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T Haas

Publications and source records attributed to T Haas.

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

[Effect of diabetes in the first year after gastric banding].

Initial hormonal and metabolic investigation was performed in a group o 51 patients (mean age 41 years and body mass index--BMI 45.1 kg/m2) referred to gastric banding for morbid obesity. Patients were followed for one year period after surgery. Using multiple linear regression following parameters influencing BMI change were identified. Negative influence on BMI reduction: high insulin, presence of diabetes, low T3/T4 ratio. Positive influence on BMI reduction high triglycerides level, positive family history of diabetes. It is possible to identify patient's prognosis after gastric banding using metabolic and hormonal investigation. This investigation should be performed in every patient.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Impaired insulin action in primary hyperaldosteronism.

The presence of insulin resistance is frequently found in essential hypertension. There are, however, only sparse data with respect to the potential presence of insulin resistance in patients with secondary hypertension. We have therefore undertaken a study to reveal the potential occurrence of insulin resistance in primary hyperaldosteronism (PH). The hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp technique together with the evaluation of insulin receptor characteristics were used to study insulin resistance in 12 patients with PH. The measured parameters were compared to normal values in control subjects. We have found a significantly lower glucose disposal rate (M, micromol/kg/min) (18.7+/-6 vs. 29.3+/-4), decreased tissue insulin sensitivity index (M/I, micromol/kg/min per mU/l x100) (23.7+/-9.8 vs. 37.5+/-11.6) and also lower metabolic clearance rate of glucose (MCRg, ml/kg/min) (3.8+/-1.5 vs. 7.0+/-1.1) in patients with primary hyperaldosteronism. The insulin receptor characteristics on erythrocytes did not differ in primary hyperaldosteronism as compared to control healthy subjects. We thus conclude that insulin resistance is also present in secondary forms of hypertension (primary hyperaldosteronism) which indicates the heterogeneity of impaired insulin action in patients with arterial hypertension.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Ciprofibrate in the treatment of combined hyperlipoproteinemia. Results in more than 600 patients from 23 centers in the Czech Republic].

A total of 633 patients with combined hyperlipoproteinaemia from 23 centres in the Czech Republic met the criteria for assessment of the effectiveness of 3-month administration of 100 mg ciprofibrate (Lipanor) per day. The cholesterol concentration declined from the original values of 6.94 mmol/l by 13%. The drop of triglycerides was even more significant from 3.03 mmol/l by more than 41%. The relatively low HDL cholesterol at the beginning, 1.14 mmol/l, increased by 15%, while LDL-cholesterol dropped significantly by almost 12%. The classical atherogenic index expressed by the ratio of total/HDL cholesterol declined by 25%. Treatment was very well tolerated by the patients and was associated with a minimum of undesirable side-effects. Treatment with ciprofibrate is effective and safe treatment in patients with combined hyperlipoproteinaemia.

Clofibric Acid↗
PubMed2000

Serum leptin levels in patients with sideropenic and pernicious anemia: the influence of anemia treatment.

Leptin is a 16 kDa protein hormone involved in food intake, energy expenditure regulation and numerous other physiological processes. Recently, leptin has been demonstrated to stimulate hematopoietic stem cells in vitro. The aim of our study was to measure serum leptin and erythropoietin levels in patients with sideropenic (n = 18) and pernicious anemia (n=7) before and during anemia treatment. Blood samples for the blood count, leptin and erythropoietin determinations were obtained by venepunction at the time of the diagnosis of anemia and after partial and complete anemia recovery. The relationships of serum leptin levels to erythropoietin levels and blood count parameters were also studied. No significant differences in serum leptin levels between the groups studied were found. The serum leptin levels in none of groups were modified by treatment of anemia (basal levels, the levels during treatment and after anemia recovery were 13.1+/-14.5 vs 12.8+/-15.6 vs 12.0+/-14.8 ng/ml in patients with sideropenic anemia and 7.8+/-8.5 vs 9.5+/-10.0 vs 8.9+/-6.6 ng/ml in patients with pernicious anemia). The erythropoietin levels were higher at the time of anemia in both groups and decreased significantly after partial or complete recovery. Serum leptin levels in both groups correlated positively with the body mass index. No significant relationships were found between serum leptin levels and erythropoietin values or various parameters of the peripheral blood count. We conclude that serum leptin levels in patients with sideropenic and pernicious anemia positively correlate with the body mass index but are not influenced by the treatment of anemia.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The independent correlation of the impact of lipoprotein(a) levels and apolipoprotein E polymorphism on carotid artery intima thickness.

BACKGROUND: Apolipoprotein E (apoE) plays a key role in lipoprotein metabolism. It occurs in three isoforms E2, E3 and E4. These isoforms have different impacts on plasma lipoprotein levels. The allele, or gene, coding apoE4 is considered a candidate for premature atherosclerosis development while the apoE2 gene is assumed to be protective. Lipoprotein(a) is also atherogenic and its increased plasma concentration is presumed to be an independent risk factor for premature atherosclerosis. Lipoprotein(a) is a protein depositing directly into the atheromatous plaques, enhancing cholesterol oxidation, competitively inhibiting plasminogen formation and thus having a prothrombogenic effect. The aim of our study was to establish a relationship between common carotid artery intima thickness and two independent risk factors, apoE polymorphism and elevation of plasma lipoprotein(a) levels. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 114 patients who were referred to the lipid clinic for primary hyperlipoproteinaemia. The patients received no treatment prior to examination. Plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, apoA, apoB, lipoprotein(a) and the apoE genotype were determined and the carotid artery intima thickness was measured using ultrasonography. RESULTS: The relative frequencies of apoE2, E3 and E4 were 0.049, 0.830 and 0.121. The equality of carotid intima thickness was tested using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Medians of intima thickness in a subgroup with the allele E2 were 0.72 mm, in a subgroup with the E3/E3 genotype 0.70 mm and in a subgroup with the E4 allele 0.80 mm. The relationship between carotid intima thickness and lipoprotein(a) levels was tested using Spearman's correlation coefficient. CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant differences of carotid intima thickness among subgroups divided according to their apoE genotype were found. No relationship between carotid intima thickness and lipoprotein(a) levels was found. On the contrary a close relationship between carotid intima thickness and age and also some of the plasma lipid variables was recorded using the method of multivariate linear regression.

Apolipoprotein E2↗
PubMed2000

[Irbesartan in the treatment of arterial hypertension].

Irbesartan (Aprovel) belongs into the new group drugs for the cardiovascular system which exert an antagonistic effect at the level of angiotensin II, but experimental pilot studies as well as clinical studies draw also attention to the possible therapeutic potential of AT1 receptor blockers in the treatment of chronic heart failure. Irbesartan has a marked antihypertensive effect as is apparent from a recent clinical study in 139 patients with mild and moderate hypertension--implemented in the Czech Republic. Twelve-week treatment with Irbesartan led to a marked drop of the systolic and diastolic blood pressure (159.2 +/- 14 vs. 137 +/- 13 mmHg/99.2 +/- 7 vs. 85.3 +/- 7 mmHg, p < 0.01). A very favourable therapeutic effect was recorded in this investigation also in 24-hour monitoring of the blood pressure. The use of irbesartan in patients with arterial hypertension has according to other studies also a favourable effect on organ complications of hypertension and diabetes (regression of left ventricular hypertrophy, reduction of albuminuria). Irbesartan may prove due to its favourable effect a suitable alternative in conditions associated with intolerance of ACE-inhibitors in patients with moderate and severe forms of arterial hypertension, in chronic heart failure and in diabetic nephropathy.

Angiotensin I↗
PubMed1999

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of hydroxyethyl starch in hypovolemic pigs; a comparison of peripheral and intraosseous infusion.

Intraosseous (i.o.) infusion is considered a useful technique for the administration of medications and fluids in emergency situations when peripheral intravascular access is not possible. This study investigated the effectiveness of i.o. versus intravenous (i.v.) infusion of hydroxyethyl starch (HES 200/0.5) in hypovolemic pigs. Twenty-three pigs (8- to 9-week-old) were anaesthesized, instrumented and blood was withdrawn (25-30 ml/kg) to < 50 mmHg mean arterial pressure (MAP). The animals were left untreated in haemorrhage for 30 min. Relevant haemodynamic parameters were monitored and blood samples were collected for blood gas and HES concentration analysis. Infusion of HES via i.v. or i.o. line (20 ml/kg per h) carried out over a period of 30 min for volume resuscitation and measurements were taken every 5 min. Infusion was discontinued after 30 min and the animals were monitored for 1 h. Analysis of HES-pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics revealed no significant differences between i.o. and the i.v. administration. The results demonstrate i.o. infusion of HES to be a rapid and effective method for fluid resuscitation in hypovolemic shock.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

The natural course of hepatitis C virus infection 18 years after an epidemic outbreak of non-A, non-B hepatitis in a plasmapheresis centre.

BACKGROUND: The natural history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is variable and factors determining the course of the illness are unclear. AIMS: To determine the natural course of HCV infection in a well characterised group of patients 18 years after an epidemic outbreak of non-A, non-B hepatitis at a plasmapheresis centre. METHODS: Between 1994 and 1996, 20 of 30 affected individuals were studied. HCV infection was confirmed using second and third generation ELISA test kits. HCV RNA was detected by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and HCV genotyping was performed by analysing amplicons from the conserved 5'-non-translated region generated by nested PCR. Thirty two liver biopsies were carried out in 14 patients. RESULTS: HCV antibodies were detected in all subjects. Eighteen patients had abnormal liver enzymes and 17 were HCV RNA positive, all of whom were infected with genotype 1a. Ninety per cent of this cohort showed evidence of chronic HCV infection with 50% having progressive liver disease and 20% cirrhosis 18 years after acute onset of non-A, non-B hepatitis. Considerable variation in disease outcome occurred between individuals and no correlation with clinical features of the acute illness was found. CONCLUSIONS: Variability in the consequences of HCV infection in cases infected with the same virus suggests that host factors are important in determining disease outcome. The factors which determine differences in the natural history of the disease still remain to be elucidated.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

Classification of metabolic patients using dynamic variables.

The severity of metabolic syndrome is usually determined according to static variables (blood glucose, insulin level, body mass index etc.) The most important classification is dynamic and prognostic classification which can be used to determine the ability to decrease elevated metabolite and hormone levels or to lose weight. Different mathematical approaches were used to determine these phenomena: 1. Mathematical modelling e.g. (Bergman minimal model or glycation model). 2. Predictive calculations using multiple regression (using static and dynamic parameters to determine weight loss in obesity treatment). 3. One day starvation test (finding very variable hormone and metabolic changes in obese patients). We can conclude There are 3 types of metabolic parameters: A. Static (basic) description, B. Functional (actual) description, C. Dynamic-stability describing variables. Mathematical modelling is a complicated method needing many blood samples. It is very invasive for patients and it is difficult to be repeated. Predictive importance can have also repeated measured metabolic data which are able to classify the stability (fixation) of metabolic state. Some basic parameters and simple dynamic tests like one day starvation test can be used in prognostic classification of patients who are able to change their fixed metabolic state.

Computer Simulation↗
PubMed1999

[Poor response in patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia and erythroblastic or megakaryocytic dysplasia to treatment with standard doses of cytosine arabinoside and daunorubicin].

Erythroid and/or megakaryocytic dysplasia (EMD) was evaluated in diagnostic bone marrow smears of 37 consecutively treated cases with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) M0-M2 and M4-M5 types and three newly diagnosed cases of refractory anaemia with excess of blasts in transformation. This evaluation was possible in 38 of 40 (95%) patients and 17 cases were categorized without EMD and 21 cases with EMD. One or two cycles with 3-4 doses of daunorubicin 45 mg/m2/d and cytosine arabinoside 200 mg/m2/12 h x 14 lead to complete remission in 13 of 16 cases without EMD but only in 4 of 16 cases with EMD (p = 0.004). However, 10 of 13 patients with EMD reached complete remission with 2000 mg/m2/12 h x 10 of cytosine arabinoside plus daunorubicin. After intensive consolidations 20 patients under 65 years with EMD showed significantly worse overall survival (p = 0.017) with a median 11.5 months, while the median survival was estimated 66.8 months in 15 cases under 65 years without EMD. The proposed categorization of de novo AML patients according to the EMD seems to be useful for selection of optimal induction therapy, clinically relevant for survival and might reflect two biologic groups of AML arising in two different stages of differentiation.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

[Effect of growth hormone and other hormones on trabecular bone structure in acromegaly].

The influence of growth hormone upon trabecular bone remodelation is not definitely clear. The authors of this study compared static and dynamic histomorphometric data of bone patterns of 28 numbered group of acromegalics and 35 numbered group of healthy individuals. They correlated also levels of growth hormone, thyroxine, prolactin and testosterone in men with histomorphometric parameters in acromegalic patients. The results showed statistically significant differences between normal and acromegalic trabecular bone, which has comparable trabecular volume, but significantly wider bone trabeculae and lower mean trabecular density. There were no correlations found between growth hormone levels and levels of thyroxine, prolactin, measured testosterone and histomorphometric parameters.

Acromegaly↗
PubMed1999

[Duration of the effect of growth hormone on spongious bone].

The influence of duration of growth hormone action (length of history of acromegaly) upon acromegalic trabecular bone histology was followed in 28 biopted active acromegalics. The histology of trabecular bone was standardized by histomorphometric parameters. No statistically significant relation between length of acromegalic history and any of measured histomorphometric parameters (trabecular volume, trabecular thickness, absolute osteoid volume and osteoid surface) was found. The reason of this finding is probably consequence of serum growth hormone level, which changes during period of history in each acromegalic patient. With aim to find out if growth hormone influences bone histomorphometry of acromegalics after causal treatment (removal of hypophyseal adenoma causing overproduction of growth hormone), the comparison of histomorphometry from bone bioptic patterns of six active acromegalics with their bone patterns average 9.3 years after hypophyseal operation was done. With the exception of one eugonadal woman, all acromegalics were hypogonadal in time of second biopsy. Nevertheless no statistically significant differences between histomorphometric data (trabecular volume, trabecular thickness, surface and absolute volume of osteoid) were found. With knowledge of fact that there is low number of rebiopted acromegalics, these results could support idea of protective action of growth hormone upon trabecular bone of acromegalics during nine years after treatment.

Acromegaly↗
PubMed1999

The incidence of abortion worldwide.

CONTEXT: Accurate measurement of induced abortion levels has proven difficult in many parts of the world. Health care workers and policymakers need information on the incidence of both legal and illegal induced abortion to provide the needed services and to reduce the negative impact of unsafe abortion on women's health. METHODS: Numbers and rates of induced abortions were estimated from four sources: official statistics or other national data on legal abortions in 57 countries; estimates based on population surveys for two countries without official statistics; special studies for 10 countries where abortion is highly restricted; and worldwide and regional estimates of unsafe abortion from the World Health Organization. RESULTS: Approximately 26 million legal and 20 million illegal abortions were performed worldwide in 1995, resulting in a worldwide abortion rate of 35 per 1,000 women aged 15-44. Among the subregions of the world, Eastern Europe had the highest abortion rate (90 per 1,000) and Western Europe to the lowest rate (11 per 1,000). Among countries where abortion is legal without restriction as to reason, the highest abortion rate, 83 per 1,000, was reported for Vietnam and the lowest, seven per 1,000, for Belgium and the Netherlands. Abortion rates are no lower overall in areas where abortion is generally restricted by law (and where many abortions are performed under unsafe conditions) than in areas where abortion is legally permitted. CONCLUSIONS: Both developed and developing countries can have low abortion rates. Most countries, however, have moderate to high abortion rates, reflecting lower prevalence and effectiveness of contraceptive use. Stringent legal restrictions do not guarantee a low abortion rate.

Abortion, Illegal↗
PubMed1998

[Relation of the thickness of the intima and media of the common carotid artery, atherosclerotic plaque in the carotids and manifestations of atherosclerosis in the vessels of the lower extremity in comparison to coronary atherosclerosis].

BACKGROUND: Concomitant occurrence of carotid atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) has been described in a number of studies. The objective of the present trial was to assess the degree of correlation between atherosclerosis of the carotid beds as well as PVD and the extent of CAD. METHODS AND RESULTS: Carotid morphologies of 170 patients in total (121 men, 49 women), ranging between 23 and 81 years in age were assessed ultrasonographically. Their carotid beds searched for plaques, stenoses and occlusions. In all patients intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery (CCA) were measured ultrasonographically. In addition, case histories of PVD were taken. CAD was proved angiographically in 138 patients. Plaques in carotid beds were found in 98 patients, carotid artery stenoses > 75% were found in 4 patients whereas complete carotid occlusion was not detected in any patient. Clinically manifested PVD was found in 20 patients. A significant difference in IMT of the CCA was assessed by t-test between patients having and not having CAD (0.67 +/- 0.16 mm vs. 0.87 +/- 0.24 mm; P < 0.0001). The correlation between the IMT of the CCA and extent of CAD was weak (r = 0.30, p < 0.01). A positive correlation between carotid plaque occurrence and the number of CAD-affected arteries was statistically assessed (Trend test: P = 0.0001). The sensitivity of incidence of plaques on the carotid beds for prediction of CAD was 64%, the specificity 72%, the positive predictive value 91% and the negative predictive value 32%. The sensitivity of clinically manifested PVD for prediction of CAD was 15%, the specificity 100%, the positive predictive value 100% and the negative predictive value 21%. CONCLUSIONS: The authors confirmed a statistically significant but weak correlation between IMT of the CCA and severity of CAD. They found a positive trend between the occurrence of carotid plaques and the number of CAD-affected arteries. The presence of carotid plaques and clinically manifested PVD were confirmed as a reliable positive predictive factors for CAD.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Treatment of hypopituitarism in adults with growth hormone improves improves the thickness of the arterial intima].

BACKGROUND: Increased mortality of hypopituitary adults with atherosclerotic vascular disease is commonly explained by growth hormone deficiency and forms the main argument for the growth hormone replacement. At the same time it is known that the growth hormone-IGF-I axis stimulates the vessel wall proliferation as an initial step of atherosclerosis. Investigation of the arterial intima thickness in hypopituitary adults with duplex ultrasound system and its follow up during the growth hormone therapy may clarify these effects of growth hormone on the vessel wall. METHODS AND RESULTS: Luminal diameter, maximal blood flow velocity and arterial intima thickness of common carotid arteries was measured with colour duplex ultrasound system in 15 adults with hypopituitarism before and after one year therapy with recombinant growth hormone. The results were compared with healthy controls matched for gender, age, blood pressure and weight. The luminal diameter did not changed during the therapy with growth hormone and was the same in patients and controls. Maximal blood velocity in hypopituitary patients before the therapy was lower than in control subjects (74.8 +/- 13.9 cm/s vs. 94.0 +/- 21.0 cm/s), but the statistical difference was only borderline. Arterial intima thickness was significantly thinner in hypopituitary patients when compared with controls (0.56 +/- 0.1 mm vs. 0.71 +/- 0.12 mm, p < 0.001) but became thicker after the treatment and was not any more different from the controls (0.56 +/- 0.1 mm vs. 0.66 +/- 0.1 mm, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In hypopituitary adults the arterial intima thickness of common carotid arteries is less than in healthy controls. The reduced thickness was normalised after one year treatment with growth hormone. Atheromatous plaques were not found either before or after the treatment. Duplex ultrasound measurement may be one of the means of checking of the effects of growth hormone therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Beta 2-microglobulin does not behave as a biological marker of bone remodeling in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Parathormone has been shown to increase the secretion and production of lysosomal enzymes including tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. All our 68 patients with proven primary hyperparathyroidism had signs of hyperparathyroid bone disease. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and bone alkaline phosphatase activities are raised as a result of enhanced bone remodelling. Serum beta 2-microglobulin concentration in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism was normal 1.6 (1.4-1.8) mg/l versus 1.8 (1.7-2.2) mg/l in 51 control subjects. In hyperparathyroid patients, serum beta 2-microglobulin concentration does not correlate with plasma tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity which is known to be a sensitive biological marker of bone remodelling (r = 0.088). Our findings indicate that serum beta 2-microglobulin does not behave as a biological marker of remodelling in patients with enhanced remodelling in primary hyperparathyroidism.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Long-term results of aggressive weight reduction treatment.

We have checked weight changes in 11 patients eight years after 2-weeks in-patient weight reduction treatment and weight changes of another group of 11 patients three years after gastric banding. Using multiple linear regression we've looked for factors which could influence the aforementioned weight changes. For weight reduction regimens we confirmed only the following connection: BMI reduction in 8 years = 12.256 - 2.827 x BMI reduction in 2 weeks. For gastric banding it was: BMI reduction in 3 years = -7.880 + 2.383 x BMI reduction in 6 months. We therefore conclude that the long term effects of reduction regimens is not influenced by any hormonal or metabolic characteristics of the patient, but can be predicted by the early weight loss of the patient. Patients who lose too much during the reduction regimen will find it more difficult to keep the weight down, whereas patients who lose weight rapidly after gastric banding have the best long term prognosis.

Adult↗