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Biomedical subjects

P E Ballmer

Publications and source records attributed to P E Ballmer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

[Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemia. 24 consecutive cases].

BACKGROUND: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemia (HH) remain life-threatening complications of diabetes mellitus. Herein, we evaluated a standardized protocol for the therapy of acute hyperglycemic crises. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients treated in a medical intensive care unit for acute and severe hyperglycemia. Therapy was standardized according to internal guidelines effective for all treating physicians. RESULTS: 24 diabetic patients (11 men, 13 women, age 54 +/- 16 years, 11 DKA, 13 HH) were included into this study. All except one patient in the DKA-group had diabetes mellitus type 1. All patients with HH had diabetes mellitus type 2. Patients with DKA were significantly younger and complained more often about nausea and vomiting compared to the HH-group. Infections were the major cause for acute hyperglycemia followed by non-compliance. The arterial pH-value in the DKA-group was lower than in the HH-group (7,07 +/- 0,12 vs. 7,36 +/- 0,05). The length of stay in the intensive care unit was 1,8 +/- 1,2 days in patients with DKA and 2,2 +/- 1,2 days in patients with HH. The length of stay in the hospital was 11,5 +/- 5,9 days in patients with DKA and 18,3 +/- 10,9 days in patients with HH. No patient died during hospitalization. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the relevance of standardized written guidelines for the therapy of acute hyperglycemic crises in diabetic patients.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2001

Determination of plasma volume by indocyanine green--validation of the method and use in patients after cardiopulmonary bypass.

OBJECTIVE: Validation of plasma volume (PV) determination by indocyanine green (ICG) in comparison to the gold-standard method with radioiodinated albumin, and investigation of the effect of commonly used plasma expanders (albumin, hydroxyethyl starch, and polygelatine) on PV in the early postoperative phase in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: Department of medicine and intensive care unit at a university hospital. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: Ten healthy volunteers and 21 patients after elective open-heart surgery. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: PV of subjects was measured by i.v. injecting 5 microCi [125I]albumin (I-ALB). One hour later, PV was determined by a peripheral i. v. injection of 0.25 mg/kg body weight ICG (ICG1). In five subjects PV was measured repeatedly by ICG (ICG2) 1 h after ICG1. Mean PV of I-ALB and ICG1 or ICG2 showed consistent results. Further, we investigated central vs peripheral intravenous injection of ICG in six patients after open-heart surgery compared to [125I]albumin. There was no difference between mean PV measured by [125I]albumin and peripheral ICG (P = 0.40). PV determined by central injection of ICG was significantly higher than by the other methods. In 15 patients PV was determined by [125I]albumin. Thereafter, patients were randomly divided into three groups. Group ALB was infused with 1.75 ml/kg body weight human albumin 20%, group HAES with 5.25 ml/kg body weight hydroxyethyl starch 6%, and group HAEM with 7.0 ml/kg body weight polygelatine 3.5%. PV was measured 1 h and 4 h after infusion by ICG. There were no significant changes in PV between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: PV determination by peripheral i. v. injection of ICG produced reliable and consistent results when a reactive hyperaemia was produced by a tourniquet prior to injection. Therefore, central venous injection of ICG may not be prerequisite for precise measurements of PV. The expected acute increase in PV after infusion of commonly used plasma expanders after cardiac surgery was not found.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Acute metabolic acidosis decreases muscle protein synthesis but not albumin synthesis in humans.

Chronic metabolic acidosis induces negative nitrogen balance by either increased protein breakdown or decreased protein synthesis. Few data exist regarding effects of acute metabolic acidosis on protein synthesis. We investigated fractional synthesis rates (FSRs) of muscle protein and albumin, plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroid hormones (free thyroxin [fT(4)] and triiodothyronine [fT(3)]) in seven healthy human volunteers after a stable controlled metabolic period of 5 days and again 48 hours later after inducing metabolic acidosis by oral ammonium chloride intake (4.2 mmol/kg/d divided in six daily doses). Muscle and albumin FSRs were obtained by the [(2)H(5)ring]phenylalanine flooding technique. Ammonium chloride induced a significant decrease in pH (7.43 +/- 0.02 versus 7.32 +/- 0.04; P < 0.0001) and bicarbonate concentration (24.6 +/- 1.6 versus 16.0 +/- 2.7 mmol/L; P < 0.0001) within 48 hours. Nitrogen balance decreased significantly on the second day of acidosis. The FSR of muscle protein decreased (1.94 +/- 0.25 versus 1.30 +/- 0.39; P < 0.02), whereas the FSR of albumin remained constant. TSH levels increased significantly (1.1 +/- 0.5 versus 1.9 +/- 1.1 mU/L; P = 0.03), whereas IGF-I, fT(4), and fT(3) levels showed no significant change. We conclude that acute metabolic acidosis for 48 hours in humans induces a decrease in muscle protein synthesis, which contributes substantially to a negative nitrogen balance. In contrast to prolonged metabolic acidosis of 7 days, a short period of acidosis in the present study did not downregulate albumin synthesis.

Acidosis↗
PubMed2001

Enhanced synthesis of albumin and fibrinogen at high altitude.

The acute effects of active and passive ascent to high altitude on plasma volume (PV) and rates of synthesis of albumin and fibrinogen have been examined. Measurements were made in two groups of healthy volunteers, initially at low altitude (550 m) and again on the day after ascent to high altitude (4,559 m). One group ascended by helicopter (air group, n = 8), whereas the other group climbed (foot group, n = 9), so that the separate contribution of physical exertion to the response could be delineated. PV was measured by dilution of (125)I-labeled albumin, whereas synthesis rates of albumin and fibrinogen were determined from the incorporation of isotope into protein after injection of [ring-(2)H(5)]phenylalanine. In the air group, there was no change in PV at high altitude, whereas, in the foot group, there was a 10% increase in PV (P < 0.01). Albumin synthesis (mg. kg(-1). day(-1)) increased by 13% in the air group (P = 0.058) and by 32% in the foot group (P < 0.001). Fibrinogen synthesis (mg. kg(-1). day(-1)) increased by 40% in the air group (P = 0.068) and by 100% in the foot group (P < 0.001). Hypoxia and alkalosis at high altitude did not differ between the groups. Plasma interleukin-6 was increased modestly in both groups but C-reactive protein was not changed in either group. It is concluded that increases in PV and plasma protein synthesis at high altitude result mainly from the physical exercise associated with climbing. However, a small stimulation of albumin and fibrinogen synthesis may be attributable to hypobaric hypoxia alone.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Recurrent Clostridium difficile enterocolitis].

Pseudomembranous enterocolitis generally occurs after antibiotic treatment. The standard treatment is oral metronidazol or vancomycin. Nevertheless, relapses of Clostridium difficile enterocolitis are observed in 10-25% of cases. Factors associated with recurrences include endogenous reinfection by spore formation, selective IgG1 or IgA deficiency or infection with mutated strains of Clostridium difficile. Recurrent Clostridium difficile enterocolitis may be treated with repeat oral vancomycin combined with Sacchoromyces boulardii, with intravenous immunoglobulin for severe colitis.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

[Conservative management of spontaneous splenic rupture as a complication of infectious mononucleosis: two case reports and literature review].

We report on conservative management of 2 patients with spontaneous splenic rupture associated with infectious mononucleosis. Both patients had an unremarkable hospital course and were discharged within 7 days of admission. Resolution of the haematoma was followed by ultrasound monitoring during the hospital stay. A literature review to 1999 shows that approximately 45 patients with serologically proven infectious mononucleosis have suffered spontaneous rupture of the spleen. Spontaneous splenic rupture is a rare but potentially fatal complication of infectious mononucleosis. Although splenectomy has been advocated in the past as the definitive therapy, we recommend that non-surgical management be considered in haemodynamically stable patients, to avoid the complications of splenectomy (e.g. post-splenectomy sepsis).

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) for palliative decompression drainage in inoperable ileus].

Bowel obstruction, causing repetitive vomiting and reduced quality of life, is a common complication in patients with intraabdominal malignancies. Conservative treatment with nasogastric tubes is limited by patient discomfort. Antisecretory drug treatment with octreotide may be insufficient. We describe the application of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in 3 terminally ill cancer patients as simple and effective method for decompression in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

[Late sequelae of early summer meningoencephalitis].

The incidence of tick-borne encephalitis varies widely in different geographic regions due to local difference in the rate of infected vectors (Ixodes ricinus) transmitting tick-borne encephalitis virus. In the Cantonal Hospital Winterthur a large number of cases are hospitalised due to endemic areas with infected ticks nearby. From 1976 until 1996 132 patients with tick-borne encephalitis were hospitalised (an average of 7 patients per year), compared with 535 cases (41 per year) in the whole of Switzerland during a similar period (1984-1992). While previously tick-borne encephalitis was considered to be a harmless illness with complete recovery, a postencephalitic syndrome after tick-borne encephalitis has recently been reported. Since the prevalence of sequelae differs in these publications, the aim of this study was to investigate sequelae in a Swiss population which had suffered from tick-borne encephalitis. We retrospectively analysed the patients with tick-borne encephalitis hospitalised in the years 1987-1996, to determine the clinical and functional outcome. A few weeks after discharge from hospital, 73% patients still had complaints, and one year later 56%. 32 patients were observed over 5 years and 31% still had some disability. After tick-borne encephalitis 10% of patients did not recover the same quality of life as before. The symptoms most frequently reported were fatigue, concentration deficits and impairment of memory. Objective neurological deficits were rare. Our results correspond well with experience in other countries and demonstrate the substantial morbidity of tick-borne encephalitis. We recommend therefore vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis, an effective measure with a low complication rate.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[The Mediterranean diet--healthy but and still delicious].

Mediterranean diets are characterized by a high portion of monounsaturated fatty acids (in particular olive oil) and a low intake of saturated fatty acids (from animal origin apart from fish). Moreover, high intakes of fruits, vegetables, cereals (in form of bread), and moderate (regular) wine consumption are typical for the mediterranean diet. Contrary to the current opinion, extra virgin olive oil has no advantage compared to ordinary olive oil. Canola oil is an alternative to olive oil because of its similar fatty acid composition. Based on the new medical literature, mediterranean diet has strong secondary preventive effects after myocardial infarction resulting in a decrease of total mortality, cardiac death and non fatal reinfarction. The high portion of monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil cause a decrease in LDL cholesterol and an increase in HDL cholesterol. In addition, antioxidative vitamins such as vitamin E, C and beta-carotene and phenolic substances such as the flavonoids, e.g. quercetin and resveratrol, decrease the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and thus atherogenicity. Mediterranean diet has at least no negative effects in the initiation and promotion of cancer, however, its potential positive effects are so far less well known.

Coronary Artery Disease↗
PubMed2000

[Obesity: principles of drug therapy].

Obesity is a major global public health problem. In many instances, a combination of diet modification, increased physical activity and behavior therapy fail or are insufficient for sustained weight loss. In these situations, drug therapy may be helpful. However, drug treatment of obesity resulted in unexpected devastating events in recent years. In the late sixties, aminorex caused an epidemic of pulmonary hypertension with high mortality rates. Dexfenfluramine and phentermine were also associated with the development of pulmonary hypertension and with alarming reports of cardiac valvular abnormalities. Therefore, these drugs were withdrawn from the market. Newer drugs, like sibutramine, a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, and orlistat, a specific lipase inhibitor, reduce body weight significantly compared to placebo. In combination with a hypocaloric diet, weight loss of three to ten kilos can be achieved. Pharmacotherapy is limited to patients with a body mass index greater than 30 kg/m2, if non-pharmacological treatment programs have failed. The drugs should be prescribed under strict medical surveillance only.

Aminorex↗
PubMed2000

Urinary leukotriene E(4) levels are not increased prior to high-altitude pulmonary edema.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To examine whether increased urinary cysteinyl-leukotriene E(4) (LTE(4)) excretion, which has been found to be elevated in patients presenting with high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), precedes edema formation. DESIGN: Prospective studies in a total of 12 subjects with susceptibility to HAPE. SETTING: In a chamber study, seven subjects susceptible to HAPE and five nonsusceptible control subjects were exposed for 24 h to an altitude of 450 m (control day), and exposed for 20 h to 4,000 m after slow decompression over 4 h. In a field study, prospective measurements at low and high altitude were performed in five subjects developing HAPE at 4,559 m. PARTICIPANTS: Mountaineers with a radiographically documented history of HAPE and control subjects who did not develop HAPE with identical high-altitude exposure. INTERVENTIONS: 24-h urine collections. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: In the hypobaric chamber, none of the subjects developed HAPE. The 24-h urinary LTE(4) did not differ between HAPE susceptible and control subjects, nor between hypoxia and normoxic control day. In the field study, urinary LTE(4) was not increased in subjects with HAPE compared to values obtained prior to HAPE at high altitude and during 2 control days at low altitude. CONCLUSIONS: These data do not provide evidence that cysteinyl-leukotriene-mediated inflammatory response is associated with HAPE susceptibility or the development of HAPE within the context of our studies.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Erythema following malnutrition and exposure to sunlight].

We report the case of a 19-year-old female patient with a history of anorexia nervosa. The patient suffered from a burning, symmetrical and well defined erythematous rash with hyperpigmentation on light-exposed skin areas and pressure points. The patient's nutritional assessment revealed severe malnutrition with a low-protein and corn-based diet. The history of vitamin and protein deficiency, together with the typical cutaneous findings, confirmed the diagnosis of pellagra. The clinical features and pathogenesis of the disease are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Thiamin deficiency in HIV-positive patients: evaluation by erythrocyte transketolase activity and thiamin pyrophosphate effect.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of the study was to determine the thiamin status in HIV-positive patients. METHODS: Measurement of erythrocyte transketolase activity (ETK) and thiaminpyrophosphate (TPP) effect in 55 consecutive HIV-positive patients of a specialized outpatient clinic were grouped into five groups according to their CD4 counts. Comparison of results of HIV-positive patients with age-matched control group of 22 healthy subjects. RESULTS: Of the patients, 27% had a pathologically-increased TPP effect, 18% of the patients had pathologically-low ETK. The percentage of pathological values of TPP effect in the patients was significantly higher compared with the control group. There was no statistically significant correlation between pathological thiamin status and stage of the disease, zidovudine therapy or nutritional status of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Thiamin deficiency in HIV-positive patients was found in a higher percentage than previously reported. Thiamine deficiency is not only present in advanced stages of HIV-infection, but also in clinically asymptomatic patients.

Adult↗