Biomedical subjects
M B Finch
Publications and source records attributed to M B Finch.
An unusual cause of atlanto-axial subluxation.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
"Rheumatoid nodules" and lymphoma!
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Long-term follow up of small airways obstruction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Correlates of functional disability in early rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study of 706 patients in four European countries.
In this cross-sectional study of 706 European patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of < or = 4 yr duration, we examined possible correlates of functional disability assessed by the Health Assessment Questionnaire. First, we examined a subsample of 237 Norwegian patients. The Ritchie index, sex, age, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and disease duration correlated significantly with disability, whereas serum rheumatoid factor, hand X-ray changes and educational level did not. Subsequently, we cross-validated these findings in a similar sample of 469 French, Dutch and Northern Irish patients. The results supported the Ritchie index, sex, ESR and disease duration as significant correlates of disability, whereas rheumatoid factor, age and education were not significantly correlated with disability. The correlation between X-ray changes and disability could not be cross-validated. The main findings of this study are that female sex correlates significantly with disability even early in the course of RA, whereas the rheumatoid factor does not.
Felty's syndrome treated with rhG-CSF associated with flare of arthritis and skin rash.
A patient with Felty's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis was treated with recombinant granulocyte stimulating factor rhG-CSF (Neupogen) in view of severe neutropenia. He had a prompt rise in his neutrophil count and associated with this a severe flare of his arthritis and a skin rash. rhG-CSF was stopped, his neutrophil count fell rapidly and his symptoms resolved. rhG-CSF and the resulting rise in neutrophil count may be associated with flare of autoimmune disease in susceptible individuals.
Immunoglobulin isotype composition of circulating and intra-articular immune complexes in patients with inflammatory joint disease.
The immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain isotype composition of intra-articular and circulating immune complexes (ICs) were determined by a Raji cell flow cytometric assay in paired serum and synovial fluid samples from 15 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 15 patients with other articular diseases (osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, Reiter's disease). ICs were most prevalent in synovial fluid samples of patients with RA but were infrequently detected in serum and synovial fluid samples from the non-RA patients. ICs in patients with RA were heterogeneous both in the prevalence of Ig subclasses identified and in the distribution of the respective Ig isotypes within the complexes. Furthermore, differences were observed in the Ig isotype composition of ICs in paired serum and synovial fluid samples indicating that circulating ICs may not always arise simply by spill-over from articular sites. The possible mechanisms for IC formation in RA are discussed with reference to four patients who displayed features of extra-articular disease.
Non-arterial assessment of blood gas status in patients with chronic pulmonary disease.
Assessment of blood gas status is important in the management of patients with chronic pulmonary disease. Arterial puncture is often painful and may damage the arterial wall. Measurement of oxygen saturation by transcutaneous oximetry offers a non-invasive alternative to arterial methods but does not allow assessment of partial pressure of carbon dioxide. We have examined the value of oximetry and dorsal hand venous carbon dioxide as an alternative to arterial puncture. Transcutaneous oxygen saturation correlated with arterial oxygen saturation (r = 0.76, p less than 0.001) with an error of 2.1% and dorsal hand venous carbon dioxide tension correlated with the arterial tension (r = 0.84, p less than 0.001) with an error of 8%. Changes in oximetric oxygen saturation and venous carbon dioxide tension following oxygen therapy reflected arterial values. Assessment of blood gas status using oximetry and dorsal hand venous carbon dioxide tension is a useful alternative to arterial puncture.
Comparative analysis of CD4 subsets in peripheral blood and synovial fluid of patients with inflammatory joint disease.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Circulating immune complexes in sarcoidosis, a clinical role for the Raji assay?
Many immunological abnormalities, including circulating immune complexes (CICs), have been described in patients with sarcoidosis. The relationship of these abnormalities to clinical states is uncertain. In 31 proven cases of sarcoidosis we used the Raji assay in the investigation of the relationship between disease activity and the presence of CICs. Circulating immune complexes (greater than 49 micrograms.ml-1) were found in 11 of 14 patients with evidence of recent significant disease deterioration, whereas only one of 17 patients with chronic stable sarcoidosis demonstrated CICs (p less than 0.001). At follow-up, it was found that eight of the 11 cases with active disease and detectable CICs had resolved clinically. Resolution was accompanied by normalization of CICs in seven and persistence in one. The remaining three patients did not improve clinically and continued to demonstrate CICs. Measurements of complement levels did not demonstrate any significant difference between the two groups of patients. It is concluded that elevated levels of CICs, as detected by the Raji assay, are commonly found in association with significantly deteriorating sarcoidosis, often normalize following disease improvement and, consequently, may have a useful clinical role as a marker of activity.
A double-blind cross-over study of nifedipine retard in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon.
The effectiveness of nifedipine retard as a treatment for Raynaud's phenomenon was assessed in 15 patients in a placebo controlled double blind study. An associated connective tissue disease was evident in 7 patients. Changes in finger and forearm blood flow (venous occlusion plethysmography), digital skin temperature and digital systolic pressure were measured acutely before and after a 2-week treatment period. Subjective assessment of efficacy was based on patient diary data. In addition alpha 2-adrenoceptor density on platelets was measured before and after chronic nifedipine therapy in both the patient group and in an age-and-sex-matched control group. No significant haemodynamic changes were observed. Nifedipine retard significantly reduced the frequency (p less than 0.05) with no change in either the duration or severity of vasospastic attacks. Side effects were common following nifedipine retard. A reduction in alpha 2-adrenoceptor density on platelets was observed in patients compared to a control group (p less than 0.05). Alpha 2-adrenoceptor density was unchanged following a 2-week treatment period with nifedipine retard. This study concludes that nifedipine retard is not effective in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon over a short time course. Patients with Raynaud's phenomenon have reduced alpha 2-adrenoceptor densities on their platelets.
Sunbed-induced melanoma in a rheumatoid patient.
The development in a rheumatoid patient of a cutaneous malignant melanoma following repeated exposure to UV-A Radiation from a sunbed for its supposed therapeutic effect, is described. A causal-effect relationship is proposed and the potential risks to other arthritic patients and in particular those with pigmented skin lesions, is highlighted.
Short-term effects of alcohol on peripheral blood flow, platelet aggregation and noradrenaline output in normal man.
The effects of acute oral administration of alcohol on finger and forearm blood flow, platelet aggregation and plasma noradrenaline were examined over a three-hour period in a group of healthy male volunteers. Finger blood flow was increased at 15, 30 and 60 min and skin temperature was raised at 30 and 60 min. Digital systolic blood pressure was decreased at 15 and 30 min. No change in forearm blood flow was observed. A linear correlation was observed between finger blood flow, skin temperature and plasma alcohol concentrations. No significant changes were observed in platelet aggregation nor in plasma noradrenaline levels. Alcohol appears to have a greater effect on digital and skin blood flow as compared with muscle blood flow.
Peripheral vascular effects of bufuralol in hypertensive and normal subjects: a comparison with propranolol and pindolol.
In a double-blind, single oral dose, cross-over study, the effects of bufuralol (60 mg) on heart rate, blood pressure, and peripheral vascular responses were compared with those of propranolol (160 mg), pindolol (10 mg), and placebo in a group of 12 healthy volunteers. All three beta-adrenoceptor antagonists reduced exercise tachycardia, but at the doses chosen the effects of bufuralol were less than those of propranolol. Forearm blood flow was reduced by propranolol and pindolol, but not by bufuralol. The antihypertensive and peripheral vascular effects of bufuralol (30-60 mg bd) were also compared with those of propranolol (40-80 mg bd) in a double-blind crossover study in 10 patients with mild hypertension. Propranolol and bufuralol produced comparable reductions in systemic blood pressure over a two-week period, but the decreases in forearm and finger blood flow were greater with propranolol. These studies suggest that bufuralol is a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist with antihypertensive properties, and that it produces less peripheral vasoconstriction than propranolol or pindolol.
Effects of ICI 141,292 on exercise tachycardia and isoprenaline-induced beta-adrenoceptor responses in man.
The beta-adrenoceptor blocking properties and cardioselectivity of ICI 141, 292 were investigated in healthy male subjects. Seven subjects received in random order oral doses of ICI 141,292 20, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg, atenolol 50 and 100 mg and placebo. ICI 14 292 had no effect on supine heart rate which was reduced by atenolol 100 mg. ICI 141,292 50, 100 and 200 mg had no effect on standing heart rate which was reduced by 400 mg at 2 h. Both doses of atenolol caused greater reductions. The maximum percent reduction of an exercise tachycardia after ICI 141,292 200 mg (23.9 +/- 3.7%) and 400 mg (24.3 +/- 5.2%) were similar to atenolol 50 mg (27.3 +/- 4.7%) but less than atenolol 100 mg (30.8 +/- 2.9%) (P less than 0.02). Six subjects received in random order single oral doses of ICI 141,292 100, 200 and 400 mg, atenolol 50 mg, propranolol 40 mg and placebo. Following each dose each subject received graded infusions of isoprenaline sulphate until heart rate increased by 40 beats min-1. Dose-response curves were constructed for the changes in heart rate, finger tremor, blood pressure and forearm blood flow produced by each infusion. At the 4 micrograms min-1 dose of isoprenaline, ICI 141,292 200 mg caused more attenuation than atenolol 50 mg but less than propranolol 40 mg in the changes of heart rate, diastolic blood pressure and finger tremor (P less than 0.02). ICI 141,292 400 mg caused more attenuation of the changes of all parameters than atenolol 50 mg but less attenuation of the changes in diastolic blood pressure and finger tremor than propranolol 40 mg (P less than 0.02). These results indicate that ICI 141,292 is a cardioselective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist with partial agonist activity.
Comparison of the acute vascular effects of frusemide and bumetanide.
The acute peripheral vascular and diuretic effects of intravenous frusemide 10 mg and 20 mg were compared with those of bumetanide 250 micrograms and 500 micrograms in a group of 10 salt depleted volunteers. Significant reductions in forearm blood flow (FBF) were observed after frusemide 10 mg (-0.77 ml 100 ml-1 min-1 P less than 0.05) and 20 mg (-0.75 ml 100 ml-1 min-1 P less than 0.01 at 15 min). No changes were observed after bumetanide. The reductions in blood flow produced by frusemide were significantly different from those of bumetanide (P less than 0.05) at 15 min. Increases in venous capacitance (VC) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were observed after frusemide but these differences were not statistically different from placebo or bumetanide. No increases were seen after bumetanide. Plasma aldosterone concentrations were unchanged after either drug but plasma renin activity (PRA) was increased after frusemide 10 mg (4.42 +/- 1.01----8.50 +/- 1.90 ng A I ml-1 h-1 P less than 0.01) and 20 mg (4.01 +/- 0.72----7.81 +/- 2.27 ng A I ml-1 h-1 P less than 0.05). No increases were observed after bumetanide and significant differences between bumetanide and frusemide were observed (P less than 0.01). This study demonstrates that the acute peripheral arterial effects of frusemide are not observed after comparable diuretic doses of bumetanide. The differences appear to be related to the ability of the drugs to stimulate acute renin release from the kidney.
The peripheral vascular effects of nifedipine in Raynaud's syndrome associated with scleroderma: a double blind crossover study.
The effectiveness of nifedipine in the treatment of Raynaud's syndrome was assessed in 16 patients with systemic sclerosis or a variant of this condition. Changes in finger and forearm blood flow (venous occlusion plethysmography), skin temperature and digital systolic pressure were measured both during the acute period and after a 2-week treatment. Subjective assessment of efficacy was based on patient diary data. Finger blood flow increased significantly both during the acute period and after 2 weeks of nifedipine therapy compared to placebo (P less than 0.05). Digital skin temperature also increased during the study period (P less than 0.01). Forearm blood flow and digital systolic pressure did not change. Nifedipine significantly reduced the frequency (P less than 0.05), duration (P less than 0.05) and severity (P less than 0.01) of attacks. Eleven out of the sixteen patients experienced side effects while on nifedipine. These results suggest that nifedipine is of benefit in the treatment of Raynaud's syndrome in patients with systemic sclerosis over a short time course.
Human pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies on Ro31-1118, a new beta-adrenoceptor antagonist.
The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of Ro31-1118 were examined in groups of healthy volunteers. In three subjects given 10 mg of [14C]-Ro31-1118 orally, peak levels of radioactivity (84 +/- 5 ng/ml) were 16 times those of the parent drug (approximately 5 ng/ml). Very little parent drug was recovered in the urine, although recovery of total radioactivity was nearly 80% in the urine by day 5. In five subjects studied after both oral and intravenous administration of 20 mg Ro31-1118 the average bioavailability was 57% (range 41-73%). Following intravenous infusion the apparent volume of distribution for the five subjects averaged 590 1 (range 510-700 1). The elimination half-life averaged 18 h (range 17-26 h). In eight subjects who received 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg of Ro31-1118 orally there was a linear relationship between dose and plasma concentration (r = 0.999) and between dose and AUC (r = 0.996). Ro31-1118 had no effect on resting heart rate whereas atenolol reduced resting heart rate up to 6 h after all doses. The maximum reduction of an exercise tachycardia after Ro31-1118 (320 mg) was 23.13 +/- 0.7% and compared with atenolol (100 mg) was 28.2 +/- 1.25%. At 24 h the percentage reduction after Ro31-1118 was 21.5 +/- 1.7%, while after atenolol the percentage inhibition had decreased to 11.1 +/- 1.6%. In three subjects Ro31-1118 (160 mg) orally had no effect on resting heart rate, forearm blood flow and systolic blood pressure, while atenolol (50 mg) reduced all three parameters.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)