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Biomedical subjects

M Adler

Publications and source records attributed to M Adler.

At least 271 records · Page 15Linked to original sources

Hürthle cell carcinoma of the thyroglossal duct.

A thyroglossal duct cyst is an embryologic remnant that often manifests as a swelling in the midline of the neck. The development of a carcinoma in a cyst is rare but well recognized. The majority of those reported are papillary carcinoma; there have been 4 cases of mixed follicular-papillary (which biologically and clinically behaves as a papillary carcinoma) and only 1 follicular. A computer search of the literature revealed no previous report of a Hürthle cell carcinoma arising in a thyroglossal duct. A case of Hürthle cell carcinoma arising in a thyroglossal duct is presented, and the pathology, clinical manifestations, and management are reviewed.

Carcinoma↗

Wallstent misplacement into the paraumbilical vein during TIPS from the left hepatic vein: correction by placing a second stent through the mesh of the first stent.

During a TIPS procedure using the left hepatic vein approach, a Wallstent was misplaced into a dilated paraumbilical vein instead of the left portal vein. The correct shunt direction from the left portal vein to the left hepatic vein was restored by coaxially inserting a second Wallstent through the stretched mesh of the misplaced stent. To prevent such stent misplacement, it seems useful to emphasize the importance of maintaining the exchange guidewire within the distal portion of the splenic or mesenteric vein throughout dilatation and stenting of the liver parenchyma.

Angioplasty, Balloon↗

Value of the MELD score for the assessment of pre- and post-liver transplantation survival.

The MELD score has now been implemented in the United States for liver allocation, but it has not been validated in Europe. Its association with posttransplant outcome is unclear. Optimal cutoff values of MELD and Child-Pugh scores to predict death on the liver waiting list were defined in a series of 137 cirrhotic patients listed for liver transplantation. Six-month actuarial survival while on the waiting list was 90% with a Child-Pugh <11 and MELD <17, whereas it decreased progressively to 40% at 6 months after listing for those having a Child-Pugh and MELD score >10 and >16. Analysis of a series of 112 patients (85 chronic liver disease and 27 hepatocellular carcinoma) revealed no change in MELD value at the time of transplantation compared to the score at the time of listing (mean +/- SD: 15.5 +/- 7.7 vs 15 +/- 5.8) with a mean waiting time of 118 days. Using either the optimal cutoff for MELD score (<17 or >16) or seven different strata (3 to 7, 8 to 10, 11 to 13, 14 to 16, 17 to 19, 20 to 22, 23 to 39), whether measured at listing or just before liver transplantation, there was no significant difference (chi(2) 4.97, P = .58) in survival: 82.7% and 63% at 6 and 60 months, overall. Our data confirm that the MELD score with only three parameters is as good as the Child-Pugh score to predict mortality on the Eurotransplant waiting list. The optimal cutoff to assess higher priority for the bad category is >16. There was no negative impact on short- or long-term prognosis of the bad categories of MELD.

Humans↗

Colonoscopic snare polypectomy: analysis of 1485 resections comparing two types of current.

The complications related to 1485 colonic snare polypectomies were analyzed according to the type of current which was used for resection. From January 1982 to August 1986 (period 1), blended current was used in 758 snare polypectomies, while continuous coagulation current was applied in 727 polypectomies from September 1986 to October 1989 (period 2). The incidence of complications observed in the entire series was low, consisting of 0.26% perforations and 0.9% major hemorrhages. There were no deaths in this series. Twelve of 14 hemorrhages occurred after resection of polyps larger than 1 cm. Although the incidence of complications was not statistically different in the two groups, there was a significant difference in the timing of hemorrhages. All of the major hemorrhages were immediate (eight) when the blended current was used, but delayed (six; from 2 to 8 days after polyp resection), when pure coagulation current was applied.

Colonic Polyps↗

Persistence of botulinum neurotoxin A demonstrated by sequential administration of serotypes A and E in rat EDL muscle.

Botulinum neurotoxin serotypes A (BoNT/A) and E (BoNT/E) inhibit neurotransmitter release from peripheral cholinergic nerve terminals by cleaving different sites on SNAP-25, a protein involved in synaptic vesicle docking and exocytosis. Since recovery from BoNT/A is protracted, but reversal of BoNT/E intoxication is relatively rapid, it was of interest to determine whether sequential exposure to BoNT/A and BoNT/E could provide insight into the factors responsible for persistence of BoNT action. Extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles from rats were injected locally with 5 mouse LD(50) units of BoNT/A or 20 mouse LD(50) units of BoNT/E; these doses were selected to produce total paralysis of EDL muscles within 48 hr. Additional groups of rats were injected sequentially with either BoNT/A followed 48 h later by BoNT/E or with BoNT/E followed 48 h later by BoNT/A. Muscle tensions were elicited in situ in response to supramaximal stimulation of the peroneal nerve to monitor recovery from BoNT intoxication. Tensions returned to 53% and 94% of control, respectively, 7 and 15 days after injection of BoNT/E. In contrast, tensions in muscles injected with BoNT/A returned to only 2% and 12% of control at these time points. Preparations injected sequentially with BoNT/A followed by BoNT/E or with BoNT/E followed by BoNT/A exhibited slow recovery times resembling those recorded in the presence of BoNT/A alone. Pronounced atrophy of the EDL muscle was observed in rats injected with BoNT/A or in those receiving serotype combinations in either sequence, whereas no loss of muscle mass was observed in animals treated with BoNT/E alone. Data suggesting that BoNT/E can enter BoNT/A-treated preparations was obtained by findings that 3,4-diaminopyridine, which readily reversed muscle paralysis after BoNT/A exposure, lost this ability within 1 h of BoNT/E addition. Evidence that BoNT/E was able to cleave SNAP-25 at its characteristic site during sequential neurotoxin exposure was demonstrated by western blot analysis of cultured primary cortical neurons. Since the sequential exposure studies indicate that recovery from BoNT intoxication is lengthened by exposure to serotype A, but not shortened by exposure to serotype E, the duration of BoNT/A intoxication appears to be determined predominantly by the intracellular stability of catalytically active BoNT/A light chain.

4-Aminopyridine↗

Nanostructured dna-protein aggregates consisting of covalent oligonucleotide-streptavidin conjugates.

Covalent conjugates consisting of streptavidin and a 24-mer single-stranded DNA oligonucleotide have been oligomerized by cross-linking with a 5',5'-bis-biotinylated 169-base-pair double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) fragment. The oligomeric conjugates formed have been analyzed by nondenaturing gel electrophoresis and scanning-force microscopy (SFM). The comparison of analogous oligomers, prepared from native STV and the bis-biotinylated dsDNA fragment, revealed that the covalent STV-oligonucleotide hybrid conjugates self-assemble to generate oligomeric aggregates of significant smaller size, containing on average only about 2.5 times less dsDNA fragments per aggregate. Likely, this is a consequence of electrostatic or steric repulsion between the dsDNA and the single-stranded oligomer covalently attached to the hybrid, as indicated from control experiments. Nevertheless, the single-stranded oligonucleotide moiety within the oligomeric conjugates can be used as a selective molecular handle for further functionalization and manipulation. For instance, it was used for specific DNA-directed immobilization at a surface, previously functionalized with complementary capture oligonucleotides. Moreover, we demonstrate that macromolecules, such as STV and antibody molecules, which are tagged with the complementary oligonucleotide, specifically bind to the supramolecular DNA-STV oligomeric conjugates. This leads to a novel class of functional DNA-protein conjugates, suitable, for instance, as reagents in immuno-PCR or as building blocks in molecular nanotechnology.

Animals↗

Trichoderma viride infection in a liver transplant recipient.

A liver transplant recipient developed infection of a perihepatic haematoma due to Trichoderma viride. Before the infection was diagnosed, the patient received intense immuno-suppressive and prolonged antibacterial and anti-fungal therapies. Although the death of the patient was not directly related to the fungal infection, abundant quantities of this pathogen were recovered in the haematoma at post-mortem examination, despite previous surgical removal and treatment with amphotericin B and fluconazole.

Adult↗

Efficacy and safety of a fixed-combination homeopathic therapy for sinusitis.

The efficacy and safety of a fixed-combination homeopathic medication (Sinusitis PMD) consisting of Lobaria pulmonaria, Luffa operculata, and potassium dichromate were investigated in an open-label practice-based study of 119 male and female patients, 12 to 57 years of age, with clinical signs of acute sinusitis not previously treated. At the first visit, after a mean of 4.1 days of treatment, secretolysis had increased significantly and typical sinusitis symptoms, such as headache, pressure pain at nerve exit points, and irritating cough, were reduced. Ninety-nine patients received only the test medication. Twenty patients were able to discontinue concomitant medication at the first visit. Only one patient needed an antibiotic. The average treatment duration was 2 weeks. At the end of treatment, 81.5% of patients described themselves as symptom free or significantly improved. Adverse drug effects were not reported.

Acute Disease↗

One-month mortality rate after liver transplantation for parenchymal cirrhosis: analysis of risk factors in a ten year period.

Accurate prediction of short-term survival rate after liver transplantation is one way of selecting recipients and should improve organ allocation. We observed, during the first ten years of our program a striking decline in postoperative mortality with time, a well known observation in Europe as well as in the United States. In 65 adults with parenchymal cirrhosis having received a liver transplant between 1984 and 1994, we examined the possible influence of various preoperative risk factors on one-month mortality rate which was 13.8% in this series. Univariate analysis led to the identification of five significant risk factors: date of transplantation, low serum sodium, previous history of jaundice, ascites and encephalopathy. In the final multivariate analysis however, the date of transplantation emerged as the sole predictive factor of early mortality rate. Therefore, factors such as pretransplantation state of the patient and poor hepatic reserve are counterbalanced by the improvement of surgical skill and other technical aspects, as well as by better perioperative management which have all contributed to the improved results of liver transplantation with time.

Humans↗

Long-term terlipressin administration improves renal function in cirrhotic patients with type 1 hepatorenal syndrome: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a severe complication of liver cirrhosis. Recently, ornipressin, a potent splanchnic vasoconstrictor, was reported to improve renal function in patients with HRS. However, this treatment is associated with a high incidence of vascular complications. Terlipressin is thought to be as effective as ornipressin with less systemic complications. AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of terlipressin administration in cirrhotic patients with type 1 HRS. PATIENTS: Twelve consecutive patients fulfilling HRS criteria of the International Ascites Club were included in the study. Median plasma creatinine and sodium, urine volume and sodium before treatment were 3.4 mg% (2.5-4.0); 127 mEq/l (124-130), 500 ml/24 h (100-1031) and 7 mEq/24 h (1-17). METHODS: Terlipressin was administered i.v. 2 mg bid in 8 patients and tid in 4 others for at least one week and up to 2 months. RESULTS: After one week of treatment median plasma creatinine decreased to 1.8 mg% (1.3-2.1) together with an increase in urine volume, sodium excretion, creatinine and free-water clearance. Three patients underwent successful liver transplantation with a near normal renal function after 34, 36 and 111 days. The 9 other patients died during follow-up (4 from sepsis, 2 from digestive bleeding and 3 from liver failure). No ischaemic complications were encountered during the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term terlipressin administration is safe and effective to control type 1 HRS. However, it does not cure the underlying disease and therefore, may only be considered as a bridge to a definitive treatment as liver transplantation.

Adult↗

Hepatic myelopathy after splenorenal shunting: report of one case and review of the literature.

Hepatic myelopathy is a rare complication of cirrhosis, usually associated with surgical or spontaneous porto-systemic shunts. Its pathophysiology is unknown. It is characterized by a motor involvement of the lower limbs without clinical sensory abnormality, leading to spastic paraparesis. These neurological features are related to a symmetric loss of myelin in the lateral corticospinal tracts. Usefulness of liver transplantation in this setting is not yet determined. We describe here the case of a 29-year-old male who presented with progressive spastic paraparesis of the lower limbs 3 years after a spleno-renal shunt.

Adult↗

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver. A review of 14 cases.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver, is a noncirrhotic liver disease, characterized by nodules in the hepatic parenchyma, which clinically presents primarily with manifestations of portal hypertension. The aims of this study are i) to review the clinical, histological and diagnostic aspects of 14 documented cases of NRHL, and ii) to assess the evolution and management of this condition in the cases reviewed. METHODOLOGY: The diagnosis of nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver was based on liver biopsy in all cases. Imaging studies (ultrasonography, computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging scan) were performed as part of the diagnostic evaluation. Clinical manifestations and biochemical tests were recorded at the time of diagnosis. Management and prognosis were also reviewed. RESULTS: The most common clinical manifestations were those of portal hypertension, namely splenomegaly, esophageal varices and variceal bleeding. The histological findings were nodules in the hepatic parenchyma, the typical histologic feature of nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver, with mild periportal fibrosis and intraportal lymphocytic infiltration. Biochemical tests showed normal synthetic liver function, as evidenced by normal serum albumin, bilirubin and prothrombin time. Elevation of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and alkaline phosphatase due to cholestasis was noted. Management was directed to portal hypertension and variceal bleeding, with beta-blockers, sclerotherapy, mesenteric-caval shunt and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt with satisfactory results. CONCLUSIONS: Nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver is an uncommon condition but it should be considered in patients with unexplained portal hypertension and distinguished from liver cirrhosis, in view of the differences in the natural history and prognosis. Liver biopsy confirms the diagnosis. Management is directed primarily to portal hypertension and variceal bleeding, which is the main source of mortality. Liver failure is uncommon due to satisfactory preservation of liver function.

Adult↗

Hepatitis C virus: the burden of the disease.

Chronic hepatitis C infection affects approximately 3% of the world population and is responsible for a large proportion of patients with cirrhosis, end-stage liver diseases, hepatocellular carcinoma and for those who are candidates for liver transplantation or die of liver-related complications. The health care burden of this infection, whose epidemic peaked in the 1980s, is expected to significantly increase in the next 15 years in the absence of an organized national strategy. On the other hand, hepatitis C infection can be easily diagnosed with third generation enzyme immunoassay and indications for molecular biology-based assay are well defined. Composite scores and non-invasive markers of fibrosis may in the future replace liver biopsy which is still recommended in the presence of chronically elevated transaminases and indications for antiviral treatment.

Adult↗

[Prevention and treatment of digestive hemorrhage due to ruptured esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis].

1) Emergency treatment. The best treatment remains endoscopic sclerotherapy, which controls the bleeding in 90% of the cases. Pharmacologic management stops the variceal hemorrhage in 80% of the cases and is indicated before endoscopic treatment can be performed. Intravenous somatostatin administration may be prolonged for 5 days, even more, and may thus prevent early rebleeding, which is not achieved neither by vasopressin nor by glypressin, which administration is restricted to 24 hours. Esophageal tamponade is useful to arrest a massive variceal bleeding, if vasoactive drugs are not available or not efficient, before endoscopic management. If the bleeding persists after 2 sclerotherapy sessions, an alternative treatment is mandatory: the patient should be sent to the surgeon for a portosystemic shunt if the operative risk is acceptable (child A and B) or should become a candidate for a transjugular intrahepatic stent shunt, especially if transplantation is considered afterwards. 2) Prevention of recurrent hemorrhage. A) Early (within 5 days after the initial bleeding). Somatostatin probably prevents early rebleeding, as do sclerotherapy. B) Late. B blockade (+ nitrates) or long-term sclerotherapy have the same efficacy. Their association may improve their results. 3) Prevention of the first bleeding episode. Propranolol decrease the risk of variceal rupture from 20% to 9% during the first year after the diagnosis of esophageal varices and is the only treatment which may be proposed to cirrhotics who did not yet bled form their varices.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

[Acute hepatitis and poisoning by Amanita phalloides].

We report the case of a 69-year-old woman who presented acute hepatitis due to Amanita Phalloides poisoning complicated of acute renal failure. Her clinical evolution was favorable under medical treatment whose actual modalities are discussed.

Acute Kidney Injury↗