PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

L M Pedersen

Publications and source records attributed to L M Pedersen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

[The prognostic value of thrombocytosis in patients with primary lung cancer].

The prognostic information provided by platelet counts was studied in 1115 patients with primary lung cancer and in 550 control patients with benign lung disorders. Patient records were retrospectively reviewed regarding histological tumour type, TNM stage, thromboembolic episodes and survival. The prevalence of thrombocytosis (platelet count > 400 x 10(9)/l) in patients with lung cancer was 32.1% vs. 6.4% in controls (p < 0.0001). Platelet counts increased with TNM stage (p < 0.0001). Patients with thrombocytosis had a shorter survival than patients with normal platelet count (p < 0.0001). Thrombocytosis was a predictor of short survival also when adjusted for tumour type, sex, age, and TNM stage (p < 0.001). The platelet count and the frequency of thrombocytosis declined after tumour resection (p < 0.0001). Thrombocytosis was not associated with thromboembolism. In conclusion, thrombocytosis is a clinically significant prognostic indicator regarding survival in patients with primary lung cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Microalbuminuria in patients with lung cancer.

In a prospective study of 102 outpatients with histologically proven lung cancer, the prevalence and prognostic significance of microalbuminuria (urinary albumin excretion > 20 micrograms/min) were analysed. 65 consecutive outpatients with benign lung disorders served as controls. An immunoturbidimetric assay, sensitive at low concentrations, was used to quantify the albumin excretion rate in timed overnight urine samples. Patients with malignancies had a significantly higher frequency of microalbuminuria (32.4% compared with controls, 13.8%, P < 0.01) and median urinary albumin excretion rate (13.4 versus controls, 8.9 micrograms/min, P < 0.003). Urinary albumin excretion was significantly higher in lung cancer patients with TNM stage III and IV. Patients with malignancies and microalbuminuria had a significantly lower survival rate than patients with normoalbuminuria (probability of survival 1 and 3 years after diagnosis 66% and 16% versus controls, 22% and 4%, P < 0.00001). In a multivariate model, which adjusted for age, sex, performance status, histological type and TNM stage, microalbuminuria continued to be a significant predictor of survival. In conclusion, an increased prevalence of microalbuminuria has been demonstrated in patients with lung cancer. The presence of microalbuminuria was associated with advanced disease stage and poor survival.

Albuminuria↗
PubMed1997

Changes in serum concentrations of growth hormone, insulin, insulin-like growth factor and insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins 1 and 3 and urinary growth hormone excretion during the menstrual cycle.

Few studies exist on the physiological changes in the concentrations of growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factors (IGF) and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP) within the menstrual cycle, and some controversy remains. We therefore decided to study the impact of endogenous sex steroids on the GH-IGF-IGFBP axis during the ovulatory menstrual cycle in 10 healthy women (aged 18-40 years). Blood sampling and urinary collection was performed every morning at 0800 h for 32 consecutive days. Every second day the subjects were fasted overnight before blood sampling. Follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol, progesterone, IGF-I, IGFBP-3, sex hormone-binding globulin, dihydroepiandrosterone sulphate and GH were determined in all samples, whereas insulin and IGFBP-1 were determined in fasted samples only. Serum IGF-I concentrations showed some fluctuation during the menstrual cycle, with significantly higher values in the luteal phase compared to the proliferative phase (P < 0.001). Mean individual variation in IGF-I concentrations throughout the menstrual cycle was 13.2% (SD 4.3; range 0.1-18.3%). There were no cyclic changes in IGFBP-3 serum concentrations and no differences in IGFBP-3 concentrations between the luteal and the proliferative phases. Mean individual variation in IGFBP-3 concentrations throughout the menstrual cycle was 8.8% (SD 2.7; range 3.2-14.1). IGFBP-1 concentrations were inversely associated with insulin concentrations, and showed a significant pre-ovulatory increase that returned to baseline at the day of the LH surge. Fasting insulin concentrations showed large fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle without any distinct cyclic pattern. No cyclic changes in urinary GH excretion during menstrual cycle were detected. We conclude that, although IGF-I concentrations are dependent on the phase of the menstrual cycle, the variation in IGF-I concentrations throughout the menstrual cycle is relatively small. Therefore, the menstrual cycle does not need to be considered when evaluating IGF-I or IGFBP-3 serum values in women suspected to have GH deficiency.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[Kidney function problems in rheumatoid arthritis].

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic, disabling disease with significant excess mortality which is partly caused by renal disease, infection and renal insufficiency being the main contributors. The bulk of renal problems in reumatoid arthritis are related to complications such as vasculitis and amyloidosis, and complications to the medical treatment of the disease, the main offenders being gold salts, penicillamine and cyclosporine. Also, there is increasing evidence that reumatoid arthritis per se can cause subclinical renal dysfunction with microalbuminuria as well as clinical disease, caused by immune-complex mediated glomerulonephritis and interstitial tubular fibrosis. In reumatoid arthritis serum creatinine can overestimate renal function by as much as 30% and it is suggested that more sensitive methods such as measuring urinary albumin excretion and glomerular filtration rate should be used for monitoring renal function.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed1996

[Microalbuminuria in rheumatoid arthritis].

To assess the prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and its correlation with disease activity and drug treatment, we studied 65 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 51 sex and age matched control persons. Microalbuminuria was significantly increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (27.7%) as compared to 7.8% in the control group. Patients with microalbuminuria had a significantly greater median duration of disease (11.2 v 7.8 years; p < 0.001). We found a significant correlation to C-reactive protein as a marker for disease activity. Also, a significant association to treatment with gold and penicillamine was found. The measurement of microalbuminuria by immunochemical methods represents a simple and sensitive test to detect subclinical renal damage and may be a sensitive indicator of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We suggest its use in the monitoring of patients with rheumatoid arthritis to detect early subclinical renal dysfunction and drug induced renal damage.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Prognostic significance of thrombocytosis in patients with primary lung cancer.

In patients with malignancies, thrombocytosis has previously been related to disease stage, histological type, and survival. In the present study, the prevalence of thrombocytosis and the prognostic information provided by platelet counts were analysed in a large cohort of patients with primary lung cancer. At the time of diagnosis, pretreatment platelet counts were retrospectively recorded in 1,115 consecutive patients with histologically proven primary lung cancer. All patients were reviewed regarding histological type, tumour, node, metastasis (TNM) classification stage and survival. The prevalence of thrombocytosis in patients with lung cancer was compared with that in a series of 550 consecutive out-patients with benign lung disorders. In 269 surgically resected patients, postoperative platelet counts were recorded 1-3 months after resection of the tumour. In the follow-up period, thromboembolic episodes diagnosed either clinically or at autopsy were recorded. The overall prevalence of thrombocytosis (> 400 x 10(9) platelets.L-1) in the patients with lung cancer was 32%. The frequency of thrombocytosis was significantly higher compared with the control subjects (32 vs 6%; p < 0.0001). Platelet counts differed significantly among subgroups defined by the TNM classification, with the proportion of patients with > 400 x 10(9) platelets.L-1 greatest in the more advanced TNM stages (stage I and II 23% vs stage III and IV 37%; p < 0.0001). Patients with thrombocytosis had a significantly poorer survival than patients with normal platelet counts (p < 0.0001). In a multivariate survival analysis (Cox model), thrombocytosis continued to correlate strongly with poor survival even when adjusted for histological type, sex, age, and TNM stage (p < 0.001). In surgically resected patients, the frequency of preoperative and postoperative thrombocytosis differed significantly (23.0 vs 8.9%; p < 0.0001). Survival rate was significantly reduced in patients with preoperative thrombocytosis (p = 0.005). Thrombocytosis was not associated with an increased incidence of thromboembolism. In conclusion, thrombocytosis is an independent prognostic factor of survival in patients with primary lung cancer. We suggest that platelet counts should be included in future multivariate analyses of survival in patients with lung cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Prevalence and prognostic significance of proteinuria in patients with lung cancer.

The purpose of the present study was to ascertain the prevalence and prognostic significance of proteinuria in patients with lung cancer. Results of urinary dipstick testing were retrospectively reviewed in 1026 consecutive out-patients with histologically proven primary lung cancer and 475 consecutive out-patients with benign pulmonary disorders. Postoperative urinary dipstick test results were recorded in 243 surgically resected patients. Proteinuria was significantly more frequent in patients with lung cancer than in controls (30.1% vs 8.8%, p < 0.0001). The presence of proteinuria was significantly correlated with advanced disease stage (p < 0.0001). The frequency of proteinuria was significantly higher in patients with small cell carcinoma than in patients with other histologic types (p < 0.01). In the surgically resected patients, preoperative and postresection proteinuria occurred in 25.5% and 10.7% respectively (p < 0.0001). Patients with malignancies and proteinuria had significantly poorer survival than patients with normal urinary protein excretion (p < 0.0001). In a multivariate analysis including TNM stage, histologic type, sex, and age, proteinuria continued to be a significant predictor of reduced survival time. Our results suggest a high prevalence of increased urinary protein excretion in patients with primary lung cancer. Proteinuria may also be an independent predictor of poor survival.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Microalbuminuria in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess (a) the prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, (b) the association between urinary albumin excretion and disease activity as estimated by the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C reactive protein (CRP), and (c) the association between urinary albumin excretion and treatment with antirheumatic drugs. METHODS: Sixty five patients with rheumatoid arthritis attending two rheumatology clinics were compared with 51 control subjects matched by age and sex. The controls consisted of 20 healthy subjects, 16 patients with osteoarthritis and 15 with non-articular rheumatism. Patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or evidence of previous renal disease were not included. Urinary albumin was assayed by immunoturbidimetry in random urine samples on two occasions within seven months. The results were expressed as the ratio of urinary albumin to urinary creatinine ratio. Disease activity was assessed by the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and CRP. A drug history for the year before entry to the study was obtained for each patient. RESULTS: Urinary albumin to creatinine ratio in patients with rheumatoid arthritis was significantly greater than in controls (p < 0.01). Microalbuminuria (urinary albumin to creatinine ratio 3-30 mg/mmol in either or both urine samples) was present in 27.7% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 7.8% of the control subjects. A significant relation was noted between urinary albumin to creatinine ratio and CRP, and the duration of disease. The number of patients treated with either gold or penicillamine was significantly greater in patients with microalbuminuria than in patients with normoalbuminuria. CONCLUSIONS: Microalbuminuria is frequently present in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment with gold and penicillamine seems to increase the risk of developing microalbuminuria. Urinary albumin measured by immunochemical methods is a simple and sensitive test to detect early subclinical renal dysfunction and drug induced renal damage in rheumatoid arthritis. Urinary albumin excretion was found to be significantly correlated with CRP and may be a sensitive indicator of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Needles for bone marrow examination].

Over the past decades, numerous new bone biopsy needles have been introduced. Pathological investigation requires sufficiently large and well-preserved specimens. This article reviews the literature concerning the quality of the instruments. Comparison of the various types of needles in controlled studies is not available. Bone-marrow biopsy is discussed in the context of obtaining optimal specimens and choice of biopsy needle.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed1994

[Electrostimulation of the pelvic floor muscles in urinary incontinence].

External electrical stimulation is a simple, noninvasive and inexpensive treatment modality, which is useful in the treatment of stress- and/or idiopathic urge incontinence. The mode of action arises from excitation of the pudendal nerves leading to direct and reflex contraction of pelvic floor muscles and a reflex inhibition of the detrusor. Treatment can be applied either as a weak long-term stimulation at home, as a short-term maximal stimulation in clinic, hospital or home treatment. Approximately 50%-75% of incontinent patients are either cured or improved and the adverse effects are sparse. Electrostimulation seems to be valuable in the treatment of incontinence.

Contraindications↗
PubMed1993

Follow-up study of patients with clinically suspected deep venous thrombosis and a normal venogram.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical course in patients with clinically suspected deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the leg and a normal venogram. DESIGN: Prospective study over 15 months with a follow-up of 4-12 (median 8.6) months after a normal venogram. A questionnaire survey was performed at follow-up. Information from general practitioners and medical records was reviewed. An alternative diagnosis was established at presentation and at the time of follow-up. SETTING: The Department of Internal Medicine in a Danish university hospital. SUBJECTS: A total of 133 consecutive out-patients referred with clinical suspicion of DVT and a normal venogram. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The state of symptoms at follow-up. The frequency of referrals to hospitals and contacts with general practitioners or medical specialists in the follow-up period. Clinical diagnoses provided at presentation and at follow-up. RESULTS: The follow-up response rate was 78% (n = 104). The symptoms were still present at follow-up in 53 (51%) patients. More than half of the patients had been referred to medical facilities for the same disorder. Diagnoses could be established in 93 (70%) of the 133 patients at presentation and in 119 (89%) at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients with clinical signs and symptoms of a DVT and a normal venogram may require a follow-up surveillance programme to ensure correct diagnosis and adequate treatment. Further studies are recommended to confirm our results and to assess the cost-effectiveness.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Septicaemia caused by an unusual Neisseria meningitidis species following dental extraction.

Dental procedures are frequently followed by transient bacteraemia. Bacteria obtained in the blood cultures are similar to bacteria of the normal mouth flora such as oral streptococci. The potential risk of bacteraemia following dental manipulations is infective endocarditis. We report here a rare case of septicaemia following dental extraction in a 84-year-old woman. Neisseria meningitidis group B type 1P1.9 was cultured from the blood. Postextraction septicaemia caused by meningococci has not been described before. Meningococcaemia as a rare complication of dental extraction is emphasized.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

[Reflex dystrophy after reconstruction of the axillary artery].

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is a complex syndrome of pain, trophic changes and vasomotor instability affecting the limbs. Numerous theories have been suggested to explain the pathophysiology. None is universely accepted. In most of the patients reported, an antecedant event such as trauma or surgery is implicated in the initiation of symptoms. We describe a case of reflex sympathetic dystrophy developing after reconstruction of a. axillaris. To our knowledge there have only been a few previous descriptions of reflex dystrophy following vascular surgery. The mechanism of reflex sympathetic dystrophy secondary to vascular trauma is discussed. Presumely, damage to the arterial wall by trauma may initiate abnormal reflex activity and lead to RSD. We suggest that vascular surgery should be considered as a potential risk factor for the development of RSD.

Arterial Occlusive Diseases↗