Biomedical subjects

A E Ritch

Publications and source records attributed to A E Ritch.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1978

Are potassium supplements for the elderly necessary?

Plasma and total-body potassium (TBK) were measured in 19 elderly patients receiving diuretics and potassium supplements for cardiac failure and in 13 elderly controls. The mean value for the ratio of TBK to fat-free mass (TBK:FFM) was significantly reduced in the patient group. TBK:FFM showed a negative correlation with age but no correlation with plasma potassium or dose of supplements. When controls and patients were matched for sex and age decade, the mean TBK:FFM was decreased significantly in the diuretic group, giving a mean potassium deficit of 13.3%. These results suggest that ageing influences potassium status, and that diuretics and cardiac failure have a greater effect on TBK in old age than in youth or middle age.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1977

A second look at emepronium bromide in urinary incontinence.

Response to oral and intramuscular emepronium bromide was assessed cystometrically in nine patients with urinary incontinence caused by an uninhibited bladder. Oral therapy had no effect, whereas intramuscular administration increased bladder capacity and significantly delayed the onset of bladder spasm and the desire to void. Plasma-propranolol response was delayed and concentrations were reduced after an oral 40 mg dose of propranolol in 3 patients who had received oral emepronium bromide. These results indicate that although oral emepronium bromide had some anticholinergic effect--i.e., in reducing gastrointestinal motility--absorption of an oral dose was not sufficient for the bladder to be affected.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1977

Long-term anabolic therapy in the elderly.

The anabolic agent stanozolol has been used to increase weight and activity in the elderly, but its long-term effect are largely unknown. A double-blind trial of stanozolol against placebo was continued for 12 months. Measuremtnes of weight, fat, fat-free mass, behaviour and activity were made at regular intervals, plus detailed biochemical and haematological profiles. There were no differences between the two groups in respect of weight, fat, fat-free mass and activity levels. There were significant increases in haemoglobin at six and 12 months and packed cell volume at 12 months in the active group. No androgenic side-effect were encountered.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1977

A double-blind trial of an anabolic steroid (stanozolol) in the disabled elderly.

Anabolic steroids have been widely recommended in the management of debility in association with the diseases of old age. Their action in promoting weight gain and in speeding rehabilitation is said to depend on nitrogen retention leading to increased muscle bulk reflected by increased fat-free mass (lean-body mass). In elderly patients undergoing rehabilitation a double-blind trial over 4 months of stanozolol, an orally active anabolic agent, is reported in which measurements of total body weight, body fat and fat-free mass were recorded. Physical activity and performance levels were also measured. Total body weight was found to have increased in both groups of patients, mainly due to increased body fat. There was no evidence of fluid retention due to the drug. Despite the absence of an anabolic effect, the group taking stanozolol increased their levels of physical activity significantly.

Activities of Daily Living↗