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Biomedical subjects

E Wandel

Publications and source records attributed to E Wandel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Tubulointerstitial nephritis-uveitis syndrome (TINU syndrome)].

For 10 weeks a 25-year-old man had been suffering from tiredness, fatigue, nausea and a 16 kg weight loss. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (83/133 mm), serum C-reactive protein (5.5 mg/dl) and creatinine (5.05 mg/dl) were all elevated. He also had proteinuria (1120 mg daily), sterile leukocytosis and a creatinine clearance of 10 ml/min. Renal biopsy showed interstitial nephritis and bone marrow biopsy revealed non-caseous epithelioid-cell granulomas. 14 days after admission he developed acute iritis in the right eye. Other causes having been excluded, the diagnosis of tubulo-intestinal nephritis with uveitis (TINU syndrome) was made. The clinical symptoms and laboratory findings improved within a few days of the start of glucocorticoid treatment (initially, 100 mg prednisone daily, reduced to 5 mg within 30 days). The patient was discharged after 8 days in good general condition.

Acute Disease

[Diagnosis of dysfunctions of replanted parathyroid gland tissue by bilateral analysis of intact parathyroid hormones in cubital vein blood. A prospective study].

AIM: In a prospective long-term follow-up study after operative therapy of hyperparathyroidism the value of bilateral determination of parathyroid hormone levels in cubital venous blood after total parathyroidectomy/autologous parathyroid gland reimplantation (musculus brachioradialis) for diagnosis of dysfunctioning grafted tissue is evaluated. PATIENTS AND MATERIAL: From August, 1, 1987 to March, 31, 1994 68 of 243 patients operated on for hyperparathyroidism underwent total parathyroidectomy. Autologous reimplantation of parathyroid gland was carried out simultaneously in 64 patients. Twice delayed reimplantation of cryopreserved tissue was carried out, and there was no reimplantation in two patients up to this day. Three patients were operated on for hyperfunctioning parathyroid autograft after former total parathyroidectomy/reimplantation. RESULTS: During follow-up 5 patients developed dysfunction of (reimplanted) parathyroid gland. Because of low or unprovable levels of intact parathormone the gradients of intact parathyroid hormone between grafted and nongrafted forearm were about 1:1 in postoperative hypoparathyroidism as well as in hypofunction of parathyroid gland. After successful replantation of cryopreserved parathyroid tissue gradients of intact parathyroid hormone increased (> 1:10). In hyperfunction of grafted parathyroid tissue hormone gradients were high (> 1:20 to 1:45,3) because of excessive high levels of intact parathormone in the cubital vein of the graft bearing arm. Successful reduction of parathyroid graft was followed by decrease of parathyroid hormone gradients. CONCLUSION: Regular follow-up of intact parathormone gradients together with intact parathyroid hormone levels and serumcalcium analysis allow the determination of parathyroid graft function. Also differentiation between graft dependent hyperparathyroidism and hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue in the neck or mediastinum seems to be possible by bilateral determination of intact parathormone. Normal values or a normal range for intact parathyroid hormone gradients can not yet be defined.

Adult

Laboratory control of minimal heparinization during haemodialysis in patients with a risk of haemorrhage.

For patients undergoing dialysis with a high risk of haemorrhage there is no standardized procedure for anticoagulation during extracorporeal circulation. Minimal heparinization with a dose equivalent to half that used for chronic haemodialysis was employed in 49 patients (125 haemodialyses) performed after operative interventions (83.3%), after haemorrhagic events (5.2%) and after invasive investigations (11.5%). Using a biocompatible membrane and a low molecular weight heparin (bolus dose 500-1300 U; continuous infusion 100-400 U) it was possible to complete haemodialysis in 74 cases (Group 0) without clots appearing in the venous bubble trap of the tubing system. In 30 cases (Group 1) only small clots were detected at the end of haemodialysis, and in 13 cases (Group 2) larger clots (exceeding a diameter of 1 cm) were found. In eight cases (Group 3) partial or complete clot formation occurred in the tubing. No haemorrhagic complications were observed. Anti-Xa activity, thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT) and D-dimer were determined before haemodialysis, 2 h after the start of haemodialysis and on completion of the procedure. The anti-Xa activities ranged between < 0.2 and 0.56 U/ml. In contrast, at 2 h there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the TAT concentrations between Group 0 and the other groups, as well as between Group 1 and Group 2 and 3. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in D-dimer levels occurred only at the end of haemodialysis. Minimal heparinization in haemodialysis is a practicable alternative in patients with a high risk of haemorrhage and extended coagulation monitoring is helpful in adjusting heparin dosage.

Adult

[Hypertension in pregnancy--dietary aspects].

Dietary recommendations about prophylaxis and treatment of hypertension in pregnancy are manifold and controversial. Only a few studies of evidence are published till now. Recommendations may be derivable from physiology and pathophysiology of hypertension in pregnancy. A normal protein intake of 70-80 g is to be recommendable, neither protein restriction nor increased protein supply. Protein restriction may be sensible only for blocking a progression of a chronic renal insufficiency. The value of caloric restriction is not secured, but an increasing body fat is not recommendable. Neither restriction nor increased supply of sodium can generally be recommended. The same is valit with respect to liquid supply, which is to be restricted in cases with hyponatriemy and hypoosmolality. Substitution of potassium and magnesium is not necessary, of linoleic acid and water-soluble vitamins not sufficiently verified. The efficacy of calcium substitution on hypertension in pregnancy has to evaluated by further studies.

Feeding Behavior

[Minimal heparinization in dialysis patients with increased risk of bleeding].

In 78 patients (47 men, 31 women; mean age 53 [22-78] years) 174 dialyses were undertaken within one week of a bleeding episode or a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure which may cause bleeding. Minimal anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) was the aim, using a biocompatible dialyser. During the dialysis coagulation was controlled by global tests (Quick value/international normalized ratio [INR], partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, antifactor Xa activity), by molecular markers of clotting activity (thrombin-antithrombin III complex [TAT], D-dimers), as well as measurement of elastase (elastase-alpha 1-protein inhibitor complex). The LMWH dosage averaged 932 units as an initial bolus and 234 units/h as a continuous infusion. In the group of chronic dialysis patients (n = 72) this meant (standard heparin units = 2/3 LMWH units) a reduction to 45 +/- 11% from the previously used routine heparin dosage for a 4-hour dialysis. All dialyses were completed without bleeding complications. Considerable clotting formation in the extracorporeal circulation occurred in 11 dialyses (6.3%). TAT, D-dimer and elastase values proved to be suitable for determining individual clotting activity and for reducing anticoagulation to the minimum.

Adult

[Baclofen intoxication in chronic hemodialysis and kidney transplantation].

Fourteen days after renal transplantation, at first gave with good transplant function, a 36-year-old woman developed neurogenic dysfunction of bladder emptying. This was treated with baclofen, 5 mg three times daily by mouth. Between the 7th and 10th treatment day she progressively developed an organic psychotic syndrome and increasing respiratory paralysis after the onset of renal failure, associated with rejection of the transplanted kidney which required dialysis. Plasma concentration of baclofen was 565 ng/ml (therapeutic range 80-400 ng/ml). After discontinuing the drug and renewed haemodialysis the baclofen level rapidly fell and the symptoms receded. In a second case, a 57-year-old man on dialysis developed a thalamic pain syndrome after an intracerebral haemorrhage in the region of the basal ganglia. He was given four times 10 mg baclofen by mouth over 24 hours. 24 hours after the first dose he became deeply unconscious with respiratory failure. Plasma concentration of baclofen after the first haemodialysis period was 480 ng/ml. After 48 hours of artificial ventilation it was possible to extubate; a symptomatic transitory psychotic syndrome disappeared within 4 days. Both patients had pre-existing cerebral damage in addition to the chronic renal failure (in the first patient, meningoencephalitis 30 years previously with persisting focal lesions in the computed tomogram CT]; in the second one, residual lesions in the CT after intracerebral haemorrhage). It is emphasized that in patients who are in renal failure baclofen treatment should be undertaken cautiously: toxic signs can quickly develop especially if there is pre-existing cerebral damage.

Adult

[An association of arterial occlusive disease with cyclosporine therapy after kidney transplantation].

Renal transplantation followed by immunosuppression with cyclosporine (whole-blood levels 200-300 micrograms/l) and methylprednisolone (4 mg daily) was performed in a 54-year-old man with chronic glomerulonephritis. Three years later rapidly progressive arterial obstructive disease (peripheral type) developed. Parenteral treatment with prostaglandins, calcium antagonists and nitrates, as well as a lumbar sympathectomy, was unsuccessful so that, in rapid succession, several amputations on upper and lower limbs became necessary. The disease progression was arrested only when azathioprine replaced cyclosporine. Raynaud's phenomenon, present at the time, also disappeared and analgesics were no longer required. Histological examination revealed severe Mönckeberg arteriosclerosis and thromboembolic occlusion of the affected vessels. The cyclosporine treatment, especially the hypercoagulability induced by it, and the Mönckeberg arteriosclerosis were thought to be significant factors in the pathogenesis of the rapidly progressive arterial disease. It is concluded that, in the presence of progressive arterial obstructive disease occurring under cyclosporine treatment, the replacement by other immunosuppressive agents should be considered.

Amputation, Surgical

Acanthocyturia--a characteristic marker for glomerular bleeding.

Erythrocyte morphology by phase contrast microscopic examination (PCM) of the urine is widely employed in distinguishing glomerular from nonglomerular bleeding. The proposed percentages of dysmorphic red cells are significant for glomerular bleeding in the range of 10 to 80% in the literature, because there is no clear cut definition of "dysmorphism." In the present study midstream urine samples of 351 patients with hematuria (greater than 8 erythrocytes/microliters) and of 33 healthy controls were examined. The various dysmorphic red cells were analyzed by PCM according to a detailed hematological classification. Most of the dysmorphic red cells, such as echinocytes, anulocytes, ghost cells, schizocytes, stomatocytes, codocytes and knizocytes, occurred in glomerular or nonglomerular disease as well, and proved to be uncharacteristic for glomerular bleeding. In contrast, a unique red cell deformity, a ringform with vesicle-shaped protrusions (acanthocyte) closely correlated to glomerular disease. In biopsy proven glomerulonephritis acanthocytes comprised 12.4% of all excreted red cells, whereas in nonglomerular diseases or in healthy subjects acanthocytes were seen very rarely (less than 2%) or not at all. Acanthocyturia greater than or equal to 5% (of excreted red cells) was seen in 75 out of 143 patients with proven glomerulonephritis (sensitivity 52%) and in four out of 187 patients with nonglomerular disease (specificity 98%). To improve the diagnostic value of erythrocyte morphology the diagnostic workup should focus on acanthocyturia, which is also indicative in very low erythrocyte counts.

Acanthocytes

[Dialysis-associated amyloid osteopathy--the radiological aspects].

Amongst the complications of dialysis, amyloid osteopathy is getting increasingly significant. It is due to deposition of beta 2-microglobulin. To determine the incidence and time of development of this complication, the skeletal radiographs of 185 patients undergoing dialysis, some for up to ten years, were analysed retrospectively. In about 10% of patients, the presence of beta 2-microglobulin osteopathy may be expected. The radiological features, sites of predilection and differential diagnosis of amyloid osteopathy and of other skeletal changes due to dialysis are discussed.

Amyloidosis

[Local fibrinolysis in renal artery occlusion].

The indications and technique of local fibrinolysis therapy of acute renal artery occlusions are discussed in relation to four patients. Because of the short period for which ischaemia is tolerated by the kidney, the result of treatment depends largely on the time interval between occlusion and the beginning of treatment. Partial perfusion of the renal artery was obtained in three patients. Since the "ischaemia time" of the kidneys had been exceeded, it was not possible to obtain complete restitution of renal function in any of these patients.

Adult

Antibodies to cytoskeletal components in patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis detected by a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

To date only a few contradictory reports concerning the incidence of autoantibodies in patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis exist. The aim of the present study was to investigate the sera drawn from 45 patients with chronic renal failure, 39 of them on chronic hemodialysis (duration 1-17 years). Serum samples were tested for 15 autoantibodies, no antinuclear antibodies or antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens could be detected; all sera were also negative for antibodies to dsDNA, mitochondria, gastric parietal cells and smooth muscle. In contrast a high incidence of antibodies to cytoskeletal components could be demonstrated using a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that employed purified antigens. Antibodies of IgG-type (IgM-type shown in brackets) were detected against cytokeratin in 51.3% (15.4%), actin in 17.9% (5.1%), desmin in 28.2% (17.9%), vimentin in 15.4% (5.1%) and tropomyosin in 12.8% (5.1%) of the sera of patients on chronic hemodialysis. No association with diagnosis, duration of hemodialysis, age or interdialytic changes of body weight and antibody titers could be found. In a control group of 82 healthy blood donors no antibodies were detected. Positive correlations of incidence of antibodies to actin, desmin, vimentin and keratin suggests polyclonal activation of immune system in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing long-term hemodialysis. The mechanism is unknown.

Autoantibodies

[Multiple osteoarticular complications (dialysis-associated spondyloarthropathy) and carpal tunnel syndrome in chronic hemodialysis].

During a nine-year treatment by haemodialysis for renal failure a now 57-year-old woman developed multiple complications of the skeletal system. Acute calcific periarthritis of the right shoulder became manifest one year after the start of the haemodialysis, followed the next years by progressive arthropathy with subchondral amyloid cysts of both shoulders, effusions in the knee-joint and destructive spondylarthropathy of the middle vertebrae. Carpal-tunnel syndrome also occurred, caused by a beta 2-microglobulin amyloidosis (beta 2-microglobulin concentration in serum 42.6 ng/l) and an aluminium osteopathy. These multiple complications, observed here in one patient, are each of them typical long-term complications of chronic haemodialysis.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Secretory immunoglobulin A in urinary tract infection, chronic glomerulonephritis, and renal transplantation.

An enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) for the quantitation of secretory IgA (S-IgA) in the urine is described. The assay is sensitive (linear down to 0.02 microgram/ml), specific, and reproducible (intraassay variation 7.8%, interassay variation 18.9%). The assay was used to determine the urinary excretion rates of S-IgA in patients with bladder catheter (n = 12), cystotomy and urinary tract infection (n = 13), urosepsis (n = 5), chronic glomerulonephritis, including IgA-nephritis (n = 31), in renal allograft recipients (n = 30), and in healthy controls (n = 46). An elevated S-IgA urinary excretion (P less than 0.01) was found in all patient groups studied. The highest values were observed in urosepsis. No significant differences between S-IgA levels in IgA-nephritis and other forms of chronic glomerulonephritis were detected. The elevated S-IgA excretion in renal allograft recipients indicates that immunosuppressive therapy does not influence the local S-IgA production in the urinary tract. The susceptibility of these patients to urinary tract infections is therefore not due to a S-IgA deficiency.

Diuresis