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T Uhlig

Publications and source records attributed to T Uhlig.

71 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

[A comparison of the effect of propofol in 3 subhypnotic doses within the framework of tumor chemotherapy].

PURPOSE: In anaesthesia and critical care propofol is often used as a hypnotic or sedative. There are some reports showing propofol as a mood-altering drug. The use of propofol in subanaesthetic doses, for example in antineoplastic chemotherapy, led to similar results. In previous studies it was hypothesised that these mood effects could also reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The present prospective randomised double-blind study evaluated mood effects of different subanaesthetic doses of propofol in oncology patients who received antineoplastic chemotherapy. METHODS: Propofol was applied in a double-blind and randomised manner as follows (N = 8 per group): Initial bolus of 0.1 mg/kg followed by a continuous infusion of 1.0 mg/kgxh (group 1), 1.5 mg/kgxh (group 2) or 2.0 mg/kgxh (group 3). Dependent variables were as behavioural (i.e. nausea and vomiting) as aspects of mood as somatic aspects. RESULTS: Subanaesthetic doses of propofol showed different effects. In respect of somatic variables some well-known results were replicated, showing highest reduction of blood pressure under highest dose of propofol. With regard to psychic variables no deterioration of mood or feeling tone was seen. Rather, a reduction of anxiety and especially under 2.0 mg/kgxh an induction of well-being occurred. However, even propofol was used as the only "anti-emetic" drug, patients reported no induction of nausea and vomiting during antineoplastic chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are needed to specify the "anti-emetic" effects of subhypnotic propofol in antineoplastic chemotherapy. Especially a comparison with a standard drug for the prevention of nausea and vomiting, such as ondansetron, will have to be conducted. The results of this study showed that a dose of propofol of 1.0 mg/kgxh after an initial bolus of 0.1 mg/kg is a useful reference dose.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Optimizing anesthesiologic premedication with reference to biopsychological theories. Exemplified by the effect of dipotassium clorazepate and zolpidem in combination with promethazine].

UNLABELLED: The following double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study dealt with three questions: 1. Are differentiated psychometric test systems suitable measuring emotions before anaesthesia? 2. What are the effects of different doses of zolpidem (8.03 mg vs. 16.06 mg) compared with dipotassiumclorazepat (10 mg vs. 20 mg) on emotions in premedication? 3. Is the combination with Promethazin suggestive? METHOD: 320 patients were randomly assigned to different regimes of preanaesthetic medication. As primary premedication they received either zolpidem 8.03 mg or zolpidem 16.06 mg or dipotassium clorazepate 10 mg or dipotassium clorazepate 20 mg or placebo. The secondary premedication was either promethazine 50 mg or placebo. The tablets/dragees were given in the evening before surgery (09.00 p.m.-10.00 p.m.). Every cell of the 5 x 2-factorial design contained 16 men and 16 women. Emotions were measured by a multidimensional rating scale, comprising the aspects elated mood, anxiety, hostility, deactivation, vigilance and introversion. In addition, somatic symptoms and the quality of sleep were measured. Statistics were performed using multivariate analysis of variance. RESULTS: No differing effects of zolpidem and dipotassium clorazepate on preoperative mood were found. There was also no difference compared with placebo. Compared with placebo, promethazin leads to greater deactivation. Specific emotions were not affected. In somatic aspects there was a greater amount of cholinergic effects under promethazine, which was mainly expressed by a higher intensity of a dry mouth and weakness in general. Compared with placebo all of the tested drugs led to a better quality of sleep. CONCLUSIONS: Using multidimensional rating scales and considering emotions as a multifactorial construct, the study shows no different effects of benzodiazepines or benzodiazepin-like drugs on preoperative mood. No differences were also found on comparing these drugs with placebo. However, a better quality of sleep was seen under zolpidem and dipotassium clorazepate compared with placebo. The study shows that a combination with promethazine is recommended, because promethazine has a selective deactivating effect. The study stresses the significance of multidimensional rating scales for the measurement of emotions before anaesthesia.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis patients with self-reported sicca symptoms: evaluation of medical, salivary and oral parameters.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence of sicca symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-patients, and to evaluate medical, salivary, and oral parameters in matched subgroups of patients with and without sicca symptoms as well as in healthy controls. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The prevalence of self-reported sicca symptoms was examined by a postal questionnaire in a representative cohort of RA-patients (n = 105, aged 52-74 years, disease duration 10-20 years, 77% females, 56% RF-positive). Patient subgroups and controls (9-10 in each group) underwent examinations of disease activity, blood analyses, tests of tear and salivary secretion, and examination of oral mucosa and microflora. Analyses of salivary acidic proline-rich proteins (PRPs), statherin and histatins were performed. RESULTS: One or more sicca symptoms were reported by 65% of RA-patients. Sicca patients (having > or = 4 sicca symptoms) had a more active and severe disease with higher scores for disability, fatigue and tender joints than patients without such symptoms. Other significant findings in the sicca group were lower values of unstimulated whole saliva, output of PRPs, statherin and histatins in submandibular saliva, and higher counts of oral Candida species. CONCLUSIONS: Sicca symptoms were prevalent in RA. Qualitative and quantitative salivary tests distinguished between sicca and non-sicca RA-patients, though overlap was considerable for some parameters.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Laser monitoring of chest wall displacement.

We developed a prototype laser monitor, consisting of a single laser sensor, to observe chest wall displacement during respiration. With this monitor, respiratory waveforms are expressed as an anterioposterior motion of the chest wall. The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics and performance of this prototype. Performance was assessed: 1) under static conditions; 2) using a lung model ventilated in both conventional and high frequency oscillation (HFOV) modes; and 3) during spontaneous breathing in normal adults. In vitro, the monitor performed well both under static conditions and during mechanical ventilation. Reliable "respiratory" wave forms, with no frequency-dependent change in the relationship between displacement and volume, were produced during both conventional ventilation and HFOV at 15 Hz. In vivo, abdominal displacement, measured in the midline, was linearly correlated with the tidal volume signal integrated from flow. The waveforms produced by the monitor were adequate for monitoring respiration and for calculating respiratory timing variables. While a single laser sensor is unlikely to be sufficient for monitoring respiration in spontaneously breathing subjects, the performance of the prototype monitor was sufficiently impressive to encourage further development and further study of this type of truly noninvasive respiratory monitor.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1997

Vagal reflex is not responsible for changes in airway and lung tissue mechanics due to vascular engorgement in young piglets.

Eleven open-chest piglets were studied to examine the effects of vascular engorgement on partitioned airway and lung tissue mechanics, and to investigate the role of vagal denervation on lung function during engorgement. Alveolar pressure was measured using alveolar capsules. Pulmonary elastance (EL) and resistance (RL), airway (Raw), and tissue (Vti) resistance were calculated during mechanical ventilation. Acute fluid administration with polygeline (10 mL/kg boluses up to a total of 30 mL/kg) resulted in an increase of RL with increases in both Raw and Vti. Vti rose 2-3-fold in comparison with Raw. To increase left atrial pressure, a balloon catheter was inserted into the left atrium of the heart and inflated with different volumes. The responses of EL, RL, Raw and Vti were comparable to those with acute fluid load. Alterations in pulmonary mechanics were closely correlated to mean pulmonary artery blood pressure. In another six animals the effect of vagotomy on vascular engorgement was studied. Vagotomy did not alter baseline airway or tissue mechanics. Furthermore, vagotomy did not influence the change of pulmonary mechanics to fluid load or increase of left atrial pressure. Our data indicate that in young piglets vascular engorgement causes alterations in airway and lung tissue mechanics that are not dependent on vagal influences.

Airway Resistance↗
PubMed1997

Measurements of PEEP-induced changes in lung volume: evaluation of a laser monitor.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a newly developed laser monitor in the measurement of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)-induced changes in end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) in spontaneously breathing subjects. DESIGN: An open comparison between two different methods to assess breathing parameters. SETTING: A respiratory research unit. PARTICIPANTS: Six spontaneously breathing, healthy volunteers. INTERVENTIONS: Stepwise increases of PEEP from 0 to 0.8 to 1.6 kPa during spontaneous breathing; repeated validation of the laser monitor in each subject. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Pressure and flow were recorded at the airway opening. Abdominal wall displacement (AWD) measured by the laser sensor was recorded simultaneously. The time lag between the volume and the laser signals during baseline was 0.068+/-0.052 s and during maximal PEEP, 0.108+/-0.093 s. There was no baseline drift in either the PEEP or the AWD signals. Mean EELV decreased by 290 mL to 1,157 mL after the PEEP valve was removed. Within each individual, the ratio between EELV and AWD showed only small variations. Measurements of tidal volume (VT) and AWD showed good agreement at all PEEP levels. Mean VT decreased in all but one subject during PEEP. With the increase in PEEP, the end-expiratory abdominal baseline increased linearly over a large range of end-expiratory pressures with a flattening of the curve at high PEEP levels in all subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The laser monitor is sufficiently accurate for measuring PEEP-induced changes in EELV during spontaneous breathing in healthy adult subjects. Monitors incorporating multiple laser sensors may have considerable clinical promise.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Basic considerations for increasing flexibility of services in medical rehabilitation].

Medical rehabilitation measures continue to be delivered nearly exclusively on an inpatient basis. A graded treatment concept comparable to those in place for instance in the acute or long-term care fields, is non-existent, while the medical need for a community-based ambulatory rehabilitation system is uncontested. Not least before a background of ever scacer financial resources among the rehabilitation agencies involved, non-inpatient rehabilitation has been gaining significance as it is generally hoped to achieve greater economy of service delivery. As a logical consequence, the demand for greater flexibility in delivering medical rehabilitation services and benefits is a focus of attention in the current rehabilitation policy debate. Greater flexibility in medical rehabilitation delivery means replacing portions of rehabilitation measures currently provided on an inpatient basis by partial-hospitalization or ambulatory service delivery; or continuing and complementing inpatient rehabilitation measures by non-inpatient ones; or using non-inpatient measures to provide aftercare post-discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Moreover, ambulatory rehabilitation is intended to reach the population unamenable to attending far-away inpatient programmes. It is of utmost significance for the future evolution of ambulatory rehabilitation that the various financially responsible agencies involved in rehabilitation take a joint position on the subject of non-inpatient rehabilitation. Several proposals are submitted in this respect; for indications in the fields of neurology, orthopedics, cardiology, and geriatrics, catalogues of degrees of severity considered suitable for ambulatory rehabilitation are first presented.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Mood effects of zolpidem versus phenobarbital combined with promethazine in an anesthesiological setting.

Zolpidem, a new imidazo-pyridine hypnotic, acts like a benzodiazepine. Because of its short half-life, zolpidem plays a special role in the group of drugs suitable for anesthesiological premedication because of its sedative and anxiolytic effects. The study compared preanesthesiological treatment by zolpidem and phenobarbital in combination with promethazine in a clinical setting. In a double-blind randomized design, 304 patients awaiting different kinds of surgery were studied. For the assessment of emotional states, a multidimensional rating scale was administered. The study showed differing effects of zolpidem and phenobarbital, which could be demonstrated in the scales 'irritation', 'vulnerability', and 'aggression' and could therefore represent in domain hostility. In most of the other scales there were similar effects of phenobarbital and zolpidem. Assuming that phenobarbital is a potent sedative, the reported results confirm the results found by other authors, that zolpidem also acts as a sedative. The reported results describe promethazine as selectively deactivating. These results are in agreement with the findings of an experimental study which tested the acute effects of stress under promethazine.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

[Multidimensional psychometric assessment of preoperative mood. Effects of zolpidem compared to phenobarbital combined with promethazine as premedication].

The following double-blind, randomised study dealt with three questions: (1) Is a multidimensional psychometric rating scale suitable for the measurement of mood before anaesthesia? (2) What are the effects of the new benzodiazepine-like drug zolpidem on preoperative mood compared with phenobarbital? (3) Is the combination with Promethazine suggestive? METHODS. Three hundred and four patients were assigned to four groups (group 1: zolpidem 8.03 mg/promethazine 50 mg; group 2: zolpidem 8.03 mg/placebo; group 3: phenobarbital 100 mg/promethazine 50 mg; group 4: phenobarbital 100 mg/placebo). The drugs were given the evening before anaesthesia (09:30-10:00 p.m.). The sample was shifted by age and sex. Mood was measured by a multidimensional rating scale, which assessed aspects of elated mood, anxiety, hostility, deactivation, vigilance, and introversion. Statistics were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS. Zolpidem led to significantly higher expressions of hostility (negative mood, irritability, aggressiveness) than phenobarbital. Compared with placebo, promethazine led to greater deactivation (more tiredness and numbness, lower level of wakefulness). Specific emotions and somatic aspects were not affected. Patients who had received promethazine received a lower dose of thiopentone for induction of anaesthesia than patients with placebo. CONCLUSIONS. Zolpidem and phenobarbital have many common effects on preoperative mood. Differences were found in the unspecific emotional aspects of agitation and hostility. These negative effects must be weighed against the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic advantages of zolpidem when this drug is administered for premedication. The effects of zolpidem seem to be more sedative than anxiolytic. The study shows that a combination with promethazine is suggestive, because promethazine has a selective deactivating effect. The finding that promethazine lowers the dose of thiopentone required for induction of anaesthesia is an additional interesting point. The results of this study highlight the importance of using multidimensional rating scales for the measurement of mood before anaesthesia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

[Injuries of the biceps brachii muscle with special reference to surgical therapy].

Injuries of M. biceps brachii are rare, in most cases (greater than 90%) the long tendon is involved, seldom the distal tendon. The long tendon usually ruptures in the sulcus intertubercularis, preexisting degenerative changes play an important role. The distal tendon most often ruptures traumatically at its radial insertion. Injuries of the short tendon do not require operative treatment, whereas complete ruptures of the venter of the muscle and of the distal tendon have to be operated on, in doing so the distal tendon should be reinserted at the radius. Ruptures of the long tendon may be treated conservatively, operation is indicated in young and active patients with painful functional lesion. In these cases proximal refixation under good tension should be realized. In accordance with bibliographical data our case material (11 operations) shows satisfying results in about 75%, though persistent pain or some functional lesion following operative treatment of ruptures of the long tendon has been observed in half of the patients. Finally general conclusions concerning indication and methods of operative treatment are made.

Arm Injuries↗
PubMed1984

Serum C-reactive protein in early diagnosis of bacterial infections in premature infants.

Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is known to be produced by full-term infants and children in many diseases causing severe inflammation. We examined the usefulness of CRP as an early indicator of bacterial infection in premature newborn infants. CRP was obtained from 100 patients enrolled in a prospective study. All babies were suspected of having bacterial infection (meningitis-septicaemia) because of complications during pregnancy and/or symptoms suggestive of infection during the perinatal period. CRP was measured with the radial immunodiffusion technique. Examinations were done daily as long as elevated serum CRP levels were found. 100% (6/6) of our patients with culture-proven bacterial infections showed elevated CRP values within 24 h after the first clinical or laboratory signs suggesting sepsis. In 52.3% (11/21) of cases most probably suffering from infection, CRP rose within 72 h after the appearance of other symptoms. Even extremely immature infants were able to react with elevated CRP concentrations. Peak values of CRP were independent of birth weight. On the other hand, only 2.7% (2/73) of babies without findings of infection had slightly elevated amounts of CRP for a short time. Thus, serum CRP levels are a helpful parameter for the early diagnosis of severe bacterial infection in premature infants.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1983

[Significance of C-reactive proteins (CRP) in serum in bacterial infections of premature infants].

In a prospective study serum C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured in 100 premature infants. All babies were suspected of having bacterial infection (septicemia - meningitis) because of complications during pregnancy and/or during the perinatal period. CRP was measured with the radial immunodiffusion technique. 6/6 babies with bacterial infections proved by positive cultures from blood and/or CSF showed elevated levels of CRP already within 24 h after the first appearance of clinical symptoms suggesting sepsis. In 11 of 21 cases most probably suffering from septicemia CRP rose within a period of 82 h after the appearance of clinical signs. Even extremely immature infants were able to react with elevated CRP concentrations. Peak values of CRP were independent of birth weight. On the other hand, only 2 of 73 babies without clinical or laboratory findings of infection had slightly elevated amounts of CRP for a short time. Therefore it is suggested that increased levels of serum CRP are a valuable parameter for the early diagnosis of severe bacterial infections in premature infants.

Bacterial Infections↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis.

Assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is relevant for the patients and is important in both clinical research and daily clinical practice. Generic and disease-specific instruments for assessment of HRQoL are reviewed. Changes in HRQoL provide important information on randomized controlled clinical trials as well as on observational studies. The floor effect is a limitation of many of the scales, especially in patients with less severe disease. Feasibility and low test-retest reproducibility limit the use of many of the instruments in clinical practice, especially when they are used for individual treatment decisions. Electronic transferral of data from patients to the health professionals by, for example, internet or a personal digital assistant (PDA), opens up new opportunities for frequent patient reports and improved access to the data.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Work disability in rheumatoid arthritis is predicted by physical and psychological health status: a 7-year study from the Oslo RA register.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the prevalence of work disability (WD) and to identify bio-psychological factors that predicts future WD in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over a 7-year period. METHODS: Patients were selected from the Oslo RA register. The prevalence of WD was studied cross-sectionally among respondents <67 years (n = 526) in a postal survey. Mean age (SD) was 51.1 (11.9) years, mean disease duration 11.3 (9.4) years, and 49% of patients were RF-positive. The patients studied for predictive factors for WD were respondents in postal surveys both at baseline and at the 7-year follow-up, in work at baseline and still in working age (<67 years) at follow-up (n = 159). Mean age at baseline (SD) was 44.5 (9.7) years, mean disease duration 8.4 (6.6) years, mean years of formal education 12.7 (3.1) years, 48% were RF-positive. Assessments included socio-demographic variables and health status measures (MHAQ, AIMS2, SF-36, fatigue and pain on VAS 0-100 mm, self efficacy, and RAI as a measure for helplessness). RESULTS: Among the 526 respondents at baseline <67 years, the prevalence of WD was 40%. A high level of education was a predictor of reduced risk of work disability [odds ratio (OR) = 0.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1; 0.9], while female gender (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.1; 8.0), physical disability (MHAQ-score) (OR = 3.9, 95% CI 1.2; 12.5) and helplessness over median RAI-score (OR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.4; 6.7) were independent predictors of increased risk for new work disability over 7 years. CONCLUSION: Physical disability, increased helplessness, low formal education, and female gender were found to be independent risk factors for new work disability over the 7-year study period.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The Oslo experience with arthritis registries.

The Oslo experience with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is based on studies performed within the setting of a register of RA patients and of the longitudinal follow-up of patients with early RA. This article discusses some relevant issues for research on early arthritis: whether the current RA classification criteria are appropriate, the shift in incidence toward elderly patients, and the heterogeneity of the disease. Our data clearly show that 3 of the items of the classification criteria are infrequently fulfilled early in the disease and that RA most frequently starts after the age of 60. Our data also suggest that disease onset may be defined either as symptom onset or as when the classification criteria are fulfilled. The choice between these 2 options does not seem to influence the longitudinal results.

Activities of Daily Living↗