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Biomedical subjects

J Barnert

Publications and source records attributed to J Barnert.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[The value of the urea/creatinine ratio for differentiation of up and lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage].

The urea/creatinine-ratio has been proposed as an instrument for differentiating upper from lower gastrointestinal haemorrhages. The predictability of this method was investigated in 105 cases with the source of bleeding to be in the upper gastrointestinal tract and in 31 cases in the lower gastrointestinal tract. Determination of the urea/creatinine-ratio predicted the site of bleeding in only 60% of the patients. The use of the ratio in diagnostic decision making would increase the number of unnecessary colonoscopies. Thus, the urea/creatinine-ratio does not appear to be clinically useful in predicting the localization of a gastrointestinal bleeding with adequate certainty.

Adult↗

[Normal and abnormal gastrointestinal motility].

BASIC REMARKS: For the diagnostic evaluation of gastrointestinal disorders of motility and function, there is a growing number of examination procedures available which, after excluding organic disease, are usually capable of differentiating the underlying problem. MAIN POINTS DISCUSSED: Arranged in accordance with the disorders of the various segments of the gastrointestinal tract, the major procedures together with their suitability for the establishment of the respective clinical problem presenting are discussed. On account of the considerable expenditure involved, however, the indication for a diagnostic evaluation of function needs to be established on a very stringent basis and, as a rule, is given only when tentative symptomatic treatment has failed. Exceptions are non-cardiac chest pain, achalasia and fecal incontinence, in which, owing to the usually severe nature of the illness, an etiological clarification and appropriate therapy are a must.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

[Bedside determination of clinical-chemical quantities using dry chemistry in an emergency admission].

We evaluated the clinical relevance and reliability of a solid phase chemistry apparatus (Seralyzer) installed for near-patient testing of CK, GOT, glucose and potassium in the emergency admission of our hospital. Calibrations and quality controls were done by technologists of the central laboratory, the analyses were performed by the nursing staff after appropriate training. The rapid availability of the laboratory tests shortened the diagnostic process in only 8% of the patients. Clinical chemistry test results, therefore, appear to be of minor importance in making the diagnosis in an emergency room. The coefficients of variation of the inter-operator imprecision varied between 2.1 and 8.8% (means = 5.06%), when the measurements were performed by persons with no professional laboratory training, and between 2.7 and 8.5% (means = 3.98%) for skilled laboratory personal. In order to test the accuracy we correlated the dry chemistry values measured by the nurses in the daily routine with the results of a wet chemistry system. The Spearman rank correlation coefficients ranged between 0.916 and 0.950. Thus after appropriate training non-laboratory personal is able to perform dry chemistry testing with adequate precision and accuracy provided a competent supervision is guaranteed.

Aspartate Aminotransferases↗

[Disorders of anorectal function].

Since sophisticated function tests of the anorectal continence organ become more and more available, dysfunction of the anorectum is increasingly diagnosed and differentiated. The examination includes measurements of the pressure in the rectum and anal canal (anorectal manometry), rectal distension by an inflatable balloon to test the sensibility, electromyography and radiological defecography. By these methods the etiology and pathogenesis of the most important anorectal disorders, such as anal incontinence, different forms of constipation and rectal prolapse, may be differentiated. Nowadays, many of these disorders are successfully treated by a specific management which includes a special diet, drugs, surgery and biofeedback training programs.

Anal Canal↗

Epidemiology of reflux disease and reflux esophagitis.

Symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux is a common medical problem. But only few data exist on the epidemiology of reflux disease (without inflammation) and reflux esophagitis. The literature is critically reviewed and ecological causes of gastroesophageal reflux are discussed. The prevalence of reflux esophagitis in Western countries is estimated to be 2% and that of reflux disease 5%. Sparse reports exist on the natural history of both diseases. They appear to have little if any effect on life expectancy. The main complications of reflux esophagitis are Barrett's esophagus, peptic stricture, ulceration and bleeding.

Adult↗

[Diagnostic problems in neurosyphilis].

In two patients admitted to hospital-one with signs of cerebral infarction, the other with headaches, vertigo and paraesthesias-the TPHA test was "reactive", while the 19S(IgM)-FTA-ABS test was not. There was no cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis. Further CSF analyses and serological tests for syphilis (including CSF protein profile, demonstration of oligoclonal IgG, quantitative determination of Treponema-specific antibodies in serum and CSF) confirmed the diagnosis of neurosyphilis requiring treatment. In both patients the biologically false-negative 19S(IgM)-FTA-ABS test at first became transiently reactive after treatment. This unusual finding was probably due to antigen, liberated by treatment, again stimulating previously blocked IgM antibody synthesis. The listed additional tests should be performed in all patients with a reactive TPHA test and neurological or psychiatric signs and symptoms.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗

[Ambulatory parenteral nutrition in short bowel syndrome: a retrospective study].

Parenteral nutrition via an indwelling central venous catheter was undertaken at home over a total period of 24,747 days in 34 patients with the short-bowel syndrome (of various causes). In some of the patients there developed complete adaptation of the residual intestine so that parenteral nutrition could be terminated. Complications were: infection, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and metabolic problems. But the method proved to be suitable for improving the quality of life of these patients.

Adolescent↗

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura without anemia.

A patient is described who presented with fever, fluctuating neurological abnormalities, renal dysfunction, and thrombocytopenia. The necropsy revealed the classic histological findings of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Hemolytic anemia and fragmented red cells, hallmarks of TTP, were absent in our patient; this does not fit into the classic description of this syndrome.

Anemia, Hemolytic↗

Adult celiac disease and primary biliary cirrhosis.

The association of primary biliary cirrhosis and adult celiac disease was observed in a female patient. Because of their clinical overlap the diagnosis of both conditions may be difficult especially in the early stage of their coexistence. The hypotheses regarding a common etiological link between celiac disease and primary biliary cirrhosis are discussed.

Celiac Disease↗

Quantification of bone alkaline phosphatase in serum by precipitation with wheat-germ lectin: a simplified method and its clinical plausibility.

We report an easy, rapid method for quantifying bone isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1., ALP) in serum. The original method described by Rosalki and Ying Foo (Clin Chem 1984;30:1182-6) was somewhat simplified. In contrast to their results, we found that bone ALP is precipitated quantitatively by wheat-germ lectin. To check the clinical plausibility of the method, we used samples from several comparison groups (blood donors, children, pregnant women, patients with neoplasms but without skeletal involvement) and a large number of patients suffering from bone diseases and diseases of the liver and biliary tree. Measured activities of bone ALP nearly always correlated with the clinical diagnosis. Only patients with hepatitis often had pathological bone activities not in accord with the other findings. Possible reasons for this observation are discussed.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗