Prevention of peritonitis with disconnect systems in CAPD: a randomized controlled trial. The Mexican Nephrology Collaborative Study Group

BACKGROUND: Recently, disconnect systems for CAPD that are associated with a reduced frequency of peritonitis have been introduced. Our objective was to compare the incidence of peritonitis using three current CAPD systems in a high-risk population with low educational and socioeconomic levels, and high prevalence of malnutrition. METHODS: In a prospective controlled trial, 147 patients commencing CAPD were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 29 to the conventional, 57 to the Y-set, and 61 to the twin bag systems. The number of peritonitis episodes was registered, and patients were followed up for an average of 11.3 months. RESULTS: The average peritonitis-free interval for the conventional group was 6.1 months, for the Y system was 12.0 months, and for the twin bag was 24.8 months (P < 0.001). By multivariate analysis, the only factor associated with peritonitis was the CAPD system. Peritonitis-related hospitalization was 5.3 +/- 2.0, 2.7 +/- 1.0, and 1.5 +/- 0.9 days/patient/year in the conventional, Y system, and twin bag groups, respectively. The cost per bag was similar for the conventional and Y system, but higher for the twin bag. However, the total costs of treatment (pesos/patient/year) were lower for twin bag (62,159 for the conventional, 70,275 for the Y system, and 54,387 for the twin bag), due to the lower peritonitis incidence and associated hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS: Y system and twin bag use was associated with a reduction of 50 and 75% peritonitis incidence, respectively, in patients on CAPD. The cost of the twin bag was actually lower, because of savings from a decreased usage of antibiotics and fewer hospitalizations.     

Nystatin prophylaxis: its inability to prevent fungal peritonitis in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential effectiveness of nystatin as prophylaxis for fungal peritonitis (FP) in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). DESIGN: This historically controlled study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of nystatin in the prevention of FP. For this purpose we compared the incidence of FP among 240 (new and prevalent) CAPD patients between January 1996 and November 1996 (period A) with its incidence in 240 new and prevalent CAPD patients in our program between January 1997 and November 1997 (period B) when nystatin prophylaxis was used. There were 2400 patient-months in each period. Nystatin (500,000 IU four times per day), was given orally at the beginning of other antibiotic therapy (usually for peritonitis) and continued for 5 days after the end of the antibiotic therapy. RESULTS: During period A, 133 peritonitis episodes were recorded, and during period B, 99 episodes were recorded. Six episodes of FP were identified in over 2400 patient-months of period A, and 12 in over 2400 patient-months of period B. This difference was not statistically significant. Three episodes of antibiotic-related FP were seen in period A, and four in period B. The remaining episodes arose de novo, that is, unrelated to the use of antibiotics. We observed no side effects for nystatin. CONCLUSION: In CAPD patients the use of nystatin, a nonabsorbable antifungal agent, as prophylaxis in every instance of peritonitis or other indications for antibiotics, did not lower the incidence of fungal peritonitis.     

Failure to cure Mycobacterium gordonae peritonitis associated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Nontuberculous mycobacteria are increasingly recognized as important pathogens in peritonitis associated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Mycobacterium gordonae rarely causes human infection and is the least likely mycobacterium to produce clinical infection in CAPD patients. We describe a patient with persistent M. gordonae peritonitis acquired while undergoing CAPD. During 18 months of treatment, clinical improvement occurred but a microbiological cure could not be achieved. Principles of therapy for mycobacterial peritonitis developing during CAPD are reviewed, and potential explanations for our patient's failure to respond to therapy are discussed.     

Specific degradation of subendothelial matrix proteoglycans by brain-metastatic melanoma and brain endothelial cell heparanases

Although kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment method for patients with ESRD, most patients are placed on dialysis either while awaiting transplantation or as their only therapy. The question of which dialytic method provides the best patient survival remains unresolved. Survival analyses comparing hemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis/continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis (CAPD/CCPD), a newer and less costly dialytic modality, have yielded conflicting results. Using data obtained from the Canadian Organ Replacement Register, we compared mortality rates between hemodialysis and CAPD/CCPD among 11,970 ESRD patients who initiated treatment between 1990 and 1994 and were followed-up for a maximum of 5 years. Factors controlled for include age, primary renal diagnosis, center size, and predialysis comorbid conditions. The mortality rate ratio (RR) for CAPD/CCPD relative to hemodialysis, as estimated by Poisson regression, was 0.73 (95% confidence interval: 0.68 to 0.78). No such relationship was found when an intent-to-treat Cox regression model was fit. Decreased covariable-adjusted mortality for CAPD/CCPD held within all subgroups defined by age and diabetes status, although the RRs increased with age and diabetes prevalence. The increased mortality on hemodialysis compared with CAPD/CCPD was concentrated in the first 2 years of follow-up. Although continuous peritoneal dialysis was associated with significantly lower mortality rates relative to hemodialysis after adjusting for known prognostic factors, the potential impact of unmeasured patient characteristics must be considered. Notwithstanding, we present evidence that CAPD/CCPD, a newer and less costly method of renal replacement therapy, is not associated with increased mortality rates relative to hemodialysis.     

Contraceptive risk-taking in a medically-underserved, low-income population

The United States end-stage renal disease (ESRD) population is growing progressively older. As a percentage of the overall ESRD population, the number of patients 65 years of age and older approached 40% by 1989. However, the percentage of ESRD patients with a functioning transplant was only 2.7% in this age group. Success of transplantation in geriatric ESRD patients over the last decade is due to improved patient selection as well as the use of cyclosporine A and lower doses of corticosteroids, with the achievement of 1-year patient and graft survival rates of 85% and 75%, respectively. For patients older than 60 or 65 years, the 5-year "functional" graft survival is 55% to 60%. Although overall results are excellent, the management of transplantation in the elderly requires an understanding of pharmacology, immunology, and physiology peculiar to this age group. Since the elderly have a degree of immune incompetence, they require less aggressive immunotherapy. Elderly patients have decreased hepatic enzyme activity, especially the P450 system, and therefore require a lower cyclosporine dose. Although elderly patients experience less rejection episodes than younger patients, graft loss in the elderly transplant recipient is due mainly to patient death. Most common causes of death in the elderly transplant recipient are cardiovascular disease and infection related to peaks of immunosuppression. Shortage of cadaver kidneys and limited life expectancy of the geriatric ESRD patient make allocation of cadaver kidneys to patients over 70 years (and even 65 years) a controversial issue and an ethical dilemma. Use of elderly cadaver donors (over 55 to 60 years) is associated with inferior success rates and is not an optimal solution to shortage of cadaver kidneys.     

Peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Culture of peritoneal dialysate fluid

Conventional aerobic and anaerobic culture of peritoneal dialysate effluent from patients in continuous peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) was compared to culture in a semiautomated blood culture system. During a two-year period 78 of 79 consecutive episodes of peritonitis among 45 Danish CAPD patients were cultured and the etiology of the infection found in 73 (94%). The sensitivity of the blood culture system was 88%, whereas the sensitivity of the conventional culture of the dialysate effluent was 81%. This difference is not significant (McNemar test; 0.5 > p > 0.3). The majority of isolates were Gram-positive bacteria dominated by coagulase-negative staphylococci (38%). In comparison, only 2% of the cultures of peritoneal dialysate effluent taken within the same period from patients without clinical signs of peritonitis were positive. All the Gram-positive aerobic bacteria were sensitive to vancomycin whereas 97% of the Gram-negative aerobic bacteria were sensitive to gentamicin. An initial empiric treatment of peritonitis with a combination of vancomycin and gentamicin is recommended.     

Bacteremia and fungemia in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Taiwan

To understand the etiology and clinical outcome of bacterial and fungal sepsis in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Taiwan, we conducted a prospective study of nonmycobacterial bacteremia and fungemia in HIV-infected patients with fever who were admitted to a university hospital in Taiwan during a 42-month period. Of 210 patients, 41 (19.5%) had a total of 52 episodes of sepsis due to nonmycobacterial bacteria or fungi, or both (15.5% of 336 episodes of fever). All but one patient had acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and the mean CD4 lymphocyte count was 29/microL (range, 0-321/microL). A total of 57 pathogens (39 bacteria and 18 fungi) were isolated from blood; polymicrobial sepsis due to both bacteria and fungi occurred in four episodes. Nontyphoid Salmonella (NTS) was the most common cause of community-acquired bacteremia (24/30, 80%). Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia was diagnosed in three episodes while Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteremia was found in only one. Cryptococcus neoformans was the most common cause of fungemia and was responsible for 12 episodes, while fungemia due to Penicillium marneffei and Histoplasma capsulatum, two emerging fungi in Taiwan, were diagnosed in four cases and one case, respectively. Nine episodes, eight of bacteremia and one of candidemia, were nosocomial. The overall in-hospital mortality was 29%, and nosocomial sepsis was associated with a higher mortality rate (56%, p = 0.02). The mean duration of survival after recovery from initial sepsis was 426 days. We conclude that NTS bacteremia was the most common cause of sepsis in patients with advanced HIV infection in Taiwan and clinicians caring for such patients should watch for emerging fungal infections. Nosocomial sepsis was associated with a high mortality rate. The mean survival duration after recovery from sepsis of our patients was short.     

Prevalence of histological beta2-microglobulin amyloidosis in CAPD patients compared with hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of beta2-microglobulin amyloidosis (Abeta2m) in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is unknown. METHODS: We prospectively obtained a median of 2 (range 1 to 4) joint samples from 26 CAPD patients aged 44 to 93 (median 73) years at post-mortem evaluation after 4.5 to 126 (median 27) months solely on CAPD (N = 19) or primarily on CAPD (that is, < or = 10% and < or = 1 year of renal replacement therapy time on other modalities; N = 7). The diagnosis of Abeta2m rested on Congo red staining (typical birefringence) and positive immunostaining of amyloid deposits by a monoclonal anti-beta2m antibody. RESULTS: Abeta2m was diagnosed in 8 of 26 patients (31%). Prevalence ranged from 20% (2 of 10 patients) within < or = 24 months CAPD to 30% (3 of 10 patients) after 24 to 48 months and 50% (3 of 6 patients) after 49 to 126 months (P = 0.11). The prevalence of Abeta2m was similar in patients without or with one or more peritonitis episodes. No significant difference in prevalence (P = 0.118) was found between CAPD patients (8+/26; 31%) and hemodialysis patients (13+/26; 50%) carefully matched for time on dialysis and age at the onset of dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of histological Abeta2m reaches 31% after a median duration of 27 months of CAPD. This prevalence is not significantly different from that observed in a group of HD patients matched for age and dialysis duration.     

Changing patterns of infections in patients with AIDS: a study of 279 autopsies of prison inmates and nonincarcerated patients at a university hospital in eastern Texas, 1984-1993

Reports on autopsies of 279 persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were reviewed retrospectively to determine changes in survival rates and infections and to identify differences between prison inmates and nonincarcerated patients. The 78 cases from 1984 through 1988 were compared with 201 from 1989 through 1993, on the basis of use of antiretroviral therapy and (after 1988) prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). Risk factors for HIV infection were homosexuality/bisexuality (30%), injection drug use (IDU; 22%), transfusion (5%), heterosexual contact (4%), and combinations of the above or unknown factors (38%); 95% of patients were males and 41% were state prison inmates in Texas. IDU was more common and homosexuality/ bisexuality was less common among inmates than among nonincarcerated patients. Mean survival time was 12 months in the first period studied and 23 months in the later period (P < .05). Cytomegalovirus infection was the most common type in both periods. The number of cases of PCP declined and the number of cases of bacterial infections increased significantly in the later period. Tuberculosis was significantly more common in inmates than in nonincarcerated patients. Tuberculosis and disseminated histoplasmosis (noted at autopsy) and deaths due to disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex and histoplasmosis were significantly more common among injection drug users than among homosexuals/bisexuals. Invasive candidiasis was more common in homosexuals/ bisexuals and in those who survived > 3 years. Antiretroviral therapy, prophylaxis for PCP, and risk factors for HIV infection appear to influence the mortality rate and prevalence of certain infections found at autopsy.     

A prospective study of ward referrals for renal disease at a Jamaican and a United Kingdom hospital

Seventy ward referrals for renal disease were prospectively studied at each of two tertiary hospitals: University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), Kingston, Jamaica and Nottingham City Hospital (NCH), England. At UHWI, the referral population was significantly younger, 89% being less than 60 years of age compared to 40% at NCH (p < 0.05). The leading cause of acute renal failure (ARF) at UHWI was systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) followed by acute tubular necrosis (ATN). The leading causes of ARF at NCH were ATN and obstructive uropathy. Primary renal disease and diabetes mellitus were the major causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) at both centres, followed by SLE and hypertension at UHWI and renovascular disease and chronic pyelonephritis at NCH. Nephrotic syndrome occurred more frequently at UHWI than at NCH but the numbers were small (p < 0.05). Mortality rates were similar among patients with ARF and nephrotic syndrome at both centres, but were higher for patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) at UHWI than at NCH (p < 0.05). Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) was a frequent mode of renal replacement therapy at NCH (76% v 19% on haemodialysis). At UHWI, CAPD was not available and 45% of patients with ESRD were not offered maintenance dialysis because of inadequate facilities. The major difference in management and outcome between the two centres occurred in cases with CRF, suggesting that survival in patients with CRF in Jamaica could be improved if this therapeutic modality was available.     

Clinical significance of the isolation of rapidly growing mycobacteria

BACKGROUND: To assess the clinical significance of the isolates of rapid-growing mycobacteria in a Universitary hospital from Madrid (Spain). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Review of medical records from patients with isolates of rapid-growing mycobacteria identified between 1979 and 1996 in the Microbiology department of the Fundación Jiménèz Díaz (Madrid, Spain). RESULTS: Rapid-growing mycobacteria were isolated from 28 patients during the study period (13 M. chelonae, 10 M. fortuitum, 2 M. mucogenicum, 1 M. marinum, 1 M. smegmatis and 1 M. flavascens). Clinical records of 26 patients were reviewed, being the isolate significative in 10 cases (5 soft tissue infections, 2 peritonitis in patients undergoing Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis [CAPD], 1 urinary tract infection, 1 osteomyelitis and 1 catheter-related soft-tissue infection). No patient was HIV+. All infections cured except 2 of them (the urinary tract infection and the osteomyelitis). Catheter withdrawal was needed in 3 cases (peritonitis in CAPD and catheter-related soft-tissue infection), apart from proper antimicrobial therapy. CONCLUSION: The most frequent rapid-growing mycobacteria isolated were those of the M. fortuitum complex. In our experience, isolation of rapid-growing mycobacteria from skin and soft-tissue samples was usually clinically significant, while isolates from respiratory tract, gut and blood cultures are always nonsignificant.     

Cytomegalovirus encephalitis

PURPOSE: To review the pathologic and clinical features of and establish the frequency of cytomegalovirus encephalitis in adults and to review the methods available for diagnosis and treatment. DATA SOURCE: MEDLINE search of all English-language articles from January 1965 to August 1995. STUDY SELECTION: Articles dealing with cytomegalovirus infection of the brain in adults. We also reviewed all unselected autopsies of these populations to establish the frequency of cytomegalovirus encephalitis in recipients of organ transplants and in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). DATA EXTRACTION: Epidemiologic and pathologic characteristics, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, pathogenetic mechanisms, and use of anticytomegalovirus treatments. DATA SYNTHESIS: Of 676 patients receiving a diagnosis of cytomegalovirus encephalitis, 574 (85%) were infected with HIV, 81 (12%) had other causes of immunosuppression, and 21 (3%) were otherwise healthy. Cytomegalovirus encephalitis was confirmed during autopsy in 12% of HIV-infected patients and 2% of transplant recipients. The most common lesion was microglial nodule encephalitis, but the clinical findings corresponding to this pathologic entity are not well defined. In contrast, the pathologic entity of cytomegalovirus ventriculoencephalitis, found almost exclusively in patients with advanced HIV infection, has distinct clinical features that allow recognition even in patients with HIV encephalopathy. Polymerase chain reaction has been shown to be useful for diagnosis of cytomegalovirus encephalitis. CONCLUSIONS: Cytomegalovirus encephalitis is an important opportunistic infection in HIV-infected patients but is rarely recognized in other groups. Cytomegalovirus ventriculoencephalitis has emerged as a unique entity in patients with advanced HIV infection. Recent developments in diagnostic techniques allow early recognition and may make more aggressive approaches to therapy possible.     

HIV infection and the kidney

HIV-infected patients may present with a variety of patterns of renal involvement. Acute renal failure is common and most often a result of sepsis, hypotension, and nephrotoxic agents. It is potentially avoidable, and support through the period of renal failure may lead to resolution of the renal dysfunction. HIV-associated nephropathy is a unique pattern of sclerosing glomerulopathy that ranges in prevalence from 1 to 10% of the HIV-infected population in different geographic locales. This complication of HIV infection will likely present a growing challenge to the medical community as HIV infection continues to spread worldwide. Deciphering the pathogenetic mechanisms of this most rapidly progressive form of focal segmental sclerosis is not only clinically relevant, but will hopefully provide valuable insights into the mediation of the more common idiopathic form of the disease. The potential for improved renal survival of patients with HIV-associated nephropathy has become more realistic with the development and use of antiretroviral agents, as well as studies on the role of immunosuppression and ACE inhibition in this population. An awareness of other glomerular lesion and tubulointerstitial lesions has broadened our understanding of populations with renal disease who have been infected by HIV. Moreover, as prolonged survival of HIV-infected individuals is being achieved with modern antiviral therapy, the percentage of patients surviving with nephropathy will likely grow in coming years. Awareness of the growth of this population and those requiring short- and long-term hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis will allow appropriate planning for ESRD in the HIV-infected population.     

Renal replacement therapy in multiple myeloma and systemic amyloidosis

Renal failure frequently complicates both multiple myeloma and systemic amyloidosis. Renal replacement therapy (RRT) may be poorly tolerated and its role in such patients is not clearly defined. Of fifty patients (26 males and 24 females) referred to a single centre because of renal failure associated with multiple myeloma or systemic amyloidosis 37 progressed to end-stage renal failure and 30 of these patients received RRT. Nine patients have been treated by CAPD, 13 by haemodialysis, and 8 patients have required both forms of dialysis. Overall one year and two year survival rates were 66% and 57% respectively. The median duration on RRT was 7.5 months (range 1-96 months) with a 51% one year, and a 46% two year survival rate. Of 7 patients with amyloidosis who underwent renal transplantation, 3 died within 6 months of transplantation. Undiagnosed cardiac involvement contributed to this early mortality. We conclude that renal replacement therapy is appropriate for some patients with multiple myeloma and systemic amyloidosis who develop endstage renal failure. Careful assessment and selection of patients is necessary prior to renal transplantation.     

End-stage renal disease in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus: a retrospective review of 38 cases

A retrospective review was conducted to evaluate the influence of risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on the outcome of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The records of all patients seen at Howard University Hospital between February 1984 and July 1994 with a diagnosis of HIV infection were reviewed. Two hundred seventy-eight patients had a diagnosis of renal failure; 38 of these patients developed end-stage renal failure requiring dialysis. Risk factors for HIV infection in these patients were intravenous drug abuse, homosexual behavior, bisexual preference, and blood transfusion. None of these factors consistently influenced the survival of HIV-infected patients with ESRD.     

Icodextrin use in CCPD patients during peritonitis: ultrafiltration and serum disaccharide concentrations

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: In a randomized study on the biocompatibility of icodextrin (I) versus glucose (G) in CCPD we used icodextrin or glucose for the long daytime dwell. During the night-time dwells glucose was used in all patients. In case of peritonitis icodextrin was continued. In all patients ultrafiltration (UF) was recorded and serum icodextrin metabolites were determined every 3 months and during peritonitis in I-users when available. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients ( 19 G, 19 I) entered the study and suffered 30 peritonitis episodes (16 G, 14 I). During peritonitis (P), daytime dwell UF decreased significantly in G (P=0.001), but remained stable in I patients compared to non-peritonitis (NP) episodes. Total 24-h UF decreased in G (P=0.001) and in I patients (P=0.04), as the result of a decreased daytime UF and night-time UF, respectively. There was no difference in the used glucose concentrations during the P versus NP episodes. In five I-patients serum disaccharides increased from 0.05+/-0.01 to 1.26+/-0.23mg/ml during follow up. During peritonitis serum disaccharide concentrations did not increase further (1.47+/-0.24 mg/ml, P= 0.56). In I patients total carbohydrate minus glucose rose to 5.72 +/- 1.2 mg/ml during follow up, and to 6.63 +/- 1.04 mg/ml during peritonitis (P=0.7). These concentrations are comparable to CAPD patients despite the longer dwelltime in CCPD (8-10 versus 14-16 h, respectively). Adverse reactions attributable to icodextrin were not encountered. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to glucose, icodextrin preserved the daytime dwell ultrafiltration during peritonitis. Serum icodextrin metabolites increased during icodextrin use, but remained stable during peritonitis. Adverse effects were not observed.     

Fever among outpatients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus infection

BACKGROUND: Fever is common among persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. However, the clinical implications of fever in this population have not been evaluated. We therefore undertook a prospective study of fever in persons with advanced HIV infection to determine the incidence and etiology of fever in this patient group. METHODS: Prospective natural history study of 176 patients with advanced HIV infection followed up at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, from April 1, 1990, through December 31, 1990. RESULTS: Fever occurred in 46% of patients. A diagnosis was made in 83% of episodes, with acquired immunodeficiency virus-defining illnesses accounting for half of the diagnosed cases. Patients whose conditions required more than 2 weeks to diagnose most often had lymphoma, Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare bacteremia, or Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Four patients had persistent unexplained fever without a clear source. Only one patient had fever that clearly responded to antiretroviral therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Fever is common among outpatients with advanced HIV infection. Human immunodeficiency virus itself is rarely the cause of fever in such patients; the cause of the fever should be thoroughly evaluated.     

Fibronectin and hyaluronic acid in seminal fluid: relationship with sperm count and percentage of typical forms

OBJECTIVES: To describe the presenting features, clinical and laboratory diagnosis, response to treatment, and outcome of necrotising herpetic retinopathy (NHR) in HIV infected patients. METHODS: Retrospective case records/laboratory data review of five HIV infected patients presenting to the specialist HIV/AIDS unit at UCL Hospitals, London from April 1994 to August 1996 with a clinical diagnosis of NHR. RESULTS: All patients had advanced HIV disease with a median CD4 count of 20.10(6)/1. Three patients had cutaneous varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection within the preceding 8 weeks. All had uniocular loss of visual acuity; one also had headache and another ocular pain. All had typical retinal appearances. VZV DNA was detected in cerebrospinal fluid of four patients (and in vitreous fluid of one of the four) and in vitreous fluid of one other. One patient refused therapy and rapidly became blind. Four patients received intravenous foscarnet with intravenous aciclovir for 6 weeks: three subsequently received oral famciclovir and one oral valaciclovir; two patients also had intravitreal injections of foscarnet. In none of the four did treatment bring about improvement in visual acuity, but in all four visual loss from retinitis was halted. CONCLUSIONS: NHR occurs in HIV infected patients with advanced HIV disease and is strongly associated with evidence of VZV infection. With aggressive use of antiviral drugs the outcome is not uniformly poor.     

Features of the lateralization of speech function in stutterers as a function of the sex of the subjects

BACKGROUND: To analyze the response to eradicative therapy and prognostic factors in 52 patients with primary gastrointestinal lymphoma (PGIL) diagnosed at a single institution in a 13 year period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The main clinical, biological and evolutive data were recorded. Pathologic diagnosis of PGIL was made according to the Working Formulation. Clinical stage was determined by the Ann Arbor system modified by Mushoff. The results of therapy as well as the influence of such characteristics on complete remission (CR), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were studied. RESULTS: Mean age of the series was 53 years (SD 15). Thirty patients were males. HIV infection preceded PGIL diagnosis in 10 cases. Seventeen had bad performance status (ECOG 2-4) and 30 B symptoms. The PGIL localization was gastric in 31 cases and 29 had a low grade malignant lymphoma. B phenotype was demonstrated in 98% and 22 patients presented advanced stages (IIE2-IV). Treatment was radical surgery followed by intensive chemotherapy in 32 cases, intensive chemotherapy alone in 17, and surgical resection in 3. CR was obtained in 34 patients and 6 of them relapsed. The projected DFS from CR at 9 years was 72% and OS was 26%. CR and survival were not influenced by PGIL localization and treatment type. The main unfavourable prognostic factors were advanced stage (CR and OS), B symptoms (DFS and OS) and advanced ECOG score (CR, DFS and OS). Previous HIV infection had an independent prognostic influence on both CR and OS. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with PGIL, the achievement of CR, DFS and survival have been independent of the type of eradicative treatment used. Performance status, B symptoms and clinical stage have been the main prognostic factors. HIV infection carried an independent prognostic significance.