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Biomedical subjects

G Mion

Publications and source records attributed to G Mion.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

[Hypertensive effects of qat].

Chewing of Qat leaves which contain amphetamine alkaloids is a traditional drug practice in the horn of Africa. Cathine and cathinone are responsible for the desired psychogenic (suppression of hunger, mind stimulation, euphoria) and sympathicomimetic effects. In this study, we monitored seven volunteers during a traditional qat ritual. An increase in systolic and diastolic pressure was observed in three patients including one presenting predisposing chronic arterial hypertension. Peak pressure was observed approximately seven hours after beginning the ritual. The three patients presenting pressure changes were not significantly different from the four unaffected patients with regard to age or duration of qat use. These findings suggest that qat use by untreated hypertensive patients who react strongly to vasoconstrictive effects can lead to hypertension and resulting cardiovascular complications.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Epidemiologic study of qat use in the National Army of Djibouti].

Chewing of qat leaves is a traditional practice in the horn of Africa. Amphetamine-like alkaloids contained in the leaves account for the psychostimulating (anorexia, exhiliaration, euphoria) and sympathomimetic effects. The results of this prospective study based on interviews of 100 servicemen seeking medical advice showed that the prevalence of qat use in the National Army of Djibouti was 84%. Mean consumption of qat by users was 400 +/- 50 grams per chew requiring a monthly expenditure of approximately 500 FF. Heart rate and blood pressure in users were not significantly different from non-users. No correlation was found between blood pressure and either age or quantity of qat ingested per chew. A greenish discoloration of the tongue was observed in 65% of qat users but this sign was not specific (60%). qat use was correlated with poor dental health. The findings of this study indicate that qat use is widespread among young males in Djibouti but that its cardiovascular effects are limited in this age group.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Mechanisms of increased myocardial contractility with hypertonic saline solutions in isolated blood-perfused rabbit hearts.

Hypertonic saline improves organ perfusion and animal survival during hemorrhagic shock because it expands plasma volume and increases tissue oxygenation. Because both decreased and increased myocardial performance have been reported with hypertonic saline, the effects of hyperosmolarity and the mechanism accounting for it were investigated in isolated blood-perfused rabbit hearts. Coronary blood flow (CBF), myocardial contractility, relaxation, and oxygen consumption were measured during administration of blood perfusates containing 140-180 mmol sodium concentrations ([Na+]). In two other series of experiments, the role of Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange in the inotropic effect of hyperosmolarity (160 mmol sodium concentration) and hypertonicity (sucrose) were also investigated. Hypertonic [Na+] induced a significant increase in contractility and relaxation, combined with a coronary vasodilation. Myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) increased at all hypertonic [Na+] without significant change in coronary venous oxygen tension (PVO2) and content (CVO2). Amiloride (0.3 mmol) inhibited the improved contractility observed with 160 mmol sodium. Similar Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger blockade did not inhibit the inotropic effect of sucrose. These results confirm the positive inotropic effect of hypertonic [Na+]. The inhibition of this improvement by amiloride suggests that calcium influx through the sarcolemna could be the major mechanism of this effect.

Amiloride↗
PubMed1992

Bronchopulmonary distress associated with toxic epidermal necrolysis.

We describe here a patient with severe TEN and respiratory distress and we review the subject of bronchopulmonary symptoms in TEN. Even if pseudostratified ciliated involvement is uncommon, bronchial lesions in the absence of other known causes, should be specifically related to TEN. The mechanisms of pulmonary involvement and ARDS associated with TEN are discussed.

Bronchial Diseases↗
PubMed1992

[Bolus esmolol prior to tracheal intubation of the elderly patient].

Twenty-seven patients 76 +/- 7 years old, ASA I or II, scheduled for short eye surgery, were randomized in two groups so as to study and compare the effects of esmolol--injected after induction of general anaesthesia, 2 or 3 mg.kg-1--or topic laryngeal anaesthesia on the haemodynamic consequences of endotracheal intubation. Induction was performed with fentanyl, thiopental and atracurium. The rate-pressure product was significantly lower (less than 11.000 b.min-1.mmHg-1) in the esmolol group. However 4 patients out of 5 who received the higher dosage of esmolol (3 mg.kg-1) had a marked blood pressure fall requiring ephedrine. A vascular collapse was observed in one of them but Buffington's ratio never fell under the critical value. In all cases small doses of ephedrine were efficient. No serious complications were observed in both groups. This preliminary study lacked a control group without esmolol or laryngeal spray. On the other hand, haemodynamic effects of tracheal intubation could be further studied after bolus esmolol or topic anaesthesia in real ASA III cardiovascular patients.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed1992

[A postoperative syndrome of confusion and stupor or a central anticholinergic syndrome?].

A case is reported of a 23 year old man who sustained a central anticholinergic syndrome after undergoing upper limb surgery under regional anaesthesia and sedation with 2 mg midazolam and 75 micrograms fentanyl. The disturbances consisted of excitation and inhibition. On the 4th postoperative day, he developed progressive coma, quickly and totally reversed with 2 mg physostigmine. Chronic benzodiazepine therapy seems to be a facilitating factor of central anticholinergic syndrome. The low rate of this postoperative complication seems to proceed from failure to recognize it. Differential diagnosis and place of physostigmine therapy are discussed.

Adult↗