PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J Böttcher

Publications and source records attributed to J Böttcher.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Multi-site quantitative ultrasound compared to dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in rheumatoid arthritis: effects of body mass index and inflamed soft tissue on reproducibility.

The objective of the study is to evaluate multi-site quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in comparison to dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) considering the effects of body mass index (BMI) and disease activity on measurements in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Sixty-eight patients underwent a cross-sectional analysis of bone mineral density measured by DXA (lumbar spine, total femur) and speed of sound estimated by QUS (phalanx III, distal radius). The short-term precision of QUS was investigated with regard to BMI of healthy individuals and with regard to the level of disease activity in patients suffering from RA. The patients with RA were divided into two BMI groups as well as into low and advanced disease activity groups. The short-term precision of QUS-SOS ranged from 0.90 to 2.55% (healthy controls) and from 0.64 to 1.89% (patients with RA). The association between DXA and QUS parameters were limited in the case of advanced disease activity and pronounced BMI. Low QUS-SOS was observed for advanced disease activity group (QUS-SOS phalanx: -2.5%; QUS-SOS distal radius: -2.1%) in comparison to low disease activity group, whereas only a slight change of DXA parameters was observed. DXA-BMD and QUS parameters revealed higher values with pronounced BMI. The system shows only a short-term precision with limitations in healthy controls with accentuated BMI, as well as in patients with active RA. The application of multi-site QUS seems to be restricted for patients with active inflammation based on soft tissue alteration in RA and for healthy individuals with pronounced body mass.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Peripheral bone status in rheumatoid arthritis evaluated by digital X-ray radiogrammetry and compared with multisite quantitative ultrasound.

The development of secondary osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has recently become well recognized, characterized by demineralization at axial and in particular periarticular peripheral bone sites. Our aim was to evaluate multisite quantitative ultrasound (QUS) compared to digital X-ray radiogrammetry (DXR) by the quantification of cortical bone loss dependent on the severity of RA. Fifty-three patients with verified RA underwent QUS measurements (Sunlight Omnisense 7000) with estimation of the speed of sound (QUS-SOS) at the distal radius and at the phalanx of the third digit. Also, bone mineral density (DXR-BMD) and metacarpal index (DXR-MCI) were estimated on metacarpals II-IV using DXR technology. Additionally, Larsen score and Steinbroker stage were assessed. Disease activity of RA was estimated by disease activity score 28 (DAS 28). For the group with minor disease activity (3.2 5.1), QUS-SOS of the radius revealed a significant correlation to DXR-BMD (R = 0.71) and DXR-MCI (R = 0.84), whereas for QUS-SOS (phalanx) no significant association to the DXR parameters was shown. The DXR parameters and, to a lesser extent, the QUS data also demonstrated pronounced declines in the case of accentuated disease activity (DAS > 5.1). Both DXR-BMD (-25.9 %, P < 0.01) and DXR-MCI (-38.6 %, P < 0.01) revealed a notable reduction dependent on the severity of RA. Otherwise, QUS-SOS marginally decreased, with -2.6% (radius) and -3.9% (phalanx). DXR revealed a significant reduction of DXR-BMD as well as DXR-MCI dependent on the severity of RA and surpassed multisite QUS as a promising diagnostic tool.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Digital radiogrammetry as a new diagnostic tool for estimation of disease-related osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis compared with pQCT.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the potential of a new osteogeometric technology based on digital X-ray radiogrammetry (DXR) as a diagnostic tool for quantification of severity-dependent osteoporosis, and to distinguish between inflammation-mediated and corticoid-induced variations of bone mineralisation in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: Ninety-six patients (duration of disease: <18 months) underwent retrospective calculations of bone mineral density (DXR-BMD) and metacarpal index (MCI) by DXR, which were calculated from plain radiographs of the non-dominant hand. For comparison, pQCT-calculated BMD (total, cortical-subcortical and trabecular partition of bone tissue) was done on the distal radius. Severity was classified using Ratingen Score by two independent radiologists, and divided into three main groups. In addition, the patients were separated into those with corticoid medication (n=44; 5 mg/day over a half year period) and a control group (n=52) without any corticoid therapy. RESULTS: Correlations between DXR-BMD and MCI versus pQCT parameters were all significant (0.36<R<0.71; p<0.01), independent of corticoid therapy. Only in the group without corticoid application, the correlation between DXR-BMD and pQCT-BMD (cortical) showed no significant association. For patients with corticoid therapy, our data revealed the lowest correlation coefficient between DXR parameters and pQCT-BMD (trabecular). Without a difference in comparison to corticoid therapy, the significant relative decrease of BMD estimated by DXR between the highest and lowest score was between 11.1% and 14.3% and for MCI between 15.8% and 17.8%. The also significant relative decrease of trabecular BMD using pQCT varied from 10.3% to 16.9%, whereas no significant results could be verified for pQCT-BMD (cortical and total). CONCLUSIONS: Digital radiogrammetry can precisely estimate severity-dependent cortical reduction of bone mineral density in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis both with and without corticoid therapy, and seems to be able to distinguish the side effects of antirheumatic treatment from the disease-related periarticular bone loss. The detection and quantification of periarticular osteoporosis by DXR could be an important diagnostic tool in early rheumatoid arthritis.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Localized reversible reduction of apparent diffusion coefficient in transient hypoglycemia-induced hemiparesis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The pathophysiology of hypoglycemia shares a common mechanism with cerebral ischemia, but so far, little is known regarding MRI of humans with hypoglycemia. METHODS: We report a patient with left hemiparesis and dysarthria associated with a blood glucose level of 1.7 mmol/L. The patient recovered completely after glucose infusion. RESULTS: The initial diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) showed increased signal intensities and a reduction of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values localized in the corpus callosum (splenium) and asymmetrically in the corona radiata. After 48 hours, follow-up revealed complete recovery of DWI and ADC signal abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first presentation of a case with transient hypoglycemia-induced focal neurological deficits revealing completely reversible MRI changes in terms of disturbed DWI and ADC with a peculiar as yet undescribed topography.

Aged↗

Digital X-ray radiogrammetry combined with semiautomated analysis of joint space widths as a new diagnostic approach in rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate digital x-ray radiogrammetry (DXR) and the Radiogrammetry Kit program as new diagnostic tools for quantifying disease-related periarticular osteoporosis and for measuring joint space narrowing according to the severity and duration of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Using DXR, we performed computerized calculations of bone mineral density (BMD) and the metacarpal index (MCI) in 258 patients with active RA. Using the Radiogrammetry Kit program, we also performed semiautomated measurements of joint space width (JSW) at the second through the fifth metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints in these patients. RESULTS: All correlations between the different parameters of both techniques (BMD and the MCI as measured by DXR and MCP JSW as measured by the Radiogrammetry Kit) were significant (0.36 < or = R < or = 0.63; P < 0.01). As expected, a significant negative association was shown between the different MCP JSW results and the results of all scoring methods (-0.67 < or = R < or = -0.29). The BMD and the MCI measured by DXR both decreased significantly between Steinbrocker stage I and stage IV (by 32.7% and 36.6%, respectively; both P < 0.01). Reductions in the overall (mean) MCP JSW varied from 35.3% (Larsen score) to 52.9% (Steinbrocker stage). Over a period of 6 years, we observed relative decreases in BMD and the MCI as measured by DXR (32.1% and 33.3%, respectively), as well as in the overall (mean) MCP JSW (23.5%), and these were pronounced in early RA (duration <1 year). In addition, excellent reproducibility of DXR and Radiogrammetry Kit parameters was verified (coefficients of variation <1%). CONCLUSION: DXR with the integrated Radiogrammetry Kit program could be a promising, widely available diagnostic tool for supplementing the different RA scoring methods with quantitative data, thus allowing an earlier and improved diagnosis of RA and more precision in determining disease progression.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

[Influence of body constitution on bone mineral density measured by digital radiogrammetry].

PURPOSE: In addition to many established osteodensitometric techniques, digital radiogrammetry (DXR) is considered to be a reliable method for measuring the cortical bone mineral density (DXR-BMD). This study investigates the influence of body constitution on BMD of healthy adults as calculated by DXR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, 246 adults without bone affecting diseases in their clinical history underwent DXR for analysis and calculations of bone mineral density and determination of metacarpal index (MCI) and porosity index (PI). Height, weight and body mass index (BMI) were recorded for each patient. RESULTS: For all individuals and for all BMI subgroups, both height (0.55 < R < 0.70, p < 0.01) and body weight (0.56 < R < 0.78, p < 0.01) correlated closely with DXR-BMD. Only in the over-weight group, no significant correlation was found between body weight and DXR-BMD. In addition, a significant reduction of the relative DXR-BMD and MCI values was observed between the over-weight and the under-weight group as well as between normal-weight and under-weight individuals (p < 0.01). Otherwise, cortical porosity decreased with increasing body weight. CONCLUSION: Similar to Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry-based studies (DXA), digital radiogrammetry measures an increase in BMD with increasing body weight. Therefore DXR, which provides a precise technique without influence of soft tissue, seems to be a promising technique for quantifying marginal alterations in cortical BMD as well for following the course of osteoporosis.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

[The effect of sports activities in children and adolescents on the calcaneus--an investigation with quantitative ultrasound].

PURPOSE: To determine whether quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters speed of sound (SOS) and broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) on the calcaneus are different between athletic children and a reference population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From a college of physical education, 177 children and adolescents (121 boys and 56 girls, age range from 11 to 18 years) were included in this study. QUS was performed on the calcaneus using the Saharatrade mark device (Hologic, USA). SOS and BUA were estimated. Regional reference values of 3299 children were used to determine significant differences between athletes and reference population. The influence of activitiy level, age, height, and weight was estimated using correlation analysis. RESULTS: Sportsmen showed significant (p < 0.05) higher values of the QUS parameters (SOS 1581.1 m/s; BUA 69.7 dB/MHz) compared to the reference data (SOS 1563.9 m/s; BUA 64.2 dB/MHz). Significant correlation was observed between BUA and the level of activity, age, weight, and height (p < 0.01) and between SOS and weight and height (p < 0.05). In the group of soccer players and athlets, significant correlation was found between BUA vs. age and BUA vs. weight (p < 0.05). Furthermore, significant corelation was observed between BUA vs. age and weight in judokas and wrestlers. For the level of activity, a significant correlation to BUA was only found in the group of judokas and wrestlers (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: An increase in quantitative ultrasound parameters on the calcaneus occurs in children and adolescents with increased physical activity.

Adolescent↗

[Assessment of skeletal age using a new ultrasound method].

PURPOSE: Determination of skeletal development in children is important. The most used evaluation method is to study left hand X-ray based on the standards depicted by Greulich and Pyle. The aim of our study was to compare the accuracy of a new sonographically based method with the standard method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 160 consecutive evaluated children and adolescents (77 male, 83 female) who received a X-ray of the left hand were evaluated. Ultrasound examination of the same hand was performed on the same day using the BonAge system (Sunlight Medical Ltd., Israel). This system evaluates the relationship between the velocity of the wave (speed of sound) passing thorough the distal radial and ulna epiphysis and growth, using gender- and ethnicity-based algorithms. Three experienced investigators (U1-U3) analysed the X-ray and assigned bone age scores based on the Greulich and Pyle atlas (G and P). The investigators were blinded to the calendary age (CA) of the patient and also for the BonAge result. Correlation between BonAge system results and G and P was performed using SPSS 12.0.1. RESULTS: In 152 patients BonAge measurement could be performed successfully. The correlation between the three investigators using the G and P method was between 0.977 and 0.980; correlation between the BonAge system and the investigators (U1-U3) was 0.902 and 0.920. The paired t-test showed no significant differences between the BonAge system and the three investigators and also for the comparison between U1 and U2. There were significant differences between U1 vs. U3 and U2 vs. U3 (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: The BonAge device demonstrates the ability to produce an sufficient assessment of bone age using an ultrasound method. The results are correlated with conventional skeletal age evaluation using the G and P method. Advantages of the ultrasound device are objectivity, lack of ionizing radiation, and easy accessibility. In the case of first investigation X-ray is necessary to look for dissociated skeletal age, dysplasia, and mineralisation.

Adolescent↗

Initial DWI and ADC imaging may predict outcome in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis: report of two cases of brain stem encephalitis.

Two young patients with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) of the brain stem are described. In spite of similar lesion sites in the brain stem, reaching from the upper medulla to the mesencephalon, the outcomes of the patients were very different: one made a full clinical recovery within three weeks while the other remained in a locked-in state more than a year after the disease episode. Both patients also differed in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings on admission. The patient who remained in a locked-in state had pathological diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) scans and decreased apparent diffusion coefficient maps initially, with severe tissue destruction on follow up computed tomography, while the patient who recovered fully showed initially increased apparent diffusion coefficient values and almost complete resolution of MRI changes on follow up. Thus a comparison of these two cases may indicate differences in the underlying pathology in ADEM (vasogenic v cytotoxic oedema) that may be crucial for estimating tissue damage and clinical outcome.

Adult↗

[Visualization of symmetric striopallidodentate calcinosis by using high-resolution susceptibility-weighted MR imaging. An account of the impact of different diagnostic methods of M. Fahr].

Bilateral striopallidodentate calcinosis, also known as Fahr's disease, is characterized by symmetric calcifications of the basal ganglia, thalami, dentate nuclei of the cerebellum and white matter of the cerebral hemispheres. Besides the common idiopathic etiology of bilateral intracerebral calcinosis, alterations of calcium metabolism are present in rare cases, which are especially caused by hormonal dysfunction of the parathyroids. Advanced imaging techniques, such as CT and MRI, demonstrate increasing relevance regarding diagnosis of bilateral striopallidodentate calcinosis. Intracranial calcifications are routinely observed with high sensitivity by CT. On MR images calcifications exhibit different signal intensities, which depend on the stage of the disease, differences in calcium metabolism and the compound of these calcifications. Application of a new high-resolution, susceptibility-weighted MR sequence allows detailed visualization of the intracerebral calcifications in Fahr's disease. Further diagnostic methods and important aspects regarding clinical manifestation of bilateral striopallidodentate calcinosis are also discussed.

Basal Ganglia Diseases↗

[Clinical trial for differentiation between corticoid-induced osteoporosis and periarticular demineralization via digital radiogrammetry in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis].

PURPOSE: To investigate a new bone densitometric technology based on digital radiogrammetry (DXR) with respect to its ability to measure severity-dependent variations of bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to differentiate between corticoid-induced and periarticular bone mineral density loss. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 153 randomly selected patients suffering from verified rheumatoid arthritis underwent digitally performed plain radiographs of the non-dominant hand and also measurements of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) regarding total femur and lumbar spine in 102 patients and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) regarding the distal radius in 51 patients. Using DXR the radiographs of the non-dominant hand were analyzed for cortical bone mineral density calculation. The severity was classified in the DXA group using the Ratingen score. Furthermore, both study populations were divided into patients with and without corticoid therapy. RESULTS: Correlations between BMD determined by DXR and by DXA (R=0.44 for lumbar spine and R=0.61 for total femur) versus pQCT (0.46<R<0.59) were all significant. An appropriate association was confirmed between pQCT and DXA (R=0.61 for total femur and 0.73 for LWS). In the subgroup of patients with corticoid therapy (mean dose: 5 mg/d for a period of more than 6 month), our data showed-similar to the collective of all patients-significant correlations (0.34<R<0.59) between DXR and the other methods. In contrast to pQCT (0.37<R<0.59) the study revealed a poor association between DXR- and DXA-parameters in the subgroup of patients without corticoid therapy; only the correlation between DXA-BMD of total femur and DXR-BMD achieved a significant level (R=0.38, p<0.05). The mean value of BMD measured by DXR decreased severity dependently from 0.59 g/cm(2) (Stage 1) to 0.46 g/cm(2) (Stage 5). Similar results were verified for the metacarpal index (DXR). The relative decrease of BMD between the highest and lowest score was 21% (p<0.05). Otherwise the reduction of bone mineral density using DXA revealed no significant results. CONCLUSION: The DXR-based BMD calculation can distinguish severity and progress of disease-related periarticular demineralization in contrast to those of DXA. In this context, DXA primarily measures the systemic (corticoid-induced) osteoporosis and pQCT partially estimates disease-related bone mineral density loss, whereas DXR can predominantly analyze and quantify the periarticular demineralization, which often shows a manifestation at an early stage of rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore DXR seems to be a diagnostic tool in the course of rheumatoid arthritis.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis--combined serological testing and classification of individual animals and herds.

Several serological tests for detection of antibodies to Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis, which is the causative agent of Johne's disease are validated, some of which are available commercially. These tests differ in sensitivity and specificity. Test results reported to farmers or veterinarians are therefore dependent upon the test in use. In the present study, three commercially available tests are used to test 2748 bovine sera from 119 Bavarian herds serologically. Serological results are compared with individual animals and on herd level. A scheme for serological testing and classification of herds as well as of individual animals based on a combination of serological test results is proposed.

Animal Husbandry↗

Conjoined lumbosacral nerve roots: current aspects of diagnosis.

Conjoined lumbosacral nerve roots (CLNR) are the most common anomalies involving the lumbar nerve structures which can be one of the origins of failed back syndromes. They can cause sciatica even without the presence of a additional compressive impingement (such as disc herniation, spondylolisthesis or lateral recess stenosis), and often congenital lumbosacral spine anomalies (such as bony defects) are present at the "conjoined sheaths". This congenital anomaly has been reported in 14% of cadaver studies, but myelographic or computed tomographic studies have revealed an incidence of approximately 4% only. Diagnostic methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are helpful for determination of the exact anatomical relations in this context. We present five typical cases of conjoined nerve roots observed during a 1 year period, equivalent to 6% of our out-patients without a history of surgical treatment on the lumbar spine. In all cases with suspicious radiological findings MRI or lumbar myelography combined with CT and multiplanar reconstructions is recommended.

Adolescent↗

Potential clinical relevance of digital radiogrammetry for quantification of periarticular bone demineralization in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis depending on severity and compared with DXA.

The aim of this study was to investigate a new bone densitometric technology based on digital radiogrammetry (DXR) with respect to its ability to measure severity-dependent variations of bone mineralization in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. One hundred six randomly selected patients suffering from verified rheumatoid arthritis underwent digitally performed plain radiographs of the non-dominant hand and measurements of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) regarding total femur and lumbar spine. Using DXR the radiographs were analyzed retrospectively for bone mineral density (BMD) calculation. The severity was classified using Larsen score and Steinbroker stage blinded by two radiologists. A third radiologist reviewed the incongruently scored cases. Mean values of calculated parameters changed as follows from Larsen 1 to Larsen 5: Bone mineral density (DXR-BMD) decreased from 0.55 to 0.44 g/cm2 (p=0.000), DXR-MCI decreased from 0.44 to 0.33 (p=0.001), DXA-BMD (total femur) decreased from 0.92 to 0.78 g/cm2 (p=0.090) and DXA-BMD (lumbar spine) decreased from 0.91 to 0.84 g/cm2 (p=0.595). Similar results were verified for the Steinbroker stage. The relative decrease of BMD measured by DXR between the highest and lowest score was 20% for Steinbroker stage and Larsen score (p<0.05). The relative decrease of BMD using DXA revealed not such a significant result. Similar results were verified for metacarpal index (estimated by DXR). Correlations between BMD determined by DXR and by DXA were all significant (R=0.45 for lumbar spine and R=0.59 for total femur). Consequently, less than 35% of the DXR-BMD value is explainable by corresponding DXA values. The DXR-based BMD calculation seems to be able to distinguish severity and progress of the disease in contrast to those of DXA at lumbar spine and total femur.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

["Activity based costing" in radiology].

BACKGROUND: The introduction of diagnosis related groups for reimbursement of hospital services in Germany (g-drg) demands for a reconsideration of utilization of radiological products and costs related to them. METHODS: Traditional cost accounting as approach to internal, department related budgets are compared with the accounting method of activity based costing (ABC). The steps, which are necessary to implement ABC in radiology are developed. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of a process-oriented cost analysis is feasible for radiology departments. ABC plays a central role in the set-up of decentralized controlling functions within this institutions. The implementation seems to be a strategic challenge for department managers to get more appropriate data for adequate enterprise decisions. The necessary steps of process analysis can be used for other purposes (Certification, digital migration) as well.

Budgets↗

Upright posture influences salivary cortisol.

This study was designed to investigate the influence of posture on salivary cortisol concentrations in healthy volunteers. In a balanced cross-over design 24 subjects were exposed at 1 week intervals to different body positions (sitting [S], lying [L] upright [U]) for 20 min in each condition. Before, during and after the experimental treatment measures of blood pressure, heart rate and saliva samples for determining the free fraction of cortisol were obtained. Furthermore, at corresponding time points a questionnaire on emotional states was completed. In addition, subjects were requested to complete personality questionnaires before the experiment and to rate their emotional states during saliva sampling. Results clearly indicate that the circadian decrease of cortisol concentrations was present only in the conditions [S] and [L] whereas in [U] salivary cortisol concentrations increased significantly. As expected, heart rate accelerations associated with a marked reduction of systolic blood pressure were observed in [U]. To further examine the relationship between hormonal and cardiovascular responses as indicators of autonomic activation, correlations between change scores were computed indicating that a relationship between cardiovascular responses and cortisol increases is not restricted to [U]. Positive correlations were observed between changes in systolic blood pressure and changes in cortisol concentrations in both conditions [U] and [L]. Posture does not affect emotional states indicating independence between posture induced physiological responses and experienced discomfort. Posture therefore should be adequately controlled, since those non-specific increases of hormones may interfere with state or trait dependent responses. Data are discussed with respect to the importance to control for posture in field and experimental studies and to possible mechanisms of posture induced changes in cortisol.

Anxiety↗

Hypermetabolism in clinically stable patients with liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Hypermetabolism has a negative effect on prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis. Its exact prevalence and associations with clinical data, the nutritional state, and beta-adrenergic activity are unclear. OBJECTIVE: We investigated resting energy expenditure (REE) in 473 patients with biopsy-proven liver cirrhosis. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study with a controlled intervention (beta-blockade) in a subgroup of patients. RESULTS: Mean REE was 7.12 +/- 1.34 MJ/d and correlated closely with predicted values (r = 0.70, P < 0.0001). Hypermetabolism was seen in 160 patients with cirrhosis (33.8% of the study population). REE was > 30% above the predicted value in 41% of the hypermetabolic patients with cirrhosis. Hypermetabolism had no association with clinical or biochemical data on liver function. REE correlated with total body potassium content (TBP; r = 0.49, P < 0.0001). Hypermetabolic patients had lower than normal body weight and TBP (P < 0.05). About 47% of the variance in REE could be explained by body composition whereas clinical state could maximally explain 3%. Plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations were elevated in hypermetabolic cirrhotic patients (by 56% and 41%, respectively; P < 0.001 and 0.01). Differences in REE from predicted values were positively correlated with epinephrine concentration (r = 0.462, P < 0.001). Propranolol infusion resulted in a decrease in energy expenditure (by 5 +/- 3%; P < 0.05), heart rate (by 13 +/- 4%; P < 0.01), and plasma lactate concentrations (by 32 +/- 12%; P < 0.01); these effects were more pronounced in hypermetabolic patients (by 50%, 33%, and 68%, respectively; each P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hypermetabolism has no association with clinical data and thus is an extrahepatic manifestation of liver disease. Increased beta-adrenergic activity may explain approximately 25% of hypermetabolism.

Adult↗