PubMed HealthSearch

Biomedical subjects

J Bury

Publications and source records attributed to J Bury.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

[A case of diphtheric myocarditis, Anatomoclinical study with histology of the conduction system].

Presentation of a case of diphteric myocarditis. The histological examination of the conduction system can explain the rhythm disturbances in the present case with the EKG characteristics of the sick sinus syndrome and the intraventricular conduction disturbances. The anatomical lesions are variables in their topography and age, explaining the variability of the troubles of the rhythm during the first weeks of the disease. The fibrotic scars and the ageing changes of the conduction system are probably the reason for the late constitution of AV block and sick sinus syndrome, years after the acute episode.

Adult

Effects of transfusion on serum iron, serum lactate dehydrogenase and platelets in megaloblastic anemia.

In 11 patients with megaloblastic anemia, transfusion of packed erythrocytes or washed erythrocytes invariably resulted in a decline in plasma iron concentration to a range of 20-90 microgram/dl (3.6-16 mumol/l) after 36 to 48 hours. The same phenomenon was observed in two of six cases of ineffective erythropoiesis without megaloblastosis and in none of five cases of aplastic anemia. The observed changes did not result from a specific hematinic response or from iron uptake by a non-erythroid compartment. In megaloblastic anemia, alteration in marrow function in response to transfusion was reflected by plasma iron kinetics and serum lactate dehydrogenase values, which indicated marked reductions in both marrow hyperplasia and ineffective erythropoiesis. Transfusion in megalobastic anemia was also responsible for a 50% reduction in platelet count after 2 to 6 days. The significance of these changes is discussed.

Adult

Simultaneous assays of cancer-associated antigens in various neoplastic disorders.

Five tumor markers were measured simultaneously in serum by radioimmunoassay: carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotrophin (HGC), the beta subunit of HCG, and Kappa casein. In a population of 935 normal subjects these antigens were undetectable or found within precise limits. In patients with tumors of various origins the rate of pathologically elevated levels was 72% at the beginning of the clinical course (194 cases). This high rate was primarily due to the simultaneous measurement of CEA, betaHCG, HCG, and casein. AFP was of little importance. The simultaneous measurement of these tumor markers may be one biochemical element of diagnosis of carcinoma, although this criterion is neither absolute nor specific, as 14.7% of patients with non-neoplastic disorders (234 cases) were positive for one antigen. In the presence of metastases (112 cases) the rate of pathologic levels of at least one antigen was increased: 86% due to CEA and casein assay at the same time as their absolute levels were increased. Surgical removal reduces the rate of positivity of these antigens to 37%. As was shown in patients with breast cancer, the rate was 10% when the tumor had been removed at Stage N- and 54% when it was removed at Stage N+. Thus, the persistence of pathologic levels could be correlated with the capacity for recurrence or metastases. Finally chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both, do not decrease the rate of positivity of the tumor markers.

Adult

Vitamin B 12 and folic acid serum levels in diabetics under various therapeutic regimens.

The aim of the present study was to reconsider the problem of the haematological consequences of biguanide treatment by evaluating serum vitamin B 12 and folic acid levels as well as classical haematological parameters in 30 diabetics treated by metformin. For purpose of comparison, similar evaluations were done in diabetics treated with insulin (27 patients) or sulfonylureas (13 patients). Results indicated that mean serum levels of vitamin B 12 were significantly lower in patients receiving metformin than in both other groups. In the metformin-treated group, five patients had serum levels of vitamin B 12 below 270 pg/ml and five had borderline values. No difference was found in the mean serum folic acid levels between the three groups. Similarly, there were no differences in the red blood cell counts, volumes or haemoglogin concentrations nor in the mean values of serum iron and lacticodeshydrogenase levels between the three groups. Since the haematologic and neurologic complications of vitamin B 12 deficiency may only appear after the deficiency had existed for 10-15 years, the lack of haematological alteration may be explained by the fact that the vitamin B 12 deficiency was not present for a sufficient period of time. We conclude that it may be wise to monitor the haematological values as well as vitamin B 12 levels at regular intervals in diabetic patients treated with metformin so that B 12 hypovitaminosis and its complications can be prevented.

Diabetes Mellitus

[Hepatic lesions and coagulation disorders in pulmonary embolism: a clinico-pathological case].

The authors described the case of a 49-patient suffering from obstructive broncho-pneumopathy and ischemic myocardiopathy complicated by multiple pulmonary embolism. The clinics were dominated by signs of major hepatic deficiency and of intravascular disseminated coagulation with fibrinolysis. The clinical and biological parameters evoking pulmonary embolism in that intricated chart were discussed.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

[Bronchospasm, a sign revealing pulmonary embolism].

As a clinical feature, and sometimes as a feature of the special mechanical tests of ventilation, bronchospasm has been found by the authors to be associated with pulmonary embolus. Bronchospasm was found to be the commonest feature in the 45 patients studied. The sudden onset of bronchospasm must be regarded as strong evidence for pulmonary embolus, especially in patients with a past history of bronchitis. The mechanism of these asthma-like features is discussed. The authors impugn the adrenergic system both to explain the bronchial overactivity of the patients with pulmonary embolus, and to understand how the attack commences.

Acid-Base Imbalance