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Biomedical subjects

C Merdler

Publications and source records attributed to C Merdler.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1993

Decreased bone density in elderly men treated with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist decapeptyl (D-Trp6-GnRH).

Administration of GnRH agonist analogs to women may result in a hypoestrogenic state and bone mass reduction. In the present study we examined bone mineral density (BMD) and parameters of mineral metabolism in elderly men with benign prostatic hyperplasia before and during a hypoandrogenic state induced by the long-acting GnRH agonist D-Trp6-LHRH (decapeptyl). Our results showed that decapeptyl treatment caused a significant decrease in serum testosterone concentrations in all patients and resulted in a significant decrease in individual vertebral BMD in 10 of 17 patients. A significant decrease in BMD was observed in 5 patients after 6 months of treatment. Another 5 patients showed a decreased BMD only after 12 months. The mean serum concentrations of osteocalcin, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase activity increased after 6-12 months of treatment with decapeptyl. Serum calcium, vitamin D metabolites, and PTH concentrations remained unchanged during treatment. Urinary calcium excretion was slightly, but not significantly, increased after 6 months of treatment. These results demonstrate that long-acting GnRH agonist treatment may cause high turnover accelerated bone loss in some men during the first year of GnRH agonist treatment, as has been previously shown in women.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

Vitamin D deficiency in elderly patients in a general hospital.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels were measured in 338 elderly patients admitted to the Geriatric Medicine Departments of a general hospital in Israel in the course of one year. The mean (+/- SD) serum 25-OHD levels were significantly lower (P less than .01) in the elderly patients (13.5 +/- 8.9 ng/mL) than in healthy young controls (24.7 +/- 6.1 ng/mL). One hundred ten patients (35.5%) were either vitamin D deficient (25-OHD less than 5 ng/mL) or had borderline serum levels of 25-OHD (5-9 ng/mL). The mean (+/- SD) serum 25-OHD concentration of patients who were completely mobile before hospitalization was 15.5 +/- 8.8 ng/mL (n = 239). In patients mainly immobilized but able to leave the house occasionally, it was 10.2 +/- 6.3 ng/mL (n = 84) and of bed-ridden patients, it was 5.2 +/- 3.2 ng/mL (n = 15). No correlation was found between serum 25-OHD levels and the patients' age or serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and albumin values. Thus, in order to detect vitamin D deficiency in the elderly, it is necessary to measure serum 25-OHD concentration. The results demonstrate that vitamin D deficiency is common among elderly patients even in sunny climates and indicate the need for development of effective programs of prevention and treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Transmission of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) by a blood transfusion given in 1979 in Israel.

AIDS developed in a blood donor-recipient pair in Israel. Transmission of HTLV III/LAV probably occurred via a blood transfusion in November 1979. The donor was asymptomatic at the time of blood donation, but initial symptoms of AIDS-related complex developed in the donor 3 months later and in the recipient 6 months following the blood transfusion.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1983

Primary actinomycotic empyema.

We have presented a rare case of massive primary actinomycotic empyema, which resolved after combined cefazolin therapy and continuous pleural drainage. Poor dental hygiene and heavy smoking are proposed as predisposing factors.

Actinomycosis↗
PubMed1976

The effect of phenobarbital on patients with Dubin-Johnson syndrome.

11 patients with jaundice of Dubin-Johnson type were treated for 2 weeks with phenobarbital. Serum bilirubin diminished and hepatic clearance of sulfobromophthalein was variably enhanced; other measures of hepatic function were not significantly changed during therapy.

Adolescent↗