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Biomedical subjects

G Weisz

Publications and source records attributed to G Weisz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Serum and salivary antiendomysium antibodies in the screening of coeliac disease.

BACKGROUND: Antiendomysium antibodies (EMA) detection in serum is the best screening test for coeliac disease (CD): in saliva it has not yet been assayed. Aims of this study are: to verify the presence of EMA in saliva collected with a not invasive technique; to evaluate the validity of serum and salivary EMA in CD screening. METHODS: We investigated 130 subjects divided into 3 groups: "A": 45 untreated CD patients (mean age 6.11); "B": 18 CD patients treated with a gluten free diet (mean age 13.2); "C": 67 controls (mean age 8.9). We performed the EMA test using the indirect immunofluorescence technique, in serum and in saliva concentrated samples. RESULTS: Our results show: sensitivity EMA serum 100%; specificity EMA serum 96.5%; sensitivity EMA saliva 46.5%; specificity EMA saliva 100%; pos. pred. value EMA serum 93.5%; neg. pred. value serum 100%; pos. pred. value EMA saliva 100%; neg. pred. value saliva 78.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Conclusion indicates a high specificity of salivary EMA and a high sensitivity of serum EMA, anyway biopsy is still recommended for diagnosis of CD.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the pediatric patient: the experience of the Israel Naval Medical Institute.

UNLABELLED: The pediatric patient is to be found in hyperbaric facilities throughout the world, receiving hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy for both life-threatening and chronic diseases. OBJECTIVE: To review the experience accumulated at the Israel Naval Medical Institute in the treatment of pediatric patients. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis and review of all records of patients younger than age 18 years. RESULTS: Between 1980 and 1997, 139 pediatric patients age 2 months to 18 years (mean, 7.7 years) received HBO treatment at the Israel Naval Medical Institute. Of the children, 111 (79%) suffered from acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning; 13 (9.2%) were treated after crush injury, traumatic ischemia, or compartment syndrome; 4 (2.8%) had clostridial myonecrosis; 1 (0.7%) had necrotizing fasciitis; 5 (3.6%) had refractory osteomyelitis; 2 (1.4%) had suffered massive air embolism; 2 (1.4%) had purpura fulminans; and 1 (0.7%) suffered from decompression sickness. Outcome, judged by neurologic sequelae, mortality, and extent of soft tissue loss and limb amputation, was favorable in 129 patients (93%). Two patients (1.4%) died, 1 as a result of CO poisoning and the other, gas gangrene; 2 of the patients in the CO group (1.4%) remained with neurologic sequelae, and 6 patients in the acute traumatic ischemia group (4.3%) underwent limb amputation. CONCLUSIONS: We had a favorable experience with 129 of a total 139 pediatric patients treated at our facility for the indications listed. A basic knowledge of HBO therapy is needed to refer the pediatric patient for treatment when indicated. The needs of the pediatric patient, especially the critically ill, require specific skills and equipment inside the hyperbaric chamber. Close collaboration between the pediatrician and the hyperbaric medicine physician is essential to ensure adequate care for infants and children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Modification of in vivo and in vitro TNF-alpha, IL-1, and IL-6 secretion by circulating monocytes during hyperbaric oxygen treatment in patients with perianal Crohn's disease.

Treatment of perianal inflammatory lesions in Crohn's disease (CD) is unsatisfactory and novel treatment modalities are pursued. We have recently reported a good clinical effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment in perianal CD. In the present study, seven patients with perianal CD were subjected to daily sessions of HBO in a multiplace hyperbaric chamber. Each patient received a total of 20 sessions during a time period of 1 month, and IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-alpha measurements were done several times during the initial sessions and after completing therapy. Pretreatment cytokine levels were elevated in patients compared to age-matched 10 normal controls. During the first 7 days of treatment, IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-alpha levels in supernatants of LPS-stimulated monocytes derived from patients' peripheral blood were decreased compared to pretreatment levels. Parallel measurements of serum IL-1 levels revealed an initial elevation and thereafter decreased levels, which remained low throughout the first week of HBO treatment. After completion of therapy, cytokine levels increased to pretreatment values. We conclude that alterations in secretion of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-alpha may be related to the good clinical effect of HBO treatment in CD patients with perianal disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Calcium channels involved in synaptic transmission at the mature and regenerating mouse neuromuscular junction.

1. The involvement of the different types of voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs) in synaptic transmission at the mature and newly formed mammalian neuromuscular junction was studied by evaluating the effects of L-, P/Q- and N-type VDCC antagonists on transmitter release in normal and reinnervating levator auris preparations of adult mice. 2. Nerve-evoked transmitter release was blocked by omega-agatoxin IVA (omega-AgaIVA), a P/Q-type VDCC blocker, both in normal and reinnervating endplates (100 nM omega-AgaIVA caused > 90% inhibition). The N-type VDCC antagonist omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTX; 1 and 5 microM), as occurs in normal preparations, did not significantly affect this type of release during reinnervation. Nitrendipine (1-10 microM), an L-type VDCC blocker, strongly antagonized release in reinnervating muscles (approximately 40-69% blockade) and lacked any effect in normal preparations. 3. In reinnervating muscles, spontaneous release was not dependent on Ca2+ entry through either P- or L-type VDCCs. Neither 100 nM omega-AgaIVA nor 10 microM nitrendipine affected the miniature endplate potential (MEPP) frequency or amplitude. 4. At the newly formed endplates, K(+)-evoked release was dependent on Ca2+ entry through VDCCs of the P-type family (100 nM omega-AgaIVA reduced approximately 70% of the K(+)-evoked MEPP frequency). L-type VDCCs were found not to participate in this type of release (10 microM nitrendipine lacked any effect). 5. In reinnervating muscles, the L-type VDCC blocker, nitrendipine (10 microM), provoked a significant increase (approximately 25%) in the latency of the evoked endplate potential (EPP). This drug also caused an increase (approximately 0.3 ms) in the latency of the presynaptic currents. The P/Q- and Ny-type VDCC blockers did not affect the latency of the EPP. 6. These results show that at newly formed mouse neuromuscular junctions, as occurs in mature preparations, VDCCs of the P-type family play a prominent role in evoked transmitter release whereas N-type channels are not involved in this process. In addition, signal conduction and transmitter release become highly sensitive to nitrendipine during reinnervation. This suggests that L-type VDCCs may play a role in synaptic transmission at the immature mammalian neuromuscular junction.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[Effect of interferon-alpha2b therapy in chronic hepatitis C].

In chronic hepatitis C the interferon treatment given three times a week in a dosage of 3 million units (MU) normalizes the values of alanin-amino-transferase in a part of cases (25-40%), and produces bettering in the subjective complains of patients. In the short term therapy (3-6 months) the activity of ALT increases again after leaving the therapy, and the disease becomes active. The aim of this multicenter study in Hungary was to give newer data in the case of longterm efficacy with alpha-interferon. Ninety-one patients with chronic hepatitis C were selected into the open prospective clinical study in university and hospital departments. Treatment protocol was the following: Patients with chronic hepatitis C diagnosed by clinical and histological methods were treated with interferon-alpha 2B given 3 times a week in a dosage of 3 MU. Treatment period had lasted for one year and afterwards the patient had been on control for an other half a year. In non responder cases after 3 month treatment with interferon the dose of therapy was increased for 3 x 5 MU. In 37 cases (40.6%) out of 91 patients the authors found longterm sustained remission and in other 22 cases (24.2%) they observed a partial remission (among them 5 cases with late relapse). The rate of longterm sustained remission under 40 years was higher, than above 40. Higher rate was found when the treatment was started with a shorter chronicity of the disease. On te basis of the results the authors conclude: Interferon-alpha 2B is a good therapeutic modality for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C. Efficacy of therapy is higher in younger patients and also in earlier application.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Effects of oxygen on regional hemodynamics in hemorrhagic shock.

This study investigated mechanisms of the hemodynamic effects of oxygen in hemorrhagic shock induced by bleeding 30% of the total blood volume in anesthetized rats. An ultrasonic flowmeter was used to monitor regional blood flow. Changes in tissue perfusion were assessed by the laser-Doppler technique. The inhalation of 100% oxygen induced a significant increase in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and vascular resistance in the hindquarters, with a concomitant decrease in blood flow in the distal aorta and biceps femoris muscle. In contrast, oxygen did not change vascular resistance in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and renal beds and induced a significant increase in blood flow to the renal artery, SMA, and small bowel in hemorrhaged rats. L-Arginine (100 mg/kg iv) but not D-arginine or the vehicle (0.9% NaCl) completely abolished the effects of oxygen on blood pressure and reversed its effects on blood flow and resistance in the hindquarters and biceps femoris muscle. Administration of the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (50 mg/kg iv) significantly increased MABP and the resistance in the three vascular beds. Pretreatment of hemorrhaged rats with a superoxide dismutase mimic, the NO-stable radical 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl (5 mg/kg iv), resulted in significantly diminished effects of oxygen on hindquarter hemodynamics. These results demonstrate a differential effect of oxygen, which increases vascular resistance in the hindquarters without a significant effect in the splanchnic and renal beds, thus favoring an increase in splanchnic and renal perfusion. It is suggested that inactivation of NO by reactive oxygen species may underlie the effects of oxygen on hindquarter vascular tone during shock.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Salvage of the severely injured limb in children: a multidisciplinary approach.

Massive trauma to a limb, even in young children, may lead to loss of viability and function. A combination of open fracture with vascular, crush, and avulsion injury resulting in acute peripheral ischemia may place the extremity at risk of necrosis and imminent amputation. We suggest a combined, multidisciplinary approach that includes initial vascular repair and fractures fixation, with early institution of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Blood Vessels↗
PubMed1994

Hyperbaric oxygen for perianal Crohn's disease.

Perianal involvement in Crohn's disease is common (< or = 50%), distressing, and frequently refractory to treatment. Clinical features include painful induration and stenosis, discharging fistulas, and fissures. The pathogenesis of these lesions is unclear, but local ischemia and secondary anaerobic infection may play a role. Following three sporadic reports of successful treatment with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO), we undertook a trial of this method in 10 patients with refractory perianal disease. These patients' perianal Crohn's disease had not responded to treatment that included local medications, salicylates, corticosteroids, metronidazole, or 6-mercaptopurine were treated. Treatment was administered in a hyperbaric chamber at a pressure of 2.5 atm absolute. Each session lasted 90 min, and each course consisted of 20 daily sessions. Complete healing occurred in 5 patients after one to two courses. In an additional 2, after three courses, 1 patient improved but did not heal, and 2 did not improve. No adverse effects were noted by any of the 10 patients. Follow-up of 18 months did not reveal any recurrence. These preliminary results confirm that HBO therapy is a safe and efficient therapeutic option for perianal Crohn's disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Treatment of the diabetic foot by hyperbaric oxygen].

Diabetic foot wounds are consequences of the neuropathy and the small and large vessel disease that complicate diabetes. At the cellular level, the result is hypoxia which impairs wound healing. Hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) may be a useful adjuvant to wound care. It leads to enhanced oxygenation of the affected tissues, has an antiseptic effect, reduces edema, and accelerates collagen production and angiogenesis, thus enhancing tissue repair. 14 diabetics with chronic nonhealing wounds which did not respond to treatment for at least 3 months were treated by HBO. All had palpable pedal pulses. Transcutaneous measurements of tissue pO2 showed elevation from 20 +/- 10 mm Hg during air breathing to 643 +/- 242 mm Hg while breathing pure oxygen at 2.5 ATA. They were treated with HBO in 56 +/- 10 consecutive HBO sessions. In 11 there was complete wound healing, while in 1 there was partial response, in 1 minimal response, and in 1 a transient response. HBO is useful in chronic nonhealing wounds of the diabetic foot and of the diabetic foot with impending amputation. It is a safe mode of therapy, but further studies are required to establish its efficacy and to ascertain which diabetic patients and wounds will benefit the most from it.

Diabetes Complications↗
PubMed1993

Hyperbaric oxygenation for arterial air embolism during cardiopulmonary bypass.

The incidence of systemic air embolism during cardiopulmonary bypass is estimated to be 0.1%. However, the vast majority of instances are unreported and quietly ignored. The result may be disability or death. The control of air embolism obviously lies in prevention. The definite and specific treatment of this complication is hyperbaric oxygen. We report 6 patients referred to our institute because of air embolism during cardiopulmonary bypass. Of the 4 patients in whom hyperbaric oxygen therapy was delayed for 17 to 20 hours, 2 showed partial neurological improvement, as opposed to the success of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the 2 patients in whom the delay was minimal. We conclude that as soon as the proposed open heart operation has been completed and there is an indication that air embolism has occurred, the patient should be treated with hyperbaric oxygen as quickly as possible, even before neurologic manifestations of cerebral ischemia appear.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Treatment of necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum by hyperbaric oxygen.

Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum is a chronic cutaneous complication of diabetes mellitus with microangiopathy as an important pathophysiologic factor. Because of the known success of hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of chronic non-healing wounds, we used this mode of therapy to treat a diabetic patient with ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica of 7 years' duration, refractory to medical and surgical treatment. The patient received daily sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. There was considerable improvement during the course of the treatment, with complete closure of all the ulcerations after 98 sessions. The success of this treatment emphasizes the role of hypoxia in the pathogenesis of the lesion. This simple and safe treatment method may be a good solution for patients with chronic nonhealing necrobiosis lipoidica which fails to respond to other therapeutic approaches.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Pulmonary barotrauma after a free dive--a possible mechanism.

Pulmonary barotrauma during scuba diving is a life-threatening event. In a skin diver, who does not use compressed air, this complication is rare and its pathophysiology is not readily understood. We present a young, healthy skin diver who suffered pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema after a sequence of free dives to 5 m, and suggest a possible mechanism.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Oral magnesium supplementation as prophylaxis for noise-induced hearing loss: results of a double blind field study.

The effect of oral Mg-supplementation as prophylaxis against noise-induced hearing loss was tested in a placebo-controlled double blind study involving 320 voluntary subjects during a 2-month period of military training. The hearing thresholds of all subjects were checked and only persons with normal hearing were accepted. Before and after the 2-month training, blood samples were collected and Mg was analysed in serum, erythrocytes and lymphocytes. Seven days after the last exposure to firearm noise, the audiograms of all test subjects were checked and permanent threshold shifts (PTS) were determined. The total group received a drink containing either 4g Mg granulate verum (6.7 mmol Mg aspartate) or placebo every working day during the 2-month training period. The primary source of noise exposure were firearms: 420 shots per person, mean peak level 164 dB(A). The recruits used ear plugs with a mean insertion loss of 25 dB. In both groups Mg-concentration in serum and in erythrocytes increased with time. Lymphocyte Mg increased in the Mg group only. In the placebo group the percentages of ears with PTS > 25 dB at 4 kHz/6 kHz and/or 8 kHz after exposure to firearm noise were twice as high as in the Mg group.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1992

[Acute viral hepatitis: pathogenesis and clinical manifestations].

This is a review of several mechanisms in the acute and chronic progress of viral hepatitis. Investigation of these mechanisms may have an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis. Clinical features of acute non-A, non-B hepatitis were studied in 110 patients. Most of the patients had a surgical intervention or/and received blood transfusion previously. The clinical course of the cases was very mild and most of the patients have the cholestatic form of the disease. A 39% anti-HCV antibody seropositivity rate was seen in these cases.

Acute Disease↗