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Biomedical subjects

H Althoff

Publications and source records attributed to H Althoff.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

[Diffuse gastropathy and gastritis--a main or secondary finding concerning the cause of death?].

On the basis of the autopsy results in three cases, extensive pathomorphological changes were demonstrated in the stomach, such as Ménétrier's disease and diffuse superficial gastritis. For these cases of sudden death, no cause could be found that could be verified by morphological or toxicological means. Analogous to clinical experience on the protein deficiency syndrome and food allergies and based on the knowledge that the intestinal tract also represents an immune organ, as well as the finding of diffuse changes in the gastric mucosa ideas have been developed regarding hypersensitive immunological reactions which might have not only local but also systemic effects comparable with anaphylactic reactions of different origins. Diffuse gastropathy or gastritis should not simply be assessed as a secondary finding. If other explanations are lacking and there are indications of intensive cellular immune reactions, the possibility arises of reconstructing lethal pathophysiological mechanisms.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

[Toxic environmental factors in sudden infant death (SIDS)].

The increasing number of discussions on the influence of toxic environmental factors, including SIDS, prompted systematic postmortem chemical-toxicological investigations to be carried out on 54 SIDS cases and 2 control cases of the same age group. Tissue levels of arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury, and pentachlorphenol, as well as other organic noxious agents, were measured in several organs. In addition, the COHb concentrations were determined. In spite of the widely scattered values, the extreme levels measured and the arithmetic means and median averages of As, Pb, Cd, Hg, PCP, and COHb had no more range in concentrations than can be expected for toxic effects - according to present knowledge anyway. It was observed that infants from an urban environment showed no greater concentration of noxious agents than did infants from rural regions. There were also no differences between SIDS cases and the controls, nor was there a correlation between infections of the respiratory system that are often morphologically detected - including laryngitis - and higher concentrations of these agents in the organs of SIDS cases.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1987

[Significance of sudden infant death (SIDS) for otorhinolaryngology].

The high frequency of proven extensive infection in the upper respiratory tract, particularly the nose and pharynx, of infants with SIDS, suggests that the latter may be due to upper airway obstruction. In view of the particular vulnerability of the early infant, the widespread term "common cold" does not seem justified. The constant incidence of SIDS should stimulate study of the extension and effects of infection of the upper respiratory tract, including careful investigation, follow up and adequate therapy by otolaryngologists. Such a concept may prevent unexpected fatal complications.

Bronchi↗
PubMed1984

[Analysis of preliminary procedures in suits against physicians at the Aachen Public Prosecutor's Office between 1978 and 1981].

Altogether, 318 preliminary proceedings were initiated against physicians, compared to 2 against nonmedical practitioners. The majority i.e., 192 proceedings, dealt with charges of torture and deprivation of freedom committed against patients under psychiatric treatment. Ninety-nine proceedings were based on negligent bodily injury and negligent homicide and 15 on failure to give medical assistance. Other reasons were given in isolated cases only. The proceedings were mostly initiated against surgeons, psychiatrists, general practitioners, internists, gynecologists, and 2 against nonmedical practitioners (42 because of negligent bodily injury and 48 because of negligent homicide). The charges were dropped in accordance with Section 170,2 StPO in 78 cses, Section 153, 153a and 154 StPO in 7 cases, and there were 7 acquittals and 2 sentences after trial. In the remaining preliminary proceedings, the charges were dropped in 215 cases according to Section 170,2 StPO, and in 2 cases according to Section 153a StPO. Three defendants were sentenced to punishment and 1 received a verdict of not guilty. Thus in most of the preliminary proceedings the charges were dropped.

Forensic Medicine↗
PubMed1984

[Limitations of the post mortem determination of intravital soft-tissue hemorrhages long after death].

Under experimental conditions we investigated the influence of various environmental conditions and different temperatures on extravasated blood in the galea for varying time periods. At 30 degrees C it took 5-6 days before we could no longer histologically identify either red blood corpuscles or hemoglobin. At 4 degrees C and 18 degrees C we succeeded in making the identification for a considerably longer time. The various environmental conditions selected had no essential influence at any temperature. The forensic application of these results is discussed using an actual case as an example.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

[Unusual peracute cardiac death cases].

The causes for peracute cardiac death often stem from dysfunction of action-monitoring within the conduction system. By different basic diseases of the heart-partially ischemic circulatory, partially biochemical-biophysical, rarely musculary disorders dominate. This is demonstrated at four cases of death accompanied by rare findings: (1) Localised stenosing coronary arteriosclerosis and -thrombosis at a 32-year-old woman; (2) anatomically corrected transposition of the large vessels; (3) generalized progressive muscular dystrophy (Morbus Duchenne); (4) chronical shrinkage of both kidneys and overdosed electrolyte supply.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

[Morphology of acute coronary death in younger females].

This report covers obduction findings on 17 women who died between 1971 and 1982 at 29-45 years of age by typical acute coronary death. In all cases a high-grade stenosing coronary sclerosis was found, in 12 cases combined with a fresh obstructive thrombosis. Considerations as to etiology and pathogenesis are presented. So far no conclusive connection between oral contraception and early coronary sclerosis or a tendency toward coronary thrombosis is provable. Instead we suppose polyetiological patterns were present, which seem to be identical to acute coronary death in young men.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

[Etiologic and pathogenetic factors in Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome (author's transl)].

The Waterhouse-Friderischsen syndrome (WFS) is the morphological substrate of a rapidly, mostly irreversible shock due to endotoxemia similar to the Sanerelli-Shwartzman phenomenon. The following disturbances of microcirculation cause death. The findings of 13 postmortem examinations reveal that acute severe respiratory infections, especially of nose and throat as etiologic factors, are more frequent than meningitis. Apparently different pathogens and shock vary the couse of disease and symptomatology before death. Moreover, because of the rarity and intensity of the WFS, as yet unknown or unrecognized dispositional factors cannot be ruled out.

Adolescent↗