Hyperbaric treatment for children with autism: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Several uncontrolled studies of hyperbaric treatment in children with autism have reported clinical improvements; however, this treatment has not been evaluated to date with a controlled study. We performed a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial to assess the efficacy of hyperbaric treatment in children with autism.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>62 children with autism recruited from 6 centers, ages 2–7 years (mean 4.92 ± 1.21), were randomly assigned to 40 hourly treatments of either hyperbaric treatment at 1.3 atmosphere (atm) and 24% oxygen ("treatment group", n = 33) or slightly pressurized room air at 1.03 atm and 21% oxygen ("control group", n = 29). Outcome measures included Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), and Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>After 40 sessions, mean physician CGI scores significantly improved in the treatment group compared to controls in overall functioning (p = 0.0008), receptive language (p < 0.0001), social interaction (p = 0.0473), and eye contact (p = 0.0102); 9/30 children (30%) in the treatment group were rated as "very much improved" or "much improved" compared to 2/26 (8%) of controls (p = 0.0471); 24/30 (80%) in the treatment group improved compared to 10/26 (38%) of controls (p = 0.0024). Mean parental CGI scores significantly improved in the treatment group compared to controls in overall functioning (p = 0.0336), receptive language (p = 0.0168), and eye contact (p = 0.0322). On the ABC, significant improvements were observed in the treatment group in total score, irritability, stereotypy, hyperactivity, and speech (p < 0.03 for each), but not in the control group. In the treatment group compared to the control group, mean changes on the ABC total score and subscales were similar except a greater number of children improved in irritability (p = 0.0311). On the ATEC, sensory/cognitive awareness significantly improved (p = 0.0367) in the treatment group compared to the control group. Post-hoc analysis indicated that children over age 5 and children with lower initial autism severity had the most robust improvements. Hyperbaric treatment was safe and well-tolerated.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Children with autism who received hyperbaric treatment at 1.3 atm and 24% oxygen for 40 hourly sessions had significant improvements in overall functioning, receptive language, social interaction, eye contact, and sensory/cognitive awareness compared to children who received slightly pressurized room air.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>clinicaltrials.gov NCT00335790</p

Peripartum cardiomyopathy: definition, incidence, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and management.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a serious pregnancy-associated disorder of unknown etiology. The precise cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying PPCM are unclear. A heightened awareness among health care providers can result in early diagnosis of heart failure in late pregnancy and the early postpartum period. Though the symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue can result from normal physiologic changes during pregnancy, an electrocardiogram and brain natriuretic peptide level should be obtained in these patients, in addition to baseline laboratory tests such as a complete blood count, and basic metabolic and hepatic function panels. If the electrocardiogram and brain natriuretic peptide level are abnormal, an echocardiogram should be obtained. The role of endomyocardial biopsy for the diagnosis of PPCM is controversial. Patients should be started on diuretics if volume overloaded, and beta-blockers (preferably metoprolol) if no contraindications exist; angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers should be avoided during pregnancy or lactation. There are no standard, universally accepted guidelines for the management of PPCM. Although experimental therapies like bromocriptine, pentoxifylline and immunoglobulins have shown promising results, large double-blind randomized trials are essential to confirm the results of smaller studies. In patients with persistent severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, advanced therapies like mechanical circulatory support and heart transplantation should be considered. Owing to recent data demonstrating deterioration of LV systolic function after initial recovery, it is essential to maintain long-term follow up of these patients regardless of initial recovery of LV function. We present a comprehensive review of the literature etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of PPCM

Nonpharmacologic Treatment for Heart Failure: A Review of Implantable Carotid Baroreceptor Stimulators As a Therapeutic Option

There has been significant interest in research for the development of device-based therapy as a treatment option of heart failure (HF), whether it is with reduced or preserved ejection fraction. This is due to the high morbidity and mortality rate in patients with HF despite recent advances in pharmacologic treatment. Following the success of cardiac resynchronization therapy, baroreceptor activation therapy has emerged as another novel device-based treatment for HF. The Barostim neo was developed by CVRx Minneapolis, MN for the treatment of mild to severe HF. The device works by electrically activating the baroreceptor reflex with the goal to restore the maladaptive autonomic imbalance that is seen in patients with HF. Preliminary clinical investigations have given promising results with an encouraging safety profile. Baroreceptor activation therapy as a treatment option is still investigational at this time; however, several trials in different patient populations have already shown benefit with a very good safety profile. In this review, we will summarize the current state of technology and the available literature of the use of baroreceptor activation therapy in patients with different comorbidities, with a focus on this device-based therapy in patients with HF

Heart Transplantation Using Manubrium-Sparing Sternotomy for Sternal Re-Entry

We report a technique of heart transplantation performed by manubrium-sparing sternotomy for challenging re-entry after minimally invasive left ventricular assist device insertion. A T-shaped, manubrium-sparing sternotomy was performed using an oscillating saw up to the first intercostal space. After cardiopulmonary bypass was established via the right axillary artery and percutaneous venous cannulation of the right jugular and femoral vein, the outflow graft was ligated and divided via a left thoracotomy. All anastomoses were performed with a standard technique with an excellent exposure and outcome