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At least 1,099 records · Page 61Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Rubber band ligation of symptomatic internal hemorrhoids: results of 500 cases.

BACKGROUND/AIM: In this prospective study the results of rubber band ligation (RBL) of symptomatic hemorrhoids in 500 consecutive patients with 2nd (255 cases), 3rd (218 cases) and 4th degree (27 cases) hemorrhoids are presented. METHODS: The patients' symptoms were hemorrhage in 142 cases (28.4%), prolapse in 33 cases (6.6%) and both hemorrhage and prolapse in 325 cases (65%). Sixteen patients with hemorrhoids had liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. RBL was performed using the St Marks' applicator (Seward) on an outpatient basis. Multiple ligations in two (259 cases) or three (190 cases) sessions were undertaken in 449 patients (89.8%), while a single ligation was done in 51 cases (10.2%). RESULTS: Successful results were achieved in 440 cases (88%) in a 24-month follow-up. A total of 94 patients (18.8%) had complications which required no hospitalization. Pain and hemorrhage were the most frequent complications. RBL proved to be safe in 16 patients with coagulation disorders due to liver cirrhosis. Two years after RBL, symptomatic recurrence was 11.9% (53/445) with repeat RBL or surgery in 9.2% (41/445). CONCLUSIONS: RBL is a useful, safe and successful method for treating symptomatic 2nd and 3rd degree hemorrhoids, which can be applied successfully in selected cases with 4th degree hemorrhoids, but with an increased rate of recurrence and additional treatment requirements. Also, RBL seems to be safe in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

Female↗
PubMed1998

Symptomatic endpoints for venous thromboembolism treatment.

Clinical trials evaluating antithrombotic therapy for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis require that the diagnosis is confirmed by objective testing prior to patient entry into the study. Two basic approaches may then be taken for defining endpoints to assess the efficacy of antithrombotic treatment. In the first approach, the diagnostic test is repeated at a predetermined time following the initiation of the interventional therapy. In the second approach, no further diagnostic testing is routinely performed for a minimum of 3 months following patient enrolment after the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism for evidence of symptomatic recurrent deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. This approach is used in later-phase clinical trials to examine whether a novel therapeutic agent is as safe and effective as the drugs currently used for management of venous thromboembolism. Symptomatic recurrent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism confirmed by objective testing are clinically important causes of patient morbidity, place patients at increased risk of fatal pulmonary embolism, cause increased rates of chronic thromboembolic complications and have resource consequences. Studies utilizing symptomatic recurrent deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism as endpoints have been responsible for most of the treatment advances in the management of patients with venous thromboembolism that have been observed in the past 40 years. Although confirmation of recurrent venous thromboembolism is not possible in all patients, clinical trials using rigorous methodology can minimize the potential bias caused by the limitations of diagnostic test results. There is a need to develop better objective tests in the future, to distinguish previous from recurrent venous thromboembolism.

Anticoagulants↗
PubMed1998

Avoiding complicated shunt systems by open fenestration of symptomatic fourth ventricular cysts associated with hydrocephalus.

Optimal treatment of the hydrocephalic patient with symptomatic Dandy-Walker malformation or trapped fourth ventricle remains controversial. We describe 6 patients with symptomatic Dandy-Walker malformation or trapped fourth ventricle and hydrocephalus that were treated with an aggressive cyst fenestration. Four of the 6 patients had previously undergone five or more failed shunt procedures. There were no complications associated with surgery, and 5 of the 6 patients (83%) have remained asymptomatic with respect to their posterior fossa cysts. One patient has required subsequent fourth ventricular shunt placement. Median follow-up was 26 months (range 12-66 months). We suggest that suboccipital craniectomy and open fenestration is a valid treatment option in hydrocephalic patients with symptomatic Dandy-Walker malformation or trapped fourth ventricle. Although the associated lateral ventriculomegaly will probably still require a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, the absence of a cystoperitoneal shunt system seems to minimize the incidence of complications and reoperation.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cognitive dysfunction at baseline predicts symptomatic 1-year outcome in first-episode schizophrenics.

The present study addresses the consequences of cognitive disturbances on symptomatic outcome. Fifty-three first-episode schizophrenics were reassessed (n = 32) 1 year after admission. Simple regression analyses revealed that several self-perceived cognitive deficits at baseline as measured with the Frankfurt Complaint Questionnaire significantly predicted increased Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale global scores at follow-up (p = 0.05 to p = 0.005). A stepwise regression analysis proved memory dysfunction to be the strongest predictor of symptomatic worsening (p = 0.005). It is suggested that the exploration and treatment of neuropsychological deficits in schizophrenia is of great clinical importance with regard to its impact on both functional and symptomatic outcome in schizophrenia.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

Treatment of symptomatic intracranial arachnoid cysts by stereotactic cyst-ventricular shunting.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment of symptomatic intracranial arachnoid cysts is controversial and different surgical approaches have been described. The aim of the treatment is to reduce the intracystic pressure. To accomplish this goal, many techniques have been proposed, each with specific limitations or failures. METHODS: Nine patients with symptomatic arachnoid cysts were treated by stereotactic cyst-ventricular shunting. One patient with suprasellar arachnoid cyst showed signs related to intracranial pressure, the remaining 8 patients complained of headache and/or drug-resistant epilepsy. All the intracranial cysts were supratentorial. The surgical procedure was performed under general anesthesia in 6 cases and local anesthesia in 3 cases. The CRW Stereotactic System (Radionics) was used. The acquisition of both target points (cyst and ventricle) was always realized by means of CT scan slices. A right precoronal burr hole was made and a silicon catheter was stereotactically inserted into the lateral ventricle. Another burr hole was subsequently performed close to the cyst; a silicon catheter was placed in the middle of the cavity in the shortest intracerebral crossing. Then both catheters were connected to a subcutaneous burr hole Ommaya reservoir. RESULTS: All patients tolerated the procedure well and the preoperative clinical signs progressively disappeared or improved. The CT scan at 1, 3, 6 and over 12 months showed progressive reduction in size of the cysts. No clinical recurrence was found at the follow-up (14-73 months). CONCLUSIONS: The successful outcome of the above cases suggests that, in carefully selected symptomatic intracranial arachnoid cysts, stereotactic cyst-ventricular shunting is likely to prove an effective operative method.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Acetylsalicylic acid and microembolic events detected by transcranial Doppler in symptomatic arterial stenoses.

BACKGROUND: In patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis, high-intensity transient signals detected by transcranial Doppler (TCD) have been related to particulate microemboli originating at the stenotic lesion. The occurrence of these microembolic events within the Doppler spectrum should be influenced by antithrombotic agents of proven efficacy in these patients mainly by reducing cerebral embolism. METHODS: Seventy-four of 192 consecutive patients with symptomatic arterial stenosis in the anterior circulation and clinical symptoms within the last 30 days underwent 1-hour bilateral TCD monitoring. Patients were selected, if they presented temporal bone windows enabling transcranial insonation, revealed normal Doppler CO2 test excluding hemodynamic impairment, had not received antithrombotic therapy other than acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) before sonographic examination, and gave informed consent to 1-hour monitoring which could be performed immediately on admission/presentation of the patient at the Department of Neurology. RESULTS: Microembolic events were detected in 38 patients (51%). The proportion of patients with events among 26 patients without antithrombotic medication was 73% as compared with 40% in 48 patients receiving ASA at the time of TCD monitoring (p = 0.023). Multivariate analysis including time from ischemia to TCD, presence and start of ASA prevention, degree and localization of stenosis, and presence of a single or recurrent ischemia revealed that absence of an ASA prevention (odds ratio OR 7.1, 95% confidence interval CI 1.6-31.4, p = 0.010), recurrent ischemic events (OR 7.1, 95% CI 1.6-32.7, p = 0.011), and extracranial localization of the stenosis (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.1-13.2, p = 0.038) were independent predictors for microembolic events. CONCLUSION: In patients with symptomatic arterial stenosis, the absence of an ASA medication is associated with the occurrence of TCD-detected microembolic events, suggesting a relation between these events and ASA-sensitive microemboli from the stenotic lesion.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Symptomatic BPH and hypertension: does comorbidity affect quality of life?

Most alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonists are non-subtype selective and act on smooth muscle in the prostate, as well as in the vascular system and, as such, have effects on blood pressure as well as relieving LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms) in symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As many elderly patients with LUTS also take concomitant antihypertensive therapy, it has been suggested by some that these patients should be treated with an alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist that targets both symptomatic BPH and hypertension simultaneously. However, an alternative school of thought believes that hypertension, as a malignant disease, should be treated optimally first, before the LUTS are controlled. Many different classes of antihypertensive drugs have been developed and evidence, with regard to reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, supports the use of diuretics and beta-blockers in this indication. However, from this point of view, few data support the use of alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonists in antihypertensive therapy, and studies indicate that elderly patients in particular are prone to orthostatic hypotension and its effects when treated with alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonists. This, together with the fact that hypertension is such a potentially morbid disease, suggests that alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonists should not be used as a first line treatment for the treatment of hypertension. Rather, patients with comorbidity should be treated optimally for both diseases, being treated initially for hypertension with the optimal agent available and then with an alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist that is not haemodynamically active to target their LUTS. Tamsulosin, a selective alpha 1A-adrenoceptor antagonist, has no clinically significant effect on blood pressure compared with placebo, thus posing less risk for the patient, especially with regard to symptomatic orthostatic hypotension.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗
PubMed2001

Symptomatic physiologic hydronephrosis in pregnancy: incidence, complications and treatment.

OBJECTIVE: We present the incidence and results of treatment of symptomatic physiologic hydronephrosis in 3,400 pregnant women. METHODS: We analyzed 103 consecutive women who presented with clinical signs and symptoms related to the upper urinary system. Renal sonography, urinalysis, serum creatinine levels, white blood cell (WBC) count, and urine culture were done in all patients at first visit and repeated at least once a month until 1 month after delivery. In patients who manifested acute pyelonephritis, urinalysis, WBC count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels were repeated every 3 days until normalization, and urine culture as well as renal sonography were performed once a week until 1 month after delivery. Conservative measures (positioning, analgesia, antibiotics) were performed in all patients with symptomatic physiologic hydronephrosis. If the patient's condition was refractory to medical management, drainage of the ureter with a double pigtail stent was performed. RESULTS: Conservative measures were successful in 97 (94%) of 103 patients but 6 (6%) patients had ongoing signs and symptoms of acute pyelonephritis progressing to urosepsis. In all of them, antibiotics were continued and a double pigtail stent was placed resulting in fast regression of symptoms, curing of renal infection and progress of the pregnancies to the term with vaginal delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic hydronephrosis in pregnancy can be treated conservatively. If the patient's condition is refractory to medical management, an internal drainage with double pigtail stent may be necessary.

Female↗
PubMed2002

Collateral circulation via the ophthalmic artery or leptomeningeal vessels is associated with impaired cerebral vasoreactivity in patients with symptomatic carotid artery occlusion.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In patients with carotid artery occlusion (CAO), collateral flow may reduce the risk of ischemic stroke. Collateral flow via the ophthalmic artery (OphthA) and flow via leptomeningeal vessels have been considered secondary collaterals, which are recruited only if the primary collateral circulation via the circle of Willis is insufficient. The aim of this study was to investigate whether patients with symptomatic CAO who have secondary in addition to primary collaterals have a worse flow state of the brain than those without secondary collaterals, as measured by vascular reactivity testing. METHODS: We studied 70 patients with symptomatic CAO who were independent for their daily activities. In all patients, collateral circulation through the circle of Willis was present. Vascular reactivity, measured by means of transcranial Doppler sonography with carbogen inhalation, was compared between patients with and without secondary collaterals. RESULTS: CO2 reactivity was lower in 64 patients with (mean +/- standard deviation 8 +/- 14%) than in 6 patients without secondary collaterals (33 +/- 18%) resulting in a mean difference of 24% (95% confidence interval 12-37%; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with symptomatic CAO with collateral circulation through the OphthA or through leptomeningeal vessels in addition to collaterals via the circle of Willis have a worse hemodynamic status of the brain than those with Willisian collaterals only. Therefore the presence of these collaterals may indicate insufficiency of collateral blood flow via the circle of Willis.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

The use of the tissue adhesive enbucrilate (histoacryl) in the treatment of symptomatic nephroptosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of the tissue adhesive enbucrilate in the treatment of symptomatic nephroptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed adhesive nephropexy in 9 patients who presented with well-documented symptomatic nephroptosis that was demonstrated with intravenous pyelography and/or radionuclide renogram studies. The ptotic kidney was fixed on the psoas muscle using 0.5 ml of enbucrilate (Histoacryl). RESULTS: Adhesive nephropexy was successful in all 9 patients. Average operative time was 37 min. Postoperative opioid analgesia duration and hospital stay were limited (mean 2 and 4.4 days, respectively). Most patients returned to normal activity within 2 weeks (mean 14.2 days). Mean follow-up was 25 months and showed postoperatively a good anatomical result in radiographic studies as well as significant pain alleviation (mean 1 vs. 7 preoperatively, on a 10-point scale, p < 0.005 Wilcoxon rank test). CONCLUSIONS: The tissue adhesive enbucrilate seems to be a safe, efficient agent to obtain good results in a simple, quick approach in the surgical treatment of symptomatic nephroptosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Phase II study of repeated single 24-hour infusion of low-dose 5-fluorouracil for palliation in symptomatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: To assess the efficacy and toxicity of repeated single 24-hour infusion of low-dose 5-fluorouracil for symptomatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer using relevant endpoints of palliation and biological response. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 25 patients with histologically confirmed prostatic adenocarcinoma and symptomatic progressive disease despite one or several hormonal treatments and chemotherapy were included in the study. Treatment consisted of a single 24-hour infusion of 500 mg/m(2) 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to be repeated on day 21. This regimen was continued until either progression or serious toxicity occurred. Response was assessed by serial measurements of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) as well as by health-related quality-of-life instruments (EORTC QLQ-C30 and McGill-Melzack Present Pain Intensity Scale) every 3 weeks. In 10 patients with bidimensionally measurable metastases, objective responses were assessed every 3 months. RESULTS: A mean number of four courses of repeated single 24-hour infusion of 5-FU was administered (range 2-6). Toxicity was absent or mild, and no patient had to be withdrawn from therapy. All patients required analgesics prior to treatment and only 3 patients experienced a significant reduction in pain for 9 weeks, the remaining patients experienced no deterioration for a mean duration of 12 weeks (6-18 weeks). Five patients (20%) demonstrated a biological response of a 50% or greater decrease in PSA from baseline, including 2 (12%) with a 75% or greater decline for 10 weeks (range 6-16 weeks). One partial remission was observed among 10 patients with measurable lesions lasting 12 weeks; 4 patients had stable disease with a mean duration of 12 weeks. Mean survival time from the onset of treatment with 5-FU was 7 months (2-12 months). CONCLUSIONS: Though less toxic than other 5-FU regimens, repeated single low-dose 24-hour infusion is of no significant benefit in patients with symptomatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2003

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for symptomatic middle cerebral artery stenosis: long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is an effective treatment modality in the coronary and peripheral arterial diseases, its efficacy for intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis has not been verified. We assessed the long-term outcome of PTA for symptomatic middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis. METHODS: We performed PTA in 10 patients with symptomatic high-grade stenosis (>70%) on M1 segment of MCA, who had either recurrent transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) resistant to medical therapy or perfusion problems. PTA was performed with a microballoon (2-2.5 mm diameter and 10-13 mm length) without insertion of a stent. After PTA, we evaluated the possible occurrence of restenosis, which was defined as >50% stenosis on follow-up conventional angiogram or increased M1 flow velocity on follow-up transcranial doppler up to the baseline value. RESULTS: PTA was successfully performed in 9 patients without any serious complications. One patient had asymptomatic dissection. Residual stenosis was less than 50% in diameter in all the patients. During follow-up period (mean 34.5 months), TIAs did not recur in 6 of 7 patients who had had intractable TIAs. Two patients developed strokes, which were not referable to the index MCA lesions. Among the 6 patients who underwent follow-up conventional angiography or serial TCD, restenosis was noticed in 3 patients (50%). CONCLUSION: Although restenosis is not uncommon, PTA for symptomatic MCA stenosis is a relatively safe procedure, and can be used to prevent recurrent TIAs or strokes in selected patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Gastric electrical stimulation in intractable symptomatic gastroparesis.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of gastroparesis remains unsatisfactory despite prokinetic and anti-emetic drugs. Gastric electrical stimulation has been proposed as a therapeutic option. We have assessed the effect of gastric electrical stimulation on symptoms, medical treatment, body weight and gastric emptying in patients with intractable symptomatic gastroparesis in a non-placebo-controlled study. METHODS: In this multicenter study, 38 highly symptomatic patients with drug-refractory gastroparesis were enrolled. Patients first received temporary electrical stimulation using percutaneous electrodes. The 33 responders to temporary stimulation then underwent surgical implantation of a permanent stimulator. Severity of vomiting and nausea was assessed before and after stimulation. Patients were reassessed 3, 6, and 12 months after permanent implantation. RESULTS: With stimulation, 35/38 patients (97%) experienced >80% reduction in vomiting and nausea. This effect persisted throughout the observation period (2.9-15.6 months, 341 patient-months). Gastric emptying did not initially change, but improved in most patients at 12 months. At 1 year, the average weight gain was 5.5% and 9/14 patients initially receiving enteral or parenteral nutrition were able to discontinue it. CONCLUSION: Electrical stimulation of the stomach has an immediate and potent anti-emetic effect. It offers a safe and effective alternative for patients with intractable symptomatic gastroparesis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Safety of transvenous temporary cardiac pacing in patients with accidental digoxin overdose and symptomatic bradycardia.

BACKGROUND: Patients with digoxin intoxication may need transvenous temporary cardiac pacing (TCP) when symptomatic bradyarrhythmias are present. However, it has been reported that TCP might be associated with fatal arrhythmias in patients with acute digitalis intoxication caused by attempted suicide. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of TCP in patients with accidental digoxin-related symptomatic bradyarrhythmias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy patients (30 men; age 74 +/- 12 years) were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 with TCP and group 2 without TCP. A digoxin overdose was defined as a serum digoxin level higher than 2.0 ng/ml combined with the presence of digoxin-related symptoms. Detailed clinical characteristics were reviewed on the basis of the medical records. RESULTS: Group 1 included 24 patients (34.3%, 10 men). The rhythms prior to pacemaker insertion in group 1 included sinus arrest with junctional bradyarrhythmias (n = 9), atrial fibrillation with a slow ventricular rate (n = 11), and high-degree atrioventricular block (n = 4). The mean duration of pacemaker implantation was 5.8 +/- 2.9 days (2-12 days). There was no major arrhythmic event or mortality after TCP in group 1. Two patients in group 2 (4%) died of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Group 1 had a higher level of blood urea nitrogen (45.1 +/- 26.0 vs. 33.4 +/- 19.3 mg/dl), of left ventricular ejection fraction (68 vs. 56%), and of digoxin (4.4 +/- 2.1 vs. 3.4 +/- 1.3 ng/ml) but a lower serum calcium level (8.7 +/- 0.6 vs. 9.1 +/- 0.8 mg/dl). CONCLUSION: TCP was safe for patients with a digoxin overdose complicated by symptomatic bradycardia and should be recommended in such situations. However, this conclusion does not apply to acute digoxin intoxication as a result of attempted suicide.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Relation of gallbladder function and Helicobacter pylori infection to gastric mucosa inflammation in patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory alterations of the gastric mucosa are commonly caused by Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection in patients with symptomatic gallstone disease. However, the additional pathogenetic role of an impaired gallbladder function leading to an increased alkaline duodenogastric reflux is controversially discussed. AIM: To investigate the relation of gallbladder function and Hp infection to gastric mucosa inflammation in patients with symptomatic gallstones prior to cholecystectomy. PATIENTS: Seventy-three patients with symptomatic gallstones were studied by endoscopy and Hp testing. METHODS: Gastritis classification was performed according to the updated Sydney System and gallbladder function was determined by total lipid concentration of gallbladder bile collected during mainly laparoscopic cholecystectomy. RESULTS: Fifteen patients revealed no, 39 patients mild, and 19 moderate to marked gastritis. No significant differences for bile salts, phospholipids, cholesterol, or total lipids in gallbladder bile were found between these three groups of patients. However, while only 1 out of 54 (<2%) patients with mild or no gastritis was found histologically positive for Hp, this infection could be detected in 14 (74%) out of 19 patients with moderate to marked gastritis. CONCLUSION: Moderate to marked gastric mucosa inflammation in gallstone patients is mainly caused by Hp infection, whereas gallbladder function is not related to the degree of gastritis. Thus, an increased alkaline duodenogastric reflux in gallstone patients seems to be of limited pathophysiological relevance.

Atrophy↗
PubMed2006

Symptomatic treatment of multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Consensus Group (MSTCG) of the German Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Besides immunomodulation and immunosuppression, the specific treatment of symptoms is an essential component of the overall management of multiple sclerosis (MS). Symptomatic treatment is aimed at the elimination or reduction of symptoms impairing the functional abilities and quality of life of the affected patients. Moreover, with symptomatic treatment the development of a secondary physical impairment due to an existing one may be avoided. Many therapeutic techniques as well as different drugs are used for the treatment of MS symptoms, but only a few of them have been investigated, especially in MS patients, and are approved by the national health authorities. Despite an overwhelming number of publications, only a few evidence-based studies exist and consensus reports are very rare, too. Therefore, it seemed necessary to develop a consensus statement on symptomatic treatment of MS comprising existing evidence-based literature as well as therapeutic experience of neurologists who have dealt with these problems over a long time. This consensus paper contains proposals for the treatment of the most common MS symptoms: disorders of motor function and coordination, of cranial nerve function, of autonomic, cognitive, and psychological functions as well as MS-related pain syndromes and epileptic seizures.

Humans↗
PubMed1990

Epidemiology of symptomatic hypotension in hemodialysis: is cool dialysate beneficial for all patients?

A prospective study on hypotension in hemodialysis was performed in 60 nondiabetic patients at two different dialysate temperatures during 12 months. A 37 degrees C bath (3,723 sessions) was used and after the first 6 months the temperature was changed to 35 degrees C (4,019 sessions). The prevalence of symptomatic hypotension was 15.3% and it was closely correlated with the presence of other symptoms. The most affected populations were women, patients over 55 years of age, patients with low body surface area and patients with a cardiovascular disease. A slight but significant decrease of symptomatic hypotension was seen by using a 35 degrees C dialysate (16.4 vs. 14.3%, p less than 0.01). In patients with frequent hypotension (in up to 30% of sessions), cool dialysate significantly reduced the incidence of the symptom (44.2 vs. 34.1%, p less than 0.001). These results were obtained in spite of a greater interdialysis weight gain at low temperature (2 +/- 0.6 vs. 1.9 +/- 0.7 kg, p less than 0.001). We consider that low-temperature dialysis is a simple, useful and economic procedure, especially for highly symptomatic patients. The association of cooling dialysate with higher sodium concentration, bicarbonate and special membranes could reduce dialysis symptoms dramatically.

Cold Temperature↗
PubMed1989

In vitro reactivities of blood lymphocytes from symptomatic and asymptomatic pigeon breeders to antigen and mitogens.

The proliferation of blood lymphocytes in response to pigeon gammaglobulin in the presence or absence of IL2 was measured in 9 symptomatic and 12 asymptomatic pigeon breeders and 24 controls. The symptomatic breeders exhibited spontaneous lymphocyte proliferation (p less than 0.001) when compared with controls whilst lymphocytes from asymptomatic breeders required the simultaneous addition of IL2 in order to proliferate (p less than 0.001). IL2 alone did not induce cellular proliferation. Both patient groups had abnormal T-cell functions and response to lectins and, in the symptomatic group, there existed an inverse correlation (r = -0.70, p less than 0.001) between specific antibody titres to pigeon gammaglobulin and the Con A response. We conclude that both patient groups have circulating, presensitized antigen-specific lymphocytes but these require different stimulatory signals at the cellular level.

Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic↗