Biomedical subjects

E Andersen

Publications and source records attributed to E Andersen.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1991

A cocktail of three monoclonal antibodies significantly increases the sensitivity of an enzyme immunoassay for human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor.

A sensitive and specific two-site ELISA was developed for human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (huGM-CSF) based on monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) which have been selected for high affinities and different epitope specificities. Using a cocktail of three mAbs, both for coating and, in their labeled form, for detection, a major increase in sensitivity was achieved (20-fold) compared to a two-site assay employing two different mAbs (one for coating and one for detection). The assay is as sensitive as the most sensitive biological assays. Recombinant mammalian cell expressed and natural huGM-CSF can be reliably detected down to 100 pg/ml (7 pmol/l). In contrast to conventional bioassays, the ELISA is highly specific for huGM-CSF and does not detect other human lymphokines. Results from quantification of recombinant and natural huGM-CSF in ELISA and bioassay correlate.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1991

High-dose metoclopramide + lorazepam versus low-dose metoclopramide + lorazepam + dehydrobenzperidol in the treatment of cisplatin-induced nausea and vomiting.

In a randomized double-blind, cross-over trial of 34 patients receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy (20-100 mg/m2), the antiemetic effect of high-dose metoclopramide (HDM) (10 mg/kg iv. loading dose + 7 hours continuous infusion) + lorazepam (L) (2.5 mg x 4 po) was compared with low-dose metoclopramide (LDM) (70 mg) + L (2.5 mg x 2 po) + dehydrobenzperidol (5 mg x 2 im). Among the 29 patients who completed the cross-over, HDM significantly reduced the number of vomiting episodes (p = 0.002) and the degree of nausea (p = 0.004). Seventeen patients preferred the HDM and 4 the LDM regimen (p = 0.01). Sedation was seen in all but 1 patient, and was graded as severe in 6 patients receiving the HDM and in 2 patients receiving the LDM regimen. No extrapyramidal adverse reactions were seen. We conclude that high-dose metoclopramide + lorazepam is a safe antiemetic regimen and significantly superior to low-dose metoclopramide + lorazepam + dehydrobenzperidol. Owing to the severe sedation which occurs in some patients, the dose of lorazepam should be individually adjusted.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

A perinatal audit of neonatal deaths in three Danish counties.

A perinatal audit of 109 neonatal deaths was carried out in three Danish counties (A, B and C) in order to investigate whether differences in the structure of antenatal care, delivery, and neonatal service had any influence on neonatal outcome and whether departure from generally accepted standards of satisfactory perinatal and neonatal care might have contributed to neonatal deaths. In the county (C) characterised by having no intensive neonatal care unit, significantly fewer liveborn infants with a gestational age of less than 28 weeks were reported to the Birth Register. County C had also significantly more potentially avoidable deaths compared with the county (B) which had a neonatal intensive care unit with specially trained staff available around the clock. The neonatal department in county A did not have specially trained doctors available in the hospital around the clock, and some cases of suboptimal care were caused by inadequate staffing and inappropriate decisions made by inexperienced junior doctors. The results indicate that it should be possible to improve the quality by having obstetric departments with access to neonatal intensive care units staffed with qualified personnel around the clock and by intensifying the postgraduate training of professionals performing peri- and neonatal care.

Denmark↗

PubMed1990

[Treatment of medial femoral neck fractures in Denmark].

Variations in the treatment of medial fractures of the neck of the femur were investigated by means of a questionnaire sent to all hospital departments which operated on these fractures. 91% replied. 86% of the departments used thromboembolic prophylaxis as a routine and 24% employed prophylactic antibiotics. Operation was only performed prophylactically on cases of impacted fractures in 24% of the departments. Orthopaedic departments operated earlier and more frequently preferred cancellous bone screws as the method of osteosynthesis rather than a sliding screw plate. The latter method was preferred by the non-orthopaedic departments. Patients were mobilized earlier in the orthopaedic departments and fewer postoperative x-rays were taken than in the non-orthopaedic departments.

Anesthesia↗

PubMed1990

Disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis with malignant change, in a male.

Disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis (DPL) is a rare disorder, characterized by the occurrence of multiple leiomyomas scattered throughout the peritoneal cavity. Until this report DPL had been observed only in women and there is only one previous case with malignant change. A case of DPL in a male, complicated by sarcomatous transformation is reported. DPL has a definite malignant potential; patients with the disease should be followed closely for signs of progression.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Synthesis of alpha 2-macroglobulin in human gingiva: a study of the concentration of macroglobulin and albumin in gingival fluid and serum.

Albumin and alpha 2-macroglobulin were analysed in gingival fluid collected by filter paper strips from 6 volunteers before, during and after 10 days of dental plaque accumulation. The two proteins were also determined in samples of venous blood at the beginning of abstention from tooth brushing and 10 days later. A nephelometric technique was used for the analysis of albumin, but alpha 2-macroglobulin was determined by ELISA. The plaque and gingival indices, as well as the flow of gingival fluid, increased significantly during the period of plaque accumulation and then returned to baseline values. The concentrations of the two proteins in blood remained within normal limits. In gingival fluid, however, the concentration of albumin increased about two-fold at the peak of inflammation, while that of alpha 2-macroglobulin increased as much as 6 times. The enhanced passage of alpha 2-macroglobulin into the gingival sulcus in comparison to the entirely plasma-derived albumin was consistent with the concept that the greater excretion of globulin during inflammation must be due to an increased local synthesis.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Evans' classification of trochanteric fractures: an assessment of the interobserver and intraobserver reliability.

The reliability of Evans' classification of trochanteric femoral fractures was examined using kappa (Kappa) statistics. Radiographs of 50 randomly chosen trochanteric fractures were evaluated by six observers. One set of radiographs was uniformly classified as a subtrochanteric fracture by all observers and was excluded from further analysis. Only 18 per cent of the fractures were classified identical by all observers and 57 per cent when differentiating between stable and unstable fractures. The corresponding kappa values showed moderate agreement ranging from 0.38 to 0.68.

Hip Fractures↗

PubMed1990

Epirubicin or epirubicin and vindesine in advanced breast cancer. A phase III study.

One hundred thirty-three evaluable patients with advanced breast cancer entered a randomized trial comparing epirubicin 60 mg/m2 with a combination of epirubicin 45 mg/m2 and vindesine 3 mg/m2 day 1 and 8 every 4 weeks. In all 10 premenopausal women an oophorectomy was performed. Seventy-five patients had previously received cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil (CMF) for advanced disease and 68 had received adjuvant chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide or CMF). Among evaluable patients (72 in the epirubicin group and 61 in the epirubicin + vindesine group) response rates were as follows: complete response--seven versus six; partial response--31 versus 22; no change--16 versus 17 (p greater than 0.40). Median time to disease progression was 6 months in both groups and median survival times were identical (12 months). Thrombocytopenia was less frequent in the epirubicin + vindesine group (p less than 0.01). In the epirubicin + vindesine group, mild to moderate peripheral neuropathy was observed in 40% of the patients. Congestive heart failure developed in one patient with a cumulative dose of epirubicin less than 1000 mg/m2 and in 7 of 15 patients who had greater than 1000 mg/m2. Four died of this cause. In conclusion, epirubicin is effective as a single agent for advanced breast cancer. The combination with vindesine does not increase its efficacy.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Which types of perinatal events are predictable? A look at a risk score model.

This study describes the association of a risk factor model for complicated delivery, perinatal morbidity and perinatal mortality with each of various types of delivery complications, types of perinatal morbidity and causes of perinatal mortality. The material comprises a total cohort, 4,066 pregnant women with singletons in a Danish county, and their newborn infants, of whom 494 (12%) had clinical morbidity during the first 5 days of life; 28 (0.7%) died perinatally. A set of 20 risk factors, identifiable before pregnancy, at any time during the pregnancy or at term, was devised by joining existing models for prediction of complicated delivery and of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Metabolic and disproportion-related events were well predicted by the model, inertia-related ones less so, and placental conditions not at all, except for abruption. All types of neonatal morbidity (except sepsis) were well predicted, as were deaths. The strongest predictors of perinatal death were signs of hydramnios (RR = 16.1) and growth retardation (RR = 7.2). The 20 risk factors affected 43% of the population, predicting 57% of the unfavorable perinatal events.

Cohort Studies↗

PubMed1990

An epidemiological study of disability in 4-year-old children from a birth cohort in Frederiksborg County, Denmark.

In an epidemiological study of a county cohort of 4,138 liveborn children, surveyed at age four, 45 had disability (1.1%). The following period prevalences from birth to age four in per mille were found: motor handicap 5.1, to include cerebral palsy 4.1, myelomeningocele and hydrocephalus 0.5, and metabolic disorders 0.5; severe mental retardation 2.9, mild 1.4, subnormality 2.7; epilepsy 4.6; severe visual defect 1.4; severe auditory defect 0.7. Perinatal damage alone was likely in only three children out of 45. Two thirds had a prenatal cause or a combination of prenatal and perinatal causes. Birth asphyxia seemed to be a rare cause of motor disability and mental retardation. Prematurity per se gave a risk of spastic diplegia, but not of mental retardation. Among the mentally retarded, half were light for gestational age, and in more than half, the damage occurred prenatally.

Cerebral Palsy↗

PubMed1989

Femoral artery recanalisation with percutaneous angioplasty and segmentally enclosed plasminogen activator.

To establish whether re-occlusion of the femoral artery could be prevented, in 6 consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for superficial femoral artery occlusion the recanalised segment was isolated, with a 7-French double-balloon catheter. 5 mg recombined human tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) and 1000 IU heparin were then infused into the enclosed space for 30 minutes, followed by intravenous heparin for 24 hours. At 10 and 30 days all 6 patients had evidence of recanalisation and remission of symptoms. Mean ankle-arm pressure index improved by 72% at 24 hours, by 118% at 10 days, and by 103% at 30 days after the procedure. No patients had major complications. Treatment of superficial femoral artery occlusions by PTA with rt-PA and intravenous heparin seems to prevent rethrombosis.

Aged↗

PubMed1989

Kinetics of interleukin 2 mRNA and protein produced in the human T-cell line Jurkat and effect of cyclosporin A.

The kinetics of interleukin 2 mRNA accumulation in the leukemic T-cell line Jurkat, which can be induced with phytohemagglutinin and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate to produce large amounts of interleukin 2, was analyzed by a modified DNA-excess solution hybridization assay using a 5'-32P-labeled oligodeoxyribonucleotide 30 bases long as probe. Cyclosporin A was used as a valuable tool to gain more insight into the quantitative aspects of interleukin 2 production, on the basis of the assumption that transcription of the interleukin 2 gene is completely inhibited shortly after administration of cyclosporin A. The half-life of interleukin 2 mRNA was estimated to be approximately 2 h. With the aid of simple mathematical models, we have been able to relate the concentration of interleukin 2 protein in the supernatant to the interleukin 2 mRNA kinetics. This novel quantitative kinetic analysis revealed that, independent of the absence or presence of cyclosporin A, interleukin 2 protein is synthesized at a rate of approximately 1.3 molecules per molecule of interleukin 2 mRNA per second and secreted within 2 h after it is synthesized and that its half-life in the supernatant is approximately 10 h.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1989

A comparative study of polydioxanone (PDS) and polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) in colonic anastomoses in rats.

The use of polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) in colonic anastomoses is theoretically undesirable because its short dissolution time and multifilament structure may lead to local sepsis and anastomotic leakage. We have compared Vicryl with a newly introduced monofilament absorbable suture which has a longer dissolution time than Vicryl. In a study of 98 rat colonic anastomoses no difference was found in complication rates or cellular reaction to the suture material between Vicryl and polydioxanone (PDS). The use of monofilament suture with longer dissolution time does not necessarily imply added security for colonic anastomoses.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

PubMed1989

Antenatal and perinatal conditions correlated to handicap among 4-year-old children.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of maternal prepregnancy and pregnancy-related risk factors, complicated delivery, and perinatal morbidity on subsequent handicaps in children. We surveyed a birth cohort of 4102 mothers and 4138 children in Frederiksborg County, Denmark. Maternal risk factors were defined according to guidelines published by the Danish National Board of Health, and perinatal morbidity and handicaps according to World Health Organization guidelines. The incidence of handicaps: (cerebral palsy, mental retardation [mild and severe], epilepsy, severe defects of vision and hearing); was 44 of 4038 children (twins and neonatal deaths were excluded). A combination of three or more maternal risk factors was found to be a predictor of risk for children with later handicaps; the incidence of handicaps was 11 times higher than in mothers with no risk factors. Eleven percent of all mothers had three or more risk factors and they had 43% of the handicapped children. Multiparity increased the risk in all risk categories. Of complications at delivery, intrapartum asphyxia, as evident from Apgar scores of less than 7 at 1 minute and less than 10 at 10 minutes in particular, was a strong predictor of a later handicap. Premature rupture of membranes for more than 24 hours was also significantly associated with later handicaps. Perinatal morbidity was correlated with a later handicap. The perinatal complication most strongly associated with later handicaps was low birthweight. Forty-eight percent of the affected children had a birthweight of less than 2500 gm and were small for gestational age. We conclude that the incidence of handicaps could possibly be reduced if the causes of the following maternal risk factors were identified and, if possible, eliminated: previous delivery of a child with a birthweight less than 2500 gm, previous delivery of a stillborn child, repeated abortions, severe infection during pregnancy, intrauterine growth retardation, and preterm delivery. Improved intrapartum diagnosis and prevention of asphyxia and treatment of children born with low Apgar scores would reduce the incidence of handicaps, as would intervention to prevent premature rupture of the membranes of more than 24 hour's duration.

Cerebral Palsy↗

PubMed1989

[The occurrence of denticles in the craniums of Norwegian Samis (Lapps)].

The purpose of the present radiologic study was to establish prevalence and distribution of pulp stones in mandibular premolars and molars in skulls of Norwegian Samis. The results were compared to those of previous investigations of ancient Eskimos, medieval Norsemen from Greenland, Danish Stone Age People and ancient Nubians. Forty-eight dentitions were radiographed and pulp stones recorded according to number and location within the teeth. Twenty-six percent of the Samis exhibited pulp stones. Molars showed a significantly higher prevalence of pulp stones than did premolars. The giant pulp calcifications described previously were limited to first and second molars. Pulp stones were located in pulp chambers only. Symmetric occurrence of pulp stones was common in contralateral teeth. Further epidemiologic studies of pulp stones in ethnic groups are needed.

Dental Pulp Calcification↗

PubMed1989

Acute psychotic disorders treated with 5% zuclopenthixol acetate in 'Viscoleo' ('Cisordinol-Acutard'), a global assessment of the clinical effect: an open multi-centre study.

In an open clinical multi-centre trial carried out in five Danish psychiatric departments, patients suffering from acute psychosis including mania or exacerbation of chronic psychosis were given injections of 5% zuclopenthixol acetate in 'Viscoleo'. The object of the trial was to evaluate the treatment by means of a global assessment of the severity of the psychosis, the therapeutic effect and the side-effects. The results showed that the treatment was rapidly effective in reducing the severity of psychotic symptoms combined with an advantageous unspecific sedation. The side-effect profile was similar to that after other neuroleptics. Special attention should be paid, however, to a possible occurrence of acute dystonia which was observed particularly in young men with acute psychosis.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1989

Temperatures measured during reaming of the femoral neck and head. A preliminary report.

Thermal injury is a well-known complication during mechanical manipulation of cortical bone. In order to investigate the magnitude of the problem in relation to cancellous bone, the temperature elevation in the head of the femur during reaming for a sliding screw osteosynthesis was measured in ten patients. Temperatures in excess of 50 degrees for a duration of more than one minute were found within approximately 2 mm from the periphery of the reamer. This finding implies that the thread of the screw will be placed in an osteonecrotic zone.

Aged↗

PubMed1989

Gastric banding in the treatment of morbid obesity. Factors influencing immediate and long-term results.

Gastric banding for morbid obesity was performed on 73 patients between April 1983 and December 1986. Early complications occurred in 16% and late complications in 15% of the cases. A second operation was performed on 12 patients, with removal of the band in 11 (15%). Initial weight loss was rapid. Re-examination of 67 patients indicated that this initial loss was followed by a time-related weight gain. Weight reduction occurred as a fairly constant proportion of preoperative weight, irrespective of the degree of obesity. Weight loss to body mass index less than or equal to 30 seems to be a realistic expectation only for moderately overweight patients, not for the hyperobese. Older patients had least weight loss. The data suggest that dietary restrictions will still be needed after gastric banding.

Adult↗