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Biomedical subjects

K Simon

Publications and source records attributed to K Simon.

211 records · Page 12Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

HBV-DNA level in blood serum as a predictor of good response to therapy with interferon-alpha-2b of patients with chronic hepatitis B.

The prevalence of hepatitis B infection in population in Poland is low and averages 1-1.5%. However, it means that about 380,000 Poles constantly or temporarily replicate HBV. Chronic HBV infection is associated with increased risk of serious liver diseases and it is estimated that 25-40% of patients with chronic hepatitis B will die prematurely of cirrhosis or primary liver cancer. Up to the present, interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), with low response rate between 25-55% and some limitations of therapy, has been the only available treatment for chronic hepatitis B. A favorable outcome of IFN-alpha therapy is associated with some prognostic factors, not accepted by all investigators, such as low level of HBV-DNA in serum. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of therapy with IFN-alpha 2b (Intron A), administered s.c. 5 MU x 3/week for 16 weeks, in 65 patients with chronic hepatitis B, divided into groups according to the baseline HBV-DNA level. Except for serum HBV-DNA level, there were no demographical and biochemical differences between all the treated groups. The patients were followed-up for 12 months. Sustained response (SR) to the therapy (defined as ALAT normalization, loss of detectable HBV-DNA, seroconversion HBeAg to anti-HBeAg and improvement in liver histology) was observed in 16 (57.14%) of patients in the group with HBVDNA level < 1000 pg/ml, in 6 (37.5%) with HBV-DNA level of 1001-3000 pg/ml, in 4 (28.57%) with HBV-DNA level of 3001-5000 pg/ml and only in 2 (28.57%) of patients in group with HBVDNA level > 5000 pg/ml. We conclude that IFN-alpha is particularly useful in therapy of patients with chronic hepatitis B with low levels of HBV-DNA. The baseline HBVDNA level < 1000 pg/ml in serum is the predictor of good response to IFN-alpha therapy.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Influence of bile on the severity of acute experimental pancreatitis induced by closed duodenal loop in rat.

The study was performed to assess the ethiological role of bile in acute pancreatitis provoked by closed duodenal loop in rat. In group I a closed duodenal loop was created by method of Nevalainen. A similar operation was performed in group II, but the common pancreatico-biliary duct was ligated just under the liver. In the control group (group C) only the mobilization of duodenum was performed. After 24 hours the mortality rate was 20% in group I, but 0% in group II and C. The amount of ascitic fluid showed significant elevation in group I versus II and group C, and in group II as compared to group C, too. The serum amylase was significantly higher in group I than group II and group C, and in group II was also higher as compared to group C. Serum total protein differed significantly between all groups, while albumin and total calcium were significantly lower in group I than group II, but group II was only slightly reduced versus group C. Histology showed no differences between groups I and II, but both differed significantly from group C. In conclusion bile seems to be an aggressive factor in pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis induced by closed duodenal loop in rat, but other factors may play more important roles.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Plasmapheresis in the treatment of hepatic coma complicating viral hepatitis].

Therapeutic plasmaphereses using CS 3000 Fenwal Cell Separator were performed in 4 women and 2 men, aged between 17 and 44 years, with hepatic coma complicating acute viral hepatitis type B. One to four plasma exchanges per patient were performed, usually at the volume of 3000 ml per procedure. Two patients at II and IVa period of the coma, according to Aboun classification, survived. Four patients at II, III and two at III/IV period of the coma died. The authors suggest that in some cases exchange of large volumes of plasma in the treatment of hepatic coma complicating acute viral hepatitis may be a lifesaving procedure.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The activity of alpha-amylase and gamma-amylase in serum and pancreatic homogenate of rats with experimental liver damage treated with colchicine.

In connection with extending the therapeutic application of colchicine to include its use in the treatment of liver fibrosis in cirrhosis and possible harmful effects of this drug on other organs, the pancreas in particular, the authors studied this problem experimentally. For this purpose a model of experimental cirrhosis in rats produced with chronic administration of carbon tetrachloride was used, and in the third and ninth months of the experiment the activity of alpha-amylase and gamma-amylase was determined in the serum and pancreatic homogenate. The results did not show any unfavourable effect of colchicine administered in their therapeutic doses for long time periods on the pancreas in experimental rats and in healthy controls.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Emergency management of tracheal stenosis. Retrograde tracheal bougienage.

A new technique for immediate though temporary relief of airway obstruction due to tracheal stenosis is described. Introduction of a small gauge cuffed endotracheal tube past the stenotic segment, followed by repeated withdrawal with the cuff inflated, allows for effective and safe retrograde bougienage. Airway patency is maintained throughout. Following this procedure introduction of an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy cannula is facilitated and definitive surgery can be planned.

Emergencies↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Activity of angiotensin converting enzyme I and levels of acid alpha glycoprotein in selected liver and biliary tract diseases].

Differential value of ACE activity and acid alpha 1-glycoprotein was evaluated in the selected liver and biliary tract diseases. The study involved 75 patients divided into 4 subgroups, according to the character of their disease: patients with the acute viral hepatitis, chronic viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and cholelithiasis. It was found that ACE activity was significantly increased in all pathologies involving liver parenchyma, and normal in patients with extrahepatic cholestasis. It was also shown that simultaneous assays of ACE and acid < alpha 1-glycoprotein may serve as a sensitive test differentiating jaundice in parenchymal hepatic diseases from that in the course of extrahepatic pathology.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The place of fibronectin in hepatologic diagnosis].

In the paper the structure, place od synthesis and biological role of fibronectin in human organism are discussed, and the value of plasma fibronectin (FN) concentration determination in the diagnosis of chronic hepatic diseases, including hepatic fibrosis, was critically evaluated. Simultaneously, the view is presented that the determination of FN concentration in peritoneal fluid, as well the determination of amount and location of FN in the hepatic tissue should be a routine element of hepatological diagnosis.

Ascitic Fluid↗