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Biomedical subjects

L L Bossaert

Publications and source records attributed to L L Bossaert.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in elderly patients. Belgian Cerebral Resuscitation Study Group.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To study whether age of the cardiac arrest patient is related to prognostic factors and survival. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a prospective registration of cardiac arrest events in the mobile ICUs of seven participating hospitals. STUDY POPULATION: Two thousand seven hundred seventy-six out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in which advanced life support was initiated. Cardiac arrests with a precipitating event requiring specific therapeutic consequences and with specific prognosis were not included in the analysis (eg, trauma, exsanguination, drowning, sudden infant death syndrome). RESULTS: Neither resuscitation rate (23%) nor mortality caused by a neurologic reason (9%) was significantly different between age groups. Mortality after CPR of non-neurologic etiology was significantly higher in the elderly patient (younger than 40 years, 16%; 40 to 69 years, 19%; 70 to 79 years, 30%; 80 years or older, 34%; P less than .005) and had a negative effect on survival in resuscitated elderly patients (P less than .05). Elderly patients more frequently had a dependent lifestyle before the arrest (P less than .025), an arrest of cardiac origin (P less than .001), electromechanical dissociation as the type of cardiac arrest (P less than .025), and a shorter duration of advanced life support in unsuccessful resuscitation attempts (r = -.178, P less than .0001). CONCLUSION: Because survival two weeks after CPR was not significantly different between age groups, we suggest that decision making in CPR should not be based on age but on factors with better predictive power for outcome and quality of survival.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

In vitro contracture tests in patients with various neuromuscular diseases.

In order to investigate the relationship between neuromuscular disease and malignant hyperthermia (MH) susceptibility, the caffeine and halothane in vitro contracture test (European Malignant Hyperthermia Group Protocol) were performed in 60 patients who underwent muscle biopsy for investigation of a clinically suspected neuromuscular disorder. Two test results were classified as MH susceptible, 10 as MH equivocal and 48 MH negative. The large number of equivocal results is thought to indicate the lack of specificity of the individual components of this test in patients with clinical or histological evidence of neuromuscular disease. The increased in vitro sensitivity to the drugs tested may nevertheless provide some explanation for several in vivo "MH-like reactions" reported frequently in these patients. These reactions, however, are likely to be based on pathophysiological mechanisms different from those responsible for a true MH crisis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

In vitro diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia: influence of electrical stimulation on the contracture response to caffeine.

We have examined the influence of electrical stimulation on caffeine-induced tension generation during contracture testing used to diagnose malignant hyperthermia. The cumulative contracture response to caffeine was compared in pairs of morphologically comparable muscle bundles obtained from the same patient. Only one of the two bundles was stimulated electrically during the test. Statistically significant differences in tension were found at caffeine concentrations greater than or equal to 4 mmol litre-1, the tension developed being invariably larger in the unstimulated fascicles. These results suggest that electrical stimulation results in suppression of the dose-dependent, caffeine-induced contracture. This effect could be a result of the potentiation of twitch tension by caffeine, muscle fatigue, or both. Overall, the observed differences did not alter the in vitro diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia.

Caffeine↗
PubMed1991

The physiologic response of CPR training.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the physiologic response of CPR training. DESIGN: Cardiovascular and ventilatory parameters were investigated during 40 minutes of CPR performance and during a maximum exercise test in seven female and nine male subjects (mean age, 30 years; range, 16 to 49 years). RESULTS: During CPR performance, mean oxygen consumption (0.36 +/- 0.10 L/min), and mean minute volume (21.9 +/- 6.0 L/min) were 16% and 26%, respectively, of the levels reached during a maximum exercise test. Systolic blood pressure (153 +/- 23 mm Hg) and heart rate (132 +/- 25 beats/min) were 75% and 73%, respectively, of the levels reached during a maximum exercise test. Serum lactate levels at rest and after CPR performance were not significantly different (1.08 +/- 0.99 vs 1.54 +/- 1.03 mEq/L). Valsalva reflex remained present throughout total CPR time at varying degrees depending on individual differences in CPR technique (eg, incomplete extension of the manikin's head, holding the breath during chest compression). CONCLUSION: CPR performance seems to be a primarily aerobic effort that induces changes in cardiorespiratory parameters that were reasonably well tolerated by our study population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Streptococcal myositis. A report of two cases.

Two patients are described with acute streptococcal myositis. One of them died after a brief duration of illness in multiple organ failure; the other survived extensive muscular damage complicated by diffuse intravascular coagulation, acute renal failure, adult respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopneumonia, Pseudomonas septicaemia and probably streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Both patients received nonsteroidal antiphlogistics, purportedly involved in the pathogenesis of this syndrome. Based on a mouse model, clindamycin would seem to be the antibiotic of choice.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Pneumoperitoneum--a rare complication of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Pneumoperitoneum following cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) results from a thoracic air leak (pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum) with escape of the air through diaphragmatic apertures (mostly foramen of Winslow) or primary perforation of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach or esophagus). We report three cases of pneumoperitoneum complicating CPR. As there was no clinical evidence of peritonitis, and the patients remained stable, a conservative approach was followed without surgical exploration. All patients recovered completely.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Haemodynamic monitoring. Problems, pitfalls and practical solutions.

The synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depends on the coordinated interaction of oxygen delivery and glucose breakdown in the Krebs cycle. Cellular oxygen depots are non-existent, therefore the peripheral cells are totally dependent on the circulation for sufficient oxygen delivery. Shock is the clinical manifestation of cellular oxygen craving. The commonly measured variables--blood pressure, heart rate, urinary output, cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance--are not sensitive or accurate enough to warn of impending death in acutely ill patients nor are they appropriate for monitoring therapy. Calculated oxygen transport and oxygen consumption parameters provide the best available measures of functional adequacy of both circulation and metabolism. In order to optimise oxygen delivery (DO2), 4 interacting factors must be taken into account: cardiac output, blood haemoglobin content, haemoglobin oxygen saturation and avidity of oxygen binding to haemoglobin. For viscosity reasons, the optimal haemoglobin concentration is in the vicinity of 90 to 100 g/L, but for optimising the oxygen transport 100 to 115 g/L or a haematocrit of 30 to 35% seems better. The p50 (the pO2 at which haemoglobin is 50% saturated) describes the oxygen-haemoglobin dissociation curve; normally its value is +/- 27 mm Hg. It can be influenced by attaining normal body temperature, pH, pCO2 and serum phosphorous levels. In order to obtain an arterial blood saturation (SaO2) of more than 90% with acceptable haemodynamics, the ventilation mode and inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2) must be adapted; care must be taken not to stress the labile circulation with haemodynamic compromising ventilation techniques [e.g. high positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) levels, inverse-ratio ventilation, etc.]. The factor most amenable to manipulation is the cardiac output, with its 4 determinants--preload, afterload, contractility and heart rate. In daily clinical practice, heart rate should be between 80 and 120 beats/min; small variations are acceptable. Important deviations must be treated by chemically [isoprenaline (isoproterenol)] or electrically (pacing techniques) accelerating the heart, or with the different antiarrhythmic drugs. A wide variety of agents is available to decrease the preload: diuretics [especially furosemide (frusemide)], venodilators like nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate), isosorbide dinitrate (sorbide nitrate) and sodium nitroprusside, ACE inhibitors, phlebotomy, and haemofiltration techniques (peritoneal or haemodialysis, continuous arteriovenous haemofiltration). To increase the preload, volume loading using a rigid protocol ('rule of 7 and 3'), preferably with colloids, or vasopressor agents [norepinephrine (noradrenaline), epinephrine (adrenaline), dopamine] are useful. Arterial vasopressors are needed to improve perfusion pressure of 'critical' (coronary and cerebral) arteries. Afterload can be decreased by arterial vasodilators. Predominantly arterial dilators are hydralazine and clonidine, while sodium nitroprusside, nitroglycerin and isosorbide dinitrate have combined arterial and venous dilating actions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Blood Glucose↗
PubMed1991

Differential diagnosis of anesthesia induced rhabdomyolysis. A case report.

A four year old boy suffered from a prolonged cardiac arrest during anesthesia. Laboratory examination subsequently demonstrated extensive rhabdomyolysis. The possibility of an underlying muscle disease in this family was investigated by muscle biopsy, histological examination and in-vitro contracture testing. The latter test result was consistent with malignant hyperthermia susceptibility. This case history illustrates the differential diagnosis of anesthesia induced rhabdomyolysis.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Purulent pericarditis due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. A case report.

Purulent pericarditis is an infrequent complication of infections originating in another body location. Symptoms and signs are often absent; a high index of awareness is required for its diagnosis. A patient recovering from extensive necrotic-hemorrhagic pancreatitis presented with tamponade due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) purulent pericarditis, further complicated by MRSA endocarditis. Treatment included pericardectomy, IV vancomycin and teicoplanin.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1989

Cardiac arrest due to aberrant left coronary artery originating from the right sinus of Valsalva in a young girl.

We report a 14-year-old girl who sustained a syncope followed by cardiac arrest. She was kept alive for three days by full cardiocirculatory support using left and right ventricular assist devices, but subsequently died in multiple organ failure. Autopsy revealed an anomalous origin of the left coronary artery (LCA) from the right sinus of Valsalva (RSV) and a major left anterior wall infarction. A cyclo-ergometric stress test performed two years before having been negative, we discuss its value in preventing sudden death due to coronary anomalies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Mastitis and toxic shock syndrome.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) secondary to mastitis or breast abscess is only seldom described. We report a case of definite TSS due to postpartum staphylococcal mastitis which evolved over a period of 3 weeks to a breast abscess, recurring after 2 months. Only the episode of acute mastitis was complicated with TSS, while Staph. aureus could be isolated during the period of mastitis from milk and during drainage of the second breast abscess.

Abscess↗
PubMed1988

Hypoprothrombinemia due to cefamandole.

Two patients are described with severe coagulation disturbances, in one instance leading to extensive skin bleeding, secondary to the use of cefamandole. This cefalosporin antibiotic carries the same N-methylthiotetrazole side chain as moxalactam. Pathogenetic mechanisms leading to hypoprothrombinemia, its prevention and treatment are discussed.

Aged↗
PubMed1988

The body packer syndrome--cocaine smuggling in the gastro-intestinal tract.

Cocaine drug packets were found in the gastro-intestinal tract of seven persons, charged with and arrested for presumed drug smuggling. Plain abdominal roentgenograms were positive in 4, while computer tomography of the abdomen (CT-scan) was necessary in 3 others to make the diagnosis. There were no signs of acute intoxication or bowel obstruction. All patients were treated with enemas and/or laxatives in order to evacuate the hidden packets; no complications occurred. A clinical description of the seven cases is followed by a short review of the literature, mainly focused on the possible complications of ingested drug packets and possible methods of removal.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

The Paceport catheter: a new pacemaker system introduced through a Swan-Ganz catheter.

We describe a new stainless steel, teflon-coated 2.4 F pacemaker wire with a flexible tip that can be introduced through an extra lumen of a specially designed 7.5 F Swan-Ganz catheter. The extra lumen opens at 19 cm from the tip of the catheter; this opening can be positioned in the right ventricular cavity. The pacemaker wire can be introduced at the time of insertion of the Swan-Ganz catheter or later when the need for ventricular pacing arises. The Paceport catheter was tested in 23 patients. Satisfactory ventricular pacing was achieved in 19 patients at thresholds between 0.5 and 4.0 mA (median 2.0 mA). The threshold increased by 1 mA during long-term pacing (8-24 hr). Attempts to use the pacemaker were abandoned when short runs of ventricular tachycardia developed upon introduction, while an exceptionally high threshold was observed in another patient. The Paceport system is recommended for patients who require hemodynamic monitoring and urgent ventricular pacing.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Propylene glycol-induced side effects during intravenous nitroglycerin therapy.

Propylene glycol, an alcohol frequently used as a solvent in medical preparations, is considered non-toxic. We found that this solvent, used in a commercially available IV nitroglycerin solution, may cause hyperosmolality, hemolysis and lactic acidosis. The influence of kidney function as the main determinant in causing accumulation of this solvent and consequently hyperosmolality is emphasized. A review of the literature dealing with propylene glycol is given. The possible mechanisms of neurological disturbances occurring during IV nitroglycerin therapy are discussed.

Acidosis, Lactic↗
PubMed1988

Prehospital thrombolytic treatment of acute myocardial infarction with anisoylated plasminogen streptokinase activator complex.

In cooperation with a group of general practitioners (GP), we investigated the possible risk and benefit of prehospital initiation of thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with anisoylated plasminogen streptokinase activator complex (APSAC) at the patient's home. During a 14-month period, 58 patients with suspected AMI were evaluated by their GP using a protocol with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The GP alerted a special mobile intervention team which administered APSAC at home in 13 of the 19 patients. Coronary reperfusion was achieved in ten of these 13 patients. Apart from short and easily treated episodes of bradycardia and/or hypotension after the injection of the thrombolytic drug in four of 13 patients, no major adverse events were noted in the early treatment period. The estimated time gain by treating the patient at home instead of starting the treatment in the coronary care unit was 46 +/- 14 min. Therefore, at-home initiation of thrombolytic treatment seems feasible, fast, and safe.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Coma as a presenting sign of Epstein-Barr encephalitis.

Among the many different manifestations of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, neurologic disturbances are less frequently observed, and they are diverse in nature. A young woman was admitted with acute hyperthermia, mydriasis, nystagmus, respiratory insufficiency, muscular hypertonia, evolving to decerebrate posturing, and bilateral facial epileptic contractions. The appearance of atypical blood lymphocytes, hepatitis, migrating skin rash, positive heterophile antibody tests, and specific serologic tests for EBV led to a diagnosis of EBV encephalitis. Under treatment with intravenously administered acyclovir, the patient recuperated almost completely. This case illustrates a less frequent manifestation of EBV infection.

Acyclovir↗