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Biomedical subjects

D Nagar

Publications and source records attributed to D Nagar.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

The protean manifestations of Legionnaires' disease.

The protean manifestations of Legionnaires' disease are described in an analysis of 12 sporadic cases. Two forms of the disease have been delineated. One variant (Group A) consisted of six patients who had a mild form of non-progressive pneumonia with minimum extra-pulmonary involvement. Six patients (Group B) were differentiated by rapidly progressive pulmonary infiltrates, severe hypoxia and respiratory failure, plus a higher frequency of band neutrophils and extra-pulmonary manifestations. Particularly notable were evidence of severe myositis (elevated creatinine phosphokinase and lactate dehydrogenase), anaemia, and neurological findings which included alterations in the sensorium, meningitis, and convulsions. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities were seen frequently in patients with neurological manifestations, and necropsy findings in one patient suggested that the Legionnaires' bacillus was capable of producing a fatal leucoencephalitis. Renal findings included haematuria, proteinuria and oliguric renal failure. Hepatic transaminases (SGPT, SGOT) were elevated in six patients and serum bilirubin was abnormal in five. Alkaline phosphatase values were normal to minimally elevated. The gastrointestinal symptoms commonly considered to be a frequent initial manifestation of Legionnaires' disease were rare in this series. Recommendations for instituting empirical therapy, based upon recognition of a clinical syndrome which should suggest the diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease, are included.

Adolescent↗

Total parathyroidectomy and parathyroid autotransplantation in patients with chronic renal failure.

Sixteen patients with chronic renal failure underwent total parathyroidectomy and parathyroid autotransplantation into the muscle of the forearm. Pertinent preoperative medical history of these patients included renal osteodystrophy, metastatic vascular calcifications, intractable itching and uncontrollable hyperphosphatemia. Efforts to control preoperative serum calcium and elevated serum parathormone levels were unsuccessful. The mass of parathyroid tissue implanted, in most instances, was approximately half that used in other series. Postoperatively, all patients received vitamin D and calcium orally, which were gradually decreased. Fourteen of the 16 patients had relief of symptoms, and all had restoration of parathormone levels to normal or slightly above normal, although in two patients, partial excision of hyperfunctioning tissue from the forearm was subsequently required because of recurring symptoms of secondary hyperparathyroidism. All patients had evidence of functioning grafts six to 40 months postoperatively or until death, attributable to intercurrent causes. The success of total parathyroidectomy and parathyroid autotransplantation in patients with chronic renal failure and symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism makes this a viable approach to the disease in such patients.

Female↗

Strongyloidiasis in immunosuppressed hosts. Presentation as massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

Two cases of massive lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage in immunosuppressed patients were due to complicated infestation with Strongyloides stercoralis. The very high mortality of disseminated strongyloidiasis may in part be attributed to delays in diagnosis and treatment resulting from the complex life cycle of this nematode. Successful therapy in the cases presented consisted of reduction of corticosteroid dosage, use of thiabendazole in excess of that recommended for uncomplicated infestation, parenterally administered nutrition, multiple transfusion of blood products, and vigorous supportive management. Emphasis is given to proper categorization of patients and measures designed to prevent, detect, and treat hyperinfection in patients in whom immunosuppression is anticipated.

Adult↗

Nephrotic syndrome.

The nephrotic syndrome appears to be an expression of a number of complex disease processes. The supportive, as well as the definitive, management of the nephrotic syndrome patient requires considerable knowledge of disease pathophysiology, drugs, and drug interactions. Therapy of any degree cannot be undertaken lightly for fear of further compromising the nephrotic syndrome patient.

Arteriosclerosis↗

Obstructive polyuric renal failure following renal transplantation.

In a previously nephrectomized patient with a well functioning renal allograft, acute renal failure with massive polyuria and hypertension developed. Relief of a periureteric obstruction resulted in rapid correction of all three. Pathogenesis of hypotonic polyuria is thought to be a defect in the collecting duct permeability to water, stimulating nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Normal urinary dilution and acidification suggest intact function of the ascending loop of Henle and distal convoluted tubules. The quick reversal of polyuria and renal failure after obtaining relief of the obstruction suggest that both the decrease in the glomerular filtration rate and tubular dysfunctions are due to functional changes in the nephron rather than to organic damage, a possibility also borne out by the findings in a renal biopsy specimen showing normal glomeruli and intact tubular epithelial cells. Ureteric obstruction should be considered in any patient with renal failure and polyuria; it may be a correctable cause of hypertension.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Spontaneous clostridial empyema and pyopneumothorax.

Five patients developed pleural empyema due to Clostridium perfringens in the absence of penetration of the thorax; two of the patients presented with pyopneumothorax. Thirteen additional cases from the literature are reviewed. Predisposing factors to the development of pleural empyema appear to include aspiration pneumonia, pulmonary embolization and infarction, and bacteremia from other foci. Pleural disease and pulmonary tuberculosis may also predispose patients to pleural empyema. Treatment consists of drainage and antimicrobial chemotherapy.

Adult↗