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Biomedical subjects

K Viskum

Publications and source records attributed to K Viskum.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

[Primary malignant pleural neoplasms. Diagnostic code 163.09].

The code 163.09 indicates a primary malignant pleural neoplasma-malignant mesothelioma. We have reinvestigated 173 patients, who were discharged from a department of pulmonary medicine with this code number during a 8 1/2 year period. A revision during which repeated biopsies, course of the disease and, in some cases, autopsy were considered, revealed that 63 were confirmed as having a malignant mesothelioma, 94 had neoplastic disease secondary to malignancy elsewhere, 13 had benign changes and in three cases the records were missing. Malignant mesothelioma entitles the patient to compensation if he has worked with asbestos. An occupational history was present in 94% of those suffering from mesothelioma and in 71% of the remaining patients. Among patients with mesothelioma a history of asbestos exposure was obtained in 44%, a history of no exposure in 22% and no specific mention of asbestos in 34%. In the group of patients who did not have mesothelioma 14% had known exposure to asbestos, eight none and in 78% no specific information concerning asbestos was available. Twenty-three of the 63 patients with mesothelioma had been notified to the workmens' compensation board. Retrospectively, we found that 12 more patients should have been notified. Eight patients who did not fulfil the criteria for malignant mesothelioma had erroneously been notified to the board for compensation. We find that code 163.09 frequently has been used as a working diagnosis, which could not invariably be substantiated. Although malignant mesothelioma had been suspected, previous history concerning asbestos exposure was often incomplete or absent. A correct occupational history and aggressive bioptical procedures are essential in all cases where malignant mesothelioma is suspected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Bronchial asthma treated with long-acting beta 2 agonist. Comparison between formoterol (12 mu/g) inhaled twice daily and salbutamol (200 mu/g) inhaled 4 times daily].

Forty patients with stable asthma and daily need for inhaled beta 2-agonist, were included in a randomized double-blind study. They were treated for six weeks with inhaled beta 2-agonist, either salbutamol, 4 x 200 micrograms daily, of formoterol, 2 x 12 micrograms and 2 x placebo daily. This was preceded by a run-in period, where all patients received terbutalin-inhalation, 4 x 500 micrograms daily. Twenty patients were given formoterol and 18 salbutamol. One patient in the salbutamol-treated group discontinued treatment after three weeks, because of deterioration of asthma. On a diary card, patients recorded peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) morning and evening before medication, score of asthma symptoms (scale 0-3; 0 = no symptoms, and 3 = severe symptoms) and use of additional doses of beta 2-agonist. Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec. (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and PEFR were obtained after 0, three and six weeks of treatment. Blinded global assessment of the treatment was performed by both patient and physician at the end of the study. During run-in the two groups of patients were different. The group subsequently treated with salbutamol had a statistical significant (ss) higher morning-PEFR, ss fewer asthma-symptom scores than one during night and ss less need for additional puffs of beta 2-agonist. During treatment, the formoterol-treated group showed an ss increase in morning-PEFR, as compared to run-in. Furthermore this group had ss fewer nocturnal symptom scores than one and ss less need for extra beta 2-agonist during night, than the salbutamol-treated group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1992

[Congenital tuberculosis. 2 case reports].

Two cases of congenital tuberculosis are presented and the literature is reviewed. One child survived without sequelae while the other survived but was severely handicapped. The importance of early diagnosis and treatment of this rare but serious manifestation of tuberculosis is emphasized.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1992

Inhaled salmeterol in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe reversible obstructive airways disease--a 3-month comparison of the efficacy and safety of twice-daily salmeterol (100 micrograms) with salmeterol (50 micrograms).

Three-hundred and fifty patients with moderate to severe reversible obstructive airways disease (forced expiratory volume in 1 s or peak expiratory flow rate < or = 50% predicted, a 15% reversibility to inhaled salbutamol and symptomatic) were recruited into a multi-centre, multinational, double-blind, parallel-group randomized study. Two-hundred and eighty-three patients were randomized to receive 50 micrograms salmeterol twice daily or 100 micrograms salmeterol twice daily administered from a metered-dose inhaler for 3 months. Salbutamol (100 micrograms per metered actuation) was provided for symptomatic relief. Morning and evening peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), day-time and night-time asthma symptoms and additional bronchodilator usage were recorded by the patient on a daily basis. Lung function and patient/physician assessment of treatment efficacy were recorded at scheduled clinic visits. Safety was determined by monitoring adverse events and standard biochemical, haematological and cardiovascular parameters. Salmeterol 100 micrograms twice daily was consistently superior to salmeterol 50 micrograms twice daily in morning and evening PEFR measurements (mean differences between the treatments: 10-14 l min-1 for morning, 95% CI-0, 22 l min-1, P = 0.047; and 10-15 l min-1 for evening, 95% CI 2, 22 l min-1, P = 0.023). The improvement in PEFR was independent of concurrent steroid usage, with the most marked improvement being seen in the more severe asthmatics requiring concurrent oral corticosteroids (mean differences between the treatments: 27-31 l min-1, 95% CI: 3,55 l m-1, P = 0.027).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1992

A seven-year follow-up study of 343 adults with bronchial asthma.

A study of 343 urban adult outpatients with a history of bronchial asthma was initiated in 1981. Asthma was verified by a reversibility in airflow obstruction of at least 0.5 1 in forced expiratory volume (FEV1) (70%). The rest of the 343 patients was included because of diurnal variations of at least 100 l/min in peak expiratory flow (PEF) (22%), or because of a characteristic history of asthma (8%). In 1988, a follow-up study was performed. Two hundred-fourteen patients replied (80%), 100 women and 114 men. Fifty-four did not respond, but were known to be alive. Twenty-one had emigrated; of these, the fate of five was unknown. The mortality rate was significantly raised among the men (Standard mortality rate (SMR) = 1.55). In 19%, the cause of death was pulmonary. Seventeen percent were found dead. In these, no cause of death was obvious, and they may have died from an exacerbation of their pulmonary disease. One hundred and forty-four had non-allergic and 69 allergic asthma verified retrospectively by positive skin prick test in 1988. One was not tested and not classified. Seventy-five percent of the whole group were smokers. An annual decline of approximately 90 ml per year in FEV1 was found in both groups and was only partially explained by smoking and ageing. The remaining observed decline in lung function may be caused by asthma. Reversibility of 0.5 l in FEV1 was only maintained in the allergic group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Alternative treatment of lung diseases].

A total of 671 patients attending two outpatient clinics for pulmonary medicine received a questionnaire about possible alternative treatment of the pulmonary disease for which they were receiving treatment. Six hundred and five questionnaires were answered anonymously. Among the 605 patients, 75 (12%) had received alternative treatment. No differences in the frequencies were observed between men and women. Employment of alternative treatment was most frequent in the age groups 20-29 and 50-59 years. Prolonged illness without definite prospects of cure such as chronic bronchitis and asthma resulted in employment of alternative treatment more frequently than briefer illness without possibility of cure (cancer of lung) or with the possibility of cure (tuberculosis, pneumonia). The patients had practically always consulted their general practitioner before the alternative therapist (94%). Half of the patients had improved, half were unchanged and only a few per cent had deteriorated. In the majority of cases, the expenses were moderate but isolated patients had, however, paid more than 10,000 Danish crowns (approximately pounds 1,000) for the alternative treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Therapeutic pleurodesis in spontaneous pneumothorax, malignant pleural effusion, heart insufficiency and chylothorax].

Treatment with pleurodesis is employed in spontaneous pneumothorax, in pleural effusion due to neoplastic disease, intractable transudate and chylothorax. When this treatment is employed in spontaneous pneumothorax, randomized studies show a lower recurrence rate when drainage is supplemented by a sclerosing agent. Pleurodesis alone scarcely alters the recurrence rate in pneumothorax. Treatment with pleurodesis is well accepted in malignant pleural effusion. Several randomized studies show a response rate of 11% when thoracocentesis is employed alone whereas a response rate of 40% is obtained when pleural drainage is also employed. When a sclerosing agent is added to pleural drainage, the response rate rises to approximately 60% or more. No randomized studies of pleurodesis in congestive heart failure and chylothorax were found. Pleurodesis is not recommended in the treatment of congestive heart failure because of reports of development of contralateral pleural effusion after successful pleurodesis. In chylothorax, pleurodesis is the last resort.

Chylothorax↗
PubMed1991

[Physiotherapy and mask treatment of chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive lung disease].

The literature concerning traditional chest physiotherapy (postural drainage, percussion, vibration, breathing exercises), treatments with masks (CPAP, IPPB, RMT, PEP, PEEP) and general physical training in the treatment of chronic bronchitis is reviewed. The mucociliary clearance is increased after postural drainage, cough, forced expiratory manoeuvres and general physical training, but the influence of this upon the course of the disease is unknown. Chest physiotherapy in the treatment of patients admitted due to acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis seems of no help. The use of face masks in this population has only been subject to limited investigation, but results from controlled trials do not indicate any favourable effect. In contrast general physical training seems to increase physical endurance and decrease dyspnoea. Specific rehabilitation programmes comprising psychological assistance, cessation of smoking and general physical training seem promising.

Bronchitis↗
PubMed1990

[Observer variation of the radiographic assessment of pulmonary changes caused by asbestos].

Assessment was undertaken of 165 x-ray photographs of the thorax originating from 165 men with varying degrees of exposure to asbestos: 37 were workers in an eternite factory, 65 insulation workers, 42 were plumbers and 21 were patients from the Lung Clinic in Bispebjerg Hospital. Assessment of the x-rays was carried out according to the directives established by the International Workers' Organisation (ILO) by three experienced specialists who had no knowledge of the individual person's exposure to asbestos or smoking habits. In order to investigate not only inter- but also intra observer variation, the three medical specialists described the material on two occasions with an interval of several days. Analysis of the descriptions revealed that there was considerable inter- and intra-observer variation in assessment of the changes caused by asbestos. Description of the parenchymatous changes was associated with slightly greater variation than description of the pleural changes. A partial analysis of smokers who had not had occupational exposure to asbestos showed a not inconsiderable occurrence (5-33%) of parenchymatous changes which could not be differentiated from changes caused by asbestos. It is concluded, that the diagnosis of pulmonary disease caused by asbestos should not be based on radiographic examination alone.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

[Physical therapy and mask treatment of chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD)].

The literature concerning traditional chest physiotherapy (postural drainage, percussion, vibration, breathing exercises), treatments with masks (CPAP, IPPB, RMT, PEP, PEEP) and general physical training in the treatment of chronic bronchitis is reviewed. The mucociliary clearance is increased after postural drainage, cough, forced expiratory manoeuvres and general physical training, but the influence of this upon the course of the disease is unknown. Chest physiotherapy in the treatment of patients admitted on account of acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis does not appear to help. The use of face masks in this population has only been subject to limited investigation, but results from controlled trials do not indicate any favourable effect. In contrast, general physical training seems to increase physical endurance and decrease dyspnoea. Specific rehabilitation programmes comprising psychological assistance, cessation of smoking and general physical training seem promising.

Bronchitis↗
PubMed1990

[Tuberculosis in children in Copenhagen during 1975-1985].

During the years 1975-1985, 25 Danish children (less than 15 years) and 40 children of immigrants in the Municipalities of Copenhagen and Frederiksberg had tuberculosis for the first time. The children were assessed at the time of diagnosis and were retraced in 1987. The incidence of tuberculosis among foreign children was 10-40 times that among Danish children. Pronounced differences in the localizations of tuberculosis in Danes and foreigners were observed. Whereas the Danish children had exclusively pulmonary tuberculosis, 13 of the foreign children had either extrapulmonary tuberculosis or pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis simultaneously. Two of the foreign children had tuberculosis meningitis and one miliary tuberculosis. Significantly more patients with bacillary tuberculosis were present among foreigners than among Danes. No significant differences were found between the occurrence of symptoms, Mantoux-positive reactions, previous Calmette vaccination or known contact with a person with tuberculosis in Danes and foreigners. Treatment was followed as prescribed and all were cured from tuberculosis. One child with tuberculosis meningitis developed slight sequelae while the remainder of the children developed somatically normally.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

[New therapeutic possibilities in alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency].

The alpha-1-antitrypsin gene is localized to chromosome 14. Numerous genetic variations may occur and some of these result in severely reduced concentration in the serum. The commonest cause of severe deficiency of alpha-1-antitrypsin is the gene-variant Z in the homozygotic form which occurs in one out of 2,000 Danes. Severe deficiency in alpha-1-antitrypsin results in liver symptoms in approximately 10% of the children. Some of these will develop cirrhosis of the liver. In adults at the ages of about 30 to 40 years, gradual development of emphysema occurs and this is earliest and most pronounced in smokers. Adults have also increased frequency of cirrhosis but this is much less pronounced than the development of emphysema. In addition to a number of theoretical therapeutic possibilities, liver transplantation is now possible and this is employed particularly in children with cirrhosis. In young persons with terminal pulmonary insufficiency with anticipated survival for less than one year, heart/lung transplantation or possibly isolated lung transplantation may be considered. An alpha-1-antitrypsin concentrate has been produced. Intravenous dosage once monthly can provide a concentration in the serum for three to four weeks which, as a rule, suffices to prevent emphysema. It is not yet known whether this treatment has any prophylactic effect in cases of developed emphysema. It is to be anticipated that treatment instituted prior to development of emphysema will prevent development of pulmonary disease but the treatment is rather expensive and must, probably, continue throughout life. No controlled investigation of the effect of treatment is available and the range of indications is not defined.

Female↗
PubMed1990

[Pulmonary function and survival of patients with alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, residents of Copenhagen].

From 1976 to 1987 alpha 1-antitrypsine deficiency type PiZZ was diagnosed in 89 patients living in the Copenhagen urban area (mean age: 45 years). Spirometry was performed yearly in 66 of these patients (mean observation period was 50 months). At the time of diagnosis basic FEV1 was significantly lower in smokers and ex-smokers than in patients who had never smoked (45%, 44% and 84% of predicted normal, respectively). However, the decline in FEV1 was similar (3% per year) in all three categories of smokers. Our results indicate that both smokers and non-smokers are at risk of developing pulmonary emphysema, however, the disease usually appears later in life or not at all in non smokers.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Decline in pulmonary function in patients with alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency.

Sixty-five patients with severe alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency (phenotype PiZ) were followed with spirometry at regular intervals of one year and a median observation period of four years. The annual decline in pulmonary function was adjusted for sex, age and height by division with the predicted normal pulmonary function. The median decline in FEV1 was 1.9% predicted/year. The rate of decline was independent of age and pulmonary function, except for patients with FEV1 below 25% of predicted normal. There was a tendency towards a slower median decline in FEV1 in ex-smokers (1.7% predicted/year) compared to smokers (3.8% predicted/year) and never-smokers (3.7% predicted/year), however, this difference was not significant (p greater than 0.01). At the time of diagnosis smokers and ex-smokers had a lower FEV1 (44 and 38% predicted) than never-smokers (85% predicted) (p less than 0.02), and smokers and ex-smokers were generally younger (median age 44 and 42 years, respectively) than never smokers (median age 55 years) (p greater than 0.1). Our data indicate that smokers as well as nonsmokers with severe AAT deficiency are at risk of developing pulmonary emphysema. The disease seems to appear later in nonsmokers, though once initiated it progresses at the same rate.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Criteria for alpha 1-antitrypsin substitution.

The pharmacology and safety of substitution treatment intravenously with alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) in patients deficient of AAT has been thoroughly investigated. The clinical efficacy of the treatment has so far not been established. The difficulties and uncertainties involved in defining the right persons for treatment, and determining the right time for a possible start of treatment are discussed. A controlled trail with participation of several European countries is suggested.

Adult↗