Biomedical subjects

F Vergara

Publications and source records attributed to F Vergara.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1991

[Clinical and legal aspects of brain death criteria: evaluation of the degree of knowledge of neurologists and neurosurgeons].

The level of knowledge of clinical and legal aspects of brain death criteria was tested in 25 neurologists and 15 neurosurgeons. The answers were wrong or the questionnaire had not been responded in 36.9% of the cases. The highest percentage of mistakes concerned the apnea test and what Chilean law said regarding brain death. No differences were found between neurologists and neurosurgeons. Physicians with less than 10 years were better informed than those with more than 10 years of medical practice (p < 0.005). Although brain death as a criterion of death is accepted by Chilean law in order to donate organs for transplantation, a considerable percentage of physicians (30%) rejected this concept. The significant lack of knowledge found in this study may suggest that brain death diagnosis is being inadequately performed in many cases. This fact raises important medical, ethical and legal considerations.

Brain Death↗

PubMed1991

[Porphyria induced by valproic acid: clinical case].

A 47 year-old woman with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy received anticonvulsant therapy with valproate, 200 mg 4 times a day. Severe abdominal pain and vomiting developed 3 days after initiation of therapy, and she became comatose requiring artificial ventilation. Increased urinary output of delta-amino-levulinic acid (48 uM/24 hr, 8 times normal) and porphobilinogen (9 uM/24 hr, twice normal) were demonstrated. Complete recovery took place 5 days after discontinuation of valproate.

Female↗

PubMed1990

Immunosuppressive properties of human follicular fluid.

Human preovulatory follicular fluids (FF) obtained in the course of stimulated cycles were analyzed for their possible immunologic functions. Different concentrations of FF (20%, 2%, 1%) inhibited the mitogenic response of normal human lymphocytes to concanavalin A (Con A). Lymphocytes were assessed for immunosuppressor activity after preincubation with FF. Lymphocyte mitogenic response to Con A was only suppressed by cells preincubated with FF at concentrations of 2% and 1% for at least 48 hours. No evidence of suppressor cell induction was seen following incubation of lymphocytes with 20% FF, nor was any significant relationship between FF immunosuppressor activity and the outcome of in vitro fertilization observed. We conclude that some factor(s) in FF may be capable of directly inhibiting lymphocyte response and inducing immunosuppressor cell activity in vitro.

Body Fluids↗

PubMed1990

[Chronic inhalation of organic solvents and neuropathy. Clinical case].

A young man had indulged in chronic solvent vapor abuse for 14 years. After an abstinence period of 4 months, neurological evaluation showed distal limb weakness, predominantly of the lower extremities, and moderate loss of reflexes. Sensory signs were absent. Electromyographic evidence of chronic partial denervation was shown. Maximal motor conduction velocities were reduced and distal motor and sensory latencies were increased, presumably because of secondary demyelinating changes. CT revealed diffuse atrophy of cerebral hemispheres, however the mental status of the patients was judged normal. Thus, chronic exposure to solvent vapor may cause peripheral nervous system impairment without evidence of clinical effects on the central nervous system.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

[Lymphomatoid granulomatosis: a clinical case].

A 49 year old woman with a fluctuating painful ophthalmoplegia and a history of polyarthralgia is reported. On examination, additional findings included a maxillary subcutaneous infiltration, sphenoidal sinusitis and pulmonary nodes. Lung and sinus biopsy demonstrated findings compatible with lymphomatoid granulomatosis. The patient was treated with prednisone and cyclophosphamide, with good response of neurological and dermatological findings.

Female↗

PubMed1989

Luteal cytoplasmic estradiol and progesterone receptors in human endometrium: in vitro fertilization and normal cycles.

Luteal cytoplasmic estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) receptor levels were measured from the 22nd to the 25th days of the menstrual cycle in endometrial samples obtained from seven patients in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) program who received no embryo replacement after ovarian stimulation with clomiphene citrate/human menopausal gonadotropin/human chorionic gonadotropin, and from seven normally menstruating women. Serum levels of E2, P, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin (PRL) were measured in blood samples collected at the time of biopsy. The E2 (P less than 0.01) and PRL (P less than 0.001) levels were higher in stimulated than in spontaneous cycles. The level of cytoplasmic P receptor was decreased in endometrium in stimulated cycles, but cytoplasmic E2 receptor remained unchanged. These alterations in the luteal phase of cytoplasmic P receptor in the endometrium could be involved in the low rate of success following the IVF program.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

[Differential diagnosis of headache and facial pain].

Headache and facial pain are frequent complaints. The underlying process is most often benign but serious conditions may be present requiring an urgent diagnostic approach. A careful history including psychologic evaluation and a meticulous neurologic examination are essential for an adequate selection of complementary laboratory testing.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

PubMed1988