Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

N Senninger

Publications and source records attributed to N Senninger.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Cost-effectiveness analysis of basixilimab induction and calcineurin-sparing protocols in "old to old" programs using Markov models.

INTRODUCTION: Markov models are employed in economic analyses to evaluate all possible expectations in a dilemna. The introduction of a new clinical protocol (basiliximab induction with calcineurin-sparing protocols) for a group of kidney transplant recipients receiving organs from marginal donors was validated with a Markov simulation model. HYPOTHESIS: Calcineurin-sparing protocols using anti-IL-2/antibody induction (Simulect) show a beneficial effect on initial kidney function, reducing transplantation costs reception based upon mean length of stay, mean admission cost, and incidences of delayed graft function and complications during the first month after transplant. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A Markov simulation model was established following three different chains. A calcineurin-free regimen with basiliximab induction (chain A), a calcineurin-sparing protocol with basiliximab induction (chain B), and a conventional immunosuppressive regimen (chain C). After designing the Markov chain and cohorts, 31 patients from the "old to old" program were assigned to each chain eight to chain A, (eight to chain B, and 15 to chain C). A month after transplantation a cost-benefit study was performed guided by the three branches of the Markov model. RESULTS: The Markov model showed a benefit of induction therapies in elderly patients. A cost-benefit model showed that after a month there was a clear benefit from Calcineurin=free plus basiliximab induction therapies, with a slight benefit from calcineurin-sparing protocols. CONCLUSIONS: Markov models are extremely useful when introducing new clinical therapies. In our transplant program, a cost-effective analysis of outcomes in old patients using the Markov model showed a clear benefit of calcineurin-sparing protocols with basixilimab induction.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed2003

Calcineurin-free protocols with basiliximab induction allow patients included in "old to old" programs achieve standard kidney transplant function.

INTRODUCTION: The EuroTransplant "old to old" program establishes that patients older than 60 years can receive offers of organs from donors older than 60 years. The compromised function of these organs makes it a priority to preserve their initial kidney function. HYPOTHESIS: Calcineurin-sparing protocols using anti-IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) antibody induction (Simulect) may benefit initial kidney function in these patients, as assessed by the rates of delayed graft function and of rejection during the first month after transplant. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cohort of 15 consecutive elderly patients were prospectively compared with 30 cadaveric kidney transplants in younger recipients. Study patients were induced with Simulect (20 mg, 30 minutes before reperfusion and 4 days after transplantation) and steroids, delaying the introduction of CsA until the serum creatinine was below 3 mg/dL. The other cohort of patients were immunosuppressed with tacrolimus (trough 8 to 12), mycophenolats mofetil (MMF, 1 g/d), and an identical taper of steroids. The analysis compared donor and recipient ages, mean cold ischemic time, incidence of initial kidney function (diuresis in the first 24 h) serum creatinine levels, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), number of dialysis sessions, and rejection rate in the two groups. RESULTS: Except for the donor and recipient ages (72 vs 54 in donors, and 67 versus 52 years in recipients), no significant differences were observed between the groups among the rates of acute rejection (6.6% vs 13.2%), delayed graft function (13.2% required dialysis), or infection (6.6%). Within 1 month all 45 grafts showed primary function with equal creatinine levels (mean 1.65). CONCLUSIONS: Calcineurin-free protocols using IL-2 therapy as the initial suppression allow patients in the "old to old" ET program to display equal results to cadaveric kidney transplants with initial treatment with calcineurin antagonists.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed2003

Living donor kidney transplantation: chance for the recipient--financial risk for the donor?

BACKGROUND: With living donation, in addition to the medical risk, the financial risk for the donor is essential, especially in case of complications that potentially can led to disability and loss of work. We report the experiences of those who have donated a kidney in our transplant center. METHODS: We contacted 80 donors who donated a kidney at least 6 months prior to evaluation: 72% answered 33 questions. [mean age: 54 +/- 10 (33-75) years; 69% living related, 31% unrelated]. RESULTS: Of the 80 donors contacted, 91% (53) reported to have no financial expenses due to donation; 9% (5) had expenses, but only few of them clarified exact amount. One donor had to borrow money to cover the lack when he was unable to perform his job. Another claimed the disparity between normal salary and payment from insurance company as a financial expense. Evaluation procedure prior to donation was organized variously: some donors were on holiday while evaluated, some officially were ill, others had to take off some days without payment. None of the donors lost his or her job due to donation. CONCLUSION: The financial risk of living donation is theoretically well covered by different insurances. However, some of the donors had to cover some expenses by themselves. Fortunately, so far in our center no major complications occurred and all donors went home in good health after donation. If costs are covered when a healthy donor loses his or her ability to work due to donation remains unclear since no donor has experienced this problem.

Follow-Up Studies↗
PubMed2003

[Modern treatment options for Zenker's diverticulum: indications and results].

Conventional transcervical therapy of Zenker's diverticulum comprises diverticulectomy, invagination, diverticulopexy and myotomy, which may be combined with the aforementioned methods. Transoral diverticuloesophagostomy is performed by diathermy, lasers or staplers through a rigid esophagoscope, or more recently by diathermy applied via a flexible endoscope. Morbidity of transcervical procedures ranges between 3 (myotomy) and 23 % (diverticulectomy + myotomy). The percentage of patients with at least significantly improved symptoms is 92 % or more, while recurrences occur in 5.7 (diverticulectomy alone) to 21 % (invagination). Transoral procedures have a morbidity of 9 (stapler) to 26 % (Laser), while symptoms improve in 91 (diathermy through rigid esophagoscope) to 99 % (diathermy via flexible endoscope), however in up to 64 % of patients reoperations are necessary. Small diverticula (Brombart I/II) can be treated by diverticulectomy (with/without myotomy) or flexible endoscopy, larger diverticula in general by all methods. Patients younger than 60 years should undergo diverticulectomy, elderly multimorbid patients should be treated by transoral procedures.

Electrocoagulation↗
PubMed2003

[Neuroendocrine tumors of the gastroenteropancreatic system--reevaluation using the Capella classification].

INTRODUCTION: Neuroendocrine tumors of the gastroenteropancreatic system (GEP) are heterogeneous regarding hormone production, localisation and biological behaviour making the prognostic evaluation of these rare tumors difficult. Capella et al. proposed a new classification that combines for the first time both biological and prognostic characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of Capella's classification in the patients treated at our hospital. METHODS: 86 from 1975-1999 surgically treated and histologically confirmed neuroendocrine tumors were retrospectively classified as benign (B), uncertain behavior (UB), low grade malignant (LG) or high grade malignant (HG) following the Capella classification. These data were correlated with the long-term outcome of the patients 8.5 (range: 1-24) years after surgery. RESULTS: 43 % of tumors were localised in the pancreas, the others were equally distributed in the remaining GEP. Most tumors were classified as B (42 %) or LG (41 %), few were UB (10 %) or HG (7 %). 61 patients survived free of disease, 25 patients died, 13 of them not tumor related. Tumor related deaths were only observed in 6 patients with inoperable LG- and 6 patients with HG-neuroendocrine tumors within 3 years after surgery. CONCLUSION: The Capella classification reliably reflects the heterogeneity and the biological behaviour of GEP-neuroendocrine tumors and can therefore be recommended for clinical use.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

[Rectal carcinoma in a patient with familial adenomatous polyposis coli after colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and consecutive chemoprevention with sulindac suppositories].

Surgery is the definitive treatment in familial adenomatous polyposis coli (FAP). Proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis is recommended for the majority of FAP patients. Only in patients with attenuated FAP, is a colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) accepted, although the risk for rectum carcinoma remains increased. Sulindac, a chemoprophylactic agent, regresses colorectal adenomas in patients with FAP. Under systemic Sulindac-therapy, three carcinomas in the rectum after colectomy with IRA have been described. We report the first known case of rectum carcinoma in a patient with FAP, 51 months after IRA and local Sulindac therapy.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2002

Endoscopic transpapillary biopsies and intraductal ultrasonography in the diagnostics of bile duct strictures: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: In bile duct strictures, examination of wall layers by intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) performed during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be diagnostically useful. METHODS: In the present study 60 patients with bile duct strictures of unknown aetiology were examined preoperatively by ERCP, including transpapillary biopsies and IDUS. Histopathological correlation was available for all patients undergoing these procedures. RESULTS: Postoperative diagnosis revealed 30 pancreatic carcinomas, 17 bile duct cancers, three gall bladder cancers, and 10 benign bile duct strictures. Using endoscopic transpapillary forceps biopsies (ETP), a correct preoperative diagnosis was achieved in 36 of 60 patients (60% of cases). Among the 50 malignant tumours, preoperative diagnosis by ETP revealed a sensitivity of 52% and a specificity of 100%. ERCP supplemented by IDUS allowed for correct preoperative diagnosis in 83% of cases (50 of 60 patients), which was significantly higher than the accuracy of ETP (p=0.008). By combining ETP with IDUS, a correct preoperative diagnosis was made in 59 of 60 patients resulting in an accuracy rate of 98%. CONCLUSIONS: Because of its low accuracy, exclusive use of ETP is not a reliable diagnostic tool for a definitive preoperative diagnosis of bile duct strictures. By combining IDUS and ETP with ERCP however, preoperative diagnostic accuracy can be improved substantially.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 antisense oligonucleotides attenuate in vivo leucocyte adherence and inflammation in rat inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: Recruitment of circulating cells to the inflamed intestine is modulated by adhesion molecules expressed on the surface of both leucocytes and endothelial cells. AIMS: The objective of this study was to test whether 2'-O-methoxyethyl chimeric antisense oligonucleotides directed against endothelial intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) can downregulate leucocyte-endothelial interactions and thereby attenuate inflammation in rat experimental ileitis. METHODS: Indomethacin (7.5 mg/kg ) was injected subcutaneously into Sprague-Dawley rats 48 and 24 hours prior to intravital microscopy. Animals were treated with either ICAM-1 (ISIS 17470), VCAM-1 (ISIS 18155), or scrambled control antisense oligonucleotides administered subcutaneously or intravenously in parallel with indomethacin. Leucocyte trafficking was observed in ileal submucosal collecting venules. Macroscopic and histological grades of inflammation were measured 48 hours after the first indomethacin application. ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in ileal submucosal venules was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Intravenous administration of ICAM-1 oligonucleotides 2 mg/kg (rolling leucocytes 5.7 (2.4)/0.01 mm(2) endothelial surface, adherent leucocytes 0.8 (1.1)) and VCAM-1 oligonucleotides 8 mg/kg (9.2 (4.4), 0.6 (0.8)) significantly reduced leucocyte adhesion compared with diseased controls (27.8 (5.3), 14 (4.4)) in a dose dependent manner whereas subcutaneous treatment did not. Correspondingly, macroscopic and histological inflammation was significantly decreased. ICAM-1 oligonucleotides markedly reduced endothelial ICAM-1 expression while VCAM-1 oligonucleotides clearly diminished endothelial VCAM-1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Both ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 2'-O-methoxyethyl chimeric antisense oligonucleotides attenuate rat ileitis by downregulation of leucocyte adherence and thus are potential candidates for anti-inflammatory treatment in inflammatory bowel disease.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

An XML-based system for the flexible classification and retrieval of clinical practice guidelines.

Beneficial effects of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have not yet reached expectations due to limited routine adoption. Electronic distribution and reminder systems have the potential to overcome implementation barriers. Existing electronic CPG repositories like the National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC) provide individual access but lack standardized computer-readable interfaces necessary for automated guideline retrieval. The aim of this paper was to facilitate automated context-based selection and presentation of CPGs. Using attributes from the NGC classification scheme, an XML-based metadata repository was successfully implemented, providing document storage, classification and retrieval functionality. Semi-automated extraction of attributes was implemented for the import of XML guideline documents using XPath. A hospital information system interface was exemplarily implemented for diagnosis-based guideline invocation. Limitations of the implemented system are discussed and possible future work is outlined. Integration of standardized computer-readable search interfaces into existing CPG repositories is proposed.

Information Systems↗
PubMed2002

[Colonic pouch: indications and technique].

Early functional outcome after low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision (TME) and colo-anal anastomosis for colorectal carcinoma can be improved by the restoration of the colonic reservoir. This can be achieved by the construction of a colonic J-pouch. The technique is safe and has been refined during the last years. A decrease in stool frequency, urgency, and incontinence rates during the first two postoperative years with an improved quality of life has been observed. Alternative methods with similar functional results are provided by the ileocecal reservoir, the transverse coloplasty pouch or the side-to-end anastomosis. Colonic J-pouch reconstruction should be considered as an superior alternative to straight coloanal anastomosis in patients undergoing anterior resection.

Colonic Pouches↗
PubMed2002

[Resection of tumor stenoses and stent implantations in advanced neoplasms of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum].

Up to now many people demand treatment only with symptoms of a progressed cancer disease. As curative therapy is often not possible any more, endoscopy offers valuable palliative treatment options. Tumor destructive methods are mainly used for soft exophytic neoplastic tissue, whereas stent implantation is the therapy of choice in all other cases, especially if severe obstruction is present. The advantage of this method is the immediate and long lasting effect. Because of the different stent types and indications there is no optimal universal stent, so that we have to choose the individual best endoprosthesis.

Duodenal Neoplasms↗
PubMed2001

[Fulminant liver failure after administration of the herbal antidepressant Kava-Kava].

HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS: A 60 year-old woman was admitted to hospital because of jaundice, fatigue, weight loss over several months and icteric skin. Because of progressive liver failure, concomitant renal failure and progressive encephalopathy she was transferred to an intensive care unit. INVESTIGATIONS: Biochemical tests revealed acute liver failure with high levels of total and conjugated bilirubin (30 mg/dl) as well as aspartate aminotransferase (921 IU/l) and alanine aminotransferase (1350 IU/l) concentrations. Prothrombin time was less than 10 %. Serological tests could rule out viral hepatitis, metabolic or autoimmune causes of liver failure. On abdominal computed tomography and ultrasonography no pathological changes were detected. Above all portal vein thrombosis, ascites, focal lesions of the liver and extrahepatic cholestasis could be excluded. Liver histology showed extensive hepatocellular necrosis with intrahepatic cholestasis. TREATMENT AND CLINICAL COURSE: The patient's physical condition deteriorated. She had to be intubated because of respiratory insufficiency and encephalopathy stage IV. Because of progressive liver failure under conservative treatment the patient received an orthotopic liver transplant 11 days after admission. CONCLUSIONS: The exclusion of other causes and the histological diagnosis made Kava-Kava as the cause of acute liver failure most likely. This is the 18th case of Kava-Kava induced liver failure reported to the European regulatory authorities.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed2001

Protective role of an endothelin-converting enzyme inhibitor (FR901533) in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.

INTRODUCTION: There is evidence that endothelin (ET) contributes to disturbances of the hepatic microcirculation after warm ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) by causing vasoconstriction and by enhancing leukocyte endothelium interactions. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible protective role of the endothelin converting enzyme (ECE) inhibitor FR901533 in this setting. METHODS: In an in vivo model (42 Wistar rats), hepatic ischemia was induced for 30 min by Pringle's maneuver. Sham operated (I), untreated ischemic (II), and treatment (III) groups with FR901533 (1 mg/kg bw iv) were investigated. The effect of FR901533 in I/R was assessed by in vivo microscopy (30-90 min after reperfusion), measurement of local tissue pO2 (30 and 60 min after reperfusion), and determination of AST/ALT levels (2 h, 6 h, and 2, 6, and 14 days after reperfusion). RESULTS: In the untreated ischemic group (II) sinusoidal constriction to 76.3 +/- 4.2% of basic diameters was observed, leading to significant decreases in perfusion rate (82.3 +/- 3.6% of sham group) and in liver tissue pO(2) (43.5 +/- 3.2% of sham group) (P < 0.05). In addition, we found an increased percentage of stagnant leukocytes in sinusoids (138.3 +/- 9.8) and sticking leukocytes in postsinusoidal venules (155.2 +/- 3.3% of sham group) (P < 0.05). Hepatocellular damage (AST/ALT increase to 430.6 +/- 47.7 U/L/200.2 +/- 23.8 U/L, pre: 27.4 +/- 2.7 U/L/28.1 +/- 2.7 U/L) was detected 6 h after reperfusion (P < 0.05). Administration of the ECE inhibitor before ischemia significantly reduced I/R injury. Sinusoidal diameters were maintained (102.2 +/- 1.7%), while perfusion rate (93.1 +/- 1.8%) and tissue pO2 (105.3 +/- 2.7%) increased significantly (P < 0.05). Hepatocellular damage was decreased (AST/ALT levels after 6 h of reperfusion: 166.6 +/- 26.3 U/L/132.4 +/- 22.5 U/L, P < 0.05) and leukocyte sticking and rolling were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidence that the new therapeutic approach with an ECE inhibitor is effective in reducing hepatic I/R injury.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗
PubMed2001

[Management of biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation].

In this retrospective analysis we report our results after liver transplantation regarding biliary complications (bc) and the effectiveness of endoscopic therapy. In the last 4 1/2 years we found 13 biliary leaks (7 in combination with a stenosis, 3 at the T tube insertion site), 9 biliary stenosis, 3 papillary stenosis, 2 biliary aggregates and one case of ischemic type biliary lesion, resulting in an overall complication rate of 30%. 10 (36%) "bc" could be treated successfully endoscopically, whereas 8 (32%) patients are still under observation with an endoprosthesis in the biliary tract. 10 endoscopic trials were without the desired effect, requiring a surgical reintervention. In 4 cases a thrombosis of the hepatic artery was responsible for the unwanted course.

Adolescent↗