Global Outcome Score Research Articles

Selective peripheral denervation: comparison with pallidal stimulation and literature review

Patients with cervical dystonia who are non-responders to Botulinum toxin qualify for surgery. Selective peripheral denervation (Bertrand's procedure, SPD) and deep brain stimulation of the globus pallidus (GPi-DBS) are available surgical options. Although peripheral denervation has potential advantages over DBS, the latter is nowadays more commonly performed. We describe the long-term outcome of selective peripheral denervation as compared with GPi-DBS, along with the findings of literature review. Twenty patients with selective peripheral denervation and 15 with GPi-DBS were included. Tsui scale, a visual analogue scale, and the global outcome score of the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale were used to define a "combined global surgical outcome". The "combined global surgical outcome" for patients with selective peripheral denervation or pallidal stimulation was respectively "bad" for 65 and 13.3%, "fair-to-good" for 30 and 26.7%, and "marked" improvement for 5 and 60% (p<0.001). Improvement on visual analogue scale (p<0.002), global outcome score (p<0.002), and Tsui score (p<0.000) was larger for the pallidal stimulation group. Seventy-five percent of patients with selective peripheral denervation and 60% of patients with pallidal stimulation reported side effects. Seven patients with selective peripheral denervation successively underwent GPi-DBS, with a further significant improvement in the Tsui score (-48.6±17.4%). GPi-DBS is to be preferred to selective peripheral denervation for the treatment of cervical dystonia because it produces larger benefit, even if it can have more potentially severe complications. GPi-DBS is also a valid alternative in case of failure of SPD.

Circumferential Reconstruction of Severe Acetabular Labral Damage Using Hamstring Allograft: Surgical Technique and Case Series

With excessive acetabular coverage, such as coxa profunda or protrusio, contact between the femoral neck and acetabular rim cause direct damage to the labrochondral junction, and indirect edge loading from a levering effect which may result in hip arthrosis. Arthrosis may be delayed or avoided by addressing the overcoverage and restoring mechanical function of the labrum. We describe four cases of adjunctive complete acetabular labral replacement for circumferential, irreparable labral injury using fresh frozen semitendinous allografts through surgical hip dislocation. Over a two-year period four patients (age range: 20 to 47 years) underwent surgical hip dislocation to address femoroacetabular impingement with rim trimming, femoral osteochondroplasty, and labral reconstruction. Pre- and postoperative patient reported outcomes were assessed by Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Hip Outcome Score (HOS), and Global Treatment Outcome (GTO) score. Disease progression was graded using AP pelvic radiographs and arthroMR. The average LCE correction was 18º (range 7-25º), achieving an average LCE of 33º (range 32-35) postoperatively. Using protected weight bearing all trochanteric osteotomies healed within six weeks after surgery. OA did not progress in any hips. Mean OHS and HOS scores improved 6.3 and 19.8 at one-year follow up. All four patients reported good results according to the GTO. There were two adverse events that resolved and did not affect outcome. Despite complex deformities and preexisting cartilage and labrum wear in this young cohort, three of four patients reported significant functional improvement after treatment of this rare condition. Preliminary experience with circumferential labral reconstruction using hamstring allografts is promising, although long-term data needs to be established.

Traction X-ray under general anesthesia helps to save motion segment in treatment of Lenke type 3C and 6C curves

Background contextIn patients with structural lumbar curves, several studies have shown the advantages of stopping fusion at L3 and saving L4. However, fusing the L4 may still be deemed necessary in a significant number of patients with structural lumbar curves (ie, Lenke types 3 and 6) when fusion levels are selected by using traditional flexibility X-ray (TXR) methods such as supine side bends and traction. PurposeThe aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the traction X-ray under general anesthesia (TrUGA) method in saving the L4 in patients with Lenke types 3C and 6C curves. Study designThis was a retrospective clinical study. Patient sampleEighty-nine consecutive patients (77 females and 12 males) with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis Lenke types 3C (46 patients) and 6C (43 patients) curves and who underwent an instrumented posterior spinal fusion by a single surgeon were included. The selection of lower instrumented vertebrae (LIV) was done by using the central sacral vertical line (CSVL). LIV was defined as the uppermost vertebrae of the lumbar curve that was not intersected by CSVL on standing anteroposterior radiograph, but became parallel to the sacrum and was intersected by CSVL at the concave bending or TrUGA. The disc wedging under LIV should be parallel or near parallel and rotation of LIV should be corrected at least one to two (Nash-Moe) grades. Outcome measuresRadiological evaluation included preoperative standing AP, lateral and TXR, and intraoperative supine TrUGA, which was taken after the induction of anesthesia and before positioning the patient. LIV was determined by using TXR and TrUGA. Preoperative, postoperative with ≥2 year follow-up curve magnitudes, LIV tilt, and disc wedging below LIV and CSVL to T1 distance were all measured. A satisfactory radiographic outcome was determined to be the result if CSVL was within 2 cm of the center of T1, the LIV tilt angle was less than 10°, and any increase in thoracic and lumbar curve during follow-up was less than 5°. Clinical outcome was analyzed by using follow-up Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire and by the global outcome scores (GOS) for improvement and deterioration measured with a 15-point scale ranging from −7 (no improvement) to +7 (significant improvement). ResultsThe average follow-up period was 5.4 (range: 2 to 8) years. Average age at surgery was 15.5 (range: 13 to 19) years. Pedicle screw constructs were used in all patients. LIV was L3 in 85 patients, and L4 in the remaining 4 patients. Using the same selection criteria, L3 was LIV according to both the TXR and TrUGA films in 39 cases (44%) and fusion was stopped at L3. In 46 (52%) cases, TXR determined L4 to be the LIV, whereas in all those patients L3 was the LIV according to TrUGA and fusion was stopped at L3 in all. LIV was L4 according to both methods in four (4%) patients and fusion was stopped at L4. All patients had successful radiographic outcomes according to the criteria of CSVL to be within 2 cm of the center of T1, L3 tilt angle of less than 10°, and L3–L4 disc wedging to be less than 10° at the final follow-up. Average follow-up SRS-22 score was 4.3 (range: 3.3–5) and GOS was 6.1 (range: 3–7). None of the patients required additional surgery for decompensation or adding on, and there was no significant correction loss during follow-up. ConclusionTrUGA may be an alternative method for selection of fusion levels and may help to save L4 when compared with traditional radiograph methods in surgical treatment of Lenke types 3 and 6 curves.

Efficacy and Comparative Effectiveness of Atypical Antipsychotic Medications for Off-Label Uses in Adults

Atypical antipsychotic medications are commonly used for off-label conditions such as agitation in dementia, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. To perform a systematic review on the efficacy and safety of atypical antipsychotic medications for use in conditions lacking approval for labeling and marketing by the US Food and Drug Administration. Relevant studies published in the English language were identified by searches of 6 databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Cochrane DARE, and CENTRAL) from inception through May 2011. Controlled trials comparing an atypical antipsychotic medication (risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, aripiprazole, ziprasidone, asenapine, iloperidone, or paliperidone) with placebo, another atypical antipsychotic medication, or other pharmacotherapy for adult off-label conditions were included. Observational studies with sample sizes of greater than 1000 patients were included to assess adverse events. Independent article review and study quality assessment by 2 investigators. Of 12 228 citations identified, 162 contributed data to the efficacy review. Among 14 placebo-controlled trials of elderly patients with dementia reporting a total global outcome score that includes symptoms such as psychosis, mood alterations, and aggression, small but statistically significant effects sizes ranging from 0.12 and 0.20 were observed for aripiprazole, olanzapine, and risperidone. For generalized anxiety disorder, a pooled analysis of 3 trials showed that quetiapine was associated with a 26% greater likelihood of a favorable response (defined as at least 50% improvement on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale) compared with placebo. For obsessive-compulsive disorder, risperidone was associated with a 3.9-fold greater likelihood of a favorable response (defined as a 25% improvement on the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale) compared with placebo. In elderly patients, adverse events included an increased risk of death (number needed to harm [NNH] = 87), stroke (NNH = 53 for risperidone), extrapyramidal symptoms (NNH = 10 for olanzapine; NNH = 20 for risperidone), and urinary tract symptoms (NNH range = 16-36). In nonelderly adults, adverse events included weight gain (particularly with olanzapine), fatigue, sedation, akathisia (for aripiprazole), and extrapyramidal symptoms. Benefits and harms vary among atypical antipsychotic medications for off-label use. For global behavioral symptom scores associated with dementia in elderly patients, small but statistically significant benefits were observed for aripiprazole, olanzapine, and risperidone. Quetiapine was associated with benefits in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, and risperidone was associated with benefits in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder; however, adverse events were common.

Postoperative gait deterioration after bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation in Parkinson's disease

Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nuclei (STN) is a good therapeutic option to reduce dyskinesias and improve appendicular motor signs in well-selected patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). Concerns about long-term adverse effects play an increasingly role in the decision whether or not to refer patients for this treatment. Worsening of gait as a consequence of STN stimulation for PD has been described, but may be under-recognized in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of STN stimulation on gait relative to global outcome in a group of consecutively operated patients. For this purpose, we used a standardized patient questionnaire that asked about global outcome and specific effects on gait, as experienced both 6 months postoperatively and currently (at the time of completing the questionnaire; mean: 2.7 +/- 1.1 years). A delayed worsening of gait after bilateral STN stimulation was experienced by a considerable proportion of patients (42% of subjects, for gait in the OFF phase), and this was apparently relatively "selective" because their global outcome scores continued to be improved. These findings highlight the presence of a hitherto poorly recognized long-term complication of bilateral STN stimulation. Further systematic studies are required to pinpoint the clinical and surgical determinants of this late gait deterioration.

Young Adult Outcome of Autism Spectrum Disorders

To learn about the lives of young adults with ASD, families with children born 1974-1984, diagnosed as preschoolers and followed into adolescence were contacted by mail. Of 76 eligible, 48 (63%) participated in a telephone interview. Global outcome scores were assigned based on work, friendships and independence. At mean age 24, half had good to fair outcome and 46% poor. Co-morbid conditions, obesity and medication use were common. Families noted unmet needs particularly in social areas. Multilinear regression indicated a combination of IQ and CARS score at age 11 predicted outcome. Earlier studies reported more adults with ASD who had poor to very poor outcomes, however current young people had more opportunities, and thus better results were expected.

Neurodevelopmental Outcome After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in Very Young Children: Role for Subcortical Lesions

Traumatic brain injury is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in children younger than 15 years of age. To evaluate the role of subcortical lesions on neurodevelopmental outcomes, long-term outcomes of 50 children with severe traumatic brain injury before 4 years of age (accidental injury, n = 21, nonaccidental injury, n = 29) were reviewed retrospectively and compared with late magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings: no visible lesions, cortical lesions, or subcortical lesions. Subcortical lesions occurred in both accidental and nonaccidental traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injury severity (initial Glasgow Coma Scale or coma duration) was significantly associated with subcortical lesions. Long-term motor or visual deficiencies occurred in one third of patients and cognitive deficiencies in 52.1%. Although deficiencies occurred without visible MRI lesions, global outcome scores, motor delay, visual impairment, head growth slowing, global intellectual quotients, and planning performances were significantly worse in patients with subcortical lesions. An alarming deterioration in intellectual quotient over time was noted. It was concluded that neurodevelopmental outcomes are worrisome after severe traumatic brain injury in young children, and subcortical lesions affect the prognosis.

Twelve‐year course and outcome predictors of anorexia nervosa

The current study presents the long-term course of anorexia nervosa (AN) over 12 years in a large sample of 103 patients diagnosed according to criteria in the 4th ed. of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Assessments were made at the beginning of therapy, at the end of therapy, at the 2-year follow-up, at the 6-year follow-up, and at the 12-year follow-up. Self-rating and an expert-rating interview data were obtained. The participation rate at the 12-year follow-up was 88% of those alive. There was substantial improvement during therapy, a moderate (in many instances nonsignificant) decline during the first 2 years posttreatment, and further improvement from 3 to 12 years posttreatment. Based on a global 12-year outcome score, 27.5% had a good outcome, 25.3% an intermediate outcome, 39.6% had a poor outcome, and 7 (7.7%) were deceased. At the 12-year follow-up 19.0% had AN, 9.5% had bulimia nervosa-purging type (BN-P), 19.0% were classified as eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS). A total of 52.4% showed no major DSM-IV eating disorder and 0% had binge eating disorder (BED). Systematic-strictly empirically based-model building resulted in a parsimonious model including four predictors of unfavorable 12-year outcome explaining 45% of the variance, that is, sexual problems, impulsivity, long duration of inpatient treatment, and long duration of an eating disorder. Mortality was high and symptomatic recovery protracted. Impulsivity, symptom severity, and chronicity were the important factors for predicting the 12-year outcome.

Six‐Year course and outcome of anorexia nervosa

Objective Since there are discrepant findings in the literature, we studied the longer-term course in a large sample of 103 DSM-IV anorexia nervosa (AN) patients. Method Assessments were made at four points of time: beginning of therapy, end of therapy, 2-year follow-up, and 6-year follow-up. Self-rating scales as well as expert-rating interview data were used. Eating disorder-specific and general psychopathology were assessed. These data were also compared with data on the 6-year course of patients with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, respectively, who were treated at the same institution at about the same time. Results The participation rate at the two follow-ups was high (97.9% of those alive). The general pattern of results over time of those alive at 6-year follow-up was as follows: substantial improvement during therapy, moderate (in many instances nonsignificant) decline during the first 2 years posttreatment, and further improvement from 3 to 6 years posttreatment. At the time of the 6-year follow-up, 26.8% had AN, 9.9% had bulimia nervosa-purging type (BN-P), 2.0% were classified as eating disorder not otherwise specified (ED-NOS), all diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria; more than one half (55.4%) showed no major DSM-IV eating disorder. Based on an operationalized global outcome score at 6-year follow-up, 34.7% had a good outcome, 38.6% an intermediate outcome, 20.8% a poor outcome, and 6 of 101 persons (5.9%) were deceased. Body mass index was 17.9 ± 2.8 at the 6-year follow-up; amenorrhea was still found in 23.9%. Discussion In comparison to samples with bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder, the 6-year course of anorexia nervosa was less favorable. Mortality was rather high and symptomatic recovery protracted; predictors of unfavorable 6-year course were the presence of binges during 4 weeks before index treatment, psychiatric comorbidity, and low body weight at discharge from index treatment. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 26: 359–385, 1999.

Six-year course and outcome of anorexia nervosa.

Since there are discrepant findings in the literature, we studied the longer-term course in a large sample of 103 DSM-IV anorexia nervosa (AN) patients. Assessments were made at four points of time: beginning of therapy, end of therapy, 2-year follow-up, and 6-year follow-up. Self-rating scales as well as expert-rating interview data were used. Eating disorder-specific and general psychopathology were assessed. These data were also compared with data on the 6-year course of patients with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, respectively, who were treated at the same institution at about the same time. The participation rate at the two follow-ups was high (97.9% of those alive). The general pattern of results over time of those alive at 6-year follow-up was as follows: substantial improvement during therapy, moderate (in many instances nonsignificant) decline during the first 2 years posttreatment, and further improvement from 3 to 6 years posttreatment. At the time of the 6-year follow-up, 26.8% had AN, 9. 9% had bulimia nervosa-purging type (BN-P), 2.0% were classified as eating disorder not otherwise specified (ED-NOS), all diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria; more than one half (55.4%) showed no major DSM-IV eating disorder. Based on an operationalized global outcome score at 6-year follow-up, 34.7% had a good outcome, 38.6% an intermediate outcome, 20.8% a poor outcome, and 6 of 101 persons (5.9%) were deceased. Body mass index was 17.9 +/- 2.8 at the 6-year follow-up; amenorrhea was still found in 23.9%. In comparison to samples with bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder, the 6-year course of anorexia nervosa was less favorable. Mortality was rather high and symptomatic recovery protracted; predictors of unfavorable 6-year course were the presence of binges during 4 weeks before index treatment, psychiatric comorbidity, and low body weight at discharge from index treatment.

Binge eating disorder: treatment outcome over a 6-year course

Little is known about the long-term course of binge eating disorder (BED). The aim of the study was to assess the 3- and 6-year course and outcome of 68 consecutively treated females with BED. Their mean age was 29.3 years and they were assessed longitudinally at four timepoints: (1) beginning of therapy; (2) end of therapy; (3) 3-year follow-up; and (4) 6-year follow-up. Self rating as well as expert ratings were used for assessment. Symptoms of specific eating disorder as well as general psychopathology were measured. The general pattern of results over time was as follows: substantial improvement during therapy; slight (in most cases nonsignificant) decline during the first 3 years after the end of treatment, and further improvement and stabilization in years 4, 5, and 6 after the end of treatment. At the 6-year follow-up, the majority showed no major DSM-IV eating disorder, 5.9% had BED, 7.4% had shifted to bulimia nervosa (purging type) ( DSM-IV), 7.4% were classified as ED-NOS, and one patient died. Based on an operationalized global outcome score for the complete sample, 57.4% had good outcome, 35.3% intermediate outcome, 5.9% poor outcome, and one person (1.4%) died. BED and BN-P patients showed very similar intermediate and long-term course in self ratings as well as expert ratings.

Six-year course of bulimia nervosa.

Because little is known about the longer-term course of bulimia nervosa, the 2- and 6-year course and outcome of 196 consecutively treated females with bulimia nervosa-purging type (BN-P) was assessed. One hundred ninety-six females with BN-P were assessed longitudinally at four points of time: at the beginning of therapy, at the end of therapy, at 2-year follow-up, and at 6-year follow-up. Self-rating scales as well as expert ratings from interview data were used. Eating disorder specific and general psychopathology was assessed. The general pattern of results over time showed substantial improvement during therapy, a slight (in most cases nonsignificant) decline during the first 2 years after treatment, and further improvement and stabilization from 3 to 6 years posttreatment. At 6-year follow-up, 20.9% had BN-P, 0.5% BN-nonpurging type (BN-NP), 1.1% had shifted from BN to binge-eating disorder, 3.7% had anorexia nervosa, 1.6% were classified as eating disorder not otherwise specified (ED-NOS), and 2 patients had died; obesity with a body mass index (BMI) of > 30 was seen in 6.0%; the majority (71.1%) showed no major DSM-IV eating disorder. Based on a composite global outcome score at 6 years follow-up, 59.9% achieved a good outcome, 29.4% an intermediate outcome, 9.6% a poor outcome, and 2 (1.1%) persons were deceased. Course and outcome were generally more favorable than in anorexia nervosa.

Symptomatic and functional outcome of surgical treatment of cervical dystonia

OBJECTIVESPrevious studies of surgical treatment for cervical dystonia have reported highly variable rates of postoperative symptomatic benefit and morbidity. Little is known about functional improvement and long term results. This...

Microelectrode-guided posteroventral pallidotomy for treatment of Parkinson's disease: postoperative magnetic resonance imaging analysis.

The authors report the postoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in 36 patients with advanced Parkinson's disease who underwent unilateral microelectrode-guided posteroventral pallidotomy. The lesions were placed within 1 mm of the ventral border of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) to include pallidothalamic outflow pathways. Sequential MR studies were obtained within 1 to 3 days postoperatively and at 6-month follow-up examination. Thirty-four (94%) of the 36 patients enjoyed sustained moderate or marked improvement of their parkinsonian symptoms 6 months postoperatively. Transient side effects occurred in five patients (14%), but there were no persistent complications. The pallidal radiofrequency lesions were prolate spheroid shaped and were composed of three concentric zones in the early postoperative studies. The mean volume of the middle zone, corresponding to the area of hemorrhagic coagulation necrosis, was 44.4 +/- 17.6 mm3; the mean lesion volume as defined by the outer zone, corresponding to perilesional edema, was 262.2 +/- 111.6 mm3. Additional edema spreading to the internal capsule was noted in 32 of 34 cases and to the optic tract in 11 of 34 cases. In two patients small ischemic infarctions involving the corona radiata were found, and in one a venous infarction was detected. Ischemic infarction resulted in mild transient Broca's aphasia in one patient, but there was no detectable neurological deficit in the other two. The mean volume of late-phase (6 months) lesions was 22 +/- 28.8 mm3. In three patients no lesion was identified despite sustained clinical improvement. The lesion was located in the posteroventral GPi in all cases except in one patient in whom it was confined to the GP externus (GPe). This 49-year-old woman did not experience sustained benefit. The authors found no consistent correlations between lesion size and location and clinical outcome as measured by a global outcome score, the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor, activities of daily living, and bradykinesia "off" scores or rating of dyskinesias. Lesioning of pallidal and subpallidal pathways may contribute to the sustained clinical benefit in this series. Magnetic resonance imaging analysis showed that intraoperative microelectrode recording facilitated accurate placement of the lesion in this critical area.

Microelectrode-guided posteroventral pallidotomy for treatment of Parkinson's disease: postoperative magnetic resonance imaging analysis

The authors report the postoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in 36 patients with advanced Parkinson's disease who underwent unilateral microelectrode-guided posteroventral pallidotomy. The lesions were placed within 1 mm of the ventral border of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) to include pallidothalamic outflow pathways. Sequential MR studies were obtained within 1 to 3 days postoperatively and at 6-month follow-up examination. Thirty-four (94%) of the 36 patients enjoyed sustained moderate or marked improvement of their parkinsonian symptoms 6 months postoperatively. Transient side effects occurred in five patients (14%), but there were no persistent complications. The pallidal radiofrequency lesions were prolate spheroid-shaped and were composed of three concentric zones in the early postoperative studies. The mean volume of the middle zone, corresponding to the area of hemorrhagic coagulation necrosis, was 44.4 +/- 17.6 mm3; the mean lesion volume as defined by the outer zone, corresponding to perilesional edema, was 262.2 +/− 111.6 mm3. Additional edema spreading to the internal capsule was noted in 32 of 34 cases and to the optic tract in 11 of 34 cases. In two patients small ischemic infarctions involving the corona radiata were found, and in one a venous infarction was detected. Ischemic infarction resulted in mild transient Broca's aphasia in one patient, but there was no detectable neurological deficit in the other two. The mean volume of late-phase (6 months) lesions was 22 +/− 28.8 mm3. In three patients no lesion was identified despite sustained clinical improvement. The lesion was located in the posteroventral GPi in all cases except in one patient in whom it was confined to the GP externus (GPe). This 49-year-old woman did not experience sustained benefit. The authors found no consistent correlations between lesion size and location and clinical outcome as measured by a global outcome score, the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor, activities of daily living, and bradykinesia “off” scores or rating of dyskinesias. Lesioning of pallidal and subpallidal pathways may contribute to the sustained clinical benefit in this series. Magnetic resonance imaging analysis showed that intraoperative microelectrode recording facilitated accurate placement of the lesion in this critical area.

Pygeum africanum extract for the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A review of 25 years of published experience

Pygeum africanum bark extract has been used to treat mild and moderate symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in France since 1969. The extract has several potentially relevant pharmacologic properties: modulation of age-related hypercontractility of the bladder detrusor muscle; anti-inflammatory activity, including inhibition of chemotactic activity of leukotrienes; inhibition of fibroblast proliferation; and improvement of prostatic histology and secretion. The constituents of the extract have a safe toxicologic profile, and some of them have anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic properties. Published clinical experience includes 2262 patients, of whom 452 received the active product in comparative studies. Global outcome scores are rated as good or better in at least half the patients in most studies. Objective parameters were measured in some open-label and all comparative studies and included maximum flow rate, voided volume, residual volume, nocturia, daytime frequency, and other symptoms. The placebo effect on these parameters was often large. Nonetheless, the majority of placebo-controlled studies, which compared changes from baseline in patients who received placebo versus patients who received P africanum extract, showed a statistically significant advantage for most objective parameters with the active compound. This finding was particularly true of more recent and larger studies. Clinical tolerability of the extract was excellent, with most studies reporting the complete absence of any adverse effects. Thus published clinical data from 2262 patients during the last 25 years show that P africanum bark extract is an effective and exceptionally well-tolerated treatment for mild and moderate symptomatic BPH. P africanum extract has a pharmacologic profile distinct from others classes of drugs now being proposed for BPH treatment (alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists and 5-alphareductase inhibitors). The recent resurgence of interest in nonsurgical treatments for this condition should prompt a reappraisal of P africanum extract, perhaps in comparative trials with these other drug classes.

Relation of family factor to treatment outcome for bulimic patients.

The psychotherapy of 25 normal weight bulimic adolescent and late adolescent women (age 15-32 years, mean = 21 years), was reviewed to evaluate developmental and diagnostic precursors and the outcome of psychoanalytically oriented long-term therapy (mean = 33 sessions). Psychotherapy outcome was scored in these categories: bingeing and purging; food obsession; school/work satisfaction; equilibration with family of origin, and achievement of heterosexual closeness. On factor analysis, all factors loaded highly and a global outcome score was derived which was used as the dependent variable in a step-wise regression analysis with 18 family factors as independent variables. To identify family patterns that predicted degree of improvement, a multiple regression analysis was performed. Results indicated that family variables associated with maternal warmth explained an appreciable proportion of the variance in outcome. Such a finding is consistent with the formulation that patients with benign archaic maternal representations were better able than their counterparts with less benign maternal images to form a positive transference and better working alliance with the (female) therapist.

Follow-up study of 36 anorexia nervosa patients treated on an integrated internistic-psychosomatic ward

A follow-up examimation of 36 anorexia nervosa patients treated on the internistic-psychosomatic ward of an internistic university hospital is reported. Thirty-three of the patients took part in the follow-up study personally. Information about the other three was obtained indirectly. For the evaluation of results Morgan and Russell's (1975) “global outcome score” and “general outcome score” were adapted. The mean period that had elapsed between the original and the follow-up investigation was 5 years 3 months. Of the cases, 80% (global outcome score) and 72% were categorized as “moderate and good,” respectively. Finally patients' evaluations of the individual therapeutic measures at the point of catamnesis are reported.

A Follow-Up Study of Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatients with Anorexia Nervosa: I. The Assessment of Outcome

Abstract Outcome data on 26 formerly anorectic adolescent patients are presented. Outcome was assessed by four measures: (1) a global outcome score consisting of 11 scales describing the patients' current adjustment in a wide variety of areas: (2) a grouped global outcome score consisting of gross categories of good, intermediate, and poor outcome; (3) a measure of body weight; and (4) a measure of menstrual functioning. Outcome was generally positive with approximately 56% of the sample rated in the good outcome category on the grouped global outcome measure. However, approximately 70% manifested moderate to marked clinical psychopathology.