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Biomedical subjects

J Pach

Publications and source records attributed to J Pach.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

The evaluation of the threat of acute chemical compound poisonings among the adult inhabitants of Kraków in the years 1983 and 1993.

The aim of this study is to compare the frequency, kind and structure of acute poisonings of the Kraków residents in years 1983 and 1993. The group of 2132 people treated for acute poisonings in the year of 1983 consisted of 50.6% men and 49.4% women, in 1993 the group of 2311 patients consisted of 60.7% men and 39.3% women. The group of 154 poisoned who died at the place of accident in 1983 consisted of 89.6% men and 10.4% women, whereas in 1993 the group of 220 such cases included 83% men and 17% women. The overall coefficient of poisonings during the years compared was 36.2 for 1983 and 42.0 for 1993. The coefficient of poisonings in the years examined of 1983, 1993 were 39.4 and 50.4 for men, and respectively 33.4 and 28.0 for women. In 1983 the poisonings with drugs (40.6%) were most numerous, ethanol came second (25%). In 1993 the first place took ethanol (31.8%), the second drugs (31.3%). The number of poisonings with carbon monoxide increased from 9.87% in 1983 to 13.6% in 1993. The comparison of numbers concerning the mortality rate of the treated patients and of those who died at the place of accident prior to any treatment, shows a considerable growth in mortality rate in 1983 from 1.1% up to 7.8% and in 1993 from 0.8% to 9.4%. Such a significant growth in this mortality rate is influenced by poisoning with ethanol and carbon monoxide at the place of accident.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1995

The assessment of the condition of the liver in patients chronically exposed to mercury compounds in the place of settlement.

Problems with the assessment of organ damage caused by toxic substances in places of residence have recently appeared with increasing frequency. In spite of this there have been so far no uniform, objective research methods which could allow their accurate evaluation. This is why the attempt has been made to assess morphological and functional condition of the liver in patients chronically exposed to mercury compounds in the place of settlement. The research group consisted of 62 patients exposed to metallic mercury at a yearly rate exceeding 24 kg for average duration of 16 years. Patients with the liver or biliary tract diseases, symptoms of chronic circulatory insufficiency, Australia (HBs+) antigen carriers and alcoholics were excluded from the research group. The control group consisted of 29 males. AST and ALT activity, prothrombin level, bilirubin and protein concentration in blood serum were measured and scintigraphic and USG examinations of the liver were performed. Mercury concentrations were also established. Scintigraphic examination yielded an abnormal image of the liver in 52% of the exposed patients. The differences in frequency and intensity of scintigraphic changes in comparison with the control group were of statistical significance. No pathological changes were found in USG examination. Significantly higher ALT activity and bilirubin concentration and significantly lower total protein concentration were found in the exposed group. The correlation between the intensity of scintigraphic changes and mercury concentration were noted. Liver scintigraphic examination combined with biochemical analysis allows an assessment of the liver condition in chronic exposure to mercury compounds in the place of settlement.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Concentration of magnesium in hair of inhabitants of down-town Kraków, the protective zone of Steel-Mill "Huta im. Sendzimira" and Tokarnia village.

Concentration of magnesium in hair was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 3 groups of persons aged 48 to 79. All the participants of the study lived at least 10 years and none of them worked in industry or commerce. Their work place was in the distance less than 10 kilometers from their dwellings. The first group comprised inhabitants of the protective zone surrounding the Steel-Mill Huta im. Sendzimira, southern Poland, regarded as one of the biggest source of air, water and soil pollution. The second group constituted inhabitants of down-town Kraków (some 15 km from the steel-mill). The third group were the inhabitants of Tokarnia village with favourable microclimate. Though the concentration of magnesium in hair was similar to the one reported by other authors, it was shown that the concentration of this cation in hair was the smallest in the inhabitants of down-town Kraków and the highest in Tokarnia. The differences were statistically significant. It is postulated that magnesium hair concentration may be an easier, cheaper and less invasive indicator of body magnesium depletion.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Intermediate syndrome in acute fenitrothion poisoning.

Fenitrothion has been reported as one of the organophosphates causing so called "intermediate syndrome"--clinical entity of still unclear reasons. That is why we decided to perform a retrospective examination of oral intoxication with this compound. Clinical course of 16 cases were analysed. Clinical state on admission, AChE activity and pesticide concentration in blood were considered. Gastric lavage, atropine and oximes were included in the treatment. 6 patients died in the period of 5 to 22 days (mean 11.8) from poison intake. All 6 revealed slight signs of poisoning at the time of admission (first 24th). AChE was moderately inhibited. Patients' clinical state was deteriorating and AChE activity was decreasing during next 48 h even though oximes therapy was applied. Intubation and mechanical ventilation was required. Fenitrothion concentration in blood varied from 470 to 8350 ng/ml (mean 2823 ng/ml). In 3 fatal cases toxicological examination of autopsy tissue was done. High fenitrothion concentration was found in adipose tissue and also in the brain. In the group of 10 recovered patients "intermediate syndrome" was not observed in 3 only. AChE activity returned to normal quickly. Fenitrothion concentration ranged from 96 to 360 ng/ml (mean 202 ng/ml). In the remaining 7 clinical state became worse during next 48-72 hours after temporary improvement. Respiratory failure and increasing AChE activity inhibition were major signs. Fenitrothion concentration varied from 180 to 3020 ng/ml (mean 1690 ng/ml). AChE inhibition persisted even for 30 days from poisoning.

Acetylcholinesterase↗
PubMed1995

Acute poisonings with drugs of abuse.

The drug overdose resulting in acute intoxication diagnosed in the 106 drug abusers in period form June to December 1994. The screening drugs identification was performed using immunoassays Triage and Vitalab Eclair manufactured by MERCK. Benzodiazepines followed by barbiturates and opiods were most often the cause of acute poisonings among the adult Kraków inhabitants. The results presented indicate that only adequate clinical observation, laboratory tests performance and establishing of intoxication state (acute poisoning, chronic intoxication or withdrawal) allows a complete patient evaluation.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Limbic encephalitis].

A case of limbic encephalitis diagnosed in a 56-year-old man with small-cell lung cancer is reported. Death occurred after 6 1/2 months due to cardiorespiratory insufficiency. Psychopathology, course and diagnostic findings of the syndrome are described, and pathogenetic hypotheses are discussed.

Brain↗
PubMed1993

Altered fronto-central PINV topography and the primary negative syndrome in schizophrenia.

Postimperative negative variation (PINV) was recorded during a warned reaction time paradigm in 16 chronic DSM-IIIR schizophrenics in remission. Clinical symptoms were assessed by BPRS, SANS and the anhedonia scale of the Chapman Questionnaire. Ten healthy controls were studied in the same manner. Over the fronto-central area we found a significantly elevated PINV amplitude with an altered topographical distribution in the patient group. The difference values 'PINV Cz-PINV Fz' were correlated negatively with primary negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Postimperative negative variation and skin conductance response in chronic DSM-III-R schizophrenia.

The hypothesis was tested that there are relationships between schizophrenic negative or deficit symptoms, the skin conductance nonresponding and an elevated amplitude of the postimperative negative variation (PINV). These variables were recorded in 16 chronic schizophrenics and 10 healthy controls. Clinical symptoms were assessed by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms, Frankfurt Complaint Questionnaire 3 and Chapman Questionnaire. In the patient group we found a significantly elevated PINV at Fz. Surprisingly, only one patient was a skin conductance nonresponder. PINV amplitude at Fz and the number of skin conductance responses to habituation were not correlated with negative or deficit symptoms inclding anhedonia. The hypothesis thus had to be rejected.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Comparison of results derived from follow-up examination of respiratory systems in chosen groups of metallurgists.

In a 16.5-year follow-up study of the steel industry we investigated the relation of chronic occupational exposure to the changes of ventilatory efficiency and to the frequency of chronic bronchitis (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease--COPD) in a group of 65 men working in the harmful environment of a Coking Plant (CP). The reference group comprised 34 employees of Cold Rolling Mill (CRM) working in favorable hygienic conditions. The faster decline of VC and FEV1 were noted in the group of CP in comparison to the control group. Also the frequency of pathologic values of RT was significantly higher (p < or = 0.001) in the exposed group. The incidence of COPD increased more in the group of CP than in the group of rollers. No differences in the annual decline of FEV1 and VC between smokers and nonsmokers from CP were noted, while in the group of men working in favorable environmental conditions the differences between smoking categories were significant. It suggests that the impact of occupational exposure is so powerful that it can mask the unfavorable influence of cigarette smoking on the ventilatory function of men working in a Coking Plant.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Evaluation of respiratory function in coke plant workers. I. Analysis of absenteeism].

The analysis of sick-levels of all employees of Nowa Huta Steel-Mill, including coke plant workers was performed. Disablement for work on account of different diseases, expressed per hundred of employees, and dynamics of absence in period from 1986-1988 years was presented on a background of general national work-absenteeism due to diseases. Disablement for work in Nowa Huta Steel-Mill, particularly in the coke division was higher than in the general population. The diseases of airways had the highest contribution to the coefficient of morbidity.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed1990

[Evaluation of respiratory function in coke workers. II: Influence of 8 hour exposure on ventilation efficiency].

The functional status of airways was estimated in 2 groups of workers of Nowa Huta Steel-Mill--55 employees of coke division and 54 men working in the moulding metal channel division. Industrial pollution in these divisions highly exceeded hygienic standards. In the coke plant SO2 and NOx--irritants of respiratory tract were present. Determinations of respiratory parameters (FVC, FEV1, Raw and FEF25/75) were performed before and after work-shift. Excessive spastic reaction of respiratory tract defined by 20% decrease of FEV1 and FEF25/75 with simultaneous increase of Raw after the work-shift was found only in the group of coke plant workers. The excessive spastic reaction was observed in some workers with obturation diagnosed before shift and also in approximately 10% of "healthy" population.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Acute poisoning by carbon monoxide from personal examinations 1966-1985].

Acute poisoning by carbon monoxide (CO) in Kraków takes the third place after drug and alcohol poisoning. When natural gas came into use, the incidence of acute CO poisoning decreased profoundly. But mortality rate of this poisoning can still tell how severe it is. The authors presented the relation between the incidence rate, complications and mortality rate of CO poisoning and the source of this gas emission. 243 subjects were treated in the intensive Toxicological Care Unit from 1966 to 1985, and during the first 10 years lighting gas was the main cause of the poisoning but during the second the poisoning was mainly caused by CO produced by incomplete combustion of some components of natural gas. This 20-year period was characterized by routine treatment. The change of CO emission source introduced in 1976 had not radical statistical influence on the clinical picture, complications, mortality of CO poisoning.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

[Specific anesthetic procedures in acute poisoning].

The decline of mortality rate in acute poisoning is connected with a completely altered method of treatment, namely the method of intensive treatment and extracorporeal elimination of the poisons. The anaesthetist plays a specific role in the treatment of acute poisoning since he cooperates with toxicologist and takes active part both in reanimation and intensive treatment of the poisoned. Anaesthetic procedure in toxicology is used as causal therapy and the part it plays is specific especially in extracorporeal elimination of the poison from the body. The authors of these studies discussed the methods of anaesthetic treatment in acute poisoning and presented its dynamic use in the period from 1966 to 1937 in the Toxicological Clinic of the Medical Academy in Kraków.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1990

[Ultrasonographic examinations of the liver in poisoning with Amanita Phalloides].

11 persons poisoned by Amanita phalloides with a clinical picture of the Amanita phalloides syndrome of various gravity were subjected to ultrasonographic tests of the liver. A group of the sick had control test after they had been cured. In ultrasonographic pictures the size of the organ, the changes of the structure and the vascular picture and the dynamics of the changes in connection with the clinical picture and the results of the biochemical tests were estimated. The ultrasonographic changes are not symptomatic for Amanita phalloides poisoning, but similarly to scintigraphic test of the liver they may serve as an exemplification of the morphological changes of the organ and the estimation of the dynamics of changes. Ultrasonographic tests, in case of Amanita phalloides poisoning, should be treated as complementary, providing an insight into the liver structure, without being detrimental to the patient.

Adult↗