Biomedical subjects

Mark Obermann

Publications and source records attributed to Mark Obermann.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Transcranial sonography of the third ventricle and cognitive dysfunction in HIV patients.

BACKGROUND: Although the incidence and prevalence of dementia associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has decreased since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy, cognitive dysfunction remains one of the most prevalent factors severely affecting quality of life in patients with HIV. Previous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies showed a correlation between brain atrophy, enlargement of the ventricles and cognitive impairment in HIV patients. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the usefulness of transcranial sonographic (TCS) measurement of the third ventricle in detection of brain atrophy in HIV patients and the correlation with neuropsychological deficits. METHODS: We examined 47 HIV patients and 40 healthy age-matched controls with TCS, neuroimaging (cranial MRI or computed tomography) and a neuropsychological test battery. RESULTS: The third ventricle was significantly larger in patients than in healthy controls and correlated significantly with duration of HIV, Center of Disease Control (CDC) stage, CD4 lymphocytes and distinct cognitive and motor deficits. CONCLUSION: TCS cannot replace neuroimaging but is a valuable method in the detection of brain atrophy and follow-up of HIV patients at risk or with a recent diagnosis of HIV encephalopathy.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Carotid intima-media thickness in HIV-infected individuals: relationship of premature atherosclerosis to neuropsychological deficits?

BACKGROUND: Intima-media thickness (IMT) measured by extracranial duplex sonography is a surrogate marker for atherosclerosis. It is well known that IMT is greater in HIV patients than in age-matched healthy controls due to HIV- induced endothelial damage and metabolic side-effects of antiretroviral therapy. However, it remains unclear whether atherosclerosis has an additional impact on cognitive function in HIV patients. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between IMT and neuropsychological deficits in HIV patients. METHODS: 47 HIV patients and 40 age-matched healthy controls were examined by extracranial ultrasound 2 and 3 cm before the flow divider to evaluate differences in IMT. Possible neuropsychological deficits in HIV patients were assessed using a battery of 10 neuropsychological tests. Results of neuropsychological tests and markers of disease severity were correlated with IMT in HIV patients. RESULTS: IMT was significantly greater in patients than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). However, none of the neuropsychological tests correlated significantly with IMT measurements in HIV patients. There was only a weak correlation between deficits in attention and IMT in HIV patients (r = 0.44; p = 0.005), which was non-significant after correction for multiple comparisons. Markers of disease severity (CD4 cell count, HIV load in plasma, duration of HIV disease) did not correlate with IMT either. CONCLUSION: IMT was greater in HIV patients compared to age-matched controls but it appears that premature atherosclerosis has no additional impact on the evolution of neuropsychological deficits in HIV patients. IMT did not correlate with the severity of immunodeficiency.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Medication overuse headache.

Medication overuse headache (MOH) has developed into the third most common type of headache after tension-type headache and migraine. The prevalence of MOH is approximately 1% of the world's population and it shows an increasing trend as recent studies reveal a common involvement throughout the ages, even starting in childhood. All antiheadache drugs, such as triptans, analgesics, ergots and opioids, along with the common combination substances currently on the pharmacological market are capable of inducing MOH. New data on specific clinical features and mean critical monthly dosages and mean critical monthly intake frequencies are now available. The only effective treatment concept is consequent withdrawal therapy. Data of prospective studies on relapse rates and predictors of relapse after successful withdrawal therapy are presented.

Analgesics↗