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Biomedical subjects

C Putterman

Publications and source records attributed to C Putterman.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Development of the Abbott MATRIX Aero assay for the measurement of specific IgE.

An enzyme immunoassay has been developed for the quantitation of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in human serum to a panel of allergens. The assay system, called the Abbott MATRIX Aero, includes an instrument, reagents and test cell disposables. Each test cell contains fourteen airborne allergens individually localized on a nitrocellulose solid phase. Individual calibration curves for each allergen are established by the manufacturer and included in barcode form with each test kit. Stable factory calibration eliminates the need to establish a calibration curve with each assay run. The instrument automatically incubates, washes, and reads the test cell and prints each result, which ensures assay reproducibility and provides ease-of-use. Analysis of test results shows good agreement with another in vitro assay for specific IgE. The Abbott MATRIX Aero is a sensitive, reproducible and easy-to-use system for the measurement of specific IgE to a panel of fourteen allergens simultaneously using a single, small volume of serum.

Allergens

Acute nonrheumatic perimyocarditis complicating streptococcal tonsillitis.

Streptococcal infection is a rarely recognized cause of nonrheumatic perimyocarditis. We report a case of a young patient who developed acute perimyocarditis as manifested by diffuse electrocardiogram changes, and markedly elevated cardiac enzymes, concurrently with streptococcal tonsillitis. Despite the dramatic presentation, the patient recovered uneventfully. We conclude that streptococci can involve the heart also directly by a bacterial component or toxin, and not only through a delayed immunologic mechanism as in rheumatic fever. Further studies are necessary to accurately determine the incidence of myocardial involvement during early stages of streptococcal infection.

Adult

[Captopril-induced liver dysfunction].

Captopril is widely used for congestive heart failure and arterial hypertension. Its main side effects are cough, neutropenia, and renal injury. Liver dysfunction has rarely been described. We present a 71-year-old man with an acute myocardial infarction who developed high fever and progressive disturbance of liver function tests, hepatocellular and cholestatic, after beginning captopril. When other, more likely causes for his condition were ruled out, captopril was discontinued and the fever and liver dysfunction then quickly resolved. We recommend periodic laboratory follow-up in patients treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.

Aged

Lupus refractory pleural effusion: transient response to intravenous immunoglobulins.

A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by refractory bilateral pleural effusions is described. High dose corticosteroids with azathioprine, as well as intrapleural instillation of corticosteroids, proved ineffective in management. As our patient remained severely symptomatic and required repeated thoracocentesis, a therapeutic trial of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) was attempted. IVIG had a beneficial effect, although of a transient and partial nature. Despite the results achieved, it seems that IVIG has limited value in treating lupus pleural effusion.

Adult

Author, verify your references! Or, the accuracy of references in Israeli medical journals.

The high rate of citation errors in bibliographies in medical journals has been a source of concern in recent years. We examined the accuracy of references published during 1 year in two Israeli medical journals. Only two-thirds of the randomly selected references examined were error free; 8% had major errors preventing identification of the cited article. Most of the errors found (76%) were in referencing the author(s) or title of the article. We conclude that errors in citation appear also in Israeli medical journals. Editors should emphasize the importance of reference verification; however, primary responsibility for the accuracy of the reference list rests with the author. Authors should exercise more care in preparing bibliographies and should invest more effort in verification of quoted references.

Authorship

Central venous catheter related sepsis: a clinical review.

Central venous catheterization is one of the most common invasive vascular procedures performed in hospitals today. Though catheter related sepsis occurs only in a small percentage of catheterized patients, this complication has a tremendous impact due to the ubiquitous use of central venous catheters and consequent morbidity and even mortality. Recent studies have considerably advanced our knowledge regarding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prevention of catheter sepsis. In this paper, current concepts regarding catheter-related sepsis are reviewed, regarding the incidence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of this complication. Particular emphasis is placed upon recent research and clinical advances in this field, which have clarified important question and suggested promising approaches to the prevention and treatment of catheter bacteremia. The excessive morbidity and mortality due to catheter-related sepsis can be markedly decreased, by attention to simple infection control methods, and by future implementation of new experimental techniques.

Bacterial Infections

Modern approaches to the therapy of septic shock.

Bacteremia from gram-negative rods is a great cause of concern for hospital physicians today. Shock-complicating gram-negative sepsis has a mortality rate of 60% and above, despite early diagnosis and treatment. Intensive research efforts have shown new pathophysiological mechanisms and mediators involved in septic shock, with changes in recommended treatment protocols. In this report, the authors review the use of corticosteroids, fibronectin, naloxone hydrochloride, and immunotherapy, with emphasis on theoretical considerations and relevant clinical experience. Although these treatment methods may have been promising initially, data from large double-blind human trials are either lacking or unencouraging. While continued research and modern therapeutic approaches should improve future survival rates from septic shock, use of the therapies reviewed should be considered experimental at this time.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones