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Biomedical subjects

F Tanzer

Publications and source records attributed to F Tanzer.

31 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1984

Motor evoked potentials from transcranial stimulation of the motor cortex in cats.

Electrical testing of central nervous system pathways is assuming increasing importance in clinical medicine. However, there is no direct monitor of the motor system. We previously reported using a motor evoked potential created by direct excitation of the spinal cord, placing a stimulating electrode over the corticospinal tract area. To produce a less invasive test, we now use direct transcranial stimulation of the motor cortex through the scalp or direct stimulation of the motor cortex itself during operation. A descending signal can be recorded over the spinal cord and in the peripheral nerves where no retrograde sensory signals should be able to descend. This motor cortex stimulation produces contralateral limb movements and selective activation of the peripheral nerves of a limb. The characteristics of this signal are similar to those described in the neurophysiological literature for a descending motor signal. With a depth electrode, it was found that the signal was strongest in the spinal cord near the corticospinal tracts and in the anterior horn cell area. A set of lesioning studies showed that most of the signal travels in the area of the corticospinal tract, with some traveling in the ventral portion of the spinal cord, perhaps in the anterior corticospinal tract. Section of the pyramid essentially abolishes the signal, but lesioning of the red nucleus does not. This test offers an electrical assessment of the motor system that can be useful in experimental work on spinal cord and brain function. It has potential clinical applicability in humans.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Motor evoked potentials from transcranial stimulation of the motor cortex in humans.

Electrical monitoring of the motor system offers the potential for the detection of injury, the diagnosis of disease, the evaluation of treatment, and the prediction of recovery from damage. Existing evoked potentials monitor one or another sensory modality, but no generally usable motor monitor exists. We have reported a motor evoked potential using direct stimulation of the spinal cord over the motor tracts in cats and in humans. To achieve a less invasive monitor, we used transcranial stimulation over the motor cortex in the cat, thus stimulating the motor cortex. We report here the initial application of this method to humans. A plate electrode over the motor cortex on the scalp and a second electrode on the palate direct a mild current through the motor cortex which will activate the motor pathways. This signal can be recorded over the spinal cord. It can elicit contralateral peripheral nerve and electromyographic signals in the limbs or movements when the appropriate stimulation parameters are used. In clinical use to date, this has been more reliable than the somatosensory evoked potential in predicting motor function in patients where the two tests differed. It offers a number of possibilities for the development of valuable brain and spinal cord monitoring techniques, but requires further animal studies and clinical experience. Studies to date have not demonstrated adverse effects, but evaluation is continuing.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Multiple benign juvenile melanoma.

Multiple benign juvenile melanoma is a rare entity, seen primarily in children. Two 3-year-old patients who developed multiple juvenile melanomas in areas of congenital hyperpigmentation are presented. The distinct clinical presentations of this lesion are discussed, and its ultrastructure is described.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1978

Progressive symmetric erythrokeratodermia.

Progressive symmetric erythrokeratodermia is a rare disorder of keratinization manifested by hyperkeratotic plaques on an erythematous base. Familial cases have not been reported. The following is, to our knowledge, the first report of a case from America, as well as the first involving a black child.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Plasma free carnitine levels in children with malnutrition.

In this study, plasma free carnitine and albumin levels were measured in children with protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). A total of 71 children with malnutrition were studied. The control group consisted of 20 healthy children. The mean plasma carnitine level was 78.4 +/- 1.94 nmol/ml in the control group. Marasmus and kwashiorkor patients displayed lower plasma free carnitine values, which were found to be statistically significant when compared to those of the control (P < 0.001). However, the values were significantly lower in kwashiorkor patients than in marasmic cases (29.7 > 5.46). There was no correlation between serum albumin and free carnitine levels in cases with kwashiorkor.

Carnitine↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Perforated duodenal ulcer: an unusual complication of meningitis.

An 11-month-old boy was admitted to the hospital with fever, vomiting and seizures and was diagnosed with purulent meningitis. Two days later, an acute, perforated, duodenal ulcer was detected in the patient. Surgery was performed, and the patient made an uncomplicated recovery. Peptic ulceration is underdiagnosed in children and this leads to delay in diagnosis and appropriate management. Peptic ulceration may occur during severe illness or viral infections, but perforation is rare.

Duodenal Ulcer↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Leucocyte ascorbic acid concentration and plasma ascorbic acid levels in children with various infections.

In this study leucocyte ascorbic acid concentrations and plasma ascorbic acid levels were measured simultaneously and correlation between these two variables was sought in various bacterial and viral infections. A total of 258 patients were studied. The control group consisted of 21 healthy children in the same age group. Except for scarlet fever no significant differences were observed between the patients' leucocyte ascorbic acid levels during and after the infections and also no differences were observed in leucocyte ascorbic acid levels between control's and patient's. However plasma ascorbic acid values were significantly decreased during infection in all patients. During infection ascorbic acid is utilized rapidly, and our findings seem to indicate that there is transfer of ascorbic acid from plasma to leucocytes in order to keep the leucocyte ascorbic acid levels within normal limits.

Ascorbic Acid↗
PubMedDate not supplied

High-dose intravenous immune globulin in the management of severe Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is the most common cause of acute generalized paralysis. Although the cause and pathogenesis of GBS remain unknown, there is increasing evidence to suggest that this syndrome has an immunological basis. Two children suffering from GBS were treated with high-dose intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) (1 g/kg/day over two consecutive days). Both children showed marked clinical improvement within 48 hours of the onset of treatment. It is suggested, on the basis of recent case reports, that immunoglobulins may have an important role in the treatment of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

Child↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Immune globulin treatment in intractable epilepsy of childhood.

Six children suffering from epilepsy refractory to conventional anti-convulsive therapy were treated with high-dose intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) (200 mg/kg three times per week, repeated after three weeks). In four children clinical and EEG findings markedly improved, while a partial response was noted in the other cases. These results suggest that high-dose intravenous immune globulin may have a beneficial effect in the treatment of intractable epilepsy.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Childhood achalasia.

Achalasia is a motility disorder of the esophagus characterized by absence of normal peristalsis and failure of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Among the most common clinical findings are vomiting and weight loss. Roentgenographically, a narrowed gastroesophageal junction and dilated esophagus are observed. This condition is uncommon in children. Here a seven-year old female patient with achalasia is reported.

Age of Onset↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Intravenous immunoglobulin for sepsis prevention in preterm infants.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) can prevent sepsis in premature newborn infants. The study group consisted of 80 preterm newborn infants, who were divided into two groups: 40 preterm newborns received IVIG prophylactically (group A) and the control group (group B, n = 40) did not receive IVIG. IVIG was given at a dose of 500 mg/kg to infants. weighing greater than 1500 g, and 700 mg/kg to those weighing less than 1500 g at birth on days one, two and eight of life. By two, eight and 12 days of age, the treatment group had significantly greater IgG concentrations than the control group. Mortality was 7.5 percent (3/40) in group A and 27.5 percent (11/40) in group B (p < 0.01). Bacteremia was determined in three blood cultures in group A and eight in group B, particularly S.aureus and S.enteritis.

Bacteremia↗