Elective Repair of Infra-Renal Aortic Aneurysm 

J.D. Cohen, P. Singer, M. Haddad, A. Zelikovski

Depts. of General Intensive Care and Vascular Surgery, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus; and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Age over 80 years is generally considered an independent risk factor in elective surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). As the general population increases in age, more elderly are likely to be candidates for such surgery.

We studied prospectively 100 consecutive patients undergoing elective AAA surgery between 1992-1995. All were operated on by the same team of anesthetists and surgeons and all were transferred to the general ICU for at least the first 24 hours. 16 were above the age of 80 (Group I) and 84 below (Group II).

We recorded preoperative factors (demographics, medical history, risk factor indices, EKG findings, as well as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and stress imaging when indicated); intraoperative factors (duration of surgery, size of aneurysm, complications and units of blood transfused); postoperative factors (length of ICU stay, duration of ventilation, APACHE II [Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation] and TISS [Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System] scores; complications in the ICU, need for readmission to the ICU, and mortality).

In Group I LVEF was greater (p=0.03) and aneurysm size significantly larger (p=0.036), but there were no other significant differences between the 2 groups with regard to pre- and intraoperative data. Group I patients were not ventilated as long (p=0.038), but there were no significant differences in outcome factors. Mortality for the whole group was 5% and was not significantly different in the 2 groups (1/16 in Group I and 4/84 in Group II).

We conclude that there is no excess morbidity or mortality in octogenarians undergoing AAA surgery. However risk of the aneurysms rupturing is significantly greater since they are larger. We suggest that age not be considered the sole criterion for aneurysm repair, or at least not in selected patients with normal LVEF.

Carbamazepine Hypersensitivity 

Shimon Ivry, Doobi Shteinmintz, Hava Tabenkin

Dept. of Family Medicine, HaEmek Hospital, Afula and National Residency Institute, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba

Carbamazepine (C) can cause a characteristic hypersensitivity reaction (CHS}. This multisystem reaction typically presents as fever, mucocutaneous eruption and lymphadenopathy. The syndrome usually develops between 1 week and 3 months after starting therapy, with involvement of the liver, lung, kidney and inappropriate secretion of ADH. The incidence is less than 0.001% in those treated with C and it is diagnosed clinically. With onset of CHS, the drug must be stopped and if there is no improvement, cortico-steroids should be started. When the diagnosis is in doubt, the patch test, lymphocyte transformation test, macrophage migration inhibitor factor, and other tests can be helpful.

The pathogenesis is not known. Similar syndromes have been described with phenytoin and phenobarbital. There is clinical and in-vitro evidence of cross reactions between C and phenytoin. It is not known whether the CHS syndrome should be considered a premalignant state, with increased risk for the development of malignant lymphoma.

Alopecia Due to Seroxat 

Leonid Umansky, Abraham Dorevitch, Avner Sella

Psychiatry Chronic Dept., Eitanim Mental Health Center, Jerusalem

There are 2 stages of alopecia, anagen and telogen effluvium, both of which may be associated with medication- related alopecia. We describe massive hair loss in a 51-year-old woman during treatment with Seroxat (paroxetine), which remitted after it was discontinued. Pathological mechanisms of drug-associated alopecia are complex and have yet to be fully elucidated.

The Gift of Breastfeeding 

Dorit Nitzan Kaluski, Alex Leventhal

Dept. of Nutrition, Public Health Services, Israel Ministry of Health, Jerusalem

Breast milk is the optimal food for infant growth and development, the prevention of infectious diseases and mother- child bonding. From the economic perspective, breastfeeding is cost-effective both for the family and society as a whole. The Israeli Ministry of Health encourages breastfeeding as the exclusive source of nutrition for infants in the first 4-6 months of life, with gradual addition of complementary foods thereafter. The promotion of breastfeeding in Israel requires comprehensive national activity with involvement of all the stakeholders. This includes implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes and joining the international "Baby Friendly Hospitals" project. Knowledge of breastfeeding should be spread, health professionals should be encouraged to become agents of change, support by breast counselors should be encouraged, post-delivery vacations from work should be prolonged and empowerment of women implemented.

Etoposide and Cisplatin for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer 

David B. Geffen, Sofia Man, Yoram Cohen*

Dept. of Oncology, Soroka-University Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba

Etoposide and cisplatin (EP) has been the standard therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at many cancer centers for over a decade. We analyzed our experience with EP in NSCLC to provide a baseline for comparison with new drugs. From 1986 through 1994, 46 of our patients with NSCLC received EP as first-line chemotherapy. Radiation therapy was administered to 25 of them, including 20 who received it immediately before or concomitantly with chemotherapy. Toxicity was mild and included only 1 episode of neutropenic fever and 1 case of reversible renal failure.

Overall response was 22%. In 3, response was complete (pathologically documented in 2 of them) and in 7 partial. Median survival in locally advanced (stage III) and metastatic disease (stage IV and recurrent) were 12 months and 7 months, respectively. 2 patients are alive and free of disease more than 6 years after diagnosis.

Our results are consistent with other published studies of EP in NSCLC. EP provides modest benefit in locally advanced NSCLC, with minimal toxicity.

Jules E. Harris Chair in Oncology.

Placenta Accreta with Placenta Previa after Previouscesarean Sections 

Eylon Lachman, Alexander Mali, Gabriel Gino, Michael Burstein, Michael Stark

Depts. of Obstetrics and Gynecology and of Pathology, Misgav Ladach Hospital, Jerusalem

The increased rate of cesarean sections in recent decades has brought with it an increase in the frequency of placenta accreta. There are direct correlations between previous cesarean deliveries and also maternal age, with the risk of placenta accreta. There is also a direct correlation between placenta accreta and placenta previa.

The risk of placenta accreta in women who have had placenta previa is 2% for those younger than 35 years and with no history of uterine surgery. The risk increases to 39% for those over 35 who have had 2 or more cesarean sections.

We present 3 cases of placenta accreta admitted in 15 months, all of whom had a history of cesarean sections. The frequency of placenta accreta in our hospital is 1:1,579 deliveries, in line with the 1:1,420 in the literature. We consider hysterectomy the treatment of choice for this serious complication. When performing a cesarean in cases of placenta previa with a history of cesarean sections, the possibility of placenta accreta should be considered.

Ethnicity and Emergency Department Visits in the Negev

Shahar Livnat, Eyal Almog, Gad Rabinowitch, Yoram Snir

Dept. of Emergency Medicine, Soroka University Medical Center and Dept. of Industrial Engineering and Management, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba

The population of the Negev consists mainly of Jews and Bedouin, who have very different life styles. Patients of both ethnic groups use our emergency department exclusively, providing a unique opportunity to study comparative patient habits.

In gathering and processing the information we used Data Mining technology, which allows search for unique patterns in large data bases. We examined demographic data on some 64,000 emergency department visits during 1997-8, mostly medical and surgical cases, but not trauma cases. Many more were by Bedouin than Jews, and between the ages of 25 and 44, more by women than men. There were changes in trends in comparison with an arrival survey conducted some 11 years before.

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.

Infectious Mononucleosis in Adults - A Diagnostic Challenge

G. Goltzman, S. Nagornov, M. Horwitz, M.J. Rapoport

Dept. of Internal Medicine C, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin

The adult form of mononucleosis caused by Ebstein-Barr virus (EBV) is different from the disease in children and adolescents. In most adults there is no pharyngitis or lymphadenopathy, fever is much more prolonged, abnormal liver function is frequent and lymphocytosis and the presence of atypical lymphocytes are not common. Such an atypical disease presentation often results in delayed diagnosis and unnecessary treatments. We describe 2 adults with such atypical presentations and complications of EBV infection.

Tracheoesophageal Puncture after Total Laryngectomy

Roy Landsberg, Frida Korenbrot, Dov Ophir

Depts. of Otolaryngology and of Head and Neck Surgery, Meir Hospital, Kfar Saba and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; and the Israel Cancer Association Voice Rehabilitation Program

Total laryngectomy due to malignant laryngeal tumors is followed by loss of speaking ability. Voice restoration in laryngectomized patients is the main target in their rehabilitation. Until the late 70's, esophageal speech was considered the most effective rehabilitation method. In 1980 Singer and Blom introduced a prosthesis for tracheoesophageal speech which has been gaining popularity. Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) can be performed either at the time of total laryngectomy, or later.

30 of our patients underwent TEP between 1991 and 1999, 15 at the time of total laryngectomy and 15 as a delayed secondary procedure. Mean follow-up was 36 months (range 6 months to 8 years) during which all regained speaking ability.

Over the long range, speech rehabilitation with the prosthesis was successful in 24 (80%). In only 1 in the primary TEP group did treatment fail, as the prosthesis had to be removed due to local recurrence of the tumor. Long range failure in 5/15 patients after secondary TEP stemmed from difficulties some patients had in handling the prosthesis and from psychological difficulties in adapting to the new speech device. Complications were mostly minor and occurred mainly in the secondary TEP group.

TEP performed at the time of total laryngectomy, or later as a secondary procedure, is effective for speech rehabilitation after laryngectomy.

Laparoscopic Approach in Treating Hepatic Cysts 

P. Schachter, V. Sorin, M. Shimonov, A. Rosen, A. Czerniak

Dept. of Surgery A, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon

Solitary and multiple hepatic cysts are now more commonly found because of advances in imaging techniques. Most hepatic cysts are asymptomatic, but when they do cause symptoms they require surgical intervention. The advent of laparoscopy and of laparoscopic ultrasonography allow comprehensive evaluation and treatment of the cysts.

12 patients with hepatic cysts were treated laparoscopically. 8 with single cysts underwent successful subtotal cyst resection without signs of recurrence (up to 20 years of follow-up). 4 with polycystic liver disease underwent sub-total resection of superficial cysts. Deep cysts were unroofed and drained under laparoscopic ultrasound guidance. In this group, 1 experienced recurrence of symptoms and required partial hepatectomy of the involved segment. In another, a connection between a deep cyst and bile ducts was demonstrated and cystojejunostomy was performed.

The laparoscopic approach in the management of patients with liver cysts is effective and safe, and we recommend it as the procedure of choice for single hepatic cysts. In polycystic liver disease the procedure is much less successful.

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.

Acetaminophen Toxicity in Children - A Therapeutic "Misadventure"

Sarit Shahroor, Yigal Shvil, Mely Ohali, Esther Granot

Dept. of Pediatrics, Hadassah University Hospital and Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem; and Dept. of Pediatrics, Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon

Acetaminophen toxicity after repeated administration of amounts that only moderately exceed recommended doses, is being increasingly reported in alcoholic or fasting adults. Pediatric experience with this pattern of acetaminophen toxicity is sparse.

We present 2 children who developed severe hepatic damage, with renal insufficiency as well in 1, after 15-20 mg/kg of acetaminophen, given at 4-hour intervals for 3-4 days during an intercurrent febrile illness. When given in doses as low as 20 mg/kg at frequent intervals for a number of days, the drug puts children who are vomiting or have sharply reduced caloric intakes at increased risk for severe toxicity.

Increased caution and awareness of the toxic effects of acetaminophen are needed, and it should be dispensed with appropriate package-label warnings.

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.

Family Physicians' Attitudes to Clinical Guidelines for Treatment of Diabetes 

Sasson Nakar, Shlomo Vinker, Tal Baro-Aloni, Eliezer Kitai

Dept. of Family Medicine, Rabin Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Clinical guidelines are systematically developed statements designed to help practitioners and patients make decisions about appropriate health care for specific clinical states. Attitudes of family physicians to clinical guidelines for treating diabetes and guidelines in general were evaluated from anonymous questionnaires answered by physicians participating in continuous medical education throughout the country (May-June 1998). The questionnaire dealt with attitudes to the recently published specific guidelines for treating the diabetic patient and overall perception of the efficacy of clinical guidelines.

293 family physicians, aged 40.2‏7.0 responded (83%). 93.5% appreciated the guidelines and thought them applicable. Most (83.7%) reported the guidelines to be of help in their daily work; 31.4% said they were oversimplified; a quarter said they aimed main at containing costs. Most respondents preferred written guidelines of up to 5 pages.

In view of our results, attention can now be turned to developing ways to implement the guidelines. To improve adherence, they need to be short and the rate of publication of new clinical guidelines should be slowed.