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Biomedical subjects

M K Ferguson

Publications and source records attributed to M K Ferguson.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

Surgical and endoscopic palliation of esophageal carcinoma.

We reviewed the records of 732 patients with advanced esophageal carcinoma to determine the efficacy of palliative therapy. Palliative resection was performed in 156 patients. Hospital mortality was 9.6%, 1-year survival was 29.1%, and median survival was 7.8 months. Excellent or good palliative results were obtained in 78% of operative survivors. Bypass procedures were performed in 49 patients: hospital mortality was 20.4%, with a median survival of 6.2 months. Excellent or good palliative results were obtained in 71% of operative survivors. Intubation of the tumor was performed in 254 patients. Thirty-day mortality was 10.2%, and median survival was 4.0 months. No patient received excellent palliation. Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser therapy or photodynamic therapy was performed in 50 patients. No procedure-related deaths were recorded, and median survival was 4.1 months. Excellent or good results were obtained in 83% of patients. Lesser procedures were performed in 106 patients, and 117 had only staging examinations. Although surgical palliation of esophageal cancer with resection or bypass provides good results, the cost is high. Improvements in palliative results require reduction in operative mortality, increased accuracy of preoperative staging, continuing use of laser therapy, and increased use of chemotherapy alone or in combination with radiotherapy and operation.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Neoadjuvant vindesine, etoposide, and cisplatin for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Final report of a phase 2 study.

We treated 27 patients with regionally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with two cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with etoposide, vindesine, and cisplatin. Twenty-three patients were evaluable for response; 13 had a partial response while ten patients had stable disease or disease progression. Subsequent local therapy consisted of surgery followed by radiotherapy in four patients and of radiotherapy alone in 14 patients. Five patients did not receive local therapy. At completion of local therapy, seven patients were considered free of disease including all four who had undergone surgery. Median time to disease progression for the 13 patients who had a partial response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy was eight months (three to 51+ months). The median survival for all patients registered on study was eight months (three days to 53+ months). Chemotherapy induced toxicities included moderate myelosuppression, nausea and vomiting in all patients, and occasional ototoxicity, neurotoxicity, and wasting syndrome. One patient died of intracerebral hemorrhage due to thrombocytopenia. This trial shows that administration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy to patients with locoregionally advanced NSCLC is feasible and may yield an increased response rate compared to patients with stage IV disease. While no clearly beneficial effect of the use of chemotherapy on patient survival is apparent in this study, further studies utilizing neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with NSCLC are warranted and should attempt to identify more active combinations of drugs.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed1989

Treatment of carcinoma of the proximal esophagus.

Selection of therapy for carcinoma of the proximal esophagus is controversial. We reviewed our experience with 41 patients with carcinoma of the esophagus within 24 centimeters of the incisor teeth to address this issue. Thirty-seven patients had squamous cell carcinoma, three had adenocarcinoma and one patient had a mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Seventeen patients underwent surgical therapy, which consisted of a resection in 15, colonic bypass in one patient and extracorporeal bypass in one. Ten patients underwent postoperative radiation therapy. Radiation therapy was the primary treatment in 23 patients and chemotherapy alone in one patient. The three month mortality rate was similar for patients with tumor resection and for those receiving radiation therapy as the primary treatment. Median survival time for patients undergoing resection and adjuvant radiation therapy was 12 months and seven months for those receiving only irradiation. Statistical analyses were not performed because patients with radiation only had more advanced disease, invalidating comparison. In terms of palliation, ten of the patients who had radiation therapy could eat solid food, seven could only swallow liquids and six had persistent, complete obstruction. All 12 of the survivors who had a resection were able to eat solid food. Although the one month mortality rate is higher for those treated surgically than with radiation therapy, the three month mortality rates are similar. Surgical treatment provides better palliation and a reasonable survival time and is preferred for patients with resectable disease who are physiologically fit enough to undergo operation. A benefit of postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy is undefined but probably present.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1988

Lymphatic smooth muscle responses to leukotrienes, histamine and platelet activating factor.

Regional lymphatics regulate the accumulation of edema resulting from inflammation. The effects of mediators of inflammation on lymphatic smooth muscle, the primary determinant of lymph flow, are poorly understood. We studied mesenteric lymphatic vessels in 22 anesthetized rats with in vivo videomicroscopy following topical applications of histamine, leukotriene C4 or D4, or platelet-activating factor (PAF). Diameter, contractility, and contraction frequency were measured, and flow was calculated. Histamine caused increases in vessel diameter and contractility (174 and 218% of control, respectively; P less than 0.05), while contraction frequency was unaffected. Leukotrienes C4 and D4 caused an increase in frequency of contraction (348 and 392% of control, respectively; P less than 0.05), while having no significant influence on diameter or contractility. PAF caused smooth muscle relaxation, resulting in vasodilation and a decrease in contraction frequency (202 and 5% of control, respectively; P less than 0.05). Topical application of histamine and leukotrienes caused significant increases in calculated flow, while PAF decreased calculated flow. Mediators of inflammation have striking and diverse effects on lymphatic smooth muscle activity.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1988

Surgical management of esophageal strictures.

The cases of 50 consecutive patients requiring operative treatment for esophageal strictures were reviewed to evaluate results and develop principles of management. Forty-eight had gastroesophageal reflux disease and 2 had chronic lye strictures. Of the patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, 21 had a Barrett's esophagus. Esophageal dilations had been performed in 29 patients, 12 of whom also had undergone previous surgical procedures. Preoperative dilations by our group were used to determine further intervention. Patients with dilatable strictures were randomized to either a Nissen or a Belsey operation. In this group, there were no operative deaths, and excellent or good clinical results were obtained in 28 of 34 (82%) patients, with no significant differences noted in the outcomes between the two operations. Patients with undilatable strictures, Barrett's ulcer, or mucosal dysplasia underwent resection plus colon interposition (N = 12) or resection plus gastric interposition (N = 4). Two of the patients in the Nissen operation group later required resection and colon interposition, bringing that total to 14. Resection plus colon interposition resulted in excellent or good results in 71% of patients, with a 7% operative mortality. These results suggest that a standard transthoracic antireflux procedure can be performed with a low risk when strictures are dilatable. Excellent or good results were obtained in 82% of patients, which is equivalent to results for more complex operations. There was no significant difference in the outcome for the transthoracic Nissen procedure compared with the Belsey procedure. In addition, when required, resection plus colon interposition provided excellent or good results in 71% of the patients.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed1988

Surgical treatment of achalasia: results with esophagomyotomy and Belsey repair.

To address the controversy regarding the choice of operation for achalasia, the cases of 57 patients having operation, 38 for the first time (Group 1) and 19 with a previous procedure (Group 2), were reviewed. Surgical emphasis was on hiatal dissection to maximize exposure and use of the Belsey fundoplication to achieve cardiac competence without obstruction. Operative mortality was 1 (1.8%) of 57 patients. In group 1, 21 of the 38 had prior pneumatic dilations. All were treated with esophagomyotomy and a Belsey fundoplication. Clinical results are excellent or good in 30 (88%) of the 34 patients for whom follow-up is available, and are similar in patients with and without prior dilation. Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure decreased from 22.3 to 7.7 mm Hg (p less than 0.001), and pH testing shows no reflux in any of 13 patients. In Group 2, previous operations were esophagomyotomy in 13, esophagomyotomy plus a Nissen fundoplication in 3, and a Nissen fundoplication only in 3. The initial operation failed because of inadequate myotomy in 6 patients, an obstructive Nissen fundoplication in 6, and reflux esophagitis in 7. In these 7 patients, acid reflux testing documented reflux due to cardiac incompetence and delayed clearance. Reoperations included takedown of a Nissen fundoplication in 6, esophagomyotomy and Belsey procedure in 15, Belsey procedure in 1, and resection plus colon interposition in 2. Clinical results are excellent or good in 12 (75%) of the patients with follow-up. These conclusions can be drawn. (1) Esophagomyotomy and Belsey fundoplication lowers LES pressure and provides good results with low risk, even after pneumatic dilation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Pleuro-peritoneal shunting. Alternative therapy for pleural effusions.

Pleural effusions are resistant to standard therapy, which causes discomfort and can require prolonged hospitalization. As an alternative, pleuroperitoneal shunting for pleural effusions of various etiologies was evaluated. We implanted 36 shunts in 29 patients. Two patients had bilateral shunts and five had shunt revisions. The effusion was related to a malignancy in 22 patients, postoperative chylothorax in two patients, and other causes in five patients. Therapeutic thoracentesis had been attempted in 28 patients, and eight had had chest tube placement previously with attempted sclerosis. Seven patients had a trapped lung syndrome. There was no operative mortality. All patients were deemed ready for discharge from the hospital if they had recovered from the operation within 48 hours. Five patients had poor results, either because of a moribund status or their refusal or inability to pump the shunt. Of the remaining 24 patients, four had good results with temporary improvement, and excellent results were achieved in 20 patients (83.3%), who experienced symptomatic relief and stabilization or regression of pleural effusion until the time of their death. Patients with chylothorax experienced complete resolution. The 14 patients with malignant effusions had a median survival of 4 months, and there were no instances of peritoneal tumor seeding. In conclusion, pleuroperitoneal shunting is an alternative therapy for pleural effusions that requires a limited hospitalization only, is associated with minimal and short-term discomfort, achieves excellent results in properly selected patients, and is the only viable therapy when lung expansion cannot be achieved.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Angina-like chest pain associated with high-amplitude peristaltic contractions of the esophagus.

We reviewed 123 consecutive patients who underwent esophageal function testing to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of the syndrome of high-amplitude peristaltic contractions (HAPC). Twenty-eight patients (23%) were found to have HAPC, including 16 males and 12 females with a median age of 54 years. Barium esophograms yielded no evidence of motility disorders, while 35% of those tested had pathologic gastroesophageal acid reflux. Twenty (71%) were initially referred for evaluation of angina-like chest pain, and 8 were referred with other symptoms. Of those with chest pain, 19 initially underwent extensive evaluation for coronary artery disease before the diagnosis of HAPC. Symptoms of heartburn, regurgitation, and dysphagia were absent or minimal in most patients. Lower esophageal sphincter pressure was normal in 27 patients, and lower esophageal sphincter relaxation was normal in all patients. Mean distal esophageal peak peristaltic pressure was 147.8 mm Hg, while the highest peak peristaltic pressure for each patient averaged 193.2 mm Hg. Seven patients had mean peristaltic wave durations of more than 7 seconds. Patients with atypical chest pain or those with typical angina in whom coronary artery disease is eliminated as a possible cause should be evaluated for HAPC with esophageal manometry. Patients with symptoms are usually successfully treated with smooth muscle relaxants, and surgical intervention is rarely necessary.

Angina Pectoris↗
PubMed1988

Diffusing capacity predicts morbidity and mortality after pulmonary resection.

Patients who are considered for major pulmonary resection are normally evaluated by spirometry and clinical assessment. Despite this, the morbidity and mortality rates are high after these operations. We retrospectively reviewed results of lung resection performed during a period of 7.5 years in 237 patients to identify other important predictors of morbidity and mortality. There were 144 male and 93 female patients with a mean age of 59.4 +/- 11.4 years. The indication for operation was lung cancer in 199 (76 stage I, 34 stage II, 89 stage IIIA-B), benign disease in 34, and metastatic disease from other primary tumors in four. Lobectomy or bilobectomy was performed in 164 patients and pneumonectomy in 73. Data on 38 preoperative and operative risk factors were correlated with information on 24 postoperative events grouped into four major categories: death, pulmonary complications, cardiovascular complications, and other problems. Logistic regression analysis and chi 2 analysis were used to identify the relationship of the preoperative risk factors to the grouped postoperative complications. The diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide was the most important predictor of mortality (p less 0.01) and was the sole predictor of postoperative pulmonary complications (p less than 0.005). This diffusing capacity can reveal the existence of emphysematous changes in the lung, even when spirometric values are acceptable, and it usually should be a part of the evaluation of patients being considered for pulmonary resection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Prophylactic cranial irradiation in adenocarcinoma of the lung. A possible role.

Seventy-eight patients with modified Stage II or Stage IIIM0 adenocarcinoma of the lung were evaluated retrospectively with regard to the impact of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) (30 Gy in 15 fractions) in preventing central nervous system (CNS) metastases. Twenty patients received PCI and 58 did not. There were no significant differences between these groups with respect to age, sex, stage, or median survival (17.4 months with PCI versus 16.9 months without PCI; P = 0.6). One (5%) of 20 patients receiving PCI developed CNS metastases, compared with 14 (24%) of 58 patients not receiving PCI (P = 0.06). The time from diagnosis to development of CNS metastases and survival after CNS involvement was 51 weeks and 14 weeks, respectively, for the patient who received PCI; and a median time of 50 weeks and 26 weeks, respectively, for the patients not receiving PCI. In nine (64%) of the 14 non-PCI patients the CNS was the first and only site of relapse. A Cox regression analysis demonstrated that nodal involvement was significantly associated with an increased risk of CNS metastases. These data suggest that PCI may decrease the incidence of CNS metastases, and that it may be beneficial in the management of patients with N1 or N2 disease.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1987

Effect of histamine and histamine receptor antagonists on rat mesenteric microcirculation.

Histamine release adjacent to mesenteric arterioles under conditions of ischemia causes vasodilation and increases regional blood flow. This is presumably a protective mechanism which may be blocked by the use of H1 and H2 antagonists. Mesenteric arterioles of 29 rats were observed with intravital microscopy. Diameter and erythrocyte velocity were measured and arteriolar flow was calculated. Histamine was topically applied to the vessels under view in sequentially increasing concentrations (10(-7) to 10(-4) M). Following systemic injection of an H1 or H2 receptor antagonist or ibuprofen, the application of 10(-4) M histamine was repeated. Topical histamine caused vasodilation (122% of control; P less than 0.05) at 10(-4) M with a corresponding increase in erythrocyte velocity and calculated flow (118 and 177% of control, respectively; P less than 0.05 for each). The vasodilatory effects of histamine were blocked by systemic injection of histamine receptor antagonists (H1 + H2 greater than H1 greater than H2), while ibuprofen had no significant effect. In situations in which the gut is at risk for ischemia, the use of H1 and/or H2 receptor antagonists may seriously compromise the mesenteric microcirculation.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Effects of leukotrienes B4, C4, and D4 on rat mesenteric microcirculation.

Arachidonic acid is metabolized to leukotriene (LT) B4, C4, D4, and E4 by lipoxygenase. LTB4 is a chemotactic agent while LTC4 and LTD4 stimulate smooth muscle fibers to contract. Mesenteric vessels have the capacity to release leukotrienes. The possibility that leukotrienes might be responsible for or contribute to mesenteric ischemia during mesenteric low flow, embolism, and thrombosis prompted us to investigate their action on mesenteric vessels. LTB4, C4, and D4 were applied topically on small bowel mesentery of 22 Sprague-Dawley rats in sequentially increasing concentrations. Mesenteric arterioles with diameters of 8-20 microns were observed through a microscope and vessel diameters were measured using a video shear monitor. LTB4 had no effect on diameter, but doses as low as 3 X 10(-8) M induced white blood cell adherence to venular endothelium, reflecting the potent chemotactic properties of this compound. LTC4 and D4 had no effect on systemic blood pressure or white blood cell adherence. Applications of 6.4 X 10(-9), 3.2 X 10(-8), and 6.4 X 10(-8) M LTC4 decreased mesenteric arteriolar diameter to 85.3* +/- 4.7% (mean +/- SD), 75.7* +/- 7.5%, and 66.8* +/- 6.1% of baseline, and 4 X 10(-9), 2 X 10(-8), and 4 X 10(-8) M LTD4 decreased diameter to 84.9* +/- 6.1%, 75.1* +/- 4.2%, and 64.1* +/- 5% of baseline, respectively (P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acetophenones↗
PubMed1987

Adenosquamous lung carcinoma: clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis.

Adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung is a rare and poorly described entity. At the University of Chicago between 1974 and 1985, 2.3% (20/873) of patients with lung cancer had well-differentiated adenosquamous carcinoma. As in non-small cell lung cancer, patients with Stage I disease were amenable to operation with 60% (3/5) free from disease between one and six years postoperatively. However, Stage II adenosquamous carcinoma (14 patients) exhibited highly aggressive behavior with rapid progression of disease (mean interval, 2.1 months). Despite combinations of surgery (6 patients), chemotherapy (6 patients, one response), and radiotherapy (10 patients, no response), median survival for patients with Stage III adenosquamous carcinoma was 5.0 months, worse than that for Stage III small cell cancer (9.6 months), adenocarcinoma (9.0 months), and squamous cancer (7.8 months).

Actuarial Analysis↗
PubMed1987

Selective operative approach for diagnosis and treatment of anterior mediastinal masses.

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 41 patients with an isolated anterior mediastinal mass to identify whether the traditional surgical approach of resection for both diagnosis and therapy is the optimal approach to these tumors. In addition to plain chest radiographs, clinical evaluation included computed tomography (CT) in 23 and gallium scintigraphy in 23. The initial intervention was attempted excisional therapy in 16 and mediastinoscopy for biopsy in 25. Pathological diagnoses included lymphoma (13), thymoma (11), germ cell tumor (6), carcinoid (2), bronchogenic carcinoma (2), and other benign processes (7). Based on histological findings, nonoperative therapy was the most appropriate treatment in 61%. The clinical selection of the surgical approach was not aided by patient age, symptoms, or findings on CT. The gallium scan was positive in 13 of 15 patients for whom nonoperative therapy was appropriate, and was normal in 7 of 8 for whom excision was indicated. Mediastinoscopy is useful in the diagnosis of anterior mediastinal masses, and may eliminate unnecessary thoracotomy, especially when a gallium scan is positive.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Colon interposition for benign esophageal disease.

We reviewed 53 consecutive patients with benign disease who underwent esophageal resection followed by colon interposition to assess operative morbidity and long-term results. Indications were gastroesophageal reflux in 32 patients, advanced motility disorders in eight, esophageal perforation in six, and strictures not related to reflux in seven. There were two operative deaths (3.8%). Fourteen other patients (26.4%) had 18 major complications including three graft infarcts, two graft perforations, and four anastomotic leaks, one of which required surgical treatment. Follow-up was complete in 83% of patients and averaged 5 years. Eight patients required dilations; and 15 underwent late reoperations for stricture, persistent symptoms, or anastomotic leak. Of the 20 patients who did not have pyloroplasty done at the initial resection, five (25%) required a subsequent gastric emptying procedure. Results were rated by patients (subjectively) and physicians (objectively, based on symptoms and the need for further therapy) as 1 = excellent, 2 = good, 3 = fair, and 4 = poor. The patients' ratings averaged 1.89, with 27 patients (75%) claiming good or excellent results despite symptoms of postprandial fullness in 78% and dysphagia in 42%. Objective ratings averaged 2.05, with 28 of 39 patients (72%) rating the results as excellent or good. Despite a 30% major complication rate and a 37% late reoperative rate, colon interposition for benign esophageal disease can be accomplished with low mortality and high patient acceptance and remains our preferred technique for reconstruction of benign esophageal disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Pleuroperitoneal shunting for malignant pleural effusions.

Traditional therapy for malignant pleural effusions includes thoracentesis or tube drainage with instillation of irritants to achieve pleurodesis. This can require a lengthy hospitalization, causes pain and discomfort, and has an appreciable failure rate. Because of these drawbacks, the authors used a shunting device to transfer fluid to the peritoneal cavity in 17 patients with malignant pleural effusions. Eleven patients had undergone previous therapeutic thoracenteses and three had chest tube placement with failed sclerosis. The shunt was a subcutaneous valved pump chamber with attached pleural and peritoneal catheters, which used manual compression to transfer fluid against the normal abdominal/pleural pressure gradient. Operative placement under local or general anesthesia was performed without complication. Five patients achieved minimal benefit, either because of moribund status or their inability to compress the pump effectively. In the other 12 patients, there was radiographic evidence of diminished or stabilized pleural effusion; respiratory symptoms were effectively palliated, and no further treatment for their effusion was required. Peritoneal dissemination of malignant cells has not been clinically detected. We feel that pleuroperitoneal shunting is a valid new method for treatment of malignant pleural effusions which can effectively palliate respiratory symptoms with low morbidity. Advantages include the absence of external tubing and the possibility for only a short hospitalization or even outpatient placement. Shunting is applicable for patients who are able to perform the requisite pumping and is particularly suitable for those with trapped lungs or who have failed attempted pleural sclerosis.

Catheterization↗