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Biomedical subjects

C Backman

Publications and source records attributed to C Backman.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Echocardiographic findings in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Cardiac involvement in 27 consecutive patients fulfilling the criteria for primary Sjögren's syndrome was evaluated using echo-doppler-cardiography. A clinical physical examination showed that the heart was normal in all patients. Nine (33%) had signs of present or previous pericarditis with effusion and/or fibrin deposition, four of them had chest symptoms. The pericarditis patients were slightly older, had significantly shorter disease duration, had significantly increased levels of orosomucoid and haptoglobin, and were significantly more often antinuclear-antibody positive than those without pericarditis. Of the echocardiographic measurements, the left ventricular systolic dimension was significantly smaller and the fractional shortening of the left ventricle significantly higher in the pericarditis patients. However, four of the nine pericarditis patients had localized hypokinesia of the left ventricle, all with unspecific ECG changes, while only one without pericarditis showed this symptom. No patient had low voltage, ST-T elevation or conduction abnormalities. Mitral valvular thickening was found in one patient and age-related sclerosis of the aortic cusps appeared in some.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Arterial spasticity and cold intolerance in relation to time after digital replantation.

Cold induced arterial vasospasm was studied in ten patients with single digit replantation, by measuring finger systolic pressure at different finger temperatures. Each patient was examined three times; within 2 weeks of surgery, after 1 year and after 3 years. The replantations were performed using long arterial and venous grafts. Cold-related vasospasm is established during the first year after trauma, and thereafter seems to be persistent. It is concluded that the subjective cold tolerance, which affects all patients after digital amputation regardless of whether replantation is performed or not, is partly due to vasospasm. It is less pronounced in patients without pathological vasospasm in the replanted digit. Cold intolerance is likely to decrease during the first 2 years after replantation, but not to disappear completely.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Relationships between exercise ECG and angiocardiographic indices of coronary insufficiency and myocardial fibrosis in coronary heart disease.

Patients with coronary heart disease were examined with exercise ECG and angiocardiography. Maximum work capacity expressed as a percentage of the predicted normal exercise tolerance (Wmax%) was significantly associated with the angiocardiographic score of the myocardial mass subserved by obstructed coronary arteries (MCOS). Variables related to myocardial fibrosis (MF) such as post infarction ECG signs, the left ventricular wall motion score (LVMS) and the ejection fraction of the left ventricle (LVEF) correlated significantly as did variables related to reversible myocardial ischaemia or coronary insufficiency (CI), such as ST depression during exercise (STdepr), ST/W and ST/HR indices, effort angina (EA/W) index, the extent of collaterals (CollS), and 'MCOS-LVMS'. MF variables correlated weakly with CI variables. Wmax% covariated with the variables related to both CI and MF, and most closely with MCOS. Discrepancies between results of exercise ECG and angiocardiography have to some extent been overcome by comparing appropriate parameters.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Effects of ethanol on development of dorsal raphe transplants in oculo: a morphological and electrophysiological study.

The purpose of this project was to investigate ethanol influence on the development of serotonin-containing (5-HT) neurons of the dorsal raphe nucleus in rat. Fetal tissue of embryonic day 17 from the dorsal brainstem was grafted to the anterior chamber of the eye of adult albino rats. The experimental group was exposed to 16% ethanol in the drinking water, and the control group received water ad libitum. After 4 weeks, morphological and electrophysiological evaluations were performed. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that 5-HT-immunoreactive fibers from ethanol-treated transplants had a disturbed outgrowth pattern into the host iris as compared to the control group. Furthermore, the outgrowth area and axon bundle formation was significantly greater in the control group than in the ethanol group. Electrophysiological recordings revealed a dose-dependent biphasic effect of locally applied ethanol on transplanted monoaminergic neurons. Low doses of ethanol (0.5-3 mM) induced an increase in basal firing rate of control neurons, while higher doses (10-100 mM) caused inhibition. However, monoaminergic neurons in the ethanol group showed a decreased neuronal sensitivity to locally applied ethanol. The same dose of locally applied ethanol which produced an excitation of neuronal activity in the ethanol transplants produced an inhibition in the control grafts. The dose-response curve was shifted to the right. The present results suggest that chronic ethanol exposure during early development leads to altered axonal outgrowth from brainstem 5-HT neurons, as well as decreased sensitivity of these neurons to locally applied ethanol.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Cold-induced arterial spasm after digital amputation.

The incidence and intensity of cold-induced digital vasospasm was investigated in 18 patients with digital amputation injuries. Nine patients had undergone replantation surgery, while in the remaining nine cases the injury had been treated by stump revision and closure. The vascularity of the injured digits and of uninjured fingers in both hands, was studied. The results confirm that cold-induced vasospasm is no more conspicuous in replanted fingers than in amputation stumps. Pathological vascular reactions to cold were also common in uninjured fingers in both hands.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Replantation of the completely avulsed thumb using long arterial and venous grafts.

Long arterial and venous grafts (10-15 cm. in length) were used in the replantation of thumbs amputated by avulsion. All replanted parts survived and thrombosis requiring anastomotic revision did not occur in any of the cases. Based upon a consideration of different factors that may lead to the formation of thrombus in reconstructed vessels, a method is recommended for routine use in replantation of the thumb, with specific reference to avulsion injuries.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Effects of cold exposure on the circulation of replanted fingers during the early postoperative period.

The replanted finger after a complete amputation is an excellent model for the study of many aspects of vascular physiology. In the present clinical study, 10 patients were investigated to evaluate the incidence of cold-induced vasospasm in replanted digits during the early postoperative period. The results indicate that cold-induced vasospasm is not a risk factor in the early postoperative phase after digital-replantation surgery. It is concluded that cold-induced spasm of the digital arteries is primarily a central, nerve-mediated reflex.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Digital amputation, replantation, and cold intolerance.

In a controlled, retrospective, clinical study, the relationships between traumatic digital amputation, digital replantation, and cold intolerance were investigated. The results of the investigation indicate that cold intolerance is a major reason for disability after digital amputation. They also indicate that the cold intolerance experienced after digital replantation is due to the original injury, and that it is not aggravated by the reconstructive surgery. Cold intolerance, in and of itself, is not a contraindication to digital replantation, regardless of whether the patient lives or works in high- or low-temperature environments.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Is HLA B27 antigen a predictor of cardiac or pulmonary disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?

Pericarditis was a frequent echocardiographic finding in 20 HLA B27 positive patients with erosive, seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in 20 B27 negative RA controls (35% and 30% respectively). There was no significant difference in echocardiographic 2-D or M-mode measurements between the groups. A 48 hour continuous electrocardiographic monitoring, showed that ventricular extrasystoles were more frequent (p less than 0.01) in the B27 negative patients. Pulmonary diffusion capacity was reduced in 25% of the patients in both groups. There were no association between clinical or laboratory data and the cardiac or pulmonary findings except for the finding of a higher frequency of treatment with corticosteroids in patients with pericarditis.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed1991

Blood flow in chronic Achilles tendinosis. Radioactive microsphere study in rabbits.

Cerium-labeled microspheres were used for blood-flow measurements in 7 New Zealand white rabbits with exercise-induced chronic Achilles paratenonitis and tendinosis. The blood flow increased 1.9 times more on the exercised side as compared with the contralateral, unexercised (control) side with respect to both the tendon and the paratenon. The blood flow of the tendon of the exercised leg showed a strong correlation with the blood flow in the paratenon of the ipsilateral side (r = 0.81). We concluded that the relative contribution of blood from the paratenon to the tendon remained unaltered in the exercised tendon and that degeneration of the tendon cannot be primarily explained by chronic circulatory impairment.

Achilles Tendon↗
PubMed1991

Reaction of patients with effort angina to cold exposure during exercise.

An attempt has been made to characterize so-called "responders" to cold among patients with effort angina. Forty-nine such patients, unselected with regard to their history of reactions to cold, who showed ST depressions during and after exercise, were examined. They worked on a bicycle ergometer close to their maximum capacity, Wmax, at room temperature (about 23 degrees C) and in a cold room (-15 degrees C). ECG was recorded and a rating scale was used to estimate the perceived exertion during exercise (RPE). The presence of angina pectoris during exercise and its duration after exercise was recorded by an EA score. An EA/W index was used to estimate the severity of the effort angina. In the whole group, the mean Wmax decreased and the mean ST depressions, RPE, and EA/W index (but not EA score) increased on exposure to cold. The changes in these variables due to exposure to cold were all associated (but not the EA score). Criteria requiring a decrease in Wmax or increase in ST depression, RPE or EA/W index on cold exposure identified 53 to 63 percent of the patients. By combining the criteria, the number of patients, who were identified, decreased. If all the criteria were applied, about 30 percent of the patients were identified as "responders" to cold and they showed the most marked responses. Thus several exercise ECG test parameters may be used to reliably define "responders" to cold exposure. This may enhance future studies of the response reaction.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Chronic achilles paratenonitis with tendinosis: an experimental model in the rabbit.

An experimental model for inducing chronic Achilles paratenonitis with tendinosis in the rabbit is presented. Thirteen rabbits were exercised in a kicking machine producing passive flexions and extensions of the ankle joint. Active contractions of the triceps surae muscles were induced by electric stimulation via surface electrodes. The animals were exercised for 5 to 6 weeks, with a rate of 150 flexions and extensions per minute for 2 h, three times a week. Light microscopic examination showed degenerative changes of the tendon, and increased number of capillaries, infiltrates of inflammatory cells, edema, and fibrosis in the paratenon. We conclude that chronic Achilles paratenonitis with tendinosis can be experimentally induced in a standardized manner in rabbits.

Achilles Tendon↗
PubMed1990

Impairment of estramustine phosphate absorption by concurrent intake of milk and food.

The effect of milk and food on the pharmacokinetics of estramustine phosphate was investigated in six patients with prostatic cancer. In a randomized three-way cross-over study, the patients were given single doses of the drug together with low calcium water, low calcium food and milk. The evaluation was based upon the plasma concentration of two metabolites, estromustine and estrone, as parent drug could not be detected in plasma. The tmax and lag time of estromustine were significantly increased by milk and food intake and Cmax and AUC were significantly decreased. In comparison with water, the AUC of estromustine was 41% when the drug was taken with milk and 67% after simultaneous intake of standardized food. Corresponding figures for the peak values were 32 and 57%, respectively. The effect of milk and food intake on the pharmacokinetics of estrone was similar. Studies in vitro demonstrated that the dissolution of estramustine phosphate disodium was markedly impaired in the presence of calcium. It was concluded that the rate and extent of absorption of estramustine phosphate were decreased when the drug was taken with milk or food due to the formation of a poorly absorbable calcium complex. To obtain high and reproducible absorption of Estracyt, the drug should not be taken together with milk, milk products or other calcium-rich food or drugs.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

Pre- and postoperative evaluation of renal function with five different tests in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Renal function was investigated immediately before and 1 year following parathyroidectomy in 19 patients with moderate hypercalcaemia. On both occasions, all patients underwent five different tests of glomerular and tubular function: plasma creatinine, creatinine clearance, 51Cr-EDTA-clearance, beta 2-microglobulin excretion and the desmopressin test. Glomerular filtration rate, as assessed by plasma creatinine and clearance of both creatinine and 51Cr-EDTA, was normal in most patients, and was little affected by restoration of normocalcaemia. Renal concentrating capacity, as determined by the desmopressin test, was abnormally low in 14 of 19 patients, but increased significantly after surgery. It is concluded that serious renal damage is seldom encountered in present-day HPT patients, but that a treatable decrease in renal concentrating capacity often exists.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Pulmonary-artery cineangiocardiography and echocardiography for detection of cardiac sources of cerebral embolism.

Sixty-two patients with ischemic stroke possibly due to embolism of cardiac origin were investigated by pulmonary artery-cineangiography (PACAC) and echocardiography (UCG) to detect intracardiac thrombi. The proportion of intracardiac thrombi found by PACAC was 31% and by UCG 15%. The presence or absence of atrial fibrillation correlated well with PACAC findings of an intraventricular clot but poorly with UCG. Similarly, there was a significant association between ischemic heart disease and intraventricular thrombi detected by PACAC investigations but not with the results obtained by UCG. PACAC seems superior to UCG in the detection of intracardiac thrombi after possible embolic stroke.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Technetium-99m pyrophosphate single-photon emission computed tomography of the heart in familial amyloid polyneuropathy.

A patient with familial amyloid polyneuropathy and congestive heart failure underwent myocardial imaging using technetium-99m pyrophosphate. Planar scintigraphy showed an intense, diffuse biventricular uptake of the radiotracer. Single-photon emission computed tomography demonstrated an unevenly distributed uptake of the isotope. The greatest activity corresponded to regions with marked echocardiographic changes. Emission tomography may aid in assessing the degree and distribution of the infiltrative lesions in cardiac amyloidosis.

Aged↗
PubMed1987

Differentiation of cardiac amyloidosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A comparison of familial amyloidosis with polyneuropathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by electrocardiography and echocardiography.

The clinical and echocardiographic features of cardiac amyloidosis may closely resemble those of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and the disorders may thus be mixed up. The present study was undertaken in an attempt to identify features separating the two conditions by analysis of electro- and echocardiographic findings in patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Twenty-nine patients with familial amyloidosis and 22 with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were studied. Particular attention was given to the sum of the S wave in V1 and R wave in V5 or V6, the echocardiographic left ventricular mass and cross-sectional area, the presence or absence of asymmetrical septal thickening, granular and sparkling myocardial appearance, thickened heart valves, systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve, and pericardial effusion. A granular and sparkling appearance of the myocardium and thickened heart valves were found to be the best predictors of cardiac amyloidosis, while low QRS amplitudes in relation to echocardiographic left ventricular mass and a pericardial effusion seemed less important. The presence of systolic anterior movement of the mitral valve, a large left ventricular mass and a sum of S in V1 and R in V5 or V6 greater than 35 mm indicated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. When the four strongest predictors (left ventricular mass, thickened heart valves, a granular sparkling myocardial appearance, and systolic anterior movement of the mitral valve) were used to reclassify the present patients, 28 of 29 amyloidosis patients and 21 of 22 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were correctly categorized. Noninvasive methods may thus be useful for detecting the myocardial infiltrative process, and cardiac amyloidosis may be confidently diagnosed by typical noninvasive findings together with histopathological documentation of amyloid in an organ other than the heart.

Adult↗