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Biomedical subjects

D Stucki

Publications and source records attributed to D Stucki.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Lesional pulmonary edema associated with tocolysis by hexoprenaline sulfate].

We report the case of a 24-year-old white female in need of tocolysis during the 25th week of pregnancy with i.v. hexoprenaline, while suffering from a discrete influenza-like syndrome with nasal discharge and sinusitis. A few hours later fulminant acute adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) developed. ARDS is a rare (0.5-5%) but feared complication of tocolysis with beta-2 mimetic agents and magnesium sulfate. Its physiopathology is obscure, but iatrogenic hyperhydration and lesions of the alveolar-capillary membrane are suspected. In this case both factors were involved, but lesions of the alveolar-capillary membrane were predominant. A direct toxic effect of beta-2 mimetic agents on the alveolar-capillary membrane has not been demonstrated and other factors favoring pulmonary edema during tocolysis with beta-2 mimetic agents, especially infections, are discussed.

Adult

Long-term results of varicocelectomy.

Between 1983 and 1985, 257 infertile men were examined for any present varicocele by means of the Doppler sonography, telethermography and palpation. Based on these findings, the spermiogram and the infertility history, high ligation of the spermatic vein was indicated in 89 patients with varicocele and a median duration of infertility of 36 months (6-88 months). Postoperative sperm examinations have shown a significant improvement in sperm count and morphology, but not in motility. The most significant drop was observed in germ cell concentration from 1.68 to 1.06 mio/ml (p less than 0.025 Wilcoxon signed rank sum test). The follow-up examination 6 years after the beginning of the study has shown that only 56 out of the 89 patients underwent surgery, whereas 33 patients refrained from it. Pregnancy rates were 42% (23 out of 55, 1 patient lost to follow-up) in the operated group and 45% (14 out of 31, 2 patients lost to follow-up) in the nonoperated group. The comparison of the two graphs showing pregnancy incidence clearly demonstrates that pregnancies in the nonoperated group occur earlier than in the operated group; it has to be noted, however, that several patients only refrained from being operated on because pregnancy had occurred before surgery was planned. On the one hand, our study confirms other authors' results, i.e. that pregnancy rates in the nonoperated group are relatively high despite present varicocele. On the other hand, the operated group achieved practically the same high pregnancy rate when monitored over a longer period of time.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Female

[Interruption of pregnancy in Switzerland 1982-1986].

Official statistics available for the 5-year period considered in this paper reveal a general trend: decrease in the number of terminations, in absolute terms, both in women non-resident and in women resident in Switzerland. Amongst the latter, figures show a relative decrease in the 15 to 44-year age group and in relation to birth rate. Attitudes in 'liberal cantons' concerning termination of pregnancy are clearly justified. Efforts to ensure more widespread use of modern contraceptive methods must be continued (in conjunction with AIDS prevention).

Abortion, Induced

[Special weight percentile curves for twins].

Based on the birthweights of our data collection on 562 twins between 1970 and 1984 at the Universitäts-Frauenklinik Basle, we have worked out a special percentile curve for twins. Presented are the 10, 50 and 90-percentile curve for boys and girls. The data were calculated with 95% confidence-limits and the curves were equalized by computer. The new curves have the same form as those for single infants, but are shifted down by about 500 g. This can be explained by an intra-uterine growth-retardation, normally with twins, caused by lack of space confirms the necessity of separate percentile curves for twins.

Birth Weight

Impaired DNA-repair synthesis in lymphocytes of breast cancer patients.

UV-C light induced DNA-repair synthesis was studied in unstimulated lymphocytes of 41 female patients (aged 33-83 years) with invasive breast cancer and of 27 healthy women (aged 37-68 years). As a parameter for the determination of the DNA-repair synthesis the incorporation of [3H] thymidine was taken in the presence of 2 mM hydroxyurea (HU). The [3H] thymidine incorporation levels were reduced in 20 of the 41 patients and in only 3 of the 27 controls. This difference between the two groups was significant. An impaired DNA-repair synthesis might be involved in the etiology of breast cancer in some patients.

Adult

Unaltered immunocompetence in patients with non-disseminated breast cancer at the time of diagnosis.

Immunologic parameters were examined preoperatively in 104 patients with breast cancer, staged according to the TNM classification and in 95 age-matched healthy women. The immunologic evaluation in the peripheral blood included lymphocyte and monocyte counts, determination of E-rosette-forming T-lymphocytes (SER+) and B-lymphocytes (MER+), T-lymphocyte subsets defined with monoclonal antibodies (Leu-1, Leu-2a, Leu-3a) and with lectin fractionation (soybean agglutinin), lymphocyte transformation test with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (ConA), and colony formation of T-lymphocytes in agar (T-lymphocyte colony-forming cells, [TL-CFC]). Two age groups (Group A: 30-50 years; Group B: 51-70 years) and the different tumor stages (Stage I-IV) were analyzed. Patients and controls did not differ in the absolute numbers of lymphocytes, T- and B-cells. In patients of Group B, the absolute number of monocytes was increased slightly in Stage II and III and significantly in Stage IV (P less than 0.05). Similarly, the lymphocyte response to PHA was significantly reduced in Stage IV Group B only (P less than 0.05). ConA-induced lymphocyte proliferation and TL-CFC capacity were not different in patients and controls. In the small number of patients and age-matched controls in whom T-lymphocyte subsets were determined, the absolute numbers of T-cells with helper or suppressor phenotype as defined with Leu-3a, Leu-2a, or lectin fractionation with soybean agglutinin were similar. This study demonstrates that in patients with early breast cancer (Stage I-III), immunocompetence as defined by either functional in vitro studies or surface marker analysis is not significantly altered at the time of diagnosis. In contrast, patients with advanced disease (Stage IV) show a significant increase in the absolute number of monocytes and a depressed PHA responsiveness of mononuclear cells.

Adult

[Intact cellular immune response in patients with locally metastasizing breast carcinoma at the time of diagnosis].

Reduced cellular immune response is well documented in patients with advanced breast cancer. To investigate immunocompetence at the time of diagnosis, 104 patients with breast cancer staged according to the TNM classification were studied preoperatively and compared with 95 age matched healthy women. Tests of blood mononuclear leukocytes included lymphocyte and monocyte counts, determination of rosette forming T (SER +) and B (MER +) lymphocytes, T lymphocyte subsets defined with monoclonal antibodies (Leu-1, Leu-2a, Leu-3a) and with lectin fractionation (soybean agglutinin, SBA), lymphocyte transformation tests with PHA and ConA and colony formation of T cells in agar (TL-CFC). Two age groups (A: 30-50, B: 51-70 years) and the different tumor stages (I-IV) were analyzed. Patients and controls did not differ in absolute numbers of lymphocytes, T and B cells. In patients of group B the absolute number of monocytes was slightly increased in stages II and III and significantly in stage IV (p less than 0.025). Similarly, the lymphocyte response to PHA was significantly reduced in stage IV group B only (p less than 0.05). ConA induced lymphocyte proliferation and TL-CFC capacity were not different in patients and controls. In the small number of patients and age matched controls, in whom T lymphocyte subsets were determined, the relative numbers of T cells with helper or suppressor phenotype as defined with Leu-3a, Leu-2a, or SBA were similar. In conclusion, in breast cancer, at the time of diagnosis, blood T lymphocyte populations and functions are not altered except in elderly patients with disseminated disease. The monocytosis and reduced PHA responsiveness observed in the latter group may be related phenomena.

Adult

[Intrapartum fetal heart rate patterns and fetal outcome: prediction of newborn depression (author's transl)].

A statistically significant correlation exists between patterns of fetal heart rate (FHR) and neonatal state. However, the prognostic value of alterations of FHR for the individual has not been established. In 812 deliveries, we analyzed FHR tracings of the 30 minutes preceding delivery and correlated 6 characteristics of baseline, 10 of floating line and 6 of oscillation type with the incidence of severe acidosis (pH of umbilical cord artery less than or equal to 7.10) and low Apgar scores (one minute Apgar score less than or equal to 6). The exact risk for neonatal depression was calculated for each pattern of FHR. A high rate of depressed infants could be expected when the following alterations of FHR were seen during the last 30 minutes before delivery:--mild tachycardia, severe bradycardia,--severe variable decelerations, uniform late decelerations,--oscillation frequency less than 2 per minute independent of oscillation amplitude.

Acidosis