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Biomedical subjects

S Laurberg

Publications and source records attributed to S Laurberg.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Histopathological and morphometric analyses of late rectal injury after irradiation.

The aim of the present study was to assess and quantify changes in the structural components of the rectal wall after irradiation with varying single doses of x-rays. A total of 70 CDF1/Bom male mice were irradiated at a selective 1.5 cm of the distal rectum with varying single doses of 0-30 Gy. At 32 weeks postirradiation the mice were sacrificed and the rectum was removed. Sampling of the specimens was based on unbiased stereological principles using systematic random sampling. Vertical tissue sections were used to estimate mucosal surface area density and to measure the thickness and volume fraction of the different intestinal wall layers. The surface area density decreased with increasing dose (p<0.02) due to pronounced injury of the crypts and mucosal morphology. The thickness and the volume fraction of the submucosa were significantly increased in the 20, 25 and 30 Gy treatment groups (p<0.0001 and p<0.0001), whereas the thicknesses of the mucosa, the lamina muscularis propria and the serosa did not change after irradiation. It is concluded that irradiation causes histopathological changes in the rectal mucosa and submucosa, and changes in the thickness of the submucosal intestinal layer. These changes were found to be dose-dependent.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Neurogenic colorectal dysfunction - use of new antegrade and retrograde colonic wash-out methods.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate results of the Enema Continence Catheter (ECC) and the Malone Antegrade Continence Enema (MACE) applied in patients with severe neurogenic colorectal dysfunction. METHODS: The ECC was offered to 21 patients (mean age 39.9, range 7 - 72 years). The MACE was used in eight patients (mean age 32.8 years, range 15 - 66 years). All patients still using the ECC or the MACE at follow-up were interviewed. Results from patients not available for follow-up were drawn from hospital records. RESULTS: Overall success with the ECC was found in 12 of 21 patients (57%). In patients with faecal incontinence, the ECC was successful in eight out of eleven patients (73%), while four out of ten patients (40%) with constipation were successfully treated. Overall success with the MACE was found in seven out of eight patients (87%). Successful treatment with the ECC or the MACE was followed by significant improvement in quality of life. CONCLUSION: The ECC is a simple therapeutic method in severe neurogenic colorectal dysfunction. If the ECC fails the MACE, as a minor and reversible operation, is a suitable alternative to more extensive procedures.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Gastrointestinal and segmental colonic transit times in patients with acute and chronic spinal cord lesions.

STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal study among patients with acute and chronic spinal cord injuries (SCI). OBJECTIVES: To compare total gastrointestinal transit times (GITT) and segmental colorectal transit times (CTT) in SCI patients with acute and chronic lesions to those of healthy volunteers. Furthermore, to examine the impact of time elapsed since injury on GITT and CTT, and finally to compare the pattern of colorectal dysfunction in patients with supraconal versus conal/cauda equina lesions. SETTING: Surgical Research Unit and Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Aarhus, Denmark. METHODS: Patients took 10 radioopaque markers on six consecutive days and an abdominal X-ray was taken on day 7. GITT and CTTs were computed from the number of markers in the entire colorectum and in each colorectal segment respectively. We studied 26 patients with acute spinal cord lesions (15 supraconal and 11 conal/cauda equina lesions; time since injury=11 - 24 days) and 18 patients were available for follow-up 6 - 14 months later. Results were compared to 24 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: In patients with acute supraconal or conal/cauda equina lesions GITT and CTTs of the ascending, transverse, and descending colon were significantly prolonged, but rectosigmoid transit time was only significantly prolonged in patients with conal/cauda equina lesions. In patients with chronic supraconal lesions GITT and CTTs of the transverse colon and the descending colon were significantly prolonged. In patients with chronic conal/cauda equina lesions GITT and CTT of the transverse, the descending colon and the rectosigmoid were significantly prolonged. Thus, supraconal SCI resulted in generalized colonic dysfunction whereas chronic conal/cauda equina lesions resulted in severe rectosigmoid dysfunction. CONCLUSION: SCI results in severely prolonged colonic transit times both in the acute and chronic phase. However, the type of colorectal dysfunction depends on the level of SCI.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

Efficient mutation detection in mismatch repair genes using a combination of single-strand conformational polymorphism and heteroduplex analysis at a controlled temperature.

Single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis (SSCP) and heteroduplex analysis (HD) were tested as methods for mutation screening with respect to experimental variation, sensitivity, and specificity. Thirty-nine fluorescently labeled PCR products covering the two mismatch repair genes, hMLH1 and hMSH2, were tested in 15 patients for pattern changes, using SSCP and HD at two temperatures, in a total of 2340 runs. SSCP was most efficient in detecting base changes, whereas HD was the method of choice when detecting deletions. SSCP and HD at 20 degrees C were most effective (sensitivity 97%, specificity 49%), and SSCP and HD at 10 degrees C gave no additional information, except in one case where an exon had two base changes. Several mutations only showed a small pattern change in one of the two strands, most explicit at 20 degrees C. No correlation between the type of base change and the size or direction of the pattern changes could be found.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗
PubMed2000

Flatus and faecal incontinence: prevalence and risk factors at 16 weeks of gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of anal incontinence at 16 weeks of gestation and to identify possible maternal and obstetrical risk factors. DESIGN: Cross sectional study and cohort study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. PARTICIPANTS: Cross sectional study: 7,557 women attending antenatal care. Cohort study: a subgroup of 1,726 pregnant women with one previous delivery at our department. RESULTS: The prevalence of anal incontinence within the preceding year was 8.6%. Incontinence of liquid and solid stools was reported in 2.3% and 0.6%, respectively. Isolated flatus incontinence at least once a week was reported in 4.2%. The risk of flatus incontinence at least once a week was increased with age > 35 years (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1-2.4) and with previous lower abdominal or urological surgery (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1-1-2.1) in a logistic regression model controlling for maternal factors. Increasing parity did not increase the risk. The risk of flatus incontinence was increased after anal sphincter tear and birthweight > 4,000 g in a logistic regression model controlling for maternal and obstetric variables. Episiotomy was insignificantly associated, while spontaneous perineal tear > 3 cm and a number of other intrapartum factors were not associated. CONCLUSION True faecal incontinence is rare among younger women. However, an age > 35 years and previous lower abdominal or urological surgery increased the risk of flatus incontinence in contrast to increasing parity. This suggests that childbirth plays a minor role compared with age. However, when analysing obstetric variables separately, a birthweight > 4,000 g, and anal sphincter tears were significant risk factors for flatus incontinence.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Fracture risk is increased in Crohn's disease, but not in ulcerative colitis.

AIMS: To study fracture rates and risk factors for fractures in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. METHODS: 998 self administered questionnaires were issued to members of the Danish Colitis/Crohn Association, and 1000 questionnaires were issued to randomly selected control subjects. 845 patients (84.5%) and 645 controls (65.4%) returned the questionnaire (p<0.01). 817 patients and 635 controls could be analysed. RESULTS: Analysis was performed on 383 patients with Crohn's disease (median age 39, range 8-82 years; median age at diagnosis 26, range 1-75 years), 434 patients with ulcerative colitis (median age 39, range 11-86 years; median age at diagnosis 29, range 10-78 years), and 635 controls (median age 43, range 19-93 years, p<0.01). The fracture risk was increased in female patients with Crohn's disease (relative risk (RR) = 2.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7-3.6), but not in male patients with Crohn's disease (RR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.3-1.3) or in patients with ulcerative colitis (RR = 1.1, 95% CI 0.8-1.6). An increased proportion of low energy fractures was observed in patients with Crohn's disease (15.7% versus 1.4 % in controls, 2p<0. 01), but not in patients with ulcerative colitis (5.4%, 2p=0.30). The increased fracture frequency in Crohn's disease was present for fractures of the spine, feet, and toes and fractures of the ribs and pelvis. Fracture risk increased with increasing duration of systemic corticosteroid use in Crohn's disease (2p=0.028), but not in ulcerative colitis (2p=0.50). CONCLUSIONS: An increased risk of low energy fractures was observed in female patients with Crohn's disease, but not in male patients with Crohn's disease or in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

GH decreases hepatic amino acid degradation after small bowel resection in rats without enhancing bowel adaptation.

Growth hormone (GH) treatment in short bowel syndrome is controversial, and the mechanisms of a possible positive effect remain to be elucidated. Rats were randomly subjected to either an 80% jejunoileal resection or sham operation and were given either placebo (NaCl) or biosynthetic rat GH (brGH). The in vivo capacity of urea nitrogen synthesis (CUNS) and the expression of urea cycle enzymes were measured and related to changes in body weight and adaptive growth in ileal segments on days 7 and 14. Ileal segments were examined by unbiased stereological techniques. brGH treatment decreased CUNS among the resected rats by 19% (P<0.05) and 36% (P<0.05) on days 7 and 14, respectively. The mRNA levels of urea cycle enzyme genes were not influenced by brGH treatment. brGH treatment did not increase the adaptive growth in the ileal segments. In conclusion, we found that GH treatment decreased the accelerated postoperative hepatic amino acid degradation in experimental short bowel syndrome without enhancing the morphological intestinal adaptation.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1999

[Treatment of anal incontinence and constipation with transanal irrigation].

The Enema Continence Catheter (ECC) consists of a rectal catheter with an inflatable balloon. The balloon keeps the catheter in the rectum, while enemas are administered. Results from 25 adult patients and 12 children treated with the ECC were evaluated by telephone interviews or by information drawn from patient records. The ECC reduced the frequency of incontinence episodes in four of nine (44%) adult patients suffering from faecal incontinence due to spinal cord lesions, myelomeningocele, complicated anal sphincter lesions or anorectal surgery and irradiation therapy. Among 16 adult patients suffering from constipation or obstructed defecation, the ECC reduced symptoms in three (19%). Furthermore, the ECC procedure reduced symptoms in 10 of 11 (91%) children with colorectal dysfunction, mainly due to spina bifida. In conclusion, the ECC can reduce symptoms in most children suffering from faecal incontinence or constipation, and in some adults with faecal incontinence. However, the method is less effective among adults with constipation or obstructed defecation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Pad testing in incontinent women: a review.

This article reviews the literature on pad-weighing tests used for objectifying and quantifying incontinence in urinary incontinent women. The patients wear pads weighed before and after the test period. A weight gain is taken as a measure of the amount of urine loss. The tests are in principle of two different types: short-term office tests and long-term home tests, and measure different aspects of urinary control and dysfunction. Both have an inherent large intra- and interindividual variability. Pad weight gains obtained from patients referred for incontinence and those from self-reported continent controls overlap to a certain degree, and it is not possible to identify distinct numerical cut-off values separating continence from incontinence. This suggests that incontinence is a complex condition in which the amount of leakage, other sources of weight gain, and differences in the individual patients' personal characteristics influence the identification and quantification of the problem. In spite of the shortcomings the pad tests remain a valuable tool for both the clinician and the researcher. The home pad tests are superior to the office tests in terms of authenticity, and should be performed with a concomitant systematic registration of the participant's voidings, fluid intake and episodes of incontinence.

Bias↗
PubMed1999

Fertility after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in women with ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND: Women with ulcerative colitis are believed to have normal fertility but colectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) may impair fertility. The aim was to compare fertility in patients with ulcerative colitis before and after IPAA with that in the national population. METHODS: Some 258 consecutive women who had undergone IPAA for ulcerative colitis were identified. Data were collected by questionnaire and from medical records. The observed number of births was compared with the number expected by indirect standardization by age and calendar year. Fertility from the age of 15 years to colectomy, from the onset of ulcerative colitis to colectomy, and from the 12 months after stoma closure to the time of data collection was investigated. RESULTS: A total of 237 women (92 per cent) responded. From the age of 15 years to colectomy there were 251 deliveries compared with an expected number of 286 (P < 0. 05). The number of births from the onset of ulcerative colitis to colectomy was 120, compared with an expected 131 (P > 0.3). From the 12 months after ileostomy closure until data collection there were 34 deliveries, compared with an expected 69 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There is a considerable reduction in postoperative fertility after restorative surgery for ulcerative colitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Bowel problems in patients with systemic sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The impact of systemic sclerosis on bowel function is still unknown. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the frequency and severity of colorectal problems among patients with systemic sclerosis and to determine whether these problems are associated with age, gender, type of systemic sclerosis, or time since diagnosis. METHODS: A detailed questionnaire describing diarrhoea, constipation, obstructed defecation, faecal incontinence, bowel habits, social activities, and quality of life was sent to 96 consecutive patients with systemic sclerosis. RESULTS: Among 83 respondents (86%) 16% did not have a normal desire to defecate, 18% regularly needed digital stimulation or evacuation of the rectum, and 38% had faecal incontinence. Most patients (79%) had episodes of diarrhoea, and 38% had this once or more each month. Overall, 20% reported that colorectal dysfunction caused some or a major restriction of social activities or the quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal dysfunction is very common among patients with systemic sclerosis, often restricting social activities and the quality of life. Therefore, further studies of colorectal pathophysiology in patients with systemic sclerosis are needed.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed1999

Perioperative growth hormone treatment and functional outcome after major abdominal surgery: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate short- and long-term effects of perioperative human growth hormone (hGH) treatment on physical performance and fatigue in younger patients undergoing a major abdominal operation in a normal postoperative regimen with oral nutrition. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Muscle wasting and functional impairment follow major abdominal surgery. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with ulcerative colitis undergoing ileoanal J-pouch surgery were randomized to hGH (12 IU/day) or placebo treatment from 2 days before to 7 days after surgery. Measurements were performed 2 days before and 10, 30, and 90 days after surgery. RESULTS: The total muscle strength of four limb muscle groups was reduced by 7.6% in the hGH group and by 17.1% in the placebo group at postoperative day 10 compared with baseline values. There was also a significant difference between treatment groups in total muscle strength at day 30, and at the 90-day follow-up total muscle strength was equal to baseline values in the hGH group, but still significantly 5.9% below in the placebo group. The work capacity decreased by approximately 20% at day 10 after surgery, with no significant difference between treatment groups. Both groups were equally fatigued at day 10 after surgery, but at day 30 and 90 the hGH patients were less fatigued than the placebo patients. During the treatment period, patients receiving hGH had reduced loss of limb lean tissue mass, and 3 months after surgery the hGH patients had regained more lean tissue mass than placebo patients. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative hGH treatment of younger patients undergoing major abdominal surgery preserved limb lean tissue mass, increased postoperative muscular strength, and reduced long-term postoperative fatigue.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[The effect of parity on anorectal function].

An observational study of 144 (mean age 50 [range 45-57] years) perimenopausal women randomly selected from the National Register was conducted in order, to study long term effects of vaginal deliveries on anorectal function. The mean number of vaginal deliveries was two (range 0-6). Measurements were perineal position at rest and during straining, anal mucosa electrosensitivity, maximum resting pressure, maximum squeeze pressure of the anal sphincters, and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency. All tests were performed by a single investigator (AMR) who had no knowledge of the subject's parity. Increasing parity correlated with a lowered perineal position at rest (correlation coefficient (r) = 0.26, p = 0.003) and during straining (r = 0.24, p = 0.006), an increased threshold of anal sensibility (r = 0.22, p = 0.008), and an increased pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (r = 0.27, p = 0.002). No effect of parity on the maximum resting pressure (r = 0.06, p = 0.70) and maximum squeeze pressure (r = 0.06, p = 0.36) was found. The number of vaginal deliveries only accounted for a minor fraction of the total variability (between 3.6-5.7%). It is concluded that repeated vaginal deliveries have a long term adverse effect on anorectal function in a population of randomly selected healthy perimenopausal women.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed1998

No correlation between perineal position and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency in healthy perimenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Significant associations between perineal descent and pudendal nerve latency have previously been described in fecally incontinent patients. This has led to the hypothesis that pelvic floor muscle and nerve injury initiated by childbirth might progress and cause fecal incontinence. PURPOSE: The study contained herein was undertaken to test whether changes in perineal position and pudendal nerve latency were associated in a population of healthy middle-aged women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 144 women were selected randomly from the Danish National Register; they had a mean age of 50 (range, 45-57) years and a mean parity of 2 (range, 0-6). Perineal position at rest and during simulated defecation and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency were measured. All examinations were performed by one of the authors (AMR) and without the knowledge of parity. RESULTS: The perineal position both at rest and during straining was significantly lowered, and the pudendal nerve terminal motor latency was significantly prolonged with increasing numbers of vaginal deliveries (data not shown). There was, however, no association between pudendal nerve terminal motor latency and perineal position at rest (correlation coefficient, r = -0.15, P = 0.1) or during simulated defecation (r = -0.08, P = 0.4). CONCLUSION: Small but significant effects of vaginal deliveries were detected in a random population of healthy perimenopausal women. However, because perineal descent and pudendal nerve latency were not associated, our findings do not support the hypothesis that damage induced by vaginal delivery to the pudendal nerves and pelvic floor will progress.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed1998

Malone antegrade continence enema for faecal incontinence and constipation in adults.

BACKGROUND: In the Malone antegrade continence enema (ACE) technique the appendix or a 'neoappendix' created from the caecum is brought to the abdominal wall creating a small stoma. Thereby, antegrade enemas can be administered to empty the colorectum and prevent faecal incontinence or constipation in children with congenital malformations. The aim of this study was to describe the results of the ACE in adults suffering from faecal incontinence or constipation. METHODS: In 16 adult patients (ten women and six men) suffering from severe faecal incontinence (ten patients) or constipation (six patients) the ACE procedure was performed; the appendix was used in 12 and a 'neoappendix' was created in four. Patient records were used for the description of surgical procedures and complications. Results were evaluated by a structured telephone interview. RESULTS: After a follow-up of 1-39 (mean 17) months, four patients had stopped using the stoma because of abdominal pain or lack of effect. Among the other 12 patients overall satisfaction with the stoma was high or very high. In constipated patients mean time for defaecation was reduced from 170 to 45 min. Faecal incontinence was much reduced in eight patients; the impact on social activities and quality of life caused by bowel dysfunction was reduced in all 12 patients. CONCLUSION: The ACE technique can be used to treat selected adult patients suffering from faecal incontinence or constipation.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Growth hormone treatment improves body fluid distribution in patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible beneficial effects of growth hormone (GH) in catabolic patients we examined the impact of GH on body fluid distribution in patients with ulcerative colitis undergoing elective abdominal surgery. DESIGN AND MEASUREMENTS: Twenty-four patients (14 female, 10 male) aged 19-47 years were in a double-blinded study randomly assigned to receive either placebo (n = 12) or GH (n = 12) 6 i.u. s.c. twice daily from 2 days before until 7 days after ileo-anal J pouch surgery. Extracellular and plasma volume (ECV, PV) were determined using 82Br and 125I albumin dilution at day -2 and at day 7, and body composition was estimated by dual X-ray absorptiometry and bioimpedance. Changes in body weight and fluid balance were recorded and hence intracellular volume was assessed. RESULTS: During placebo treatment body weight decreased 4.3 +/- 0.6 kg; during GH treatment body weight was constant (P < 0.01). There was a positive fluid balance in the GH-treated patients compared to the placebo group (GH: 3.6 +/- 0.7 l; plc: -0.7 +/- 1.2 l, P < 0.01). ECV increased 2.12 +/- 0.70 l during GH and was unaffected during placebo (P = 0.02). PV was unchanged by GH and decreased 0.39 +/- 0.08 l during placebo administration (P = 0.03). Intracellular volume (ICV) decreased less during GH than during placebo (GH: -1.42 +/- 0.45; plc: -3.70 +/- 0.76; P = 0.02). Bioimpedance remained constant during GH administration and increased 60 +/- 9 ohm in the placebo-treated group (P < 0.05). Plasma renin and aldosterone remained unchanged in both study groups. CONCLUSION: Body weight, plasma volume and intracellular volume is preserved during GH treatment in catabolic patients and ECV is increased. From a therapeutic point of view these effects may be desirable under conditions of surgical stress.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Validation of a new transit time ultrasound flowmeter for measuring blood flow in colonic mesenteric arteries.

OBJECTIVE: To validate a transit time ultrasound flowmeter (CardioMed CM 4000) for measuring blood flow in isolated colonic mesenteric arteries. DESIGN: Experimental and clinical study. SETTING: Teaching hospital, Denmark. ANIMALS AND SUBJECTS: One female pig, and 6 patients being operated on for carcinoma of the sigmoid colon and rectum. INTERVENTIONS: Volume blood flow measured by Cardiomed CM 4000 and pump withdrawal flow recordings. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Correlation between the two methods. RESULTS: There was good agreement between transit time flow recordings and pump withdrawal flow recordings (correlation coefficient of 1.0). Of the differences between the two methods, 95% were between -0.16 ml min(-1) and 1.29 ml min(-1), mean 0.57 ml min(-1), or (in percentages) 105, 95% lying between 97-115. There was also good reproducibility in transit time flow recordings, the mean difference between repeated measurements being 0.06 ml min(-1), 95% lying between -0.66 ml min(-1) and 0.78 ml min(-1). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound transit time flow recordings gave precise measurements of blood flow in isolated colonic mesenteric arteries.

Aged↗