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Biomedical subjects

C T Nielsen

Publications and source records attributed to C T Nielsen.

15 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Patients with schizophrenia treated with aripiprazole, a multicentre naturalistic study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to carry out a naturalistic study on efficacy, safety and tolerability of aripiprazole during treatment of schizophrenia. Fifty-one patients with an ICD-10 diagnosis of schizophrenia and partial responders to prior antipsychotic medication were offered treatment with aripiprazole as monotherapy or in combination their prior medication. Inclusion criteria were lack of therapeutic effect or adverse events on former antipsychotic treatment. METHOD: Six-month open multicentre naturalistic study with prospective assessments including Body Mass Index (BMI), Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S), Clinical Global Impression-Improvement, Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF) and adverse events. RESULTS: A statistically significant improvement in the different measures of psychopathology and global functioning (CGI-S reduction 34.7%; GAF improvement 14%) was shown in combination with a statistically significant reduction in BMI of 2.9%. Nine patients (17.6%) did not complete the 6-month treatment. CONCLUSION: In an open multicentre naturalistic study, aripiprazole showed to improve the severity of psychotic symptoms and the global level of functioning. However, many of the patients (47%) were also given another antipsychotic drug at the same time. Also, high compliance and few side effects were reported. However, because of the study design, the results must be interpreted conservatively.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1995

Serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and IGF-binding protein 3 levels are increased in central precocious puberty: effects of two different treatment regimens with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, without or in combination with an antiandrogen (cyproterone acetate).

Central precocious puberty (CPP) is characterized by early activation of the pituitary-gonadal axis, which leads to increased growth velocity and development of secondary sexual characteristics. It is generally believed that gonadal sex steroids stimulate pulsatile GH secretion, which, in turn, stimulates insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) production. However, little is known about GH, IGF-I, and IGFBP-3 serum levels in children with precocious puberty. Treatment of CPP by GnRH agonists has become the treatment of choice. However, the effect of long term treatment with GnRH in combination with an antiandrogen (cyproterone acetate) to block the possible effect of adrenal androgens has not previously been evaluated. We, therefore, studied 40 patients with idiopathic CPP that were treated for 24 months with either GnRH analog (Buserelin) in combination with cyproterone acetate (Androcur; n = 23) or with long acting GnRH analog (Decapeptyl Depot; n = 17). We found that serum IGF-I levels were increased before treatment in both groups (mean +/- SE, 446 +/- 35 and 391 +/- 35 micrograms/L; P < 0.0001, respectively) compared to those in normal age-matched prepubertal children. Similarly, IGFBP-3 levels were significantly elevated (4675 +/- 209 and 4305 +/- 162 micrograms/L, respectively; P < 0.0001) in the two groups. Treatment with GnRH analog in combination with cyproterone acetate significantly decreased height velocity and serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels to normal levels after 2 yr of treatment (P < 0.0001). Serum IGF-I levels remained unchanged during monthly im treatment with long acting GnRH analog, whereas IGFBP-3 levels significantly increased during the first year of this treatment despite unmeasurable estradiol levels. Thus, in both groups, the molar ratio between IGF-I and IGFBP-3 (i.e. free biologically active IGF-I) declined concomitantly with a decrease in growth velocity. Serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 (expressed as the SD score for bone age), but not those of estradiol, correlated with height velocity before and during treatment (r = 0.34; P < 0.0001 and r = 0.24; P = 0.003, respectively). Six of the patients with a subnormal GH response to clonidine had similar IGF-I and IGFBP-3 serum levels and growth velocity compared to the other 34 girls with CPP and a normal GH response.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Spermaturia in two normal boys without other signs of puberty.

We report spermaturia in two normal boys with testicular volumes of 3 ml and no other signs of puberty. This supports the hypothesis that spermatogenesis can begin before any other signs of puberty and indicates that the definition of start of puberty as testicular volumes of 4 ml or more may be too rigorous.

Child↗
PubMed1993

Spermaturia and puberty.

The pattern of spermaturia in boys at different stages of puberty was investigated. Fractionated 24 hour urine was collected for nine consecutive days from eight boys aged 13-14 years and 10 boys aged 15-17 years. Spermatozoa were detected by microscopic examination of the sediment. Sex characteristics were recorded. Fifty five per cent of all urine samples were positive for sperm and all boys showed spermaturia. A large variation in spermaturia was found between and within boys at the same stage of puberty. Spermaturia was a more common and regular event during early and mid-puberty than in more mature subjects. This indicates that the mechanism of spermaturia in early and late puberty could be different. It is suggested that spermaturia in non-virilised boys could be a result of a spontaneous, continuous flow of spermatozoa to the urethra in contrast with the peristaltic flow during ejaculation occurring at a later stage of puberty.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Serum concentrations of type I and III procollagen propeptides in healthy children and girls with central precocious puberty during treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog and cyproterone acetate.

Serum levels of type I and III procollagen propeptides (s-PICP and s-PIIINP) were measured in 466 healthy school children and in 23 girls with central precocious puberty (CPP) during GnRH analog and cyproterone acetate therapy, using two commercially available RIAs. In normal children, s-PICP and s-PIIINP changed significantly with age and pubertal development stages. For s-PIIINP, a peak was seen at 12 yr for girls and 13 yr for boys; no peak could be discerned for s-PICP. The prepubertal (Tanner stage 1) s-PICP value (mean +/- SD) for girls was 374 +/- 132 micrograms/L, the midpubertal value (stage 3) was 442 +/- 135 micrograms/L, and the postpubertal value (stage 5) was 203 +/- 103 micrograms/L. The mean s-PIIINP levels for girls were 9.1 +/- 2.4, 15.0 +/- 4.3, and 6.8 +/- 3.1 micrograms/L, respectively. For boys, levels were 362 +/- 119, 544 +/- 138, and 359 +/- 256 micrograms/L for s-PICP and 8.5 +/- 2.2, 14.5 +/- 5.0, and 8.6 +/- 3.8 micrograms/L for s-PIIINP (P < 0.001 for both propeptides in both boys and girls). There was, however, a large variation in normal values for both propeptides within the age groups and pubertal stages. There was a significant correlation of s-PICP and s-PIIINP levels to height velocity in girls (r = 0.35; P < 0.001 and r = 0.33; P < 0.001, respectively), while in boys, only s-PIIINP showed significant correlation to height velocity (r = 0.40; P < 0.001). In untreated girls with CPP, serum levels of s-PIIINP were elevated [PIIINP SD score (SDS), 2.13]. Levels of s-PICP were normal (PICP SDS, 0.39). Levels of both propeptides decreased within 2 months after initiation of therapy and remained below initial values (P < 0.01). The decrease in s-PIIINP after 2 months of therapy showed a significant correlation with the fall in height velocity SDS for chronological age after 6 months of therapy (r = 0.64; P < 0.01). We conclude that s-PIIINP and, to a lesser degree, s-PICP reflect growth in normal children, but due to the large variation, both propeptides seem unsuitable as markers for screening of growth disorders in children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

[Risk factors in home accidents among preschool children].

The present investigation is part of an investigation concerning preschool children's accidents at home. A total of 3,011 homes with preschool children were examined with the object of reducing the number of accidents involving preschool children. Selected risk factors were registered (falls, burns, poisoning) responsible for accidents to preschool children in their homes and this information was compared with information about the type of housing, district and the social status. The investigation revealed that 30% of the homes had "dangerous" windows, 30% had taps which could be swung out over free floor space and 42% did not have special electric safety main switches. Articles for cleaning, medicine and poisons were only stored in locked cupboards in 2.5 and 8% of the homes, respectively. These circumstances were more common in flats than in one-family homes. No significant differences were found between the physical risk factors chosen in the present investigation between the individual social status groups. Prevention of children's accidents in the home consists of increased information to families with children, to architects and manufacturers and increased attention to safety in the home by legislation and guidelines.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed1990

[Preventive effects of bicycle helmets].

The total number of persons injured following bicycle accidents in Denmark is estimated to be more than 50,000 annually. In half of the injured cyclists, lesions localized to the region of the head occur. Bicycle helmets provide considerable protection against brain injuries which constitute 13%. Several investigations from abroad and from Denmark have demonstrated that protection of the head can reduce the number of deaths and of acute brain injuries due to bicycle accidents. On the basis of the literature, it is concluded that bicycle helmets provide good protection of the head in connection with bicycle accidents. When a bicycle helmet is purchased, it is important to ensure that the helmet fits the head, that vision is not impeded and that the chinstrap secures the helmet correctly. Legislation is necessary to ensure that bicycle helmets sold in Denmark fulfill the minimum safety requirements.

Bicycling↗
PubMed1988

Serum bone Gla-protein as a marker of bone growth in children and adolescents: correlation with age, height, serum insulin-like growth factor I, and serum testosterone.

Serum bone Gla-protein (BGP) was determined by RIA in 450 normal children (229 girls and 221 boys, aged 6-19 yr). Serum BGP concentrations changed in relation to age and sex with a pattern that resembles the height velocity curves for children. The increase in serum BGP occurred at the expected age of the growth spurt in both sexes, and the peak values occurred at the age of 12 yr in girls [mean, 49.2 +/- 5.6 (+/- SE) micrograms/L] and 14 yr in boys (64.0 +/- 6.3 micrograms/L). In the boys aged 10-14 yr and in the girls aged 9-12 yr, serum BGP correlated significantly with serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), serum testosterone, age and height. When the interrelationship was analyzed by means of partial correlation, with age held constant, serum BGP still correlated significantly with the other parameters, but when height was fixed there was only a correlation with serum IGF-I. In children with untreated central precocious puberty, the mean serum BGP concentration was significantly higher than in age-matched normal children [mean, 61.4 +/- 31.7 (+/- SD) vs. 29.0 +/- 10.3 micrograms/L; P less than 0.001]. Serum BGP values decreased significantly in these patients during 1 yr of treatment with a LHRH analog (buserelin) and cyproterone acetate. We conclude that serum BGP is a sensitive marker of bone growth in normal children and in children with increased growth velocity. Repeated measurements may provide useful information in the diagnosis and treatment of children with disturbances in bone turnover.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Onset of the release of spermatozoa (spermarche) in boys in relation to age, testicular growth, pubic hair, and height.

The onset of production of spermatozoa (spermarche) is the basis for achievement of reproductive capacity in men. We collected 24-h urine samples every 3 months in a 7-yr longitudinal study of 40 normal boys initially aged 8.6-11.7 yr. After centrifugation, the urine was analyzed for the presence of spermatozoa by microscopic examination, and spermarche was estimated on the basis of age at first observed spermaturia. The results were corrected for the intermittent occurrence of spermatozoa in the urine after first observed spermaturia and the fact that the urine samples were collected quarterly. In addition, physical examination, including determination of testicular size by orchidometer measurement, pubic hair distribution (Tanner stage), and height, was carried out every 6 months. Spermarche occurred at a median age of 13.4 yr (range, 11.7-15.3 yr), at a time when testicular size was 4.7-19.6 ml (median, 11.5 ml), and pubic hair distribution was 1-5 (median, 2.5). In most boys, spermarche preceded the age of peak height velocity (median, 13.8 yr; range, 12.2-15.2 yr); at the time of spermarche, median peak height growth velocity was 9.9 cm/yr (range, 7.5-13.4 cm/yr), and median height was 160.4 cm (range, 151.7-175.9 cm). We conclude that spermarche is an early pubertal event and that a wide variation in testicular size and secondary sex characteristics is found at that time. In particular, spermarche may occur when little or no pubic hair has developed, and the testes have grown only slightly.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Longitudinal study of testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) in relation to spermarche, pubic hair, height and sitting height in normal boys.

In a 7-year longitudinal study of 40 normal boys, initially aged 8.6-11.7 years, 24-h urine samples were collected every 3 months and analysed for LH and testosterone as well as for the presence of spermatozoa (spermaturia). Spermarche (onset of the release of spermatozoa) was estimated on the basis of age at the first observed spermaturia. Physical examination, including measurements of height and sitting height and staging of pubic hair (Tanner stage) was performed every 6 months. Spermarche occurred early in puberty when the median pubic hair stage was 2.5. Urinary testosterone did not reach maximum levels until approximately 2 years after spermarche. Peak height velocity occurred when urinary testosterone levels were low, 1-2 years before adult levels of testosterone were attained. Our results support the proposition that low levels of testosterone have a predominantly growth-promoting effect, whilst higher concentrations have an inhibitory effect on height spurt.

Body Height↗
PubMed1975

Iatrogenic osteomalacia in epileptic children. A controlled therapeutic trial.

Bone mineral content (BMC) ub tge forearms (related to total body calcium) was measured for a controlled therapeutic trial in 25 epileptic children on long-term treatment with phenytoin and in 22 normal children before and during treatment with vitamin D or placebo. In the epileptic children, hypocalcaemia and elevated serum alkaline phosphatase was found in 20% and 16%, respectively. The group of epileptic children treated with vitamin D2 (2000 IU daily) for 3 months showed a significant increase in bone mineral content, 5% on average. The epileptic children treated with placebo showed a significant decrease, 2% on average, while the normal children treated with vitamin D or placebo showed no change in bone mineral content. The results indicate a possible benefit of prophylactic vitamin D treatment in epileptic children.

Bone and Bones↗
PubMed1975

Bone mineral content and estimated total body calcium in normal children and adolescents.

Bone mineral content in the distal part of the forearm was measured in 301 normal children and adolescents aged from 7-20 years to estimate total body calcium in these age groups. From year 7 to 9 and from year 15 to 20 the mean values in boys were significantly higher than those in girls. In the lower age groups there was a slow increase in estimated total body calcium with age, followed by a sharp increase at the age of puberty.

Adolescent↗