PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

H G Beger

Publications and source records attributed to H G Beger.

At least 343 records · Page 19Linked to original sources

[What is confirmed in chemo- and immunotherapy of solid tumors. Standard protocols, studies and new developments].

Reviewing the treatment perspectives with chemo- and immunotherapy in carcinomas and sarcomas to be treated by general or orthopedic surgeons, the following indications are regarded as recommendable: Adjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer, neoadjuvant chemotherapy with radiation in anal carcinoma and neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy of high-grade malignant osteosarcoma. Isolation perfusion currently is the treatment of choice in melanoma metastasis limited to an extremity. With several indications, recent developments have produced promising results that should be urgently confirmed in appropriate studies. Therefore the following studies have a high priority: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in esophageal carcinoma and in locally advanced breast and stomach cancer, adjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in colon carcinoma UICC III and chemoradiation in rectal carcinoma UICC II and III, systemic chemotherapy of metastasized stomach-, colorectal-, breast cancer and sarcomas. Isolated non-resectable liver metastases of colorectal origin and hepatocellular carcinoma should be included in studies evaluating the treatment advantage of regional chemotherapy. Those malignant "surgical" tumors not listed above should receive chemotherapy within experimental studies, after consideration of individual risk factors, or no chemotherapy. Immunotherapy with its various modalities is still in the experimental stage.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

The involvement of oxygen radicals in acute pancreatitis.

The purpose of this study was to assess the involvement of oxygen radicals in acute edematous and hemorrhagic pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis was induced in rats by the CCK-analogue cerulein (5 micrograms/kg/h) and by retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate for 30 min, 3.5 h, and 12 h. At the end of the infusion and observation time, serum enzymes, conjugated dienes, and malondialdehyde in the tissue were measured. Moreover, the tissue samples underwent light microscopical examination. In cerulein pancreatitis, an interstitial edema and intravascular margination of granulocytes in the pancreatic gland were observed after 3.5 h. After 12 h, the histological evaluation revealed a pronounced zymogen degranulation, extensive tissue necrosis and migration of granulocytes into the tissue. Parallelly, amylase and lipase increased by 15 and 35 times, respectively. In contrast, conjugated dienes and malondialdehyde increased in cerulein pancreatitis and reached their highest level after 3.5 h and decreased to normal levels after 12 h. The development of the histological damages and serum enzyme levels with sodium taurocholate pancreatitis was similar as compared to the cerulein pancreatitis, however, the development was faster and more traumatic. Already after 3.5 h an extensive zymogen degranulation and cell necrosis was observed. Concomitantly, the amylase and lipase levels increased by 90 and 30 times, respectively. Treatment with superoxide dismutase (100,000 U/kg/h) and catalase (400,000 U/kg/h) prevented lipid peroxidation and reduced zymogen degranulation and tissue necrosis. Tissue edema and inflammatory response were not affected in both models of acute pancreatitis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acute Disease↗

Oxygen radicals in liver ischemia and reperfusion--experimental data.

The generation of free oxygen radicals is presumed as a substantial pathogenetic principle in reperfusion injury. Although demonstrated in gut, muscle and kidneys its role in liver reperfusion injury is still under investigation. In an experimental rat model of warm liver ischemia of 60 min and 8 h reperfusion electron resonance spectroscopy assessed the increased generation of free radicals in early reperfusion period, leading to a decrease of polyunsaturated free fatty acids in liver tissue within 15 min of reperfusion. Histologically, single cell death, local and patchy necrosis of hepatic lobuli could be observed after 8 h reperfusion (n = 6). These histologic signs of liver injury could be attenuated by administration of superoxide-dismutase in combination with catalase but not by allopurinol. Best results could be obtained by deferoxamine. This indicates that increased generation of free oxygen radicals in reperfusion is not caused by the known conversion of xanthine-dehydrogenase to -oxidase but is mediated by an increased generation of hydroxyl-radicals, which can be scavenged by deferoxamine.

Allopurinol↗

[Does tumor aftercare in colorectal carcinoma make sense?].

The aim of regular follow-up of cancer patients after curative surgery is to detect any recurrence or second cancer as early as possible. Some workers have claimed that in such cases prompt surgical therapy can cure large numbers of patients. To answer this question, a detailed follow-up programme was carried out in 1054 patients (585 men, 469 women, mean age 62 [25-79] years) who had undergone surgery for colorectal cancers in TNM stages I, II, or III, the operations having been aimed at cure, not merely palliation. During a median observation time of 38 (4-140) months recurrences arose in 350 patients, while 16 patients developed a second carcinoma and 23 patients a carcinoma of some other organ. In 75 of the 350 patients there was an isolated local or regional recurrence, but in 275 patients there were distant metastases. Second operations aimed at cure were performed in 56 of the 350 patients. Only 21 of these 56 patients, i.e., 6% of all the patients whose tumours recurred, were free from cancer at the end of the observation period. The effort and expense required for a cancer follow-up programme of the kind at present advocated for patients with colorectal cancer are out of proportion to the results achieved. This conclusion should prompt a review of the value of other follow-up programmes.

Adolescent↗

[Ischemia/reperfusion damage of the liver caused by free radicals--direct radical detection using electron spin resonance (ESR)].

The generation of free oxygen radicals is presumed to be a pathogenetic principle in various conditions, primarily in postischemic reperfusion injury. Their assessment is difficult. ESR is an excellent tool to assess free radicals directly. In an experimental model of rat liver ischemia and reperfusion the increased generation of free radicals during reperfusion in liver tissue could be demonstrated after 60 min of liver ischemia. Elevated production rates of radicals could be detected after 5 min of reperfusion for at least 45 min with a maximum after 15 min of reperfusion. Scavenging of these radicals has to start in the very beginning of reperfusion.

Animals↗

PMN-elastase in comparison with CRP, antiproteases, and LDH as indicators of necrosis in human acute pancreatitis.

We analyzed the role of polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMN)-elastase in predicting the prognosis of patients with acute pancreatitis in comparison with C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and the two antiproteases alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1-AT) and alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2-M). Fifty-two patients with acute pancreatitis were subdivided according to morphological criteria into 29 patients with edematous pancreatitis and 23 patients with necrotizing pancreatitis. Within 5 days after the onset of acute pancreatitis, the accuracy rates for detecting necrotizing pancreatitis were 86%, 84%, 82%, 72%, and 69%, using cutoff levels of 120 mg/L for CRP, 120 micrograms/L for PMN-elastase, 270 U/L for LDH, 1.5 g/L for alpha 2-M, and 3.5 g/L for alpha 1-AT, respectively. The median peak value of PMN-elastase was reached on day 1 of acute pancreatitis in contrast to the median peak of CRP, which was at its highest between days 3 and 4. PMN-elastase represents a reliable indicator, comparable with CRP, for the staging of acute pancreatitis. The advantage of PMN-elastase over CRP appears to be its earlier increase and the greater dynamism of its serum course. Finally, the results suggest that CT scanning for the evaluation of the extent of intra- and extrapancreatic necrosis could be restricted to those patients with increased values of PMN-elastase and CRP.

Acute Disease↗

Involvement of neutrophils in postischaemic damage to the small intestine.

Haemorrhagic mucosal lesions are produced during intestinal ischaemia and after reperfusion probably mediated by oxygen radicals. Oxygen radicals react with cell membrane lipids and induce cell damage by peroxidation and induce accumulation of polymorphonuclear leucocytes in the tissue. The aim of the study was to elucidate the involvement of polymorphonuclear leucocytes in post-ischaemic intestinal damage. Intestinal ischaemia was induced in cats by partial occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery. Samples from the small intestine were excised before and at the end of the two hour hypotensive period as well as 10 minutes and 60 minutes after reperfusion. Conjugated dienes, myeloperoxidase, and the purine metabolites were determined in the samples. The tissue was also examined histologically. Seven cats were treated before reperfusion with a monoclonal antibody (IB4) which inhibits leucocyte adherence to endothelial cells and its subsequent activation. After reperfusion myeloperoxidase activity increased and the ischaemic mucosal lesions worsened significantly. IB4 treatment prevented an increase in post-hypotensive myeloperoxidase activity and attenuated the normally observed severe mucosal lesions. We conclude that the severe post-ischaemic lesions are induced by polymorphonuclear leucocytes. Such mucosal injury may be appreciably reduced by blocking leucocyte adherence with IB4.

Animals↗

Demonstration of an interaction between transferrin and lipopolysaccharide--an in vitro study.

Transferrin is reported to be a major lipopolysaccharide binding protein of human plasma, at least in vitro. By use of the limulus-amebocyte-lysate test the influence of transferrin on endotoxicity was studied. In the absence of any other protein human iron-free transferrin was able to strongly enhance endotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner. Similar results were obtained when transferrin was added to primarily heat-inactivated plasma. Even in this assay the endotoxin recovery increased when transferrin was exogenously added. On the other hand, transferrin inhibited endotoxicity when inactivation of the plasma samples was performed after the addition of endotoxin and transferrin. These results lead to the conclusion that transferrin in fact interacts with lipopolysaccharide in a biologically important manner. In order to achieve neutralization of endotoxin, however, other plasma constituents are needed. The hypothetical function of transferrin is possibly a disaggregation of lipopolysaccharide micelles, following the interaction between the two molecules. The present data should justify further studies in order to clarify a possible benefit of the substitution of transferrin during gram-negative sepsis.

Blood Physiological Phenomena↗

LH-RH receptors in the human pancreas. Basis for antihormonal treatment in ductal carcinoma of the pancreas.

LH-RH-, estrogen-, and progesterone-receptor binding was measured in the human pancreas of patients with ductal pancreatic cancer (n = 23) and chronic pancreatitis (n = 15), and of organ donors (n = 11). Receptor analysis was determined by incubation of the homogenized tissues with estrogen, progesterone, and the LH-RH analog buserelin labeled with iodine-125. Only one biopsy (9%) from normal pancreas had an LH-RH-receptor concentration greater than 3 fmol/mg membrane protein. LH-RH binding levels greater than 3 fmol/mg were detected in 67% of patients with chronic pancreatitis and in 57% of patients with pancreatic cancer. Progesterone levels greater than 15 fmol/mg membrane protein were found in 36% of normal pancreas, in 27% of chronic pancreatitis, and in 17% of pancreatic cancer cases, respectively. The highest concentration of estrogen receptors (greater than 15 fmol/mg membrane protein) was seen in normal pancreas (73%). The increase in LH-RH-receptor concentration in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer seems to be unspecific, but might be of benefit for antiproliferative treatment in pancreatic cancer.

Adult↗

Carboxylic ester hydrolase. A sensitive serum marker and indicator of severity of acute pancreatitis.

When using clinical criteria, both falsely positive and falsely negative diagnoses of acute pancreatitis (AP) are often made. Based on a clinical study, elevated serum levels of the pancreatic lipolytic enzyme carboxylic ester hydrolase (CEH) was recently suggested to be a highly specific marker of acute pancreatitis. To determine the sensitivity of the test for AP, a study on patients with the diagnosis set objectively was necessary. In the present study, AP was diagnosed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography in 64 patients, and histopathological examination of tissue removed at laparotomy in 18 of them. By these criteria, 42 patients suffered from acute interstitial pancreatitis (AIP), and 22 patients from necrotizing pancreatitis (NP). Based on the CEH concentrations in the first serum sample obtained in each patient, the sensitivity of CEH for pancreatitis was 98%. From the second day after admission, CEH levels in patients with NP were significantly higher than in patients with AIP. Furthermore, in patients with NP, CEH values remained at a raised level for the following 10 d, whereas a significant decrease of CEH values was noted in patients with AIP. In contrast, total serum amylase activities were higher in patients suffering of AIP than in patients suffering of NP during the observation period. We conclude, that the sensitivity of the CEH test is very high for AP. CEH concentrations remaining at a high level are suggestive of NP, whereas diminishing CEH levels are suggestive of AIP.

Acute Disease↗

[Gallbladder carcinoma as an incidental finding].

Between March 1982 and December 1990, 903 patients underwent elective cholecystectomy. In 40 patients cholecystectomy was performed for gallbladder carcinoma. 15 malignomas (1.7%) were found incidentally. Preoperatively no anamnestic or diagnostic tumor signs were found in this group of patients. An en-bloc-resection of the gallbladder with resection of the bordering liver segments was performed when gallbladder carcinoma was diagnosed intraoperatively. When the diagnosis was established by postoperative histology, a relaparotomy with liver resection and lymphnode-dissection was done, except in one case (T-1a stage). Histology showed adenocarcinoma in 11 out of 15 cases. No significant difference in the course of the disease was observed in patients with gallbladder carcinoma of different types. The hospital mortality rate was 0% after curative and palliative surgical treatment of gallbladder carcinoma. Patients with T-1 and T-2 stage have survived without tumor-recurrence up to now. The median survival time after surgery for gallbladder carcinoma in T-3 stage was 17 months, and 8 months in T-4 stage. The morbidity rate after elective cholecystectomy is low and hospital mortality is 0%. According to the short survival times in advanced stages of gallbladder carcinoma, a prompt cholecystectomy in symptomatic gallbladder lithiasis or chronic cholecystitis is advocated.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Operative management of necrotizing pancreatitis--necrosectomy and continuous closed postoperative lavage of the lesser sac.

In patients with severe acute pancreatitis, the most important diagnostic goal is differentiation between the interstitial-edematous and the necrotizing type of acute pancreatitis. Surgical management in patients with proven necrotizing pancreatitis is indicated in patients who develop surgical acute abdomen, sepsis, shock syndrome, multisystemic organ failure syndrome, persistent or progressive despite maximum intensive care. The most appropriate procedure for surgical management of pancreatic necrosis is the careful removal of necrosis and preservation of vital pancreatic tissue. Necrosectomy supplemented by postoperative closed continuous lavage of the lesser sac is a procedure that offers the advantages of debridement of devitalized tissue only, and the non-surgical removal of necrotic tissue and bacterially and biologically active compounds. In comparison with a reoperation protocol, necrosectomy and continuous lavage reduce the reoperation rate as well as the need for tracheostomy. In a prospectively treated series of patients suffering from necrotizing pancreatitis, hospital mortality was 8.4% and the reoperation rate 27%. Any tissue becoming necrotic in the postoperative course of disease is rinsed with lavage fluid, thus obviating the need for repeated surgical reoperation in most patients. Local lavage is achieved by the insertion of two, in some cases five, large double-lumen tubus and the use of 8 liters (median) of lavage fluid per day.

Acute Disease↗