PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

B Pfeiff

Publications and source records attributed to B Pfeiff.

15 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Serum antibody titers in a systemic lytic therapy with streptokinase.

BACKGROUND: Anaphylactic reactions to streptokinase are rare but potentially life-threatening complications. Gamma E immunoglobulin (IgE) mediated mechanisms, probably due to streptococcal infections, have been implicated. We investigated the value of in vitro laboratory or dermatologic tests in predicting anaphylactic reactions due to streptokinase and the value of antistreptolysin titers (ASL) in predicting the amount of specific IgE (sIgE) and specific gamma G immunoglobulin (sIgG) neutralizing antibodies to streptokinase. METHODS: We measured serum levels of total IgE, streptokinase sIgE and sIgG, and ASL in 16 patients before and 9 and 41 days after streptokinase therapy. Immediately before therapy, intracutaneous testing with 100 IU streptokinase was done. RESULTS: Dermatologic testing did not identify patients prone to allergic reactions. Moreover, not all patients with increased sIgE levels had allergic reactions. These reactions were independent of the dose of streptokinase given. In spite of steroid prophylaxis, allergic reactions occurred in 3 of 16 patients, but none showed life-threatening anaphylaxis. Streptokinase sIgE and sIgG concentrations were closely related to ASL titers. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma levels of sIgG, sIgE, and ASL titers showed a good correlation. We believe ASL titers can be used for the estimation of neutralizing antibodies instead of streptokinase sIgG antibodies. Currently, no laboratory or dermatologic test allows reliable predictions of allergic reactions to streptokinase.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Anaphylactic reaction in streptokinase therapy].

Streptokinase is used worldwide as thrombolytic agent. Indications are deep vein thrombosis, arterial thrombosis and embolism, arteriovenous cannula occlusions, acute coronary artery thrombosis, and acute renal vein thrombosis. The major drawback in comparison with other thrombolytic drugs is its antigenicity. Allergic reactions have been reported but the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. A 58 year-old man with acute myocardial infarction developed an anaphylactic reaction immediately after commencement of streptokinase infusion, although immunological laboratory findings were not affected. The patient had no history of prior exposure to streptokinase, infections with streptococci, or chronic allergic reactions. 2 months after streptokinase therapy increased plasma levels were detected of specific IgG antibodies to streptokinase. The levels of specific IgE antibodies to streptokinase and other anti-streptococcal antibodies were within the normal range. A prick test performed 4 months later with 100 I.U. streptokinase was unremarkable. The problems of such allergic reactions are discussed on the basis of this case report and a review of the literature.

Anaphylaxis↗
PubMed1991

Animal poxviruses transmitted from cat to man: current event with lethal end.

We report about the infection of an 18-year-old man with an orthopox virus (OPV) which was transmitted by a cat. The infectious route from cat to man could be proved by epidemiological, virological and serological methods. The corresponding techniques are described. The patient had not been vaccinated against smallpox and was intensively immunosuppressed by medication on account of a severe endogeneous eczema combined with an allergic asthma bronchiale. A cyclic poxvirus disease developed with a generalised, partly confluent pox virus exanthema disseminated over the body. The clinical symptoms were similar to a "variola pustulosa haemorrhagica". The young man died of a lung embolism in the course of the intensive medical therapy. The haemorrhagic character of the pox virus pustules with central necrosis (pox navel) could be reproduced in the rabbit skin and on chorioallantois membranes. The pox virus isolated from the patient could be differentiated from variola, vaccinia and monkeypox virus. It is a member of the group of "cowpox-like viruses". The environmental importance of these OPVs is discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

[Lethal animal pox virus infection in an atopic patient simulating variola vera].

An 18-year-old patient requiring steroid treatment for severe bronchial asthma and with atopic dermatitis acquired a cowpox-like virus infection clinically similar to smallpox from a domestic cat as carrier. In spite of intensive care, with controlled pressure breathing and the last available vaccinia hyperimmunoglobulin, the patient died of pulmonary embolism although viral spread had ceased some days before.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

[Two cases of side effects of a fumaric acid ester--local therapy].

We report on two cases of adverse reactions to topical treatment with monoethyl fumarate. One patient suffering from atopic dermatitis reacted with contact dermatitis; the other, suffering from psoriasis, developed a generalized, partly pustulous exanthema as well as signs of systemic involvement, such as tachycardia and dyspnea. As the causative mechanism we suggest non-immunological contact urticaria syndrome.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1990

[Malignant melanoma in café-au-lait spot].

A 17-year-old female patient developed a superficially spreading malignant melanoma (level III, thickness 0.91 mm) on a typical café-au-lait spot. There were no metastases, as yet. On the basis of this unusual case, we discuss the incidence of development of malignant melanoma on melanotic spots.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

[Malignant fibrous histiocytomas].

Malignant fibrous histiocytomas of the storiform pleomorphic type were found in the lower legs of two patients, 79 and 42 years of age. In the first, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, in the second, squamous cell carcinoma, had to be discussed. In the first patient, the tumor arose in the area of a preexisting paresis of the superficial peroneal nerve; the second patient developed the tumor in fistulous osteomyelitis existing since childhood.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

[Cutaneous sarcoidosis].

We report on three clinical cases of cutaneous sarcoidosis. One of them was associated with erythema nodosum, another with erythema annulare centrifugum. The third case showed an annular lesion having persisted for 10 years; X-ray of the lungs revealed stage 3 disease.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

[Syringocystadenoma papilliferum as a differential diagnosis of a carcinoma of the lower lip].

A 56-year-old patient showed a skin-colored tumor of the lower lip which had been photographically documented since his 10th year of age. On account of the localisation, increase of size during the last few months, as well as irregular epithelial hyperplasia observed in a punch biopsy from the periphery, we suspected the tumor to be a squamous cell carcinoma. Histological examination, however, revealed syringocystadenoma papilliferum.

Adenoma, Sweat Gland↗
PubMed1980

[Cystic acne and clinocomptodactyly in Klinefelter's syndrome (46XY/47 XXY mosaic)].

Klinefelter's syndrome was found in a 18 year old patient, suffering for four years from nodulocystic acne. Serum gonadotropins were within normal range, while histology of the testes revealed beginning tubular hyalinization. The case report shows that young patients with Klinefelter's syndrome may present symptoms that seem to exclude this syndrome. Furthermore, our patient exhibited klinokamptodaktylia of hands and feet, a congenital anomaly occurring very rarely in Klinefelter's syndrome.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Klinefelter's syndrome and Breast cancer.

Breast cancer in a patient with Klinefelter's syndrome is reported. Possible correlation between testosterone and estradiol serum levels after testosterone-enanthate substitution, estrogen receptors in tumor tissue and clinical symptomatology are discussed. The various theories of etiology concerning breast cancer in this syndrome are reviewed. The increased conversion of testosterone to estradiol at the therapy with androgens might be responsible for the development of breast cancer in Klinefelter's syndrome. The current way of treatment is described.

Adult↗