PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

E Sabo

Publications and source records attributed to E Sabo.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Cancer antigen 125: a sensitive marker of ascites in patients with liver cirrhosis.

OBJECTIVE: Cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) is a high molecular mass glycoprotein, usually used for monitoring the course of epithelial ovarian cancer. Recently it has been shown that liver cirrhosis is associated with increased levels of CA 125, particularly in the presence of ascites. The aim of this study was to evaluate CA 125 as a marker for the detection of ascites in patients with chronic liver disease. METHODS: A total of 170 patients were studied. All had ultrasound scanning for detection of ascites. Group I consisted of 123 patients with chronic liver disease without ascites; whereas group II consisted of 47 patients with chronic liver disease with ascites. CA 125 levels were measured in all patients and also simultaneously in the ascitic fluid of 31 patients from group II. RESULTS: Of 47 patients, 46 (97.8%) of group II had elevated serum levels of CA 125 (mean 321 +/- 283 U/ml) as compared with only nine of 123 (7.3%) patients of group I [mean 13 +/- 15 U/ml]), p < 0.001. The mean CA 125 concentration in the ascitic fluid of 31 cirrhotic patients (group II) was 624 +/- 397 U/ml and was always higher than corresponding serum levels (p < 0.01). Serum CA 125 levels correlated with the amount of ascitic fluid (r = 0.78). A profound decrease in serum CA 125 concentration was noted 2-3 and 10 days after large volume paracentesis. CA 125 was more sensitive and preceded ultrasonography in detection of ascites in few cirrhotic patients. CONCLUSIONS: CA 125 is a highly sensitive marker to detect ascites in patients with liver cirrhosis. This marker may be useful to detect small to moderate amounts of ascitic fluid in cirrhotic patients when physical examination is difficult or equivocal for ascites.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

A remote controlled intraurethral insert for artificial voiding: a new concept for treating women with voiding dysfunction.

PURPOSE: Many patients with voiding dysfunction find clean intermittent catheterization unsatisfactory. We evaluated the efficacy of the new remote controlled intraurethral In-Flow Catheter insert for treating women with voiding dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the efficacy of the intraurethral insert in 92 women with a mean age of 56 years. The insert is available in various sizes to adapt to individual urethras. It comprises a valve and pump assembly. A remote control unit is operated to open the valve and activate the pump, generating active urine flow. RESULTS: In 45 patients (49%) the device was removed after a mean of 7.1 days due to local discomfort or urinary leakage around the insert. At a mean followup of 7.6 months (range 2 to 26) 47 women (51%) continued to use the device, and all are dry with complete bladder emptying. The insert was replaced periodically at a mean of 38 days to prevent salt deposits in and around it which lead to urine leakage. Asymptomatic bacteriuria developed in 22 patients (46.8%). Clinical urinary tract infections resolved in 3.9% of all patients-months with oral antibiotics. No dyspareunia was reported. All patients were satisfied with the insert and preferred it to previous treatment modalities. CONCLUSIONS: This new remote controlled intraurethral insert is safe and effective in women with voiding difficulties.

Female↗
PubMed1998

Autosomal-recessive omodysplasia: prenatal diagnosis and histomorphometric assessment of the physeal plates of the long bones.

Second-semester ultrasonography of a female fetus documented short femora and humeri and dislocation of the radii. Based on the clinical and postmortem radiological findings, autosomal-recessive omodysplasia was diagnosed. The physeal plates of the long tubular bones were assessed by computer-assisted image analysis. The dimensions and orientation of the chondrocytic lacunae in the physeal plates of the omodysplastic fetus were compared with those in the physeal plates of fetuses without gross limb abnormalities (oligohydramnios, n = 2; hydrocephalus, n = 2; Down syndrome, n = 1). The pathological characteristics of the omodysplastic physeal plates were an expanded zone of proliferating cartilage and an increased number of closely packed, small chondrocytes. We propose that a genetic, functional deficiency of the physeal cells, underlying the short-limbed dwarfism of autosomal-recessive omodysplasia, is partially compensated, albeit ineffectively, by an increased number of small chondrocytes in the proliferating zone of the physeal plate.

Abortion, Therapeutic↗
PubMed1998

[Percutaneous ablation of malignant kidney tumors in rabbits by low frequency radio energy].

Radio-frequency (RF) current has been used successfully to ablate normal human tissue. To investigate further the clinical application of this modality in tumors, we studied the potential of using RF percutaneously to destroy experimental kidney tumors. 35 outbred albino rabbits underwent direct-implantation of renal VX2 tumor during open surgery. After 21 days, ultrasonography was performed to show tumor presence and size. A shielded RF needle was designed to be inserted percutaneously through an introduction needle. An electrical insulation shield covering the RF needle was retractable, controlling the length of exposure of the RF needle inside the tissue. 22 days after tumor implantation, RF was applied via this special needle using a ZoMed International RF generator. In one group of rabbits the procedure was performed under direct vision during open surgery, while in another group treatment was percutaneous, the needle guided by palpation of the tumor. Rabbits were killed 3 days later and revealed 4-25 mm intra-tumoral RF-induced lesions. A direct relation was found between lesion size and the power and duration of RF applied (at 7.5 W, R = 0.48, and P = 0.32). Based on our preliminary results we can conclude that RF may have clinical applications in the near future for percutaneous local tumor control in parenchymal organs.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Radiation-induced tumors in irradiated stage I testicular seminoma: results of a 25-year follow-up (1968-1993).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Testicular seminoma is a very radiosensitive and curable cancer, with survival rates following radiation therapy within the range of 90-98% without apparent severe side effects. However, long-term survival following exposure to moderate-dose radiation therapy can result in radiation-induced tumors. METHODS: The incidence of radiation-induced tumors was determined in 81 irradiated stage I testicular seminoma patients treated at the Northern Israel Oncology Center (NIOC) from 1968 through 1993. RESULTS: Three (4%) patients developed second cancers within the high-dose volume. Indeed, those patients received a higher than usual dose to the para-aortic and pelvic regions. One patient, who developed inoperable pancreatic carcinoma, was treated with "hockey stick" field and mediastinal irradiation, plus, as a result of relapses, multiple cisplatin and VP-16 based regimens. CONCLUSIONS: The elimination of causative factors through lower total doses and field size reduction may reduce the, albeit very low, incidence of radiation-induced cancer in cured testicular seminoma.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1998

Clinical significance of tumor angiogenesis in patients with localized renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between angiogenesis and various histopathologic features as well as clinical outcome in patients with localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: Microvessel density was quantified by using immunocytochemical staining of endothelial cells for factor VIII-related antigen of 36 specimens taken from patients with pathologic Stage pT1 or pT2 RCC. All patients underwent radical nephrectomy and were followed for a mean time of 97.3 months. RESULTS: No association was noted between microvessel count (MVC) and either cell type, architecture, or tumor size. Inverse correlation was noted between MVC and nuclear area (P = 0.006), nuclear elipticity (P = 0.016), nuclear roughness (P = 0.039), and histologic grade (P = 0.047). Patients having tumors with low MVC had significantly better survival rate compared with those with high MVC neoplasms (P = 0.0014, by Cox proportional hazards method). CONCLUSIONS: Despite lack of correlation with known predictors of survival, MVC provides independent prognostic information for patients with localized RCC.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Immunophenotyping and T-cell receptor gamma gene rearrangement analysis as an adjunct to the histopathologic diagnosis of mycosis fungoides.

BACKGROUND: The histopathologic diagnosis of mycosis fungoides (MF) may be difficult. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the role of immunophenotyping and T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement studies as an adjunct to the histopathologic diagnosis of MF. METHODS: Immunohistochemical studies with antibodies to CD4, CD5, CD7, and CD8 and TCR gamma gene rearrangement analysis with a polymerase chain reaction were performed on fresh-frozen material of patients with "classic" histology of MF, "inconclusive" histology, and benign inflammatory dermatoses. RESULTS: Clonal TCR gamma gene rearrangements were found in 11 of 16 (69%) of classic MF cases, in 3 of 19 (16%) of inconclusive cases, and in none of the 12 inflammatory dermatoses cases (P < .05 and P < .001, respectively). Only the mean CD7 counts were statistically significantly different between these 3 groups (MF < inconclusive < inflammatory). CONCLUSION: Inconclusive histology is probably a heterogeneous group in which CD7 counts and TCR gamma gene rearrangement studies might help to differentiate the MF cases from the benign cases.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Postoperative outcome in high-risk infants undergoing herniorrhaphy: comparison between spinal and general anaesthesia.

The incidence of inguinal hernia is higher in premature infants, particularly in low birth weight neonates. This latter group may also incur increased postoperative respiratory complications and inpatient admissions. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of general and spinal anaesthesia on postoperative respiratory morbidity and on the length of hospital stay in high-risk infants undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy. Forty patients, all high-risk infants who underwent unilateral or bilateral herniorrhaphies, were randomly assigned to receive general anaesthesia (n = 20) or spinal anaesthesia (n = 20). There was a significant difference in respiratory morbidity between the two groups, as well as a significant difference in the inpatient hospital stay. The present study suggests that spinal anaesthesia can be used safely for high-risk infants, preterm or formerly preterm, undergoing inguinal hernia repair.

Anesthesia, General↗
PubMed1998

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis and the consequences of gallbladder perforation, bile spillage, and "loss" of stones.

OBJECTIVE: To study the factors associated with accidental perforation of the gallbladder and spillage of bile and stones and to assess the consequences of these mishaps. DESIGN: Prospective study with retrospective bacteriological evaluation. SETTING: Teaching hospital, Israel. SUBJECTS: 189 Patients who were treated for clinical acute cholecystitis between January 1994 and August 1996. INTERVENTIONS: Emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of accidental perforation of gallbladder and spillage of bile and stones and of conversion and complications in relation to preoperative and operative findings. RESULTS: Bile was spilt in 65 (34%) and gall-stones were "lost" in 27 (14%), 44 (23%) required conversion to an open approach and 36 (19%) developed complications. Preoperative duration of symptoms >96 hours and a palpable gallbladder were associated with accidental perforation of the gallbladder and spillage of bile. A palpable gallbladder, gangrenous cholecystitis, and WBC > 15 x 10(9)/L were associated with stones "lost" in the peritoneum. A history of biliary disease was inversely related to "lost" stones. Conversion of laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy was associated with male sex, age >60 years, a non-palpable gallbladder, WBC > 15 x 10(9)/L, and a gangrenous gallbladder. Complications of surgery were more common among men and associated with fever of >38 degrees C. Neither the conversion nor the complications were associated with perforation of the gallbladder or "lost" stones. CONCLUSION: Perforation of the gallbladder and intraperitoneal spillage of bile or stones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis are not associated with undesirable events, are not indications for conversion, and are not associated with further complications. When patients are given appropriate antibiotics perioperatively and the spilt bile is properly aspirated and the peritoneum irrigated, the operative and postoperative courses are similar to those of patients with unperforated gallbladder.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1998

Colonic ulcers in a patient with hepatitis C virus-associated polyarteritis nodosa.

An elderly woman presented with abdominal discomfort, pulmonary infiltrates, acute renal failure, purpura, and massive hematochezia. Numerous colonic ulcers with underlying fibrinoid necrotizing arteritis were found in the colectomy specimen. Anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies and HCV RNA were present in the serum. The diagnosis of HCV-associated polyarteritis nodosa was clear. This clinical presentation differs from the more commonly occurring vasculitis complicating HCV infection, which is of the leukocytoclastic type, and is associated with overt liver disease and cryoglobulinemia. In our patient, results of liver tests were normal, there was no cryoglobulinemia, and the vasculitis was of the fibrinoid necrotizing arteritis type. HCV-associated polyarteritis nodosa should be considered in the differential diagnosis of necrotizing fibrinoid arteritis even in a patient with normal liver function test results and in the absence of cryoglobulinemia.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Value of nuclear morphometry for differentiating localized from metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of using nuclear morphometry of primary renal cell carcinoma to differentiate cases with localized tumors from those with metastases. METHODS: Using an interactive image analysis system, nuclear morphometry was performed on hematoxylin- and eosin-stained slides of 40 primary renal tumors. There were 18 cases with organ-confined disease and 22 with advanced stage. RESULTS: The most significant shape descriptor to differentiate between the two groups was mean nuclear regularity factor (889.5 +/- 24.4 vs. 701.1 +/- 157.3, p = 0.00015). The combination of mean nuclear area and mean nuclear regularity factor enabled accurate prediction of metastatic potential in 36 (85%) cases. CONCLUSION: Nuclear morphometry measured by image analysis provides prognostic information on patients with renal cell carcinoma.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Comparative study of computer-assisted image analysis and light-microscopically determined estrogen receptor status of breast carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: Efficient tamoxifen treatment of breast cancer patients depends on the degree to which pathologists are consistently able to use the so-called "modified quickscore" method to differentiate between negative and low-grade positive scores based on the current four-grade scale of the estrogen receptor (ER) status of the tumors. OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively test pathologists' ability to adequately render correct readings of the ER status of breast tumors. METHODS: The ER status of breast carcinomas was estimated by two pathologists and measured by computer-supported analysis in sections stained with ER antibody by the immunoperoxidase technique. Levels of agreement between the examiners' semiquantification and histomorphometrically gauged measurements were compared statistically. RESULTS: The kappa coefficients were 0.28 on a case-by-case collation of the grades of nuclear staining, 0.52 on applying binary categories of positively versus negatively stained cell nuclei, and 0.89 using binary categories with a weighted score of 1.2 to separate ER-negative from ER-positive breast carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that an optimum rating system is achieved by assigning tumors with a weighted score of 1.2 or less to the ER-negative and those with a weighted score of 1.3 or more to the ER-positive category of breast carcinomas.

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMed1998

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for the various types of gallbladder inflammation: a prospective trial.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), the procedure of choice for elective cholelithiasis, is now also used in the management of acute cholecystitis. In the various types of gallbladder disease, favorable and unfavorable conditions may influence the conversion and complication rates. Information about these conditions may help elucidate the optimal circumstances for LC or indicate when the procedure is best avoided. We attempted to perform emergency LC on 215 patients with acute cholecystitis. The procedure was successful in 171 patients (79.5%), and conversion to open cholecystectomy (OC) was needed in 44 (20.5%). Complications occurred in 37 patients (17%). Uncomplicated acute cholecystitis was associated with age <50 years, duration of complaint <48 h, temperature <38.5 degrees C, a nonpalpable gallbladder, and an alkaline phosphatase >100 U/L. Acute gangrenous cholecystitis was associated with a negative gallbladder history, other associated diseases, temperature >38.5 degrees C, a palpable gallbladder, and serum bilirubin levels <1 mg/dl. Hydrops was associated with a temperature <38 degrees C and a leukocyte count of >12,000/cc3, and empyema of the gallbladder was associated with duration of complaint >48 h and a palpable gallbladder. The conversion rate of acute gangrenous cholecystitis (40%) was significantly higher than that of uncomplicated acute cholecystitis (8%) (p < 0.00001, odds ratio=7.7), as well as that of empyema of the gallbladder (12.5%) (p=0.005, odds ratio=4.7). The conversion from LC to OC in uncomplicated acute cholecystitis was associated with male sex and with duration of complaint >24 h, and in gangrenous cholecystitis with age >60 years, a nonpalpable gallbladder, and a leukocyte count of >15,000/cc3. The complication rates of acute cholecystitis, hydrops, empyema of the gallbladder, and gangrenous cholecystitis were 16%, 7%, 22%, and 21%, respectively (p = NS). The total complication rate in acute cholecystitis tended to be associated with a duration of complaint >48 h and in gangrenous cholecystitis with male sex, age >60 years, other associated disease, larger bile stones, and elevated serum bilirubin levels. Generally, LC is safe in all forms of cholecystitis, with acceptably low conversion and complication rates, excluding gangrenous cholecystitis. In gangrenous cholecystitis, a conversion rate of approximately 40% is expected. Predictors of conversion and complications may be particularly helpful in planning the laparoscopic approach to acute gangrenous cholecystitis. Patients >60 years of age, with a nonpalpable gallbladder and with a leukocyte count >15,000/cc3, frequently need conversion. In men >60 years old, with other associated disease, with larger bile stones, and with elevated serum bilirubin levels, complications are frequently expected. Under these conditions, laparoscopic approach should be undertaken by especially experienced teams, or OC should be considered.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1997

Anti-neoplastic activity of paclitaxel on experimental superficial bladder cancer: in vivo and in vitro studies.

The effects of intravesical administration of paclitaxel (taxol) in a bladder tumor model in mice, as well as the drug's in vitro activity on the same tumor cells, have been studied. Two cell lines, derived from MBT-2 cells, were employed in these experiments. The T50 line (obtained by many passages in mice) was much more aggressive in vivo than the T5 line. In vivo paclitaxel treatment for 3 days after T5 implantation resulted in a considerable retardation of tumor growth, whereas under the same conditions the T50 line was much less, although still significantly, affected. When treatment was started 1 day after tumor implantation, both tumor variants were affected by paclitaxel to the same extent. The in vitro experiments utilized the MiCK assay, which allows continuous recording of the kinetics of cell growth. These studies revealed a 39.8% inhibition of cell growth by 2.10(-8)M paclitaxel in the T50 line and a 30-fold increase in concentration had only a small additional effect on the degree of inhibition. At 2.10(-8)M paclitaxel, growth of T5 was inhibited by 21.7%, which increased to 35.2% at 6.10(-7)M. The treated cells displayed bundles of microtubuli, as described for other paclitaxel-treated cells.

Administration, Intravesical↗
PubMed1997

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: prospective trial.

This prospective study determines the indications for and the optimal timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) following the onset of acute cholecystitis. It also evaluates preoperative and operative factors associated with conversion from laparoscopic cholecystectomy to open cholecystectomy in the presence of acute cholecystitis. Having been established as the procedure of choice for elective cholelithiasis, LC is now also used for management of acute cholecystitis. Under these circumstances the procedure may be difficult and challenging. Certain favorable and unfavorable conditions may be present that influence the conversion and complication rates. Information about these conditions may be helpful for elucidating the optimal circumstances for LC or when the procedure is best avoided. We performed LC on an emergency basis as soon as the diagnosis was made on all patients presenting with acute cholecystitis from January 1994 to December 1995. All preoperative, operative, and postoperative data were collected on standardized forms. Of the 137 patients registered, 130 were eligible for the audit. Seven patients found by laparoscopic intraoperative cholangiography to have choledocholithiasis were converted for common bile duct exploration and were excluded from the study. Altogether 83 patients (72%) underwent successful LC and 37 (28%) needed conversion to open cholecystectomy. The conversion rate of acute gangrenous cholecystitis (49%) was significantly higher than that for uncomplicated acute cholecystitis (4.5%) (p < 0.00001) and for hydrops (28.5%) and empyema of the gallbladder (28.5%) (p = 0.004). The difference in conversion between the group with acute necrotizing (gangrenous) cholecystitis and the two groups with hydrops and empyema of the gallbladder was not statistically significant (p = 0.07). The complication rates of acute cholecystitis, hydrops, empyema of the gallbladder, and gangrenous cholecystitis were 9.0%, 9.5%, 14.0%, and 20.0%, respectively (p = NS). Patients with an operative delay of 96 hours or less from the onset of acute cholecystitis had a conversion rate of 23%, whereas a delay of more than 96 hours was associated with a conversion rate of 47% (p = 0.022). The complication rate was 8.5% in the laparoscopic group and 27% in the converted group (p = 0.013). Patients over 65 years of age, with a history of biliary disease, a nonpalpable gallbladder, WBC count over 13,000/cc, and acute gangrenous cholecystitis were independently associated with a high LC conversion rate; male patients, finding large bile stones, serum bilirubin over 0.8 mg/dl, and WBC count over 13,000/cc were independently associated with a high complication rate following laparoscopic surgery with or without conversion. Generally, LC can be performed safely for acute cholecystitis, with acceptably low conversion and complication rates. Different forms of cholecystitis carry various conversion and complication rates in selected cases. LC for acute cholecystitis should be performed within 96 hours of the onset of disease. Predictors of conversion and complications may be helpful when planning the laparoscopic approach to acute cholecystitis.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1997

Delay of surgery in acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is generally assumed that delayed diagnosis of acute appendicitis results in higher morbidity but this assumption is not strongly supported in the literature. We attempt to define the effect of patient and physician delay on the outcome of patients with acute appendicitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 486 patients admitted between 1980 and 1992. Patient delay in presenting to a physician and surgeon delay from hospital admission to operation were studied in relation to stage of disease at operation as well as to postoperative complications. RESULTS: Postoperative complications occurred in 10% of cases with simple acute appendicitis versus about 20% of cases with gangrenous or perforated appendicitis (P <0.001). The mean patient delay from onset of symptoms to presentation to a physician was 1.7 days in simple acute appendicitis versus 2.3 days in gangrenous or perforated appendicitis (P <0.001). Mean surgeon delay was 13.6 hours in simple acute appendicitis versus 14.5 hours in advanced appendicitis (P = NS). CONCLUSION: Delay in patient presentation adversely affects the stage of disease in acute appendicitis and leads to increased incidence of infectious complications and to prolonged hospital stay. Conversely, physician delay does not affect the stage of disease. A surgeon's decision to observe patients in hospital in order to clarify the diagnosis is justified, as it does not adversely affect outcome.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1997

The role of vimentin expression in predicting the long-term outcome of patients with localized renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic significance of vimentin intermediary filament expression by tumour cells in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) localized to the kidney. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with localized RCC (pT1,pT2) were assessed in a retrospective study. Tumour cells were evaluated immunohistochemically for vimentin, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and polyclonal cytokeratin expression. The prognosis of cases expressing positive vimentin expression in tumour cells was compared with that of cases with no expression. Additional clinical information and conventional histological grade of the tumours were also included in the survival analysis. RESULTS: Univariate analysis of patient survival and tumour recurrence showed a statistically significant association between vimentin-positive tumours and poor patient outcome; the EMA stain showed borderline significance and histological grade was significantly associated with prognosis. The combination of tumour vimentin expression and histological grade provided a better predictor of prognosis and proved to be the best independent prognosticator of survival by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Vimentin expression by tumour cells provides important prognostic information for patients with localized RCC; the combination of vimentin expression and histological grade is a better predictor for survival than grade or vimentin expression alone.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗