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Biomedical subjects

A M Drewes

Publications and source records attributed to A M Drewes.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Sleep intensity in fibromyalgia: focus on the microstructure of the sleep process.

Alpha electroencephalography (EEG) predominance has been described during sleep in patients suffering from the fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). However, EEG power density in the lower frequency bands probably better reflects the restorative functions of sleep. This study was conducted to describe the energy in all frequency bands in the sleep EEG. Ambulatory sleep recordings were performed on 12 women with FMS and 14 control women. Epochs were classified according to standard criteria. Moreover, all 2-s segments (n = 287,355) of the EEG in non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) 2-4 sleep were subjected to frequency analysis using autoregressive modelling. Frequency bands were: delta (0.5-3.5 Hz), theta (3.5-8 Hz), alpha (8-12 Hz), sigma (12-14.5 Hz) and beta (14.5-25 Hz). In patients with FMS, there was a predominance of EEG power in the higher frequency bands [two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), alpha: P = 0.043; sigma: P = 0.004] at the expense of the lower frequencies (ANOVA, delta: P = 0.005; theta: P = 0.008). The same trends were obtained for the individual sleep cycles. The calculations of total delta power in the time domain showed an exponentially declining curve in healthy subjects, but a flatter decline in FMS. The decreased power in the low-frequency range might reflect a disorder in homoeostatic and circadian mechanisms during sleep and may contribute to daytime symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Muscle biopsies in patients with fibromyalgia. A study based on light and electron microscopy].

The value of muscle biopsy in fibromyalgia is still questioned. In this study we obtained 49 quadriceps biopsies from 20 patients and compared them blindly to 15 biopsies from five normal controls. Using light microscopy, histochemical and immunoenzymatic methods we found no definite evidence of muscle disease. Nevertheless, we subjected biopsies from nine of the patients and five other controls for further ultrastructural evaluations and demonstrated pathologic findings e.g. empty sleeves of basement membrane, many lipofuscin bodies and other degenerative changes. We conclude that ultrastructural evaluation cannot yet be used for diagnostic purposes, but the negative findings at light microscopy, including histochemical and immunoenzymatic techniques, might be of importance in evaluating difficult cases.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Valproate for treatment of chronic central pain after spinal cord injury. A double-blind cross-over study.

Chronic central pain is a frequent complication after spinal cord injury. Anticonvulsant drugs, among them valproate, have been recommended for treatment. In this paper we conducted a double-blind, cross-over study comparing valproate and placebo for severe chronic central pain. During the study, serum concentration of valproate, pain and side effects were registered and the dose was adjusted according to these. No significant analgesic effects of valproate could be demonstrated although serum concentration and dose reached a high level. Few studies of pain following spinal cord injury exist and we recommend that further studies be performed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Quantitative assessment of joint pain following treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with ibuprofen cream.

The antiinflammatory effect of percutaneous application of NSAID (DOLGIT cream) was evaluated quantitatively on 11 patients with symmetric rheumatoid arthritis of the metacarpophalangeal and/or proximal interphalangeal joints. The pressure pain detection threshold (PDT) and pressure pain tolerance threshold (PTT) on the test joints were measured before and on days 3 and 7 after double-blind placebo controlled application of NSAID cream. The clinical pain was assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS) following controlled finger movements. The relative median PDT differences between NSAID and placebo treatment median were 10 kPa (N.S.) on day 3 and 17 kPa (N.S.) on day 7. The corresponding median differences in PTT were -5 kPa (N.S.) and 23 kPa (P < 0.05), respectively. The corresponding median decreases in VAS score were 4.2 mm (N.S.) and 15.5 mm (N.S.), respectively. The experimental joint pressure techniques can assess selectively pain from small joints and is a new useful tool to evaluate antinociceptive and/or antiinflammatory effects.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1994

Ambulatory recording and power spectral analysis by autoregressive modelling of polygraphic sleep signals in patients suffering from chronic pain.

A portable digital recording system and the Nightingale sleep analyser have been applied to record polygraphical sleep signals in patients suffering from chronic pain. Using ambulatory recording the patient can sleep at home making the sleep more natural and reducing the costs. The recording system gives digital recordings of very good quality. It is shown that the Nightingale sleep analyser performs automatic sleep analysis with a quality comparable to visual interrater performance on disordered sleep. It furthermore provides means for extraction of spectral information useful for the description of the sleep-wakefulness processes and for diagnosing the sleep disorders. Using AR-model-based power spectral analysis, it is also shown that the power content in the alpha band relative to the delta power is significantly higher in patients suffering from non-specific chronic pain as compared to normal persons.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed1993

[Chronic pain after spinal cord injury--a descriptive study].

Sixty-three patients with chronic pain following spinal cord injury (SCI) completed a questionnaire about different aspects of pain. Median duration from SCI to first experience of pain was four months. The duration of pain was for a median of three years. Fifty-six percent graded their pain as strong or unbearable. Ninety-two percent of the patients had daily pain, and in 43% the pain was constant day and night. The pain seriously affected daily living in 38% and sleep was disturbed in 48%. The pain had worsened in 43% and improved in 16% since its start. No association was found between performed spinal surgical procedures and the intensity of pain, the course of the pain, the time from SCI till pain started or the size of the area of pain. The most frequently used words to describe pain were "stabbing" and "tingling". This study documents the severity and course of chronic pain following SCI.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Localized nodular myositis--a variation of polymyositis].

A case of focal nodular myositis is reported. The patient was a 37-year old male with no prior medical history. He had three episodes of focal nodular myositis over a three month period, recovering completely after each attack. During the last attack there were three lesions in the left quadriceps and one in the biceps muscle of the left arm. Histologically there was severe myositis. After the last attack he has been well for 12 months without sequelae.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Seven-channel digital telemetry system for monitoring and direct computer capturing of biological data.

A seven-channel telemetry system for collection and display of biological data is presented. The system can amplify bioelectrical signals in the range of 2 microV to 200 mV and has a bandwidth of 0.1-80 Hz. After multiplexing, the signals are digitized with a resolution of 8 bits. The data are frequency modulated directly on a VHF transmitter. After receiving the data on a VHF receiver, they are routed directly to the RS232 input connector on the PC. Thereby the advantage of direct communication between the transmitter and the PC can be utilized. Expensive analog equipment is avoided and display of the signals on the PC screen as well as signal analysis can be performed. The system has been tested and was found to be stable and highly reliable.

Amplifiers, Electronic↗
PubMed1993

Pathology of skeletal muscle in fibromyalgia: a histo-immuno-chemical and ultrastructural study.

The value of muscle biopsy in fibromyalgia is still questioned. In this study we obtained 50 quadriceps biopsies from 20 patients and compared them blindly to 10 biopsies from five normal controls. Using light microscopy, histochemical and immunoenzymatic methods we found no definite evidence of muscle disease. Nevertheless, we subjected biopsies from nine of the patients and five other controls for further ultrastructural evaluations and demonstrated pathologic findings e.g. empty sleeves of basement membrane, many lipofuschin bodies and other degenerative changes. We conclude that ultrastructural evaluation cannot yet be used for diagnostic purposes, but the negative findings with light microscopy, including histochemical and immunoenzymatic techniques, might be of importance in evaluating difficult cases.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

McGill Pain Questionnaire translated into Danish: experimental and clinical findings.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a methodology for translating the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) into a Danish version, and to make comparisons to studies of patients speaking other languages. DESIGN: Finding suitable Danish adjectives using the same methodology as that in the original MPQ. Comparison of Danish descriptors to the words in the English version of MPQ. Survey in healthy subjects and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia (F). SETTING: The general public and hospital outpatients. PATIENTS: A random sample of 186 healthy volunteers, 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 41 patients with fibromyalgia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Danish words translated as closely as possible to the descriptors in the original McGill Pain Questionnaire. A pain-assessment instrument making international pain description possible. RESULTS: A Danish version of the McGill Pain Questionnaire was developed with scale values of Danish descriptors not differing more than 5 x SEM from the 'patient' words in the English version. The subdivision into classes and subclasses was respected. In the reliability experiment, the same rank values were found in 85% of subclasses. In a study using two experimental pain stimulus intensities, seven of 10 subjects obtained higher MPQ scores following the high-intensity stimulus. In the clinical study, the pain profiles of patients with RA and F in English, Italian, and Danish patients were almost the same. CONCLUSION: The present methodology of translating the McGill Pain Questionnaire permits comparison of studies from English-speaking and non-English-speaking populations, thus facilitating international research exchange.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Sleep and other symptoms in primary fibromyalgia and in healthy controls.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate sleep architecture and self-reported complaints in patients with fibromyalgia (FS). Forty patients and 10 age standardized healthy controls were included. All participants were women. METHODS: All patients and controls underwent a clinical examination and gave answers to a questionnaire. Polysomnography was done in 20 patients and in all controls. RESULTS: The percent arousal time and arousal index were higher (p < 0.05 and < 0.01, respectively) among FS compared to controls, but no other differences were found in sleep architecture. Ten of the patients with FS and 2 controls showed an apnea-hypoapnea index above 5/h (NS). The arousal time and arousal index were higher in patients with apnea-hypoapnea index > or = 5 compared to controls with apnea-hypoapnea index < 5 [mean (SD)] [arousal time: 4.5 (3.2) vs 0.7 (0.7), p < 0.001, arousal index: 14.9 (10.8) vs 2.4 (3.7), p < 0.001]. In patients with FS with apnea-hypoapnea index < 5 the arousal time was higher (2.0 (1.2), p < 0.05) and arousal index marginally higher (5.6 (3.2), p = 0.07) compared to the controls. No other differences were found in sleep structure. Insomnia (difficulties falling asleep, maintaining sleep, early morning awakening), tiredness, mood, cognitive disturbances and muscular pain were all reported more commonly by patients with FS than controls. A subdivision of the patients with FS into those with apnea-hypoapnea index < 5 and apnea-hypoapnea index > or = 5 did not change these findings. CONCLUSION: We conclude, that patients with FS show minor polysomnographic findings, with a higher occurrence of arousals. The arousals were in part explained by respiratory abnormalities. Patients with FS have several complaints, including insomnia. Some of these may relate to sleep fragmentation. Controlled studies are a requirement in investigations of sleep disorders in fibromyalgia.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Computer-assisted alignment of standard serial sections without use of artificial landmarks. A practical approach to the utilization of incomplete information in 3-D reconstruction of the hippocampal region.

An algorithm for the alignment of stained serial sections without the support of artificial landmarks is described. Four-hundred-thirty serial sections of the rabbit hippocampal region were digitized, and computer-based alignment was performed without use of artificial markers, resulting in a consistent matrix. Following proper filtration, artificial sections were cut through the matrix. In a second experiment every second image was deleted and reconstructed by interpolation with a minor loss of biological information. In a third experiment every second image was deleted and the rest of the images were 'disordered', realigned and the missing planes reconstructed by interpolation. Under these circumstances the matrix was reconstructed with some loss of information. These results may widen the limits of 3-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction, as routine histological preparations normally include only every second or every third section without artificial landmarks.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1991

[Vibration-induced reflex ejaculation in patients with spinal cord injuries].

Thirty-six men (aged 18-42 years, average age 27 years) with known spinal cord lesions for 0.3-39 years and levels of the lesions from C3 incomplete to L1 complete were submitted to penile vibrations with the objective to obtain reflex ejaculation. Sperm cells were demonstrated in a total of 27 of the participants, antegrade ejaculation in 16 cases and 11 retrograde ejaculations. In general, the semen quality was very poor with reduced total number of spermatozoa and increased percentage of immobile and/or morphologically abnormal spermatozoa compared with normal values. In connection with the vibration procedures, three cases of autonomous hyperreflexia followed by transient slight headache which did not require treatment occurred while an isolated case was treated with 0.5 mg glycerine nitrate (Nitromex) administered sublingually with good effect. No other side effects were observed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Zopiclone in the treatment of sleep abnormalities in fibromyalgia.

The clinical and polysomnographical effects of zopiclone were evaluated in 41 patients with fibromyalgia in a double blind controlled study. A significant improvement was observed regarding tiredness during the day and subjective sleep complaints, but no effects on pain or stiffness were observed. The sleep structure remained unchanged during treatment. Zopiclone seems to be of value in treating the sleep complaints in patients with fibromyalgia.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

[The hyper IgE syndrome. Job's syndrome].

Since 1972, 150 cases of the hyper-IgE-syndrome have been reported. The clinical manifestations are rather homogeneous with recurrent subcutaneous infections and infections in the respiratory tract, mostly with juvenile onset. Laboratory tests show minor eosinophilia and elevated immunoglobulin E-levels are always seen, partly specific to Staphylococcus aureus. Also varying decreases of polymorphonuclear leucocyte-chemotactic response are seen. There is no specific treatment of the disorder, only treatment of current infections has proved valuable. A case history is presented.

Humans↗
PubMed1990

[Primary fibromyalgia].

Primary fibromyalgia is probably a frequent disregarded disease, making differential diagnostic problems towards other kinds of rheumatologic diseases. The clinical manifestations, pathogenesis and treatment of primary fibromyalgia are discussed and the literature reviewed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[The disease course in patients admitted to a rehabilitation department following spinal cord injuries].

Epidemiologic data from 109 patients admitted to hospital in the period 1/1/1980-/31/12/1984 with spinal cord injuries are presented. The mean age was 29 years, there was a preponderance of males and the most frequent cause of the spinal cord injury was road accidents. The material was compared with the epidemiologic and social data of other studies. A total of 58 patients, chiefly users of wheelchairs, were followed up on average six years after the first admission. It was thus possible to form an idea of the complications of the spinal cord injury and the effectiveness of the treatment. The premorbid educational level of the patients was relatively low. The most frequent complications were spasms (74%), pressure sores (67%), pains (58%), and frequent urinary tract infections (71%). The consumption of medicine reflected the pattern of complications. The most common method of micturition was reflex voiding by tapping. These results were comparable with previous studies. It is concluded that the treatment of spinal cord injuries is a specialised task and only continuous evaluation can ensure optimum treatment.

Accidents, Traffic↗