Biomedical subjects

H Haugtomt

Publications and source records attributed to H Haugtomt.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1989

[Pulmonary edema and pericarditis after inhalation of Teflon fumes].

Inhalation of fumes from pyrolysis of polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) is known to cause polymer fume fever, a mild syndrome of influenza-like symptoms of short duration. Occasionally more severe reactions occur. Several cases of pulmonary edema have been reported, only one of which was fatal. We report a case history of pulmonary edema and pericarditis following inhalation of fumes from grinding a Teflon coated surface. Pericarditis has not been reported previously in connection with polymer fume reactions. We discuss various aspects of such reactions, with reference to the case and to selected literature.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

[Viral or bacterial meningitis. Differential diagnostic problems].

A 19 year old previously healthy man presented symptoms of meningitis. Culture from the cerebrospinal fluid revealed herpes simplex virus type 2 to be the responsible agent. The course was benign, the patient was never seriously ill. He recovered fully within a few weeks. The cerebrospinal fluid showed prolonged pleocytosis and low values of glucose. The traditional cerebrospinal fluid parameters employed in the diagnosis of meningitis, and for distinguishing bacterial from viral meningitis, are shown to be inadequate in many cases. Of these tests cerebrospinal fluid differential cell count is of most value, especially if repeated after 12 hours or so in the initial course. Additional tests have been proposed, none of which have proven to be of much help, except perhaps the test for lactate in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

[Herpes simplex virus infection of the central nervous system].

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1) infection in the central nervous system results in encephalitis with high mortality and morbidity. However herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV 2) infection in this area usually results in benign meningitis. Brain biopsy is the most sensitive and most specific method for diagnosing HSV 1 encephalitis. Antibody determinations in serum and cerebrospinal fluid give only a retrospective diagnosis. A rapid non-invasive diagnostic test is urgently required as an alternative to biopsy. Cerebrospinal fluid viral culture may be of great help in diagnosing HSV 2 meningitis. Acyclovir given intravenously is the treatment of choice for HSV encephalitis. In the case of HSV 2 meningitis no studies have been conducted on systemic antiviral therapy.

Biopsy↗