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Biomedical subjects

M Weber

Publications and source records attributed to M Weber.

At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Total hip arthroplasty after operative treatment of an acetabular fracture.

Sixty-six primary total hip arthroplasties were performed to treat post-traumatic osteoarthrosis that had developed following an acetabular fracture and subsequent open reduction and internal fixation. The mean age of the patients at the time of the total hip arthroplasty was fifty-two years (range, nineteen to eighty years). The arthroplasty was performed with cement in forty-four hips and without cement in twenty hips; in the remaining two hips, the acetabular component was inserted without cement and the femoral component was inserted with cement (a so-called hybrid procedure). Scarring from a previous procedure, retained hardware, heterotopic bone, and residual osseous deformity and deficiency made the procedure more complex than routine total hip arthroplasty in most patients. However, only one of the sixty-six procedures was associated with an operative complication. Three patients were lost to follow-up. The remaining sixty-three patients were followed for a mean of 9.6 years (range, two to twenty years). The mean duration of follow-up was 14.9 years for the acetabular components inserted with cement, 11.6 years for the femoral components inserted with cement, 4.6 years for the femoral components inserted without cement, and 3.9 years for the acetabular components inserted without cement. The mean Harris hip score improved from 49 points preoperatively to 93 points at the latest follow-up evaluation for the forty-six patients who did not have a revision procedure after the index arthroplasty. Seventeen patients had a revision; sixteen revisions were performed because of aseptic loosening of one or both components (nine acetabular and eleven femoral components). Mechanical failure (radiographic loosening or revision due to aseptic loosening) occurred in twenty-five hips. As determined with use of the Kaplan-Meier method, the ten-year survival rate, with revision due to aseptic loosening as the end point, was 78 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval, 66 to 92 per cent) for the prosthesis as a whole (that is, no revision of either component), 87 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval, 76 to 99 per cent) for the acetabular component, and 84 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval, 72 to 97 per cent) for the femoral component. An age of less than fifty years (p = 0.02), a weight of eighty kilograms or more (p = 0.047), and large residual combined segmental and cavitary deficiencies in the acetabular bone (p < 0.0001) were significant risk factors for revision because of aseptic loosening. At the ten-year follow-up, none of the twenty-two acetabular components that had been inserted without cement had been revised or demonstrated radiographic loosening. The ten-year rate of failure due to aseptic loosening was higher than that in many reported series of total hip arthroplasties performed for other indications; this was probably partly because of the young mean age of the patients, the high number of patients who had Charnley class-A involvement, and the predominantly male cohort.

Acetabulum↗
PubMed1998

Therapeutic options for critically ill patients suffering from progressive lupus nephritis or Goodpasture's syndrome.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic disease with many clinical features, while Goodpasture's syndrome usually becomes manifest with progressive glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage. Rapidly declining renal function and even pulmonary hemorrhage may be the common feature. Early and precise diagnosis is most important as it may provide general prognostic information and serve as a guideline for initial therapy. Immunosuppression with oral cyclophosphamide and high dose corticosteroids together with plasmapheresis is used in Goodpasture's syndrome. Progressive lupus nephritis requires high dose corticosteroids together with i.v. pulses of cyclophosphamide for at least six months, followed by maintenance immunosuppression. The benefits of therapy must always be weighed against the risks. Nevertheless, current therapy remains less than optimal. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythrematosis (SLE) and Goodpasture's syndrome may provide more specific information about the nature and the role of the immune response and thus lead to new treatment strategies.

Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease↗
PubMed1998

Thanatophoric dysplasia type I: new radiologic, morphologic, and histologic aspects toward the exact definition of the disorder.

A comprehensive seven-step study on THANATOPHORIC DYSPLASIA without cloverleaf skull (TD Type I) was carried out postmortem on three aborted fetuses of 19, 26-27, and 34 weeks and one preterm neonate of 35 weeks gestation, respectively. The characteristic x-ray configuration of the spine in TD Type I presenting with H-, U- or reversed U-shape vertebrae were shown to correlate with the inclination or reclination of the vertebral bodies within a kyphotic or lordotic segment. The bowing of the tubular bones in TD Type I is explained by a diminished mechanical stability that is causally related to a specific cartilage structure. The perichondral spurs are defined by their morphologic structure, and their origin is attributed to a normal perichondral ossification in the presence of an impaired enchondral ossification. Impairment of enchondral ossification was more evident in the periphery than in the center of the metaphyses leading to a tongue-shaped osseous cone directed toward the epiphysis. The perichondral spurs and the linguiform enchondral growth plate resulted in a three-phase maple leaf-like contour of the metaphyses of tubular bones and acetabular roof. The nature of the perichondral fibrous bands, the fibrovascular bundles, and the fibrovascular bands of the growth plate and their significance in atypical ossification processes are discussed in detail. It is suggested that the diminished longitudinal growth of the skeleton is caused by a reduced mitotic activity of cartilage cells in the proliferative zone leading to a reduction of cell numbers in the columnar zone transversely oriented spongiosa bars resulting from desmal ossification of the metaphyseal fibrovascular structures.

Bone and Bones↗
PubMed1998

Parenteral selenium supplementation in critically ill patients--effects on antioxidant metabolism.

Decreased plasma selenium (Se) levels are common in critically ill patients. Oxidative stress is regarded as one possible cause of the Se deficiency. We investigated in 20 critically ill patients with decreased plasma selenium concentrations the antioxidant metabolism during parenteral selenium supplementation (week 1: 2 x 500 micrograms; week 2:1 x 500 micrograms, week 3:3 x 100 micrograms sodium selenite). As marker of oxidative stress we measured the plasma malondialdehyde levels on days 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21. The content of reduced and oxidized glutathione as well as the leucocyte activity marker elastase were estimated on the same days. Initial plasma Se levels were considerably decreased (0.44 +/- 0.1 mumol/l, mean +/- SEM). After one day of supplementation Se concentrations were in the reference range. Plasma malondialdehyde levels and the ratio of oxidized and reduced glutathione were initially elevated and decreased beginning on day 3 of supplementation. The mean elastase level was 113 +/- 10 micrograms/l on day 0. On day 3 elastase values decreased significantly (85 +/- 13 micrograms/l, p < 0.05; day 21, 19 +/- 7 micrograms/l, p < 0.001). Antioxidant metabolism showed significant changes beginning after 72 hours of therapy. This latency may be explained with the induction of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase. The lowered plasma Se concentrations measured in the critically ill patients and the significant effects on antioxidant metabolism during supplementation emphasized the importance of selenium administration in these patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Comparison of models used for UV index calculations.

Eighteen radiative transfer models in use for calculation of UV index are compared with respect to their results for more that 100 cloud-free atmospheres, which describe present, possible future and extreme conditions. The comparison includes six multiple-scattering spectral models, eight fast spectral models and four empirical models. Averages of the results of the six participating multiple-scattering spectral models are taken as a basis for assessment. The agreement among the multiple-scattering models is within +/- 0.5 UV index values for more than 80% of chosen atmospheric parameters. The fast spectral models have very different agreement, between +/- 1 and up to 12 UV index values. The results of the empirical models agree reasonably well with the reference models but only for the atmospheres for which they have been developed. The data to describe the atmospheric conditions, which are used for the comparison, together with the individual results of all participating models and model descriptions are available on the Internet: http://www.meteo.physik.uni-muenchen.de/++ +strahlung/cost/.

Computer Simulation↗
PubMed1998

[Chronic radiodermatitis after interventional cardiac catheterization. Four cases].

BACKGROUND: Fluoroscopic and cineradiographic procedures expose patients undergoing coronarography to high doses of ionizing irradiation. CASE REPORT: We report four cases of radiodermitis following cardiac catheterization. A 69-year-old man developed a radio-induced ulceration on the left scapular region in 1991 which required excision with skin graft. He had undergone 3 coronarographies and 2 angioplasties from 1989 to 1991. In 1992, a 59-year-old women developed a hard dorsal lesion with central ulceration and scar formation requiring excision and graft. From 1990 to 1992, she had undergone two coronary dilatations with angioplasty during one procedure. An atrophic necrotic wound situated under the right nipple developed in a 63 year old man. Excision with flap reconstruction was performed in 1993, two years after an unsuccessful angioplasty then two-vessel bypass. In a fourth case, a 52 year-old woman developed a telangiectasic ulceration on the right breast in 1990. The diagnosis of radio-induced dermitis was confirmed in 1996 and the patient was treated by excision. She had had three angioplasties in 1989. DISCUSSION: Four other cases of radio-induced dermatitis following cardiac catheterism have been reported in the literature since 1996. Six other cases were also recently reported in France. All of these patients had undergone coronarography with transluminal coronary angioplasty. Besides coronarography, irradiation exposure is greatest for guide and balloon insertion required for dilatation procedures. Angioplasty is particularly dangerous because the irradiation beam is focused on the stenosis while the entire coronary network is concerned for coronarography. In most cases of radio-induced dermatitis following cardiac catheterism, the diagnosis is usually evident from the clinical context and the localization of the coronary lesion. In many cases however, the long delay to onset may make diagnosis a difficult task. In addition, the radiation dose delivered to the skin during cardiac procedures is not measured.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

[Rare neurological disorders and hypoglycemia. 3 cases].

We relate three cases of rare neurological disturbances associated with hypoglycemia (paraplegia, quadroplegia). Clinical symptoms completely disappeared within a few minutes after glucose administration. The pathogenesis of these types of deficit is not fully clarified, and a search of hypoglycemia should always be performed in these circumstances.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

[33 years kidney transplantation in Zurich].

This article summarizes our experience with renal transplantation over the past 33 years and shows progressive improvement of the clinical outcome over time. In parallel we observed an increasing proportion of elderly recipients and diabetics. The increasing shortage of cadaver grafts was compensated by using donor hearts from legally dead donors (heart no longer beating) and establishing a living donor program.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Kidney retransplantation in relation to organ shortage].

This article reviews our experience with renal regrafting in the past 16 years with particular emphasis on long-term outcome and prognostic parameters. Among 1094 renal transplants there were 15.8% regrafts, and the proportion of patients awaiting a regraft procedure on our current waiting list is 33%. Graft and patient survival was similar for first and second transplants, but was significantly reduced when a third graft was performed. The main prognostic parameters were the time of function of the previous graft, mismatch for HLA-DR and the presence of panel-reactive antibodies.

Histocompatibility Testing↗
PubMed1997

[Effect of selenium administration on various laboratory parameters of patients at risk for sepsis syndrome].

BACKGROUND: Low selenium plasma levels were often measured in ICU patients with polytrauma, major surgery or various severe diseases. Activation of selenium-dependent functions of the antioxidant metabolism and the immune system is suggested to be causally. METHODS: In a prospective randomized clinical trial including 24 critically ill patients we investigated the plasma levels of selenium, malondialdehyde, glutathione, elastase, fT3, fT4, TSH, IL-2R, IL-6 and IL-8 with and without parenteral selenium supplementation for 3 weeks (study design: week 1: twice 500 micrograms daily, week 2: once 500 micrograms, week 3: three times 100 micrograms sodium selenite). RESULTS: Following 24 hours of supplementation selenium plasma levels were normalized. Malondialdehyde level decreased in the therapy group significantly beginning at day 3. In the control group we observed increased malondialdehyde values, a disturbed glutathione metabolism and an elevated elastase activity. fT3-values were diminished at day 0 in all patients. In the therapy group we measured a gradual fT3 restoration. In the control group a reactive TSH increase was observed. Selenium supplementation did not lead to an excessive stimulation of IL-2R, IL-6 or IL-8. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Rapid normalization of selenium plasma levels can be achieved with the applied selenium dosage. 2. Parameters of radical metabolism are significantly reduced following selenium administration. 3. T3 synthesis correlates closely with the selenium levels. 4. Excessive stimulation of the immune system does not appear in the applied dosage.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Rational intra-articular corticosteroid injection].

The intraarticular injection of corticosteroids has been a well known and effective therapy for rheumatoid arthritis and swollen joints of other, non-infectious origin for almost 50 years. Today the indication for this intervention has to be more restrictive, and possible alternative therapies must be discussed with the patient. The number of injections in weight-bearing joints should not exceed three per year, and should no effect be noted, there is no reason to repeat an intraarticular injection. As there is a considerable variability in the details of administration of the injection, and the legal implications are currently changing, the practical aspects are discussed in this article. An extensive review of the literature leads to the distinction of actual knowledge from adopted faith and points out the relevant measures to minimize the risks and increase the benefits of the injection; most important is a precise and quick "no-touch"-technique. The restrictive indication and a standardized practical procedure are the basis for successful intraarticular injection of corticosteroids.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1997

Randomised trial of Haemophilus influenzae type-b tetanus protein conjugate vaccine [corrected] for prevention of pneumonia and meningitis in Gambian infants.

BACKGROUND: In developing countries, pneumonia and meningitis due to Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) are common in children under age 12 months and the mortality from meningitis is high. Protein-polysaccharide conjugate vaccines have brought Hib disease under control in industrialised countries. We did a double-blind randomised trial in The Gambia to assess the efficacy of a Hib conjugate vaccine for the prevention of meningitis, pneumonia, and other invasive diseases due to Hib. METHODS: Between March, 1993, and October, 1995, 42,848 infants were randomly allocated the conjugate vaccine Hib polysaccharide tetanus protein (PRP-T) mixed with diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine (DTP), or DTP alone at age 2 months, 3 months, and 4 months. Children who presented with signs of invasive Hib were investigated by blood culture and, where appropriate, by lumbar puncture, chest radiograph, or percutaneous lung aspirate. Children were followed up for between 5 and 36 months. FINDINGS: The median ages at which children received the study vaccine were 11 weeks, 18 weeks, and 24 weeks. 83% of children enrolled received all three doses of vaccine. 17 cases of culture-positive Hib pneumonia, 28 of Hib meningitis, and five of other forms of invasive Hib disease were detected amongst the study children. The efficacy of the vaccine for the prevention of all invasive disease after three doses was 95% (PRP-T vaccinees 1, controls 19 [95% CI 67-100]), for the prevention of Hib pneumonia after two or three doses, 100% (vaccinees 0, controls 10 [55-100]), and for the prevention of radiologically defined pneumonia at any time after enrollment, 21.1% (PRP-T vaccinees 198, controls 251 [4.6-34.9]). INTERPRETATION: PRP-T conjugate Hib vaccine prevented most cases of meningitis and pneumonia due to Hib in Gambian infants. The reduction in the overall incidence of radiologically defined pneumonia in PRP-T vaccinees suggests that about 20% of episodes of pneumonia in young Gambian children are due to Hib. The introduction of Hib vaccines into developing countries should substantially reduce childhood mortality due to pneumonia and meningitis.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1997

Scoliosis and congenital anomalies associated with Klippel-Feil syndrome types I-III.

STUDY DESIGN: This investigation was aimed at characterizing anomalies and syndromes associated with Klippel-Feil syndrome in a large group of patients. The authors evaluated the clinical and radiographic features, documented the associated anomalies, and registered the type of treatment. OBJECTIVE: The anomalies or syndromes and the development of scoliosis were correlated to the type of Klippel-Feil syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, the authors reviewed data from 57 patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome treated over 25 years at the Department for Orthopedics of the University of Heidelberg. The patients (17 males and 40 females; average age of the first contact, 12 years) were classified into three types according to the description of Feil in 1919. RESULTS: Klippel-Feil syndrome Type I (fusion of cervical and upper thoracic vertebra with synostosis) and Type II (isolated cervical spine) corresponded to 40% and 47% of patients, respectively. Type III (cervical vertebra associated with lower thoracic or upper lumbar fusion) was displayed in 13% of the patients only. The authors found a variety of combinations of Klippel-Feil syndrome and other anomalies in the patients examined in this study, with 67% of the patients characterized by an association with other disorders or syndromes. Of the patients, 70% showed scoliosis. Its degree depended on the type of Klippel-Feil syndrome. Scoliosis in Type I correlated with 31 degrees (Cobb angle), in Type III with 23 degrees, and in Type II with 9 degrees only. Thus, Type II, with isolated cervical fusion, shows a low risk for scoliosis. CONCLUSION: This study increases knowledge of a wide range of anomalies and syndromes identified in association with Klippel-Feil syndrome. A special finding of the study was a correlation between the degree of scoliosis and Klippel-Feil syndrome Types I, II, and III.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗