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Biomedical subjects

J Knecht

Publications and source records attributed to J Knecht.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Effects of i.v. anaesthetic agents on the chemotaxis of eosinophils in vitro.

Polymorphonuclear eosinophilic leucocytes (PME) participate in wound healing processes, the inflammatory response, bronchial asthma, allergies and defence against invading parasites. We have examined the effects of thiopental, methohexital, propofol, etomidate and ketamine on PME chemotaxis in vitro. PME were isolated from venous blood samples of 10 healthy volunteers using multi-stage Percoll gradient centrifugation. Eosinophilic chemotaxis was determined using a 48-well microchemotaxis chamber. Thiopental 150 micrograms ml-1 and etomidate 0.32 microgram ml-1 caused significant (P < or = 0.05) inhibition of PME chemotaxis. We conclude that thiopental and etomidate may have an adverse influence on wound healing processes and parasitic diseases. Further studies are recommended.

Analgesics↗
PubMed1995

The effects of midazolam, droperidol, fentanyl, and alfentanil on phagocytosis and killing of bacteria by polymorphonuclear leukocytes in vitro.

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) make an outstanding contribution to the defence against invading bacteria. We studied the effects of midazolam, droperidol, fentanyl, and alfentanil on phagocytosis and killing of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by PMNL in vitro. Using a method described by Eggleton et al., PMNL were isolated from venous blood samples obtained from ten volunteers. The fluorescence microscopic method mentioned by Bellinati-Pires et al. was used to examine phagocytosis and killing. Whereas both midazolam and droperidol caused a significant inhibition of phagocytosis as well as bactericidal activity, fentanyl and alfentanil did not influence these PMNL functions. In order to find out whether midazolam and droperidol are able to intensify perioperative bacterial infections in vivo as well, additional clinical studies should be conducted.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

The effects of thiopentone, etomidate, ketamine and midazolam on several bactericidal functions of polymorphonuclear leucocytes in vitro.

Polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL) are an essential component of the defence system against invading bacteria. There is evidence that some anaesthetics are able to suppress PMNL functions, promoting, perhaps, perioperative infection. We studied the effects of thiopentone, etomidate, ketamine, and midazolam on the generation of bactericidal agents (superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and myeloperoxidase) by PMNL in vitro. Thiopentone inhibited superoxide anion (P < or = 0.01) as well as hydrogen peroxide production (P < or = 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant effect on myeloperoxidase release. Neither etomidate nor ketamine influenced the PMNL functions tested to any extent. Midazolam suppressed superoxide anion generation (P < or = 0.01) but only if a concentration far beyond clinical relevance was used.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Laparoscopy-guided drainage of hepatic abscess.

Hepatic abscess is a serious surgical condition with a mortality rate of up to 63% reported if not adequately treated. Laparotomy and computed tomographic (CT) guidance have been used to drain these collections, each with their own problems. Herein we describe a method of draining laparoscopically a hepatic abscess. A 45-year-old Haitian man presented with night sweats and fevers to 103 degrees F; he was diagnosed by CT to have a large (7 cm) abscess in the posterosuperior portion of the right hepatic lobe. The CT-guided drainage yielded only 8 cc fluid. The patient underwent laparoscopy-guided drainage of the abscess with placement of intra-hepatic and perihepatic drains. The patient had dramatic clinical improvement with no morbidity from the procedure. A follow-up CT of the abdomen revealed near-complete disappearance of the abscess cavity within 48 h. A straightforward method of laparoscopic drainage of hepatic abscesses is presented in detail. It provides a simple alternative for drainage with excellent results and minimal morbidity.

Drainage↗
PubMed1992

Angiosarcoma after tylectomy and radiation therapy for carcinoma of the breast.

BACKGROUND: Angiosarcoma (AS) is an uncommon tumor that rarely develops after external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Thirty-six cases have been reported in the literature. METHODS: The authors present two additional cases. Each of these patients received breast-conserving treatment for breast carcinoma that consisted of tylectomy and EBRT. In each case, AS developed in the field of prior irradiation. RESULTS: Currently, seven cases of AS after radiation therapy for breast-conserving treatment of breast carcinoma have been reported. The average time interval between the administration of radiation therapy and the development of AS is 8.6 years. CONCLUSIONS: This complication is rare and should not influence the decision to offer breast-conserving therapy to patients. However, patients should be informed that AS may develop as a result of radiation therapy.

Aged↗
PubMed1987

[Argyria. A clinical, chemical analytic and micromorphologic study].

A 62-year-old male patient developed generalized argyria following the intake of silver-proteinacetyltannate (Targesin; approx. 60 g in 10 years) as treatment for gastric discomfort. On histological and ultrastructural examination of the skin, silver particles were found not only in the usual locations but also in the Schwann cell, the mast cell, and in smooth muscle cells. This corresponded to chemical analysis, proving the presence of this metal in the skin. In the blood, a level of 0.26 +/- 0.04 ppm silver was found. By means of an equation, attempts were made to demonstrate the reaction process involved in the formation of Ag2S as subjected to the photochemical effect of sunlight.

Argyria↗
PubMed1977

[The multiple sclerosis patient as a driver].

From the course and manifestations of multiple sclerosis it can be expected that the persons affected will perform less well as drivers. Evaluation of the statistical material of the Institute for Forensic Medicine of the University of Zurich--35 multiple sclerosis patients compared to a healthy control group--confirms this assumption on the basis of the statistics of traffic offences and accidents. These patients cause significantly more accidents and--to a less significant extent--commit more offences. Special care and restraint is necessary in the issue of driving licences to multiple sclerosis patients. If the patient is allowed to keep his license, regular medical check-ups are required.

Accidents, Traffic↗