Biomedical subjects

J Oosting

Publications and source records attributed to J Oosting.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1998

CD44 splice variants as prognostic markers in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Splice variants of CD44 play a causal role in the metastatic spread of pancreatic carcinoma in the rat. In previous studies we have shown that homologues of these CD44 isoforms (CD44v6) are overexpressed during colorectal tumorigenesis in man and that CD44v6 overexpression is associated with an unfavorable prognosis in this disease. In the present study we have assessed the prognostic significance of CD44 variants containing exon v5. In addition, we have used a panel of different antibodies against CD44v6 and applied a combined scoring system to improve its value as prognosticator. METHODS: Expression of CD44 variants was studied by immunohistochemistry on frozen tissue sections, and the prognostic value of the CD44 variant expression was assessed using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Our studies show that expression of CD44v6, but not CD44v5, has significant prognostic value. Analysis of CD44v6 expression by means of a combined scoring system, on the basis of a panel of three different monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), makes CD44v6 a highly significant prognostic marker that is independent of Dukes stage, tumor grade, or tumor localization. CONCLUSION: Assessment of CD44v6 expression by a combination of mAbs yields an independent prognosticator that may be of value in identifying patients with a high propensity to develop distant metastasis.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Influence of an evacuation in February 1995 in The Netherlands on the seizure frequency in patients with epilepsy: a controlled study.

PURPOSE: Stress is often noted by patients to be a precipitating factor in causing seizures. No precise data are, however, available. In 1995 for 250,000 inhabitants in The Netherlands, a serious life event occurred within a period of seven days. An extreme high water level in the province of Gelderland, with the possibility of a flood, made the government decide to evacuate people and their livestock. This retrospective study investigated the influence of this forced evacuation on the seizure frequency of patients with epilepsy, compared with patients of the same age and type of epilepsy living outside the evacuation area at the time of the threatening flood. METHODS: Information regarding epilepsy syndrome, seizure type, and frequency was derived from seizure diaries and medical histories of 30 evacuated patients and 30 matched control patients. RESULTS: Of the 30 evacuees, eight showed an increase and one a decrease in seizure frequency during or shortly after the evacuation period, compared with one and zero control patients, respectively. These results proved to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the hypothesis that there is a relation, albeit small, between a stressful life event and seizure frequency.

Comorbidity↗

PubMed1998

Randomised controlled trial of brief neonatal exposure to cows' milk on the development of atopy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of brief early exposure to cows' milk on atopy in the first 2 years of life. DESIGN: Double blind, placebo controlled, randomised feeding intervention trial (Bokaal study). SETTING: Dutch midwifery practices. PARTICIPANTS: 1533 breast fed neonates. INTERVENTION: Exposure to cows' milk protein (n = 758) or a protein free placebo (n = 775) during the first 3 days of life. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical atopic disease and any positive radioallergosorbent (RAST) tests at 1 year of age. RESULTS: Atopic disease in the first year was found in 10.0% (cows' milk) v 9.3% (placebo) of the children, with a relative risk of 1.07; in the second year, atopic disease was found in 9.6% v 10.2%, respectively, with a relative risk of 0.94. Per protocol analysis showed similar results. Any RAST positive test was found in 9.4% (cows' milk) v 7.9% (placebo) of children, with a relative risk of 1.19. Stratified analysis for high family risk of allergy showed a doubled incidence of atopic disease but no effect from the intervention. CONCLUSION: Early and brief exposure to cows' milk in breast fed children does not increase the risk of atopic disease in the first 2 years.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Precision of the magnesium determination in mononuclear blood cells and erythrocytes.

OBJECTIVE: Establishing the analytical variation and reproducibility of the intracellular magnesium (Mg) assay in mononuclear blood cells (MBC) and erythrocytes (RBC). DESIGN AND METHODS: We assessed the analytical variation of the several determination steps, and the reproducibility for the complete intracellular Mg-assay (combination of preanalytical, analytical, and biological variation). The influence of platelets was determined by comparing Mg concentrations obtained from heparinized blood and defibrinated blood. RESULTS: Coefficients of variation of the several determination steps used in the MBC- and RBC-assay were < or = 5.4%. The overall analytical variation was 5.0-6.8%, and reproducibility of the complete Mg-assay 11.6-14.0%. Mg measurements in MBC (expressed as fmol/cell) obtained from heparinized blood showed significantly higher values than those obtained from defibrinated blood. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to describe in detail reproducibility data for the individual steps in the overall procedure to measure intracellular magnesium. It is shown that results obtained in daily practice should be interpreted with care. Moreover, the removal of platelets is essential in the determination of Mg in MBC.

Blood Specimen Collection↗

PubMed1997

Validation of a continuous baroreceptor reflex sensitivity index calculated from spontaneous fluctuations of blood pressure and pulse interval in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a technique for the continuous computerized calculation of the baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (BRS) of the heart rate in rats. DESIGN: The BRS was calculated from spontaneous changes in blood pressure and pulse interval using spectral analysis as well as time-series techniques. The BRS values obtained with these techniques were compared with those obtained by standard pharmacological methods. METHODS: The blood pressure and pulse interval in adult Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were recorded on a beat-to-beat basis for two consecutive 30 min periods. During one of these periods the BRS was determined pharmacologically by injections of nitroprusside and phenylephrine. Measurements were performed after administration of saline as vehicle or during manipulation of the autonomic nervous system by infusion of metoprolol, methyl-atropine and hexamethonium. Sequential time-series methods for continuous BRS calculation were tested for 24 h periods in intact WKY rats as well as in WKY rats that had been subjected to sino-aortic denervation or to electrical lesioning of the nucleus tractus solitarius. RESULTS: The correlation coefficient between BRS values in intact WKY rats derived from the pharmacological method and those from spectral analysis techniques was low (R2 = 0.16). The correlation coefficient between BRS values from the pharmacological method and those from the developed time-series method was higher (R2 = 0.64). The BRS measured using the latter method was found to vary over 24 h with the highest values during the sleeping period. After surgical elimination of the baroreflex, the algorithm returned BRS values close to zero throughout the 24 h period. The BRS estimate was found to be a measure of the parasympathetic rather than of the sympathetic component of the baroreceptor reflex. CONCLUSION: The developed time-series method calculates an index of the gain of the cardiac baroreflex in rats faithfully. This method can be implemented in data acquisition software, allowing continuous on-line monitoring of the cardiac baroreflex gain.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Autonomic control of ultradian and circadian rhythms of blood pressure, heart rate, and baroreflex sensitivity in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the influence of the autonomic nervous system on ultradian and circadian rhythms of blood pressure, heart rate and baroreflex sensitivity of heart rate (BRS) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). METHODS: Spontaneous fluctuations in blood pressure, heart rate and BRS in SHR were recorded continuously for 24 h using a computerized system and compared with those in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Furthermore, 24 h recordings were performed in SHR during cardiac autonomic blockade by metoprolol and methyl-atropine, vascular autonomic blockade by prazosin, ganglionic blockade by hexamethonium and vagal stimulation by a low dose of scopolamine. The magnitudes of the ultradian fluctuations in blood pressure, heart rate and BRS were assessed by wide-band spectral analysis techniques. RESULTS: The BRS was lower in SHR than it was in WKY rats throughout the 24 h cycle. In both strains high values were found during the light, resting period, whereas low values were found during the first hours of the dark, active period. The circadian rhythmicity of the blood pressure in SHR was abolished completely during the infusions of prazosin and hexamethonium. In contrast, the circadian rhythmicities of the blood pressure and heart rate were not altered by infusions of metoprolol, methyl-atropine and the low dose of scopolamine. Power spectra of the blood pressure and heart rate lacked predominant peaks at ultradian frequencies and showed 1/f characteristics. In the absence of autonomic tone, the ultradian fluctuations in heart rate, but not in blood pressure, were decreased. The ultradian BRS spectra had no 1/f shape, but showed a major peak at approximately equal to 20 min for 71% of the WKY rats and 42% of the SHR. CONCLUSIONS: The influence of the autonomic nervous system on the blood pressure and heart rats in SHR is frequency-dependent. The circadian, but not ultradian, blood pressure rhythmicity is controlled by vascular autonomic activity. Conversely, the circadian, but not ultradian, heart rate rhythmicity is independent of autonomic tone. In rats, just as in humans, the trough in baroreflex sensitivity occurred after the sleeping period, when locomotor activity is resumed.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

PubMed1997

Circadian and ultradian control of cardiac output in spontaneous hypertension in rats.

The aim of the study was to test whether circadian and ultradian variations of cardiac output (CO) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) differ from those in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Twenty-four-hour beat-to-beat recordings of CO (by electromagnetic flow probe) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were performed in the absence and presence of cardiac autonomic blockade with metoprolol and atropine methylnitrate. Ultradian variability was analyzed by spectral analysis on beat-to-beat data series (high-frequency range) and on averaged minute-to-minute data series (low-frequency range). In general, circadian and ultradian rhythms of CO were similar in SHR (n = 10) and WKY (n = 9). Values of CO were high during the dark and low during the light period, whereas total peripheral resistance was highest during the light period. During cardiac autonomic blockade, relative differences between averaged values of CO over the dark and light periods were reduced. High-frequency spectral power of CO was mainly confined to fluctuations related to respiration and was not influenced by cardiac autonomic blockade. At low-frequency ranges, power spectra of CO lacked a dominant oscillator but showed 1/f characteristics. During cardiac autonomic blockade, low-frequency spectral power of CO fell without changing the 1/f characteristics. These findings suggest that dynamic control of CO is not altered in SHR and that autonomic effects on CO are frequency dependent. In most frequency ranges, the relative variation of CO was higher than that of MAP. Thus, over 24 h in both adult SHR and WKY, MAP is controlled within a more narrow range than CO.

Activity Cycles↗

PubMed1996

Anterior cervical discectomy with or without fusion with acrylate. A randomized trial.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective randomized trial with assessment of treatment results by an independent observer and by patient questionnaire. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated whether implantation of polymethylmethacrylate after anterior cervical discectomy improved clinical results and whether polymethylmethacrylate provided a solid bony union with preservation of anatomical relations of the cervical spine. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Discectomy without fusion disturbs anatomical relations of the cervical spine. Use of an autologous bone graft frequently causes donor-site complications. Therefore, synthetic materials such as polymethylmethacrylate have been used instead of bone to obtain spinal fusion. Whether these implants improve the clinical results of anterior discectomy is unknown. In addition, the radiological follow-up of discectomy with polymethylmethacrylate has hardly been investigated. METHODS: Between April, 1986, and April, 1990, all patients with radiologically proven cervical disc pathology and a radicular syndrome were eligible for this study. The primary endpoint of the study was the clinical result after 2 years. Assessment of the result was rated both by an independent observer using Odom's criteria and by the patient using a written questionnaire. Before surgery and during follow-up, radiographs were obtained. RESULTS: Two patients died during follow up. A good result was obtained in 28 of 42 patients (70%) treated with polymethylmethacrylate and in 30 of 39 patients (77%) of patients treated with discectomy only. Pre-operative neck pain subsided earlier if polymethylmethacrylate was used, but the difference was temporary and clinically insignificant. The use of polymethylmethacrylate resulted in a significant lower bony union rate. Polymethylmethacrylate frequently migrated into adjacent vertebrae. CONCLUSIONS: No relevant clinical differences between treatments were found. The radiological results of anterior discectomy with polymethylmethacrylate were inferior to those of discectomy only. Based on these results, the use of polymethylmethacrylate to obtain fusion after anterior discectomy is not recommended.

Acrylates↗

PubMed1996

Signs of enhanced neuromotor maturation in children due to perinatal load with background levels of dioxins. Follow-up until age 2 years and 7 months.

We investigated psychomotor development (Bayley-test) and neuromotor functioning (Hempel-test) in a group of children with known perinatal load with background levels of dioxins. Bayley-test (n = 32) at 2 years, and additionally investigated growth, medical history, physical condition, TT4, TT4/TBG, TSH, AST and ALT at the age of 2.5 years did not reveal abnormalities, or differences between the high- and the low-exposure group. Although the Hempel-test was normal in all children (n = 31), we found in 22 out of 29 items less suboptimal scores in the high-exposure group; in five items this difference reached significance (p < 0.05). Total-score and subtotal-score (posture of legs and feet excluded) revealed lower "suboptimality-scores" with a wider range in the high-exposure group in comparison to the low-exposure group (total-score p = 0.008 mean 6.7 SD 3.6 and mean 9.3 SD 1.8 respectively and subtotal-score p = 0.06 mean 4.5 SD 2.9 and mean 6.1 SD 1.6 respectively (Mann-Whitney or Wilcoxon Two-Sample Test). Similar signs of enhanced maturation have been described in the tadpole due to low dosis of TCDD. Reflexes were higher (p = 0.02), with a wider range of findings in the high-exposure group. Our hypothesis is that these findings may be due to thyroxine agonistic action of dioxins, which is in accordance with the earlier described signs of relatively high thyroid function in the first 11 weeks of life in this high-exposure group.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed1996

Photosensitive epilepsy: a model to study the effects of antiepileptic drugs. Evaluation of the piracetam analogue, levetiracetam.

The experimental antiepileptic drug, levetiracetam (UCB L059), a piracetam analogue has been investigated in photosensitive patients in the "photosensitivity model", an early phase II study. A total of 12 patients (10 females, 2 males) with a mean age of 21.5 years (range 13-38) were investigated during a 3 day period in 3 centres (France, The Netherlands, Germany), using the same standardised method. The subjects were either treated with a single oral dose of 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg or 1,000 mg. In addition, 4 patients took 250 mg b.i.d. for 3-5 days, after which they were re-examined. In 9 of 12 photosensitive patients (75%) a clear suppression (3 patients) or abolishment (6 patients) of IPS evoked photoparoxysmal EEG responses was found. This effect appeared to be dose-dependent, the higher the dose the greater the effect; complete abolishment was only seen at dosages of 750 mg and 1,000 mg, occurring at peak plasma levels and lasting between 6 and 30 h. There was no indication of pharmacokinetic interaction with concomitant antiepileptic drugs such as valproic acid, ethosuximide or phenobarbitone. No serious side-effects were seen and some patients reported enhancement of their mood. Two patients with myoclonic jerks noticed a clear reduction of their myoclonus, although this was not one of the objectives of the study. In conclusion, levetiracetam showed a clear antiepileptic effect in the photosensitivity model.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1996

Use of electroencephalography to detect Alzheimer's disease in Down's syndrome.

We studied the role of electroencephalography (EEG) in the diagnosis of Alzheimer-type dementia in patients with Down's syndrome. 197 patients with Down's syndrome were monitored for 5 to 8 years. Aspects of cognitive functioning were assessed twice yearly. EEGs were scored in a blind fashion, and changes in the EEG were compared to changes in cognitive functioning. When possible, a neuropathological post-mortem examination was performed. Cognitive functioning was drastically reduced in 29 patients. The dominant occipital rhythm became slower at the onset of the cognitive deterioration, and eventually disappeared. In 11 of these patients neuropathological examination showed a severe form of Alzheimer's disease. Changes in the frequency of the dominant occipital rhythm could distinguish between Alzheimer's disease or other causes as underlying the cognitive decline. Slowing of the dominant occipital rhythm seems to be related to Alzheimer's disease in patients with Down's syndrome, and the frequency of the dominant occipital activity decreases at the onset of cognitive deterioration. The EEG is thus an important tool in the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer-type dementia in patients with Down's syndrome.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Do serum ALAT values reflect the inflammatory activity in the liver of patients with chronic viral hepatitis?

A retrospective study was carried out in 40 patients with chronic viral hepatitis, to assess whether serum alanine aminotransferase reflects the inflammatory process in the liver. Twenty liver biopsy specimens were included for each disease. Five histological aspects were scored: periportal inflammation, lobular inflammation, ballooning, Councilman bodies and lymphocyte follicles. Logarithmic values of alanine aminotransferase were correlated with each aspect using the Spearman correlation coefficient. For the hepatitis B cohort a statistical significant correlation was found between alanine aminotransferase and periportal inflammation (p = 0.0001), lobular inflammation (p = 0.0002) and Councilman bodies/area (p = 0.003). In the hepatitis C study population alanine aminotransferase correlates with both periportal inflammation (p = 0.007) and lymphocyte follicles/Area (p = 0.02). In conclusion, these results suggest that alanine aminotransferase can be used as an indicator of inflammatory activity. A prospective study is needed, to further analyze the use of alanine aminotransferase, as a monitor of disease activity in patients with chronic viral hepatitis.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Photodynamic therapy in AIDS-related cutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma.

For evaluating the role of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the local treatment of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related cutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), nine treatments were performed in eight human immunodeficiency virus-positive homosexual men. The patients received 2 mg Photofrin/kg and either 120 J/cm2 (n = 5) or 70 J/cm2 (n = 4) laser light (630 nm). A total of 83 lesions were evaluable for response with a follow-up of 3-8 months. The overall response rates by patient for all treated lesions were 50-100% (120 J/cm2) and 83.3-90.3% (70 J/cm2), with a median duration of 3 months (range, 2-6 months). Tumors located at the head had higher response rates than those at the trunk or extremities (p = 0.005 and p - 0.015 respectively). The size of the KS showed a negative relationship with the probability of complete response (p = 0.047). Local and general side effects occurred, including pain, blisters, temperature increase, muscle stiffness, and severe edema. The cosmetic result was unsatisfactory because of a high prevalence of scars and long-lasting hyperpigmentation. Although the response rates of PDT are high, light dose of 70-120 J/cm2 cannot be recommended in the treatment of cutaneous KS in combination with 2 mg/kg Photofrin because of severe side effects and unsatisfactory cosmetic result.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1995

Mineralization of alkaline phosphatase-complexed collagen implants in the rat in relation to serum inorganic phosphate.

The present study was designed to determine the relationship between mineralization of collagenous matrices and serum levels of calcium and inorganic phosphate. Collagen slices were prepared from bovine dentin or cortical bone and complexed with varying amounts of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The enzyme was added to induce de novo mineralization. The ALP-complexed slices were implanted subcutaneously over the skull and in the dorsolateral aspect of the abdominal wall in female Wistar rats of various ages (5-, 10-, 20-, or 35-week-old) and in young male rats fed on a low-P diet. After 1-4 weeks, the implants were removed and analyzed for calcium and phosphate content. In addition, serum levels of calcium and phosphate (total and inorganic) were determined. It was shown that the highest mineral influx occurred in the younger rats (which were also highest in serum P(i)), whereas almost no mineral uptake occurred in the older ones. Also in rats fed on a low-P diet (which were low in serum P(i), a strongly decreased mineral influx was noted. In all animal groups a positive correlation was found between the degree of mineralization and serum P(i). No distinct relationship was found between serum Ca/organic phosphate levels and mineral influx in the implants. In vitro incubation of ALP-collagen conjugates in serum from younger and older rats confirmed our view that serum P(i), besides local levels of ALP, is important in de novo mineral deposition. For accretion of mineral in partially remineralized collagenous carriers, ALP activity was not required.

Aging↗

PubMed1995

Intermittent continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil and low dose oral leucovorin in patients with gastrointestinal cancer: relationship between plasma concentrations and clinical parameters.

Modulation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) by leucovorin and continuous infusion of 5-FU can both result in enhanced therapeutic efficacy. The main objective of this study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of oral leucovorin in combination with continuous infusion of 5-FU for 14 days every 4 weeks at a dose of 300 mg/m2/day in 30 patients with gastrointestinal cancer. The MTD of oral leucovorin was established at 10 mg/day. Dose-limiting toxicities were mucositis, diarrhoea and hand-foot syndrome. Plasma leucovorin concentrations were below the detection limit of the assay (< 0.5 microM). Plasma 5-FU concentrations varied considerably from 0.06 to 11.3 microM. A relation between toxicity, response and plasma concentration of 5-FU could not be established. Our data may indicate that even very low plasma concentrations of leucovorin are able to modulate 5-FU. In 17 patients with colorectal cancer the response rate was 24% (95% CI: 7-50%), which is comparable to other treatment schedules with leucovorin or to continuous infusion of 5-FU alone.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Predictive markers of survival in HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative Tanzanian patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

SETTING: Prediction of survival in Tanzanian patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic value of clinical and laboratory parameters on survival in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive and HIV seronegative patients with extrapulmonary TB. DESIGN: Over an 8-month period 192 consecutive patients with extrapulmonary TB, admitted to a major referral centre in Tanzania, were enrolled in the study. Their symptoms, signs and PPD skin test were noted. Their sera were tested for HIV and analyzed for beta-2-microglobulin content. Univariate risk factors for 12 months' survival after the start of anti-TB chemotherapy were entered into a stepwise Cox regression model. Survival probabilities were estimated according to the number of risk factors. RESULTS: Of the 192 patients 126 (65%) were HIV-infected, and 29.7% had disseminated TB. Thirty-five patients, of whom 24 (68.6%) were HIV-positive, withdrew from the study immediately after hospital discharge. For survival analysis 157 patients remained. Within 12 months' follow-up after initiation of anti-TB therapy, the case fatality rate of the 102HHIV-infected patients was 22% and of the 55 HIV seronegative patients 2% (P < 0.001). In the HIV seropositive patients the following independent risk factors were significantly associated with a decreased probability of survival: peripheral lymphadenopathy (Hazard Rate Ratio (HRR) 5.2, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1. 7-16.2), a decreased activity score (bedridden > 50%/day (HRR 4.5, 95% CI 1.7-11.7), lymphopenia of < 1000/microL (HRR 4.4, 95% CI 1.7-11.8), and mycobacteraemia (HRR 4.0, 95% CI 1.2-13-.1). An anergic PPD skin test reaction proved to be another independent risk factor when the analysis was performed on 89 patients with available Mantoux test results. In the HIV seropositive patients, the 12 months' survival probabilities were 93%, 86%, 54% and 0% for presence of 0, 1, 2, and > 2 risk factors respectively. CONCLUSION: Estimation of survival probabilities in patients with extrapulmonary TB may be possible without performing CD4 cell counts.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

The placental cause of fetal growth retardation in twin gestations.

The retardation of fetal growth in twin as compared to singleton gestations may be due to maternal and/or placental factors. The separate birthweights and related placental weights of 487 dichorial twin pairs were recorded, and the heavier placental weights of firstborns in comparison with second-borns were found to be related to the heavier birthweights of firstborns compared to second-borns. The lighter placental weights of firstborns compared to second-borns were found to be related to the lighter birthweights of firstborns compared to second-borns. Obviously, the placenta itself may may very well be the cause of the retardation of fetal growth in twin gestations.

Birth Order↗

PubMed1995

EMG before and after cervical anterior discectomy.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with cervical root syndromes, the relation between clinical findings and EMG results, the value of the registration of the H-reflex latency of the flexor carpi radial muscle (HFCR) and the rate of recovery of EMG abnormalities following surgery are unclear. METHODS: In 68 patients with cervical radicular syndromes caused by intervertebral disc lesions, EMG was made shortly before anterior cervical discectomy and four months later. EMG consisted of needle myography and bilateral determination of the HFCR. RESULTS: Results of HFCR were unrelated to findings on needle myography. Preoperative EMG abnormalities were related to more severe clinical and myelographic findings. A preoperative abnormal HFCR correlated with good clinical outcome. No relation was found between the clinical outcome and EMG-findings during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Determination of HFCR is a useful EMG-test, but further comparison to tendon reflexes is necessary. EMG identifies patients with more severe root lesions, but cannot be used for evaluation of persistent complaints within the first half year following surgery.

Cervical Vertebrae↗