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Biomedical subjects

G Baumgartner

Publications and source records attributed to G Baumgartner.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

[Erythropoietin in multiple myeloma].

In a 59-year-old man with multiple myeloma (kappa-light chain paraproteinaemia) in stage IIIB, bone marrow infiltration with atypical plasma cells was reduced by five cytostatic treatment courses with vincristine, melphalan, cyclophosphamide and prednisone (VMCP protocol), but anaemia requiring blood transfusion persisted (haemoglobin concentration 5.3 g/dl). Even administration of interferon alpha-2b (5 million units s.c. every other day) failed to alter this. Only a combination of interferon and erythropoietin (150 U/kg i.v. every other day) achieved lasting regression of the anaemia (haemoglobin concentration up to 14 g/dl). In four other anaemic patients with multiple myeloma, stage III, treated according to the VMCP protocol but without additional interferon, erythropoietin did not improve erythropoiesis.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

Unusual cause of dysuria: migration of a pacemaker generator into the urinary bladder.

Following pacemaker implantation, a 71-year-old female developed infection of the generator pocket. Five years after relocation posterior to the rectus muscle she suffered from cystitis. Cystoscopy revealed the pacemaker generator to be lying within the urinary bladder. Healing was achieved by removing the pacemaker and reutilizing it, after sterilization, in a new pectoral pocket.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

[Animal welfare regulations for the conditions of raising and transporting farm animals].

The definition of keeping and transport conditions in conformity with animal welfare requirements should, as far as possible, be based on objective well-established scientific facts. Up to date, however, such facts have been available to a limited extent only, and this situation will be likely to persist for quite some time. Practical experience, feasibility considerations (reasonable reason) and subjective ethical standards of value cannot be left out of account. In order to improve animal welfare, but, at the same time, also in order to provide livestock farmers with the clearest possible guidelines and to avoid unnecessary distortions of competition it will be necessary to lay down legal minimum requirements for animal welfare. The Federal Government endeavours to meet its respective responsibilities both at national level and at the Council of Europe. At the same time, however, it has also successfully used its influence to get EC-wide provisions prepared and enacted. It will continue to persist in urging all those concerned to bring the consultations on the Commission's proposals to a conclusion as soon as possible. Further development of our existing legislation on animal welfare minimum requirements will, in particular, be necessary with regard to the keeping of laying hens in cages. In addition to the endeavours on the part of scientists, practical experience will play a special role for the further development of our modern animal husbandry systems, inter alia also such experience as is gained in the field of what is called "alternative keeping of farm animals".(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed1989

Brain tumors: detection of B-cell stimulatory factor-2/interleukin-6 in the absence of oligoclonal bands of immunoglobulins.

24 patients with neoplasia of the central nervous system (CNS-N) were investigated for the presence of B-cell stimulatory factor-2/interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Whereas IL-6 was detected in 21 (88%) of these CSF samples, only 6% of CSF from non-inflammatory brain diseases and 12% of the samples from multiple sclerosis patients were positive. IL-6 was found in both primary and secondary CNS-N. The presence of IL-6, a cytokine which activates B-lymphocytes to produce high-rate immunoglobulin (Ig) synthesis, is in contrast to the ineffective intrathecal B-cell activation as suggested by the failure to detect oligoclonal bands of Igs in CNS-N.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Metaphylactic effect of mitomycin C with and without hyaluronidase after transurethral resection of bladder cancer: randomized trial.

In a randomized trial 2 groups of 28 patients who had undergone transurethral resection of bladder tumors were treated with 20 mg. mitomycin C alone or with 200,000 units hyaluronidase to determine whether adjuvant hyaluronidase would improve tumor recurrence rates. Patient groups were comparable statistically. In the group receiving additive hyaluronidase the percentage of tumor recurrences was decreased significantly (p less than 0.05). Side effects were not increased. Thus, adjuvant hyaluronidase appears to have a role in the metaphylaxis of bladder tumors. The potential reduction of the hyaluronidase dose without loss of protective action and the role of additive hyaluronidase in the systemic treatment of metastatic urothelial tumors remain to be investigated.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Unorthodox diagnostic procedure in a rare case of intrapericardial malignant schwannoma.

To establish preoperatively the cytology of a large right atrial tumour, an echoguided transcutaneous thin needle aspiration using a transhepatic approach was performed. Cytology suggested myxoma, which had been mimicked by regressive changes within the tumour, while the histologic examination of the removed specimen revealed a malignant pericardial Schwannoma. In spite of this discrepancy we think that solid tumours located at the free atrial wall are accessible to ultrasound guided puncture without great risk.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Animal welfare regulations for agricultural animal husbandry].

Numerous scientific investigations and discussions on the improvement of farm animal protection have been carried out during the last fifteen years. Following these steps, today also the legal directions have reached a concrete phase. On January 1st 1988, e.g., the decree on battery husbandry of laying hens was enacted and on July 1st the decree on indoor swine keeping. Provided the agreement of the political authorities, especially the Upper House, also decrees on indoor keeping of both, calves and fur animals, are to be expected in the very next future. Nevertheless, such regulations alone do not sufficiently guarantee the protection of the animals mentioned. Much more important is a responsible action of both the animals's owner and all his consultative persons. In particular, the veterinarian is involved here.

Agriculture↗
PubMed1988

[Trigeminus neuropathy as a rare main symptom of progressive systemic sclerosis].

In addition to the habitual skin manifestations, the following forms of organic involvement were found (with decreasing frequency) in 33 patients with progressive systemic sclerosis treated from 1972-1986 at the Clinic of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zürich: blood vessels 29, lungs 18, digestive system 11, joints 11, bones 8, lacrimal and salivary glands 7, musculature 3, heart 3, kidneys 2, cranial nerves 1 and peripheral neuropathy 1.-A 65-year-old patient with classic progressive systemic sclerosis and visceral involvement of the esophagus and the lungs showed, as a principal sign, unilateral neuropathy of the trigeminal nerve involving all three branches as well as absent corneal reflex. Electromyographic examination afforded evidence of a sensory neuropathy of the trigeminal nerve. Chemical laboratory tests revealed a typical high titre of antinuclear antibodies. In addition to autoimmunological causes, proliferation of fibrous structures of the perineurium and vascular lesions are discussed in connection with these complications.-The subsequent history of 37 patients with localized scleroderma and 4 patients suffering from progressive systemic sclerosis, treated at the Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zürich from 1980-1985 provided no evidence of a cranial nerve involvement. The fact that during the period 1975 to 1985 only one patient treated at the Clinic of Neurology of Zürich University Hospital showed signs of disturbances of pupil motility confirms the very rare involvement of the nervous system in progressive systemic sclerosis.

Aged↗
PubMed1988

New transurethral system for interstitial radiation of prostate cancer.

Direct endoscopic implantation of radioactive materials for carcinoma of the prostate without an open operation was accomplished by the use of modified existing transurethral instrumentation and techniques. The closed approach seems applicable particularly to the geriatric population, which is afflicted more commonly but is frequently not treated because of concurrent diseases or because the patient had transurethral resection of the prostate as a diagnostic procedure. Eleven patients were implanted using the transurethral route. Implantations were accomplished successfully with extremely low morbidity. Along with more conventional dosimetry studies, computer tomography was used to assess the placement of seeds. The direct visualization of the method suggests a potential for greater precision of seed placement as illustrated by computer tomography. In addition, this new instrumentation and method offers a low-risk procedure for carcinoma of the prostate that can be performed on an outpatient basis for selected patients.

Aged↗
PubMed1988

[Hemianopsias in cortical and subcortical lesions of the visual system: what is the difference?].

The neuronal correlate of perception in the visual area remains unimpaired in lesions of the optic tracts or the radiatio optica. Hemianopsias due to lesions of these pathways are perceived immediately. On the contrary, hemianopsias due to a lesion of the visual cortex are not perceived or are only indirectly realized. It has not been established if a lesion of the primary visual area alone is sufficient to make the patient unaware of a hemianopsia or if additional impairments of the peristriate visual areas are required. Data processing within the cortical visual projection chain makes it likely, however, that a lesion of the striate cortex is enough. Under physiological conditions an uniformly illuminated field is represented in the neuronal activity by the borders of the field. Neurons within the field are not activated. The higher visual cortical areas can so not discriminate if an input missing from V1 is a result of the physiological processing or of a lesion. Scotomas are therefore not perceived. By analogy this argument should also hold for a hemianopic "scotoma".

Brain Mapping↗
PubMed1988

Role of transurethral resection of the prostate in hematogenously disseminated metastasis.

Dissemination of tumor cells by vascular channels seems to be enhanced by certain surgical procedures, e.g. transurethral resection of the prostate, an operative procedure commonly used in the diagnosis and management of prostatic cancer, the third biggest killer of men in the United States. Circulating tumor cells have been the subject of great controversy as they are considered to be the connecting link between the primary tumor and the hematogenously disseminated metastatic growths. Isolation and identification of tumor cells which get released into the vascular channels is somewhat complicated. We report our experience with a technique for isolating and identifying prostatic tumor cells in the circulation and briefly discuss the role of transurethral resection of the prostate in the management of prostatic cancer.

Humans↗
PubMed1987

[Long-term problems of levodopa therapy in Parkinson disease].

The dependence of motor side effects of L-DOPA therapy on clinical and pharmacodynamic parameters was investigated in 28 patients with Parkinson's disease. Duration of disease and degree of motor impairment were significantly less in a first group of 12 patients without motor side effects than in a second group of 16 patients with fluctuations of antiparkinsonian effects and dyskinesias. The two groups showed different pharmacodynamic patterns: the antiparkinsonian effect in the first group remained unchanged, with decreasing DOPA plasma concentrations (Type I), whereas in the second group a direct correlation between DOPA plasma levels and antiparkinsonian effect was observed (Type II). A possible mechanism for the different pharmacodynamic patterns and its relevance for therapy are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

[Hyaluronidase in the therapy of malignant diseases].

260 patients with malignant disease received intravenous, intramuscular or intravesical hyaluronidase (H.) (Permease by Sanabo), 7,000 to 25,500 IU (10 to 30, 750 IU vials) or 200,000 IU (1 vial of H.) in addition to systemic or intravesical chemotherapy. Treatment was well tolerated except for 20 transient allergic episodes, 2 of which consisted in local symptoms at the injection site. Results are presented for 103 patients not responding to previous chemotherapy, 53 patients with primary and secondary brain tumours, and 51 patients with superficial bladder cancer. Adjuvant hyaluronidase was found to restore responsiveness in a large percentage of non-responders. The remaining systemically treated patients received H. together with their initial chemotherapy or with a modified cytostatic regimen. Intravesical H. in combination with mitomycin C was well tolerated and did not enhance mitomycin C plasma levels. In a randomized trial 5 of 23 patients with superficial bladder cancer receiving adjuvant intravesical mitomycin C alone developed tumour regrowth versus 1 of 21 patients receiving additional H. Adjuvant H. decreased 5-FU plasma saturation rates during arterial perfusion in colorectal cancer with metastatic spread to the liver, probably reflecting enhanced 5-FU extraction. Colorectal cancer stem cell assays with 5-FU showed a significant reduction of colony counts in the presence of H. Action mechanismus of hyaluronidase in malignant diseases are discussed, experimental data suggesting an effect of H. on immunologic events in malignant disease are presented.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed1987

[Hyaluronidase in cytostatic therapy of ENT tumors].

In 27 patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck region hyaluronidase was added to cytostatic chemotherapy, in part of them from the beginning and in part after development of chemoresistance. We administered either ampoules containing 750 i. u. of Permease in a dosage between 7,500 i. u. and 22,500 i. u., or alternatively a preparation of hyaluronidase containing 200,000 i. u. Hyaluronidase was well tolerated; there were reversible allergic reactions in only 2 patients. We obtained CR 14/27, PR 5/27, NC 3/27. After giving hyaluronidase to chemoresistant patients CR 8/16, PR 3/16 and NC 3/16 were achieved. The course of the disease in chemoresistant cases make it probable that hyaluronidase can improve the prognosis in these patients. With regard to the kind of activity it seems noteworthy that the amount of mucopolysaccharides is increased in many malignancies; furthermore, the transport of cytostatic agents to the tumour cells can be improved.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed1986

[Experiences with acyclovir in herpes virus infections].

46 patients suffering from various malignancies (17 non Hodgkin lymphomas, 12 Hodgkin's diseases, 11 acute leukaemias, 4 myelomas, 2 carcinomas), 6 patients with haematological disorders such as ITP, SAA, myeloproliferative disease, LAS and 3 patients without preexisting disease were treated with acyclovir for herpes virus infection diagnosed by clinical means. All but 7 patients had been given intensive treatment with various cytostatic agents and/or irradiation. Most patients were treated with 1500 mg acyclovir daily for 5 to 13 days. Dosage was adjusted according to renal function and clinical response in the remaining 10 cases. 11 patients received intravenous immunoglobulins in addition. Side effects were negligible (local irritation, minimal rise in serum creatinine levels in 5 patients). All patients responded to treatment; 6 patients complained of severe neuralgia lasting for more than one month; 5 patients relapsed.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1986

Mitomycin C plasma levels after intravesical instillation with and without hyaluronidase.

In 20 patients undergoing transurethral resection for bladder tumor or multiple transurethral biopsies for monitoring after transurethral resection, mitomycin C, 20 mg., was instilled into the bladder immediately after the procedure. Mitomycin C was associated with hyaluronidase, 200.000 U, in 10 patients. Serum levels of mitomycin were determined by column chromatography 30 and 60 minutes after instillation. Hyaluronidase was not found to make any difference in mitomycin absorption. Potential expansions of the therapeutic modalities for preventing recurrent bladder tumor by hyaluronidase are discussed.

Combined Modality Therapy↗