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Biomedical subjects

E Godehardt

Publications and source records attributed to E Godehardt.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

The influence of glaucoma history on graft survival after penetrating keratoplasty.

BACKGROUND: It was the purpose of this retrospective study to evaluate the effect of a preoperative history of glaucoma on graft survival after penetrating keratoplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six hundred and forty-six penetrating keratoplasties with generally good prognosis were analyzed retrospectively. Indications for surgery were corneal dystrophy, degeneration and scarring. Only first keratoplasties in corneas without severe vascularization or acute inflammation were included. Surface disorders, a history of herpes or Acanthamoeba keratitis were further exclusion criteria. Keratoplasties were performed only if glaucoma seemed to be controlled preoperatively. Graft survival ratios were calculated according to Kaplan and Meier, and statistical significance was evaluated by means of the log-rank test. RESULTS: With a glaucoma history the estimated 3-year graft survival rate was 71%, in contrast to 89% without such a history. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). There was no difference between the groups with respect to immune reactions. With a glaucoma history, postoperative episodes of glaucoma decompensation were responsible for half of the graft failures. CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative history of glaucoma affects graft prognosis negatively, presumably through a negative influence of postoperatively elevated intraocular pressure on a vulnerable graft endothelium, and not by an increase in immune reactions. Therefore, keratoplasties in eyes with glaucoma are high-risk procedures and glaucoma has to be monitored more efficiently pre- and postoperatively.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

[Preventive systemic cyclosporin A after keratoplasty at increased risk for immune reactions as the only elevated risk factor].

BACKGROUND: In this retrospective study our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of systemic cyclosporin A (CsA) after keratoplasties with an elevated risk for immune reactions as the only elevated risk factor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between November 1986 and June 1994, 1121 penetrating keratoplasties, 646 normal-risk and 475 high-risk keratoplasties were performed. In 130 out of the 475 high-risk keratoplasties an elevated risk for immune reactions was the only elevated risk factor. Twenty-six of these 130 high-risk keratoplasties were treated with systemic CsA. RESULTS: In the high-risk group keratoplasties with an elevated risk for immune reactions as the only elevated risk factor no permanent graft failure occurred with CsA (100% clear grafts). Without CsA the percentage of clear grafts in this high risk group was only 71.7% according to Kaplan Meier 3 years postoperatively in contrast to 86.0% in normal-risk keratoplasties. The differences between these three groups were statistically significant. In the high-risk group keratoplasties with on elevated risk for immune reactions as the only elevated risk factor more immune reactions occurred than without CsA or than in normal-risk keratoplasties. However, these immune reactions were mostly of the benign chronic types. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic CsA considerably improves graft prognosis after high-risk keratoplasties with an elevated risk for immune reactions as the only elevated risk factor. With CsA application we observed a significant shift from acute to chronic immune reactions, which respond much better to topical steroids.

Cyclosporine↗
PubMed1996

The CUE Fertility Monitor compared to ultrasound and LH peak measurements for fertile time ovulation detection.

A prospective study of the reliability of the CUE Fertility Monitor to identify the fertile time of the menstrual cycle was conducted. The device provides a digital measurement of the electrical resistance of saliva (SER) and vaginal secretions (VL). The readings of the device were compared with the fertile time detected by ultrasonography of the growing follicle and estimation of the LH surge to detect ovulation. Thirteen women participated in the study. Sixteen cycles contained both signals (SER, VL) for the beginning and the end of the fertile period. In 2 cycles a CUE signal could not be found by the device. Using a computerized algorithm for evaluation of the CUE signals, the beginning of the fertile period was accurately detected in 14 cycles; in 2 cycles the signal was found less than five days prior to ovulation. The last day of fertility was identified correctly by the CUE Fertility Monitor in 10 cycles; in 6 it was incorrectly identified during the time when the woman was still fertile. This suggests that the CUE Fertility Monitor utilizing the algorithm on which it currently is based cannot be recommended for natural family planning. However, we think that the algorithm for evaluation should be improved as useful signals in the menstrual cycle are detected.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

The risk of ischemic spinal cord injury in patients undergoing graft replacement for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

PURPOSE: We developed a monitoring system to detect spinal cord ischemia during aortic cross-clamping (AXC). This system was used to prospectively determine in which patients ischemia occurs, in which patients reimplantation of intercostal arteries is unnecessary or mandatory, and when reperfusion of intercostal arteries (ICAs) is urgent. METHODS: Two hundred sixty patients underwent thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAA) repair with simple AXC. In 167 patients, two electrocatheters were placed before the onset of anaesthesia at level L1/L2 (stimulation) and level T5/T6 (recording) within the epidural space. During surgery, spinal cord function was monitored by recording spinal somatosensory evoked potentials (sSSEP). According to the extent of aortic replacement, most patients were expected to have a high risk of paraplegia. RESULTS: In group A (59 patients), sSSEP remained normal throughout surgery, and in 54 of these patients ICAs were not reattached outside the proximal aortic anastomosis. In the other five patients ICAs were reimplanted separately because of possible anatomic relation to spinal cord blood supply. No patient in group A had postoperative neurologic deficit. In group B (54 patients) sSSEP remained normal until 15 minutes after AXC but were impaired thereafter. Nineteen patients had early reimplantation of ICAs. Of the 19, three had paraparesis and two had paraplegia. Neurologic deficit developed in the patients without early reimplantation of ICAs. In four patients separate reimplantation of ICAs was performed late in the procedure because of incomplete sSSEP recovery. Subsequently, the sSSEP returned to normal and only one of the four patients had mild paraparesis. The total rate of neurologic deficits in this group was 13% (paraplegia, 3.5%; paraparesis, 9.5%). All 54 patients in group C showed rapid loss of sSSEP within 15 minutes of AXC. In 28 patients ICAs were reimplanted only within the proximal anastomosis. Twenty-one of these patients showed prompt signal recovery after blood-flow release into the reimplanted ICAs, and none had neurologic deficit. Seven patients had no or very late and incomplete sSSEP recovery. Of the seven, three had paraplegia and four had paraparesis. In 26 patients ICAs were reimplanted separately to the proximal anastomosis. This was done early during the procedure in 17 patients, of whom 13 had full recovery of sSSEP and normal neurologic status. Four patients had incomplete or no recurrence of sSSEP, followed by paraplegia in one and paraparesis in three. In nine patients ICAs were reimplanted after the aortic replacement had been completed because of sSSEP recovery was not satisfactory. In all patients in this subgroup sSSEP returned to normal. Six patients had a normal neurologic status and three had mild paraparesis. The total neurologic complication rate in group C was 26% (paraplegia, 7.5%; paraparesis, 18.5%). CONCLUSION: The risk of ischemic spinal cord injury during replacement for TAA can be assessed continuously by monitoring the sSSEP directly from the spinal cord. Patients without sSSEP changes during aortic reconstruction do not require ICA reattachment and will not have neurologic deficit. Patients who lose sSSEP after AXC are at risk for paraplegia. Patients with impairment or loss of sSSEP >15 minutes after AXC have some collateral vessels, and must have ICAs reimplanted only if sSSEP do not return within normal recovery time after blood-flow release into the proximal anastomosis. Loss of sSSEP within 15 minutes of AXC shows poor collateralization and mandates early restoration of spinal cord blood supply. If the surgeon can achieve the return of sSSEP to normal by subsequent separate reimplantation of ICAS, paraplegia will not occur and paraparesis will be rare and mild. Spinal cord monitoring is a valuable guide to detect whether the spinal cord is at risk and to take measures against par

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed1996

Acute blockage of the renin system and differential renal vein renin determinations in the diagnosis of renovascular hypertension.

For validation of differential renal vein renin determinations in the diagnosis of renovascular hypertension (RVH), we investigated 102 patients suspected of suffering from RVH before and 1 h after administration of 25 mg captopril. Sensitivity, specificity and posterior probability for renin ratio (RR) and renin secretion (RS) were calculated based on 44 patients with proven RVH and 58 patients with primary hypertension (PH) using discriminant analysis. There is good (> 95%) and identical specificity of both variables under all conditions, whereas sensitivity remains poor even after Captopril administration (RR 23% vs. 32%; RS 20% vs. 34%). The posterior probabilities obtained by discriminant analysis revealed a cut-off point of 2.5 for the renin ratio and of 1.9 for the renin secretion. No change is observed after ACE inhibition. We conclude that the acute blockade of the renin system by captopril in differential renin sampling yields no advantages in diagnosing RVH and that there is no difference between RR and RS in the diagnosis of RVH.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[How do self-observed cycle symptoms correlate with ovulation?].

The symptoms of self-observation of the menstrual cycle (basal body temperature, mucus symptom, autopalpation of the cervix) are often regarded as not reliable for ovulation detection. In a prospective study 87 NFP cycles are monitored additionally with ultrasound and LH tests to calculate the correlation of the ovulation-time with the symptoms of self-observation. Our results show that the symptoms of self-observation allow a reliable detection of the time of ovulation. Only a short introduction into the method of self-observation is a necessary precondition. The reliable detection of ovulation gives the opportunity of cycle analysis of large groups especially in long time investigations. In this way a large set of valuable and reliable data on normal and disturbed menstrual cycles will be available.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Abdominal aortic aneurysm--is surgical therapy in over 80-year-old patients justified?].

Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in patients of 80 years and older has been performed in 51 patients over a period of ten years from 1985 to 1995; one-third of these patients underwent emergency operation for ruptures. The low mortality rate of 3.2% for the elective repair and the good long time survival expectancy, which does not differ very much from the life expectancy of the general population over 80 years, justify the elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in octogenarians. The high mortality rate of 69.2% in the case of rupture emphasizes the importance of elective aneurysm repair.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Sexual behavior of natural family planning users in Germany and its changes over time.

For 10 years, a prospective study has been taking place in Germany to examine the use of natural family planning (NFP). As natural methods are behavioral methods, use-effectiveness, acceptability and continuation rates are very much influenced by patterns of sexual behavior. Therefore we performed an analysis of the sexual behavior of NFP users. Out of the data base of 1211 clients and 12,591 cycles we could identify a group of 300 women, all NFP beginners, with 5900 contraceptive cycles, who contributed at least 12 cycles with reliable recording of their sexual activity. Different groups were analyzed with methods of analysis of variance and regression models to find out significant differences in their sexual behavior with respect to sociodemographic structure and time of use. Nearly half of all the women systematically combine the fertility awareness part of NFP with other family planning methods. They use barriers in more than 60% of their cycles. The other half never or only in about 7% of their cycles use additional barrier methods. The latter show a clear decrease in barrier use in the course of time, whereas the frequent barrier users constantly combine the advantages of two family planning methods. Regarding the frequency of intercourse they are the sexually more active ones and show distinct sociodemographic characteristics. We could confirm the existence of three groups of NFP users, which differ significantly in their use of NFP as a family planning method. Despite these differences the low pregnancy rates indicate the conscious and risk-related sexual behavior of the group members.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Duplex sonography of the internal thoracic artery. Preoperative assessment.

Ultrasonic duplex scanning was used to examine 211 internal thoracic arteries. The investigating vessels were classified as normal, abnormal, and occluded. The results of the duplex examination were compared with angiography as the reference method. The diameter measurements showed virtually no differences between the two methods. Normal internal thoracic arteries showed a continuous decrease of the systolic flow velocities from proximal to distal and a narrow to moderate spectral flow curve, whereas arteries classified as abnormal showed a velocity profile distinct from that--in particular, no decrease of the systolic peak velocities and an increased spectral broadening during systole with peak frequencies greater than 4 kHz at 60 degrees (> 1.2 m/sec). In occluded vessels no flow could be detected. The majority of changes were found in the proximal part of the internal thoracic artery. All lesions were detected by duplex sonography. Six normal vessels were misjudged as abnormal by the duplex method. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of duplex sonography compared with angiography as the reference method were 100% (95% CI, 74.4% to 100%), 96.9% (95% CI, 93.2% to 98.8%), and 97.2% (95% CI, 93.6% to 98.8%), respectively. Duplex sonography is a reliable, noninvasive technique for the preoperative assessment of the internal thoracic artery. It allows the detection of potential atherosclerotic changes in the internal thoracic artery and the assessment of adequacy of caliber and flow.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Improvement of separation efficiency and concentrate purity of the Fresenius cell separator AS 104: results of a multicenter study. Haemapheresis Scientific Workshop Group of DGTI.

The aim of this multicenter study, initiated by the Haemapheresis Scientific Workshop Group of the DGTI was to evaluate separation protocols for the cell separator AS 104, marketed by Fresenius, using modified software and parameters which were believed to allow a more effective platelet collection with a significantly lower leukocyte contamination of the concentrates. Plateletpheresis data from 950 runs in ten hemapheresis centers, using virtually the same equipment, identical pheresis protocols, and cell counting methods were registered and statistically analyzed for each center and machine-related differences. Additionally, the counting methods of the centers were controlled by bi-weekly external cell count trials, and the plateletpheresis data were corrected using the results of these cell count trials, to obtain a comparison of the two versions of the protocol independent of the center effect. For protocol (or software version) 4.1, 610 runs were registered. The results of cell countings (chamber) are (given as means+/-standard deviations) 3.452x10 11+/-1.009x10 11 for the platelet yield (or thrombocyte yield), 9x10 6+/-23x10 8 for leukocyte contamination, and 17x10 6+/-70x10 6 for the erythrocyte contamination, and 53%+/-13.5% for the extraction efficiency, respectively. For software version 4.4 with 340 runs, the results are 3.642x10 11+/-0.974x10 11 for the platelet yield, 15x10 6+/-74x10 8 for leukocyte contamination, 20x10 6+/-44x10 6 for erythrocyte contamination, and 59%+/-12.4% for the extraction efficiency, respectively. For the leukocyte and erythrocyte contaminations, the means and standard deviations must be interpreted carefully since the statistical distribution showed a considerable skewing of the data. From the automatic counts, marginally smaller means were found. The data were corrected by the values from the ring study; and for these mathematically corrected data, statistical tests showed a significant improvement in the extraction efficiency from software version 4.1 to 4.4. At the same time, the leukocyte contamination was significantly lower with version 4.4.

Blood Component Removal↗
PubMed1993

Multicenter study of standardization of cell counting. Haemapheresis Scientific Workshop Group of DGTI.

Multicenter studies on cell separators give valid data (which can be compared between the different centers) only if the cell counting methods are uniform. This has to be demonstrated by ring studies or multicenter counting studies. Twelve apheresis centers involved in a multicenter study for the evaluation of the Fresenius AS 104 cell separator participated in such a ring study from July 1990 to July 1991. The twelve participating centers split into three significantly different groups according to the platelet counts in the platelet concentrates and a calculated pseudo extraction efficiency. No differences could be found in the white and red blood cell counts. No mailing effect--or time effect--and no personal effect could be found in the reference center.

Blood Component Removal↗
PubMed1993

[The value of parasternal lymphoscintigraphy with microcolloids in the staging and follow-up of breast carcinoma].

Over a period of twelve years we have performed 793 parasternal lymphoscintigrams with microcolloids in 272 patients with unilateral carcinoma of the breast. In 173 patients we were able to follow their course with an average of four examinations and an average period of observation of 48 months. The parasternal lymph nodes could be identified in 59.6% (on the side of the tumour in 55.1%, on the contralateral side in 64.2%). Expressed as an index with maximal value of 1, the (non-)demonstration constant was 0.79 (side of the tumour 0.78, opposite side 0.80). Comparison of the total scans with the initial findings showed general loss of scintigraphic uptake which, however, is not reflected during individual ICR localisation. Patients with the highest prevalence of parasternal metastases showed atypical uptake. There was no change in uptake in those patients who subsequently developed distant metastases.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

German multicenter studies on plateletpheresis from healthy donors. German Hemapheresis Study Group.

It is reported on two German Multicenter Plateletpheresis Studies with the Fresenius AS 104 cell separator accompanied by a Multicenter Counting Study. 15 centers participated, a total of 1884 separations were evaluated. It could be shown that multicenter studies help to give a more objective opinion about a cell separator and the separation protocol used if it is possible to improve the counting methods and to eliminate individual center effects by an accompanying Multicenter Counting Study. The AS 104 proved to be a good cell separator for platelet collection regarding platelet yields (3.1 x 11" from 3.5 I citrated blood), separation efficiency (about 45%), yield prediction (SD = not equal to 15%) and leukocyte contamination (median WBC 47 x 10(6)).

Blood Donors↗
PubMed1993

Internal thoracic artery: prevalence of atherosclerotic changes.

Use of the internal thoracic artery for myocardial revascularization has regained general acceptance because it offers better long-term results than do venous conduits. The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of atherosclerosis in the internal thoracic artery and to correlate the prevalence with other known risk factors. A total of 117 patients (male/female ratio 84:33; mean age 56.8 years) were investigated. Sixty-eight patients had coronary artery disease, 25 had combined coronary artery and valvular heart disease, 14 had acquired valvular heart disease, and 10 had other types of heart disease. All but one patient underwent bilateral semiselective internal thoracic arteriography. Evidence of atherosclerotic change was present in 6.6% of the opacified vessels in 11.1% of the investigated individuals. Although all patients with atherosclerotic lesions in the internal thoracic artery had coronary artery disease, no correlation could be found between coronary artery disease and internal thoracic atherosclerosis. Peripheral vascular disease and hyperlipidemia could be identified as predictors of atherosclerotic changes in the internal thoracic artery. Atherosclerosis is somewhat more prevalent in the internal thoracic artery in this study than in the literature. Although the internal thoracic artery is a protected vessel, there is a certain extent of atherosclerosis, that correlates with known risk factors. Our observations should not preclude use of the internal thoracic artery, but they should be considered for patients who are at risk for atherosclerotic changes of the internal thoracic artery.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

The arterial switch-operation: early and midterm (6 years) results with particular reference to technical problems.

Since February 1985 the arterial switch operation (ASO) has become the surgical treatment of choice for newborns with simple TGA, appropriate forms of complex TGA and double outlet right ventricle (DORV) as well at our institution. Between 1985 and 1990 a total of 87 patients underwent surgery. In 60 patients with simple TGA and 8 patients with complex TGA or DORV, respectively, an arterial switch-operation was performed. Because of coronary artery anomalies (n = 13), dysplastic pulmonary valves (n = 3) or pressure drop in the left ventricle (n = 1), the initially planned arterial switch operation was discarded and a Mustard type procedure was in 17 patient. Finally there were two primarily performed Mustard operations. The hospital mortality after arterial switch for simple TGA was 15% (9/60), 0/8 in patients with complex TGA. Late mortality was calculated to be 12% (1/8) in patients with complex TGA and 3/60 in patients with simple TGA. Within the Mustard group there were 2/19 hospital deaths and one late death. Causes of early death after arterial switch were: intraoperative myocardial infarct (n = 3) low cardiac output syndrome (n = 2), intractable bleeding (n = 2), metabolic acidosis (n = 1), and septicemia (n = 1). Late after surgery there was one death due to chylothorax after thrombotic obstruction of the SVC, and 3 more deaths secondary to intraoperative infarct, progressive LV dysfunction and meningitis, respectively. Among the long-term survivors 2 patients developed a severe supravalvulary pulmonary stenosis. There were no significant arrhythmias, supravalvulary pulmonary aortic stenoses, aortic insufficiency or myocardial perfusion disturbances.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Child↗
PubMed1991

[Has family planning behavior in West Germany changed since 1985?].

A survey on the family planning behaviour in the Federal Republic of Germany was conducted by interviewers of the EMNID institute in 1985 (n = 1267) and 1989 (n = 950). The survey was carried out with women of 15 to 45 years of age. It was the aim of the 1989 study, to look into changes of the last four years generally and with regard to the increasing knowledge about AIDS. As the use of a combination of family planning methods has significantly increased in 1989, the overall percentage went very much beyond 100% (1985: 106.1% vs 1989: 138.5%). Hence, for comparison of the figures, we omitted any sociodemographic weighting. For each method, the percentage of the users is reported independently of any additional method used. The figures (%) for use of reversible methods of contraception 1985 vs 1989 were as follows: the pill (52.2/61.9), condom (10.0/24.8), IUD (14.1/10.8), withdrawal (5.8/6.6), mini-pill (1.7/6.5), NFP (8.8/6.0), locally applied chemical device (2.6/5.2), vaginal diaphragm (3.0/3.0). The frequency of sterilisation was 6.9 vs 5.7%; the frequency of unwanted pregnancies 26.6 vs 20.9%. 12.3% of the women aged 18-45 years stated, that family planning behaviour has changed in the last two years. 1/3 of these declared, that AIDS has played an important part in their decision. Answers to other questions are compared 1985 vs 1989, like "reasons for selecting a particular method", "need for use of contraceptives", "frequency of unwanted pregnancies" and "importance of natural methods".

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1991

Validity of the captopril test for identifying correctable unilateral renovascular hypertension.

In order to validate the captopril test for identification of patients with renovascular hypertension (RVH), we performed the test with 118 patients suspected of suffering from RVH who were receiving antihypertensive medication. On the basis of 44 patients with proven RVH and 74 patients with primary hypertension (PH), the sensitivity, specificity and posterior probability for the captopril test were calculated separately for patients undergoing and not undergoing diuretic therapy. An absolute rise in plasma renin activity (PRA) and a relative rise in PRA served as discriminating indicators. The absolute increase of PRA after captopril administration in the absence of long-term therapy with diuretics yielded the best posterior probability in the one-dimensional model, with a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 97%. Linking of the variables "absolute" and "relative rise of PRA" reduced the misclassification rate to 5%. This validation allows an accurate distinction between RVH and PH on the basis of the captopril test even when antihypertensive therapy is not suspended (except for ACE inhibitors and diuretics).

Adult↗