Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

R Bruppacher

Publications and source records attributed to R Bruppacher.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Abdominal pain, indigestion, anorexia, nausea and vomiting.

Non-specific abdominal complaints are a very frequent cause of discomfort. Even if only comparatively few are brought to the attention of the physician, they account for a considerable portion of the reasons for seeking medical care, both in acute and chronic conditions. On the other hand, few drugs are free of the suspicion of causing abdominal complaints, which make up between one-tenth and one-third of reported adverse reactions. A wide variety of possible alternative or concomitant causes makes a clear causative attribution to suspected drugs very difficult. This holds especially true for the ill-defined conditions of indigestion and anorexia. For nausea and vomiting, specific scales have been developed which facilitate differentiation between drugs causing these effects most frequently and most intensively. They have been applied in cytostatic therapy, where this is one of the most frequently encountered problems, but nausea and vomiting can seriously affect compliance in many other treatments. Somatic abdominal pain results in most instances from the irritation of the parietal peritoneum and is usually the effect of a lesion. This may or may not be caused by a drug, but this cause should be the first consideration. Visceral pain may result from functional disturbance of secretory glands or of the muscular coat, from drug action on bowel content or from irritation of the mucosa, all of which are frequently interrelated. Most frequently suspected pharmacological causes are drugs with anticholinergic action, antibiotics, potassium supplements and non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory agents. Drug-induced hyperinsulinism and porphyria are rare cases. Abuse of laxatives should always be considered because of its prevalence. A great number of other untoward drug effects have been described in the literature, but rarely merit first consideration. With the exception of promptly occurring or persistent emesis, gastrointestinal symptoms usually are not pathognomonic for drug effects and are the result of several factors. The usual approach to identifying an adverse drug effect is to delineate the functional or structural disorder, and to associate this diagnosis with possible pharmacodynamic aetiologies.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1986

[Epidemiological aspects of toxocariasis in Switzerland].

In the regions of Basel, Jura and Zürich (Switzerland) 765 blood donors completed a questionnaire with respect to symptoms, animal contacts and occupation, and their sera were tested for antibodies to tissue helminths in ELISA. 5.1%, 3.3% and 6.5% exhibited antibodies solely to the respective antigens of Toxocara canis, Fasciola hepatica, and Echinococcus granulosus. Combined seroreactions were mainly observed between F. hepatica and E. granulosus antigens. Reactivity to T. canis antigen was associated with animal contacts at work, as well as contacts with cattle and sheep but not dogs or cats. Toxocara antibodies were found in all age groups. Their prevalence varied markedly by region.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[Pregnancy in a representative Swiss population (study of pregnancy and newborn infants in Aarau). 3. Diseases and drugs in pregnancy].

As part of an overall study, a cohort of 996 Swiss mothers was interviewed upon admission to the labour ward regarding illnesses, disorders and the use of drugs during pregnancy. The data are presented and compared with analogous data on the entire female population of the same age group in Switzerland, and with epidemiologic reviews of pregnancy events from other countries. Somatic illness, particularly the common cold, were reported by 55%, and complaints of a more psychosomatic character by 47%. Illness related to pregnancy was found in more than 40% of the women. Only 16% reported no illnesses or complaints during the course of pregnancy. On the other hand, 33% of the mothers had taken no medication during pregnancy. Compared with studies from other countries the use of medication in this group of women was lower, particularly self-medication for minor complaints. The women reported an average intake of 1.6 drugs. In the offspring of these mothers only a few minor somatic effects were demonstrable. The Brazelton behavioral assessment did, however, reveal some significant correlations.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[The course of pregnancy in a representative Swiss sample (Aarau Pregnancy and Newborn Infant Study). II. Stimulants in pregnancy].

Within the framework of a study on the course of pregnancy, a cohort of 996 Swiss mothers was interviewed upon admission for delivery at Aarau Maternity Hospital regarding nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and narcotics consumption. The data are presented and compared with analogous data on the entire female population of the same age group in Switzerland and with epidemiologic reviews of pregnancy events from other countries. The relationship between these data and effects on the newborn is also discussed. This group of mothers aged 20-40 years had, even prior to pregnancy, below-average alcohol and nicotine consumption. During pregnancy nicotine use in the last trimester, though reduced, was still admitted by 18% of the gravidae despite the fact that about 3/4 of the mothers were well informed about detrimental effects on the offspring. Nicotine use by the mother had several somatic effects on the newborn, in contrast to consumption of caffeine and small amounts of alcohol. The behavioral assessment was altered by previous use of nicotine and caffeine.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[The course of pregnancy in a representative Swiss population (the Aarau Pregnancy and Newborn Infant Study). I. Social medicine aspects].

Excluding multiple births, a cohort of 996 Swiss mothers was interviewed upon admission to the labour ward regarding the overall course of pregnancy, illnesses, disorders, use of drugs, and nicotine and alcohol consumption. During the postnatal stay at the hospital additional information on socioeconomic background, mental and physical stress and the pattern of medical care during pregnancy was obtained. The data are presented and compared with analogous data on the entire female population of the same age group in Switzerland and with epidemiologic reviews of pregnancy events from other countries. This group of pregnant women represents a cross-section of the average mixed small town and rural population of German-speaking Switzerland. The socioeconomic conditions for motherhood appear favorable, though the percentage of women from lower socioeconomic classes was lower than in the general population. Employment during pregnancy had no influence on birthweight and neonatal morbidity, in contrast to chronic physical and emotional stress. On average the women had eight medical checkups during pregnancy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

[Teaching social and preventive medicine to pharmacy students].

The new Swiss reglementation for the final examination of students in pharmaceutics make social and preventive medicine a mandatory part of the curriculum. The number of hours attributed to the new subject differ markedly between the various schools of pharmacy. They are influenced by the attitude of the institutes and faculties (schools), professional societies but also by the students involved. The experiences of the first year are briefly discussed. Most important is to use the opportunity to improve the collaboration between the different partners in health care.

Curriculum↗
PubMed1985

Symptoms, signs and findings in humans exposed to PCBs and their derivatives.

The records of the health effects caused by some accidental exposure and findings from medical examination in cases exposed to polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) as well as to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and their derivatives polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) and dibenzodioxins (PCDD) have provided some information for the recognition and classification of their toxicity in humans. The most impressive clinical features have been presented by the yusho episode of exposure. Dermatologic signs are the most persistent indicator of a considerable uptake. Neurological symptoms, respiratory findings and impairment of liver function are further aspects of the contamination. Skin manifestations have been observed also in the newborn infants from mothers exposed to high levels of the substances. However, the available data make it still hard to assess the clinical picture of the effects on humans in cases of acute exposure and even more the effects on reproduction and long-term effects. Furthermore it would still be arbitrary to draw a line between the symptoms which can be referred to PCBs and PBBs alone and those which can be related qualitatively and quantitatively to PCB derivatives (PCDFs, PCDDs, PCQs).

Benzofurans↗
PubMed1984

[Patient assistance and preventive medicine in the shadow of the Public Health Service].

The Swiss Health Leagues are difficult to characterize as a group because field of activity, services, number and kind of members, organizational structure, role in the public health care system and finances differ considerably among them. With the help of private donation, subsidies of the State and a considerable amount of non-remunerated work, they provide special services, adapted to specific needs, a complement of the Swiss health care system often forgotten in the continuing discussions about the cost and structure of health services.

Delivery of Health Care↗
PubMed1984

[The Swiss Health Leagues Conference].

The Conference of Swiss Health Leagues-founded in 1971-unites associations which aim at prevention and control of chronic diseases and their physical and social consequences. The semi-annual conferences, the commissions and working parties enable exchange of experience, coordination of activities, and the pursuing of common interests in very specialized and heterogenous member organizations.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed1984

[Employment during pregnancy and birth weight].

The average weight of the newborn was found significantly lower (almost 170 g) among 521 women with gainful employment during pregnancy compared to 475 other singleborn babies of residents of the Aarau region (Switzerland), who did not indicate such an occupation. Multivariate analysis, however, revealed that the observed difference was accounted for by the higher proportion of primiparae and of smokers among the working women, a direct influence of the occupation on birth weight could not be confirmed.

Birth Weight↗
PubMed1984

[Employment during pregnancy and neonatal morbidity].

Neonatal morbidity was higher among the babies of 521 women who were gainfully employed during pregnancy compared to those of 475 non working women of the same area (Aarau, Switzerland). The difference was lower (6%) in the part time employed than in those working full time (11%.) It was almost entirely due to the higher number of primiparae and of smokers among those women who were working during pregnancy.

Employment↗
PubMed1983

[How widespread is Q fever in Switzerland?].

There are very few reports in the literature on mass seroepidemiological studies of the prevalence of Q fever antibodies. Those to be found are mostly concerned with focal epidemics of Q fever. Out of more than 2000 serum specimens from blood donors analyzed at random in Switzerland in 1982 for Q fever antibodies, 3.5% gave seropositive results (CBR titer at least 1:10). In selected population samples, e.g. forestry workers or vets, the prevalence was distinctly higher (7.6% and 25.7%). Contact with sheep and the consumption of unboiled and not commercially processed milk proved to be mutually independent risk factors. The foregoing findings indicate that the incidence of Q fever in Switzerland is higher than would appear from the number of cases reported to the Federal Health Department. They are discussed in view of the recent renewed interest in Q fever endocarditis.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

[Care of elderly chronically ill patients at home].

In a survey of 261 chronically ill elderly 43 are found to be supported at home by family members. In comparison to institutionalised patients significantly more men are nursed at home. Members of lower socioeconomic groups are overrepresented in the home care group. Only close family members (spouse and daughter) contribute in significant numbers to home care. In addition formal support is necessary in the majority of patients (periodic hospitalisation in more than 50%). In the present situation, only a minority (mainly married men) is cared for at home.

Aged↗