Biomedical subjects

E C Spark

Publications and source records attributed to E C Spark.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1978

Gout without crystals on initial synovial fluid analysis.

In five patients with acute arthritis in whom gout was eventually documented, an initial synovial fluid analysis failed to reveal urate crystals. Four of the patients were seen in one hospital during a period of 30 months in which 103 cases of gout were documented on initial aspiration. While this is an uncommon event, the importance of being able to make a definitive diagnosis of gout is such that re-aspiration of the same or other joints may be justified under certain circumstances.

Adult↗

PubMed1978

The identification of amyloid P-component (protein AP) in normal cultured human fibroblasts.

The amyloid protein, AP, has not previously been detected in normal or nonamyloidotic tissues. In this study, human fibroblasts were examined for the presence of AP by immunofluorescence technique. Normal human skin fibroblasts were cultured in Eagle's minimum essential medium for varying periods of time. Antiserum was prepared in rabbits using AP isolated from amyloid-rich tissues. Using indirect immunofluorescence and anti-AP, fluorescent material was found to be distributed in a punctate pattern throughout the cytoplasm with sparing of the nucleus. The fluorescent reaction was speicifically inhibited by absorption of anti-AP with AP-positive serum but not by addition of AP-negative human cord serum. Thus, AP may have a fibroblast origin and a relationship to normal connective tissue.

Amyloid↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Septic arthritis in a Charcot joint.

Two patients with Charcot joints developed septic arthritis. The infection in the first patient was treated successfully by repeated needle aspirations and parenteral oxacillin administration. In the second patient closed drainage and parenteral penicillin were not successful in eradicating the infection, and surgical incision with suction drainage was required. Technical difficulties achieving arthrodesis in a Charcot joint suggest that repeated needle aspirations are the preferred method of initial joint drainage. Surgical drainage is advised for loculated, grossly purulent parts of the joint.

Adolescent↗