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Biomedical subjects

B Roth

Publications and source records attributed to B Roth.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Sensitive and convenient method for the quantification of clonidine in serum of pediatric patients using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

An improved and easy to use liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) method in human serum was developed for the quantification of clonidine (CLD), an alpha2-/alpha1-adrenoceptor agonist, used for analgo-sedation and the therapy of opioid withdrawal in pediatric patients. Sample preparation consisted of precipitation of serum proteins by adding acetonitrile and centrifugation of the sample subsequently. [(2)H4]Clonidine (CLD4) served as internal standard. Chromatographic separation of the supernatant was achieved using a 100mmx3mm, 5microm Thermo Electron BetaBasic C4 column with isocratic flow and elution consisting of 0.1% formic acid/acetonitrile (85/15, v/v) and a flow-rate of 350microl/min resulting in a column pressure of 280-420kPa. LC/MS/MS detection was performed by using a triple-stage quadrupole mass spectrometer (TSQ Quantum, Thermo Electron) working in selected reaction monitoring mode with positive electrospray ionization. The analyte was quantified in a single run within 5min. Linearity was demonstrated over the expected concentration range 0.15-50microg/l CLD. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) and the limit of detection were 0.1microg/l and 0.01microg/l, respectively. None of the drugs used concomitantly during analgesic therapy interfered in the assay in vitro. Intra-day precision expressed as RSD was 9.6% or less for CLD, while inter-day result was 10.0% or less for CLD. Intra-day and inter-day accuracy was within +/-4.9% and +/-1.8%, respectively. The method was validated according to the international guidelines of the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) and the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). The described method is suitable to analyse serum samples with very small volumes and sets the stage for pharmacokinetic studies in pediatric studies.

Child↗

Interleukin-6-174-genotype, sepsis and cerebral injury in very low birth weight infants.

We investigated the association between the interleukin 6 (IL-6)-174-genotype and unfavorable outcomes in preterm infants since it has been reported that the IL-6-174GG-genotype is associated with increased susceptibility to sepsis, and the IL-6-174CC-genotype is more common in preterm infants with severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). We studied 1206 preterm infants with a birth weight below 1500 g. In contrast to previously published data, the frequency of IVH grade IV, periventricular leukomalacia, ventricular-peritoneal-shunting or death was not different between infants with different IL-6-genotypes: IL-6-174GG (n = 430) 8%, IL-6-174GC (n = 605) 9% and IL-6-174CC (n = 167) 12% (P = 0.2 for IL-6-174CC vs GG + GC). Furthermore, we were not able to confirm previously reported association between sepsis and the IL-6-174GG-genotype. Blood-culture-proven sepsis occurred in 19% of IL-6-174GG-carriers (n = 157), 26% of IL-6-174GC-carriers (n = 193) and 27% of infants carrying the IL-6-174CC-genotype (n = 67). We were not able to confirm previously reported associations between sepsis, cerebral injury and the IL-6-174-genotype in VLBW-infants.

Blood↗

Severe primary cutaneous aspergillosis refractory to amphotericin B and the successful treatment with systemic voriconazole in two premature infants with extremely low birth weight.

Primary cutaneous aspergillosis is a rare, life-threatening, infectious complication in premature infants that may result in fulminant sepsis and subsequent multi-organ failure. In the past decade, the incidence of primary aspergillosis has increased significantly, whereas the high morbidity and mortality of invasive aspergillosis remains unaltered. In vitro studies reveal that more and more Aspergillus species seem to be refractory to the classical treatment with fluconazole or amphotericin B. This case report presents two extremely low birth weight infants (ELBW) with primary cutaneous aspergillosis, which was refractory to amphotericin B. Both patients were successfully treated with systemic voriconazole, an extended-spectrum triazole antifungal, supported by topical care. This paper provides the clinical manifestation, diagnostics and pharmacotherapy of primary cutaneous aspergillosis, as well as pharmacokinetic aspects of voriconazole in ELBW infants.

Amphotericin B↗

Recombinant activated factor seven in acute life-threatening bleeding in neonates: report on three cases and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Acute bleeding of different genesis can be a severe, life-threatening problem in neonatology. Recombinant factor seven (rFVIIa) is known to have unique hemostatic properties in adults and older children. CASE PRESENTATION: Three cases of acute life-threatening peri- and postnatal hemorrhage were successfully controlled after the application of fFVIIa. All infants were first treated with vitamin K, fresh-frozen plasma and platelet transfusion. CONCLUSION: The cases substantiate other reports that rFVIIa is an effective treatment for acute, refractory and life-threatening bleeding in neonates and premature infants.

Factor VII↗

Submucosal plexus of dilatated gut disappears after ligation in chicken embryos: preliminary results.

INTRODUCTION: Dilatation and impaired function of the gut is a condition often seen in newborns with bowel obstruction caused by intestinal atresia. In a previous experimental study in chicken embryos, we established a model to study ultrastructural changes during the development of the enteric nervous system after small bowel ligation. The aim of this study is to investigate the changes of the enteric nervous system (ENS) after gut ligation. METHODS: 56 chicken embryos were investigated. In the operation group fertilized eggs and the allantoic membrane were opened and the small bowel was ligated on embryonal day (ED) 11. The controls were sham-operated. The gut was prepared and harvested for analysis on ED 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18. Silver staining or staining of the specimens for acetylcholinesterase (AchE) was performed. RESULTS: A marked dilatation of the bowel was observed three days after operation (ED 14). The submucosal (PSM) and myenteric plexus (PM) appeared normal at this time, however silver staining showed rarification of the neuronal axonal network between the myenteric and submucosal plexus. Later, on ED 16 an additional rarification of the submucosal plexus was also seen in the operation group using AchE staining, compared to the controls. DISCUSSION: The data suggest that distension of the gut hinders normal development of the ENS in the gut ligation model of chicken embryos. The changes were observed sequentially, starting with rarification of the axonal network between the PM and PSM. Future studies will be required to show whether the changes of the ENS are reversible.

Animals↗

[Pain management and coping behaviour in premature babies (< 1500 g) at corrected age of 36 months influence of neonatal experience and maternal anxiety].

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal experience of pain and distress can lead to developmental problems, which can be associated with long-term emotional and behavioural disorders. The aim of the study was to analyse the effects of early experiences of pain and maternal reactions on the pain and coping behaviour of preterm infants. METHODS: In a prospective longitudinal study of 69 very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants, neonatal data regarding painful manipulations, analgesics and sedatives, and general medical condition (Nursery Neurobiological Risk Score; NBRS) were assessed. At the (corrected) age of 36 months, 53 preterm infants and a control group of 23 full-term infants were re-examined. Pain and coping behaviour were estimated by a questionnaire. Maternal anxiety was assessed in semi-structured interviews at the age of 3, 12 and 36 months in the preterm group. RESULTS: The mean gestational age was 29 + 0 weeks (23 + 3 to 34 + 1), the mean birth weight 1058 g (380 to 1480 g) in preterms and 39 + 3 weeks (37 + 0 to 42 + 0) and 3379 g (2400 to 4130 g), respectively, for the full-terms. The sex ratio was equal, 45.3 % of the preterms were multiples (controls 34.8 %). Preterms had higher descriptive scores for all types of pain situations. After controlling for other associated factors, a negative correlation between birth weight and later pain behaviour in medical situations remained. Preterms had a more negative coping behaviour during every day injuries. In terms of coping behaviour, only a shorter inpatient treatment in the neonatal period was associated with social withdrawal after controlling for other associated factors. Maternal anxiety at the age of 12 and 36 months was associated with negative coping behaviour following simple injuries. CONCLUSIONS: While preterms do not have a higher pain threshold in general, a subgroup does have a higher risk for later sensation to pain. Preterms use more unfavourable coping strategies in simple injuries which, in turn, seem to be decisively mediated by maternal anxiety. Future research should focus on psycho-social factors involved in the development of pain reactions, as these can predispose towards behavioural disorders.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Production of ultracold trapped molecular hydrogen ions.

We have cooled ensembles of the molecular hydrogen ions H2+, H3+, and all their deuterated variants to temperatures of a few mK in a radio frequency trap, by sympathetic cooling with laser-cooled beryllium ions. The molecular ions are embedded in the central regions of Coulomb crystals. Mass spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations were used to accurately characterize the properties of the ultracold multispecies crystals. We demonstrate species-selective purification of multispecies ensembles. These molecules are of fundamental importance as the simplest of all molecules, and have the potential to be used for precision tests of molecular structure theory, tests of Lorentz invariance, and measurements of electron to nuclear mass ratios and their time variation.

Journal Article↗

Sympathetic cooling of 4He+ ions in a radio-frequency trap.

We have generated Coulomb crystals of ultracold 4He+ ions in a linear radio-frequency trap, by sympathetic cooling via laser-cooled 9Be+. Stable crystals containing up to 150 localized He+ ions at approximately 20 mK were obtained. Ensembles or single ultracold He+ ions open up interesting perspectives for performing precision tests of QED and measurements of nuclear radii. This Letter also indicates the feasibility of cooling and crystallizing highly charged atomic ions using 9Be+ as coolant.

Journal Article↗

[Meningeal febrile syndrome and hemiplegia revealing infectious endocarditis: the story of a catheter-related infection].

INTRODUCTION: We report the case of a 48-years patient who is under chimotherapy because of a breast cancer. She was initially found at her place in coma with hyperthermia and neurological deficiency signs. The clinic history and the paraclinical investigations have enabled to detect a catheter-related infection (CRI) as soon as the diagnosis of disseminated infectious endocarditis was made. The resonance imaging confirmed the cerebral blow when it found suspicious images of septic embolus. EXEGESIS: The CRI are usually detected at an early stage and if the classical association CRI-infectious endocarditis-systemical embolus is well known, the discovery on a CRI not treated at the stade of a febril coma is exceptional. CONCLUSION: More than ever the taking care of infectious endocarditis, still delicate and sometimes perilous, requires a global taking care of the patient.

Catheterization↗

[Intramuscular injections in children].

Intramuscular injections are still part of routine care in the treatment of children. Vaccines, premedications and analgesics are administered by this route. The pain associated with an intramuscular injection is severe, the risk of complications is increased, and pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics are unpredictable. In many cases, equivalent alternatives of rectal, oral or intranasal routes of administering pharmacologic agents exist. Intramuscular injection of analgesics and premedications to children are-except in case of emergencies-obsolete. This demand corresponds to the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP).

Analgesics↗

[Diagnosis and management of a haemorrhagic emergency revealing an acquired haemophilia].

We relate the case of a 22-year-old woman, without any particular medical history, apart from a previous full-term pregnancy with no complication, for whom the discovery of prolongated APTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) postponed an emergency operation in spite of intracystic ovarian haemorrhage. The complementary check-up revealed the existence of an autoantibody antifactor VIII (antithromboplastinogen), showing acquired postpartum haemophilia.

Adult↗

[Chromium-induced vasculitis-like purpuric allergic contact dermatitis].

INTRODUCTION: Purpuric allergic contact dermatitis is a rare and poorly understood condition. CASE REPORT: A 27-year-old male patient with a personal history of atopic dermatitis since childhood consulted for chronic papular-purpuric rash present for 7 years. Moderate pruritus was seen. Profuse lesions were observed on the palms and soles and on the upper and lower limbs, with sparing of the trunk. These lesions consisted of purpuric papules, in some cases with crusts, forming large plaques. The clinical picture was initially suggestive of vasculitis, but this diagnosis was ruled out by histological examination and laboratory tests. Skin patch tests were evocative of chromium-induced contact dermatitis. Retrospective directed history-taking confirmed the relevance of the latter test since it revealed regular wearing of leather clothing. Lasting cure was achieved following eradication of the allergen. DISCUSSION: Reports of contact purpuric dermatitis are rare. This condition has been described principally for allergens consisting of rubber or dyes used in clothing. Our case was notable on account of the severity of the lesions, mimicking vasculitis, as well as the novelty of the incriminated allergen, chromium, found in leather garments. It underlines the value of routine skin patch tests in the event of chronic non-specific dermatitis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of chromium-induced purpuric allergic contact dermatitis.

Adult↗

[Hypersensitivity to fluindione (Previscan). Positive skin patch tests].

INTRODUCTION: Fluindione (Previscan) is an oral anticoagulant belonging to the vitamin K antagonist class and is very widely used in France. While bleeding is a common complication, severe immunoallergic reactions are less frequent. The authors report a case of drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome. CASE REPORT: A 75 year-old woman was hospitalized for diffuse erythematous papular rash associated with facial oedema. These symptoms appeared 3 weeks after the beginning of treatment with fluindione, allopurinol and perindopril. Laboratory tests showed hyperleukocytosis, mixed hepatitis and moderate renal failure, with the entire picture being evocative of drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction. The eruption was associated with eosinophilia, hepatic cytolysis with cholestasis, and acute renale failure. While allopurinol and perindopril were stopped definitively, fluindione was only suspended temporarily following overdosage. On reintroduction, rapid recurrence of clinical and biologic signs was observed with increased severity. The skin rash resolved completely on withdrawal of the drug. Patch tests performed later were positive for fluindione and negative for allopurinol and perindopril. DISCUSSION: These manifestations were consistent with the diagnosis of drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome due to fluindione. Very few cases have been described with fluindione despite widespread prescription of the treatment is in France. While there may be no skin involvement, immunoallergic signs such as fever, hepatitis and acute tubular interstitial nephritis have been described with fluindione and these may be related to this syndrome (DRESS - Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms). Skin patch testing, which is easily performed, can be extremely helpful in determining a causal relationship with medication.

Administration, Oral↗

[One-sided acquired pulmonary lobar emphysema -- successful treatment with selective intubation and one-sided high-frequency ventilation].

Mechanical ventilation of preterm and newborn infants is associated with the risk of inducing a pulmonary baro- or volutrauma which may lead to one-sided acquired pulmonary lobar emphysema (APLE). We report a case of a preterm infant with severe APLE compromising hemodynamics due to mediastinal-shift, which was successfully treated with selective one-sided intubation and high-frequency ventilation. We assume that a brief malposition of the endotracheal tube initiated the emphysema of the left pulmonary lobe. We deduce recommendations for avoiding APLE from literature and our experience.

Barotrauma↗

[Genioplasty alone and in combination. Long-term results with emphasis on sensitivity and photoanalysis].

PURPOSE: Striving for beauty and expressiveness is a deeply rooted human attitude. The lower jaw-especially the mentum-plays an important role in the perception of the face as an instrument of communication. According to Grammer a distinctive lower jaw is an essential characteristic feature of male attractiveness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During a period of 10 years 58 patients underwent genioplasty. A follow-up examination was performed in 49 patients (complete sensitivity evaluation: 33 patients, complete photoanalysis: 30 patients). To reduce radiation due to cephalometric radiography a simple photometric method for cephalometry was developed and applied. Particular attention was directed at sensitivity of the mental nerve after genioplasty. RESULTS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that photos of the right profile were compared with those of the left side. Unexpectedly, intraindividual differences dependent on the facial side (right and left) could be found in the relationship of the lower to the upper face and in the proportion of the profile angle and the nasomental angle. After three-dimensional genioplasty these differences were reduced and facial asymmetry was improved. Comparing the right with the left side the average difference of the nasomental angle was reduced from 2.5 degrees to 0.6 degrees on average. The profile angle was changed by genioplasty from 19 degrees on average to 15 degrees ("ideally" 10 degrees , the so-called upright face). According to Schwarz the ideal height of the mentum (stomion-menton) should amount to 66% of the total lower face. Especially by combined dorsal and cranial positioning of the mentum a reduction from 85 to 68% was achieved. Postoperatively 24 of 33 patients (73%) showed disturbances of the mental nerve. After at least 1 year following the operation, normal sensitivity of the lower lip and chin of both sides was evaluated by almost all of these patients (19 of 24 = 79%). Especially all patients having had only a single genioplasty recovered totally from a neurosensory deficit. CONCLUSIONS: Genioplasty can be considered to be a reliable procedure to achieve harmony of the lower face.

Adolescent↗

[Congenital varicella syndrome - is it infectious?].

A 30-year-old gravida 2 suffered from chickenpox in the 13th week of gestation. In the 38th week of gestation she delivered by caesarean section a baby with typical congenital varicella syndrome (CVS). In the serum of the newborn IgG antibodies but no IgM or IgA antibodies were found by VZV ELISA test (Enzygnost Behring). On the 2nd, 5th, 8th and 11th days of life, VZV DNA was detectable in the cerebrospinal fluid by PCR in elevated copy numbers as well as in the fluid of skin lesions on the 3rd day of life in higher copy numbers, on the 11th day of life it was still detectable in low copy numbers. In the EDTA blood samples taken on the 5th day of life VZV DNA was detectable in low copy numbers. The positive VZV DNA detection in skin lesions led to the conclusion that newborns with CVS and skin lesions should be considered as infectious until the time of crusting and isolated in nursery care.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗