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Biomedical subjects

A Oliven

Publications and source records attributed to A Oliven.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

[Physicians' assessment of computerized prescribing].

Prescription errors are a major source of preventable adverse drug events. Computerized prescribing (CP) which screens physicians' order for mistakes, drug-allergy, drug-disease, drug-laboratory and drug-drug interactions can prevent many of these errors and improve quality of care. However, computerized systems are often time-consuming, difficult to handle, and may create their own mistakes. Following the introduction of CP on an internal medicine ward, we administered a questionnaire to evaluate physicians' opinions about the new system. The survey assessed computer literacy, ease of using CP, effects on time management, opinion of users regarding error prevention, and usefulness of the information provided. Opinions were generally favorable; most users felt that CP makes their work more accurate, reduces errors, is easy to learn and to use, and provides important and useful information. Physicians were most critical of equipment failure and drugs and dosages not included in the CP program, a result of rapid development of the system. Errors resulting from the use of CP were considered minimal. Comparison of physicians, with and without previous experience with computer work, as well as local and foreign graduates, revealed minor differences. But once physicians learn to work with a well-organized CP system and computerized work stations, they appreciate the order, safety and knowledge they provide.

Clinical Pharmacy Information Systems↗
PubMed2000

Role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the differential diagnosis of parapneumonic effusion.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to investigate the role of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) in discriminating between uncomplicated parapneumonic effusion (UCPPE) and complicated parapneumonic effusion (CPPE). METHOD: Using a commercially available high sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, concentrations of TNF were measured in the serum (TNFs) and pleural fluid (TNFpf) of 21 patients with parapneumonic effusion (PPE), 13 patients with UCPPE, and 8 patients with nonempyemic CPPE. RESULTS: No significant difference in values of TNF concentration was found between the group with UCPPE and that with CPPE (P > 0.05). Concentration levels of TNFpf were significantly higher in the group with CPPE than in that with UCPPE (P = 0.0008). Levels of TNF in pleural fluid were significantly higher than in serum in both groups (P < 0.001). The ratio of TNF in pleural fluid to that in serum (TNFr) was significantly higher in the CPPE group than in the UCPPE group (P = 0.0002). At an optimal cutoff point of 10.7 pg/mL for TNFpf, the sensitivity was 87.5%, specificity was 92.3%, positive predictive value was 87.5%, negative predictive value was 93.3%, and total accuracy was 90.5% (P < 0.001). At an optimal cutoff point of 3.0 for TNFr, all values were 100% (P < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that TNFpf, and particularly TNFr, may be helpful in discriminating between UCPPE and CPPE. However, further studies are needed in a larger population to confirm these findings.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Tumour necrosis factor alpha in the diagnostic assessment of pleural effusion.

We investigated the role of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) in the evaluation of pleural effusion aetiology. Using a commercially-available ELISA kit, concentrations of TNF were measured in the serum and pleural fluid of patients with malignant effusions (n=19), uncomplicated parapneumonic effusions (n=13), and exudative (n=13) and transudative (n=13) effusions due to congestive heart failure (CHFex and CHFtr, respectively). Serum TNF did not differ significantly between the four groups (p>0.05). In the group with malignancy, pleural fluid TNF was significantly higher than in the other groups (p<0.001), which were not significant different from each other (p>0.05). However, a considerable overlap between all four groups was found. Pleural fluid TNF was significantly higher than serum TNF in the malignant and the uncomplicated parapneumonic groups (p<0.001), and there was a significant positive correlation between serum TNF and pleural fluid TNF in the group with uncomplicated parapneumonic effusion (r=0.7, p<0.005), in the group with CHFex (r=0.54, p<0.01), and in the group with CHFtr (r=0. 8, p<0.005), but not in the group with malignancy. Pleural fluid TNF:serum TNF (TNF ratio) was significantly higher in the malignancy group than in the other groups (p<0.001); no significant difference was found between the other three groups (p>0.05). At an optimal cut-off point of 2.0 for TNF ratio, determined by ROC analysis for discrimination between malignant and non-malignant groups, sensitivity was 84%, specificity 90%, and total accuracy 88% (p<0. 0001). TNF ratio might be helpful in the diagnostic assessment of exudative pleural effusion.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Propafenone-induced ataxia: report of three cases.

Propafenone is an effective antiarrhythmic drug used widely for the treatment of supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias. Although it is generally well tolerated, 30 to 45% of patients may experience adverse cardiac effects. In 15 to 20% of patients, adverse effects may involve other organ systems. A wide variety of adverse central nervous system effects have been reported in association with propafenone; dizziness is the most common. Ataxia caused by propafenone has been reported to the pharmaceutical companies and drug monitoring agencies, but has not been well described or emphasized in the medical literature. We describe 3 elderly patients with moderate to severe ataxia that occurred while they were taking propafenone.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Deep venous thrombosis associated with acute brucellosis--a case report.

Vascular complications, including arteries and veins associated with Brucella infection, have rarely been reported. To date, only three cases of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities associated with brucellosis have been previously reported. The authors describe another case of DVT of the right leg in association with acute Brucella infection. Since infection with Brucella may be asymptomatic, and the manifestations of acute brucellosis are exceedingly nonspecific, and in view of the potential for Brucella to cause unexplained or unusual illness involving almost any organ including blood vessels, the authors' case and those previously reported suggest that brucellosis should be included among the causes and infections taken into account in patients suffering from DVT, particularly in those coming from Brucella-endemic areas.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

Hyponatremia during therapy with amiodarone.

We describe an elderly woman who presented with significant hyponatremia caused by the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) during therapy with amiodarone. The hyponatremia resolved after discontinuation of the drug and did not recur during a follow-up period of 6 months. Such an association has previously been reported only once in the medical literature. Since severe hyponatremia can produce significant neurologic damage and is associated with a high mortality rate, clinicians should be aware that this complication may occur during amiodarone therapy.

Amiodarone↗
PubMed1999

T-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia with pulmonary involvement and relapsing BOOP.

We report on a case of T-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia involving the lung, with clinical, radiological and histological evidence of relapsing bronchiolitis obliterans-organizing pneumonia in a 70-yr-old female. Pulmonary disease was the major clinical manifestation of this chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. The first two episodes of the patient's pulmonary disorder resolved without treatment, and the third episode was treated with cytotoxic agents as part of the leukaemia treatment regimen. Two additional episodes of the pulmonary disorder occurred; both responded to prednisone.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Severe life-threatening hyponatremia during paroxetine therapy.

Hyponatremia secondary to the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antiduretic hormone (SIADH) is an uncommon complication of treatment with the antidepressants the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These effective anti-depressant agents are becoming widely used because of their favorable side effect profile and their safety in overdose. Although most reports have implicated fluoxetine in causing hyponatremia, there have also been a few reports of hyponatremia associated with paroxetine. We describe an elderly patient with severe life-threatening hyponatremia in association with paroxetine therapy. The present case and the others previously reported emphasize the need for greater awareness of the development of this serious and potentially fatal complication, and suggest that serum sodium concentration should be measured periodically in elderly patients soon after they start taking any agent of the SSRIs, especially during the first 2 to 4 weeks of treatment.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

[Verapamil-associated liver injury].

Hepatotoxicity due to verapamil is very rare and to the best of our knowledge only 10 cases have been reported. A 54-year-old woman developed cholestatic liver injury and pruritus following treatment with sustained-release verapamil (240 mg/day) for arterial hypertension. The pruritus and all hepatic biochemical abnormalities completely resolved after withdrawal of the drug. Similar to previously reported cases, the pathogenic mechanism of verapamil-associated liver injury in our patient was, most probably, idiosyncratic. These cases emphasize the need for awareness of the possibility that verapamil may occasionally induce liver injury, sometimes severe and potentially fatal.

Calcium Channel Blockers↗
PubMed1998

Central nervous system reactions associated with famotidine: report of five cases.

H2-receptor antagonists may cause various types of central nervous system reactions, particularly in patients with advanced age and/or impaired renal or liver function. These reactions have rarely been reported in association with famotidine. In five elderly patients, four of them with renal failure, central nervous system reactions developed shortly after initiation with famotidine therapy. These adverse reactions completely resolved after famotidine withdrawal. The authors' five cases and the other seven previously reported emphasize the need for dosage adjustment of famotidine in elderly patients and in those with renal failure, and that these patients should be carefully monitored for development of central nervous system reactions, which sometimes could be very serious.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Acute cor pulmonale due to tumor cell microemboli.

Severe pulmonary hypertension due to tumor cell microemboli or lymphangitic carcinomatosis is a rare complication of malignant disease. In most of the reported cases, a clinical picture of subacute cor pulmonale developed. A 57-year-old man with deep vein thrombosis in his left calf developed acute progressive dyspnea with hypoxemia, cyanosis and the clinical picture of acute cor pulmonale, while he was on full heparinization. Respiratory failure with the need for mechanical ventilatory support developed within 2 days. Chest radiography revealed the development of acute cardiac enlargement, dilated pulmonary artery and diffuse opacities in the fields of both lungs. Open lung biopsy disclosed massive tumor cell microemboli and lymphangitic carcinomatosis. No parenchymal metastases were found. This case is extremely rare because of the rapid development of the patient's respiratory signs and symptoms of acute cor pulmonale due to pulmonary tumor cell microemboli and lymphangitic carcinomatosis. It is also most atypical because of the rare pulmonary radiographic presentation.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1997

Impaired respiratory response to resistive loading during sleep in healthy offspring of patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

To evaluate the possibility that healthy offspring of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) may have covert signs of sleep disordered breathing, we compared the respiratory response to inspiratory resistive loads (IRL) in 10 adult offspring of fathers previously diagnosed with OSAS with that of 14 offspring of healthy parents. None of the offspring in either group had any sign of OSAS, and groups were age, weight, and body mass index matched. Both ventilatory response to progressively increasing levels of IRL and the IRL required to produce severe hypopnea (tidal volume [V(T)] < 20% of unloaded magnitude) were determined, during NREM sleep. Offspring of patients with OSAS (OSAS offspring) responded to all levels of IRL with greater decreases in V(T). Their V(T) decreased in the second breath on IRL of 23 cm H2O/l/s by 39 +/- 10%, as compared with a decrease of 19 +/- 4% (mean +/- SD) in the control group (p < 0.05). Severe hypopnea occurred in the OSAS offspring in response to smaller IRL compared to controls (79 +/- 20 and 153 +/- 14 cm H2O/l/s, respectively, p < 0.005). Total upper airway occlusion in response to IRL occurred in three of the OSAS offspring, but in none of the controls. We conclude that apparently healthy offspring of patients with OSAS may inherit subtle defects that reduce their ability to compensate for increased loads and maintain upper airway patency during sleep. We speculate that offspring of OSAS patients with decreased tolerance to IRL may be prone to developing OSAS later on in life.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Histochemical properties of upper airway muscles: comparison of dilator and nondilator muscles.

The upper airway dilator muscles (UADMs) represent a subgroup of muscles in the pharyngeal area which, in addition to their roles in mastication, vocalization, etc., also have an important respiratory function. Failure of these muscles to maintain upper airway patency during sleep is important in the development of the obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. In the present study, we evaluated the histochemical properties of the UADMs and compared them to those of neighbouring muscles without respiratory functions, and to the diaphragm, to determine whether the UADMs are specifically adapted to their respiratory role. Our results, both in dogs and rats, indicate that the dilator and nondilator upper airway muscles are similar and differ from the diaphragm. In rats, there were significantly less type I fibres (<12% as compared to 42% for the diaphragm) and more type IIb fibres (39-67% as compared to 27% for the diaphragm). A similar pattern was seen in dogs: type I fibres <38% as compared to 46% for the diaphragm, and type IIb fibres, 29-35% as compared to 10% for the diaphragm. These findings suggest that the upper airway dilator muscles are not specifically designed for their respiratory role. They may fail in the presence of increased loads, often encountered in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea, unless appropriate adaptive structural changes take place.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[Ticlopidine-induced neutropenia].

Ticlopidine (TCP) is a drug that inhibits platelet aggregation. Several studies have demonstrated its superiority over aspirin in preventing stroke and other thromboembolic diseases. However, neutropenia occurs in about 2% of TCP-treated patients, which therefore may advance to agranulocytosis, sepsis and death. They should be carefully followed with blood counts. We report 2 patients hospitalized with severe neutropenia while on TCP, despite having had regular blood counts. Their complications underline the need for patient selection and meticulous follow-up when ticlopidine is prescribed.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Acute brucellosis associated with massive proteinuria.

Mild proteinuria during these renal complications in brucellosis is a common feature, however, heavy proteinuria in association with renal brucellosis has rarely been reported and it always was associated with a concomitant development of renal failure. This is the first description of heavy proteinuria as the sole renal derangement during acute infection with brucellosis.

Acute Disease↗