PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “SCLEROSING SOLUTIONS”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 451 records · Page 25Linked to original sources

Chemically-induced chronic nerve compression in rabbits--a new experimental model for the carpal tunnel syndrome.

In order to create an experimental model for the carpal tunnel syndrome without the use of the commonly applied foreign bodies (silicone or rubber tubes, tourniquets etc.), the present study tried to induce a chemically provoked compression of the median nerve in rabbits. In 9 female rabbits 1 ml of Aethoxskerol 3% (Hydrox-polyethoxy dodecan) was instilled into the carpal tunnel around the median nerve after visualisation of the nerve. The other foreleg served as the control and was treated with the same amount of saline solution. Electroneurophysiologic parameters were registered preoperatively, 1 month and 6 months post surgery and histomorphologic investigations by light and electron microscopy were performed after 6 months. 6 months after treatment with Aethoxysklerol, a statistically significant lengthening of the distal latency period as well as a significant reduction of the compound potential amplitude could be observed. In accordance with these findings, morphological investigation revealed the presence of extensive granulation tissue around the median nerve together with signs of demyelination. Our results indicate that we were able to produce the development of extensive granulation tissue in the carpal tunnel of rabbits with subsequent compression of the median nerve which was confirmed by histomorphologic investigation as well as by measurement of nerve conductive velocity.

Animals↗

Randomized, controlled study of various agents for endoscopic injection sclerotherapy of bleeding canine gastric varices.

The purpose of this study was to compare the relative efficacy and technical ease of use of eight different agents for endoscopic hemostasis and obliteration of bleeding gastric varices in a canine model, as no comparative data are available on gastric variceal sclerotherapy. Large bleeding gastric varices in 20 heparinized dogs were randomized to endoscopic injection treatment with one of the following agents: cyanoacrylate; a 1:1:1 mixture of sodium tetradecyl sulfate 3%, ethanol 98%, and normal saline solution; ethanolamine oleate 5%; sodium morrhuate 5%; sodium tetradecyl sulfate 1.5%; polidocanol 1%; normal saline solution with epinephrine 1:10,000; or normal saline solution (control). The number and volume of injections and the time required to achieve complete hemostasis were evaluated; follow-up endoscopy was performed at 1 month to assess gastric variceal obliteration. Cyanoacrylate was the best agent overall in terms of immediate efficacy, low volume requirement, time required for initial hemostasis, and reduction of gastric variceal size. Cyanoacrylate, tetradecyl sulfate, and polidocanol were the most effective agents for reducing gastric variceal size. Epinephrine was effective for controlling induced or secondary bleeding caused by puncture of the gastric varices with the sclerotherapy needle during intravariceal injections. Ongoing studies are evaluating combinations of agents with different mechanisms of action, such as epinephrine (for vasoconstriction to minimize secondary bleeding) plus alcohol, and/or tetradecyl sulfate (for variceal thrombosis and sclerosis).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Percutaneous sclerotherapy of venous malformations of the head and neck using sodium tetradecyl sulphate (sotradecol).

Thirty-eight patients with venous malformations of the face, neck, and tongue underwent percutaneous sclerotherapy with direct puncture and instillation of sodium tetradecyl sulphate (Sotradecol) (33-67% solution, mixed with contrast material) into the lesions. Each patient underwent from one to seven treatment sessions (mean 2.2), followed by reconstructive surgery in three cases. Of the 34 patients who responded to the follow-up questionnaire, the late results were excellent or good in 23 patients (68%), moderate in eight, unchanged in three, and were worse in one. Compared with our previous experience of embolisation of such malformations with ethanol, the results with Sotradecol were slightly worse. There was one serious complication, unilateral loss of vision in a patient with a large malformation that extended to the orbit. In conclusion, percutaneous sclerotherapy with Sotradecol is effective treatment for venous malformations of the head and neck. Careful planning is essential to reduce the risks of the treatment.

Adolescent↗

Intrapleural doxycycline control of malignant pleural effusions.

The intrapleural instillation of agents for pleural sclerosis has proved effective in preventing the reaccumulation of symptomatic malignant pleural effusions. Because manufacture of the most popular agent, tetracycline, was recently discontinued, a preliminary study was undertaken to evaluate an alternative agent, doxycycline, for treating symptomatic malignant pleural effusions. From November 1991 to September 1992, 21 patients with symptomatic malignant pleural effusions have undergone overnight chest tube drainage followed by intrapleural instillation of 10 mL 1% lidocaine and then doxycycline, 500 mg in 30 mL 0.9% saline solution. The chest tube was clamped 2 hours with patient repositioning every 15 minutes. Tubes were removed when drainage was less than 50 mL/8 h. Of surviving patients, a complete objective response at 1 month was obtained in 88% (15/17), who were free of a symptomatic or radiographic recurrence of the effusion. Complications included mild pain in 23% (5/21), moderate pain requiring analgesics in 19% (4/21), and mild fever in 5% (1/21). There were no treatment-related deaths. The mean time for chest tube removal was 1.7 +/- 0.7 days after the last treatment. Based on this preliminary study, we conclude that doxycycline is a highly effective agent for the palliative treatment of symptomatic malignant pleural effusions. Its safety profile and efficacy compare favorably with those of tetracycline and other agents used for pleural sclerosis.

Adult↗

Efficacy of topical phenol decontamination strategies on severity of acute phenol chemical burns and dermal absorption: in vitro and in vivo studies in pig skin.

Pure phenol is colorless and used in the manufacture of phenolic resins, plastics, explosives, fertilizers, paints, rubber, textiles, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, paper, soap, and wood preservatives. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of several phenol decontamination strategies following dermal exposure using the pig as a model for human exposure, and then assess the effect of the two best treatments on phenol absorption in the isolated perfused porcine skin flap (IPPSF). Six anesthetized Yorkshire pigs were exposed to 89% aqueous phenol for 1 min using Hilltop chambers (10 skin sites/pig; 400 microl/site). Exposure to phenol was followed by one of 10 different decontamination procedures: 1-, 5-, 15-, and 30-min water wash; Ivory soap solution; polyethylene glycol (PEG 400); PEG 400/industrial methylated spirits (IMS); PEG 400/ethanol (EtOH); polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP)/70% isopropanol (IPA); and 70% IPA. For each of the last five strategies, 1-min treatment washes were repeatedly alternated with 1-min water washes for a total of 15 min. Evaluation was based on scoring of erythema, edema, and histological parameters such as intracellular and intercellular epidermal edema, papillary dermal edema, perivascular infiltrates, pyknotic stratum basale cells, and epidermal-dermal separation. It was concluded that PEG 400 and 70% IPA were superior to the other treatments investigated and equally efficacious in the reduction of phenol-induced skin damage. In addition, phenol absorption was assessed utilizing the two most effective in vivo treatments in the IPPSF. The assessment of percutaneous absorption of phenol found the PEG 400, 70% IPA, and 15-min water treatments significantly (P < 0.05) reduced phenol absorption relative to no treatment.

Absorption↗

Primary treatment of ranula with intracystic injection of OK-432.

OBJECTIVE: Although surgery is the first choice of therapy for ranula, it was made a hypothesis that ranula can be primarily treated with sclerotherapy from prior evidence. This study examined the effectiveness of intracystic injection of OK-432 for treatment of ranula. METHOD: This prospective clinical study comprised a total of 26 patients with ranula (19 intraoral type; seven plunging type) treated with OK-432 sclerotherapy. Aspirated mucus of ranula was replaced with an equal volume of OK-432 solution of 0.01 mg/mL. The size of ranula was compared before and after sclerotherapy. RESULTS: Twenty of 26 patients (77%) showed a complete response after sclerotherapy: higher in plunging ranula (86%) than in intraoral ranula (74%). Rupture of ranula developed in seven of 19 patients (37%) with intraoral ranula within a few days after injection. The early rupture occurred more frequently in patients having a less-than-marked response and seemed to cause an increase in the total number of OK-432 injections: seven ruptured cases versus 12 nonruptured cases (mean 3.6 versus 1.5, P<.001). Recurrence occurred in two patients during a median follow-up period of 12 months (range, 9-22 mo) after the last injection. There were no major side effects, scarring, or increased morbidity to surgery of the OK-432-injected lesions. CONCLUSION: The intracystic injection of OK-432 is highly effective as a primary treatment modality of ranula.

Adult↗

Experimental studies of injection therapy for severe nonvariceal bleeding in dogs.

Efficacy and tissue effects of injection therapy for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding were studied in 16 mongrel dogs. The results were compared with those obtained by neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser, bipolar electrocoagulation, and heater probe. Epinephrine (1:10,000), absolute ethanol, and 1% polidocanol were used as injection solutions. In acute, severely bleeding experimental ulcers as well as in transected submucosal arteries, injection methods were not as effective as thermal methods in achieving complete hemostasis, although injection therapy, especially with large volumes of epinephrine (1:10,000), very quickly decreased the rate of bleeding. Chronic experiments showed that epinephrine (1:10,000) caused almost no tissue injury, but also did not induce vessel thrombosis. In contrast, absolute ethanol and 1% polidocanol caused tissue necrosis, ulceration, and vessel thrombosis, the former by acute dehydration and fixation of the tissue, the latter by acute edema and subsequent inflammation and sclerosis. These data suggest that although epinephrine injection may slow or temporarily stop bleeding, this modality is not as efficacious as injection with 1% polidocanol or absolute ethanol in inducing definitive vessel thrombosis. In the present experimental conditions sclerotherapy was not as effective as thermal methods in achieving hemostasis. These data also show that injection therapy with 1% polidocanol and absolute ethanol is by no means safer than thermal methods.

Animals↗

[Treatment of duodenal ulcer with chemical sclerosis of the gastric mucosa. Preliminary results].

On the basis of experimental studies and of the results obtained, the authors have applied over the last two years, sclerosis of the gastric mucosa with fresh, sterile solution of hypertonic (66%) glucose in 25 patients with duodenal ulcers and cellular and vagal hyperacidity resistant to medical therapy. Mucosclerosis was associated with gastric drainage in 14 patients with duodenal ulcer complicated by stenosis or hemmorhage. Sclerosis of the gastric mucosa is a physiological intervention because it achieves the sclero-atrophy of the acid-secreting glands and vago-sympatic denervation in the gastric territory, while the storage function of the stomach is maintained. It was not followed by extra-gastric disturbances or antro-pyloric distonia. It is easy to perform from the technical viewpoint and has a high degree of fiability, providing constantly satisfactory clinical, functional and metabolic results. Chemical values of basal secretion have decreased in a constant manner but in 9 patients the values of induced acidity showed inconstant decreases. Gastro-antro-pyloro-duodenal transit was good and all operated patients have gained weight. No diarrhea, dumping or peptic recidives were noted.

Adult↗

Percutaneous Ethibloc injection in aneurysmal bone cysts.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the injection of Ethibloc into aneurysmal bone cysts can be an effective treatment modality. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Ethibloc is an alcoholic solution of zein (corn protein) which has thrombogenic and fibrogenic properties. Ten patients with aneurysmal bone cysts were treated with CT-guided percutaneous injection of Ethibloc into the cyst cavity. Ethibloc injection was the primary treatment in five patients. Four patients had recurrence following previous curettage and bone grafting and one patient had not responded to injection into the lesion of autologous iliac crest bone marrow aspirate. Three patients needed a second injection. The median follow-up was 27 (6-60) months. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Symptoms were relieved in all patients. At imaging, seven patients had resolution of the lesion and three had partial response at the most recent follow-up. Complications consisted of a local transitory inflammatory reaction in two patients and an aseptic abscess in one patient. This relatively simple, minimally invasive procedure makes an operation unnecessary by stopping the expansion of the cyst and inducing endosteal new bone formation. This technique may be used as the primary management of aneurysmal bone cysts excluding spinal lesions.

Adolescent↗

Efficacy and safety of iodopovidone pleurodesis through tube thoracostomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of iodopovidone as an agent for pleurodesis through tube thoracostomy in patients with recurrent pleural effusions and pneumothorax. METHODS: This was a prospective study in which pleurodesis was performed with a solution of 20 mL 10% iodopovidone and 80 mL normal saline solution infused through a tube thoracostomy and left in the pleural cavity for 4 h. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients (34 men) with a mean (+/-SD) age of 47.1 +/- 15.4 years were included. There were 37 cases of pleural effusion and 27 of pneumothorax. A complete response (neither reaccumulation of fluid nor recurrence of pneumothorax) was obtained in 32 (86.5%) patients with pleural effusion and 25 (92.6%) patients with pneumothorax. A second procedure (i.e. repeated pleurodesis) was attempted successfully in four patients in the pleural effusion group. All patients experienced chest pain to a varying degree as recorded on a Visual Analogue Scale (median 50.5, range 10-95). Seven patients developed fever and one immunocompromised patient developed empyema following the procedure. There were no recurrences at a median follow up of 5 months (range 3-15 months) in the pleural effusion group, and 13 months (range 6-24 months) in the pneumothorax group. CONCLUSIONS: Iodopovidone can be used as an effective and safe agent for (chemical) pleurodesis (through tube thoracostomy), which is inexpensive and readily available.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗

Endoscopic sclerosis versus cyanoacrylate endoscopic injection for the first episode of variceal bleeding: a prospective, controlled, and randomized study in Child-Pugh class C patients.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Despite the recognized efficacy of sclerotherapy and elastic band ligation in controlling variceal hemorrhage, the results of endoscopic treatment in Child-Pugh class C patients remain poor. The aim of this prospective, controlled, and randomized study was to compare conventional sclerotherapy with injection of the tissue adhesive N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate in controlling the first episode of rupturing of esophageal varices. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 1994 to June 1997, 36 consecutive Child-Pugh class C cirrhotic patients were admitted with an initial episode of esophageal variceal bleeding. They were randomly assigned to receive sclerotherapy with a 3% ethanolamine oleate solution (group 1, 18 patients) or injection of tissue adhesive (group 2, 18 patients). Episodes of recurrent bleeding were managed after the randomization procedure. After bleeding had been controlled, patients in both groups received weekly sessions of conventional sclerotherapy to eradicate any remaining esophageal veins. RESULTS: The patients in the two treatment groups had similar characteristics on entry into the study. More than 80% of the patients were admitted with moderate or severe hemorrhage. Approximately half of them presented with active bleeding during the index endoscopy. Early recurrent bleeding was observed in ten of the 18 patients in group 1 (55.6%) and in two of the 18 in group 2 (11.1%; P = 0.01). The hospital mortality rates were 72.2% in group I and 33.3% in group II (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: These findings support the view that cyanoacrylate injection is superior to conventional sclerosis for controlling esophageal variceal bleeding in Child-Pugh class C patients. It is also highly probable that the better bleeding control achieved using the cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive treatment led to a lower hospital mortality rate.

Adult↗

Alcoholic solution of zein (Ethibloc) sclerotherapy for treatment of lymphangiomas in children.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report the experience and efficacy of Ethibloc sclerotherapy as treatment of lymphangiomas. METHODS: Between 1992 and 2004, 63 patients had Ethibloc sclerotherapy for lymphangiomas at our institution. Computed tomographic scan or magnetic resonance imaging and clinical evaluation determined efficacy of the treatment. Results were classified as excellent (> or =95% decrease in lesion volume), satisfactory (> or =50% decrease and asymptomatic), or poor (<50% decrease or symptomatic). RESULTS: Sixty-three patients with 67 lesions underwent sclerotherapy with a median of 2 treatments per patient. Thirty-five involved the neck; 10, the head and face; and 22, the thorax or limb. Thirteen were predominantly microcystic; 28, macrocystic; and 26, mixed. Of the 63 patients, 6 underwent sclerotherapy for postsurgical residual lesions. Results were classified by type: of the 54 macrocystic/mixed cases, 26 (49%) had excellent, 19 (35%) had good, and 9 (16%) had poor results; in the 13 predominantly microcystic lesions, 3 (23%) had excellent, 7 (54%) had good, and 3 (23%) poor results. Five patients (7.7%) required surgery for complications; 2, for scar revision; 2, for persistent drainage; and 1, for a salivary fistula. Infection occurred in 4 patients (6.2%) after sclerotherapy. Follow-up averaged 3.5 years (range, 12 months to 12 years). CONCLUSION: Ethibloc sclerotherapy is a safe and effective alternative to surgical excision of macrocystic lymphangiomas and can be used for postsurgical recurrences.

Child↗

Evaluation of an intestinal pressure-controlled colon delivery capsules prepared by a dipping method.

A new method for preparation of large amounts of empty pressure-controlled colon delivery capsules (PCDCs) by a dipping method has been developed. Empty PCDCs are composed of two polymer membranes. The inner one was a water-insoluble polymer membrane, ethylcellulose (EC). The outer one was an enteric polymer membrane, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP) or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS). By consequently dipping into an ethanolic EC solution and an alkalized enteric polymer solution, empty PCDCs were obtained after both the capsule body and cap were adjusted to the size of #2 capsules. With each enteric polymer, two types of empty PCDCs of different thickness were prepared. Fluorescein (FL) was formulated with suppository base, PEG1000, and used as a model drug. FL/PEG1000 suspension was introduced into empty PCDCs which were then sealed with enteric polymer solution. The PCDCs were evaluated by an in vivo experiment using beagle dogs. After oral administration of the test PCDC preparations containing 30 mg of FL, blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein and serum FL levels were measured. The thickness of the EC membrane layer varied in both the capsule body and cap. HPMCAS PCDCs had 62.1+/-5.0 (S.E.) microm (body) and 49.7+/-3.3 microm (cap) with thicker ones and 55.7+/-6.6 microm (body) and 46.8+/-6.2 microm (cap) with thinner ones. HPMCP PCDCs had 28.1+/-3.3 microm (body), 30.9+/-1.0 microm (cap) with thinner ones and 43.1+/-9.8 microm (body), 42.4+/-8.2 microm (cap) with thicker ones. The mean T(i) values, the first appearance time, of FL in the serum of HPMCAS PCDCs were 2.0+/-0.7 h for thicker ones and 3.8+/-0.5 h for thinner ones, while the mean T(i) values of HPMCP PCDCs were 2.0+/-0.0 h for thinner ones and 3.5+/-0.7 h for thicker ones. Since the colon arrival time in beagle dogs was 3.5+/-0.3 h as determined by a sulfasalazine test, thinner HPMCAS PCDCs and thicker HPMCP PCDCs were thought to deliver FL to the colon.

Animals↗

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for gastric varices with gastrorenal or gastrocaval collaterals.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for gastric varices with gastrorenal or gastrocaval collaterals. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients who had gastric varices with gastrorenal or gastrocaval collaterals underwent balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration. A 5-French balloon catheter was inserted in the gastrorenal collateral, gastrocaval collateral, or both, and a 5% solution of ethanolamine oleate iopamidole that contained equal amounts of ethanolamine oleate and iopamidole 300 was injected into the gastric varices. One day, 1 week, and 1 month after balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration, hepatic and renal function tests (total bilirubin, transaminase, blood ammonia, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen) were done. To evaluate therapeutic efficacy, we observed the site with endoscopy every 2 weeks and obtained enhanced CT scans every month. The observation time ranged from 10 to 30 months. RESULTS: After balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration, gastric varices disappeared completely in all 30 cases in 4-16 weeks (mean, 10 weeks). Recurrence of gastric varices was observed in three cases (10%), which were treated with repeated balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration. Esophageal varices were aggravated in three patients (10%), who underwent successful endoscopic injection sclerotherapy. Complications of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration were fever and hemoglobinuria, which disappeared in about 5 days. We observed no significant hepatic and renal functional damage. CONCLUSION: Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration offers good control of gastric varices with gastrorenal or gastrocaval collaterals, even if hepatic function is poor.

Ammonia↗

Aneurysmal bone cysts: percutaneous embolization with an alcoholic solution of zein--series of 18 cases.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of percutaneous embolization with an alcoholic solution of zein in the treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with aneurysmal bone cysts were treated percutaneously with alcoholic zein. The cysts were in the lower limb (n = 7), upper limb (n = 5), pelvis (n = 3), cervical spine (n = 2), and mandible (n = 1). All patients were symptomatic, three had previously undergone surgery. Percutaneous embolization was performed with fluoroscopic or computed tomographic guidance with the patient under general anesthesia. Clinical and imaging follow-up lasted 18 months to 4 years. RESULTS: Percutaneous embolization was performed in 16 cases. In two cases, cystograms showed marked venous drainage and thus embolization was not attempted. Six patients underwent repeat embolization. Complications consisted of a local transitory inflammatory reaction (n = 5), aseptic osteitis (n = 1), and a small pulmonary infarct without sequelae (n = 1). Relief of symptoms was achieved in all patients except one, who underwent surgery. At imaging, improvement was total in 13 cases (87%) and partial in two cases (13%). No recurrence was noted during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous embolization of aneurysmal bone cysts with alcoholic zein should be considered a reliable alternative to surgery, especially in cases with a difficult surgical approach or cases of postsurgical recurrence.

Adolescent↗

A randomized double-blind trial of dextrose-glycerine-phenol injections for chronic, low back pain.

This randomized clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of injections of a dextrose-glycerine-phenol connective tissue proliferant into the posterior ligaments, fascia, and joint capsules to treat chronic low back pain. Seventy-nine patients with chronic low back pain that had failed to respond to previous conservative care were randomly assigned to receive a double-blind series of six injections at weekly intervals of either Xylocaine/saline solution or Xylocaine/proliferant into the posterior sacroiliac and interspinous ligaments, fascia, and joint capsules of the low back from L4 to the sacrum. Patients were observed with a visual analog, disability, and pain grid scores, and with objective computerized triaxial tests of lumbar function for 6 months following conclusion of injections. Pretreatment imaging tests with either magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans were performed in all patients. Thirty of the 39 patients randomly assigned to the proliferant group achieved a 50% or greater diminution in pain or disability scores at 6 months compared to 21 of 40 in the group receiving lidocaine (p = 0.042). Subjective parameters measured at 6 months posttreatment improved (p < 0.001) overall in both the treatment and control group compared to baseline. Improvements in visual analog (p = 0.056), disability (p = 0.068), and pain grid scores (p = 0.025) were greater in the proliferant group. Objective testing of range of motion, isometric strength, and velocity of movement showed significant improvements in both groups following treatment but did not favor either group. The MRI and CT scans showed significant abnormalities in both groups, but these did not correlate with subjective complaints and were not predictive of response to treatment.

Adult↗

Medical management of malignant pericardial effusion by tetracycline sclerosis.

Fifty-eight patients with malignant pericardial effusion were seen from 1979 to 1986. A Kifa catheter was inserted into the pericardial sac and allowed to drain for 12 to 24 hours during electrocardiographic monitoring. Lidocaine hydrochloride, 100 mg, was instilled intrapericardially, followed by tetracycline hydrochloride, 500 to 1,000 mg, in 20 ml of normal saline solution. The catheter was clamped for 1 to 2 hours and then reopened. This procedure was repeated daily until the net drainage was less than 25 ml/24 hours. There were 22 male and 36 female patients (median age 58 years). The primary malignancy included lung (27 patients), breast (16 patients), stomach (3 patients), adenocarcinoma of unknown primary (7 patients), mesothelioma (2 patients) and chronic granulocytic leukemia, ovary and lymphoma (1 patient each). Fifty-six patients received 1 to 5 tetracycline instillations. In 1 patient, the catheter could not be inserted and in another, clotting occurred within the catheter before injection of tetracycline. Complications included transient atrial arrhythmias (5 patients), pain after injection (9 patients) and temperature higher than 37.5 degrees C (5 patients). One patient had a cardiac arrest during pericardiocentesis. Forty-three patients (74%) had control of their effusions for longer than 30 days (median survival 168 days, range 30 to 1,149+), and 5 patients (9%) died before 30 days without effusion. Eight patients (14%) did not achieve control. One declined further therapy after 1 instillation, and 3 died within 6 days with progressive malignancy. One patient had persistent drainage after 3 instillations, and 3 had reaccumulation of fluid 2, 6 and 27 days after catheter removal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Post-stripping sclerodermiform dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous sclerosis, a process that results in hardening of the skin, is the hallmark of scleroderma and sclerodermoid disorders. Cutaneous sclerosis is usually classified as secondary or primary, depending on the presence or absence of underlying diseases. Primary cutaneous sclerosis is a feature of idiopathic inflammatory processes that are often associated with autoimmune disorders, whereas secondary cutaneous sclerosis arises in the context of many pathological processes of varying causes, including chronic graft-vs-host disease, defined metabolic or genetic disorders, and exposure to certain infectious organisms, drugs, or chemicals. OBSERVATIONS: Three patients had localized cutaneous sclerosis overlying the site of a surgically removed (stripped) great saphenous vein. In all 3 patients, lesions were clinically characterized by multiple hypopigmented and indurated plaques distributed linearly along the path of the preexisting vein. Extensive history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests did not reveal known predisposing factors for cutaneous sclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: Although the observed association of sclerodermiform dermatitis and venous stripping in these 3 patients does not imply a causal relationship, the absence of other identifiable predisposing factors and the striking linear distribution of the cutaneous lesions along the path of the preexisting vein are suggestive. This poststripping sclerodermiform dermatitis may be a rare late complication of saphenous vein stripping.

Adult↗