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Biomedical subjects

S I Ort

Publications and source records attributed to S I Ort.

25 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

Plasma-free homovanillic acid: within- and across-day stability in children and adults with Tourette's syndrome.

Within- and across-day stability of plasma-free homovanillic acid (pHVA) was assessed in children and adults with Tourette's syndrome. A diurnal fall in pHVA was observed in 13 of 15 subjects. There was a small but significant (p less than .0001) decrease (8%) in mean morning pHVA levels obtained just 20 minutes apart (8:30 A.M. and 8:50 A.M.). A substantial and significant (p less than .001) mean decrease in pHVA (25%) was observed when samples obtained between 8:00 and 8:30 A.M. were compared with samples obtained at 12:00 noon. Changes in pHVA levels observed during the afternoon (between 12:00 noon and 4:00 P.M.) were small, nondirectional, and nonsignificant. Repeated measurement of morning pHVA in the same individual after 24 or more hours revealed marked increases or decreases in many individuals, suggesting that morning pHVA is not a stable measure. The results of this and previous studies suggest that pHVA obtained at 12:00 noon or later in the day may be a more reliable measure of centrally produced HVA. Further studies are needed regarding the stability of pHVA over time.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Brief debrisoquin administration to assess central dopaminergic function in children.

Central dopaminergic (DA) function in children was assessed by monitoring plasma-free homovanillic acid (pHVA) levels after brief (18 hour) administration with debrisoquin sulfate, a peripherally active antihypertensive agent that blocks peripheral, but not central, HVA production. Brief debrisoquin administration resulted in marked reductions in pHVA in each of six patients studied. In five of the six patients, post-debrisoquin pHVA levels remained relatively stable over the six-hour period of observation. No significant cardiovascular or behavioral side effects of debrisoquin were observed. The brief debrisoquin administration method appears to be a safe, simple, and potentially valid peripheral technique for evaluating aspects of central dopaminergic function in children with neuropsychiatric disorders. Additional work is needed to further establish this method's validity and reliability.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Assessment of central dopaminergic function using plasma-free homovanillic acid after debrisoquin administration.

Central dopaminergic (DA) function in children and adults was assessed by monitoring plasma-free levels of the dopamine metabolite homovanillic acid (pHVA) before and after a single oral dose and chronic oral administration of debrisoquin. Debrisoquin inhibits peripheral metabolism of dopamine to HVA and does not cross the blood-brain barrier. By reducing peripheral formation of HVA through the use of debrisoquin, the remaining HVA in plasma more accurately reflects central DA activity. Debrisoquin administration resulted in marked reductions of pHVA in each of 12 patients studied. Eleven of the 12 subjects tolerated debrisoquin without physical or behavioral side effects. The debrisoquin administration method appears to be a safe and potentially valid technique for evaluating aspects of central dopaminergic function in children and adults.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Selection and use of clinical rating instruments in child psychiatric nursing.

TOPIC: The selection of appropriate clinical rating instruments and integration of their findings in child psychiatric nursing practice may not be clear. PURPOSE: To offer guidance concerning the selection and application of clinical rating instruments SOURCES: A review of recent literature of commonly used parent and teacher checklists, clinician-rated instruments, structured diagnostic interviews, and child self-reports. CONCLUSION: Clinical rating scales have an important place in clinical practice and research in child and adolescent psychiatric settings. Selecting an appropriate instrument depends on the purpose, developmental level of the child, and expertise of the clinician--and requires careful consideration.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Thyroid function in fragile-X syndrome males.

Twelve males with fragile-X syndrome between the ages of three and 28 years underwent assessment of thyroid function. All 12 subjects demonstrated normal baseline values for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine, thyroid binding globulin (TBG), and estimated free thyroxine (EFT). Relative to a control group reported in the literature, however, the fragile-X subjects exhibited a blunted TSH response to thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH). This finding suggests the presence of subtle dysfunction within the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. Elevated baseline prolactin levels were also observed among the fragile-X subjects. These results support previous reports of hypothalamic-pituitary abnormalities among fragile-X syndrome males.

Adolescent↗