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Biomedical subjects

I J Lewis

Publications and source records attributed to I J Lewis.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Thalidomide treatment for chronic graft-versus-host disease.

The treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) may present a difficult therapeutic problem. We used thalidomide to treat six patients with severe chronic GVHD who failed to respond to standard immunosuppressive agents. Four of the six patients showed a clear response to thalidomide, with the fifth patient showing a partial response. The best results were seen in patients with chronic cutaneous GVHD. Two of the patients developed neurophysiological evidence of a peripheral neuropathy, associated with clinical signs in one patient. Measurement of thalidomide plasma levels and pharmacokinetic curves showed a significant inter-patient variation. Peak plasma levels varied from 0.47 to 1.46 micrograms/ml. Thalidomide has a role to play in the management of chronic GVHD and further studies are needed.

Adolescent↗

Progressive renal toxicity due to ifosfamide.

A prospective and follow up study of renal tubular and glomerular function in 11 children receiving ifosfamide treatment was conducted. Each child received between four and 14 courses of ifosfamide, given as a continuous infusion of 3 g/m2 over 24 hours for two or three days. Evidence of renal toxicity was seen in all patients. There was a treatment related rise in urinary tubular markers (N-acetyl-glucosaminidase and alpha 1 microglobulin). Recovery was limited, so that by the fourth course of treatment all values remained abnormal. There was an associated treatment related reduction in plasma phosphate concentration. Urinary albumin also showed a treatment related rise, but with fewer abnormal values. Electrophoresis was used to confirm tubular or glomerular patterns. Glomerular toxicity was less severe and occurred in fewer patients. The follow up study showed persistence of tubular damage in all seven patients examined, and there was evidence of glomerular damage in five of the seven children. Children receiving ifosfamide need to be carefully monitored for renal toxicity both during treatment and at follow up.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗

Continuous arteriovenous haemofiltration in the treatment of tumour lysis syndrome.

The management of tumour lysis syndrome remains problematic despite the rigorous use of preventative measures. Continuous arteriovenous haemofiltration (CAVH) is well suited to its use in both the prevention and treatment of metabolic abnormalities and renal insufficiency associated with tumour lysis. We report the successful use of CAVH in the treatment of a patient with tumour lysis syndrome.

Child↗

Thalidomide in the treatment of graft-versus-host disease.

The success of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation has been restricted by the occurrence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Attempts at prevention and treatment of GVHD have resulted in only a limited improvement and the morbidity and mortality rate remains high. Thalidomide has been known to have immunosuppressive properties for over 20 years, but it has only recently been used in GVHD. Evidence is now accumulating as to its value both in animal models, and in humans where most benefit has been seen in chronic GVHD. We report our experience using thalidomide in GVHD following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation and review the literature.

Bone Marrow Transplantation↗

Hepatic fibrosis in juvenile chronic granulocytic leukemia: an unusual finding in three cases.

We present 3 cases of juvenile chronic granulocytic leukemia in which there are histological changes in the liver of both portal and bridging fibrosis, with fibrosis around central veins, the latter being confirmed by quantitative measurement. We stress the histological differences from cirrhosis, nodular regenerative hyperplasia, and veno-occlusive disease and describe the evidence which favors an etiology from the leukemic infiltration rather than chemotherapy.

Cell Movement↗

Diarrhoea due to Cryptosporidium in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

We describe a case of recurring cryptosporidiosis during immunosuppressive treatment. The infection occurred after contact with an affected kitten and followed a less severe course than expected. After withdrawal of immunosuppressive treatment the infection resolved.

Animals↗

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia presenting with raised intracranial pressure.

A child presented with raised intracranial pressure for which no cause was established. Five months later a further cerebrospinal fluid examination showed lymphoblasts expressing the common acute lymphoblastic leukaemia phenotype. Bone marrow infiltration was not present. This case illustrates the difficulties that may be encountered in establishing the diagnosis of central nervous system leukaemia.

Child↗

Behavior of amitraz in cattle dipping baths.

The settling rates of 0.025% w/v amitraz (used as a 50% w/w active ingredient wettable powder) and lime stabiliser (0.7% Ca(OH)2) were studied in cattle dipping baths in the Tick Quarantine Area of northern New South Wales. Although lime settled more rapidly than amitraz, the rate for both decreased as the number of cattle dipped increased. After a total of 1,200 head had been dipped the settling rate during the hour following stirring was negligible, and re-stirring was not necessary within the hour following use. Baths could also be cleaned of heavy sediment by scooping without significant loss of chemicals. When the bath volume was allowed to decrease to 2,100 liters below working volume no significant changes in amitraz and Ca(OH)2 concentrations occurred. Data collected from 796 baths showed a significant concentration change of +0.00066% amitraz and -0.017% Ca (OH)2 per 1,000 head of cattle. Replenishment per 700 liters of water with 254 g amitraz was found to be in good agreement with 250 g recommended by the manufacturer, while 12.53 kg for lime was substantially more than the 10 kg recommended.

Animal Husbandry↗

Enteropathy complicating maintenance therapy in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Seven patients being treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia between March 1976 and March 1981, in accordance with Medical Research Council protocols, developed clinical malabsorption while on maintenance chemotherapy. All of them received weekly methotrexate and 6 of the 7 were given co-trimoxazole. Five patients had folate deficiency. Stopping the anti-leukaemic therapy led to a resolution of gastrointestinal symptoms. A combined effect of methotrexate and co-trimoxazole is postulated.

Adolescent↗