Search

BACKGROUND: Due to a substantial risk of malignancy, patients with focal FDG-avid thyroid incidentalomas (FFTIs) on PET/CT are in most of Denmark referred to Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) fast track programs. The aim of this study was to determine the risk of malignancy in FFTI managed in a HNC fast track program.METHODS: A prospective cohort study including all patients with FFTI referred to the HNC fast track program, Odense University Hospital between September 1, 2016 and August 31, 2017. Ultrasonography (US) and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) were intended to be done in all patients. Nodules with cytology of Bethesda 1, 3, 4, 5, or 6 were planned for surgical removal.RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were included. All patients had US and 101 patients (97%) had FNAB. Forty-two patients had benign cytology classified as Bethesda 2. The remaining 62 patients underwent surgery except from 11 patients, mainly due to comorbidity. The overall risk of malignancy for patients with FFTI referred to our HNC fast track program was calculated to be 24% (23/95) based on patients with unequivocal cytology and/or histology. The only statistically significant US characteristic to predict malignancy was the appearance of irregular margins with a sensitivity of 47% and specificity of 96%.CONCLUSION: The risk of malignancy of FFTIs handled in our HNC fast track program is 24%.

Background and purpose - Osteoarthritis has become the most common indication for shoulder arthroplasty in Denmark, and the treatment strategies have changed towards the use of anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse shoulder arthroplasty. We investigated whether changes in the use of arthroplasty types have changed the overall patient-reported outcome from 2006 to 2015. Patients and methods - We included 2,867 shoulder arthroplasties performed for osteoarthritis between 2006 and 2015 and reported to the Danish Shoulder Arthroplasty Registry. The Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder (WOOS) index at 1 year was used as patient-reported outcome. The raw score was converted to a percentage of a maximum score. General linear models were used to analyze differences in WOOS. Results - The proportion of anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse shoulder arthroplasty increased from 3% and 7% in 2006 to 53% and 27% in 2015. The mean WOOS score was 70 (SD 26) after resurfacing hemiarthroplasties (n = 1,258), 68 (SD 26) after stemmed hemiarthroplasty (n = 500), 82 (SD 23) after anatomical total shoulder arthroplasties (n = 815), and 74 (SD 23) after reverse shoulder arthroplasties (n = 213). During the study period, the overall WOOS score increased with 18 (95% CI 12-22) in the univariate model and 10 (CI 5-15) in the multivariable model, and the WOOS scores for anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty increased by 14 (CI 5-23). Interpretation - We found an increased WOOS score from 2006 to 2015, which was primarily related to a higher proportion of anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse shoulder arthroplasty towards the end of the study period, and to improved outcome of anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty.

Jeppe V Rasmussen,1 John Jakobsen,2 Bo S Olsen,1 Stig Brorson1 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark; 2Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Aalborg University Hospital, Thisted, Denmark Background and purpose: The Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder (WOOS) index is a patient-reported, disease-specific questionnaire for the measurement of the quality-of-life in patients with osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to describe the process used to translate the WOOS into Danish and to test the translation in a Danish population, in terms of validity, reliability, and responsiveness. Material and methods: The translation of the WOOS was done according to international standardized guidelines. The psychometric properties were tested in 20 consecutive patients. The eligibility criteria were: a diagnosis of osteoarthritis without symptomatic rotator cuff pathology and treated with primary shoulder replacement. Patients were excluded only in the case of other pathology of the upper extremity or in the case of cognitive or linguistic impairment compromising the ability to complete the questionnaires. Results: The Pearson's correlation coefficient between the WOOS and the Constant-Murley score (CMS), preoperatively was 0.62 (P = 0.004) and the correlation between the changes of score for the WOOS and CMS was 0.73 (P < 0.001). The correlation coefficient between the WOOS and the CMS, SF-36, and the Oxford Shoulder Score postoperatively was 0.82 (P < 0.001), 0.48 (P = 0.03), and 0.82 (P < 0.001), respectively. There were no floor and ceiling effects. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.98. The intraclass correlation coefficient between test and retest was 0.96. The standardized response mean was 1.41, and effect size was 2.32. Conclusion: We have shown that the Danish version of the WOOS, translated according to international standardized guidelines, has substantial statistical and clinical psychometric properties at the same level as was described for the original version. Keywords: outcome assessment, cross-cultural adaption, questionnaire

Background and purpose: High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is an established treatment for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). Although Fc receptors on natural killer cells have been suggested as a target for IVIg, the pharmacological effects are not yet clarified. We hypothesize that IVIg therapy, dependent on the plasma IgG level, suppresses the cytotoxic capacity by a reduction in numbers of NK cells and their Fc receptor CD16. Patients and methods: Ten consecutive patients with CIDP in maintenance therapy with IVIg were studied before and immediately after the infusion of 0.7–2.0 g/kg IVIg. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples from these patients were analyzed immediately after isolation using flow cytometry and cytotoxicity assays. Results: We found that following IVIg treatment, the cytotoxic activity of NK cells in CIDP patients was suppressed, partly caused by a dose-dependent decline in the number of circulating NK cells. In addition, a dose-dependent blockage of CD16 occurred. Conclusions: The study implies that IVIg infusion induces a substantial decline in the number of peripheral NK cells and a suppression of NK-cell-mediated cytotoxicity. We propose that these impairments of the NK cells contribute to the therapeutic effect of IVIg in CIDP.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that lower body progressive resistance training (PRT) leads to an increase of the muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) and a shift in the proportion of fiber types in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: The present study was a two-arm, randomized controlled trial (RCT). Thirty-eight MS patients (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 3—5.5) were randomized to a PRT group (Exercise, n = 19) or a control group (Control, n = 19). The Exercise group performed a biweekly 12-week lower body PRT program [five exercises progressing from 15RM (Repetition Maximum) towards 8RM], whereas the Control group maintained their usual daily activity level during the trial period. Muscle biopsies from vastus lateralis were taken before (pre) and after the trial (post). Thigh volume (TV) was estimated from anthropometric measurements. Isokinetic muscle strength of the knee extensors (KE) and flexors (KF) were evaluated at slow (90°/s) and fast (180°/s) angular velocities. Results: In the Exercise group the mean CSA of all muscle fibers (7.9 ± 15.4% vs. -3.5 ± 9.0%, p = 0.03) and of type II muscle fibers (14.0 ± 19.4% vs. -2.6 ± 15.5%, p = 0.02) increased in comparison with the Control group. No changes occurred in the proportion of fiber types in the Exercise group. Neither was there any change in total TV. Isokinetic strength at KE180, KF90 and KF180 improved significantly after PRT when compared with the control group (10.2—21.3%, p ≤ 0.02). Conclusions: We conclude that progressive resistance training induces a compensatory increase of muscle fiber size in patients with the central nervous system disorder, multiple sclerosis.

Background: Fatigue is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and could be related to impaired processing speed caused by MS specific brain alterations. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between processing speed and fatigue in patients with relapsing remitting MS. Methods: Patients with EDSS score ≤3.5 were grouped as fatigued [Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) score ≥5.0] or non-fatigued (FSS score ≤4.0). Patients with FSS scores ≥5 were categorized as primary or secondary fatigued according to various indices. A cognitive test battery obtained from Wechsler’s Adult Intelligence Scale-III/Wechsler’s Memory Scale-III was applied. Results: Processing speed (Digit Symbol Coding) was lower amongst all MS patients being 9.4(2.9) in primary fatigued, 8.3(2.8) in secondary fatigued and 10.3(2.7) in non-fatigued versus 12.3(3.0) in healthy controls. In the combined group of primary and secondary fatigued MS patients, processing speed was slower than that in non-fatigued MS patients and inversely related to fatigue (r = −0.35; P

Background The pathogenesis of fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS) is poorly understood. Objective To elucidate the role of central motor activation we hypothesized that patients with primary fatigue have impaired central motor function and increased fatigability as compared to secondary fatigued and non-fatigued patients. Methods Sixty patients with relapsing remitting MS and an Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≤ 3.5 were recruited and grouped as fatigued (Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) ≥ 5.0) or non-fatigued (FSS ≤ 4.0). Nineteen patients were primary fatigued, 20 secondary fatigued and 21 non-fatigued. Maximal voluntary contraction, central activation and peripheral activation were determined by percutaneous twitch interpolation of the right quadriceps muscle. Results Maximal voluntary contraction was similar between groups but did relate to scores of fatigue. Peripheral activation was similar in all groups. Central activation was impaired in both groups of fatigued patients compared to non-fatigued patients being 0.96(0.05) in primary fatigued and 0.96(0.04) in secondary fatigued versus 0.99(0.1) in non-fatigued patients. The impairment of central motor activation was related to degree of fatigue in all patients. During fatiguing exercise there was a similar loss of strength, without any time differences between the three groups. Conclusion We conclude that impaired central motor activation is involved in MS-fatigue.

Objective: To describe the occurrence of myasthenia gravis in the Baltic area. Methods: Data were obtained from hospital files recorded during the period 1942 to 1996 from neurologists and the patient organisation. Survival data were checked with the Estonian Citizenship and Migration Board. Prevalence was determined on 1 January 1997. A questionnaire on the course of myasthenia gravis was sent to all the prevalent patients. Results: The size of the population surveyed was 1 462 130. The average annual incidence from 1970 to 1996 was 4.0 per million (women, 5.2; men, 2.6). The point prevalence was 99 per million (women, 133; men 59). The incidence in the younger age group (

The Danish Shoulder Arthroplasty Registry (DSR) was established in 2004. Data are reported electronically by the surgeons. Patient-reported outcome is collected 10–14 months postoperatively using the Western Ontario osteoarthritis of the shoulder index (WOOS). 2,137 primary shoulder arthroplasties (70% women) were reported to the registry between January 2006 and December 2008. Mean age at surgery was 69 years (SD 12). The most common indications were a displaced proximal humeral fracture (54%) or osteoarthritis (30%). 61% were stemmed hemiarthroplasties, 28% resurfacing hemiarthroplasties, 8% reverse shoulder arthroplasties, and 3% total arthroplasties. Median WOOS was 59% (IQR: 37–82). 5% had been revised by the end of June 2010. The most frequent indications for revision were dislocation or glenoid attrition.

Background and purpose Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) is superior to placebo treatment for maintenance of muscle strength during 12 weeks in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). The present study evaluated whether SCIG preserves muscle strength for 1 year in an open-label follow-up study. Methods Seventeen responders to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) who had participated in the previous study of SCIG versus placebo in CIDP were included. After one IVIG infusion 2 weeks prior to baseline, all continued on SCIG treatment at weekly equal dosage and were evaluated after 3, 6 and 12 months. Primary end-points were changes in muscle strength evaluated by isokinetic dynamometry in four affected muscle groups and a composite score of muscle performance and function tests, including Medical Research Council (MRC) score, grip strength, 40-m walking test (40-MWT) and nine-hole peg test (9-HPT). Secondary end-points were changes of each of the listed parameters at each time point as well as an overall disability sum score (ODSS). Results The dose of SCIG was significantly unaltered during the follow-up period. Overall the isokinetic dynamometry value increased by 7.2% (P = 0.033) and after 3, 6 and 12 months by 5.7%, 8.2% and 6.8% (ns). The overall composite score at all time intervals and for each interval remained unchanged. Amongst the secondary parameters the MRC score increased significantly by 1.7% (P = 0.007), whereas grip strength, 40-MWT, 9-HPT and ODSS remained unchanged. Conclusion SCIG preserves muscle strength and functional ability in patients with CIDP who previously responded to IVIG. SCIG should be considered as an alternative in long-term treatment of CIDP patients.

Background and purpose High dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is an established treatment for various neuromuscular disorders. Recently, cases of hemolytic anemia following IVIG have been observed. The objective of this study was to determine the extent of anemia and hemolysis after IVIG and its relationship to the AB0 blood type system. Methods In a prospective study 34 de novo treated patients were given 2.0 g/kg bodyweight of Privigen and 50 patients received either Privigen [n = 28; 1.53 ± 0.4 g/kg (mean ± SD)] or Kiovig (n = 22; 1.7 ± 0.4 g/kg) as maintenance therapy. The de novo patients all had a post-polio syndrome, whereas the remaining patients received maintenance therapy for the neuromuscular disorders chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy and multifocal motor neuropathy. Blood sampling was performed before and 2 weeks after infusion of IVIG. Results Following IVIG treatment blood hemoglobin declined from 8.6 ± 0.9 to 8.0 ± 1.2 mM, P

Background and purpose: The management of patients with cervical lymph node metastases from unknown primary tumours is a major challenge in oncology. This study presents data collected from all five oncology centres in Denmark. Material and methods: Of the 352 consecutive patients with squamous cell or undifferentiated tumours seen from 1975 to 1995, a total of 277 (79%) were treated with radical intent. The general treatment policy at all centres during the entire study period has been to treat all suitable candidates with radiotherapy to both sides of the neck and include elective irradiation of the mucosal sites in nasopharynx, and larynx, hypopharynx and larynx (81%). Irradiation of the ipsilateral neck only was done in 26 patients (10%). Radical surgery was the only treatment in 23 N1‐N2 patients (9%). Results: The 5-year estimates of neck control, disease-specific survival and overall survival for radically treated patients were 51, 48 and 36%, respectively. The emergence of the occult primary was observed in 66 patients (19%). About half of the emerging primaries were within the head and neck region with oropharynx, hypopharynx and oral cavity being the most common sites. Emerging primaries outside the head and neck region were primarily located in the lung (19 patients) and oesophagus (five patients). The frequency of emerging primary in the head and neck was significantly higher in patients treated with surgery alone, the actuarial risks at 5-year being 54 ^ 1% (no RT) vs. 15 ^ 3% (with RT), P , 0:0001. The most important factor for neck control was nodal stage (5-year estimates 69% (N1), 58% (N2) and 30% (N3)). Other important parameters for neck control and disease-specific survival included haemoglobin, gender and overall treatment time. Patients treated with ipsilateral radiotherapy had a relative risk of recurrence in the head and neck region of 1.9 compared with patients treated to both neck and mucosa. At 5 years, the estimated control rates were 27% (ipsilateral) and 51% (bilateral; Pa 0:05). The 5-year disease-specific survival estimates were 28 and 45%, respectively (Pa 0:10). Conclusions: This study has confirmed that patients with neck node metastases from occult head and neck cancer have clinical features and prognosis similar to other head and neck malignancies. Extensive irradiation to both sides of the neck and the mucosa in the entire pharyngeal axis and larynx resulted in significantly less loco-regional failures compared with patients treated with ipsilateral techniques, but only a trend towards better survival. A prospective randomized trial is required to determine the optimal strategy in terms of locoregional control, survival and morbidity. q 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Objective To examine the relationship between fatigue, regional brain atrophy and normal appearing white matter damage in patients with multiple sclerosis. Methods Primary fatigued (PF) ( n , 17) and non-fatigued (NF) ( n , 17) patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis and moderate disability were grouped according to their subjective fatigue score. Also, they were examined with respect to processing speed and central motor activation during isometric contraction. Using 3 Tesla MRI quantitative analyses were performed on normal appearing brain tissue and of brain structure volumes with tensor based morphometry. Results Between the PF and NF patients there was no significant differences in brain parenchymal fraction (81.5% vs. 82.4%), lesion load (0.53% vs. 0.36%) and NAA/Cr ratio (1.29 vs. 1.32 respectively). Eleven clusters of atrophy in PF versus NF involved gray and nearby white matter, the majority being located in areas functionally related to attentional control. Central motor activation was associated with atrophy in five regions in PF patients, three clusters involving the premotor and primary motor cortex. Normal appearing white matter did not differ between groups. Conclusion Primary fatigued patients with multiple sclerosis have extended regional atrophy of supratentorial brain parenchyma, involving the cerebral cortex, nearby white matter and the caudate head, areas which are functionally related to attentional control. We suggest that impaired central motor activation is due to interruption of the cortico-subcortical motor circuits involving the motor cortex.

Udgivelsesdato: 2010-Apr Fatigue occurs in the majority of multiple sclerosis patients and therapeutic possibilities are few. Fatigue, mood and quality of life were studied in patients with multiple sclerosis following progressive resistance training leading to improvement of muscular strength and functional capacity. Fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale, FSS), mood (Major Depression Inventory, MDI) and quality of life (physical and mental component scores, PCS and MCS, of SF36) were scored at start, end and follow-up of a randomized controlled clinical trial of 12 weeks of progressive resistance training in moderately disabled (Expanded Disability Status Scale, EDSS: 3-5.5) multiple sclerosis patients including a Control group (n = 15) and an Exercise group (n = 16). Fatigue (FSS > 4) was present in all patients. Scores of FSS, MDI, PCS-SF36 and MCS-SF36 were comparable at start of study in the two groups. Fatigue improved during exercise by -0.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) -1.4 to 0.4) a.u. vs. 0.1 (95% CI -0.4 to 0.6) a.u. in controls (p = 0.04), mood improved by -2.4 (95% CI -4.1 to 0.7) a.u. vs. 1.1 (-1.2 to 3.4) a.u. in controls (p = 0.01) and quality of life (PCS-SF36) improved by 3.5 (95% CI 1.4-5.7) a.u. vs. -1.0 (95% CI -3.4-1.4) a.u. in controls (p = 0.01). The beneficial effect of progressive resistance training on all scores was maintained at follow-up after further 12 weeks. Fatigue, mood and quality of life all improved following progressive resistance training, the beneficial effect being maintained for at least 12 weeks after end of intervention.

Udgivelsesdato: 2009-Nov-3 OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that lower extremity progressive resistance training (PRT) can improve muscle strength and functional capacity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to evaluate whether the improvements are maintained after the trial. METHODS: The present study was a 2-arm, 12-week, randomized controlled trial including a poststudy follow-up period of 12 weeks. Thirty-eight moderately impaired patients with MS were randomized to a PRT exercise group (n = 19) or a control group (n = 19). The exercise group completed a biweekly 12-week lower extremity PRT program and was afterward encouraged to continue training. After the trial, the control group completed the PRT intervention. Both groups were tested before and after 12 weeks of the trial and at 24 weeks (follow-up), where isometric muscle strength of the knee extensors (KE MVC) and functional capacity (FS; combined score of 4 tests) were evaluated. RESULTS: KE MVC and FS improved after 12 weeks of PRT in the exercise group (KE MVC: 15.7% [95% confidence interval 4.3-27.0], FS: 21.5% [95% confidence interval 17.0-26.1]; p < 0.05), and the improvements were better than in the control group (p < 0.05). The improvements of KE and FS in the exercise group persisted at follow-up after 24 weeks. Also, the exercise effects were reproduced in the control group during the 12-week posttrial PRT period. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve weeks of intense progressive resistance training of the lower extremities leads to improvements of muscle strength and functional capacity in patients with multiple sclerosis, the effects persisting after 12 weeks of self-guided physical activity. Level of evidence: The present study provides level III evidence supporting the hypothesis that lower extremity progressive resistance training can improve muscle strength and functional capacity in patients with multiple sclerosis.

The aim of this study was to compare the clinically based prevalence of myasthenia gravis (MG) with the prevalence of laboratory-confirmed cases. All patients with a diagnosis of MG living in Estonia as on 1 January 1997 were asked to participate in re-examination. The criteria for laboratory-supported MG were weakness and rapid fatigue and a positive outcome of at least one of three laboratory tests: (i) blinded acetylcholinesterase inhibitor test; (ii) determination of antibodies to acetylcholine receptor and (iii) neurophysiological examination using repetitive nerve stimulation and single-fibre EMG. Eighty-nine patients were re-examined and 70 patients (79%) fulfilled the criteria of laboratory-supported MG. The corrected prevalence ratio was 78 per million. In the non-confirmed MG group, there was more women (92%) than men (43%) whose diagnosis was established within 1 year from onset of symptoms (P = 0.016). In all women with non-confirmed MG the diagnosis was established within 1 year from referral to the physician, whereas 68% of women with confirmed MG was diagnosed within 1 year (P < 0.0001). Thus, we conclude that, in Estonia the prevalence of MG based on medical records seems overestimated by 21% and women are at higher risk of obtaining an uncertain diagnosis of MG.

CONCLUSIONS: Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a rare tumor in young males, with a non-negligible potential for recurrence. Preoperative embolization is a safe procedure that diminishes the peroperative blood loss and the need for blood transfusion. The endoscopic approach was used with good results in JNA stage I and II (Chandler). OBJECTIVES: To estimate the incidence rate of JNA in the Danish population and to describe symptoms and treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a national retrospective cohort study. All cases of JNA diagnosed in Denmark from 1981 to 2003 were identified. Data were extracted from medical records. RESULTS: Forty-five male (no female) JNA cases were identified. In 43 cases, clinical data were recovered. Median age was 15 years. The incidence rate in Denmark was 0.4 cases per million inhabitants per year and 3.7 cases per million males (aged 10-24) per year. All patients underwent surgery, and the endoscopic approach was increasingly being used. The embolization procedure proved to be safe and decreased the intraoperative blood loss statistically to 650 ml in the embolized group from an average of 1200 ml in the non-embolized group (p Udgivelsesdato: 2007-Mar

Many barriers make implementation of nutritional therapy difficult in hospitals. In this study we investigated whether, a targeted plan made by the staff in different departments could improve nutritional treatment within selected quality goals based on the ESPEN screening guidelines.The project was carried out as a continuous quality improvement project. Four different specialities participated in the study with a nutrition team of both doctors, nurses, and a dietician, and included the following methods: (1) Pre-measurement: assessment of quality goals prior to study including the use of screening of nutritional risk (NRS-2002), whether a nutrition plan was made, and monitoring was documented in the records. (2) INTERVENTION: multidisciplinary meeting for the ward staff using a PC-based meeting system for detecting barriers in the department concerning nutrition, elaboration of an action plan and implementation of the plan. (3) Re-measurement: as in (1) based on information from records and patient interviews, and an evaluation based on focus group interview with the staff. Patients who gave informed consent to participate in the study (14 years) were included consecutively. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test was used for ordinal data, and Pearson chi(2) test for nominative data. P values0.05 were considered significant. The study was performed in accordance with the Research Ethics Committee.In this study 141/122 patients were included before/after the implementation period with a mean weight loss within the last 3 months of 6.2 and 5.2 kg, respectively. Before the study we found that BMI was not measured. More than half of the patients had a weight loss within the last 3 months, and 40% had a weight loss during hospitalization, and this was not documented in the records. About 75% had a food intake less than normal within the last week, and nearly one-third were at a severe nutritional risk, and only 33% of these had a nutrition plan, and 18% a plan for monitoring. Barriers concerning nutrition included low priority, no focus, no routine or established procedures, and insufficient knowledge, lack of quality and choice of menus, and lack of support from general manager of the hospital. The staff introduced individually targeted procedures including assigning of responsibility, a nutrition record, electronic calculator of energy intake, upgrading of the dieticians and special diets, communication, and educational programs. A great consistency existed between barriers for targeted nutrition effort and ideas for improvement of the quality goals between the different departments. Quality assessment after study showed an overall significant improvement of the selected quality goals.The introduction of a new method for implementation of nutritional therapy according to ESPEN screening guidelines seems to improve nutritional therapy in hospitals. The method included assessment of quality goals, identification of barriers and individual targeted plans for each department followed by an evaluation process. The model has to be refined further with relevant clinical endpoints.

During a 12-year period a total of 203 patients were referred to the oncologic center of Odense with lymph node metastases in the neck. Routine examinations on admission failed to detect the primary tumour in 37 patients. During follow-up, the primary was revealed in 18 of these patients, and in a further 8 cases it was found at autopsy. The primary was most often located in the head and neck region with a possibility of curative therapy. Patients with small neck node metastastes responsed well to treatment with neck dissection and radiotherapy, resulting in a 5-year crude survival rate of 53%.

From 1989 to 1999, 237 consecutive patients with chronic sinusitis and/or nasal polyposis entered a prospective study on the effect of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FES). Nasal stenosis associated with massive nasal polyposis was the most frequent problem found in 61% of the patients. The rest had long-lasting symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Duration of symptoms averaged 9.3 years. Most frequent symptoms preoperatively were: nasal stenosis, chronic secretion, anosmia, frontal pain, headache and maxillary pain. All patients had the operation performed under general anaesthesia. 86% of the patients have been operated bilaterally. In 72% the posterior ethmoid was opened, and in 54% the sphenoid was opened. The maxillary ostium has been enlarged in 82% of the patients and the frontal recess opened in 51% of the cases. No serious complications were registered. Annoying bleeding was experienced in 21%, hampering the intended procedure. In three patients rhinoliquore was observed. One case was treated during the procedure; the last two patients were in no need of surgical treatment. At the 1-year follow-up study, 45% of the patients were totally satisfied with the results and without symptoms, and 44% were definitely feeling better.

A total of 1069 patients, 739 with newly diagnosed laryngeal and 330 with pharyngeal cancer, were seen at the Centre for Head and Neck Cancer, Odense University Hospital during the period 1965-1992. Of those with laryngeal carcinoma, 1% (5/499) of the glottic and 29% (68/232) of the supraglottic cases had primary lymph node metastases. The frequency of metastases in patients with primary endolaryngeal tumours was highest at the inlet of the larynx--38%--decreasing gradually distally to 1% at the level of the vocal cords. Metastases occurred among patients with pharyngeal carcinoma in 66% (218/330). All patients received primary radiotherapy, except for the 10 who were subjected to surgery. The calculation of the burden of lymph node metastases was based on the volume formula of an ellipse, and could be carried out on 280 of the 291 patients with metastases. The calculated volumes ranged from 1-1413 cm3. These were divided into 3 groups according to size. A Cox multivariate regression analysis, using crude and disease specific survival as endpoints, revealed the burden of metastasis to be an independent, prognostic factor.

Twenty-seven patients with 28 patellectomies were re-examined after an average of 20 years. Twelve knees rated as excellent, ten as good and six as fair. Even though 12 patients had strenuous work, only three patients had changed occupation. Quadriceps power was on average two-thirds that of the opposite limb. Radiographs showed incipient femoro-tibial arthrosis in four patients only.

In 25 neurological patients with detrusor hyperreflexia terodiline reduced the number of total micturitions during daytime. Bladder capacity was increased and amplitude of the bladder contractions was reduced. An increase in residual urine was also observed. Mild anticholinergic side-effects were measured on pupillary motility and on heart rate variation. It is concluded that terodiline is a useful alternative in treatment of patients with detrusor hyperreflexia.

Aagaard NK, Andersen H, Vilstrup H, Clausen T, Jakobsen J, Dorup I (Aarhus University Hospital; and University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark). Decreased muscle strength and contents of Mg and Na,K-pumps in chronic alcoholics occur independently of liver cirrhosis. J Intern Med 2003; 253: 359–366. Objectives. To evaluate the influence of established liver cirrhosis on muscle strength and muscle contents of magnesium (Mg), potassium (K) and sodium, potassium pumps (Na,K-pumps) in chronic alcoholic patients. Design. An open cross-sectional study. Setting and subjects. Forty consecutive chronic alcoholics (18 with cirrhosis and 22 without cirrhosis) admitted to the Department of Hepatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, or to a collaborating alcoholism treatment centre, and 36 healthy control subjects. Main outcome measures. Evaluation of participant's subjective physical ability and measurement of maximum isokinetic muscle strength and muscle mass, as well as measurements of Mg, K and Na,K-pumps in skeletal muscle. Results. Maximum isokinetic muscle strength and muscle mass were equally reduced in patients with and without cirrhosis (P

In a prospective study of traumatic lesions of the volar fibrocartilage of the PIP joint, 56 patients were randomized to treatment by immobilization for 3 weeks and 56 patients, to purely analgetic treatment without immobilization. Seventy-eight patients were reexamined 6 months later and 77 patients, in a follow-up study 2-3 years after the injury. No difference was found between the two groups with respect to subjective complaints or objective signs.