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Biomedical subjects

L B Travis

Publications and source records attributed to L B Travis.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Second cancers in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Reports to date have provided widely divergent estimates of the risk of second malignant neoplasms in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), ranging from cancer deficits to excesses of twofold to threefold. PURPOSE: Our purpose was to estimate the risk of second primary cancers following CLL, utilizing population-based tumor registries, and to determine whether site-specific excesses might be associated with type of initial treatment for CLL. METHODS: We analyzed data for 9456 patients diagnosed with CLL as a first primary cancer between 1973 and 1988, who were reported to one of nine tumor registries participating in the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program and who survived 2 or more months. SEER files were searched for invasive primary malignancies that developed at least 2 months after the initial CLL diagnosis. RESULTS: Compared with the general population, CLL patients demonstrated a significantly increased risk of developing all second cancers (840 observed; observed-to-expected ratio [O/E] = 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19-1.37). Significant excesses were noted for cancers of the lung (O/E = 1.90), brain (O/E = 1.98), and eye (intraocular melanoma) (O/E = 3.97) as well as malignant melanoma (O/E = 2.79) and Hodgkin's disease (O/E = 7.69). Cancer risk, which did not vary according to initial treatment category, was also constant across all time intervals after CLL diagnosis. CONCLUSION: CLL patients are at a significantly increased risk of developing a second malignant neoplasm. The pattern of cancer excesses suggests a susceptibility state permitting the development of selected second malignancies in patients with CLL, perhaps because of shared etiologic factors, immunologic impairment, and/or other influences. Although our results do not suggest a strong treatment effect, more detailed studies of second tumors in CLL are needed to investigate the role of radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Aged

Hodgkin's disease following non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The risk of Hodgkin's disease following non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) was estimated using information collected by the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Histopathologic material representing both diagnoses was reviewed for 11 patients in whom Hodgkin's disease was reported after NHL. Diagnoses of both diseases were confirmed in nine patients. Comparisons with population rates indicated that patients with NHL are at an almost threefold risk of subsequently having Hodgkin's disease. Survival in this series was poor; seven of the nine patients died within 16 months after the diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease.

Adult

Bone mineral density of the lumbar vertebrae in children and adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

To test the hypothesis that bone mineral density (BMD) is lower in children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), we measured BMD of the lumbar vertebrae (L-2 to L-4) by dual-photon absorptiometry in 31 boys and 25 girls, mean age 12.3 years, with IDDM of varying clinical duration (range 0.1 to 14.8 years). Mean standard deviation scores (z scores) were determined for L-2-L-4 BMD, weight, height, weight percentile, and weight-adjusted L-2-L-4 BMD index (L-2-L-4 BMD/weight), with reference data from a previously described white, nondiabetic, age-matched control group (n = 221). Compared with nondiabetic control subjects, male patients with short-term IDDM and all female patients with IDDM did not have significantly different L-2-L-4 BMD, weight, weight percentile, height, or BMD index. Boys with IDDM longer than 1 year had significantly lower weight, weight percentile, and height than did age-matched control subjects. When L-2-L-4 BMD of boys with long-term diabetes was corrected for weight, the L-2-L-4 BMD index was significantly greater than that of control subjects, indicating that weight was disproportionately lower than BMD. There were no significant linear correlations between metabolic control and L-2-L-4 BMD. When L-2-L-4 BMD was adjusted for differences in body weight, spinal BMD values in children with IDDM were not lower than in control subjects. These findings indicate that in children with IDDM, as in previously studied nondiabetic youths, body weight and spinal BMD are highly correlated; although BMD is reduced in some children with diabetes, the reduction parallels reductions in growth, and may simply reflect a normal response of the skeleton to a lower weight-bearing load.

Absorptiometry, Photon

Comprehensive evaluation of a Thorotrast patient: an overview.

For several decades, thousands of people received Thorotrast during the course of angiography and other radiologic procedures. Eventually, as the hazards of this radioactive, radiographic contrast agent became apparent, research was initiated to further evaluate its associated adverse effects. In 1988 and 1989, Charles W. Mays, together with colleagues at a variety of sites, developed a detailed protocol for the comprehensive postmortem evaluation of one subject who had been administered Thorotrast 36 y previously. This case represents the first holistic approach to the analysis of Thorotrast in a whole body, simultaneously assembling clinical and autopsy findings with dosimetric, radiochemical, autoradiographic, and molecular evaluations.

Aged

Cancer risk following exposure to Thorotrast: overview in relation to a case report.

Radioactive measurements and histopathologic findings are described in a patient administered Thorotrast, a radiographic contrast agent, 36 y prior to death and compared with cancer risks noted in epidemiologic studies. This person [designated as U.S. Uranium Registry (USUR) Case 1001] had prearranged for donation of her body to the USUR and the National Cancer Institute for study. Elevated levels of radioactivity were noted in those organs in which excess cancers have been reported in epidemiologic surveys of Thorotrast-exposed subjects. Hepatic tissue in USUR Case 1001 was estimated to have received an average lifetime absorbed dose of 16.2 Gy, based on radiochemical analyses, consistent with the high risks for liver tumors reported in all studied populations. Thorotrast was present throughout the bone marrow of USUR Case 1001, who died secondary to complications of refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB). Elevated risks for acute myeloid leukemia have been noted in Thorotrast patients, and more recently, cases of RAEB and RAEB in transformation have been reported. The thorium decay series includes the bone-seeking radionuclides 224Ra and 228Ra, which have been associated with high risks for osteosarcomas, although the association between Thorotrast and bone cancer is not as convincing. The skeleton of USUR Case 1001, however, contained significant levels of radioactivity. Other tissues evaluated in USUR Case 1001 included lung, eye, kidney, and breast, which did not contain elevated levels of radioactivity.

Aged

Second cancers following non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The risk of second malignancies following non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) was estimated in 29,153 patients diagnosed with NHL between 1973 and 1987 in one of nine areas participating in the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Compared with the general population, NHL patients were at a significantly increased risk of developing second cancers (observed/expected [O/E] = 1.18; O = 1231). The O/E ratio increased significantly with time to reach 1.77 in 10-year survivors. Significant excesses were noted for acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (O/E = 2.88), cancers of the bladder (O/E = 1.30), kidney (O/E = 1.47), and lung (O/E = 1.57), malignant melanoma (O/E = 2.44), and Hodgkin's disease (O/E = 4.16). Chemotherapy appeared related to subsequent acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) and bladder cancer. Radiation therapy was associated with ANLL and possibly cancers of the lung, bladder, and bone. Malignant melanoma was not clearly related to initial NHL treatment.

Antineoplastic Agents

A prospective cohort study of nutrient intake and age at menarche.

A cohort of 213 girls (aged 10 y, range +/- 9 mo) whose parents reported their dietary intakes (including nutritional supplements) using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire, was followed for 4 y until 82% of the 194 parents who responded to follow-up letters had reported that their daughters had had their first menstrual periods. The relative risk (RR) of menarche before age 12.5 y was 2.0 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1-3.8] for the tallest girls (greater than 150 cm) compared with the shortest girls (less than 130 cm). The RR was 2.1 (95% CI = 1.1-3.8) for the fattest girls [Quetelet's index of relative weight (in kg/m2) greater than 19] vs the leanest girls (less than 15). After adjusting for height and Quetelet's index, menarcheal age was not associated with intake of energy nor energy-adjusted intake of protein, fat, or carbohydrate. The overall results are consistent with the hypothesis that nutritional factors influence age at menarche mainly through their effects on accumulation of adipose tissue.

Age Factors

Clinical and microbiological observations on CDC group DF-3, a gram-negative coccobacillus.

Sequential stool cultures submitted for routine culture were screened for the presence of CDC group DF-3. Of 690 specimens, 11 (1.6%) yielded moderate to heavy growth of DF-3. Information on the 11 patients from whom these specimens were obtained showed that 4 had a history of prolonged diarrheal disease that resolved after specific therapy to eradicate DF-3, while for the other 7 patients no clear role could be established. Microbiological characterization of the stool isolates and 10 CDC strains of DF-3 suggested the presence of two subtypes within the group. Antibiotic susceptibility studies showed DF-3 to be relatively resistant to a wide variety of antibiotics.

Adolescent

Renal transplantation in children: experience of 23 years at the children's renal center of the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

This report describes a 23-year experience with renal transplantation in infants, children, and adolescents at the Children's Renal Center of the Division of Pediatric Nephrology at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. One hundred ninety-four transplants have been performed in 162 persons. Patient and graft survival is illustrated and is similar to that from other US centers. The data suggest an enhanced graft survival in transplants from living, related donors and from cadaveric donors after introduction of cyclosporine A as the primary immunosuppressive agent. The data for infants and small children are similar to that reported for adolescents and adults. Thus, all infants, children, and adolescents with chronic renal failure are potential candidates for renal transplantation. The timing of the transplant appears more critical than in the adult due to the need to consider growth and developmental milestones as well as the level of renal function. It is recommended that the counsel of a pediatric nephrologist be sought early in the course of any renal disease where progression to end-stage renal disease is probable.

Adolescent

Psychosocial correlates of hemoglobin Alc in young adults with type I diabetes.

To determine whether psychosocial variables are related to long-term glycemic control; trait anxiety, depression, loneliness and life stress were assessed in 48 Type I diabetic patients. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), an indicator of long-term glycemic utilization, was assayed from blood samples drawn shortly before the self-report instruments were administered. Of the psychosocial variables, anxiety was significantly related to current values of HbA1c. The association between anxiety and current HbA1c remained after statistically controlling for potentially confounding variables, including the previous value of HbA1c. Despite the stability of HbA1c values over time, anxiety scores were not significantly correlated with follow-up HbA1c. The implications of the significant relationships between psychological constructs and glycemic control are discussed.

Adolescent

Hyperphosphaturia and hypermagnesuria in children with IDDM.

Urinary excretion of calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, glucose, and creatinine was measured in first-void spot urine samples collected 4 days apart in 220 insulin-dependent diabetic (IDDM) children (mean age 11.9 yr) attending a summer camp. A single control urine sample was obtained from 33 healthy nondiabetic siblings (mean age 11.2 yr). Mean +/- SD urinary calcium-creatinine ratios (UCa/Cr) did not significantly differ between IDDM and control subjects (0.14 +/- 0.09 vs. 0.12 +/- 0.09, respectively, P = 0.156). Mean urinary magnesium-creatinine ratios (UMg/Cr) were elevated in IDDM compared with control subjects (0.15 +/- 0.06 vs. 0.08 +/- 0.03, respectively, P = 0.0001). Similarly, mean urinary phosphorus-creatinine ratios (UP/Cr) were significantly increased over those in control subjects (1.12 +/- 0.33 vs. 0.40 +/- 0.22, respectively, P = 0.0001). UCa/Cr, UMg/Cr, and UP/Cr were correlated with increasing mean urine glucose content (P = 0.0001). No correlations were found when UCa/Cr, UMg/Cr, or UP/Cr were compared with patient age, duration of diabetes, glycosylated hemoglobin, or insulin dosage. Urine losses of phosphorus and magnesium were present even when glycemic control was considered good by several methods (glycosylated hemoglobin, short-term glycemic index, or urinary glucose content). Glomerular hyperfiltration was unable to account for increased urinary mineral content. In conclusion, the data indicate that urinary excretion of phosphorus and magnesium is elevated in children with IDDM, regardless of glycemic control. In the presence of glucosuria, this loss is further enhanced. Urinary calcium excretion is significantly higher only during periods of glucosuria. The data suggest that children with IDDM could be at risk for mineral deficiencies in the absence of intensive insulin management.

Adolescent

Urinary kallikrein excretion in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.

The plasma kallikrein-kinin system, a potent vasodilator, has been implicated in causing the protein loss of the idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. However, the kidney possesses a kallikrein-kinin system separate from the plasma system. Thus, urinary kallikrein may reflect more accurately intrarenal events. Using a radiochemical esterolytic assay we measured the urinary kallikrein excretion in a patient with a minimal lesion nephrotic syndrome during relapse. Protein excretion was initially elevated (8.1 plus or minus 2.0 gm. per 24 hours) as was urinary kallikrein excretion (96.4 plus or minus 46.6 EU per 24 hours). After initiation of steroid therapy protein and kallikrein excretion decreased significantly (p less than 0.05). During the entire study kallikrein excretion was significantly correlated with protein excretion (r equals 0.89, p less than 0.01). It is tempting to speculate that activation of the intrarenal kallikrein-kinin system participates in the protein loss characteristic of the nephrotic syndrome.

Amylases

Safety of intravenous diazoxide in children with severe hypertension.

The safety and efficacy of diazoxide administered intravenously in the treatment of children with acute severe hypertension have been evaluated by a collaborative study. Observations of the response of blood pressure in 36 patients, ranging in age from two months to 18 years, during the initial episode of hospitalization reveal diazoxide treatment to be effective in lowering blood pressure in 94 per cent of the cases. No serious adverse circulatory, fluid and electrolyte, metabolic or hematologic effects were observed. Symptomatic and subjective reactions observed with diazoxide administered intravenously to children were identical with those described in adults. Reinstitution of other means of antihypertensive therapy is safe and effective when delayed until the transiently induced period of hypotension has passed. Repeated use of diazoxide for subsequent recurrence of severe hypertension was equally effective and safe in 93 per cent of the instances. The results lead us to recommend the use of intravenous diazoxide for treatment of children with severe symptomatic hypertension especially when it is refractory to control by other hypertensive agents.

Adolescent