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Biomedical subjects

H J Zeitz

Publications and source records attributed to H J Zeitz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

Conversion from twice- to once-daily extended-release theophylline treatment in patients with reversible airway obstruction.

This multicenter, randomized, investigator-blinded, parallel group study compared the effects of converting patients from a q12h extended-release theophylline preparation (Theo-Dur) to a q24h extended-release product (Uni-Dur). Patients (n = 133) first received open-label Theo-Dur treatment with dosage titrated to achieve peak serum theophylline concentrations of 10-20 micrograms/ml. Patients then were randomized to continue Theo-Dur (n = 64) or to convert to Uni-Dur (n = 60) with peak serum theophylline concentrations maintained in the desired range. Pulmonary function tests were performed during the open-label and blinded periods; patients maintained diaries and performed peak flow measurements before each dose of study treatment. Adverse events were recorded throughout the study. Respiratory status during blinded treatment was rated as the same or improved compared with open-label treatment by > 87% of evaluable patients and physicians, regardless of treatment group. There were no significant differences in mean peak serum theophylline concentrations at baseline, at the final evaluation, or at any point during the study. Few dosage adjustments were necessary (5/52, Uni-Dur; 9/57, Theo-Dur). There were no significant changes in pulmonary function test results or patient diary entries between the open-label and blinded periods. Headache and nausea were the most commonly reported adverse events. In conclusion, converting patients from twice- to once-daily theophylline treatment resulted in no significant changes in any measures of pulmonary function, and there were no significant differences between the groups during the blinded treatment period.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Multi-centre comparison of ABBOTT MATRIX Aero to Pharmacia Standard RAST, Modified RAST and skin puncture tests.

ABBOTT MATRIX Aero is an enzyme immunoassay which measures specific IgE antibodies to 14 individually calibrated airborne allergens using a single serum specimen. In this study, ABBOTT MATRIX performance was evaluated in comparison to the results of skin puncture test and the Standard and Modified RAST procedures. The ABBOTT MATRIX demonstrated overall sensitivity of 89% vs. Standard RAST and Modified RAST, with specificity greater than 92% vs. both methods. ABBOTT MATRIX sensitivity vs. skin test (71%) exceeded that of the Standard and Modified RAST procedures (62% and 67% respectively). Positive results reported by ABBOTT MATRIX but not RAST were corroborated by skin test results for 3 of 5 allergens evaluated. All in vitro systems demonstrated specificity of approximately 90% vs. skin test. The ABBOTT MATRIX system provided results which compared favorably with the results of skin test and RAST, but required less hands-on time to obtain quantitative specific IgE measurements to multiple allergens.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Complement factor I deficiency with recurrent aseptic meningitis.

Patients with deficiency of the complement regulatory protein factor I typically present with systemic pyogenic bacterial infections, including meningitis. We report a novel case with total deficiency of factor I in serum and plasma; the patient experienced nine consecutive episodes of aseptic meningitis within a 2-year period. There was no history of previous bacterial sepsis. Aseptic meningitis recurred despite attempted penicillin prophylaxis. Each episode resolved rapidly without sequelae, with or without antibiotic treatment. Serum complement profiles showed persistently low levels of C3, factor B, and factor H and undetectable factor I protein. Family complement studies could not be performed. Except for a minimally increased titer of antinuclear antibody, no other immunologic abnormality was detected. Results of an oral ibuprofen challenge were negative. We conclude that deficiency of factor I may predispose to aseptic, as well as pyogenic bacterial, meningitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Efficacy and safety of nedocromil sodium ophthalmic solution in the treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

To assess the efficacy and safety of twice-daily administration of nedocromil sodium 2% ophthalmic solution, we performed a multicenter study involving 140 patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Subjects had a history of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and positive results of a skin test to ragweed. The trial coincided with the peak ragweed pollen season at five treatment centers. Patients treated with nedocromil sodium had improvements in symptoms with statistically significant reductions recorded for eye itching (P less than or equal to .04), conjunctival injection (P less than or equal to .001), and overall disease severity (P less than or equal to .001) as compared to the placebo-treated group. Adverse events were minor and transient. We concluded that nedocromil sodium 2% ophthalmic solution administered twice daily is effective in relieving major symptoms associated with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

SCH 434: a new antihistamine/decongestant for seasonal allergic rhinitis.

In a double-blind, multicenter study, we compared the effects of SCH 434 (Claritin-D; Schering Corp., Kenilworth, N.J.), a new sustained-release, combination antihistamine/decongestant medication, with the effects of its individual components and placebo in 435 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. SCH 434 contains 5 mg of loratadine, a nonsedating antihistamine, and 120 mg of pseudoephedrine as the decongestant component. Administered twice daily in this study, SCH 434 effected a 50% decrease in total symptom scores at day 4 and was significantly (p less than or equal to 0.03) more effective than the components alone or the placebo. Loratadine or pseudoephedrine alone, with 43% and 33% decline in symptom scores, respectively, also was more effective than placebo (p less than 0.05). As expected, pseudoephedrine alone was more effective than loratadine (p less than 0.01) in relieving nasal stuffiness; SCH 434 was more effective (p less than or equal to 0.01) than placebo and loratadine in relieving nasal stuffiness. All treatments were safe and well tolerated, although insomnia and dry mouth were noted in a significant number of patients who received either SCH 434 or pseudoephedrine. No serious side effects were noted. The incidence of sedation did not differ significantly among the four treatment groups. We conclude that SCH 434 is a safe and effective treatment for symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis. The combination drug (SCH 434) was better than its components for some, but not all, symptoms.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

IgE-mediated sensitivity to Trichophyton rubrum in a patient with chronic dermatophytosis and Cushing's syndrome.

Persistent Trichophyton rubrum infection has been observed previously in association with Cushing's syndrome. In this article, we demonstrate IgE-mediated sensitivity to Trichophyton in a patient with chronic dermatophytosis secondary to Cushing's syndrome. Cell-mediated immunity was absent, but Trichophyton extract produced an immediate skin response and also stimulated a concentration-dependent histamine release from basophils of the patient. After adrenalectomy, cell-mediated immunity to Trichophyton was restored, and infection was confined to the nails. Skin and leukocyte sensitivity to Trichophyton extract persisted and was even more pronounced than the sensitivity before adrenalectomy. RAST measurement confirmed the presence of Trichophyton-specific IgE after adrenalectomy. These results provide further evidence that IgE-mediated inflammatory events may be initiated by Trichophyton infection.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Bronchial asthma, nasal polyps, and aspirin sensitivity: Samter's syndrome.

The historic triad of bronchial asthma, nasal polyposis, and intolerance to aspirin and related chemicals, recently designated as Samter's syndrome, is an inflammatory condition of unknown etiology and pathogenesis. The condition is probably acquired, perhaps secondary to a viral infection, but a hereditary factor may be important in some patients. Most patients with this syndrome are adults, with an occasional case being identified in a teenager or older child. Although not every patient will have the fully developed syndrome, the typical patient will have all three of the classic features. Many patients with Samter's syndrome also have a marked eosinophilia of both bronchial and nasal secretions as well as the circulating blood. Approximately 10 per cent of the patients have urticaria and/or angioedema, alone or in combination with respiratory inflammation. The diagnosis usually can be established easily on the basis of the history and physical examination, and only rarely in clinical practice is it necessary to perform a confirmatory aspirin challenge test. As with all allergic diseases, the cornerstone of treatment is environmental control with avoidance of respiratory irritants, aspirin, and aspirin-like medications. Management of upper airway disease requires careful prescription of medication supplemented by judicious selection of surgery. A variety of medications, including bronchodilators and corticosteroids, can be used to treat the bronchial symptoms. The results of current research are expected to lead to better understanding followed by further improvements in treatment for patients with Samter's syndrome.

Aspirin↗
PubMed1987

Sulindac inhibits bumetanide-induced sodium and water excretion.

In an open-label pilot study, we investigated the effect of sulindac on bumetanide-induced diuresis. Nine healthy volunteers were placed on diets with a standard sodium and potassium content. Each volunteer received 1 mg bumetanide orally, and blood and urine samples were collected during an 8-hour period. Urinary losses were replaced isovolumetrically with intravenous normal saline solution. Creatinine clearance and sodium and potassium excretion were compared with and without sulindac pretreatment (200 mg administered orally b.i.d. for 5 days). Sulindac pretreatment resulted in a 22% decrease in the mean cumulative sodium excretion after 3 hours (p less than 0.05) and a 21% decrease in the mean urine flow rate after 2 hours (p less than 0.05). The results suggest that sulindac has an effect on the kidney similar to that of other nonsteroidal agents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

The molecular basis for genetic deficiency of the second component of human complement.

Genetic deficiency of the second component of complement (C2) is the most common complement-deficiency state among Western Europeans and is frequently associated with autoimmune diseases. To examine the molecular basis of this deficiency, we established cultures of blood monocytes from four families with C2-deficient members. Using a hemolytic-plaque assay, [35S]methionine metabolic labeling of proteins in tissue culture and immunoprecipitation, RNA extraction and Northern blot analysis, and DNA restriction-enzyme digestion and Southern blot analysis, we found that C2 deficiency is not due to a major gene deletion or rearrangement but is the result of a specific and selective pretranslational regulatory defect in C2 gene expression. This leads to a lack of detectable C2 mRNA and a lack of synthesis of C2 protein. The approach used in this study should prove useful in examination of other plasma protein deficiencies, especially those in which the deficient gene is normally expressed in peripheral-blood monocytes or tissue macrophages and in which ethical considerations preclude the use of liver or other tissue for study.

Autoimmune Diseases↗
PubMed1985

Fatal panniculitis.

The Weber-Christian syndrome (relapsing nodular panniculitis) displays a clinical spectrum varying from short, self-limited, or intermittent disease episodes to persistent disease with fatal outcome. Inflamed adipose tissue is exclusively subcutaneous in some patients and is both subcutaneous and perivisceral in others. Inflammation of fat may induce a focal cutaneous or a systemic extracutaneous histiocytic proliferative response in which hemophagocytosis may be a frequent characteristic. Major causes of death--sepsis, hepatic failure, hemorrhage, and thrombosis--are identical in the patients with and without the systemic histiocytic proliferation. Inflammation in fat, of and by itself, may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality, regardless of specific histopathology or inciting factors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Panniculitis associated with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and cytophagocytic histiocytosis.

A 36-year-old woman had a 6-year history of recurrent panniculitis with development of an angiocentric and angiodestructive cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) of the helper cell phenotype. She subsequently developed a rapidly progressive fatal syndrome characterized by cytophagocytic histiocytosis and hyperlipidaemia. Cytophagocytic histiocytosis has previously been reported in association with panniculitis, malignancy and infection, but not with CTCL and the precise relationship between panniculitis, CTCL, cytophagocytic histiocytosis and hyperlipidemia is unclear.

Adult↗