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Biomedical subjects

H Munitz

Publications and source records attributed to H Munitz.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

TRH stimulation test in obsessive-compulsive patients.

Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin (PRL), and growth hormone (GH) levels were measured before and after stimulation with 200 micrograms of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) in 10 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and in 10 control subjects. There were significantly more blunted TSH responses among OCD patients than control subjects. PRL and GH responses to TRH challenge did not differ between OCD patients and controls. These results may indicate dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis in OCD.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Unilateral neuroleptic-induced akathisia.

Four cases of acute unilateral neuroleptic-induced akathisia (NIA) are presented. The NIA included unilateral subjective symptoms as well as unilateral observable motor signs, and they responded favorably to either anticholinergic medication or propranolol (PPN) up to 100 mg/day. These descriptions suggest that acute NIA might sometimes be presented in an atypical hemipresentation that is highly liable to be misdiagnosed.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1990

Immunoreactive beta-endorphin, cortisol, and growth hormone plasma levels in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Basal morning plasma levels of immunoreactive-beta-endorphin (ir-beta-EP), cortisol, and growth hormone (GH) were assessed in 13 obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients in comparison to 20 healthy controls. All subjects were drug free for at least 1 year. The mean plasma level of ir-beta-EP was significantly lower (36%) in the OCD patients when compared with the control subjects. The decrease in ir-beta-EP was not accompanied by alteration in cortisol and GH plasma levels.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Trazodone treatment in clomipramine-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Trazodone (TZ) was administered to nine patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), who failed to respond to either clomipramine (CMI) or to CMI plus lithium carbonate. The group, as a whole, showed significant but mild improvement. Three patients responded very favorably to TZ. In these three responders, efficacy was substantiated by the return of the original obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms following TZ withdrawal and their amelioration after its readministration. Interestingly, the aggravation of OCD symptomatology that has been associated with a specific TZ metabolite was not observed. This study is consistent with previous reports of the anti-OC efficacy of TZ and suggests the involvement of complex serotonergic mechanisms in the pathophysiology of this disorder.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome during abrupt reduction of neuroleptic treatment.

Development of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) following discontinuation of high-dose and high-potency neuroleptic agents is described. This case, although rare and atypical, should alert clinicians to consider the possibility of NMS as a complication of abrupt neuroleptic drug withdrawal. It is suggested that dopaminergic imbalance, as opposed to excessive dopaminergic blockade, may also play a role in the precipitation of NMS.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Pseudocholinesterase in obsessive-compulsive patients.

Levels of pseudocholinesterase (PsChe) were measured in 20 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and 20 healthy volunteers. The OCD group had significantly higher PsChe serum activity than in their sex- and age-matched control group. Patients' scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HRS-A) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were not correlated with their PsChe levels. The results provide additional support for the observation of higher PsChe levels among anxiety-related psychiatric conditions. However, the relationships among anxiety, depression, and PsChe appear to be complex. The nature and implications of elevated PsChe levels are still unknown.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Religious compulsions and the spectrum concept of psychopathology.

The authors present a clinical description of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) among a unique population of patients with religious compulsions. Analysis of 2 cases demonstrates that OCD represents a psychopathological spectrum, varying along a continuum of insight and resistance. Associated clinical features together with diagnostic and treatment implications are considered.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Suicide by related kidney donors following the recipients' death.

Two cases of suicide by related kidney donors following graft rejection and the death of the recipients are reported. It is concluded that psychiatric screening of the donor before transplantation is necessary in order to obtain information about past psychopathology, ambivalence involved in donating the kidney, psychological style, characteristic defenses and behavioral repertoire used to cope with anxiety and disappointed life circumstances. The data are necessary to assess the donor's capability of accepting a possible failure of the transplantation procedure. A psychiatric evaluation after transplantation is indicated following graft rejection and death of the recipient to assess the development of depression and suicidal potential of the related donor.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1989

Mortality from neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

The authors assess the mortality from the neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) based on an exhaustive review of 202 published case reports, including a differential assessment of risk factors and protective factors. The results indicate a significant (p less than .05) decrease in mortality since 1984 (11.6% vs. 25% before 1984), which occurs independently of the therapeutic use of dopamine agonists and dantrolene. A significantly (p less than .001) lower rate of mortality from haloperidol-induced NMS (7%) and a high rate of mortality (38.5%) among patients with organic brain syndrome were also found. Myoglobinemia and renal failure are strong predictors of mortality, representing a mortality risk of approximately 50%. The authors discuss the implications of these findings.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Multiple exostosis, brain ventricular enlargement and schizophrenia.

Case histories of two family members with multiple exostosis and schizophrenia are presented. There are no previous reports of such an association. The computerized axial tomography scan revealed signs of hydrocephalus in one patient and substantial enlargement of lateral brain ventricles in the other. The mutual occurrence of all three clinical findings (multiple exostosis, ventricular brain enlargement and psychosis) in two family members may suggest a subgroup of patients who manifest schizophrenic symptomatology.

Adult↗