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G Klinger

Publications and source records attributed to G Klinger.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Ocular toxicity and antenatal exposure to chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine for rheumatic diseases.

Chronic use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine inthe treatment of rheumatic disease carries a small risk of sight-threatening pigmentary retinopathy. To obtain safety data for its use in pregnancy, we did ophthalmic examinations in 21 children born to women who took these drugsduring pregnancy. Average daily maternal doses of the two drugs were 317 mg hydroxychloroquine and 332 mg chloroquine. The mean duration of gestational exposure was 7.2 months. No ophthalmic abnormality was detected in these children. Therapeutic use of these drugs during pregnancy may not pose a significant risk of ocular toxicity to offspring.

Antirheumatic Agents↗
PubMed2001

Prognostic value of EEG in neonatal bacterial meningitis.

The contribution of electroencephalogram (EEG) findings early in the course of neonatal bacterial meningitis to the prediction of severe adverse outcome was assessed in a retrospective cohort study. Infants had known outcomes to 1 year of age and an EEG performed during the first week of illness. EEGs were subclassified as follows: overall EEG description, background activity, presence of positive rolandic sharp waves, presence of seizure activity, and presence of focal abnormal activity. EEG patterns predictive of severe adverse outcome were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. Of 101 infants admitted with bacterial meningitis, 37 had an EEG performed. Of the 37 infants, 21 had adverse outcomes; nine infants died, and 12 infants had moderate or severe disability. EEG background activity and overall EEG description were identified as predictors of adverse outcome; multivariate analysis indicated that the latter was a stronger predictor (sensitivity 88%, specificity 90%). Infants with normal or mildly abnormal EEGs had good outcomes whereas those with moderate to markedly abnormal EEGs died or survived with adverse outcome. The accuracy of predictions increased when EEGs were repeated. In a high-risk population of infants with bacterial meningitis, moderate-to-markedly abnormal EEG reliably predicts adverse outcome.

Brain Damage, Chronic↗
PubMed2001

Altered chemotactic behavior of crevicular PMNs in different forms of periodontitis.

BACKGROUND, AIMS: Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) are the predominant host defence cells in the gingival sulcus. Previous work demonstrates that the in vitro phagocytosis of crevicular cells in localised early onset periodontitis (LEOP) and generalised early onset periodontitis (GEOP) lesions is diminished. The present study extends this work by characterizing the chemotaxis function of crevicular fluid (CF) PMNs in various forms of periodontitis. METHODS: We investigated 7 patients with LEOP, 11 patients with GEOP, 12 patients with adult periodontitis (AP) and 2 age- and sex-matched healthy control groups. The two deepest sites of each quadrant in test and control subjects were selected for crevicular sampling. Chemotaxis was performed in a micro chamber (moist atmosphere, 5% CO2, 37 degrees C, 30 min) using N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP, 1 x 10(-7) mol FMLP/l) as a chemoattractant. The total chemotaxis was defined as the difference between the number of cells migrating towards FMLP minus the number of cells migrating towards PBS, counted in 20 randomly selected fields. Membranes were examined microscopically at 400 x magnification. RESULTS: The chemotactic activity in the adult periodontitis group was significantly higher compared to the age-related control group. However, we found a statistically significant reduction of chemotactic activity in LEOP and GEOP patients compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate an increase of chemotactic activity from CF-PMN in patients with adult periodontitis, but on the other hand, a significant reduction of chemotactic responsiveness of these cells in LEOP and GEOP lesions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

A 2-step non-surgical procedure and systemic antibiotics in the treatment of rapidly progressive periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: In the last few years knowledge about periodontal infections has increased enormously, nevertheless practitioners are still seeking guidelines for suitable treatment concepts. METHODS: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of doxycycline, metronidazole, and clindamycin used adjunctively in a 2-step nonsurgical procedure in patients with rapidly progressive periodontitis (RPP). The first step included scaling, root planing, and polishing (SRP) in each quadrant using 4 to 5 visits. The second step included full-mouth enhanced root planing (RP) and wound dressing in 1 or 2 visits after SRP and the beginning of antibiotic therapy. Forty-eight patients (mean age 32.4 years) with generalized RPP, with an average of 16 sites with probing depths (PD) deeper than 8 mm, and high counts of Porphyromonas gingivalis were randomly assigned to 4 different groups: group 1 (doxycycline) n = 12, group 2 (metronidazole) n = 15, group 3 (clindamycin) n = 11, and group 4 (control group; no antibiotic treatment) n = 10. Clinical evaluations, including plaque index (PI), sulcus bleeding index (SBI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bacteriological and crevicular cell sampling, were done at baseline (BL), 3 weeks after SRP, and 6 and 24 months after RP. RESULTS: After the first step (SRP), we observed an improvement of PI and SBI in all 4 groups, but did not see any statistically significant PD reduction 3 weeks after SRP compared to baseline. However, 6 and 24 months after the second step (RP) we observed a significantly greater reduction of PD in groups 2 and 3 and a significantly greater CAL gain in comparison to groups 1 and 4. After 24 months, the attachment level gain in group 1 and group 4 was less than 1.5 mm, and less than 1.0 mm in PD site categories 6 to 9 mm and >9 mm. PI showed no significant difference between the groups throughout the period after SRP until 24 months, compared to 3 weeks after SRP. SBI decreased most in the metronidazole and clindamycin groups. P. gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans were almost completely eradicated in these 2 groups 24 months after RP. In addition, the phagocytotic capacity of crevicular polymorphonuclear neutrophils was increased in groups 2 and 3 after the second step. CONCLUSIONS: The present results show that metronidazole and clindamycin are effective antibiotics when used adjunctively in a 2-step nonsurgical procedure of scaling and root planing in RPP patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Non-protein bound dienogest in serum and salivary dienogest in women taking the oral contraceptives Certostat and Valette.

Dienogest (17 alpha-cyanomethyl-17-hydroxy-4,9-estradien-3-one) is the progestagen component of the oral contraceptives Certostat and Valette. In contrast to other 19-norsteroid progestagens like levonorgestrel, norethisterone, gestodene and 3-ketodesogestrel, dienogest does not bind to sexual hormone binding globulin (SHBG). The absent binding to SHBG results in a high portion of free, non-protein bound dienogest in serum. In female volunteers taking the oral contraceptives Certostat and Trisiston, the part of non-protein bound dienogest and levonorgestrel, respectively, in serum was determined by the method of centrifugal ultrafiltration. The portion of free dienogest was found to be 9.55 +/- 0.95% (m +/- SD, n = 13) of total serum dienogest. Free levonorgestrel constituted 0.97 +/- 0.14% (n = 12) of total serum levonorgestrel. In an investigation with 47 female volunteers taking Certostat, serum total dienogest was quantified by a specific radioimmunoassay and free dienogest in serum by centrifugal ultrafiltration. In the serum samples with dienogest concentrations in the range of 4.1-57.7 ng/ml, the part of free, non-protein bound dienogest was found to be 8.90 +/- 0.54% of serum total dienogest. There is a high correlation between serum total dienogest and free dienogest (r = 0.989). In another investigation with 20 female volunteers taking the contraceptive Valette, serum total dienogest and salivary dienogest were quantified by radioimmunoassay and free dienogest in serum by centrifugal ultrafiltration. In the serum samples with dienogest concentrations in the range of 7.5-50.6 ng/ml, the part of free, non-protein bound dienogest was 8.78 +/- 0.77% of serum total dienogest. Salivary dienogest constituted 7.99 +/- 0.94% of serum total dienogest showing a high correlation with serum free dienogest (r = 0.953) and serum total dienogest (r = 0.958). The high portion of non-protein bound compound in serum is a characteristic pharmacokinetic feature of dienogest.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Adjuvant antibiotic therapy as a 2-step treatment concept in early-onset periodontitis: a strategy for eradication of bacteria that cause periodontitis].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The periodontal region is a source of gram-negative bacterial infection. The pathogens involved have recently also been demonstrated in atheromatous plaques. They may increase the risk of myocardial infarction. In this study a strategy for eradicating periodontal bacteria and thus healing in patients with periodontal pockets and advanced destruction of alveolar bone was examined. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Initial periodontal status was documented in 36 patients with periodontitis (24 women, 12 men) who were then randomly assigned to one of three groups. Those in two of the groups were given either metronidazole or doxycycline orally as adjuvant treatment, while the third group received no antibiotics. Patients in all groups were treated according to a two-step procedure. In step 1, extensive supra- and subgingival plaques and concrements were removed. In step 2, root debridement and/or closed curettage of all pockets was undertaken in one visit, and the antibiotic given to the patients in groups 1 and 2. Results were assessed 3 weeks after the first step and 6 months, 2 and 4 years after step 2. RESULTS: The initial examination at 3 weeks revealed significant changes in all three groups with regard to the incidence of plaque and sulcus bleeding, but not regarding probing depth and attachment level. However, there were significant changes in probing depth and attachment level in all groups after step 2. Periodontal attachment was significantly improved at 2 and 4 years in the patients on metronidazole, but not those on doxycycline or no antibiotics. The greatest decrease in bleeding tendency was recorded in the metronidazole group. This group also had the greatest gain of new alveolar bone compared with the other two groups. Complete eradication of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus (Hemophilus) actinomycetemcomitans, important pathogenic bacteria that may have an atherogenic action, was obtained only in patients on metronidazole. CONCLUSION: The tissue-sparing two-step procedure brought about good clinical and radiological results, which can be significantly bettered by the addition of metronidazole, achieving eradication of pathogens involved in periodontal disease.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2000

Effects of two oral contraceptives on plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and growth hormone (hGH).

UNLABELLED: In 18 healthy women, the effect of two oral contraceptives (OCs) on insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) and its binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and growth hormone (hGH) plasma level were studied before and after intake of either of two OC formulations over 21 days, one containing 2 mg dienogest and 0.03 mg ethinylestradiol (group A) and the other 0.125 mg levonorgestrel and 0.03 mg ethinylestradiol (group B). There was a reduction of the mean IGF-I concentration of 30% (p = 0.008) in the women receiving dienogest-containing pills and 12% (p = 0.006) in women taking the levonogestrel-containing preparation. This difference between drug groups was statistically significant (p = 0.002). A correlation between the control values and the basal-treatment difference (r = 0.945; p = 0.000) was observed only in women of group A. Between basal and treatment cycles the mean plasma levels of hGH remained unchanged in both groups tested, but the 23.5-h integrated mean hGH plasma concentrations (AUC(0-23.5h)) were significantly elevated by 36% (p = 0.016) in comparison to basal values before treatment only in women receiving the levonorgestrel-containing pills. Also, in the women who received the dienogest-containing preparation, the changes of integrated mean plasma level were inversely associated with the control values (r = -0.723; p = 0.025). Neither in group A nor in group B was the mean plasma level of IGFB-3 changed. IN CONCLUSION: the results of the present analysis indicate that hormonal contraceptives can modulate the GH and IGF-I-axis in the reproductive age. Probably the androgenic progestogen levonorgestrel (0.125 mg/day) opposes the estrogen-induced action. In the women who took the dienogest-containing formulations (anti-androgenic progestogen-group A), the extent of individual changes (hGh and IGF-I) depends on the basal level prior to pill intake. Further studies, especially of long-term intake of OCs, are necessary to confirm these results and to assess the practical relevance for possible effects on connective tissue and bone.

Contraceptive Agents, Female↗
PubMed2000

Severe aortic thrombosis in the neonate--successful treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin: two case reports and review of the literature.

Small- to moderate-sized aortic thrombi in the sick newborn are frequently demonstrated, however, severe aortic thrombosis is rarely encountered. We report two newborn infants presenting with signs of decreased lower limb perfusion shortly after birth. An occlusive infrarenal aortic thrombus was demonstrated in both infants by ultrasound. No predisposing condition for thrombosis could be found in the first infant; in the second, an umbilical arterial catheter was the likely cause. The infants were successfully treated with low-molecular-weight heparin. In both infants resolution of the thrombus was observed by ultrasound. No complications of treatment were encountered. The clinical spectrum of neonatal aortic thrombosis and treatment options are reviewed.

Anticoagulants↗
PubMed2000

Predicting the outcome of neonatal bacterial meningitis.

OBJECTIVE: To build predictive models of severe adverse outcome at various times in the course of neonatal bacterial meningitis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study with follow-up to a minimum age of 1 year of term and near-term infants, admitted between 1979 and 1998 to a regional tertiary care center. Predictors of adverse outcome detectable at 1 year of age (death or moderate or severe neurosensory impairment) were identified by univariate analysis. Independent predictors of adverse outcome were identified by multivariate analysis. Predictive tree models were constructed at 12, 24, 48, and 96 hours after admission and at discharge. RESULTS: Of 101 infants admitted with definitive bacterial meningitis, 13 died and 17 had moderate or severe disability at 1 year of age. Outcomes are known for all patients, to 1 year of age. Twelve hours after admission the important predictors of adverse outcome were presence of seizures, presence of coma, use of inotropes, and leukopenia (sensitivity: 68%; specificity: 100%). At 96 hours the predictors were seizure duration of >72 hours, presence of coma, use of inotropes, and leukopenia (sensitivity: 88%; specificity: 99%). CONCLUSIONS: Most infants at risk for adverse outcome can be identified within 12 hours of admission. Duration of seizures for >72 hours, presence of coma, use of inotropes, and leukopenia were the most important predictors of adverse outcome. Although these models have good predictive accuracy, they need to be validated in a contemporary cohort in large multicenter studies.

Humans↗
PubMed2000

A comparative study of the effects of two oral contraceptives containing dienogest or desogestrel on the human immune system.

The effects of two oral contraceptive combinations, dienogest 2.0 mg plus ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg (Valette) and desogestrel 0.15 mg plus ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg (Lovelle), on the human immune system were compared over one treatment cycle of 31 patients (n = 15 and n = 16, respectively). Lovelle but not Valette significantly increased the numbers of lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes. Valette decreased CD4 lymphocytes after 10 days' treatment; Lovelle had the opposite effect. Lovelle increased CD19 and CD23 after 21 days' treatment. Phagocytic activity was unaffected by either treatment. After 10 days' treatment, both contraceptives reduced serum IgA, IgG and IgM, which remained lowered at day 21 with Lovelle but returned to baseline with Valette. Secretory IgA was unaffected by either contraceptive. Neither treatment affected levels of interleukins, except for a significant difference between the treatment groups for interleukin-6 after 10 days' treatment that disappeared after 21 days' treatment. Levels of non-immunoglobulin serum components fluctuated; macroglobulin was increased with Valette. However, total protein and albumin levels were reduced more with Lovelle than with Valette. Complement factors also fluctuated. There was no evidence for any sustained immunosuppression with either Valette or Lovelle.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Antenatal phenobarbital for prevention of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants.

QUESTION: One of my patients, a 36-year-old, who has had three pregnancies and two live births, delivered her third baby at 32 weeks' gestation. Her first pregnancy was complicated by premature labour, which led to delivery at 30 weeks' gestation. She received antenatal phenobarbital before the first delivery because it was considered proven therapy for preventing intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants. I would like to know why it is no longer routinely used. ANSWER: Cumulative results from recent studies have failed to confirm the initial impression of effectiveness of antenatal phenobarbital. It is no longer recommended when preterm delivery is anticipated.

Cerebral Hemorrhage↗
PubMed2000

Controversies in antenatal corticosteroid treatment.

QUESTION: I am following up a former preterm infant, born at 29 weeks' gestation after premature labour. This infant had a relatively benign hospital course and when discharged was not thought to have any complications of prematurity. Despite this, at 1 year old his neurologic examination is abnormal: head circumference is on the 3rd percentile for age (weight on the 25th percentile), and he has increased tone in his lower legs and a moderate developmental delay. His discharge letter indicated that he was exposed antenatally to many doses of dexamethasone. Could this have adversely influenced his neurologic outcome? ANSWER: Antenatal steroids are proven therapy for preventing respiratory distress syndrome and decrease both morbidity and mortality associated with prematurity. Use of multiple doses of antenatal steroids might adversely affect neurologic outcome. There is insufficient evidence to support routine use of multiple doses of antenatal steroids when delivery of a preterm infant is anticipated.

Betamethasone↗
PubMed2000

Influence of sexual steroids on cell functions of PMNL in the gingival sulcus.

Clinical experience confirms the influence of sexual steroids on the periodont under several clinical conditions. The mechanisms of the noticed effects are not all completely understood. In this paper, phagocytes from gingival crevice fluid of 39 patients with different forms of periodontitis and 18 healthy persons without periodontal disease were examined. Phagocytic activity was assessed in vitro. Simultaneously to phagocytic examination, 17 beta-estradiol or dienogest were added to the samples in different concentrations, in order to see whether a difference existed between phagocytosis in the presence or absence of sexual steroids. Phagocytosis was significantly reduced in patients with periodontitis. It was found that phagocytosis was raised significantly by 13% in the group with periodontal disease under the influence of 17 beta-estradiol. The administration of dienogest did not change the phagocytosis capacity significantly. In the healthy group, neither addition of 17 beta-estradiol nor addition of dienogest caused any difference.

Candida albicans↗
PubMed1999

Parenteral selenium supplementation in extremely low birth weight infants: inadequate dosage but no correlation with hypothyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: Selenium is an essential trace element, known to be important in thyroid metabolism. We speculated that parenteral selenium supplementation is inadequate in preterm infants and may contribute to the development of hypothyroidism. STUDY DESIGN: Serum selenium and thyroid function were evaluated on day 10 of life in extremely low birth weight infants. Selenium intake provided by parenteral nutrition was prospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Selenium intake was close to the recommended 2 micrograms/kg per day. Serum selenium values were 0.54 +/- 0.13 microM (mean +/- SD, n = 29). Selenium serum levels were low in 26 of 29 infants. In infants with subnormal serum selenium levels, free T4 was transiently low in 10 of 26 infants but was normal in 16 of 26 infants. No significant correlation was found between serum selenium levels and hypothyroidism. CONCLUSION: Current selenium supplementation guidelines may be inadequate in extremely low birth weight infants. However, selenium deficiency does not seem to play a major role in neonatal hypothyroidism.

Birth Weight↗
PubMed1998

Adams-Oliver syndrome: autosomal recessive inheritance and new phenotypic-anthropometric findings.

We describe a new family with Adams-Oliver syndrome. One sib had scalp aplasia cutis congenita (SACC) and cutis marmorata and a second sib had SACC, cutis marmorata, and terminal lower limb defects. In both the findings were associated with oligohydramnios. The pedigree suggests autosomal recessive inheritance. New phenotypic-anthropometric findings in one infant were upper limb micromelia and brachypodia.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed1998

Influence of hormonal contraceptives on microbial flora of gingival sulcus.

To determine a possible influence of two different hormonal contraceptives on bacterial microflora of gingival sulcus, subgingival plaque samples of 29 healthy women aged between 20 and 32 years were investigated bacteriologically before subjects took a contraceptive and 10 and 20 days after subjects started the medication. In 14 women, and oral contraceptive containing 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg desogestrel (preparation A) was used, and 15 women took a contraceptive containing 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and 2.00 mg dienogest (preparation B) daily over 21 days. There were no changes in clinical parameters of the teeth investigated during 3 weeks of the study. The periodontopathogenic bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans were never detected throughout the study. On the other hand, the periodontopathogenic species Prevotella intermedia was found in plaque samples of 22 women. The content of this microorganism showed only a little change between the pretreatment period and plaque sampling after 10 days of contraceptive treatment, but a striking increase occurred after 20 days of contraceptive treatment, especially in the preparation A group. In this respect, there was a significant difference between preparations A and B.

Adult↗