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Biomedical subjects

H C Kim

Publications and source records attributed to H C Kim.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources

Human immunodeficiency virus infection in sexually active wives of infected hemophilic men.

PURPOSE: Because of past multiple exposures to contaminated coagulation factor concentrates, the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among adult hemophilic men in the United States is reported to range from 75 to 90 percent. The risk of HIV transmission through a long-term monogamous heterosexual contact can be estimated by studying the spouses of hemophilic subjects since these couples generally do not abuse intravenous drugs, usually maintain stable monogamous relationships, and are usually free of other risk factors. Our purpose was to gather data on the risk of heterosexual transmission of HIV infection in the context of long-term monogamous relations according to the duration of HIV antibody seropositivity and of HIV antigenemia in HIV-infected hemophilic men, and their sexual habits. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Infection with HIV was studied in 14 sexually active spouses of infected hemophilic men who had been HIV antibody reactive for a mean of 46 +/- 23 (SD) months. One half of the hemophilic men studied had overt HIV antigenemia for a mean duration of 27 +/- 23 (SD) months; six of the men studied fulfilled clinical criteria for the diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). All 14 couples were sexually active in a strictly monogamous fashion, in marriages of 13.5 +/- 10.5 (SD) years with an average reported frequency of four sexual encounters per month (range: one to 12). Plasma samples of the hemophilic husbands were retrospectively analyzed for HIV and hepatitis B virus markers. Blood samples were obtained from female spouses on at least two occasions, six months apart. Comprehensive questionnaires regarding sexual habits and other risk factors were filled out by each couple; during this interview, the couple was counseled about safe sexual practices. None of the couples studied used condoms prior to January 1986. RESULTS: Antibodies to HIV developed in only one of the 14 wives. At the time when this seroconversion was detected, her husband, in whom AIDS developed, had been reactive for HIV antibody for 49 months, and showed positive findings for HIV antigen for 26 months. No additional risk factors were identified for this couple. The infected female spouse, however, has a 14-year history of multiple sclerosis, and had been treated with immunosuppressant intermittently. Despite a significantly reduced number of CD4 lymphocytes, she has remained clinically asymptomatic for 17 months since seroconversion. HIV antibodies did not develop in any of the 13 remaining wives, despite the frequent practice of oral sex by six couples and reports of occasional anal intercourse by another couple.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Massive intravascular hemolysis associated with intravenous immunoglobulin in bone marrow transplant recipients.

We report two group B Rho(D)-positive bone marrow transplant recipients who had sudden onset of massive intravascular hemolysis following the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (i.v. Ig). The first case developed chills and hypotension followed by hemoglobinuria with the first infusion of i.v. Ig. More severe symptoms occurred when infusion was reattempted. The second case developed hemoglobinuria without other symptomatology. In both patients, direct and indirect antiglobulin tests became positive following the use of i.v. Ig. Sera and eluates demonstrated IgG anti-B. Samples of i.v. Ig received by both patients contained both anti-B and anti-A and were incompatible with patients' red blood cells. These serologic findings indicate acute hemolysis secondary to the presence of IgG anti-B in i.v. Ig preparations.

ABO Blood-Group System↗

Recurrent strokes in two siblings with sickle-cell disease and von Willebrand's disease: implications of the role of platelets.

Antiplatelet therapy is known to be beneficial in reducing the incidence of transient ischemic attacks and cerebral infarctions in nonsickling populations. We report two siblings with homozygous sickle-disease and von Willebrand's disease who had recurrent cerebral infarctions (stokes) and transient ischemic attacks despite an inherent inhibitory platelet effect from their vWd and antiplatelet therapy. The development of stroke in patients with sickle hemoglobinopathies and the possible role of platelets and antiplatelet therapy in cerebrovascular accidents in sickle-cell anemia are discussed.

Anemia, Sickle Cell↗

Reconstructive plastic surgery in hemophiliacs.

Major surgery can be safely performed in hemophiliacs when adequate factor activity is provided, i.e., 100 percent activity perioperatively and 50 percent activity thereafter. These patients require complete hemostatic evaluation in order to properly titrate perioperative needs. The extreme cost of surgery and hospitalization mandates that, when possible, patients needing multiple procedures have them performed at the same time. A case is presented in which a paraplegic hemophiliac with extensive pressure sores underwent quadruple flaps following these tenets.

Adult↗

Natural history of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in hemophilic patients.

During the 5-year period from 1981 to 1985, we have observed 8 cases of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) among our 85 patients with hemophilia A. Thus, the prevalence of AIDS with hemophilia A is 9.4% in our patient population. By utilizing stored serum or plasma samples dating back to 1978, antibody against HTLV-III was detected in all 8 cases with AIDS. Based on the time interval from the appearance of antibody to HTLV-III to the diagnosis of AIDS in these patients, the incubation period ranged from 27 months to 60 months, with a median of 36 months. Before the diagnosis of full-blown AIDS, all patients exhibited a variety of prodromal manifestations of non-specific nature, including weight loss, oral candidiasis, unexplained non-productive chronic cough, generalized lymphadenopathy, and thrombocytopenia lasting several months to several years. Serial T-lymphocyte subset studies were available in some patients during the HTLV-III seropositive period and showed progressive lymphopenia, depletion of T4 cells with an average absolute count of 94 +/- 128 per mm3 (mean +/- 1 S.D.), and a markedly reversed T4/T8 ratio of 0.26 +/- 0.19 (mean +/- 1 S.D.). These findings suggest that the incubation period of AIDS is considerably long and that prospective study of serial immunologic markers and HTLV-III markers may be warranted in hemophilic patients at risk.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Long term follow-up of arthroscopic synovectomy for chronic hemophilic synovitis.

Recurrent hemarthrosis of the knee in hemophiliac patients leads to chronic synovitis, predisposing the joint to further hemarthroses and degeneration. Open synovectomy controls bleeding, however, significant loss of motion frequently results. We are reporting on seven patients who underwent arthroscopic synovectomy and had decreased bleeding episodes while maintaining range of motion. The seven patients had frequent recurrent hemarthroses despite medical management. All had had signs of degenerative arthritis preoperatively. Five of the seven had loss of motion. Length of follow-up averaged 4 years. Six of the seven had reduced bleeding episodes with an average of 0.22 hemarthroses per week. The seventh patient required significantly less Factor to control bleeding. No patient lost more than 10 degrees of motion. Three patients had increases in motion; two were unchanged. Radiographic progression of degenerative changes was noted in five patients, the other two were unchanged. We recommend early arthroscopic synovectomy in the treatment of recurrent hemarthrosis in hemophiliac patients.

Adolescent↗

Exocrine and endocrine stomach after gastrobulbar preserving pancreatoduodenectomy.

Exocrine and endocrine stomach was studied serially in 13 patients who had gastrobulbar preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (GPPD). In most of them, acid output temporarily increased just after operation but recovered. Gastrin response level decreased transiently but returned to the preoperative level. A negative correlation was observed between the acid and gastrin levels, which suggests that the negative feedback mechanism between parietal cells and G cells was maintained. Acid and gastrin levels in GPPD were higher than those in conventional pancreatoduodenectomy (cPD) but not remarkably different from those of the controls. No peptic ulcer was detected after the operation. These findings indicated that GPPD poses little problem concerning offensive factors. Postoperative ulcer formation is considered to be prevented by the authors' procedure, which is devised to best preserve defensive mechanisms so that duodenectomy is minimized and the gastrointestinal continuity is reconstructed physiologically from mouth to anus by end-to-end duodenoduodenestomy, end-to-side pancreatojejunostomy, and end-to-side choledochojejunostomy.

Adult↗

Paraproteinemia in patients with scleredema. Clinical findings and serum effects on skin fibroblasts in vitro.

Four patients with paraproteinemia and scleredema were studied. Histologic features included marked thickening and fibrosis of the dermis and subcutis. Variable amounts of mucin deposits were detected in the interfibrillar spaces. Serum from one patient significantly stimulated collagen production in normal skin fibroblast cultures, whereas serum from another patient stimulated collagen production in autologous cell cultures. Moreover, serum from one patient stimulated the [35S]sulfate incorporation into the fibroblasts. Circulating serum factors, possibly related to the paraprotein, may enhance the synthesis of extracellular macromolecules by dermal fibroblasts in these patients, thus providing a mechanism for dermal fibrosis.

Aged↗

Clinical trial of a new disposable bleeding-time device.

A new disposable bleeding time device (Hemalet) was tested in 20 normal individuals and 11 patients with various bleeding disorders. The results were compared with those of Simplate II. The mean bleeding time for normal individuals was 5.4 +/- 1.5 (mean +/- 1 SD) minutes by Hemalet and 5.8 +/- 1.4 (mean +/- 1 SD) minutes by Simplate II, with good correlation between the results by the two devices (r = 0.81). The bleeding time in patients with various bleeding disorders were also comparably prolonged between the two devices. The new disposable bleeding time device with a disposable blade has quick release (penetration) into skin and retraction, and offers an alternative means of a bleeding time test.

Bleeding Time↗

Effect of danazol on clotting factor levels, bleeding incidence, factor infusion requirements, and immune parameters in hemophilia.

Several recent studies have reported conflicting results on the effectiveness of danazol, an attenuated androgen, in raising plasma levels of clotting factors VIII and IX in patients with hemophilia. We undertook a randomized, double-blind cross-over trial using 8 weeks' administration of danazol (D), 600 mg/d, and 8 weeks' administration of placebo (P) separated by 2 weeks of rest in 12 patients with hemophilia A and four patients with hemophilia B. Plasma factor VIII and IX levels, frequency and type of bleeding episodes, amount of factor concentrate infused, fibrinogen, fibrinolysis assays, antithrombin III, liver function, and immune parameters were followed. During the danazol phase a minimal increase was noted in the average clotting factor levels, an increase that, although statistically significant, was of hemostatically marginal magnitude. Significant increases in protein C and plasminogen levels, however, were observed during the danazol period, suggestive of danazol-mediated enhanced fibrinolysis. Clinically, bleeding frequency was significantly increased, and more clotting factor was consumed during the danazol period. Furthermore, eight episodes of hematuria and oral mucosal bleeding was reported during the danazol phase in contrast to only one episode of hematuria during the placebo phase, consistent with an enhancement of fibrinolytic activity with danazol. We conclude that danazol does not have a hemostatically significant effect on plasma levels of factor VIII and IX but may be associated with enhancement of fibrinolytic activity, resulting in increased bleeding frequency and requiring more clotting factor infusions. Therefore, danazol is not a viable alternative in the treatment of hemophilia.

Blood Coagulation Factors↗

Cystic degeneration of thymic Hodgkin's disease following radiation therapy.

A case of thymic Hodgkin's disease presenting with an anterior mediastinal mass is reported. The mass progressively expanded in size on plain chest radiography during and following a mantle radiation therapy. A repeat computed tomographic (CT) scan of the chest in this patient revealed a cystic component to the mass, and thin-needle aspiration of the cyst led to a shrinkage of the mass. An experience in this case and review of literature suggest Hodgkin's disease involving the thymus gland frequently predisposes to cystic degeneration especially following radiotherapy, leaving a stable or progressively enlarging residual mass. A precise diagnosis of such a progressively expanding mass despite the adequate radiation therapy is crucial. CT scan of the chest in such cases and a thin-needle aspiration of the cystic mass offer precise diagnosis and may obviate the need for an open thoracotomy procedure.

Adult↗

Hypersensitivity reaction to a metabolite of cyclophosphamide.

Generalized urticaria and fever were noted in a patient with IgA (kappa) myeloma after intravenous cyclophosphamide. Intradermal skin testing revealed no reaction to cyclophosphamide and its analog, isophosphamide. However, phosphoramide mustard, a principle metabolite of cyclophosphamide, evoked an immediate wheal-and-flare response. Subsequent therapy with isophosphamide was well tolerated. These findings suggest that acute hypersensitivity reactions to cyclophosphamide are due to its metabolites and can be delineated with skin testing.

Cyclophosphamide↗