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Biomedical subjects

A Balaguer

Publications and source records attributed to A Balaguer.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Infant position in neonates receiving mechanical ventilation.

BACKGROUND: Several body positions other than standard supine position have been used in patients undergoing intensive care for reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers of the skin, contractures or ankylosis and for improving the patient's well being. In patients from different age groups undergoing mechanical ventilation (MV), it has been observed that particular positions, such as prone position, may improve some respiratory parameters. Benefits from these positions have not been clearly defined in critically ill newborns who may require mechanical ventilation for extended periods of time. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of different positioning of newborn infants receiving MV on short term respiratory outcomes and complications of prematurity. SEARCH STRATEGY: Databases searched (up to May 2006) were the Oxford Database of Perinatal Trials, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2006). Hand searches of proceedings of the Society for Pediatric Research from 1990 to May 2006 were used to identify unpublished studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or quasi randomised clinical trials comparing different positions in newborns receiving mechanical ventilation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three independent and unblinded reviewers assessed the trials for inclusion in the review and extracted the data. Data were double-checked and entered into the Review Manager software. MAIN RESULTS: Eleven trials involving 206 infants were included in this review. Several positions were compared: prone vs. supine, prone vs. lateral right, lateral right vs. supine, lateral left vs. supine, lateral right vs. lateral left and good lung dependent vs. good lung uppermost. Apart from one of the two studies that compared lateral right vs. lateral left positions, and one comparing prone vs. supine position, all the included studies had a crossover design. Comparing prone vs. supine position, an increase in arterial P02 in the prone position of between 2.75 and 9.72 mm Hg (95% CI) was observed (one trial). When % hemoglobin oxygen saturation was measured with pulse oximetry, improvement in the prone position was from 1.18 to 4.36% (typical effect based on four trials). In addition, there was a slight improvement in the number of episodes of desaturation. It was not possible to establish whether this effect remained once the intervention was stopped. Negative effects from the interventions were not described, although this issue was not studied in sufficient detail. Effects of position on other outcomes were not statistically significant; however, either positive nor negative effects cannot be excluded considering the small numbers that were studied. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The prone position was found to slightly improve the oxygenation in neonates undergoing mechanical ventilation. However, we found no evidence concerning whether particular body positions during mechanical ventilation of the neonate are effective in producing sustained and clinically relevant improvements.

Humans↗
PubMed2006

A liquid chromatography-fluorimetric method for the in vitro estimation of the skin penetration of disodium phenyldibenzimidazole tetrasulfonate from sunscreen formulations through human skin.

Disodium phenyldibenzimidazole tetrasulfonate (PDT) is a new organic UV filter with hydrophilic properties used in modern sunscreen spray formulations. The aim of this work was to develop and validate an analytical method that can be used to study skin absorption of PDT from sunscreens. Results obtained in vitro for human skin showed a low level of absorption. The proposed in vitro method employs a diffusion cell. Sunscreen lotion was applied onto pretreated human skin, which was then placed in the cell. PDT was collected in a receptor liquid, the surface of which was in contact with the skin. The solutions obtained were diluted appropriately and analyzed by liquid chromatography without any interference. The analytical features of chromatographic determination with fluorimetic detection were suited to this analytical problem, since this method gave a limit of detection of 1 ng ml(-1). Phenol red (PR) was used as a marker to check the skin integrity, and a sensitive method based on sequential injection on-line solid-phase extraction coupled with spectrophotometric detection was developed for determining this marker in the receptor liquid in order to screen the cells.

Benzimidazoles↗
PubMed2005

Sequential-injection determination of traces of disodium phenyl dibenzimidazole tetrasulphonate in urine from users of sunscreens by on-line solid-phase extraction coupled with a fluorimetric detector.

A sensitive and selective method to determine disodium phenyl dibenzimidazole tetrasulphonate (PDT) in the urine of sunscreen users, which is suitable for studies on body accumulation/excretion is proposed. On-line solid-phase extraction allows the analyte to be retained and subsequentely eluted, using a strong anion exchange (SAX) microcolumn. Standard addition calibration was carried out with only one standard. The wavelengths of excitation and emission were 330 and 454 nm, respectively. The method allows PDT to be determined in both, spiked and unspiked human urine samples, without any pre-treatment. Results obtained for spiked urine samples (40-200 ng ml(-1)) showed the accuracy of the method. The mean relative standard deviations (R.S.D.) of the results was 7%. Five volunteers applied a sunscreen lotion containing 5% PDT and their urinary excretion was controlled from the moment of application until the excreted amounts were no longer detectable. The sensitivity of the proposed method is in the order of 1900 ml microg(-1) and the detection limit (3S(y/x)/b) is in the order of 5 ng of PDT, which means 10 ng ml(-1) for a 500 microl injected volume, and this is suitable for the PDT levels found in the urine.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2003

Infant position in neonates receiving mechanical ventilation.

BACKGROUND: Several body positions other than standard supine position have been used in patients undergoing intensive care for reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers of the skin, contractures or ankylosis and for improving the patient's well being. In patients from different age groups undergoing mechanical ventilation (MV), it has been observed that particular positions such as prone position may improve some respiratory parameters. Benefits from these positions have not been clearly defined in Neonatology, a field where it is common that patients require mechanical ventilation sometimes during extended time periods. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects on both short and long-term outcomes of different positioning of newborn infants receiving MV. SEARCH STRATEGY: Databases searched (up to January 2002) were the Oxford Database of Perinatal Trials, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2002). Hand searches of proceedings of the Society for Pediatric Research from 1990 to January 2002 were used to identify unpublished studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or quasi randomised clinical trials comparing different positions in newborns receiving mechanical ventilation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three independent and unblinded reviewers assessed the trials for inclusion in the review and extracted the data. Data were double-checked and entered into the Review Manager software. MAIN RESULTS: Ten trials involving 164 infants were included in this review. Several positions were compared: prone vs. supine, prone vs. lateral right, lateral right vs. supine, lateral left vs. supine, lateral right vs. lateral left and good lung dependent vs. good lung uppermost. Apart from one of the two studies that compared lateral right vs. lateral left positions, all the included studies had a crossover design. Comparing prone vs. supine position, an increase in arterial P02 in the prone position of between 2.75 and 9.72 mm Hg (95%CI) was observed (one trial). When % hemoglobin oxygen saturation was measured with pulse oximetry, improvement in the prone position was from 1.17 to 4.36% (typical effect based on four trials). It was not possible to establish whether this effect remained once the intervention was stopped. Negative effects from the interventions were not described, although this issue was not studied enough. Effects of position on other outcomes were not statistically significant; however, these cannot be excluded considering the small numbers that were studied. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: The prone position was found to slightly improve the oxygenation in neonates undergoing mechanical ventilation. However, we found no evidence concerning whether particular body positions during mechanical ventilation of the neonate are effective in producing sustained and clinically relevant improvements.

Humans↗
PubMed2003

Chilaiditi syndrome associated with transverse colon volvulus: first report in a paediatric patient and review of the literature.

A hepatodiaphragmatic interposition of the colon, known as Chilaiditi's sign, is usually discovered by chance during the study of another event, given that its presentation is normally asymptomatic. When this finding is accompanied by clinical symptoms, either intermittent or persistent, it is known as Chilaiditi syndrome. It may be associated with intestinal obstruction due to twisting. The association of Chilaiditi syndrome and transverse colon volvulus is exceptional. To date only three cases have been reported, all in adult males. Among the common predisposing factors were anatomical alterations of the intestine such as elongation of the colon and a history of prior abdominal surgery. The clinical symptoms were due to the intestinal obstruction. We present the first description in the paediatric population of an association of transverse colon volvulus and Chilaiditi syndrome whose predisposing factors, clinical symptoms and treatment differed from those reported in the non-paediatric cases published to date.

Child↗
PubMed1999

Symptomatology and development of urolithiasis in children with frequency-dysuria syndrome associated with hypercalciuria.

To investigate the long-term outcome of the frequency-dysuria syndrome (FDS) with hypercalciuria (HCU), 19 children (15 girls and 4 boys; age range 15 months to 10 years) who presented with FDS alone (N=9) or with other associated clinical features (N=10; 6 with gross hematuria, 3 with microscopic hematuria and 1 with abdominal pain) were followed-up over 720 patient-months. Calcium loading test indicated absorptive HCU in 12 patients, renal HCU in 2, and in 5 the test was inconclusive. All patients were treated with a standard protocol after diagnosis. During follow-up, FDS recurred in 4 children, gross hematuria in 3, lumbar pain in 5, and 7 children developed urolithiasis within 3 to 60 months. The latter 7 children (4 with absorptive HCU and 1 with renal HCU) tended to be older than the other 12 (7.14 vs 5.08 years; p=0.11) and required a longer time to normalize urinary calcium excretion (16 vs 7 months; p <0.01). The initial urinary calcium excretion was similar between the patients with and those without stones (5.53 vs 5.6 mg/kg/d). In all other parameters measured, there were no statistically significant differences between the patients who initially presented with FDS alone and those with FDS accompanied with other urinary symptoms. We conclude that HCU and FDS in children can vary considerably in the clinical mode of presentation as well as its sequels. Significant risk for urolithiasis burdens the children who require a longer time (>12 months) to normalize their hypercalciuria.

Calcium↗
PubMed1992

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in mucopolysaccharidoses: regression after bone marrow transplantation.

Mucopolysaccharide storage disease (MPS) presents clinically with a broad spectrum of abnormalities, among which cardiovascular involvement has been described. The echocardiographic findings have recently been reported for the various types of MPS. Among these, asymmetric septal hypertrophy (ASH) has been documented. We present a case of a 9-year-old girl suffering from type I MPS, atypical variant, with echocardiographic signs of ASH. She was given a bone marrow transplant after which the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy regressed.

Bone Marrow Transplantation↗
PubMed1990

Idiopathic infantile arterial calcification: unusual features.

Idiopathic infantile arterial calcification (IIAC) is a rare disease of unknown etiology, which causes widespread arterial calcification and usually leads to early death from coronary arterial occlusion. Periarticular calcification has been reported in some cases. Two new cases are reported. In addition to the usual features of the disease, one was found to have ear-lobe calcification and the other an aortic aneurysm and coarctation of the aorta. Therapy with diphosphonate was apparently successful in one patient.

Arteries↗
PubMed1990

Biochemical and histochemical adaptation to sprint training in young athletes.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of 8 months of a specific and controlled sprint training programme on three groups of young athletes (two groups of males and one of females). Biopsies of vastus lateralis were taken before and after the period of training. The type percentage and diameter of the fibres, as well as the glycogen content and the activities of the enzymes of glycogen metabolism (glycogen synthase and glycogen phosphorylase), glycolysis (phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase, aldolase and lactate dehydrogenase), oxidative metabolism (succinate dehydrogenase) and creatine kinase and aminotransferases were studied. The results show an increase in the percentage of type I fibres and an increase in the diameter of both fibre types. A significant increase was also observed in glycogen content, and in the activities of glycogen synthase, glycogen phosphorylase, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase, succinate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. We conclude that a long period of sprint training induces a biochemical muscle adaptation to anaerobic exercise. This metabolic adaptation is followed by a morphological adaptation, although this is probably not as specific as the biochemical one.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Josamycin in the treatment of bronchopulmonary infections.

The subjects were 6,033 outpatients, from every province of Spain, with acute bronchitis (44%), exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (35%), typical pneumonia (14%), or atypical pneumonia (8%). Most of the patients were aged 50 to 70 years. The dose of josamycin in over 90% of the patients was 2 gm daily. The mean duration of infection before treatment was 5.3 days and treatment lasted a mean of 9.2 days. Concomitant drugs were taken by 78% of the patients; these included mucolytic agents, xanthine derivatives, beta-adrenergic agonists, and corticosteroids. After two weeks of treatment, the infection was cured in 82% of the patients with acute bronchitis, in 30% with chronic bronchitis, in 85% with typical pneumonia, and in 85% with atypical pneumonia; improvement was shown by 16%, 66%, 13%, and 13%, respectively. Treatment side effects were noted in 11% of the patients receiving josamycin alone and in 17% of the patients receiving concomitant drugs. Most side effects were mild and transient; treatment was discontinued because of side effects in 2% of the patients receiving josamycin alone and in 3% receiving concomitant drugs. It is concluded that josamycin is a safe and effective agent in the treatment of bronchopulmonary infections.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Nicardipine in the treatment of outpatients with cerebrovascular disorders.

A drug surveillance study was conducted, aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of nicardipine in outpatients with cerebrovascular diseases and at assessing the changes in nonfocal symptoms in the treated patients. The 3,150 outpatients (mean age, 68.9 years) were being treated by general practitioners and neurologists in Barcelona, Spain. Cerebral embolism was diagnosed in 4.0%, cerebral thrombosis in 13.0%, transitory ischemic attack in 28.0%, and chronic cerebral ischemia in 55.0%. The daily dose of nicardipine ranged from 20 to 180 mg; 87.7% of the patients received 60 mg of nicardipine daily. Concomitant medications were being taken by 89.1% of the patients. Treatment was evaluated in 2,913 patients. After 60 days of treatment, marked improvement was noted in 31.0% of the patients, moderate improvement in 39.0%, slight improvement in 20.0%, and no change in 10.0%. Marked or moderate improvement was noted in 69.6% of the patients who received nicardipine alone and in 66.9% of the patients who received concomitant medications. Clinically significant drops in blood pressure during treatment were found in the hypertensive patients. Side effects were reported by 14.5% of all patients and by 4.6% of the patients who received nicardipine alone. It is concluded that the daily administration of nicardipine is safe and effective in outpatients with cerebrovascular disorders.

Aged↗