond Cyano- Acrylate Glue for Closing Small Operative Wounds

Zvi Steiner, Jorge Mogilner

Dept. of Pediatric Surgery, Bnai-Zion Medical Center and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa

Acrylate glues used in a childrens' day care unit to close small surgical wounds were compared. In 157 children, aged 12 weeks to 3.7 years, either Histoacryl or Dermabond was used (respectively, H: Ethicon Inc., Johnson & Johnson, NJ or D: Dermabond, Braun Surgical Gmbh, Melsungen, Germany). Operations were for inguinal hernia (110 cases), hydrocele (25), undescended testis (16), umbilical hernia (13) and funiculocele (3).

1 week after surgery the wounds were evaluated in terms of integrity of closure, redness or infection, need for antibiotics, wound granuloma, and parental satisfaction with instructions and actual method of wound caring. 3 months after surgery the wound/scar was reexamined.

The margins of the wounds were separated partially or completely in 8 of 85 in group H (9.4%) while in the D group, 2 wounds (2.4%) had partially opened (p<0.05). There were no differences between the glues with regard to wound infection or cosmetic results. Parental satisfaction was higher with D (96%) than H (82%) but the difference was not statistically significant.

It is convenient to use glue to close operative wounds in children after ambulatory surgery. The use of D significantly reduced wound ruptures compared to H. Long-term cosmetic results were similar.

Advantages of Standardized Protocol for Oral Rehydration in Acute Pediatric Gastroenteritis

Avi Weizman, Ahmed Alsheikh, Laura Herzog, Asher Tal, Rafael Gorodischer

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

Oral rehydration (OR) for acute gastroenteritis in infants and children has been shown to be as effective as IV therapy, with less discomfort and lower costs. In this retrospective study we compared 2 pediatric wards, in 1 of which only a standardized, simplified, bedside protocol, based on American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, was used.

There were no significant clinical characteristics in the 208 patients. In the ward which used the above protocol, OR utilization was significantly more frequent than in the other ward (48% versus 15%), thus saving equipment costs of nearly $1,000/3 months. There were no significant differences in outcome between the wards.

We conclude that introducing a standardized management protocol may increase OR utilization in hospitalized children with acute diarrhea.
 

Thrombocytopenic Purpura as Sole Manifestation of Brucellosis in a Child

Ronen Marom, Dan Miron, Herzel Gabriel, Yosef Horowitz

Pediatric Dept. A, Pediatric Infectious Disease Service, and Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Unit, HaEmek Medical Center, Afula and Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa

Thrombocytopenic purpura associated with brucellosis has rarely been described in children. The thrombocytopenic purpura is usually part of the array of manifestations of brucellosis, such as fever, malaise, arthralgia, arthritis, hepatosplenomegaly and lymphadenopathy.

We describe a 4-year-old girl in whom severe thrombocytopenic purpura was the only manifestation of brucellosis which resolved after appropriate antibiotic therapy. We conclude that brucellosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenic purpura in areas endemic for brucellosis, and when there is a history of exposure to infected food products.

Nutritional Status and Vitamin B⁶ Supplementation in the Institutionalized Elderly

Felicia Stern, Yitshal N. Berner, Zeev Polyak, Sophya Bernadiner, Margarita Komarnitsky, Ben Ami Sela, Ram Doolman, Yoseph Dror

Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science, and Nutrition, Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Subacute Dept. and Clinical Nutrition, Hartzfeld Geriatric Hospital, Kaplan Medical Center, Gedera; and Institute of Chemical Pathology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer

Nutritional status and vitamin B⁶ status were assessed in 18 men and 32 women, average age 84, living in a home for the aged. Average proportion of energy derived from protein was higher than the recommended; fiber intake was very low. Also low were intakes of calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, vitamins D and E, thiamin, folic acid and vitamin B⁶.

Supplementation with vitamin B⁶ (10mg/d) for 28 days in those with the lowest B⁶ status assessed by B⁶ intake, activation coefficient of aspartate transaminase and plasma pyridoxamine concentrations led to improved B⁶ status (marked decrease in activation coefficient) and increased synthesis and decreased degradation of many short-lived neutrophil proteins. Though our elderly enjoy a variety of foods, some have marginal deficiencies that can be improved. Therefore, in the institutionalized elderly, micronutrient supplementation should be administered at a level low enough to be safe (below recommended upper level of intake) but high enough to be effective.

The Sixth Vital Sign: End-Tidal Co² in Pediatric Trauma Patients during Transport

Amir Vardi, Inbal Levin, Gideon Paret, Zohar Barzilay

Pediatric Transport Team of the Pediatric Critical Care Unit, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer; and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Transport of pediatric trauma victims, within as well as between medical centers, has become a frequent event and an integral activity of pediatric critical care units. Monitoring patients during transport is of utmost importance, as an unstable environment poses an increased threat to the patient's stability. The level of monitoring and care should approximate that of the critical care unit. Monitoring end-tidal CO² (EtCO²) has become routine for many pediatric intensive care unit patients but technical problems have limited its use during transport.

Our transport team uses a transportable EtCO² monitor of the side-stream type (NPB 75), requiring very small samples; midstream sampling overcomes humidity interference. The monitor is small and lightweight, operates on a rechargeable battery and is especially designed for the demanding environment of transport.

From October 1997 through January 1999, 187 pediatric patients, 62 of whom were trauma victims, were transported for a total of 45 hours, including 2 hours of in-flight transport. Age range was 3 months to 16 years. Of the 53 monitored for EtCO², in 9 (17%) monitoring resulted in a significant, immediate change of treatment during transport.

We find EtCO² an important adjunct in monitoring pediatric trauma patients during transport. In addition to conventional monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, body temperature and blood oxygen saturation, we suggest EtCO² as the sixth vital sign that should be monitored.

Multiresistant Escherichia Coli from Elderly Patients

Ilana Slucky-Shraga, Moshe Wolk, Sofia Volis, Israel Vulikh, David Sompolinsky

Dept. of Medicine and Microbiology Laboratory, Mayanei Hayeshua Hospital, Bnei Brak; Central Laboratories, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem; and Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan

We examined all ceftriaxone-resistant Escherichia coli isolates obtained from clinical samples during 16 months (1‚Dec. '97 - 31 Mar. '99). A total of 97 resistant isolates from 36 patients were obtained, mostly from urine specimens. Of these patients, 35/36 were over 75 years old, most lived in nursing homes, were dependent on nursing in their daily lives, and were incontinent and/or had indwelling catheters.

All 97 isolates had similar susceptibility profiles: resistant to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, ampicillin, amoxycillin/clavulanate, tricarcillin/clavulanate, aztreonam, and cefuroxime; decreased susceptibility to ceftazidime and cefepime; and susceptible to imipenem and meropenem. Double-disc tests indicated that all strains produced extended spectrum beta-lactamase(s). All the isolates belonged to 1 of 3 E. coli serotypes: 79 were 0153:H31, 13 were 0142:H10, and 5 were 0102:H6.

Mortality in Fractures of the Hip 

Y. Titiun, Z. Eshkol, Z. Horesh, M. Soudry

Dept. of Orthopedic Surgery, Beilinson Campus, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva

Prevalence of hip fractures is increasing world-wide, as the mean age of populations increases. Despite advances in anesthesia, nursing care, and surgical techniques, hip fractures remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly.

We operated on 65 cases of hip fractures from 1995 to the end of 1997: average age was 82.9, 72% were women, average waiting time for operation was 1.6 days, perioperative mortality was 3.5% and postoperative mortality 26.2%.

Aortopexy for Tracheomalacia in Infants and Children

I. Vinograd, B. Klin, A. Silbiger, G. Eshel

Depts. of Pediatric Surgery, and Anesthesia, Dana Children's Hospital, Sourasky-Tel Aviv Medical Center;  Dept. of Pediatric Surgery and Intensive Care Unit, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

During the past 12 years (1985-1998), 28 infants and children were operated on here for tracheomalacia. The diagnosis was made in all using rigid bronchoscopy. During the examination the infants breathed spontaneously, but the trachea collapsed on forced expiration.

Indications for surgery were repeated cyanotic spells ("dying spells") in 22, recurrent pneumonia, and inability to extubate (in 8). In 11 there were more than 1 indications. Age at surgery was from 7 days to 3 years (average 11.7 months).

All 28 children underwent bronchoscopy and guided aortopexy via a left-third intercostal approach. The ascending aorta and aortic arch (and in 6 the proximal innominate artery as well) were lifted anteriorly, using 3-5 non-absorbable sutures (5.0). The sutures were placed through the adventitia of the great vessels and then passed through the sternum.

Respiratory distress was significantly improved in 21. Another 2 required external tracheal stenting with autologous rib grafts, and in 1 other an internal Palmaz stent was introduced for tracheal stability. In 4 aortopexy failed, 1 of whom had tracheobronchomalacia throughout, and another 3 had laryngomalacia which required tracheostomy to relieve the respiratory symptoms.

Postoperative complications were minor: pericardial effusion in 1 and relaxation of the left diaphragm in another. 1 infant subsequently died, of unknown cause 10 days after operation, after having been extubated on the 1st postoperative day. On long-term follow-up (6 months to 12 years) 25 were found free of residual respiratory symptoms and 3 remained with a tracheostomy.

Thus, infants and children with severe tracheomalacia associated with severe respiratory symptoms, can be relieved by bronchoscopic guided suspension of the aortic arch to the sternum.

Drug Abuse among Patients Requiring Psychiatric Hospitalization 

Gregory Katz, Emi Shufman, Haim Y. Knobler, Mark Joffe, Rachel Bar-Hamburger, Rimona Durst

Kfar Shaul Mental Health Center, (Affiliated with the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem); and Jerusalem Institute for Treatment of Substance Abuse, Israel Antidrug Authority

We assessed the incidence of drug abuse among patients requiring psychiatric hospitalization, and characterized the population at risk. The data on drug abuse were obtained from self-reports and urine tests in 103 patients, aged 18-65, hospitalized in the Kfar Shaul Psychiatric Hospital (autumn 1998).

There was close correspondence between the self-reports and the results obtained from urine tests. 1/3 admitted to having used illegal drugs and signs of drug abuse were found in about 1/4 of the urine tests. The most prevalent drugs were cannabis products (hashish and/or marijuana) and in 15 patients opiates.

Drug users were younger than non-users. With regard to psychiatric symptomatology, fewer negative symptoms were recorded among cannabis abusers with schizophrenia, compared to schizophrenic patients with no history, past or present, of cannabis abuse.

The present findings confirm the clinical impression that there has been an increase in drug abuse among mental patients, parallel to that found in society at large. Confirmatory surveys are necessary. Our findings clearly suggest that a change in attitude has occurred in Israel to what has been considered a marginal problem. Hospitalized mentally-ill patients, the younger in particular, should be considered at risk for drug abuse.