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At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources

Intramuscular injection as a provoking factor for paralysis in acute poliomyelitis. A case control study.

In order to identify the role of intramuscular injection (IM) as a provoking factor for poliomyelitis, a case control study as done at the Institute of Child Health, Madras from May 1988 to May 1989. The case was defined as acute poliomyelitis if he had acute asymmetric flaccid paralysis of lower motor neurone type without objective sensory disturbance following a short episode of fever. Controls were taken from children attending outpatient department for fever. Two controls matched for aged and sex were recruited for each case. Recruitment, data collection and clinical examination were done by a single pediatrician. IM injection received within 30 days prior to onset of paralysis or illness was considered to be the risk factor. The total number of cases and controls recruited were 257 and 515, respectively. Among cases, 172 (66.9%) out of 257 and among controls 252 (48.9%) out of 515, received IM injection within one month earlier to onset of paralysis or illness. The overall risk of paralysis, estimated for IM injection, was increased [odds ratio (OR) 2.1 (95% CI, 1.5-3.0)]. The maximum risk for paralysis was observed to be 2 weeks preceding the illness; the ORs for < 7 days was 2.2 (95% CI, 1.6-3.2) and for 7-13 days 3.2 (95% CI, 1.8 to 5.8). The risk of paralysis associated with IM injection was similar for unimmunized and immunized cases (OR 2.4 and 2.2). Multiple injections were not associated with a higher risk of developing paralysis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acute Disease↗

Therapeutic paralysis of critically ill trauma patients: perceptions of patients and their family members.

BACKGROUND: Neuromuscular blocking agents are used in critically ill patients to induce therapeutic paralysis. These drugs leave patients fully immobile but conscious. Analgesics and sedatives are concomitantly administered with the paralytic agents. Little is known about what patients remember when they receive these combinations of drugs. Even less is known about the experiences and needs of the patients' family members during the patients' paralysis. OBJECTIVES: To obtain recollections of therapeutic paralysis in critically ill adult trauma patients and to determine the psychological, emotional, and educational needs of the patients' family members during the time the patients were paralyzed. METHODS: A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to investigate the "lived" experience of therapeutic paralysis of 11 pairs of subjects. Each pair consisted of one critically ill adult trauma patient and one member of the patient's family. RESULTS: The patients recalled their experience of therapeutic paralysis with vagueness, as if they had been dreaming. Few recalled pain or painful procedures. Patients remembered having nurses and family members provide emotional support and encouragement. Family members understood the rationale for use of the drugs. They remembered being encouraged to touch and talk with patients. The subjects suggested providing additional education about events that occur when paralysis is being reversed. CONCLUSIONS: Two confounding variables may have affected these findings: a liberalized visiting policy and use of effective pain and sedation protocols. Healthcare professionals and patients' family members should monitor bedside conversations and use touch and words of encouragement to support patients during therapeutic paralysis.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

[Differential diagnosis of unilateral paresis and paralysis of the larynx].

Differential diagnosis of laryngeal paresis and paralysis using electron glottography (EGG) was tried in 57 patients and 30 healthy controls. Measurements were made of speed quotient (SQ) and open quotient (OQ) at piano and forte. It was found that in patients and controls SQ and OQ were not similar. SQ and OQ differed also in paralysis and paresis. Tonicity of the inner laryngeal muscles seems to decline more in paralysis than in paresis. Aerodynamic properties of the larynx are damaged more in paralysis and remain unchanged in paresis. Reduced SQ and high OQ at forte indicate unilateral laryngeal paralysis. OQ should be measured both at piano and forte. Thus, EGG is an effective procedure for differential diagnosis of laryngeal paralysis and paresis. It is especially convenient when laryngostroboscopy is problematic.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Limitations of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of perineural tumor spread causing facial nerve paralysis.

OBJECTIVE: To present and discuss the clinical presentation and treatment in patients with long-duration unilateral facial paralysis and normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Ear, nose, and throat department of the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. PATIENTS: A total of 486 patients with unilateral facial paralysis who were treated from 1986 to 1998. Besides the usual diagnostic workup, a complete electrophysiological evaluation, including investigations such as needle electromyography and neuromyography (also known as electroneurography), of the facial nerve was performed at repeated intervals. In 19 patients, a malignant tumor was delineated with ultrasonography or MRI. In 8 of these patients, the initially performed MRI did not detect any parotid gland lesion causing the paralysis, whereas long duration of the paralysis and electroneurography indicated malignancy. RESULTS: Exploration surgery was performed as total parotidectomy in these 8 patients and malignant parotid gland tumors were proved in all 8 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with facial nerve paralysis without any signs of regeneration 6 months after the onset of paralysis and/or persistent electrophysiological evidence of ongoing neuronal degeneration should undergo surgical exploration of the parotid gland and facial nerve, even if MRI studies show no tumoral lesion.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Brief bilateral vocal cord paralysis after insecticide poisoning. A new variant of toxicity syndrome.

We describe a new variant of life-threatening organophosphate toxicity syndrome that produces a brief bilateral vocal cord paralysis. There are 3 recognized types of toxicity syndrome: acute (instantaneous), intermediate (slightly delayed, i.e., hours to days), and delayed (weeks to months). Ingestions of large doses of insecticides lead to a cholinergic crisis and possible death (acute-type syndrome). Exposures to lower doses may cause the intermediate- or delayed-type syndrome. The intermediate-type syndrome is characterized by slightly delayed polyneuropathy and generalized weakness. Transient vocal cord paralysis has also been reported in association with other neurologically profound findings. The delayed-type syndrome can produce muscle weakness for months. Our patient, a 2-year-old boy, was found eating a substance later found to be contaminated with insecticide. Within minutes, fever and somnolence developed, followed by progressive respiratory distress and stridor, without generalized weakness. The child's condition progressed to complete airway obstruction, and intubation was necessary. Emergency laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy were performed to rule out epiglottitis or a foreign body. Instead, a bilateral vocal cord paralysis was found. The paralysis lasted 2 days before completely resolving. Insecticide poisoning was suspected. We theorize that our patient manifested a combination of the acute-type syndrome, because of the immediacy of the onset of the symptoms (i.e., fever and somnolence), and the intermediate-type syndrome, because of the transient vocal cord paralysis. Because of the potential dangers involved, we wish to familiarize physicians concerning organophosphate poisoning; to alert the medical community to this variant of toxicity syndrome, which involves transient bilateral vocal cord paralysis; and to demonstrate the benefit of early otolaryngological consultation for the prevention and treatment of airway obstruction in patients with suspected organophosphate poisoning, be it from insecticides or poison gas.

Child, Preschool↗

Relationship between vocal cord paralysis and benign thyroid disease.

BACKGROUND: Vocal cord paralysis is generally associated with advanced thyroid malignancy. It may also be present in the setting of benign thyroid disease. This association may be incidental as well as causal. METHODS: Retrospective review of cases with concurrent diagnosis of vocal cord paralysis and benign thyroid disease. RESULTS: Eight cases found, all with documented vocal cord paralysis, by laryngoscopy. Four patients had nodular thyroid disease, but in two it was contralateral to the recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis. The remaining patients had goiters of various sizes. Six patients were euthyroid, two on thyroid hormone replacement. Two patients were thyrotoxic: one had Graves' disease and the other had subacute thyroiditis. CONCLUSIONS: Vocal cord paralysis can be the result of benign thyroid disease by such mechanisms as compression, stretching, or inflammation. Malignant thyroid disease should always be ruled out in structural thyroid abnormalities. Vocal cord paralysis can also be an incidental finding unrelated to thyroid abnormality.

Aged↗

Vocal cord paralysis in patients with thoracic esophageal carcinoma.

Of 478 consecutive patients with intrathoracic esophageal carcinoma, 5% had vocal cord paralysis. In two thirds of the patients with vocal cord paralysis, the paralysis was caused by a metastatic lymph node located along the recurrent laryngeal nerve. These findings indicate that the possibility exists for radical surgery by esophagectomy and resection of the metastatic lymph node infiltrating the recurrent laryngeal nerve, even in patients with vocal cord paralysis. However, in only two patients was radical surgery accomplished. None of the 24 patients with paralysis survived without disease for more than 1 year. Thus, in patients with vocal cord paralysis, the need for combined therapy should be emphasized.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Quantifying how location and dose of botulinum toxin injections affect muscle paralysis.

Despite the widespread use of botulinum toxin to treat muscle dystonias, no method exists to quantify muscle paralysis in either human or nonhuman models. In this study we examined how the location, dose, and volume of botulinum injection affects paralysis in the rat tibialis anterior muscle. Paralysis was quantified by electrically stimulating the nerve to the tibialis anterior and then staining sections of the muscle for glycogen. The areas of glycogen-containing fibers represented regions of botulinum action. The results showed that the most important injection technique is to inject botulinum directly into the motor endplate region of a muscle. Injections only 0.5 cm from the motor endplate resulted in a 50% decrease in paralysis. Increases in dose increased paralysis, however, some of that increase was simply due to the increased volume of injection. Thus, delivering toxin in small volumes near the MEP band of a muscle should produce the most effective paralysis.

Animals↗

A shared epitope found in the major paralysis inducing tick species of Africa.

Cross-reactivity between all the paralysis inducing tick species of veterinary relevance in Africa was demonstrated, by using a monoclonal antibody directed against the paralysis inducing toxin of Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi. Western blot results, together with amino acid composition studies indicated that this monoclonal antibody recognizes protein bands of similar molecular mass and amino acid composition in R. evertsi evertsi and Ixodes rubicundus. This suggests that the Karoo paralysis toxin of I. rubicundus is possibly also a trimer with a high degree of homology to the spring lamb paralysis toxin of R. evertsi evertsi. The conclusive identity of these protein bands of I. rubicundus could not be shown. Bio-assay studies performed on 1-day-old chickens suggested that the anti-spring lamb paralysis toxin monoclonal antibody also recognizes the paralysis toxin present in Argas (Persicargas) walkerae, by rendering some degree of protection against the effect of this toxin.

Africa↗

Vocal cord paralysis associated with difficult gastric tube insertion.

Many clinical reports have described vocal cord paralysis after general anaesthesia. In most cases, paralysis was attributed to tracheal tube insertion. In this report we describe one patient in whom gastric tube insertion was strongly suspected as the cause of paralysis. The patient was a 47-yr-old man who underwent left hepatic lobectomy. Just after the operation he complained of hoarseness and a diagnosis of complete right vocal cord paralysis was made, from which he recovered after eight weeks. In this patient, insertion of the gastric tube seemed to have injured the anterior ramus of the right recurrent laryngeal nerve directly. Although there have been several reports of vocal cord paralysis induced by gastric tubes, none has noted such an acute onset and direct nerve injury. Therefore we would like to report this rare case and elucidate the mechanism of vocal cord paralysis. Careful attention should be paid in inserting a gastric tube to patients under general anaesthesia and, sometimes, the use of the soft tube may be indicated.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and snoring in patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis.

The analysis of the correlation between bilateral vocal cord paralysis and the occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and snoring is presented. The aim of the study was to establish whether the decrease of the air flow in the upper airway in patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis involves OSAS and/or snoring occurrence and whether arytenoidectomy affects an improvement of breathing parameters measured during sleep. Fourteen patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis underwent Poly-MESAM examination before and 3 months after arytenoidectomy. They had never complained of snoring before. The Epworth sleepiness scale was used to quantify excessive daytime somnolence. The RDI, DI, mean saturation and percentage of snoring, loud snoring and sleep without snoring were estimated and compared pre- and postoperatively. The results were compared by the Student's t-test for dependent values. No significant differences were shown between the Epworth scores before and after the treatment. The RDI, DI and mean saturation were normal before and after the operation. The percentage of loud snoring decreased and the percentage of sleep without snoring increased significantly after arytenoidectomy in both cases. The mechanism of snoring in patients with vocal cord paralysis seems to be similar to OSAS. The difference consists in the level of flow limitation. On the basis of the results there is no reason to diagnose OSAS and UARS in patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis. On the other hand, the intensive snoring that occurs after paralysis was significantly reduced as a result of arytenoidectomy.

Adult↗

The influence of laser arytenoidectomy on ventilation parameters in patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis.

Bilateral vocal cord paralysis is a symptom that may lead to serious breathing problems. The treatment of patients with vocal cord paralysis presents a challenge to otolaryngologists. Many techniques have been developed in an attempt to improve the patient's airway insufficiency. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the laser total unilateral arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy in patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Thrity-six patients (33 females, 3 male) aged between 24 and 76 (mean 52) were treated by laser arytenoidectomy. The flow-volume loop and pletysmography were performed in all patients before and after the operation. Additionally, a group of 15 patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis was introduced and analyzed as a special control. Based on the relative increase of the parameters after the surgery, the most useful of them were selected for the evaluation. Also, the character of the laryngeal obstruction was defined. Changes in the flow-volume loop before and after surgery were compared by planned comparison in univariate analysis ANOVA/MANOVA with an isolated control group. As the parameters AREA(EX), FEF50, FEF75, PEF and MMEF(75/25) increased most effectively, they appeared to be the most useful in the evaluation. FIV1/FEF1, FEF50/FIF50 and FEV1/FEV(0,5) allowed the definition of the obstruction as an extrathoracic dynamically variable quantity. The resistances measured during pletysmography diminished significantly after surgery. The introduction of the special control group with unilateral vocal cord paralysis showed that despite the significant improvement after surgery, the patients who had been operated on still had a laryngeal obstruction worse than that of patients from the control group. The laser arytenoidectomy is shown to be a useful and efficacious procedure for bilateral vocal cord paralysis.

Adult↗

Poliomyelitis in developing countries: lower limb paralysis and injections.

The distribution of muscle paralysis due to poliomyelitis is different in temperate and tropical countries. In temperate countries, 49% of children with paralysis were affected only in the legs compared with 85% in developing countries, 79% and 89% respectively had affected legs with other paralysis. This suggests that correction for lameness surveys is unnecessary. Muscles frequently injected and those with adjacent motor neurone tracts in the central nervous system were much more frequently affected in Nigerian than in UK children, whereas paralysis in other muscles was less frequent than in the UK children. This and other evidence points to a major causal role for injections in the high prevalence of polio in developing countries. Proof may however be impossible to obtain because less than 0.5% of all injections are followed by paralysis. There may also be damage to motor neurones, without paralysis, which may lead to later disabilities. Injections should be given to young children only when absolutely necessary.

Adolescent↗

Pathogenesis of paralysis and lymphoma associated with a wild mouse retrovirus infection. Part 1. Age- and dose-related effects in susceptible laboratory mice.

Wild mouse ecotropic retrovirus (Cas-Br-M) induced paralysis and non-thymic lymphomas in susceptible NIH Swiss and NFS/N mice. The incidence of paralysis was highest and latency shortest in mice receiving high doses of virus. Lower dose inoculation and inoculation of older mice produced less paralysis with longer latency, but resulted in more lymphomas. However, 10-day-old mice did not develop paralysis and had fewer lymphomas. Anti-Cas-Br-M antibody was detectable in sera from 10-day-old infected mice but not from paralyzed mice. These data suggest that while paralysis and lymphoma may result from different virus-host interactions, the development of immunocompetence may play a role in the age-dependent resistance to Cas-Br-M-associated paralysis and lymphoma in these mice.

Age Factors↗

Outcome of laryngeal paralysis in neonates: a long term retrospective study of 113 cases.

Between 1985 and 1990, 113 children were diagnosed as having congenital vocal cord paralysis. Most of them were still being followed up in June 1994. Fifty two had bilateral paralysis, 61 had unilateral paralysis: 41 were on the left side and 20 on the right side. Forty two were idiopathic, 29 were associated with neurologic disorders, six were associated with heart malformations. Fifteen children were born after difficult delivery. Among the newborns with unilateral paralysis that occurred after an abnormal delivery, 73% recovered spontaneously; likewise 70% of the neurologic group and 74% of the idiopathic group recovered spontaneously. The prognosis of bilateral paralysis was worse with only 52% of spontaneous recovery in the neurologic disorders group and the idiopathic group. Seven percent of the children underwent a surgical procedure. They were all decanulated or extubated. In view of our experience the prognosis is poor for bilateral idiopathic laryngeal paralysis or those with neurological context.

Female↗

Clinical evaluation of vocal fold paralysis.

Vocal fold paralysis is regarded as a sign of other pathologic findings until investigation has proven that there is no lesion to explain the paralysis. We have outlined a cost-effective and time- and labor-efficient method for the clinical evaluation of vocal fold paralysis, including a focused history; vocal capability assessment to find deficits in the function of palate,pharynx, and larynx: and, finally, an intense examination under topical anesthesia to demonstrate these deficits. In essence, it is the endoscopic version of a radiographic study from the skull base through the aortic arch. This method is streamlined as compared with prior protocols for evaluation of vocal fold paralysis, because it directs the necessary further workup according to the likely site of the lesion as indicated by the extended physical examination and can be conducted entirely in the physician's office. Radiographic workup should include CT of the skull base through the upper mediastinum if solely a recurrent nerve paralysis is present; it should include MRI of the skull base if high vagal signs and symptoms are present. If MRI is negative, CT may also be needed for complete evaluation. Neurologic signs that are not all ipsilateral require MRI of the brain and consultation with a neurologist. Esophageal obstruction combined with vocal fold paralysis mandates evaluation via esophagoscopy or an esophagram.

Electromyography↗

Cisplatin-induced hypokalemic paralysis.

INTRODUCTION: Profound hypokalemic conditions resulting from cisplatin therapy have been known to produce hypokalemic paralysis in rare cases. We describe such a case of cisplatin-induced hypokalemic paralysis. CASE SUMMARY: A 15-year-old Persian girl with ovarian dysgerminoma presented with severe generalized weakness and paraplegia 1 week after the fourth course of cisplatin-based chemotherapy. On physical examination, there was symmetric flaccid paralysis and areflexia in all of the extremities and particularly in the lower limbs. Her serum potassium concentration was 1.7 mmol/L. Metastatic disease was excluded by a comprehensive systemic evaluation. Complete clinical and paraclinical recovery was achieved after short-term administration of potassium supplement. DISCUSSION: Adverse drug reactions are common with cisplatin, but the drug is only rarely associated with hypokalemic paralysis. Based on the Naranjo causality algorithm, an objective assessment revealed cisplatin to be a probable cause of hypokalemic paralysis in this case. This adverse drug event--whether isolated or secondary to hypomagnesemia--may be deceptive, leading to a fatal mistake in the oncology setting, and should therefore be precisely differentiated from cancer-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: This case suggests that cisplatin should be added to the list of agents causing hypokalemic paralysis. Regular serum electrolyte measurement, the early detection of cation deficiency, and appropriate replacement of cations are all recommended.

Adolescent↗

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis in Mexican mestizo patients: a clinical, biochemical and HLA-serological study.

BACKGROUND: Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is characterized by episodes of neuromuscular weakness occurring in the context of hypokalemia and hyperthyroidism and has been predominantly described in Oriental populations. Whereas it is uncommon in Caucasians and Blacks, TPP does occur in individuals of Native American descent. The objective was to analyze the clinical, biochemical, and HLA characteristics of a group of Mexican mestizo patients with TPP. METHODS: The sample was comprised of 14 men with TPP diagnosed since January 1990, based on one or more episodes of flaccid paralysis, accompanied by hypokalemia and occurring in the context of clinical and biochemical hyperthyroidism. Eight were available for HLA testing. RESULTS: Hyperthyroidism was diagnosed before the development of periodic paralysis in five of the patients, whereas in six it occurred afterward. The severity of paralysis did not correlate with the degree of either hypokalemia or hyperthyroidism. An increased frequency of HLA-DR3 was found in Graves' patients without paralysis but not in those with paralysis, as compared to the general population. CONCLUSIONS: TPP is more common than previously thought in Mexicans, in whom it behaves as in other Native American groups. The lack of HLA-DR3 association in Graves' patients with TPP is interesting, but at the moment has no pathophysiological implications.

Adult↗