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Biomedical subjects

Z Rumboldt

Publications and source records attributed to Z Rumboldt.

124 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

[Kaposi's sarcoma in patients with kidney transplantation].

An anti-HIV negative patient with cadaveric renal transplant developed Kaposi's sarcoma of the skin and gingiva 10 months after transplantation, taking triple immunosuppression (cyclosporine, azathioprine and prednisone). After reduction of the cyclosporine dose and complete cessation of azathioprine administration, the tumor regressed without rejection of renal transplant. The patient was a carrier of HLA A2 and DR5. When Kaposi's sarcoma was diagnosed serologic tests revealed reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. All this combined with considerable pharmacological immunosuppression, made the patient prone to develop Kaposi's sarcoma, which can regress with adequate reduction of immunosuppression.

Adult↗

[Meteorologic effects and thrombocyte aggregation in patients with myocardial infarct living in the coastal region of central Dalmatia].

The circulating platelet aggregates were measured in 90 patients admitted to the Clinical Hospital Split because of myocardial infarction developed in the costal region of Middle Dalmatia. They were divided into three groups, each consisting of 30 patients affected by coronary incident developed during the three most characteristic weather types in the region: sirocco, bora and calm weather. All the patients have had elevated values of circulating thrombocyte aggregates, but the patients in the sirocco group exhibited significantly higher values (34.77% +/- 11.67%) than the patients in both bora (27.93% +/- 11.72%; p < 0.05) and the calm weather groups (23.5% +/- 10.62%; p < 0.01). In the control group of 10 healthy examinees the values of circulating platelet aggregates were within normal range during all the three weather types (5.85% +/- 0.70%, 5.24 +/- 0.51% and 5.18 +/- 0.59%, in case of sirocco, bora and calm weather, respectively). The three groups were not significantly different regarding the values of creatinine kinase, which means that the infarct size was not the probable cause of the observed differences in platelet aggregability. Taking into account our previous finding of increased incidence of coronary events during sirocco, these results suggest that increased platelet aggregability is a contributing factor to the risk of myocardial infarction during such a weather.

Adult↗

[Anterior septal myocardial infarct impairs cardiovascular function more than inferior septal myocardial infarct].

The functional ability, expressed as percentage of expected oxygen uptake, measured on the tread-mill according to the Bruce protocol, was assessed in 30 patients with anteroseptal, and in 30 patients with inferior myocardial infarction (MI), 4 months after the incident. In comparison to those with inferior MI, the patients with anteroseptal localization exhibited significantly lower values of functional ability (68.37% +/- 14% versus 75.63% +/- 11%, p < 0.05), significantly higher activities of creatine kinase (CK: 894.7 +/- 441 versus 603 +/- 330 IU, p < 0.01), significantly lower left-ventricular ejection fraction (53% +/- 6.4% versus 58.7% +/- 6.3%, p < 0.01) and higher negative correlation between CK and functional ability (r -0.85 versus r -0.72). In conclusion, anteroseptal infarction is associated with a greater decrease in functional ability then the inferior one, which is partly due to more extensive necrosis with greater deterioration in left ventricular contratility; the mere site of infarction is probably also a contributing factor.

Exercise Test↗

[Orthostatic hypotension. Case report of the Bradbury-Eggleston syndrome].

A case of a 71-year-old woman with idiopathic orthostatic hypotension is presented. Several diagnostic procedures which can detect sympathetic pathway lesion are reported. The value of blood pressure measurement and heart rate response to the supine and standing position deep breath, Valsalva maneuver and cold pressor test in differential diagnosis are emphasized. The venoconstriction, venous reflexes and tyramine tests are described, as well. The authors favour an individual therapeutic approach with no limitation of mineralocorticoid dosage. Nonpharmacological measures, such as an increased salt intake, elastic support stockings and swimming are highly recommended.

Aged↗

[Association of platelet aggregation with the extent of myocardial infarction].

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the type of myocardial infarction (MI) and the circulating platelet aggregates [circulating aggregates of thrombocytes (CAT)]. The size of MI was assessed by the maximal values of creatine-kinase (CK). In 80 patients in the acute phase of MI the values of CAT and CK were manifold increased, mostly in 30 patients with anteroseptal MI (CAT 34.1 +/- 8.3%, CK: 920 +/- 340 IU), less markedly in 30 patients with inferior MI (CAT: 25 +/- 6.7%, CK: 739 +/- 263 IU) and in 20 patients with non-Q-wave MI (CAT: 20.7 +/- 1.9%, CK 518 +/- 224 IU). The differences between the groups were significant (p < 0.05). There was a significant linear correlation between CAT and CK in anteroseptal MI (r = 0.57, p < 0.01) and in inferior MI (r = 0.54, p < 0.01), but not in non-Q-wave MI (r = 0.15, p > 0.05). The results are concordant with the hypothesis that thrombotic event contributes more significantly to the pathogenesis of transmural acute myocardial infarction.

Adult↗

[Liver tumors after exposure to vinyl chloride monomers: new cases of liver angiosarcoma].

Two workers exposed to elevated concentrations of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) in a plastic industry plant are presented. They both died of hepatic tumors: one of liver angiosarcoma after ten or more years of exposition to about 500 ppm VCM. On the basis of former studies the authors predict future incidence of such malignant tumors at a rate of about one per year in the same plant, notwithstanding the protective measures, because of "cumulative" VCM concentration in the working medium.

Hemangiosarcoma↗

[Comparison of amlodipine and the nifedipine retard preparation in the treatment of arterial hypertension].

The efficacy and acceptability of amlodipine (5-10 mg o.d.) and sustained-release nifedipine (20-40 mg b.i.d.) were compared in a multicenter, double-blind clinical trial. After a two-week placebo period, 71 essential hypertensives of both sexes, aged 51.7 +/- 8.5 years, having diastolic blood pressure of 95-114 mmHg were randomly allocated to either amlodipine 5 mg once daily (group A) or nifedipine 20 mg twice daily (group B). With respect to the blood pressure response, the initial dose was doubled after two weeks. No significant differences in blood pressures recorded at baseline and at the end of the placebo period were demonstrated. A significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the supine position was observed already two days after the start of treatment. In the group A it decreased from 163.2 +/- 21.4/102.7 +/- 8.5 to 155.7 +/- 20.7/98.2 +/- 8.9 mm Hg (p < 0.05) and in the group B from 160.5 +/- 16.2/100.5 +/- 12.2 to 152.2 +/- 17.0/95.4 +/- 9.5 mm Hg (p < 0.05). The similar changes of blood pressure were observed in the standing position, as well. At the end of the study, the overall reduction of the supine diastolic blood pressure was 12.5% in the group A versus 5.2% in the group B (p < 0.05). In the standing position, amlodipine decreased diastolic blood pressure by 8.8% and nifedipine by 6.4% (p < 0.05). Furthermore, amlodipine decreased the standing diastolic blood pressure to a greater extent (8.8% versus 6.4%; p < 0.05) than nifedipine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amlodipine↗

[How much do we understand about pharmacotherapy of cardiac arrhythmias?].

By an anonymous, multiple-choice questionnaire assessed was the knowledge of cardiac electrophysiology and mechanism of action of some antiarrhythmic drugs among the staff members of a department of medicine from a large regional hospital. The overall results were disappointing (over 55 per cent of inaccurate answers), but improved after 3 months (less than 30 per cent). It is concluded that such a polling increases the level of awareness about target problem (cardiac arrhythmia management in the actual case) and improves the performance of health professionals.

Arrhythmias, Cardiac↗

[Outpatient approach to arterial hypertension: analysis of ambulatory care of hypertonic patients at the Clinical Hospital Center in Split 1988-1990].

A retrospective analysis of 5,088 hypertensives treated by our Outpatient Clinic, Department of Medicine, University Hospital Split from 1988 through 1990 is presented. Male sex was predominant (about 65%) and almost all the patients (over 95%) were overweight and the majority (over 50%) have had mild hypertension. Essential form was by far the most prevalent type of hypertension (over 95%), while curable forms of secondary hypertension were rare indeed (less than 0.2%). Diuretics and beta blockers, the traditional first-line antihypertensives were the most prescribed drugs (over 60%), while the share of ACE inhibitors, calcium antagonists and alpha blockers was steadily increasing. General measures, such as body weight reduction, salt restriction or cessation of smoking, although obligatory part of the treatment and suggested to each hypertensive, are rarely carried out.

Adult↗

[The electrocardiographic image of acute myocardial infarct in a patient with severe hyperkalemia].

We report herein an insulin dependent diabetic with chronic renal insufficiency on hemodialysis who developed cardiogenic shock, severe metabolic acidosis with kalemia of 9 mmol/L during alimentary intoxication and who presented with an ECG resembling an acute myocardial infarction. Possible pathophysiologic factors in the development of such electrocardiographic patterns have been outlined. It is concluded that in far advanced hyperkalemia an abnormal QRS complex, elevated ST segment and no visible P waves should primarily suggest changes caused by hyperkalemia rather than myocardial infarction.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis↗

[Biochemical changes in hypertensive patients during a 1-year cross-over study of treatment with hydrochlorothiazide and propranolol].

A prospective, randomized, cross-over trial comparing the antihypertensive efficacy and biochemical changes during treatment with either hydrochlorothiazide (HTZ: 25 mg o.d.) or propranolol (PRO: 40 mg t.i.d.), included 55 mild to moderate hypertensives (diastolic blood pressures ranged from 90 to 110 mmHg), aged 25-65 years. Forty patients completed the study; during the first six months 20 of them (12 males and 8 females) were taking HTZ, and the remaining 20 (13 males and 7 females) PRO. After a one-week wash-out period, for the next six months the alternative drug was administered. Antihypertensive efficacy of both drugs was nearly equal: systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased already after the first month (approximately by 10%), and kept unchanged until the end of the study. The analyzed biochemical parameters, i.e. blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides did not increase significantly, while serum potassium level remained almost unchanged during the trial. Furthermore, during PRO in group B, cholesterol significantly decreased (3rd month), as well as blood glucose during HTZ treatment (10th month). Only the uric acid level, although unsignificantly, increased in group A (from 326.2 to 365.3 +/- 125.2 on HTZ, and to 391.4 +/- 120.0 mumol/l on PRO). It is concluded that HTZ and PRO are comparably effective antihypertensives. During the long-term treatment in small doses these drugs do not induce significant biochemical disturbances.

Adult↗

[Comparison of auscultation findings using a classic stethoscope (Litmann 2120) and electronically amplified stethoscope (Medmax2)].

Heart auscultation has one of the key roles in beside diagnosis, especially in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Sometimes, because of the human cars' low sensitivity, a problem emerges in the proper evaluation of heart sounds and murmurs of lower frequencies. Our study compared two stethoscopes, the classic acoustic stethoscope (Littmann 2120) and an electronic one with the sound amplifier and the noise filtering system (Medmax2) in 10 patients examined by 10 physicians. Significantly better detection of low frequency sounds was found in favour of electronic stethoscope (chi 2 = 17.9; p < 0.0001). It is concluded that the selective amplificator improves the stethoscope performance and has its place in everyday bedside practice, especially in departments of cardiology.

Aged↗

[Occurrence of thromboembolic complications in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Retrospective-prospective study].

The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of thromboembolic events in patients with primary and secondary (ischemic) dilated cardiomyopathy (DC), with regard to basic rhythm, sinus or atrial fibrillation. Retrospectively, over three years, from January 1, 1989 to December 31, 1991, the case histories of 75 inpatients with DC, mean age 56.2 +/- 14.1 years, 41 in sinus rhythm and 34 in atrial fibrillation from Clinic Hospital Split were analyzed and compared to those of 75 controls (heart failure with no DC). The incidence of thrombi, embolisms and mortality in both subgroups was similar, while the prevalence of thromboembolic events was significantly higher in the analyzed than in the control group (decompensated patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and without cardiomegaly) (9/75:1/75, p < 0.05). Prospectively, between 9 and 22 months, from December 1, 1991 to September 30, 1993 51 consecutive decompensated outpatients with DC, in NYHA class II and III, mean age 54.2 +/- 15 years, were followed-up. Bilirubin, lactic dehydrogenase, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were determined. 1-D and 2-D transthoracic echocardiographic exam was performed and clinical status was assessed. There were 24 patients in sinus rhythm and 27 patients in atrial fibrillation. The prevalence of thromboembolic events, thrombi and mortality in both subgroups was similar. The laboratory findings, indicators of possible thrombogenesis or thrombolysis, did not show any significant difference in both subgroups. The incidence of thrombi in both parts of this study was low, amounted to only 9.5% (12/126) with no clear signs of thromboembolism (these patients were anticoagulated!). Altogether 12.6% (16/126) patients suffered thromboembolic events, 9 in retrospective and 7 in prospective part of the trial (more patients were anticoagulated in prospective then in retrospective study, 5 versus 19; p < 0.05). We conclude that thromboembolism in patients with decompensated DC are rare, but appear at significantly higher rate than in decompensated patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and no cardiomegaly. The beneficial effects of anticoagulant therapy are to be expected in these patients regardless of the basal rhythm. This hypothesis must, however, be assessed in a prospective, multicentric trial.

Anticoagulants↗

[Significance of right ventricular dimensions in the differential diagnosis of primary and secondary dilated cardiomyopathy].

Numerous analyses are used in the differential diagnosis between primary and secondary dilated cardiomyopathy (PDC, SDC). The aim of this study was to assess the dimensions of heart cavities in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DC) by 1-D and 2-D echocardiography. Thirty-six consecutive patients who satisfied the PDC criteria, and 103 patients with criteria of SDC, were followed-up clinically, radiographically, electrocardiographically and by 1-D and 2-D echocardiography, in the period from December 1991 to April 1994, at the Department of Internal Medicine of the Clinical Hospital Split. The patients with PDC were significantly younger than those with SDC (44.4 +/- 10.4: 64.4 +/- 8.4 year). There were significantly more males than females in both DC subgroups. NYHA classification, sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation did not differ considerably in both DC subcategories. The etiologic factor was ischaemic DC in 85.4% (88/103), systemic arterial hypertension in 11.6% (12/103), and thyrotoxicosis in 2.9% (3/103) of patients with SDC. Alcoholic DC in one patient, peripartal DC in two female patients and viral myocarditis in six patients with PDC were suspected. In the total of 75% (27/36) patients with PDC, a clear etiological factor in case histories was not defined. Left ventricular ejection fraction, diameter and myocardial thickness, as well as left atrium diameter, did not differ significantly in patients with PDC, at variance with SDC patients. Right ventricular enddiastolic diameter (31.55 +/- 4.8 mm: 26.62 +/- 8.6 mm, p < 0.05) and the ratio between enddiastolic diameters of the right and left ventricle were significantly larger in patients with PDC than in those with SDC (0.45 +/- 0.03: 0.37 +/- 0.05, p < 0.05). We conclude that right ventricle is significantly wider in PDC than in SDC patients. Compared with other noninvasive methods, 1-D and 2-D echocardiography is probably the method of choice (particularly in our environment) in the differentiation of primary and secondary DC.

Adult↗