Reduction of biofilm formation with trisodium citrate in haemodialysis catheters: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Formation of an intraluminal microbial biofilm is noted to play a significant role in the development of catheter-related infections (CRIs). Recently, it has been demonstrated that trisodium citrate (TSC) has superior antimicrobial effects over heparin for catheter locking. In this randomized controlled trial, we compared the influence of catheter locking with heparin and TSC on the in vivo intraluminal biofilm formation in haemodialysis catheters.

Increase of the apnoea-hypopnoea index after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: analysis of failure.

From 70 patients who had uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) operation and a pre- and postoperative sleep registration, we could retrospectively determine the failures and the correlation between variables such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI), earlier or concomitant tonsillectomy, unilevel (uvula-palate-tonsil) or multilevel (base of tongue as well) obstruction during sleep endoscopy and treatment outcome. From 70 patients, the preoperative sleep registration classified 15 social unacceptable snorers and 55 obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) patients. In this study we focused on the OSAS patients.

Giant liver hemangioma in three sisters.

We describe a patient, in whom giant liver hemangioma (GLH) was found by ultrasound study in screening for hypertension. Two of her sisters also had GLH. One of them had become symptomatic and the hemangioma was successfully removed.

Feasibility study of Flextube reflectometry for localisation of upper airway obstruction in obstructive sleep apnea.

One hundred and twenty-three patients with snoring problems and/or obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) were offered Rhinosleep Flextube-reflectometry during sleep registration to assess the upper airway. The main point of interest was patient acceptance of the procedure. 36 patients with OSAS received Rhino Flextube reflectometry.

Results of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty after diagnostic workup with polysomnography and sleep endoscopy: a report of 136 snoring patients.

We subjectively and objectively evaluated 136 patients with socially unacceptable snoring (SUS) or obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) treated with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) after a diagnostic workup by sleep registration (polysomnography, PSG) and sleep endoscopy. Of the 136 patients, there were 88 with OSAS and 48 with SUS. The results of the procedure were considered subjectively to be an improvement in 38 (79%) of the SUS patients and in 74 (84%) of the patients with OSAS.

Diagnostic work-up of socially unacceptable snoring. II. Sleep endoscopy.

In the diagnostic work-up of socially unacceptable snoring (SUS) with or without a history suggestive of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), information on the severity of the pathology as well as on local and general causative factors is needed. In part I of this study, we reported on the findings recorded in 380 patients by means of sleep registration. In this part, our emphasis is on analysis of the local contributing factors.

Diagnostic work-up of socially unacceptable snoring. I. History or sleep registration.

Should all patients with socially unacceptable snoring (SUS) undergo polysomnography, or is history-taking sufficient to identify the presence of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS)? Three hundred and eighty consecutive patients with SUS who underwent sleep registration were evaluated retrospectively to determine the predictive value of a history of apnoea or excessive daytime somnolence (hypersomnia). Of the patients analysed, 54% had OSAS, defined as an apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) of >15. This is higher than previously reported in the literature (46.

Pacemaker leads: performance and progress.

Pacing leads remain the "weaker link" of the permanent pacing system. Lead failure has been an issue since the beginning of implantable pacemaker therapy. Modern electronics have brought about considerable progress in pacing technology, but lead design has been slower to evolve and problems persist.

Prolonged treatment with transdermal fentanyl in neuropathic pain.

Forty-eight patients with noncancer neuropathic pain who had participated in a randomized controlled trial with intravenous fentanyl (FENiv) infusions received prolonged transdermal fentanyl (FENtd) in an open prospective study. Pain relief, side effects, tolerance, psychological dependence, mood changes, and quality of life were evaluated. The value of clinical baseline characteristics and the response to FENiv also was evaluated in terms of the outcome with long-term FENtd.