PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

F Duran

Publications and source records attributed to F Duran.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

Basiliximab: a comparative study between the use of the recommended two doses versus a single dose in living donor kidney transplantation.

Basiliximab (Simulect) is a high-affinity chimeric and humanized monoclonal antibody, directed against the alpha chain of human interleukin-2 receptor (CD25). The administration of two doses (20 mg intravenously per dose), one given 2 hours before transplantation and the second on day 4 posttransplant, provides suppression of the interleukin-2 receptor for up to 45 days, reducing the rate of acute rejection in kidney transplantation. This study was designed to compare the efficacy of a single dose of Simulect to the recommended two doses. The other objective was the reduction of the costs related to the standard two dose protocol. Fifty-two patients were included: group I (32 patients) received two doses of Simulect; group II (20 patients) received one dose. There were 39 living related donors and 13 living unrelated. All patients were followed for 1 year. Maintenance immunosuppression consisted of tacrolimus or cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids. The diagnosis of rejection was made clinically. All episodes were treated with intravenous steroids. The incidence of rejection was similar in both groups; there was no graft loss to rejection. There were two deaths in group I, and one death in group II, yielding graft and patient actual survival rates at 1 year of 93% and 95%, respectively. These results suggest that Simulect is equally effective when administered in two doses or in a single dose in kidney transplantation. The reduction of cost by giving a single dose is significant, especially in developing countries without national health insurance.

Adult↗

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the symptomatic atherosclerotic carotid arteries. Results, complications, and follow-up.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Carotid endarterectomy reduces stroke risk in patients with > 70% symptomatic stenosis. We present our results of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) as an alternative treatment. METHODS: Ninety-eight patients with symptomatic > 70% stenosis of the internal carotid artery were considered for PTA. Details of the procedure, complications, and 4-year follow-up were registered. RESULTS: Eighty-five PTAs were performed in a 4-year period. Transient cardiovascular effects were frequent: hypotension (54.1%), bradycardia (67.1%), asystole (25.9%), and syncope (16.5%). Transient ischemic attack occurred in 3 of 82 patients (3.7%), and disabling stroke occurred in 4 (4.9%); mortality was 0%. After a mean follow-up period of 18.7 months, 4 patients died, 1 due to fatal stroke. The overall probability of surviving any stroke or death was 86.7%. Restenosis (> 70%) was seen in 6 cases (7.4%). CONCLUSIONS: PTA may be a reasonable treatment for symptomatic atherosclerotic stenosis, at least in patients at high risk for carotid endarterectomy.

Aged↗

[Tracheoesophageal fistula secondary to endoscopic sclerotherapy of esophageal varices].

Over the past 15 years, endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy (EVS) has become the main therapy for patients with bleeding esophageal varices. EVS has the advantage of a low associated mortality and morbidity, but may lead to serious complications. We report a case of esophagotracheal fistula complicating sclerotherapy that resolved with nonsurgical management.

Aged↗

Acute effect of potassium canrenoate administration on renin-angiotensin, kallikrein-kinin and prostaglandin systems.

1. To investigate the possible effects of potassium canrenoate (PC) on plasma renin activity (PRA) and on renal prostaglandins (PGS) and kinins under elevated sodium and/or potassium intakes, a single dose of PC was administered to four groups of Wistar male rats. 2. They were fed a normal diet (C), a diet supplemented with 4% of NaCl, (Na), with 1% of KCl: (K) or both supplements (NaK). 3. PRA and urinary PGS excretion did not show changes after PC administration, but total urinary kinins showed higher values after the treatment in all groups. 4. A diuretic but not natriuretic effect was observed only in C animals. 5. In conclusion, the single dose of PC was able to stimulate urinary kinins and to spare potassium independently of dietary electrolyte supplements that were able to block the diuretic effect of the drug.

Animals↗

The plasmatic 11-hydroxy-corticosteroid response in the human to a synthetic octadecapeptide corticotrophin (C-41795-Ba).

The adrenal response as measured by the plasmatic changes in 11-hydroxy-corticosteroid (11-OHCS) concentration following the administration of a synthetic octadecapeptide (C-41795-Ba) was compared in 17 normal young males with that obtained with the commercially available tetracosactrin. C-41795-Ba polypeptide shows a higher potency than tetracosactrin. Its effects are longer lasting when administered intravenously which indicates a significant local inactivation of the polypeptide.

11-Hydroxycorticosteroids↗

Association between lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction.

Our aim was to assess the association between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction by means of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire. A total of 69 eligible patients who were admitted to our outpatient clinic with lower urinary tract symptoms were included in the study. A self administered questionnaire of IPSS and SHIM were given to patients. Demographics and medical history data were recorded. Any risk factor that may be associated with erectile dysfunction, including coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking status, was determined in each patient. Correlation tests were used to examine the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction by controlling the effects of age and comorbidities. Mean age was 58.6 +/- 13.1 31-86 years. Mean SHIM and IPSS total score was 14.3 +/- 7.5 and 11.5 +/- 8.1, respectively. Spearman correlation coefficient between IPSS and SHIM scores was found to be -0.41. There was a significant negative correlation with IPSS total scores of moderate degree when both age and presence of risk factor was controlled (r = -0.31; p = 0.009). Storage symptom scores showed significant correlation with SHIM scores (r = -0.33; p = 0.000). The association between SHIM score and each item of IPSS showed significant correlation for urgency, straining and nocturia when age controlled. The degree of bother by LUTS as determined by the IPSS quality of life question was also correlated with SHIM scores; however, this correlation was not significant when age or risk factor for ED was controlled. The presence of LUTS especially storage symptoms is strongly associated with erectile dysfunction independent of age and comorbidities.

Adult↗

Cutaneous protothecosis: report of the second Brazilian case.

The present report describes a case of cutaneous protothecosis caused by Prototheca wickerhamii in a non-immunocompromised female from the state of Bahia, Brazil. This is the second case described in Brazil. Dermatological examination revealed diffusely infiltrated erythematous plaques on the flexor aspect of the right arm and forearm. The authors emphasize the pathological aspects that can lead to misdiagnosis this condition. The patient was successfully treated with fluconazole.

Aged↗