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Biomedical subjects

R Wray

Publications and source records attributed to R Wray.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Very low-density lipoprotein apolipoprotein B-100 turnover in glycogen storage disease type Ia (von Gierke disease).

Mixed hyperlipidaemia is a common finding in glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD Ia). Although cross-sectional studies have demonstrated increases in intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDLs) and reductions in lipoprotein lipase activity, no studies have investigated the dynamics of apolipoprotein B-100 (apo B) metabolism in GSD Ia. This study investigated apoB turnover in GSD Ia using an exogenous labelling method in one sib from a kinship with established GSD Ia. The study demonstrated normal hepatic secretion of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), but hypocatabolism of VLDL, probably due to lack of lipoprotein lipase activity. The production rate of IDL was slightly increased, but the turnover rate of low-density lipoprotein was normal. The findings suggest that, as well as a corn starch diet and dietary fat restriction, treatment of severe mixed hyperlipidaemia in GSD Ia and its attendant risk of pancreatitis should possibly involve fibrates that activate lipoprotein lipase and may enhance the clearance of IDL, rather than omega-3 fatty acids, which principally suppress hepatic secretion of VLDL.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

A paradoxical severe decrease in serum HDL-cholesterol after treatment with a fibrate.

There have been a handful of reports in the literature of a paradoxical decrease in serum high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol in patients on fibrate drugs. The reason for this decline in cardioprotective HDL-cholesterol is not known and may have potential deleterious effects on the patient. This report describes a decrease in serum HDL-cholesterol in a patient on both simvastatin and bezafibrate. This patient also developed abnormal renal function, probably interstitial nephritis. In addition, the literature of fibrate induced serum HDL-cholesterol decline is reviewed and possible mechanisms for this phenomenon discussed.

Bezafibrate↗
PubMed1999

A first British case of fish-eye disease presenting at age 75 years: a double heterozygote for defined and new mutations affecting LCAT structure and expression.

Fish-eye disease is a familial syndrome with corneal opacification, major high density lipoprotein (HDL) deficiency in plasma, significant cholesterol esterification in plasma on non-HDL lipoproteins, generally without premature coronary disease. This first British male case from unrelated British parents had infarcts when aged 49 and 73 years but was asymptomatic at age 81 years, with plasma cholesterol 4.3-7.1 mmol/litre, triglycerides 1.8-2.2 mmol/litre, HDL cholesterol < 0.1 mmol/litre, apolipoprotein A-I < 0.16 g/litre, lipoprotein(a) 0.61 g/litre. Cholesterol esterification was impaired using HDL-3 and A-I proteoliposomes but not using VLDL/IDL/LDL. The findings are those of LCAT deficiency with the classic fish-eye disease defect. Most of the 22 reported cases were homozygous or heterozygous for a Thr-Ile mutation at codon 123 of the lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) gene. This patient was a double heterozygote for this mutation and a second new incompletely defined mutation affecting LCAT expression as defined by reduced mass and activity in plasma.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Community health collaboration models for the 21st century.

The development of partnerships with physicians and other health professionals is a key strategy to improving the community's health. This article reviews the role of nurse leaders as advocates for health care improvement and leading community improvement efforts.

Black or African American↗
PubMed1997

Nosocomial acquisition of pertussis diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction.

Awareness is growing of the role of pertussis infection among adolescents and adults, and of the possibility of nosocomial transmission. However, pertussis remains difficult to diagnose. We report a case of nosocomially acquired pertussis in a healthcare worker, diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction. The high sensitivity and rapid turnaround time for this test is useful to confirm the diagnosis when advising a healthcare worker to refrain from working.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

On the causes of collapse and sudden death by Avicenna.

Avicenna's views on the causes of collapse and sudden death are presented from a literal translation of the mediaeval Arabic text. Medical knowledge based on observation mixed with pure abstract reasoning forms the essence of Avicenna's medical writings.

Death, Sudden↗
PubMed1995

Long-term safety of statin-fibrate combination treatment in the management of hypercholesterolaemia in patients with coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term safety profile of treatment with a statin-fibrate combination in a cohort of patients with documented coronary artery disease. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort analytical study. SETTING: District general hospital. PATIENTS: 102 (81 male and 21 female) hypercholesterolaemic (total cholesterol concentration > 6.5 mmol/l) patients with documented coronary artery disease and who had been treated with a statin-fibrate combination for over 1 year. Coronary artery disease was confirmed by angiography in 93 patients and by a positive (Bruce protocol) exercise test in the remainder. Fifty eight patients had a history of previous coronary bypass graft surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Twice daily lipid lowering treatment was given, with the fibrate administered in the morning (either bezafibrate 400 mg (n = 101) or fenofibrate 200 mg (n = 1)) and the statin in the evening (either simvastatin 10 mg (n = 23), 20 mg (n = 72), or 40 mg (n = 2) or pravastatin 10 mg (n = 1) or 20 mg (n = 4)). Treatment continued for 1 (n = 9), 2 (n = 58), or 3 (n = 35) years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Selected laboratory variables (total cholesterol concentration and liver (aspartate transaminase (AST)) and muscle enzyme (creatine kinase (CK)) activities) and documented symptomatology. RESULTS: A mean (SD) total cholesterol concentration of 5.2 (0.8) mmol/l was achieved after combined treatment for 1 year which was maintained at annual follow up. Over a maximum 3 year follow up no patient reported myalgic symptoms and none had a measured CK activity > 10 times above nomal. Four men on a simvastatin-bezafibrate combination had a CK activity rise to less than three times normal. Fourteen patients with a negative history of alcohol excess (consumption < 21 units/week) had borderline raised AST values. CONCLUSIONS: Statin-fibrate combination treatment for up to 3 years in a cohort of patients with coronary artery disease was not associated with serious disturbances in biochemical markers of muscle or liver function.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Rotational ablation of discrete lesions in the coronary arteries is safe. A nonrandomized comparison with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Rotational ablation is receiving increasing attention as a new therapeutic intervention for coronary artery disease. In a nonrandomized study, we compared echocardiographic regional wall-motion scores of patients treated with rotational ablation with those of patients treated with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. We found that rotational ablation achieved angiographic results comparable to those of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, and was in fact associated with less myocardial ischemia. The reduction in ischemia observed in the ablation group might arise from shorter treatment times in those patients, from the use of nitroglycerin infusion in the ablation group, or from both factors.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗
PubMed1995

Combined bezafibrate and simvastatin treatment for mixed hyperlipidaemia.

The safety and efficacy of combined bezafibrate-simvastatin therapy was evaluated in 49 patients with diet-resistant mixed hyperlipidaemia (type IIb). After a two-month placebo phase, patients were randomized to receive either Bezafibrate Slow Release (SR) 400 mg mane or simvastatin 20 mg nocte followed by three months combination therapy. Total cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were measured at monthly intervals. Apolipoproteins (apo) A1 and B, lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] and fibrinogen were measured before and after each treatment. Simvastatin was more effective than Bezafibrate SR in reducing total cholesterol (2.0 vs. 1.1 mmol/l, p = 0.003) and lowering LDL cholesterol (1.7 vs. 0.4 mmol/l, p = 0.0001) whereas Bezafibrate SR was more effective in reducing triglycerides (by 41% vs. 17%, p = 0.001) and fibrinogen (by 23% vs. 3%, p = 0.004). Compared with simvastatin monotherapy, combined drug therapy induced further reductions in triglycerides (by 26%, p = 0.0003) and apoB (by 11 mg/dl, p = 0.03) and an increase in apoA1 (by 21 mg/dl, p = 0.0008). Symptomatic and biochemical adverse events did not occur more frequently on combined drug therapy than on monotherapy. The combination of bezafibrate and simvastatin was more effective in controlling mixed hyperlipidaemia than either drug alone and did not provoke more adverse events.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

The successful surgical repair of a ruptured interventricular septum following a myocardial infarct in an 89 year old man.

This case report describes the successful repair of an acquired ventricular septal defect following an anterior full thickness myocardial infarct in an 89 year old man. Four months after the infarct the patient was in severe congestive cardiac failure (NYHA Class IV), despite medical treatment, with signs of a ventricular septal defect. This was confirmed by echodoppler and cardiac catheterization. Surgical repair of the ventricular septal defect was performed. He made an uncomplicated recovery and two and a half years later is well and active. We believe he is the oldest patient who has had this operation successfully.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

Clinical efficacy of xamoterol, a beta 1-adrenoceptor partial agonist, in mild to moderate heart failure. U.K. Xamoterol Study Group.

The clinical efficacy of xamoterol, alpha beta 1-adrenoceptor partial agonist, was determined in a multicentre double-blind, randomized, parallel group study of 240 patients with mild to moderate heart failure. At entry, 62% of patients were receiving diuretics (thiazides, or loop diuretics at a dose no greater than the equivalent of 80 mg of frusemide); 32% were taking nitrate formulations and 14% digoxin for control of atrial fibrillation. Assessments were carried out after a 1-week placebo run-in and after 3 months of treatment with either xamoterol or placebo. 198 patients completed the study of whom 186 had valid exercise tests. Mean exercise duration increased by 7% after placebo and by 19% after xamoterol during a progressive treadmill exercise protocol. Xamoterol significantly reduced peak exercise heart rate compared with placebo. Subjectively, there was improvement in breathlessness on the visual analogue scale after treatment with xamoterol compared with placebo, but no change in fatigue. We conclude that xamoterol produces sustained improvement in symptoms and exercise duration in mild to moderate heart failure.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗