Correlation between preoperative mouth opening and surgical outcome after arthroscopic lysis and lavage in patients with disc displacement without reduction

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of arthroscopic lysis and lavage for patients with limited mouth opening. The relationship between preoperative mouth opening and the surgical outcome was determined. METHOD: Fourteen patients with 16 internally deranged joints were treated by arthroscopic lysis and lavage. All had received 10.4 (7 to 19) months of nonsurgical treatment before arthroscopy. The preoperative magnetic resonance images showed anterior disc displacement without reduction in all treated joints. RESULTS: Twelve of the 14 patients (86%) showed good reduction in pain and improved range of jaw movement on average follow-up of 28.5 (13 to 66) months. Two patients showed no improvement after arthroscopy and required open surgical procedures. The preoperative mouth opening of the successful group averaged 29.4 (22 to 35) mm, whereas the two failed cases had 10- and 19-mm openings, respectively (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Persistent limitation of mouth opening of more than 22 mm after nonsurgical treatment has a good prognosis when treated by arthroscopic lysis and lavage. However, those with greater limitation should probably have earlier surgical intervention.     

Osteoarthritis and synovitis as major pathoses of the temporomandibular joint: comparison of clinical diagnosis with arthroscopic morphology

PURPOSE: The purposes of this investigation were to determine how common osteoarthritis and synovitis are in patients with severe, recalcitrant temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms using clinical diagnostic criteria as well as arthroscopic examination, and to compare the accuracy of the clinical and arthroscopic diagnoses with respect to specificity and sensitivity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical and arthroscopic diagnoses were established in 126 joints of 84 patients with severe TMJ symptoms recalcitrant to conservative therapy. All joints were classified as having osteoarthritis (OA) or no osteoarthritis (non-OA) and synovitis (syn) or no synovitis (non-syn) using clinical and arthroscopic criteria. Chi-squared analysis was used to determine whether there was a relationship between the clinical and arthroscopic diagnoses. Preoperative clinical diagnoses were compared with arthroscopic morphologic diagnoses to determine the specificity and sensitivity of the clinical diagnostic criteria for synovitis and osteoarthritis. RESULTS: A preoperative clinical diagnosis of OA was established in 59 of 126 joints (47%) compared with an arthroscopic diagnoses of OA in 82 of 126 joints (65%). Chi-squared analysis showed a significant relationship between the clinical and arthroscopic diagnosis of OA. A clinical diagnosis of OA was associated with a high specificity (.977); however, there were 23 of 82 (.293) false-negative findings and a sensitivity of only .707. A preoperative clinical diagnosis of synovitis was established in 114 of 126 joints (90%), compared with an arthroscopic diagnosis of synovitis in 112 of 126 (89%). Chi-squared analysis did not show a significant relationship between the clinical and arthroscopic diagnosis of synovitis. A clinical diagnosis of synovitis was associated with a high sensitivity (.920); however, there were 11 of 14 false-positive findings (.786) associated with a low specificity (.214). CONCLUSIONS: Although there was high specificity for the clinical diagnosis of OA, the sensitivity was very low. (Comparison of clinical and arthroscopic diagnoses showed that osteoarthritis frequently escapes clinical detection. The clinical diagnosis of synovitis showed that low specificity and symptoms may be caused by other pathoses.     

A balloon pumping technique for treatment of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint

PURPOSE: This article reports on the use of a silicone or latex balloon to ablate adhesions associated with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wedge pressure catheters or Swan-Ganz catheters were used. The balloon was inflated with air and also moved forward and backward. RESULTS: TMJ arthroscopic balloon pumping therapy was performed on 11 joints in 11 cases of persistent closed locking. Ablation could be completed with only a balloon in seven joints. Maximal interincisal distances were increased in all cases. The increases ranged from a minimum of 3 mm to a maximum of 23 mm. TMJ pain was not recognized in any case in which 5 months or more had passed since surgery. TMJ noise (clicking) after surgery were recognized in six cases and was dependent on time after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: We are convinced that TMJ balloon pumping therapy is a useful and easy noninvasive method of ablation.     

The long-term outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis: a 23-year prospective, longitudinal study of total joint replacement and its predictors in 1,600 patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: Although total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is a common procedure and an important outcome in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), little is known about its prevalence, failure rate, or predictors over the course of the illness. The current study evaluated these factors in 1,600 consecutive RA patients seen during a period of observation that extended 23 years. METHODS: Beginning in 1974, data from 34,040 RA patient visits were entered prospectively into a computer databank. Data consisted of laboratory, radiographic, physical examination, and self-report questionnaires. At each assessment, we also noted a complete surgical history. Patients were also followed up by questionnaires that were mailed at 6-month intervals. RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier life-table estimates indicated that 25% of RA patients will undergo total joint arthroplasty (TJA) within 21.8 years of disease onset. For patients with 1 TJA, 25% had a TJA in a different joint within 0.92 years and 50% within 7.0 years. Ten years after TJA, approximately 6% of implanted knees and 4% of implanted hips had been replaced with a second TJA, and 12% and 13% of the joints had either a second TJA or a TJA-related operation, respectively. In Cox regressions, a large series of clinical and laboratory variables, which primarily reflected disease activity, predicted TJA. Smoking, either past or present, had a protective effect. Patients with highly abnormal values on the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Scale, global severity, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate had a 3-6 times increased risk of TJA. CONCLUSION: TJA, a marker of joint failure and of RA outcome, is predicted by self-report assessments of severity and function, and by a series of laboratory, radiographic, and clinical variables. Prediction improves with the extent of observation, and 2-year observations approach full-study observations in their accuracy. Most TJAs survive for a long time in RA.     

Occupational health status of sawmill workers in Nigeria

Primary traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder in young patients has a high recurrency rate. There are varying opinions on the pathology behind the recurrences. The aim of this study was to describe the MRI characteristics of the acute lesion, and at 6-month follow-up. Thirty patients aged 18-30 years with primary traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder were randomized into two groups. One group was treated with acute arthroscopic lavage within 10 days. The control group was treated with traditional non-operative therapy. All patients underwent acute MRI within 10 days and before the arthroscopic lavage, and again at the 6-month follow-up, for evaluation of the lesions. The acute MRI verified Hill-Sachs lesions in all patients. At the 6-month follow-up MRI, there was no change in the size of the Hill-Sachs lesion. This was also the case with the six patients in the control group with recurrent dislocations during the first 6 months. Twenty-nine patients (97%) had joint effusion at the acute MRI, which was very useful for evaluation of the soft tissue pathology. The glenohumeral ligaments were detached in 20/30 patients (66%), and the labrum in 22/30 patients (70%). A capsulolabral detachment classified as a Baker 3 lesion was seen in 16/30 (53%) of the patients, including all six patients with recurrent dislocation. At the 6-month control only 3/30 (10%) of the patients had joint effusion for adequate evaluation of the labrum and ligamentous pathology. A Hill-Sachs lesion was found in 100% of the patients after primary dislocation, and recurrent dislocations did not change the size of the lesion. The study supports the opinion that this lesion is overlooked in the clinical situation. The joint effusion at the acute MRI was of utmost importance for evaluation of the soft tissue pathology. The 6-month MRI control was therefore considered inconclusive when evaluating capsulolabral lesions, due to lack of effusion. MRI arthrography with contrast administration would have been very helpful at the 6-month examination.     

Proprioceptive deficits of the knee joint after rupture of the medial meniscus

We assessed knee joint proprioception in 23 patients with an isolated lesion of the medial meniscus. Thirteen patients were tested prior to their arthroscopic operation, and 10 patients were examined after partial arthroscopic resection of the injured meniscus. As a control group we evaluated 30 healthy volunteers with clinically inconspicious knee joints. For documentation of the proprioceptive capabilities we performed an angle reproduction test. Additionally the subjects were tested with and without an elastic knee bandage, to test the influence of such a bandage on knee joint proprioception. Our results showed that preoperatively proprioception was significantly less good than in the control group. We found no influence of the knee bandage on the proprioception of the injured knee. The postoperative group of patients showed significantly better proprioceptive capability than the preoperative patients. The postoperative results did not differ significantly from those of the control group.     

Ultrastructural study on adhesions in internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint

PURPOSE: This study examined the ultrastructural characteristics of adhesions in the upper joint compartment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tissue biopsy specimens of adhesions were obtained during arthroscopic operation on 36 joints in 22 patients with internal derangement (ID). The biopsy specimens were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Adhesions were grossly divided into two types based on arthroscopic observation: 1) a band-like type, which connected the articular fossa and TMJ disc, and 2) a pseudowall-like type, which faced the synovial fluid and was lined by articular tissue. Two types of collagen arrangement were observed at the electron microscopic level: orderly arranged collagen bundles and randomly arranged collagen bundles. Orderly arranged collagen bundles were prominent in the band-like adhesions. In pseudowall-like adhesions, mainly the randomly arranged collagen bundles were seen. However, in some dense fiber parts, orderly arranged collagen bundles also were observed. In other pseudowall-like adhesions, only orderly arranged collagen bundles were seen. Elastic fibers were abundant in some pseudowall-like adhesions with randomly arranged collagen bundles. There were no elastic fibers in the band-like adhesions, some dense fiber parts of the pseudowall-like adhesion, pseudowall-like adhesions consisting of only orderly arranged collagen bundles, and in the synovial membrane. CONCLUSION: The different arrangement of collagen fibers and presence or absence of elastic fibers were observed in the two types of adhesions. These findings served to show that extracellular components correspond to a dysfunction involving an ID of TMJ.     

Cyclosporine A in the treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis. A prospective, randomized 24-month study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy, tolerability and safety of cyclosporine A (CSA) in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. METHODS: Patients with an early diagnosis of RA, a disease duration of less than 3 years, and without prior disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment were studied. They randomly received oral CSA (3 mg/kg/day) or oral methotrexate (MTX) (0.15 mg/kg/week). In addition, all patients in both groups received oral prednisone (7.5 mg/day). RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were assigned to the CSA group and 51 to the MTX group. After 24 months of treatment, 48 patients from the CSA group and 48 from the MTX group showed significant clinical improvement. This was evaluated by the duration of morning stiffness, grip strength, the total joint count, joint swelling, and joint tenderness and pain, compared to pre-treatment values. The clinical improvement was also associated with a significant decrease in ESR and CRP values in both groups. No significant radiological deterioration was observed in the CSA patients compared to those treated with MTX after 24 months. Four patients from the CSA group dropped out of the study, two because of a synovitis flare, one because of severe hypertrichosis and one because of severe gingival hyperplasia. Three patients from the MTX group withdrew, one because of disease flare-up and two because of gastrointestinal disturbances. CONCLUSION: Early immunointervention in RA patients appears to be crucial to limit the development of joint damage. Cyclosporine A appears to be effective, well tolerated and safe in the long-term treatment of RA and can therefore be used as a first immunomodulatory drug in the armamentarium for the treatment of RA.     

Contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging as a method to diagnose early inflammatory changes in the temporomandibular joint in children with juvenile chronic arthritis

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have stressed early diagnosis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement in children with juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) to initiate treatment before destruction of the condylar head and growth alterations take place. TMJ involvement is often asymptomatic, but studies with contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in other joints have shown that it is possible to detect the early inflammatory changes. METHODS: Thirty TMJ in 15 children with newly diagnosed JCA (mean age 12.0 years) were examined clinically, with radiographs and with MRI enhanced with gadolinium diethylene thiamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA). A control group of 10 healthy children (mean age 11.5 yrs) were examined clinically and with MRI. The MRI variables included T1 weighted images before and after administration of Gd-DTPA with and without fat suppression. RESULTS: MRI enhanced with Gd-DTPA indicated inflammatory activity in 87% of the patients. Conventional MRI without contrast medium proved to be insignificant in diagnosing early inflammatory changes. CONCLUSION: Enhanced MRI is very efficient in diagnosing early inflammatory changes of the TMJ and is a more sensitive method than the clinical examination and radiographs.     

Correlation of inflammatory cytokines with arthroscopic findings in patients with temporomandibular joint internal derangements

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the presence of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) within the superior temporomandibular joint (TMJ) space in patients with internal derangements and to compare these values with the pathologic findings seen arthroscopically. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with symptomatic TMJ dysfunction and clinical and imaging evidence of internal derangements of the TMJ were evaluated. Before entering the superior joint space with the arthroscope, 2 mL sterile saline was injected and, after 30 seconds of equilibration, was aspirated for analysis. The surgeon then performed diagnostic arthroscopy. The degree of synovitis, degeneration, percent condylar roofing, and any pathologic changes, such as perforations, were recorded. The level of total protein in each sample was ascertained, as well as the levels of IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha. RESULTS: Of 30 samples tested, three were discarded because of failure to gain access into the superior joint space. Of the 27 remaining samples, IL-6 showed the closest correlation with the level of acute synovitis demonstrated arthroscopically. Two of the higher IL-6 levels (167 and 324 pg/microg protein) were seen with patients with a significant disc perforation. In patients with a high degree of vascularity, IL-6 was found to be between 0 to 581 pg/microg protein with an average of 80 pg/microg protein and a median value of 43 pg/mg. These values significantly correlated with the degree of vascularity (P < or = .02). This is in comparison with the 10 remaining patients, who showed significantly fewer vascular changes arthroscopically. In these patients, the range of IL-6 was 0 to 35 pg/microg protein, with an average of 19 pg/microg protein and a median value of 14.5 pg/microg. These values significantly correlated with the smaller degree of vascularity (P < or = .02). In seven patients, the role of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use resulted in decreased levels of IL-6, which has been noted in previous studies. In patients with higher rated redundancy of the synovial tissue, the average IL-6 level was 92 pg/microg protein, whereas the median value was 44 pg/microg protein. In patients with little or no redundant synovial tissue, an average IL-6 level of 22 pg/microg protein was present. The median value in these same joints was 15 pg/microg protein. These IL-6 values significantly correlated with the degree of redundancy (P < or = .03). The degree of degenerative change (chondromalacia, fibrillation), disc displacement (roofing), and the presence or absence of adhesions did not significantly affect the levels of IL-6 within the patients studied. The presence of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha was not found to correlate with the arthroscopic findings in the superior joint space. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of IL-6 correlated with the degree of acute synovitis. IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha were not found in significant levels within the superior joint space. These findings correlated with those reported by other investigators. The production of IL-6 by synovial cells and its role in TMJ disease warrants further investigation.     

Symptoms of the stomatognathic system in temporomandibular and cervical spine disorders

This study was performed to assess the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in patients with cervical spine disorders (CSD) and to compare patients with CSD and subgroups of patients with TMD with regard to the results of orthopaedic tests of the stomatognathic system. A group of 103 consecutive patients with signs and symptoms of CSD and a group of 111 consecutive patients with TMD were examined. All subgroups of TMD patients showed a significantly smaller range of motion than the CSD patients. Patients with TMD had limited mouth opening (< 40 mm) on active and passive mouth opening more often than CSD patients. TMD patients with myogenous problems reported oral habits more often than CSD patients, although no objective differences between CSD and TMD patients were found. Subgroups of TMD patients reported joint sounds, and pain on palpation and joint play tests of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) more frequently than CSD patients. Joint sounds on active movements, pain on palpation of the TMJ, and pain on joint play tests correctly classified 82% of the patients with TMD and 72% of the patients with CSD. In spite of the biomechanical and anatomical relationship between the neck and the stomatognathic system, the results of the study show that CSD patients have signs and symptoms of TMD comparable with those of the adult Dutch population. It was concluded that the function of the masticatory system should be evaluated in patients with neck complaints in order to rule out a possible involvement of the masticatory system.     

The prognostic significance of tumor cell detection in intraoperative pleural lavage and lung tissue cultures for patients with lung cancer

METHODS: Three hundred forty-two patients with lung cancer and 99 patients with nonneoplastic lung diseases (control group) underwent intraoperative pleural lavage with 300 ml physiologic saline solution before (lavage I) and after resection (lavage II). RESULTS: Studies of the lavage fluid in all control patients were negative, that is, there were no false positive findings. Tumor cells were found in lavage I in 132 patients (38.6%) and also in lavage II in 99 of them. In stage I (pT1 N0, pT2 N0) lung cancer, tumor cell detection was possible in 47 patients (28.6%). The 4-year survival of patients with resected non-small-cell lung cancer was 24% (95% confidence interval, 16% to 32%) if lavage I results were positive and 52% (95% confidence interval, 45% to 59%) if lavage I results were negative (all stages, p = 0.007). For patients with stage I disease (n = 164) the 4-year survival was 35% (95% confidence interval, 18% to 52%) if lavage I results were positive (n = 47), and 69% (95% confidence interval, 60% to 78%) if lavage I results were negative (n = 117) (p = 0.037). On multivariate analysis the positive cytologic result in intraoperative pleural lavage was an additional prognostic factor for our patients. To prove how the tumor cells enter the pleural cavity, we performed tissue cultures of tumor-free parenchyma in 23 cases of lung cancer. Tumor cell detection by histology and immunohistology was possible in 16 cases (69.6%). Detection of tumor cells in pleural lavage fluid before resection proves that tumor cells have spread into the pleural cavity. CONCLUSION: The positive result in pleural lavage seems to be a prognostic predictor for patients with lung cancer.     

Radiologic progression in early rheumatoid arthritis treated with methotrexate

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate radiologic progression in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving methotrexate (MTX) as the first slow acting drug. METHODS: An open, prospective study of 29 patients with RA (21 F, 8 M, mean age 48.5+/-15.4 yrs). The mean duration of RA was 6.6 (2-60) months; and rheumatoid factor was present in 11 cases. Clinical, biological, and radiographic evaluations were done before the start of MTX treatment and after 13+/-3.8 months. Radiographs of hands and wrists were blindly studied by 2 physicians, using Larsen's and modified Sharp's methods. There was a significant correlation for the scores of the 2 physicians evaluated by kappa coefficient. Radiographic evolution was defined as an increase of 15 points in the radiologic score by each method used. RESULTS: Patients showed significant clinical improvement after one year of MTX treatment. Despite clinical and biological improvement, significant mean radiographic progression was noted, with Larsen's method (p = 0.001) and Sharp's method (p = 0.034), without reaching the maximum score. However, using the definition of radiographic progression, the radiologic scores indicated stabilization in 23 patients with Larsen's method and in 24 patients with Sharp's method. CONCLUSION: This study revealed mild radiographic progression in early RA patients treated with MTX for one year. Further controlled studies are needed.     

18F]fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in neonatal acute lung injury measured by positron emission tomography

PURPOSE: Our goal was to investigate the role of serial dynamic contrast-enhanced SPGR MRI in the nonsurgical follow-up of patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. METHOD: Ten patients (10 joints) with internal derangement of the TMJ were imaged with T1-weighted SE and serial postgadolinium SPGR MR pulse sequences. RESULTS: On T1-weighted images prior to treatment, the disk position was normal in one joint and anteriorly displaced without reduction in nine joints. After treatment, the disk remained normally positioned in one joint, was anteriorly displaced without reduction in eight joints, and was anteriorly displaced with reduction in one joint. The dynamic study after treatment showed a decrease in contrast enhancement of the posterior disk attachment in 7 of 10 joints. These seven patients had resolution or reduction in joint pain. CONCLUSION: These results suggest an association between a decrease in contrast enhancement of the posterior disk attachment and resolution or reduction in joint pain. This association was much stronger than the association between the clinical findings and the anatomy of the disk.     

The natural course of anterior disc displacement without reduction in the temporomandibular joint: follow-up at 6, 12, and 18 months

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the natural course of anterior disc displacement without reduction in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The subjects were patients who had been diagnosed as having anterior disc displacement without reduction in the TMJ, but who had not undergone any treatment. Forty-four patients were followed for 6 months, 38 for 12 months, and 22 for 18 months. Clinical signs and symptoms were evaluated at each follow-up, and the incidence of successful resolution was determined using the criteria established in 1984 by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. RESULTS: The range of motion increased at each time during the follow-up period. Tenderness in the TMJ and the masticatory muscles was alleviated, but the noise in the TMJ remained unchanged at each follow-up time. The incidence of successful resolution was 34.1% at 6 months, 50.0% at 12 months, and 68.2% at 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical signs and symptoms of anterior disc displacement without reduction tend to be alleviated during the natural course of the condition. This should be taken into consideration when anterior disc displacement without reduction is treated.     

No increased risk of malignancies and mortality in cyclosporin A-treated patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cyclosporin A (CSA)-attributed risk of developing malignancies in general and malignant lymphoproliferative diseases (LPDs) and skin cancers in particular, as well as the CSA-attributed incidence of mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: In a retrospective, controlled cohort study, the incidence of malignancies and mortality was evaluated in 208 CSA-treated patients with RA compared with 415 matched control patients with RA between 1984 and 1995. Patients were followed up for a median of 5.0 years (range 1.4-12.0). RESULTS: Forty-eight cases of malignancy (8 in the CSA group and 40 in the control group; relative risk [RR] 0.40, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.19-0.84) were identified, of which 8 were malignant LPDs (2 CSA versus 6 control; RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.14-3.27) and 14 were skin cancers (2 CSA versus 12 control; RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.08-1.47). Seventy-three patients died (16 CSA versus 57 control; RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.33-0.95) due primarily to cardiovascular diseases (4 CSA versus 22 control; RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.13-1.04) or a malignancy (3 CSA versus 8 control; RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.18-2.43). Proportional hazards regression analysis with correction for potential confounding factors did not significantly change the results. CONCLUSION: The study findings suggest that CSA treatment in RA patients does not increase the risk of malignancies in general or the risk of malignant LPDs or skin cancers in particular. Moreover, the incidence of mortality in CSA-treated RA patients was comparable to that in matched control RA patients.     

Meniscal repair: outcomes and clinical follow-up

A retrospective study of arthroscopic meniscal repair in 101 consecutive patients was conducted. Sixty-three patients constituted our study group. The arthroscopic technique used for meniscal repair was the inside-out method using malleable cannulas. Forty-five patients were available for clinical examination, with a mean follow-up of 27 months. Tegner and Lysholm scores were comparable to those previously reported for arthroscopic meniscal repair. The HSQ (similar to the SF-36) scores were equal to those from an age- and sex-matched normal population, indicating that individuals with repaired menisci do not have any residual negative effects on global health at mean 26.9 months' follow-up. The physical functioning subscale of the HSQ was found to be sensitive to patient perception of results. Complications included one case of restricted knee range of motion requiring arthroscopy and lysis of adhesions. Overall clinical results were 64% excellent, 27% good, and 9% failure. Age, sex, and length of the meniscal tear had no affect on clinical outcome.     

Variability in cytokine and cell adhesion molecule staining in arthroscopic synovial biopsies: quantification using color video image analysis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the variability in immunostaining for cytokines and cell adhesion molecules using multiple arthroscopically directed synovial biopsies from within a rheumatoid knee joint, quantitated by color video image analysis. METHODS: Needle arthroscopic biopsies were taken from multiple sites (4-7 sites) around a knee joint in 8 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In 5 patients, immunoperoxidase staining for the cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 8 (IL-8), and IL-1beta as well as the IL-1 receptor antagonist protein (IL-1ra) was performed. In 3 patients, immunoperoxidase staining for the cell adhesion molecules E-selectin (CD62E), P-selectin (CD62P), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1, CD54), and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM, CD31) was performed. Immunostaining was quantified using color video image analysis. RESULTS: The overall probability of paired biopsies from the same RA knee joint being significantly different from each other due to sampling variation was at most 22% for cytokine staining (usually less than 10%). There were no significant differences between intrabiopsy and interbiopsy variability for cell adhesion molecule staining of the sublining and vessels. CONCLUSION: The variability in cytokine and cell adhesion molecule staining within any single biopsy usually reflects the variability between biopsies taken from different sites in the same rheumatoid joint when the immunostaining is quantified using color video image analysis. Therefore, only a small number of synovial biopsies are required to accurately determine the cytokine and cell adhesion molecule expression in a single joint.     

Comparison of simultaneous electroencephalographic and mental status monitoring during carotid endarterectomy with regional anesthesia

PURPOSE: This study examines the accuracy of intraoperative electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring for the detection of cerebral ischemia by comparing EEG with simultaneous mental status evaluation (MSE) during carotid endarterectomy in awake patients. METHODS: Between 1994 and 1997, 208 consecutive carotid endarterectomies were prospectively evaluated for cerebral function during surgery with simultaneous MSE and EEG monitoring. Regional anesthesia (RA), which consisted of superficial cervical block, was chosen preferentially in 75% of the cases, with general anesthesia (GA) reserved for the patients who did not fulfill the criteria for RA. When available, 8-channel EEG monitoring was performed (59% with RA and 55% with GA). RESULTS: The EEG was a reliable predictor in comparison with MSE in most but not all cases of cerebral ischemia. Significant neurologic changes were noted using MSE in 4 of 89 patients (4.5%) that were not detected using EEG (false negative results). Conversely, 6 of 89 cases (6.7%) showed unilateral slowing without associated changes in MSE (false positive results). For the awake patients, 21 of 150 cases (14%) showed MSE changes that required a shunt. By contrast, 9 of 32 GA cases (28%) showed EEG changes that would have led to shunting (P = NS). In the RA group, there were no strokes versus 3 of 58 cases (5.2%) with strokes in the GA group. Two of 150 cases (0.1%) had transient ischemic attacks in the RA group. There was 1 myocardial infarction in the GA group; no deaths occurred in this series. CONCLUSION: EEG monitoring yielded a significant number of false positive (6.7%) and false negative (4.5%) results in the detection of neurologic deficits when compared with MSE in the awake patients. In this series, the preferential use of RA resulted in less shunt use and was possibly associated with a lower stroke rate.     

Clinical course and remission rate in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: relationship to outcome after 5 years

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical course in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients followed prospectively, to relate course to outcome after 5 yr, and to try to identify prognostic features. METHODS: A total of 183 patients with definite RA and a mean disease duration of 11 months were included. Of these, 75% were rheumatoid factor (RF) positive; 85% carried the shared epitope, 32% on both alleles. Most patients were assessed every 6 months. Disability was evaluated with the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and radiographic findings according to Larsen. Remission was defined in two ways: with the American Rheumatism Association (ARA) criteria and as 'no arthritis at least at one follow-up visit'. RESULTS: Twenty per cent achieved ARA-defined remission periods of at least 6 months duration; 21 were spontaneous and 18 drug induced. Average length of remission was 20.5 months. The remission periods constituted 7% of follow-up for all patients. Another 36% achieved remission according to the second definition. All 56% were considered to have a relapsing-remitting disease pattern, in contrast to the remaining 44% with a persistent disease pattern. More patients with persistent disease were treated with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and had also received a larger number of different drugs. Outcome after 5 yr regarding disability, joint inflammation and joint damage was worse for patients with persistent disease. Neither ARA-defined remission nor disease pattern could be accurately predicted. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term ARA-defined remission was rare, constituting 7% of follow-up for the entire cohort. For those 20% achieving remission, this period represented 34% of their follow-up. A total of 56% had a relapsing-remitting disease pattern and 44% had a persistent disease pattern. This classification had prognostic implications with persistency being a bad prognostic sign.