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Biomedical subjects

S Aronson

Publications and source records attributed to S Aronson.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

The influence of collateral flow on the antegrade and retrograde distribution of cardioplegia in patients with an occluded right coronary artery.

BACKGROUND: The predictive value of electrocardiography (ECG) and coronary angiography for cardioplegia distribution in patients with an occluded right coronary artery was evaluated. METHODS: Coronary angiograms and ECGs were evaluated in 15 patients with right coronary artery occlusion. Prediction of antegrade cardioplegia distribution was based on ECG evidence of infarction and coronary collateral flow determined from the angiogram. Antegrade and retrograde delivery of cardioplegia was directly assessed in all patients by myocardial contrast echocardiography. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiographic images of the right ventricular free wall, the apex, and the intraventricular septum were recorded while 4 ml of Albunex (Mallinckrodt Medical, St. Louis, MO) was injected into antegrade and retrograde cardioplegic catheters during cardioplegia delivery. The observed (myocardial contrast echocardiography) cardioplegia distribution was compared to the predicted cardioplegia distribution. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values were calculated. RESULTS: Eighty seven of 90 (97%) segments were analyzed. Angiography and ECG poorly predicted incomplete cardioplegia distribution. Electrocardiography was a better predictor of inadequate cardioplegia distribution to the right ventricle than was angiography. The negative predicted values of cardioplegia distribution ranged from 20 to 50% for the septum and right ventricle, respectively, with ECG criteria and from 0 to 33% for the septum and apex, respectively, with angiographic criteria. Antegrade cardioplegia delivery was distributed to the right ventricle in 31% of patients, despite 100% occlusion of the right coronary artery; whereas retrograde cardioplegia delivery to the right ventricle occurred 20% of the time. CONCLUSIONS: In the presence of 100% right coronary artery occlusion, retrograde cardioplegia delivery is not often observed and antegrade delivery of cardioplegia to the right ventricle is not easily predicted. The preoperative angiography and ECG are not predictive of coronary collateral circulation and therefore not predictive of cardioplegia distribution to the right ventricle.

Arterial Occlusive Diseases↗
PubMed1997

Prosthetic mitral valve replacement: late complications after native valve preservation.

Preservation of the mitral valve leaflet and tensor apparatus during valve replacement is believed to maintain left ventricular performance. The routine use of this technique may lead to left ventricular outflow or inflow obstruction as illustrated in the present report. We recommend mobilization or excision of the anterior mitral valve leaflet and preservation of the posterior leaflet if replacement of the valve is contemplated for incompetence.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Intraoperative echocardiography is indicated in high-risk coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative echocardiography is a valuable monitoring and diagnostic technology used in cardiac surgery. This reports our clinical study of the usefulness of intraoperative echocardiography to both surgeons and anesthesiologists for high-risk coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: From March to November 1995, 82 consecutive high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were studied in a four-stage protocol to determine the efficacy of intraoperative echocardiography in management planning. Alterations in surgical and anesthetic/hemodynamic management initiated by intraoperative echocardiography findings were documented in addition to perioperative morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Intraoperative echocardiography initiated at least one major surgical management alteration in 27 patients (33%) and at least one major anesthetic/hemodynamic change in 42 (51%). Mortality and the rate of myocardial infarction in this consecutive high-risk study population using intraoperative echocardiography and in a similar group of patients without the use of intraoperative echocardiography was 1.2% versus 3.8% (not significant) and 1.2% versus 3.5% (not significant), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that when all of the isolated diagnostic and monitoring applications of perioperative echocardiography are routinely and systematically performed together, it is a safe and viable tool that significantly affects the decision-making process in the intraoperative care of high-risk patients undergoing primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting and may contribute to the optimal care of these patients.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Outcome of sextant biopsy according to gland volume.

OBJECTIVES: To reassess positive rate of sextant biopsy according to gland size. METHODS: We evaluated 1974 consecutive men with systematic sextant biopsy, among whom we examined biopsy yield according to gland-volume intervals of 10 cc. RESULTS: Decreasing yield of sextant biopsy is strongly associated with increasing gland volume (P < 0.001). Highest biopsy rate (39.6%) was recorded among men with prostates smaller than 20 cc. The lowest biopsy rate (10.1%) was recorded among men with prostates between 80 and 89.9 cc. Among men with biopsy-proven cancer, age, serum prostate-specific antigen, and Gleason grade were comparable (P > 0.05) throughout the range of gland-volume intervals. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that gland size represents an important determinant contributing to the yield of sextant biopsy in men at risk of harboring a nonpalpable, isoechoic cancer. Consequently, an individualized sector biopsy approach, based on prostate volume, may warrant consideration because it may ensure superior detection of clinically significant disease among all men at risk, regardless of prostate size.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Acute glomerulonephritis, Henoch-Schönlein purpura and dental amalgam in Swedish children: a case-control study.

The issue of adverse health effects from dental amalgam and the concurrent low-dose exposure to inorganic mercury have been scrutinized by several Swedish expert groups during the past years. Only rarely have amalgam fillings in children been related to health effects. Experimental studies in genetically disposed animals have shown that low doses of inorganic mercury can induce autoimmune glomerulonephritis. The present case-control study included 31 children with acute glomerulonephritis and 33 with Henoch-Schönlein purpura retrieved from an in-patient register for the period 1973-1992 at the county hospital in Halmstad, Sweden. The median age was 10 and 9 years, respectively, for the two diagnostic groups. Dental clinics reported amalgam burden of the patients during the year before the date of diagnosis. Corresponding data were obtained for three randomly selected controls for each case, drawn from the case records of the same dental clinics, with matching for age and sex. Odds ratios (95% confidence interval) were 1.42 (0.49, 4.11) for Henoch-Schönlein purpura, 0.59 (0.25, 1.38) for acute glomerulonephritis and 0.84 (0.40, 1.75) for both diseases combined. The results of this study did not indicate increased disease risk in relation to amalgam burden.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Stress echocardiography, contrast echocardiography, and tissue characterization: applications for the future.

During the last three decades the application of ultrasonography has expanded rapidly. The information available to the clinician from ultrasound imaging today is vastly more significant than it was in the early years of the development of this technology. In addition to automatic information, there is an increasing potential to provide functional, dynamic perfusion and even cellular information about the heart. This article attempts to summarize briefly the advances in these areas.

Cardiotonic Agents↗
PubMed1996

Assessing myocardial perfusion with Albunex during coronary artery bypass surgery: technical considerations and safety of aortic root injections.

OBJECTIVE: To test the safety and report on limiting technical considerations, including optimal dosing of Albunex (Molecular Biosystems, Inc, Mallinckrodt Medical, St. Louis, MO) for myocardial opacification after intra-aortic root injections during cardiac surgery. DESIGN: This was a prospective randomized study with a control group who did not receive Albunex and a group who received intra-aortic root injections of Albunex. SETTING: Multicenter (two) independent university hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: 32 patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass surgery were evaluated after individual informed consent was obtained. INTERVENTIONS: 2 to 8 mL of Albunex were injected before and after coronary revascularization. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Quality of enhancement in each of four regions of the left ventricle was assessed from a short-axis mid-papillary ultrasound image by three experienced observers blinded to dose. Electrocardiogram (ECG), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) (MB fraction), and hemodynamics were evaluated at baseline and throughout the study period for up to 72 hours. No differences were noted between groups with respect to preoperative and postoperative CPK enzymes (CPK-MB fraction), ECG changes, hemodynamics, requirements for separation from CPB, need for postoperative inotropes, time to extubation, and time to discharge from the intensive care unit. The average total dose of Albunex injected was 19 mL +/- 4 (0.25 mL/kg). A single dose of 4.2 +/- 1.2 mL (0.05 mL/kg) appeared to offer optimal enhancement of contrast effect for myocardial perfusion assessment. CONCLUSION: Albunex is safe and easy to use for myocardial opacification when administered via an antegrade cardioplegia catheter into the aortic root during CPB.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

The bereavement process in children of parents with AIDS.

AIDS has left tens of thousands of children with dead or dying parents. This epidemic is forcing us to take a new look at loss in childhood, paying attention to the impact of the social and cultural forces in these children's surroundings on their internal/psychological worlds. This chapter is a preliminary attempt to examine these factors, integrating psychoanalytic concepts, the sociocultural context, and treatment issues. Clinical vignettes are used to illustrate throughout.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1996

Improved final height in girls with Turner's syndrome treated with growth hormone and oxandrolone.

The spontaneous growth process in Turner's syndrome is characterized by a progressive decline in height velocity during childhood and no pubertal growth spurt. Therefore, therapy aimed at improving height during childhood as well as increasing final height is desirable for most girls with Turner's syndrome. Forty-five girls with Turner's syndrome, 9-16 yr of age (mean age, 12.2 yr), were allocated to three study groups. Group 1 (n = 13) was initially treated with oxandrolone alone; after 1 yr of treatment, GH without (group 1a; n = 6) or with (group 1b; n = 7) ethinyl estradiol was added. Group 2 (n = 17) was treated with GH plus oxandrolone. Group 3 (n = 15) was treated with GH, oxandrolone, and ethinyl estradiol. The dosage were: GH, 0.1 IU/kg.day; oxandrolone, 0.05 mg/kg.day; and ethinyl estradiol, 100 ng/kg.day. A height of 150 cm or more was achieved in 61%, 75%, and 60% of the girls in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The most impressive increase in height was seen in group 2. In this group the mean final height was 154.2 cm (SD = 6.6), which is equivalent to a mean net gain of 8.5 cm (SD = 4.6) over the projected final height. In group 3, in which ethinyl estradiol was included from the start of therapy, the initially good height velocity decelerated after 1-2 yr of treatment. Their mean final height was 151.1 (SD = 4.6) cm, equivalent to a mean net gain of 3.0 cm (SD = 3.8). A similar growth-decelerating effect of ethinyl estradiol was seen in group 1b. We conclude that in girls with Turner's syndrome who are older than 9 yr of age, treatment with GH in combination with oxandrolone results in significant growth acceleration, imitating that in normal puberty, leading to a more favorable height during childhood. This mode of treatment also results in a significantly increased final height, permitting a great number of the girls to attain a final height of more than 150 cm. However, early addition of estrogen decelerates the height velocity and reduces the gain in height.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Value of systematic transition zone biopsies in the early detection of prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: A prospective study was done to determine the value of performing 2 systematic transition zone biopsies in addition to systematic sextant peripheral zone biopsies for early detection of prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1 to August 31, 1994 we evaluated 847 consecutive patients referred to us for a suspicious lesion on digital rectal examination or an elevated serum prostate specific antigen level. All patients underwent 2 systematic transition zone biopsies in addition to systematic sextant biopsies of the peripheral zone. RESULTS: Of the transition zone biopsies 68 (24.4%) contained malignancy, including only 8 (2.9%) with cancer found exclusively in the transition zone. The remaining 271 cases (97.1%) had 1 or more positive peripheral zone biopsies and would have been detected with or without additional systematic transition zone biopsies. The same analysis of 552 patients with a negative digital rectal examination yielded 6 (4.1%) exclusively transition zone tumors among 145 cancers detected in this group. CONCLUSIONS: The low additional yield of transition zone biopsies (2.9 to 4.1%) does not warrant their systematic use for the early detection of prostate cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Role of prostate-specific antigen density after applying age-specific prostate-specific antigen reference ranges.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the potential role of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density (PSAD) in the early detection of prostate carcinoma if we apply age-specific PSA reference ranges (2.5 ng/mL or less for ages 40 to 49 years, 3.5 or less for ages 50 to 59, 4.5 or less for ages 60 to 69, and 6.5 or less for ages 70 to 79. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 3234 cases referred to us by urologists for transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) between January 1, 1991, and September 28, 1993. We included 2429 patients in the study, ages 40 to 79 years, with Hybritech or Abbott IMx serum PSA determinations and without previously diagnosed prostate cancer. We performed digital rectal examination (DRE) and TRUS in all cases, and TRUS-guided biopsies when indicated. We used stringent criteria to define 736 cases without clinical evidence of malignancy that were designated as a "benign group." RESULTS: In the benign group, we found serum PSA to increase with age in parallel with the increase in prostate volume with age (r = 0.25 and r = 0.26, respectively). The association between serum PSA and prostate volume was stronger (r = 0.46). Using multiple regression analysis, prostate volume accounted for 18% of the variation in serum PSA, whereas age accounted for only an additional 2%. PSAD, which directly relates serum PSA to prostate volume, showed a weak association with age (r = 0.1). In the entire study population of 2429 cases, 555 patients had negative DRE and TRUS results and a serum PSA level between the age-specific upper limit of normal and 10.0 ng/mL. According to the proposed age-specific algorithm, these patients would have required automatic biopsies. Of these, 315 cases (56.8%) still had a PSAD of less than 0.15. We performed biopsies in 108 of these 315 and detected only two cancers, for a positive biopsy rate (PBR) of 1.9%. The remaining 240 cases had a PSAD of 0.15 or higher, and we performed biopsies in 217 of these cases and detected 59 cancers, for a PBR of 27.2%. CONCLUSIONS: The use of age-specific PSA reference ranges does not totally account for the effect of prostate volume on serum PSA. Therefore PSAD can still be used to reduce safely the number of biopsies performed in patients with negative DRE and TRUS results and a serum PSA level 10.0 ng/mL or less and above the age-specific upper limit of normal.

Adult↗