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[Effective treatment with constant subcutaneous infusion of octreotide in a patient with acromegaly associated with diabetic pre-coma and diabetes insipidus].

A 58-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for impaired consciousness, hyperglycemia and bitemporal hemianopsia. She was diagnosed as having NIDDM one year ago and was treated with diet and glibenclamide (1.25 mg/day) for 6 months. However, she stopped her medical treatment one month ago and then polydipsia and general fatigue were manifested. She was admitted to a hospital five days ago at which time hyperglycemia (405 mg/dl) and anemia (Hb8.0g/dl) were detected. She was transferred to our hospital for control of blood glucose and further examination of bitemporal hemianopsia. She showed typical acromegalic features including enlargement of the nose, lips and tongue, increased heel pad and acral growth. Conscious disturbance was cured by the infusion of saline and the administration of insulin. Endoscopy revealed an active gastric ulcer (A1). Endocrine data disclosed increased GH levels in plasma and urine, whereas plasma IGF-1 levels were low. Plasma GH paradoxically increased following the administration of TRH. A water deprivation test showed an impaired increase in urinary osmolarity, indicating partial central diabetes insipidus (DI). MRI with Gd-contrast revealed a macroadenoma which progressed toward suprasella. She was diagnosed as having acromegaly, partial DI and probable hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic diabetic pre-coma. Polyuria (5-101/day) due to partial DI was controlled by the administration of DDAVP (10 micrograms/day). The constant subcutaneous administration of octreotide (240 micrograms/day) resulted in normal plasma GH levels and a marked shrinkage of the pituitary tumor. The pituitary tumor was finally removed by the transsphenoidal approach following treatment with octreotide for 4 months. HE staining of the pituitary tumor showed atrophic and acidophilic cells surrounded by hyaloid connective tissue. After the surgery, plasma GH levels were normalized and complications were cured. In conclusion, this is a very rare case of acromegaly associated with diabetic pre-coma and partial DI, and effectively treated with constant subcutaneous infusion of octreotide.

Acromegaly↗

Delayed respiratory failure during the treatment of myxedema coma.

Three male patients (aged 41, 71 and 65 years) with untreated severe hypothyroidism of long duration were in a state of coma. This had been preceded by respiratory symptoms accompanied by hypoxemia and hypercapnea. There were also various chest radiographic findings. All the patients were treated with mechanical ventilatory assistance, circulatory support and i. v. administration of high doses of l-triiodo-thyronine (T3) during the early period of treatment. None of the patients showed any serious cardiac ill-effects immediately or a few days following the intravenous administration of T3. In spite of the stabilisation of vital signs and improvement in arterial oxygenation, the patients remained in a comatous or semicomatous state for the first few days. During the second week, the condition of their lungs deteriorated and prolonged respiratory failure ensued with fever, rales, excessive bronchial secretion, homogeneous densities in the chest radiograms and persistent hypoxemia even though mechanical ventilatory treatment was continued. The implications of this delayed respiratory failure during the treatment of myxedema coma are discussed.

Adult↗

Chill-coma tolerance, a major climatic adaptation among Drosophila species.

Most drosophilid species can be classified either as temperate or tropical. Adults of species were submitted to a cold treatment (0 degrees C) and then brought back to ambient temperature. They generally exhibited a chill coma and the time needed to recover was measured. We found in a set of 26 temperate species that recovery was rapid (average 1.8 min, range 0.15-4.9). In contrast, a long recovery time (average 56 min, range 24-120) was observed for 48 tropical species. A few species, like Drosophila melanogaster, are cosmopolitan and can proliferate under temperate and tropical climates. In 9 of 10 such species, slight genetic differences were found: a shorter recovery in temperate than in tropical populations. Comparing physiological data to phylogeny suggests that chill-coma tolerance has been a recurrent adaptation that is selected for in cold climates but tends to disappear under a permanently warm environment. This major climatic adaptation, evidenced in drosophilids, seems to occur in other insect groups also.

Acclimatization↗

[Cerebral hemometabolism: variability in the acute phase of traumatic coma].

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the interrelationships between cerebral and systemic hemometabolic alterations in patients with severe traumatic brain injury managed according to a standardized therapeutic protocol. DESIGN: prospective, interventional study in patients with traumatic coma. SETTING: a general Intensive Care Unit in a teaching hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: twenty-seven patients (21M e 6F), aging 14 - 58 years, with severe acute brain trauma, presenting with three to eight points on the Glasgow Coma Scale, were prospectively evaluated according to a cumulative protocol for the management of acute intracranial hypertension, where intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral extraction of oxygen (CEO2) were routinely measured. Hemometabolic interrelationships involving mean arterial pressure (MAP), ICP, arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2), CEO2, cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and systemic extraction of oxygen (SEO2) were analyzed. INTERVENTIONS: routine therapeutic procedures. RESULTS: no correlation was found between CEO2 and CPP (r = -0.07; p = 0.41). There was a significant negative correlation between PaCO2 and CEO2 (r = -0.24; p = 0.005) and a positive correlation between SEO2 and CEO2 (r = 0.24; p = 0.01). The mortality rate in this group of patients was 25.9% (7/27). CONCLUSION: 1) CPP and CEO2 are unrelated; 2) CEO2 and PaCO2 are closely related; 3) during optimized hyperventilation, CEO2 and SEO2 are coupled.

Adolescent↗

A measure of neurobehavioral functioning after coma. Part II: Clinical and scientific implementation.

This is a longitudinal validation study that is Part II of a two-part series. Part I focuses on the methods used to construct the neurobehavioral measure derived from the Disorders of Consciousness Scale (DOCS) as well as the evidence of reliability and validity. Part II illustrates, through a series of selected case reports, the clinical use of repeated DOCS measures to enhance and complement medical rehabilitation management. The use of repeated DOCS measures in scientific investigations of mechanisms of injury is also described. Participants included patients at rehabilitation hospitals who were 18 years of age and older and unconscious after severe brain injury. Medical decision making regarding short-term effects of pharmacological intervention was augmented and improved through the examination of individual neurobehavioral recovery patterns. We identified medications to treat secondary medical complications and successfully determined effective dosage, presumably improving prognosis for recovery. We facilitated and enhanced development and refinement of individualized rehabilitation programs. Two investigations of treatment effectiveness during coma recovery and examination of the relationship between behavioral changes and neural adaptation are also described. By systematically tracking and mapping individual patterns of neurobehavioral recovery, we show that medical and rehabilitation management after coma can be enhanced. In addition, we also show that by examining the relationship between the DOCS neurobehavioral measure with mechanistic indicators of neurological recovery such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, scientific investigations of treatment and rehabilitation effectiveness can be enhanced.

Adolescent↗

Alpha-pattern coma in primary brainstem hemorrhage; clinical, electrophysiologic, and cerebral blood flow studies.

A patient with a brainstem hemorrhage and alpha-pattern coma is reported. Brainstem auditory and somatosensory evoked responses were severely abnormal, suggesting bilateral lesions of the pons, which was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. Regional cerebral blood flow, studied using IMP-SPECT, showed no remarkable regional radioactive accumulation or deficit in either the cerebral cortex or the subcortical regions. Based on these findings, we speculate that the alpha-pattern coma may be observed when the functions of brain structures rostral to the pontomesencephalic junction are preserved.

Alpha Rhythm↗

Rapid recovery from coma with multifocal PLEDs in a patient with severe dementia and transient hypoxemia.

We report a patient with severe dementia who acutely developed transient coma following possible acute anoxic encephalopathy, and presented multifocal periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) on EEG, who had a good recovery from the acute state. Two EEGs were recorded from this patient. In the first EEG taken immediately after admission, multifocal PLEDs were prominent, and the background activity consisted of low voltage, continuous and irregular theta activity (4-6 Hz). The patient recovered from coma (GCS-3) to the conscious state (GCS-15) within 14 hours and was not associated with newly developed focal or global neurological deficits except for stable severe dementia which had developed in the previous several years. Another EEG taken 5 days later showed disappearance of multifocal PLEDs. Transient appearance of multifocal PLEDs might represent at least the transient, vulnerability associated with underlying dementia in this particular patient. We concluded that multifocal PLEDs do not always indicate a poor outcome in patients with possible acute anoxic encephalopathy, and rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment should be done even if the initial EEG shows multifocal PLEDs.

Aged, 80 and over↗

Reduced frequency of severe hypoglycemia and coma in well-controlled IDDM patients treated with insulin lispro. The Benelux-UK Insulin Lispro Study Group.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have suggested that use of the short-acting insulin analog, insulin lispro, in multiple injection therapy may reduce the risk of hypoglycemia in comparison with regular insulin. This effect might be more pronounced in well-controlled patients, since intensive treatment of IDDM increases the rate of severe hypoglycemic events. This study evaluated the effects of insulin lispro on glycemic control and hypoglycemia rates in well-controlled IDDM patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This was an open, randomized, 6-month crossover study of 199 IDDM patients. Glycemic control was evaluated by HbA1c, home blood glucose measurements, and rate and timing of hypoglycemic events. At the end of the study, patients completed an evaluation form regarding therapy-related quality of life. RESULTS: HbA1c remained constant at approximately 7.3% throughout the study. Meal-related glucose excursions were significantly lower with insulin lispro compared with regular insulin (mean -0.8 +/- 1.7 vs. 1.1 +/- 1.6 mmol/l, P < 0.001), as was the within-day variability (M value 27.7 +/- 19.7 vs. 30.2 +/- 23.1, P = 0.007). The incidence of severe hypoglycemic events (58 vs. 36, P = 0.037) including coma (16 vs. 3, P = 0.004) was significantly lower with insulin lispro than with regular insulin. Patients felt that insulin lispro increased flexibility and freedom of lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS: In well-controlled IDDM patients, insulin lispro is associated with a lower risk of severe hypoglycemia and coma.

Adult↗

Post-traumatic amnesia and Glasgow Coma Scale related to outcome in survivors in a consecutive series of patients with severe closed-head injury.

A consecutive series of 93 severe closed-head injury (SCHI) patients, discharged from hospital in a conscious state, were rated on the Glasgow Outcome Scale at 6 and 12 months post-injury. Patients were included in this study if they had a period of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) exceeding 24 h. Approximately 80% of patients had made a good recovery by 12 months post-injury; a better outcome than has been found in studies using the presence of coma during the first 6 h post-admission to hospital to define severe head injury. When analysed individually, duration of PTA and Glasgow Coma Scale scores on admission to hospital were both strongly correlated with outcome. Only duration of PTA, however, contributed significantly to outcome variance when potential outcome predictors were assessed using a stepwise multiple regression analysis. The definition of severe head injury, the higher than usual incidence of good recovery in the present study, and the relationship between injury severity and outcome are discussed.

Adolescent↗

Acute renal failure (ARF) caused by rhabdomyolysis due to diabetic hyperosmolar nonketotic coma: a case report and literature review.

We report a case of rhabdomyolysis secondary to diabetic hyperosmolar nonketotic coma leading to acute renal failure. The patient had no overt muscle pain or swelling. Urinary myoglobin was negative. The patient was managed with continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHD) and his renal function subsequently recovered. The clinical features of five other reported cases of rhabdomyolysis caused by diabetic hyperosmolar nonketotic coma in the literature are reviewed.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Clonazepam overdose resulting in cyclic coma.

Cyclic coma in a 4-year-old boy followed an ingestion of clonazepam, a new benzodiazepine, utilized in treatment of convulsive disorders. Alternation between coma and a hyperalert state occurred even after further gastrointestinal absorption had, presumably, been precluded. Laboratory identification by routine examination for benzodiazepines was unsuccessful.

Benzodiazepinones↗

Myocardial damage and rhabdomyolysis associated with prolonged hypoxic coma following opiate overdose.

CASE REPORT: We report a case of biopsy proven myocardial damage after opiate-induced rhabdomyolysis. Myocardial biopsy showed focal lesions formed by small mononuclear inflammatory cells with a few neutrophils, associated with degenerated and necrotic myocardial fibers, interstitial edema and congestion of intrinsic blood vessels. These findings were similar to those seen with other drug overdoses if combined with strenuous muscular effort or hypoxic coma. We hypothesize that myocardial damage is a consequence of intracapillary myohypoxia associated with prolonged hypoxic coma following opiate overdose.

Adult↗

Clinical survey of and pathogenic approach to para-articular ossifications in long-term coma.

1. Thirteen patients with para-articular ossification complicating long-term coma are presented. In a series of 26 patients with long-term coma following cerebral traumatic lesions, seven cases were found with para-articular ossification. 2. The high frequency of elbow involvement is emphasized, and in all these cases posterior ossifications were present. 3. In five patients, ossifications were observed in limbs which were not paralytic and in which integrity of the efferent nerve tracts could be demonstrated. 4. The importance of functional or paralytical immobility and of a completely bedridden condition in the patients is emphasized. 5. The aetiopathogenesis of para-articular ossifications still remains unknown, but a prolonged complete immobilization possibly induces vasomotor, metabolic and trophic disorders, which can give rise to metaplasia.

Adolescent↗

[Malignant syndrome associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation and a high level of amylase in serum, followed by diabetic coma in an elderly patient with Parkinson's disease during L-dopa therapy].

A 66-year-old woman with a 7-year history of Parkinsons' disease was admitted to our hospital because of a high fever and disturbance of consciousness. She had been treated with levodopa/benserazide hydrochloride and trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride until admission. On admission, the patient was comatose, her temperature was 40.5 degrees C, her blood pressure was 54/-mmHg, and her pulse rate was 130 beats/min. Laboratory tests showed leukocytosis, a high level of creatine kinase in serum and evidence of hyperosmolar non-ketotic diabetic coma (blood glucose, 1,080 mg/dl) and of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). A continuous insulin infusion, antibiotics, nafamostat mesilate, and urinastatin were given, after which the DIC, hyperglycemia, and the level of consciousness were improved. However, levels of creatine kinase, myoglobin, transaminase, and amylase in serum continued to increase, and multiple organ failure was suspected. Furthermore, she became less responsive, diaphoretic, and tremulous; fever and mild rigidity developed. The peak creatine kinase and myoglobin were 11,095 U/l and 12,520 ng/ml, respectively. A diagnosis of malignant syndrome was made, and treatment with levodopa/carbidopa and dantrolene was begun. Within several days, the clinical and laboratory findings improved. We report here a rare case of malignant syndrome associated with DIC followed by diabetic coma in an elderly patient with Parkinsons' disease during L-dopa therapy. Timely diagnosis and treatment of malignant syndrome are important in the management of elderly patients with Parkinsons' disease, because DIC and multiple organ failure may occur in the early stages of malignant syndrome.

Aged↗

Nonketotic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar coma. Report of neurosurgical cases with a review of mechanisms and treatment.

Seventy-eight critically ill patients who died while on the neurosurgical service were studied retrospectively to establish the prevalence of nonketotic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar coma (NHHC). All the patients had been comatose before death, and all underwent necropsy. Criteria for the diagnosis of NHHC included moderate-to-severe hyperglycemia with glucosuria, absence of significant acetonuria, hyperosmolarity with dehydration, and neurological dysfunction. This study revealed seven cases of unequivocal NHHC (9%), and six of hyperosmolarity but with incomplete records. Five of the seven confirmed cases of NHHC demonstrated no evidence of cerebral edema transtentorial herniation, or brain-stem damage, and showed central nervous system (CNS) lesions compatible with survival. Fatal complications of this syndrome, such as acute renal failure, terminal arrhythmias, and vascular accidents, both cerebral and systemic, were common in this series. The mechanism of coma in NHHC is believed related to shifts of free water from the cerebral extravascular space to the hypertonic intravascular space, with subsequent intracellular dehydration, accumulation of metabolic products of glucose, and brain shrinkage. It is uncertain whether injury to specific areas in the CNS is a predisposing factor to the development of NHHC. Factors documented to be significant in its development include nonspecific stress to primary illnesses, hyperosmolar tube feedings, dehydration, diabetes and mannitol, Dilantin, or steroid administration.

Adolescent↗

Barbiturate coma in focal cerebral ischemia. Relationship of protection to timing of therapy.

The therapeutic application of barbiturate-induced coma was evaluated in a primate model of focal cerebral ischemia. A standardized regimen of pentobarbital was used, and the times of initiation of administration were varied following a 6-hour middle cerebral artery occlusion in baboons. Three groups of five animals were treated at 30, 120, and 240 minutes after occlusion, while one group of five animals received no barbiturate therapy. Complete protection from intracranial pressure (ICP) elevation and ischemic damage was seen only in the group treated at 30 minutes. Those treated at 120 minutes, while doing better than untreated animals, still had ICP elevation and a marked neuropathological deficit. Animals treated at 240 minutes suffered a detrimental effect, in that malignant ICP and marked ischemic damage occurred earlier than in the untreated animals. The safe "therapeutic window" for barbiturate-induced coma in this animal model does not extend beyond 2 hours. Delayed administration results in a deleterious response and not merely a lack of protection.

Animals↗

The National Traumatic Coma Data Bank. Part 1: Design, purpose, goals, and results.

This paper describes the pilot phase of the National Traumatic Coma Data Bank, a cooperative effort of six clinical head-injury centers in the United States. Data were collected on 581 hospitalized patients with severe non-penetrating traumatic head injury. Severe head injury was defined on the basis of a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 8 or less following nonsurgical resuscitation or deterioration to a GCS score of 8 or less within 48 hours after head injury. A common data collection protocol, definitions, and data collection instruments were developed and put into use by all centers commencing in June, 1979. Extensive information was collected on pre-hospital, emergency room, intensive care, and recovery phases of patient care. Data were obtained on all patients from the time of injury until the end of the pilot study. The pilot phase of the Data Bank provides data germane to questions of interest to neurosurgeons and to the lay public. Questions are as diverse as: what is the prognosis of severe brain injury; what is the impact of emergency care; and what is the role of rehabilitation in the recovery of the severely head-injured patient?

Accidents↗

The National Traumatic Coma Data Bank. Part 2: Patients who talk and deteriorate: implications for treatment.

The records of the first 325 patients entered into the pilot phase of the National Traumatic Coma Data Bank were reviewed. Thirty-four severely head-injured patients who talked prior to deteriorating to a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 8 or less were identified. Of those 34 patients, 18 died or were left vegetative and 16 recovered. While there were certain common factors between those who talked and died and those who talked and recovered, there were also significant differences. The common factors between the two groups were the length of time to deterioration or operative intervention (16 versus 18 hours, respectively), and the initial GCS scores (12.6 versus 12.4, respectively). The primary differences between the groups included the mean age, the degree of midline shift seen on computerized tomography (CT), and the presence of subdural hematoma. Those who talked at some point postinjury, but who subsequently died, had a mean age of 50 years. Those who talked, deteriorated, and then recovered were found to have a mean age of 32 years. Seven of the 18 patients who talked and died had a shift of greater than 15 mm on CT, while this degree of shift was demonstrated in only one of 16 patients who talked, deteriorated, and recovered. Subdural hematomas were significantly more common in the "talk and die" group, as was the overall need for operation. Since the overwhelming majority of patients with marked shift on CT have surgical lesions, early operative intervention is strongly recommended in these patients, prior to their inevitable deterioration.

Brain Injuries↗