Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

B Maharaj

Publications and source records attributed to B Maharaj.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Complications associated with percutaneous needle biopsy of the liver when one, two or three specimens are taken.

The diagnostic yield of blind percutaneous liver biopsy is improved when two or three specimens are taken during the procedure by redirecting the needle through a single entry-site, without exposing the patient to a greater risk of complications provided that standard precautions are taken. This study was designed to obtain further data on the safety of this procedure at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban. During the period 1984-1990 (inclusive) a total of 2,646 biopsies were carried out: a single specimen was obtained in 834 patients, two specimens in 983 patients and three in 829 patients. Complications directly attributable to the procedure occurred in 24 patients who had one specimen, 20 who had two, and 19 who had three specimens taken during the biopsy. A single specimen had been obtained from three of the eight patients who had died, two specimens had been taken from another patient, and three specimens were obtained from the other four patients, i.e. patients in whom two or three specimens were taken did not have a higher incidence of pain, symptomatic hypotension, biliary peritonitis or death than those in whom one specimen was taken. Accordingly, when blind percutaneous needle biopsy of the liver is carried out, two specimens should be obtained by redirecting the needle through a single entry site as this improves the diagnostic yield without increasing complications. The morbidity and mortality associated with liver biopsy in this hospital is, however, high. Good technique, careful monitoring of patients after biopsy and prompt and aggressive resuscitation are essential if the mortality rate is to be reduced.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed1992

Influence of ethyl alcohol when given alone or in combination with potassium and/or magnesium supplements on ventricular fibrillation threshold levels in laboratory rats.

Five groups of rats were studied in an investigation to determine whether changes in the ventricular fibrillation threshold (VFT) occur when ethyl alcohol (EtOH) is given alone or in combination with K+ and/or Mg2+ supplements; the first group (n = 20) served as controls, the second (n = 18) was given only EtOH, the third (n = 18) EtOH+KCl, the fourth (n = 16) EtOH+MgCl2, and the fifth (n = 18) EtOH+MgCl2 + KCl for a 9 month period. Two rats from each group were killed on each day. One rat heart was perfused using the Langendorff apparatus and the other used for tissue electrolyte analyses. A significant fall in the mean VFT (9.7 +/- SD 1.9 mA vs 4.5 +/- 1.6 mA; P less than 0.0001) was noted in the rats given EtOH solution as drinking water for 9 months, and a significant increase in the VFT levels was seen in the Mg(2+)-supplemented group (9.7 +/- 1.9 mA vs 18.9 +/- 4.1 mA; P less than 0.0001) and in the K+ + Mg2+ supplemented group (9.7 +/- 1.9 mA vs 15.8 +/- 1.3 mA; P less than 0.0001) compared to controls. In addition, an increase in the heart rate was observed in the group supplemented with Mg2+ (213 +/- 8 beats/min vs 231 +/- 10 beats/min; P less than 0.0001) as well as in the group supplemented with K+ + Mg2+ (213 +/- 8 beats/min vs 222 +/- 10 beats/min; P less than 0.002) compared to controls. There was no significant change in the coronary blood flow (CF) in any group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1992

The effects of supra-therapeutic doses of rifampicin on liver function in the perfused rat liver.

The isolated liver perfusion model was used to study the effects of supra-therapeutic doses of rifampicin on hepatic gluconeogenesis and bromosulphthalein (BSP) clearance from the perfusate and biliary excretion of the dye in the rat. Three groups of rats randomly assigned to a control and two experimental groups were studied; those in the experimental groups were given 4 mg rifampicin per os daily for 90 days. The control group was untreated. The livers of the control and one experimental group were perfused with a medium containing pyruvate and subsequently these livers were perfused with a medium containing bromosulphthalein. The livers of the second experimental group were subjected to histological examination. The rate and the concentration of glucose was decreased, lactate levels and lactate: pyruvate ratios were increased in the experimental animals. The mean perfusate BSP and biliary excretion of the dye was decreased in the experimental group. Fatty change was present in the livers of rifampicin treated rats. This study demonstrates that the isolated liver model has proved to be both suitable and useful for the study of the effects of drugs and that chronic administration of supra-therapeutic doses of rifampicin to rats adversely affected liver function. It also produces histological evidence of hepatic damage in rats.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

The use of drug level measurements in adult patients receiving theophylline, anti-epileptic drugs and amikacin.

This prospective study was conducted to determine how frequently measurement of drug levels was used in the management of adult patients receiving theophylline, phenytoin, phenobarbitone, carbamazepine or aminoglycosides in a large hospital. Fifty consecutive outpatients with asthma and 40 with epilepsy were interviewed and their records reviewed to determine which drugs had been prescribed and whether a level of the appropriate drug had been measured in the previous six months. Also, the records of 40 in-patients who were currently receiving amikacin were studied to determine whether serum levels had been measured at any stage during therapy with this drug. Serum theophylline levels were measured in only four (eight pc) patients who were taking this drug and were below the target range in two patients. Serum levels had been measured in 21 (52.5 pc) of 40 patients who were receiving 45 anti-epileptic drugs and were within the target in only nine. Serum amikacin levels were measured in 15 (37.5 pc) patients; blood had been taken for both peak and trough levels in 10 patients and found to exceed the target range in two patients. This study revealed that measurement of serum concentrations of theophylline, anti-epileptic drugs and amikacin was underutilised in the management of adult patients receiving these drugs at this hospital.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Isradipine in the treatment of mild to moderate essential hypertension.

Male patients with supine diastolic blood pressures above 95 mmHg after placebo therapy received twice daily isradipine (Dynacirc; Sandoz) 1.25, 2.5 or 5.0 mg for 12 weeks. Blood pressures were measured every 14 days. Doses of 2.5 or 5 mg isradipine twice daily significantly reduced supine and erect mean systolic, mean diastolic and mean arterial pressures. Isradipine 1.25 mg twice daily reduced supine mean diastolic and mean arterial pressures only. A dose of 5 mg twice daily was accompanied by an increase in adverse reactions. The recommended dose of isradipine is 2.5 mg twice daily.

Antihypertensive Agents↗
PubMed1991

Time course of the blood pressure response to oral isradipine in uncomplicated mild-to-moderate essential hypertension.

Forty-five patients with supine diastolic blood pressures (DBPs) above 95 mm Hg at the end of a four-week placebo run-in period were randomized to receive either 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, or 5 mg isradipine twice daily as monotherapy for 12 weeks. Blood pressures (BP) were measured every 14 days, always by the same observer and using standard techniques. The Montevideo Mathematical Model was used to determine the time course of the response to treatment in each dosage group. Of the 33 patients who completed the study, four of the 12 patients receiving 1.25 mg isradipine twice daily had their BP controlled by weeks 10 or 12 (supine DBP less than or equal to 90 mm Hg), seven of 11 by 2.5 mg twice daily, and five of 10 by 5 mg twice daily. Mean DBPs for each dosage group were significantly reduced by week 12 (P less than .015 in all groups). The Montevideo Model allows estimation of the time after onset of treatment by which BP is reduced by a given amount. This model indicated that, with 2.5 mg isradipine twice daily, a fall in mean arterial pressure of 10 mm Hg is to be expected within three weeks of initiating drug administration.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1991

'Tru-Cut' needle biopsy of the liver: importance of the correct technique.

In order to determine which technique would provide adequate tissue for histological examination when the 'Tru-Cut' needle is used for liver biopsy, the livers of cadavers were biopsied by a single operator, under direct vision, using a 'Tru-Cut' needle. The modified breast biopsy technique either preceded or followed one of two alternative methods, one of which was recommended by the manufacturer, in a random manner. Thereafter, the biopsies were repeated using the alternative sequence. The mean length of the liver biopsy specimens that were obtained using the modified breast biopsy technique was 16.3 mm (range: 8-20 mm). The corresponding figures for the manufacturerer's method were 7.7 mm (range: 2-14 mm) and for the third technique were 2.7 mm (range: 0.5-8 mm). Three of the 40 specimens (7.5%) obtained using the latter technique fragmented when placed in formalin; this did not occur in any of the 40 specimens taken using the modified breast biopsy technique. This investigation indicates that the modified breast biopsy technique should be used when 'Tru-Cut' needle biopsy of the liver is performed. This provides specimens which are adequate for histological diagnosis. In addition, the safety of liver biopsy, which is compromised by poor technique, is improved. The alternative methods, including that recommended by the manufacturer, must be avoided.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed1991

Changes in myocardial electrolytes and ventricular fibrillation threshold induced by alcohol feeding in laboratory rats.

Three groups of rats were studied in an investigation to determine the influence of alcohol on myocardial electrolytes and the ventricular fibrillation threshold (VFT) levels. Drinking water was provided ad libitum; the control group received water while the other 2 groups drank a water-ethanol solution, constituted in a ratio of 75: 25, for periods of 3 and 9 months, respectively. Two rats from each of the experimental groups, together with a control rat were killed on each experimental day. One heart was studied on the Langendorff preparation and the other used for tissue electrolyte analysis. The mean myocardial Mg2+ levels (233 +/- 28 micrograms/g vs 148 +/- 23 micrograms/g and 233 +/- 28 micrograms/g vs 107 +/- 15 micrograms/g; p less than 0.0001), K+ levels (3260 +/- 437 micrograms/g vs 1779 +/- 312 micrograms/g and 3260 +/- 437 micrograms/g vs 1195 +/- 205 micrograms/g; p less than 0.0001) and Zn2+ levels (32.7 +/- 6.8 micrograms/g vs 14.0 +/- 4 micrograms/g and 32.7 +/- 6.8 micrograms/g vs 4.2 +/- 3.4 micrograms/g; p less than 0.0001) were significantly lower in alcohol fed rats than the controls. In addition, a significant fall in the mean VFT levels (10.1 +/- 1.94 mA vs 6.27 +/- 2.17 mA, p less than 0.001) was noted in rats given water: alcohol solution for 9 months. This study reveals that chronic exposure to alcohol induces a deficiency of myocardial Mg2+, K+ and Zn2+, and an increase in myocardial irritability in laboratory rats.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Circulating CA-195 in hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic hepatic carcinoma.

This study was conducted to determine the role of a relatively new tumor marker, CA-195, in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic hepatic carcinoma, and in distinguishing between these two conditions. CA-195 levels were measured using a commercially available immunoradiometric assay (Tandem-R CA-195) in 30 black inpatients with hepatocellular carcinoma, 15 metastatic carcinoma, 10 with amoebic liver abscess, 10 with cirrhosis and 10 normal individuals at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban. A cutt-off value of 10 u/ml was used. The sensitivity and specificity of CA-195 in hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic carcinoma was 60% and 22%, and 87% and 42% respectively. False positive results occurred in 5 (50%) patients with amoebic liver abscess, 10 (100%) with cirrhosis and 2 (20%) normal individuals. These results indicate this tumor marker as of limited value in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic carcinoma, and in distinguishing between these conditions.

Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate↗
PubMed1990

Comparison of felodipine and hydrochlorothiazide for the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension in black Africans.

A double-blind, parallel-group study was performed to assess the antihypertensive effects and tolerability of felodipine and hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) in black patients with mild to moderate uncomplicated hypertension [entry supine diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 96-116 mm Hg]. The medicines were given as monotherapy and the additional effect of metoprolol was assessed in patients unresponsive to felodipine or HCT alone. After a 4-week placebo period, 45 patients were randomly allocated to treatment with felodipine (21) or HCT (24). Initial doses of felodipine 2.5 mg or HCT 12.5 mg twice daily were doubled after 1 week and doubled again after week 4 in cases with supine DBP above 90 mm Hg. At week 8, metoprolol 100 mg twice daily was added to the regimen of uncontrolled patients (supine DBP greater than 90 mm Hg) and maintained for the remaining 4-week trial period. Felodipine significantly reduced supine and erect systolic BP (SBP) and DBP after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment. Responses to HCT were similar although standing diastolic BP at week 4 and standing SBP at week 8 were not significantly reduced. After 4 weeks, the mean fall in supine DBP was significantly greater for the felodipine than the HCT group. Eight patients on felodipine and 14 in the HCT group required additional metoprolol to achieve BP control. A significantly greater number of adverse effects were associated with HCT than felodipine treatment. Monotherapy with felodipine produced a more rapid control of hypertension, was more frequently effective, and was associated with a lower incidence of side effects than HCT.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Ultrasonography and scintigraphy in liver disease in developing countries. A retrospective survey.

In a study of the value of hepatic ultrasonography (US) and scintigraphy (SG) in detecting liver disease in developing countries 425 US scans and 304 SG scans of patients with focal or diffuse liver disease or normal livers were reviewed. The accuracy of both US and SG in distinguishing between normal and diseased livers was low (68% and 74%, respectively). Both techniques did better at detecting focal than diffuse liver disease; the sensitivity of US and SG in focal and diffuse disease was 88% and 92%, and 27% and 54%, respectively. The specificity of both procedures was high for both types of liver disease (91-96%). Overlap between US features of amoebic liver abscess, hepatocellular carcinoma, and metastatic carcinoma resulted in a correct final diagnosis being made in only 81% of patients with amoebic liver abscess, 29% with hepatocellular carcinoma, and 43% of patients with metastatic carcinoma who had a US scan. This study indicates that these techniques are neither accurate in detecting diffuse liver disease nor capable of determining the cause of diffuse liver disease. When diffuse parenchymal liver disease is suspected biopsy would be needed. Although the accuracy of both imaging modalities in detecting focal disease is high, overlap between the US features of the common causes of space-occupying lesions may result in an incorrect final diagnosis in some cases. In consequence, biopsy or aspiration might be required.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1987

HLA-A, B, DR, and DQ antigens in black patients with severe chronic rheumatic heart disease.

To determine whether genetic factors could be involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatic heart disease, we performed HLA-A and HLA-B typing in 120 black patients with severe chronic rheumatic heart disease requiring cardiac surgery, and HLA-DR and HLA-DQ typing in 103 and 97 of these patients, respectively. The HLA typing was done by a standard microlymphocytotoxicity method. Patients were 12 to 60 years old (mean 27.6 +/- 14.5). No differences in HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DQ frequencies between patients and controls were noted. HLA-DR 1 antigen was present in 12.6% of patients compared with 2.7% of normal control subjects (corrected p less than .045; relative risk = 5.2) and the HLA-DRw6 antigen was present in 31.1% of patients compared with 15% of control subjects (corrected p less than .045; relative risk = 2.6). These findings suggest that genetically determined immune-response factors may play a role in the pathogenesis of severe chronic rheumatic heart disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Comparative antihypertensive effects of ketanserin and a ketanserin-hydrochlorothiazide combination administered once daily.

The effects of monotherapy with once-daily ketanserin (40 mg) were compared to those of ketanserin (40 mg) plus hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg) once daily in 21 patients with mild essential hypertension. After a placebo run-in period of 4 weeks, medication was randomly allocated. The study was double-blind and the double-dummy technique was used. The measurements of blood pressure during the 3-month treatment period showed a tendency for progressive decreases of the variable. Supine and erect blood pressure mean values were significantly reduced, between pretreatment and the end of week 12, by 17 and 12 mm Hg with ketanserin therapy and by 19 and 16 mm Hg with combination treatment, respectively. A mathematical model used for studying the evolution of erect diastolic blood pressure over time revealed that the combination lowered blood pressure at a higher rate than did ketanserin alone in the first week of treatment, but that thereafter the velocity of change was higher for ketanserin alone. Both treatments had equally effective antihypertensive effects after 12 weeks, although differences existed in the time courses of blood pressure changes. More prolonged studies are required in order to distinguish further between the medications used.

Blood Pressure↗