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Biomedical subjects

A E Schindler

Publications and source records attributed to A E Schindler.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Antibiotic prophylaxis in cesarean section -- piperacillin versus piperacillin/tazobactam in 300 cesarean sections].

INTRODUCTION: Antibiotic prophylaxis is a standard procedure in obstetric surgery and has been discussed in various investigations. Use of treatment is judged by high efficacy and good tolerance. METHOD: In 300 patients undergoing cesarean sections we compared results of application of Piperacillin 4 g and Piperacillin/Tazobactam 4.5 g after cut of umbilical cord. Tazobactam/Piperacillin is a combination of a broad-spectrum penicillin and a beta-lactamase inhibitor with increased toxicity against staph. aureus, enterobacter, and other germs responsible for local and systemic infections in obstetric surgery. RESULTS: We did not observe any severe adverse effects. Rate of severe wound infections was 1.3 % (Tazobactam/Piperacillin) and 2 % (Piperacillin alone). The difference showed no statistic significance (p > 0.01). During postoperative course we found a higher increase of CRP (p < 0.01) in the Piperacillin group. CRP proved to be a useful objective parameter to distinguish between patients with or without postoperative infections. No differences were found in the number of leucocytes, time in hospital and other parameters.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2006

High-dose pilot study with the novel progestogen dienogestin patients with endometriosis.

High-dose dienogest (20 mg/day) was used for the treatment of endometriosis in women aged 18-52 years after laparoscopic and histological diagnosis of endometriosis and staging according to the revised American Fertility Society criteria. Treatment efficacy was analyzed objectively by second-look laparoscopy, and serum hormone measurements and evaluation of endometriosis-related symptoms were performed done and side-effects recorded. Compared with other high-dose progestin therapies, treatment with dienogest was shown to be effective even in stage IV endometriosis. The side-effect profile of the high-dose dienogest treatment appears to be highly favorable compared with other treatments. Neither the menopausal symptoms caused by therapy with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists nor the adverse androgen-related effects induced by danazol were observed. Therefore, long-term high-dose dienogest therapy can be recommended particularly for women with progressive endometriosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[ENZIAN-score, a classification of deep infiltrating endometriosis].

The ENZIAN-Score is presented as a new instrument to classify the deep infiltrating endometriosis. Especially the retroperitoneal part of the severe endometriosis is focussed on. In analogy to an oncological staging four different stages are pronounced. The localisation and the expansion of the endometriosis nodule was indicated to different subgroups. The still used rAFS-score is of no clinical evidence, as we pointed out in a retrospective study of our patients with severe intestinal endometriosis.

Endometrial Neoplasms↗
PubMed2004

[Prevention of preterm delivery with gestagens].

Preterm delivery with its short-term and long-term sequealae constitutes a serious problem in terms of morbidity, disability and mortality of the newborn and cost to the society. The incidence of premature deliveries persists and according to the latest national and international reports a tendency for an increase has been observed. Therefore, besides screening programmes for the detection of vaginal infections one has to look for additional therapeutic concepts. According to previous data and recent publications, progesterone vaginally and 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate intramuscularely should be considered as possible treatment options for the prevention of preterm delivery in high-risk women, with therapy starting in the second trimester.

17-alpha-Hydroxypregnenolone↗
PubMed2004

First trimester endocrinology: consequences for diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy failure.

First-trimester endocrinology is determined on the one hand by corpus luteum progesterone and estradiol biosynthesis and secretion and on the other hand by the time of onset and extent of progesterone and estradiol secretion by the placenta. This dual interplay is dominated by the corpus luteum placental shift, where a relative progesterone and estradiol deficiency can develop and may lead to early as well as late abortion. Measurements of serum progesterone and estradiol are mandatory in order to reveal such deficiencies and to treat them effectively with 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate in combination with estradiol valerate or with progestins such as dydrogesterone.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗
PubMed2004

The prognostic value of serum inhibin, 17 beta-estradiol and progesterone in cases of hydatidiform mole.

The purpose of this study was to provide a diagnostic and a prognostic variable that could easily be measured in the laboratory, and that would predict the need for future therapy of persistent gestational trophoblastic disease. There would no longer be a need to treat all cases of hydatidiform mole prophylactically, to improve the outcome in only about 20% predicted to develop malignant gestational trophoblastic tumors. Circulating beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG), progesterone, 17 beta-estradiol and inhibin levels were measured using standard radioimmunoassays in 60 patients with complete hydatidiform mole and in 20 normal pregnant women of a corresponding duration of pregnancy and having a maternal indication for therapeutic abortion. There were no significant statistical differences between the two groups as regards gravidity, parity and gestational age. There was a significant statistical difference between patients with a molar pregnancy who developed gestational trophoblastic tumors (GTT) and those who did not develop GTT as regards pre-evacuation and follow-up mean serum beta-hCG, mean serum progesterone and mean serum 17 beta-estradiol levels. These findings together with the persistently elevated mean serum progesterone and mean serum 17 beta-estradiol levels at 6 weeks after evacuation in all cases who developed GTT suggested that progesterone as well as 17 beta-estradiol serum levels might be of prognostic value in cases of molar pregnancy. However, larger numbers of cases are required to correlate findings to beta-hCG serum level. Although mean serum inhibin level was significantly higher in women with hydatidiform mole than in normal pregnant women, it lacks any prognostic value for detection of subsequent gestational trophoblastic tumors.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

The human chorionic gonadotropin molecule from patients with trophoblastic diseases has a high thyrotropic activity but is less active in the ovary.

To examine the pathogenesis of hyperthyroidism in women with trophoblastic diseases, the biological activity of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) molecules in women with normal pregnancy (n = 85) and in women with trophoblastic diseases (vesicular mole, n = 30; and choriocarcinoma, n = 12) was compared. Hyperthyroidism (thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) < 0.3 mIU/l) was observed more frequently in women with trophoblastic diseases. All the sera were then subjected to Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with the human TSH receptor (CHO-hTSHr cells) and cAMP production was compared. Sera from the women with choriocarcinoma showed the highest cAMP production. Interestingly, significant correlation between serum hCG level and cAMP production in CHO-hTSHr cells was observed only in women with trophoblastic disease. All the sera were then applied to CHO cells transfected with hCG/luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor (CHO-hCG/LHr cells). In contrast to the findings with the TSH receptor, sera from the women with normal pregnancy showed the highest cAMP production in these cells. Correlation between serum hCG level and cAMP production in CHO-hCG/LHr cells was significant only in normal pregnancy. These results indicate that the hCG molecule from women with trophoblastic diseases displays enhanced thyrotropic activity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists for prevention of postoperative adhesions: an overview.

Adhesion formation is of major concern to the pelvic surgeon. Most patients develop postoperative adhesions regardless of whether the mode of access to the abdominal cavity is by laparoscopy or laparotomy. Infertility is related to adhesions in the pelvis in 15-20% of cases. Peritoneal adhesions are the main cause of mechanical bowel obstruction in 65-80% of cases and contribute to a large extent to health-care expenditures. To prevent the formation of postoperative adhesions, a variety of medications have been studied such as glucocorticoids, heparin, dextran 70, saline solution, antibiotics, promethazine, antihistamines, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, Ringer's lactate solution, calcium-channel blockers and barriers such as Interseed and Gore-Tex. Such adhesions can be induced when operating on myomas and endometriosis. Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated various mechanisms of action to be involved in adhesion prevention when gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a) are used for treatment. The following have been demonstrated and suggested: (1) Hypoestrogenic condition was found in rats to be associated with decreased adhesion formation. This could be related to the influence on estrogen-dependent growth factors and growth modulators by reliable and constant inhibition of ovarian estradiol biosynthesis and secretion, but also non-competitive estrogen antagonism seems to play a role. (2) Treatment with GnRH-a reduces the growth hormone release stimulated by growth hormone-releasing hormone. (3) GnRH-a treatment influences neoangiogenesis by affecting vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblastic growth factor. (4) GnRH-a reduce the basal rate of coagulatory processes. The frequency and extent of fibrin-generating and degrading processes are reduced. Activity of the plasminogen activating inhibitor is reduced, suggesting an improvement infibrinolytic reactivity. (5) GnRH-a use alters the vascular resistance index, pulsatility index and vascular peak velocity, and possible immune response. (6) Avoidance of bleeding can reduce fibrin and therefore decreases the matrix for invasion by fibroblasts. (7) GnRH-a reduce the degree of inflammation postoperatively. Adhesion prevention seems to be at its best when pre- and postoperative GnRH-a treatment is administered. At present, there are trends to operate without prior treatment with GnRH-a. Based upon the data available, it seems worthwhile to consider preoperative and also postoperative treatment with GnRH-a: pretreatment for at least 2-3 months seems to be indicated, and a similar time after operation, to block the events associated with adhesion formation.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.

Endometriosis is generally a benign condition. However, there is a tendency towards progression and in part deep infiltrating processes occur, which can lead to obstruction and even silent loss of organ function such as kidney failure. Hereditary, genetic and immunological peculiarities have been found. Important are symptoms such as pain and infertility, which burden the life of the women involved. In spite of extensive research in the past the pathogenesis and epidemiology of the disease are not definitely clarified as yet. The estimated prevalence of endometriosis ranges between 10% and even more than 50% depending on the underlying problems of the women studied. Besides the main location of the disease within the pelvis also extra pelvic locations have been found (lung, lymph nodes, scars). The diagnosis should be established by histological verification. The main therapeutic modalities consist of surgery and medical treatment or combinations, which need to be individually adjusted, because of the high risk of recurrence and progression of the disease. The aim should be early detection and treatment as complete as possible, since symptom relief, resolution or prevention of infertility and decrease of recurrences are at their best under these circumstances.

Endometriosis↗
PubMed2003

Evaluation of tumour markers in molar pregnancy.

METHODS: Circulating CA 125, CA 19-9, CA 15-3 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were studied in sixty patients with hydatidiform mole and in twenty normal pregnant women of a corresponding duration of pregnancy. DISCUSSION: Serum levels of CA 125, CA 15-3 and CEA are not affected by molar pregnancy. The mean level of CA 19-9 in maternal serum is significantly lower in cases of molar pregnancy when compared with cases of normal pregnancy. The amnion cell origin of CA 19-9 could explain the statistically significant difference between cases of therapeutic abortion and cases of HM (complete HM lacks amniotic membrane).

Antigens, Neoplasm↗
PubMed2003

Multicenter phase II study of oral capecitabine (Xeloda(")) in patients with metastatic breast cancer relapsing after treatment with a taxane-containing therapy.

BACKGROUND: Capecitabine is a rationally designed oral, tumor-activated fluoropyrimidine carbamate with high activity in metastatic breast cancer. This multicenter phase II study was designed to evaluate further the efficacy and safety of capecitabine in patients with metastatic breast cancer previously treated with a taxane-containing regimen. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients had to have documented progression after paclitaxel- or docetaxel-containing chemotherapy. Treatment comprised 3-week cycles of oral capecitabine 1250 mg/m(2) twice-daily for 14 days followed by a 7-day rest period. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-six patients were enrolled. Disease stabilization occurred in 63 patients (46%) and the overall response rate was 15% (95% confidence interval 10% to 23%), providing an overall tumor control rate of 62%. Median time to progression was 3.5 months, median duration of response was 7.5 months and median overall survival was 10.1 months. Capecitabine was generally well-tolerated: most treatment-related adverse events were grade 1/2 in intensity; grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events were hand-foot syndrome (13%), diarrhea (8%), vomiting (4%) and nausea (3%). There were no treatment-related deaths. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that capecitabine achieves a high tumor control rate in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic breast cancer. Due to its favorable safety profile and convenient oral administration, capecitabine can be given as an outpatient therapy. Capecitabine should be considered the reference treatment in this setting based on consistently high efficacy and good tolerability.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2003

Thyroid function and postmenopause.

There is an increasing prevalence of high levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) with age - particularly in postmenopausal women - which are higher than in men. The incidence of thyroid disease in a population of postmenopausal women is as follows: clinical thyroid disease, about 2.4%; subclinical thyroid disease, about 23.2%. Among the group with subclinical thyroid disease, 73.8% are hypothyroid and 26.2% are hyperthyroid. The rate of thyroid cancer increases with age. The symptoms of thyroid disease can be similar to postmenopausal complaints and are clinically difficult to differentiate. There can also be an absence of clinical symptoms. It is of importance that even mild thyroid failure can have a number of clinical effects such as depression, memory loss, cognitive impairment and a variety of neuromuscular complaints. Myocardial function has been found to be subtly impaired. There is also an increased cardiovascular risk, caused by increased serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein. These adverse effects can be improved or corrected by L-thyroxine replacement therapy. Such treatment has been found to be cost-effective. With time, overt hypothyroidism can develop. Therefore, routine screening of thyroid function in the climacteric period to determine subclinical thyroid disease is recommended. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women with hypothyroidism treated with thyroxine causes changes in free thyroxine and TSH. Increased binding of thyroxine to elevated thyroxine-binding globulin causes an elevation of TSH by feedback. Since adaptation is insufficient, there is an increased need for thyroxine in these women taking HRT. TSH levels should be controlled at 12 weeks after the beginning of therapy. At higher age the need for iodine and thyroxine is decreased. Therefore, therapy has to be controlled. For bone metabolism thyroid hormones play a dominant role. While there are only marginal differences between hypothyroid patients and euthyroid controls, there are large differences for hyperthyroid patients. Previous thyrotoxicosis and subsequent long-lasting L-thyroxine treatment are together associated with reduction in femoral and vertebral bone density in postmenopausal women. In these cases HRT is important for the control of bone loss.

Aging↗
PubMed2002

Immunological and biological activity of different commercial preparations of human chorionic gonadotropin.

In vitro immunological and biological activity of four commercially available preparations of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for clinical use (Predalon(R): hCG-A, Primogonyl(R): hCG-B, Choragon(R): hCG-C and Pregnisin(R): hCG-D) were examined. The methods used include immunoassay, cAMP production in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and structural analysis of hCG with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). There were remarkable differences in immunological activities among preparations. hCG-D had the highest concentration of free hCGbeta. In CHO cells, production of cAMP with hCG-C was significantly higher than that with other preparations. Analyses in HPLC showed similar pattern in hCG-C and a standard preparation of hCG (CR 123). The highest immunological activity in hCG-A could be attributed to the presence of nicked form of hCG in this preparation. Various hCG components in preparation may explain these differences.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Effect of adjuvant imiquimod 5% cream on sustained clearance of anogenital warts following laser treatment.

OBJECTIVES: Imiquimod is an immune response modifier that has demonstrated a good efficacy and relatively low recurrence rates in comparison to other genital wart treatment modalities. The primary objective of this open-label study was to evaluate the effect on sustained clearance of treated lesions and the safety of patient-applied topical imiquimod after laser therapy of external anogenital warts. METHODS: After laser treatment of visible external anogenital warts the ablated region(s) were treated with imiquimod 5% cream three times/week over 12 weeks beginning when the wound healing process was completed, followed by a six-month treatment-free observation period for the assessment of sustained clearance of treated lesions. RESULTS: A total of 211 male and female patients was enrolled in the study. After 12 weeks of treatment, 65.4% of all patients showed sustained clearance. During the treatment period, 15 patients (7.1% of 211 patients) presented with recurrent warts in the treated areas, and 58 (27.5%) patients were excluded for other reasons. During the six-month follow-up period, ten additional patients (7.3% of 138 patients) developed wart recurrences. The application of imiquimod 5% cream was well tolerated. The number of patients with adverse events related to study medication declined from the first month of treatment until the end of the third month. Most frequently, mild to moderate itching, burning, pain and erythema were reported. CONCLUSIONS: After laser therapy and sufficient wound healing, administration of imiquimod 5% cream three times/week appears to be safe and to reduce the incidence of wart recurrences.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗