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Biomedical subjects

R S Koff

Publications and source records attributed to R S Koff.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Successful intravenous cholecystocholangiography in the jaundiced patient using meglumine iodoxamate (Cholovue).

A clinical trial of meglumine iodoxamate (Cholovue) for intravenous cholangiocholecystography in 18 patients with elevated levels of serum bilirubin was performed. Ten to 30 cc of a 40% aqueous solution of the agent were given intravenously over a ten minute period and roentgenographic examinations conducted to document the agent's effectiveness, to determine optimal levels of dose, and to assess its safety. Common bile duct and gallbladder visualization was obtained in a surprisingly large number. The agent was effective with bilirubin levels up to 6.5 mg %. The optimal dose in patients with elevated bilirubin is probably in the range of 20 cc. Despite intensive monitoring, there were no important adverse clinical nor laboratory reactions observed. The new agent appears to offer a significant improvement over Cholografin, particularly with respect to patients with elevated bilirubin levels.

Adolescent↗

Modification of the hepatotoxicity of D-galactosamine in the rat by cycloheximide.

The effect of cycloheximide (1.5 mg/kg), a potent inhibitor of protein biosynthesis, on D-galastosamine (375 mg/kg)-induced hepatic necrosis and hepatic triglyceride accumulation was studied in rats. Serum transaminase levels, 24 hr after D-galactosamine administration, were significantly reduced in animals treated simultaneously or 4 hr before D-galactosamine with cycloheximide, when compared to animals given D-galactosamine alone. Transaminase levels in rats given cycloheximide 4 hr after D-galactosamine were not reduced. Histological grading of hepatocyte necrosis showed a similar pattern of protection in the pretreated and simultaneously treated groups. Hepatic triglycerides were significantly reduced only in the latter group. Fatality 48 hr after D-galactosamine administration was significantly less common in rats pretreated with cycloheximide when compared to rats given D-galactosamine without cycloheximide, and surviving animals in the cycloheximide pretreated group had a lower serum transaminase level, a lower necrosis score, and a reduced hepatic triglyceride level. These data are consistent with the concept that protein synthesis is important in the pathogenesis of D-galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity.

Alanine Transaminase↗

Fulminant hepatitis and lymphocyte sensitization due to propylthiouracil.

Fulminant hepatic failure developed in a 24-year-old black woman who had been treated with propylthiouracil and propranolol for hyperthyroidism. Clinical and biochemical recovery followed discontinuation of drug therapy. Liver biopsy disclosed submassive hepatic necrosis. During the acute phase of the disease, lymphocyte transformation studies revealed sensitization of the patient's lymphocytes to propylthiouracil but not to propranolol. Sensitization remained demonstrable 2 months after cessation of the former drug. Lymphocytes obtained from a hyperthyroid patient treated with propylthiouracil without complications failed to show evidence of sensitization. These observations indicate that submassive hepatic necrosis may result from treatment with propylthiouracil and are consistent with the notion that sensitization mechanisms may be responsible for the hepatic injury induced by this drug.

Adult↗

Efficacy of hepatitis B immune serum globulin after accidental exposure. Preliminary report of the Veterans Administration Cooperative Study.

A randomised, double-blind, controlled trial has been undertaken to compare the efficacy of hepatitis B immune globulin (H.B.I.G.) with that of immune serum globulin (I.S.G.) for the prophylaxis of viral hepatitis. Participants in the trial were individuals exposed accidentally to material infectious for hepatitis (primarily viral B hepatitis). Preliminary evaluation of the first 302 of the 561 individuals entered into the study indicates that H.B.I.G. significantly reduced the frequencies of both clinical and subclinical hepatitis during the first 3--4 months after the injection. Less than 10% of H.B.I.G. recipients had detectable anti-HBs at the sixth month after the injection, suggesting that H.B.I.G. might need to be given every 3--4 months to continually exposed individuals. Further long-term evaluation is required in order to define more clearly those most likely to benefit from H.B.I.G.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

Health hazards of bivalve-mollusk ingestion.

Bivalve mollusks (oysters, clans, and mussels) filter large quantities of water unselectively and thereby may concentrate a variety of aquatic contaminants pathogenic for man within edible shellfish viscera. The recognized bacterial disease associated with ingestion of contaminated bivalves include typhoid fever (not presently a public health problem), Vibrio parahemolyticus gastroenteritis, and Vibrio chloerae infection. The major known shellfish-associated viral diseases are viral hepatitis and possibly viral gastroenteritis. The ingestion of bivalves that have fed on the toxic species of dinoflagellates that produce red tides may be responsible for an uncommon and very rarely fatal illness, paralytic shellfish poisoning. Outbreaks of airborne respiratory irritation in populations exposed to red tides may be the most common public health problem associated with red tides. The health hazards resulting from industrial, agricultural, and oil pollution of bivalves in coastal waters and the hazard from improper handling of bacterially contaminated mollusks remain to be defined.

Animals↗

Current concepts of viral hepatitis and a peek into the future.

New information has prompted revision of the conceptual framework for considering the epidemiology and virology of viral hepatitis. The means are now at hand to identify infections due to either Hepatitis A or B, as well as to implicate other etiologic agents in hepatitis. Immunologic evidence of variation in the antigens associated with Hepatitis B, and possibly in Hepatitis A, may explain some well known epidemiologic phenomena and has important implications in immune serum globulin prophylaxis. The ambiguous relationship of antigenemia and viremia in Hepatitis B is explored in relation to the hepatitis hazard of blood products, to trials of immune serum globulin, and to the potential role of the carrier-health worker in hepatitis transmission. The emerging concept of non-parenteral transmission of Hepatitis B is reviewed and future developments in the production of hepatitis vaccines and in experimental viral hepatitis in non-human primates is briefly discussed.

Acute Disease↗