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Biomedical subjects

A Mandelberg

Publications and source records attributed to A Mandelberg.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

Is nebulized aerosol treatment necessary in the pediatric emergency department?

BACKGROUND: Infants and small children admitted to the pediatric emergency department (PED) with acute wheezing episodes (AWE) are currently treated with nebulized wet aerosol (NWA). OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of MDI with Nebuchamber (Astra AB; Lund, Sweden), a nonelectrostatic spacer device (NESD), as compared to NWA in the treatment of an unselected population of babies and small children with AWE. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Forty-two children referred to the PED (median age +/- SD, 16 +/- 15 months) with AWE received either placebo MDI through a NESD (four puffs) and salbutamol 0.5 mL (2.5 mg) as a NWA (group I, n = 19), or salbutamol MDI and 0.5 mL of saline solution administered in the same manner as above (group II, n = 23). This treatment was repeated three times every 20 min. RESULTS: The respiratory rates (RRs) at baseline were as follows: group I, 45 +/- 11.2 breaths/min; and group II, 52.3 +/- 11.3 breaths/min (p = not significant [NS]). After the first, second, and third interventions, the percent fall from baseline of the RR were as follows: group I, 8.9, 13.1, and 17.9%, respectively; group II, 8. 6, 14.6, and 18.6%, respectively. There was no significant difference at any time in the results between the two groups. The clinical scores (CSs) at baseline were as follows: group I, 6.6 +/- 1.3; group II, 6.8 +/- 1.49 (p = NS). After the first, second, and third interventions, the percent fall from baseline of the CS were as follows: group I, 9.1, 17.9, and 23.2%, respectively; group II, 8. 6, 18.9, and 24.7%, respectively. These results, also, did not differ significantly at any time between the two groups. Hospitalization rate and side effects did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that even in the group of unselected very young children (mean age < 2 years) with AWE, the use of MDI with NESD is at least as effective as the use of NWA. As opposed to data from an adult population, no plateau was reached in the dose-response curve using the above doses over time.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Alkalinizing local anesthetic does not decrease pain during injection for dorsal penile nerve block.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether alkalizing local anesthetic with sodium bicarbonate reduces pain related to infiltration of local anesthetic during dorsal penile nerve block for circumcision. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study. SETTING: E. Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel. PATIENTS: 144 patients aged 15 to 54 years (mean +/- SD = 22.7 +/- 8.8 years), randomized before the block into four groups of 36 patients each. INTERVENTIONS: Group A (control) received a standard solution of 1 mg/kg lidocaine 2% mixed with 0.5 mg/kg bupivacaine 0.5% without epinephrine (pH = 6.3). Patients in Group B, Group C, and Group D received this mixture added with 8.4% sodium bicarbonate for a mean final pH of 6.90, 7.16, and 7.43, respectively. Penile block was performed using a 23-gauge needle by an anesthetist who was blinded to the pH of the solution. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients were questioned regarding pain suffered during injection of the anesthetic solutions by another physicians who also was blinded to the drug used. Pain was rated by a previously reported subjective pain scale. Mean pain scales were 2.0 +/- 0.17, 2.3 +/- 0.15, 2.2 +/- 0.16, and 1.94 +/- 0.15 for Groups A to D, respectively. The differences between these results were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Alkalinizing the acidic local anesthetic solution by sodium bicarbonate does not decrease pain related to infiltration during penile nerve block for circumcision.

Adolescent↗

Does the size of nasogastric tubes affect gastroesophageal reflux in children?

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effects of nasogastric tube insertion and different nasogastric tube sizes on gastroesophageal reflux in children. METHODS: During a prospective randomized study, 29 patients aged 1 month to 4 years (median, 9 months) underwent 24 hours of continuous esophageal pH monitoring to rule out gastroesophageal reflux as the cause of severe pulmonary problems. Each patient was monitored without nasogastric tube for 16 hours (baseline), and thereafter the first nasogastric tube, small (8-Fr) or large (10-Fr or 12-Fr), was placed. Four hours later, the original nasogastric tube was replaced by a new one of large (instead of small) size or of small (instead of large) size. We selected the times of wakefulness in these study periods and compared the number of reflux episodes (NREs), the number of reflux episodes that lasted more than 5 minutes (NRE>5), and the percentage of time with esophageal pH less than 4 (PTP<4). RESULTS: The 12-Fr group in comparison with the 8-Fr group and baseline showed significant difference (P<0.05) in the NRE>5 and PTP<4 parameters. No significant differences were found when comparing 8-Fr versus 10-Fr groups and baseline. In children with (n = 20) and without (n = 9) gastroesophageal reflux, comparison of the various reflux parameters between baseline and the different sizes of nasogastric tubes showed the same results. CONCLUSIONS: Size of the nasogastric tubes is a significant factor in predisposing the child to gastroesophageal reflux. Large nasogastric tubes interfere with the clearance of the refluxed acid from the esophagus.

Child, Preschool↗

Salbutamol metered-dose inhaler with spacer for hyperkalemia: how fast? How safe?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of inhaled salbutamol (rapidly delivered, using a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer device [MDI-S]) in lowering the serum potassium levels in patients with hyperkalemia. DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. PATIENTS: Seventeen chronic renal failure patients referred to the Nephrology Unit between October 1, 1997 and March 31, 1998 for hemodialysis were randomized. INTERVENTION AND RESULTS: Group 1 received salbutamol followed by a placebo. Group 2 received a placebo followed by salbutamol. Each patient inhaled 1,200 microg salbutamol or a placebo through an MDI-S within 2 min. Blood samples were obtained repeatedly before inhalation and after 1, 3, 5, 10, and 60 min. The pulse rate and blood pressure were repeatedly measured. Insulin levels were examined in a subset of patients (n = 10) before, and 1 and 5 min following inhalation. Salbutamol's known side effects, palpitation, tachycardia tremor, and headache, were recorded. Potassium levels rose after 1 min following the completion of treatment and then decreased steadily thereafter. A rise of > or = 0.1 mEq/L was seen in 10 of 17 patients (59%) during the treatment period and there was no change (0%) seen during the placebo period (p < 0.0001). Within 3 min after inhalation of salbutamol, potassium levels declined as a function of time. Potassium levels in those patients taking the placebo did not change as a function of time (p < 0.001). The difference between the placebo and the salbutamol-treated periods reached significance after 5 min (p < 0.05). The serum glucose levels rose following inhalation of salbutamol, with a significant rise after 3 min. The heart rate rose significantly within the first 5 min following inhalation. Serum insulin levels remained unchanged 1 min after inhalation; however, after 5 min, a significant elevation was detected. CONCLUSION: Salbutamol inhalation of 1,200 microg, using an MDI-S, has a relatively rapid onset of action that induces a consistent reduction in serum potassium levels, starting 3 to 5 min following delivery. Unexpectedly, a paradoxical elevation was detected in serum potassium levels in the first minutes following inhalation. This effect, although minor (0.15 mEq/L above baseline), may cast some doubt on the role of salbutamol inhalation as the first treatment for excessive hyperkalemia.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Efficacy of EMLA cream prior to dorsal penile nerve block for circumcision in children.

BACKGROUND: While circumcision may be performed solely with dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB), some painful steps in its use are skin needle penetration and infiltration of the anesthetic product. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of EMLA cream, prior to DPNB for circumcision in children. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study with 42 children undergoing circumcision with DPNB alone, as an ambulatory procedure. Overall efficacy of EMLA cream (Group A) during needle penetration and infiltration was assessed using a visual analog scale, compared with a placebo cream (Group B). Patients were asked to orally report any pain during skin needle penetration and infiltration of anesthetic, and were graded from 1 to 4 according to intensity of pain, as 1) none, 2) slight, 3) moderate, or 4) severe. The child graded the global discomfort of the entire procedure using the visual analog scale. RESULTS: When assessing needle penetration, none from Group A suffered any pain, whereas all from Group B suffered at least mild pain. Considering infiltration of the anesthetic, all children suffered at least slight-to-moderate pain. Based on the children's visual analog scale scores, EMLA cream has no beneficial effect for penile block. CONCLUSION: Since the dorsal penile nerves are located under the Buck's fascia, topical anesthesia may not reach them and other techniques may be necessary to anesthetize them. We found that although EMLA cream is efficient as a topical anesthesia during needle penetration for DPNB, it has no beneficial effect during infiltration.

Adolescent↗

Slow injection of local anaesthetic will decrease pain during dorsal penile nerve block.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether a very slow injection of local anaesthetics during dorsal penile nerve block for circumcision causes less pain than a more rapid injection. METHODS: In a prospective, double-blind, randomized study, 75 patients aged 15 to 53 yr (mean +/- SD = 22 +/- 8.4 yr) were randomized into two groups. A solution of 2% lidocaine, 1 mg.kg-1, and 0.5% bupivacaine, 0.5 mg.kg-1 without epinephrine to a maximum dose of 10 ml was injected using either a very slow rate (injection time 100 to 150 s, Group A) or a faster rate (injection time 40 to 80 s, Group B). Patients were questioned regarding pain by a physician who was blinded to the mode of therapy. Pain was rated as 1) mild (negligible), 2) moderate (non-negligible, but easily endurable), 3) intense (but endurable) and 4) total refusal to continue. RESULTS: A significant pain score difference was found between Groups A and B (median = 1 vs. 2, P = 0.0006) as well as a significant correlation between pain score and the rate of infiltration (rs = -0.394, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Slow injection is an important factor in reducing pain during penile block.

Adolescent↗

Continuous avoidance measures with or without acaricide in dust mite-allergic asthmatic children.

BACKGROUND: Improvement in the quality of life in the Western world and increased time spent indoors by children have enhanced the spread of house dust mites and increased the exposure time for sensitive children. Also, exposure to house dust mites in infancy and subsequent development of childhood asthma have been clinically linked. Recently, new acaricides have been developed. OBJECTIVE: To test the efficacy of the new acaricide (esdepallethin and piperonyl butoxide--"Acardust") combined with environmental control compared with continuous house dust mite avoidance measures. METHOD: Forty-six house dust mite-allergic, asthmatic children were evaluated for 6 months in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. Patients were randomly allocated to active and placebo acaricide treatment combined with avoidance measures, whereas only continuous avoidance measures were taken in the third group. Symptom score, medication usage, and peak flow measurements were recorded daily. The amount of house dust mite allergen in the dust vacuumed from the bedrooms was also measured. RESULTS: Morning and evening peak expiratory flow rates and forced expiratory volume in one second remained unchanged throughout the study period. In all groups, the symptom scores improved significantly, whereas the amount of house dust mite allergen decreased significantly at the end of the trial. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous house dust mite avoidance measures have a significant positive effect on the symptomology of children with mild or moderate asthma. "Acardust" combined with continuous house dust mite avoidance measures is not more effective than continuous house dust mite avoidance measures alone in the treatment of house dust mite-allergic, asthmatic children.

Aerosols↗

Nebulized wet aerosol treatment in emergency department--is it essential? Comparison with large spacer device for metered-dose inhaler.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with a large spacer device as compared to nebulized wet aerosols in the treatment of an unselected population with severe airflow limitation. DESIGN: Randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: University Hospital Department of Emergency Medicine (DEM). PATIENTS: Fifty patients, referred to the DEM between October 1, 1994 and March 31, 1995 with a severe, acute obstructive pulmonary event. Thirteen patients were diagnosed as having COPD; 37 patients were diagnosed as having asthma. INTERVENTION AND RESULTS: Patients received either placebo MDI through a 750-mL cone-shaped spacer (Glaxo) [2 puffs] and nebulized salbutamol aerosol 0.5 mL in 1.5 mL saline solution (group 1, n=25) or salbutamol MDI and 0.5 mL saline solution in 1.5 mL saline solution administered in the same manner as above (group 2, n=25). The above treatment was repeated three times every 15 min, unless side effects appeared. Upon enrollment into the study, the FEV1 in group 1 was 0.78+/-0.7 L (mean+/-SD), 32% of predicted, and in group 2, 0.74+/-0.51 L, 29% of predicted (p=0.83). The FEV1 values after the first, second, and third interventions were as follows: in group 1, 1.18+/-0.99 L, 1.40+/-0.8, and 1.47+/-0.79, respectively, and in group 2, 1.17+/-0.99 L, 1.46+/-1.01, and 1.54+/-0.79 (p=0.83, 0.36, and 0.48, respectively). We observed no difference in spirometric measurements between the two groups at any time. CONCLUSION: Even in the setting of the unselected group of patient referrals to the DEM for episodes of severe airflow limitation, the clinical and the objective bronchodilator responses to the administration of salbutamol are independent of the method of delivery: MDI with a large spacer vs aerosol nebulization.

Aerosols↗

Dorsal penile nerve block in children undergoing circumcision in a day-care surgery.

PURPOSE: Circumcision is performed under general anaesthesia (GA) with dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB) as an analgesic technique for postoperative pain. The purpose of this study was to compare DPNB as the sole anaesthetic procedure vs GA and DPNB for circumcision in children as an outpatient procedure. METHODS: In a six-month prospective study, 250 boys aged 6 to 17 yr (mean age 11.5 +/- 3.5 yr) were randomized into two groups. Group A (n = 122) received DPNB only prior to circumcision, and Group B (n = 128) received GA + DPNB. The groups were compared for complications of the block, effectiveness of anaesthesia, operating room time, postoperative time and ease of recovery. RESULTS: There were no major operative complications in the two groups. Minor block complications, including oedema and haematoma, occurred in 16 (13.1%) boys in Group A and 27 (21.10%) boys in Group B (NS). At surgery, 3 (2.6%) from Group A received additional GA and 1 (0.8%) received additional local anaesthesia. They represent a DPNB failure rate of 3.3%. Mean operating room time was 11 +/- 2.5 min in Group A and 19 +/- 3.5 min in Group B, and post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) time was 51 +/- 10 min in Group A and 101 +/- 14.5 min in Group B (P < 0.001). Nausea and vomiting in the PACU were noted in one patient in Group A and in 15 in Group B (P < 0.05). Only patients in Group B required additional analgesia and tranquilizers in the PACU (0 versus 20; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm that DPNB has advantages over GA + DPNB for paediatric circumcision in day-care surgery.

Adolescent↗

Effect of natural oxygen enrichment at low altitude on oxygen-dependent patients with end-stage lung disease.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of lowering altitude to that of the lowest place on earth (Dead Sea) on arterial oxygenation and exercise performance in patients with hypoxemia and end-stage lung disease. DESIGN: A cohort of 10 patients. SETTING: Pulmonary function laboratories in Jerusalem, Israel, and at the Dead Sea. PATIENTS: 10 patients with end-stage lung disease who were receiving long-term oxygen therapy. The 4 males and 6 females were 12 to 77 years old. Four patients had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; 2 had cystic fibrosis; 3 had pulmonary fibrosis; and 1 had pulmonary hypertension (thromboembolic). Mean forced vital capacity was 1.54 L (54% of predicted value) and mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second was 0.85 L (35% of predicted value). MEASUREMENTS: Spirometry, blood gas analysis, progressive exercise testing, and sleep oximetry were done in Jerusalem (altitude, 800 m above sea level; barometric pressure, 696 mm Hg); the same measurements were done 6 days after arrival at the Dead Sea (altitude, 402 m below sea level; barometric pressure, 800 mm Hg) and then 7 to 14 days later in Jerusalem. RESULTS: Arterial oxygenation increased from a median partial pressure of arterial oxygen of 51.6 mm Hg in Jerusalem to 67.0 mm Hg at the Dead Sea, an increase of 15.2 mm Hg (95% CI of paired difference, 4.1 to 20.4 mm Hg; P = 0.001). Partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide increased from a median of 43.2 to 45.9 mm Hg, an increase of 2.7 mm Hg (CI, 0.5 to 6.4 mm Hg; P = 0.004), with a borderline significant change in the alveolar-arterial gradient. Arterial oxygen saturation increased from a median of 87.7% to 92.8%, a change of 4.8% (CI, 1.9% to 9.8%; P = 0.003). Exercise performance also improved as maximum oxygen uptake increased from a median of 827 mL/min to 1056 mL/min, an increase of 203 mL/min (CI, 54 to 388 mL/min; P = 0.006). Sleep oximetry also improved as median arterial oxygen saturation measured during sleep increased from 85% to 90%, a change of 5% (CI, 2% to 7%; P = 0.005), and percentage of sleep time with an oxygen saturation rate of 90% or more increased from a median of 24% to 73%, a change of 49% (CI, 20% to 87%; P = 0.02). No change in spirometry was noted. All patients felt less dyspneic and reported improved functional capacity with reduced need for oxygen. CONCLUSION: Descent to low altitude can improve arterial oxygenation, exercise performance, and sleep oximetry and consequently the quality of life in patients with hypoxemia and advanced lung disease.

Adolescent↗

Pseudohypoaldosteronism with increased sweat and saliva electrolyte values and frequent lower respiratory tract infections mimicking cystic fibrosis.

Four patients with severe pseudohypoaldosteronism caused by multiple end-organ resistance to aldosterone had frequently recurring lower respiratory tract infections and persistently elevated sweat and saliva electrolyte values. The increased saliva electrolyte values in these patients probably affect normal mucociliary function in the respiratory tract and facilitate the occurrence of frequent lower respiratory tract involvement. Patients with pseudohypoaldosteronism may require treatment similar to that for cystic fibrosis to prevent long-term respiratory complications.

Aldosterone↗

Noninvasive determination of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: standardization for variation in skin color.

The estimation of plasma bilirubin concentration in neonates, using a transcutaneous, noninvasive jaundice meter, is significantly affected by many factors, such as gestational age, birthweight, phototherapy, and skin pigmentation. In an attempt to minimize the influence of skin color and hence circumvent the need for standardization curves for different ethnic populations, we obtained noninvasive jaundice meter readings from the infant's midsternum within 4 hours of birth and subtracted this measurement from subsequent reading in infants with hyperbilirubinemia. These results were correlated with simultaneous plasma bilirubin determinations. By this method, a single standardization curve and improved sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for the noninvasive determination of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in a population of mixed ethnic origin was obtained.

Bilirubin↗

Giardiasis with protein-losing enteropathy: diagnosis by fecal alpha 1-antitrypsin determination.

Giardia lamblia infection was documented by jejunal biopsy in a previously healthy 2-year-old boy with acute onset of hypoproteinemia due to protein-losing enteropathy. All symptoms and abnormal laboratory findings resolved with anti-Giardia therapy. This is only the second case report of giardiasis with documented protein-losing enteropathy. Further application of the fecal alpha 1-antitrypsin assay may help to clarify the relationship between Giardia infection and protein-losing enteropathy and its role in development of malnutrition.

Child, Preschool↗

Unexplained neonatal jaundice as an early diagnostic sign of septicemia in the newborn.

This prospective study was performed to determine the frequency of unexplained unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia associated with bacterial infection during the first week of life. Of 5805 infants delivered between September 1984 and December 1986, 93 jaundiced newborns without evidence of septicemia fulfilled the following criteria to be enrolled in the study: weight greater than 2500 g, gestational age greater than 38 weeks, age less than 7 days, and unexplained unconjugated bilirubin greater than 170 mumol/L (greater than 10 mg/dL) during the first 48 hours of life and/or greater than 255 mumol/L (greater than 15 mg/dL) thereafter. Evaluation for septicemia included blood and urine cultures, and white cell and thrombocyte counts. The study disclosed three (3.2%) infants who developed septicemia before any clinical suspicion had been aroused. It is concluded that bacterial infections should be considered a possible cause of neonatal unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia during the first week of life, regardless of the clinical condition of the infant.

Female↗

Prenatal diagnosis of hypoplastic left ventricle.

A case of prenatal diagnosis of hypoplastic left ventricle by means of echocardiography is presented. The method of detecting this syndrome is described and the importance of its prenatal diagnosis emphasized.

Adult↗

Effect of mechanical ventilation and volume loading on left ventricular performance in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome.

Left ventricular (LV) performance was assessed by echocardiography in 19 premature infants with severe respiratory distress syndrome. Measurements of LV size and function were made from digitized M-mode echocardiographic data in 14 babies (group 1) before and during treatment with mechanical ventilation and positive end-expiratory pressure. During ventilation, maximum LV dimension decreased (p = .001) as did peak filling rate (p = .01). LV shortening fraction decreased slightly (p = .05). There were marked reductions in calculated stroke volume (SV) (p = .001) and cardiac output (p = .0001) but systemic BP was unchanged, presumably due to peripheral vasoconstriction. The effect of simultaneous volume loading was studied in five other babies (group 2) who were ventilated under similar conditions. Blood transfusion with packed cells (10 mg/kg) prevented the fall in LV filling rate, while LV dimensions (max, p = .01; min, p = .02), SV (p = .05), cardiac output (p = .05), and systolic BP (p = .05) increased. This indicates that a low preload was responsible for the decreases observed in group 1.

Blood Cells↗