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Biomedical subjects

N Juul

Publications and source records attributed to N Juul.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

The effects of 10 degrees reverse Trendelenburg position on subdural intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure in patients subjected to craniotomy for cerebral aneurysm.

The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of 10 degrees reverse Trendelenburg position (rTp) on subdural intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), and dural tension. Additionally, the relationship between preoperative Hunt and Hess (H and H) grade and the subdural ICP in patients scheduled for cerebral aneurysm surgery was investigated. Twenty-eight consecutive patients with a cerebral aneurysm were subjected to craniotomy in propofol/fentanyl or propofol/remifentanil anesthesia. Subdural ICP was measured after opening of the bone flap and exposure of dura. After reference measurements of subdural ICP and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), the measurements were repeated during 10 degrees rTp. No significant differences between the anesthetic groups were disclosed. During 10 degrees rTp, a significant decrease in MABP, ICP, and jugular bulb pressure was observed whereas CPP remained unchanged. In H and H 0 patients (unruptured aneurysm), the ICP decreased from 2.9 +/- 2.6 mmHg to 0.4 +/- 2.2 mmHg at 10 degrees rTp. In H and H I to II patients, the ICP decreased from 9.3 +/- 3.8 mmHg to 4.6 +/- 3.3 mmHg at 10 degrees rTp. A significant difference in the mean baseline subdural ICP and DeltaICP (change in ICP) was found between patients with unruptured aneurysm and patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (H&H I and II). Furthermore, the relationship between the subdural ICP at neutral position and DeltaICP was significant. In patients without intracranial hypertension, 10 degrees rTp decreases subdural ICP and dural tension in patients with ruptured as well as patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysm; CPP is unchanged.

Anesthesia, General↗
PubMed2005

Subdural intracranial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure, and degree of cerebral swelling in supra- and infratentorial space-occupying lesions in children.

UNLABELLED: To our knowledge comparative studies of intracranial pressure (ICP) and degree of cerebral swelling during craniotomy for supratentorial or infratentorial space occupying lesion in children are not available. In this prospective study subdural ICP, cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), dural tension, and the degree of cerebral swelling were analysed in supine and prone positioned children subjected to craniotomy for space occupying lesions. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 48 children with space occupying tumours were subjected to either isoflurane/nitrous oxide 50%/fentanyl (n = 22) or propofol/fentanyl/air/oxygen (n = 26). 25 children were operated supratentorially in supine position, while 23 patients were operated infratentorially in the prone position. Subdural ICP, mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), and CPP were measured just before opening of the dura. Dural tension was estimated before opening of dura, and the degree of cerebral swelling was estimated after opening of dura. RESULTS: The age and weight of children anaesthetised with isoflurane in the prone position were significantly lower than the propofol anaesthetised groups. No significant inter-group differences as regards tumour size, midline shift, rectal temperature, MABP or PaCO2 were found. ICP in prone positioned children averaged 16.9 mm Hg against 9.0 mm Hg in supine positioned children (p < 0.001). In prone positioned children the dura was significantly tenser, and the degree of brain swelling after opening of dura was significantly more pronounced. No significant difference as regard ICP was disclosed when isoflurane/nitrous oxide/fentanyl and propofol/ fentanyl anaesthetized children were compared, but MABP and CPP were significantly lower in isoflurane anaesthetised children. CONCLUSION: In children with cerebral tumours ICP is higher, and the degree of cerebral swelling more pronounced in the prone-compared with supine positioned children. Choice of anaesthesia did not influence ICP, but CPP was significantly lower during isoflurane anaesthesia.

Blood Pressure↗
PubMed2005

Effect of alfentanil on intracranial pressure during propofol-fentanyl anesthesia for craniotomy. A randomized prospective dose-response study.

BACKGROUND: The effect of alfentanil on intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with supratentorial cerebral tumors has only been sparsely examined and with somewhat contradictory results. METHODS: Thirty-one patients were anesthetized with propofol and fentanyl. After removal of the bone flap a bolus-dose of alfentanil 10 (group 1), 20 (group 2), or 30 microg kg(-1) (group 3) was administered followed by an infusion of 10, 20, or 30 microg.kg(-1).h(-1) to patients in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. A control group received no alfentanil. Subdural ICP, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) were monitored and arterial and jugular bulb blood were sampled before and every minute for 5 min after the bolus administration of alfentanil and again after 5 min of hyperventilation to be able to calculate cerebral arterio-venous oxygen content difference (AVDO2) and carbon dioxide reactivity (CO2-reactivity). RESULTS: No changes in subdural ICP or AVDO2 from alfentanil in the study period were observed within the groups. However, alfentanil decreased MAP and CPP. The maximum CPP decrease (mean value of each group) was 4 mmHg, 8 mmHg, and 18 mmHg in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. There was no difference between groups as regards the CO2-reactivity. CONCLUSION: We conclude that administration of alfentanil to propofol-fentanyl anesthetized patients with supratentorial cerebral tumors decreases MAP and CPP in a dose-related way, but does not influence subdural ICP, AVDO2 or the CO2-reactivity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Routine X-ray control of upper central venous lines: Is it necessary?

BACKGROUND: Insertion of central venous catheters (CVCs) is a procedure associated with a varying risk of complications, depending on the setting and the skill of the clinician who undertakes the procedure. The aim of this study was to monitor the complication rate of CVC insertion and evaluate the value of routine chest X-ray control. METHODS: Anesthesiologists at eight hospitals filled in a questionnaire immediately after insertion of a CVC. The post-procedural clinical evaluation, including expected complications, was compared to actual radiological findings. Chest X-ray was ordered by the anesthesiologist, and described by staff radiologists. RESULTS: The clinicians had from 2 months to 30 years of experience as anesthesiologists, and trainees inserted 34% and specialists 66% of the catheters, using landmark techniques. Over a period of 2 months, 473 CVC-insertion procedures were included in the investigation. Two patients (0.4%) had a pneumothorax: one was among the 11 cases in which the clinician suspected complications after the procedure, and another was found in a high-risk patient 13 h after CVC insertion. Both patients were treated successfully with chest tubes. The favorite approach was right vena jugularis interna with 324 (69%) catheters; of these patients one had a pneumothorax, catheter-tip placement was correctly predicted in 317 (97%), and no catheters were repositioned. CONCLUSION: In the hands of trained clinicians, insertion of CVCs is a safe procedure. We found no value of routine X-ray control and omission of routine chest X-ray must be considered.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

US-guided fine needle aspiration versus coarse needle biopsy of thyroid nodules.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was retrospectively to evaluate ultrasound (US) guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA), in combination with US-guided coarse-needle biopsies, (CNB) from solitary or dominant thyroid nodules routinely performed during a 2 year period. METHODS: Seventy seven patients were biopsied using US-guided FNA and CNB. FNA was performed using a 21-Gauge needle and CNB using a 18-Gauge single action spring-activated needle biopsy system. The biopsies were performed with local anaesthesia. The Department of Pathology routinely examined the biopsy specimens. The retrieval rate in obtaining material for diagnostic evaluation was FNA (97%), CNB (88%), FNA and CNB (100%). RESULTS: In all, 41 of the 77 patients underwent neck-surgery. The surgical specimens were used to determine the results of diagnosing neoplasia. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity for FNA were 80, 83, and 77%. For CNB 86, 78, and 94%. For both FNA and CNB 80, 89 and 73%. The diagnostic value of the two methods showed no significant difference (P < 0.05). CNB revealed contrary to FNA, however, one additional cancer. Also a higher number of false positive findings was noticed using FNA. No serious complications were registered. Adequate biopsies were obtained in all the patients using the combination of US-guided FNA and CNB. No patient underwent rebiopsy. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that neither US-guided CNB nor the combination of US-guided FNA and CNB were superior to US-guided FNA. US-guided CNB is only recommended in few selected patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Neuromuscular blocking agents in neurointensive care.

INTRODUCTION: Intensive care treatment of patients with severe head injury is aimed at preventing secondary injury. One of the cornerstones in this treatment is sedation and ventilation. Use of Neuromuscular Blocking Agents (NBA) has gained widespread use as part of the protocol for maintaining normal intracranial pressure values, without class 1 evidence for the efficacy of the treatment. METHODS: We examined data of the use of NBA as infusion during ventilator treatment, and IntraCranial Pressure (ICP) measurements in the database from the international multicenter randomized double blind trial of the NMDA receptor antagonist Selfotel. No specific mode of sedation was recommended in the study protocol. RESULTS: Of the 427 patients enrolled in the study 326 had a full data set, 138 received NBA during their stay in the ICU. There were no statistical difference in demographic data between the two groups. During their stay in the ICU, patients who received NBA had a median of 13.5 hours with a recorded ICP above 20 mm Hg, patients who did not receive NBA had a median of 6.5 hours with ICP above 20 mm Hg (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data challenges the concept of using NBA as part of a routine sedation strategy in treatment of patients with severe head injury.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Intracranial hypertension and cerebral perfusion pressure: influence on neurological deterioration and outcome in severe head injury. The Executive Committee of the International Selfotel Trial.

OBJECT: Recently, a renewed emphasis has been placed on managing severe head injury by elevating cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), which is defined as the mean arterial pressure minus the intracranial pressure (ICP). Some authors have suggested that CPP is more important in influencing outcome than is intracranial hypertension, a hypothesis that this study was designed to investigate. METHODS: The authors examined the relative contribution of these two parameters to outcome in a series of 427 patients prospectively studied in an international, multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial of the N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist Selfotel. Mortality rates rose from 9.6% in 292 patients who had no clinically defined episodes of neurological deterioration to 56.4% in 117 patients who suffered one or more of these episodes; 18 patients were lost to follow up. Correspondingly, favorable outcome, defined as good or moderate on the Glasgow Outcome Scale at 6 months, fell from 67.8% in patients without neurological deterioration to 29.1% in those with neurological deterioration. In patients who had clinical evidence of neurological deterioration, the relative influence of ICP and CPP on outcome was assessed. The most powerful predictor of neurological worsening was the presence of intracranial hypertension (ICP > or = 20 mm Hg) either initially or during neurological deterioration. There was no correlation with the CPP as long as the CPP was greater than 60 mm Hg. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment protocols for the management of severe head injury should emphasize the immediate reduction of raised ICP to less than 20 mm Hg if possible. A CPP greater than 60 mm Hg appears to have little influence on the outcome of patients with severe head injury.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

The frequency, antecedent events, and causal relationships of neurologic worsening following severe head injury. Executive Committee of the international Selfotel Trial.

Neurologic deterioration observed following head injury is recognized as having a deleterious effect on outcome. The present study examines this occurrence in detail to determine the frequency of these episodes, their antecedent events and causal relationships in order to identify patients who are at risk. Data was collected prospectively from a consecutive series of 427 patients entered into the international trial of the NMDA receptor antagonist Selfotel. Using a definition of neurologic worsening based upon objective criteria, 117 patients were identified who suffered 164 episodes of deterioration. The occurrence of a single episode of neurologic worsening increased mortality by more than five-fold and reduced favorable outcomes (good or moderate on the Glasgow Outcome Scale), by more than 50%. Increased intracranial volume resulting in intracranial hypertension was the single most frequent cause of neurologic worsening. This serves to emphasize the importance of more adequate treatments of intracranial hypertension in improving the outcome of patients with severe head injury.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Neurological deterioration as a potential alternative endpoint in human clinical trials of experimental pharmacological agents for treatment of severe traumatic brain injuries. Executive Committee of the International Selfotel Trial.

OBJECTIVE: A recently improved understanding of the pathophysiological features of head injuries has led to the development of new drug therapies. Accurate human clinical trials remain necessary to document the efficacy and safety of new agents. It would be helpful to decrease the time from drug development to clinical use and general availability for drugs found to be effective. Conversely, ineffective agents could be abandoned in a timely fashion. RATIONALE: A new endpoint measure, defined as neuroworsening (NW), is an objective observable event that is identifiable during hospitalization. This may enable the efficacy of drugs to be demonstrated or disproved much earlier than with 6-month outcome assessments. The prospective, double-blind, multicenter trial of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist Selfotel was used to acquire data on the efficacy of NW in predicting neurological outcomes. The 6-month Glasgow Outcome Scale scores, which were the primary endpoints of that trial, were compared with the frequency of NW. NW was an observable event that could be objectively defined after head injuries. Patients who suffered one or more episodes of NW demonstrated significantly higher morbidity and mortality rates than did patients who did not. CONCLUSION: Future trials should consider the use of NW as an outcome measure that can be included with more traditional measures in the study design. If the strong correlation demonstrated between NW and 6-month Glasgow Outcome Scale scores can be prospectively demonstrated in a successful trial, the time to approval of future agents could be decreased.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Mycoplasma pneumonia affecting the central nervous system].

The authors describe a case of Guillain-Barré syndrome and a case of encephalitis, both with serological proven Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. In the patient with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a 49 year old male who had neurological sequelae five months after discharge, a throat swab was PCR positive for M pneumonia. The patient with encephalitis was discharged 19 days after admission without sequelae.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Use of bladder thermistor catheters in an intensive care unit. Comparative study of core temperature measurements with bladder thermometers and rectal thermometers in an intensive care unit].

Bladder temperature measured by a thermistor tipped urinary catheter was compared to rectal temperature in 14 ICU patients. During a period of five days 2 x 232 measurements were recorded, and good correlation was found between rectal and bladder temperatures (R = 0.97). There did not seem to be any drift in the bladder thermistor. Measurement was accurate during periods of oliguria. We find that bladder temperature measurement is reliable, safe, convenient and accurate for routine use in the ICU.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations].

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is known to cause a mild disease of the upper respiratory tract and uncomplicated pneumonia in infected individuals. Serious pulmonary and extrapulmonary complications are reported with increasing frequency. In this paper pulmonary, neurological, haematological, dermatological, cardial, gastrointestinal and renal complications are reviewed. Since the diagnosis requires laboratory confirmation and indeed is often retrospective, knowledge of the less known pulmonary and systemic manifestations is important to make proper diagnostic decisions and to ensure proper medical treatment.

Cardiomyopathies↗
PubMed1991

[Extracorporeal shockwave crushing of gallstones. Preliminary report].

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) was used for treatment of symptomatic x-ray negative stones in 23 patients. The number of ESWL sessions per patient was 1.8 (range 1-4). In 18 patients (78%), adequate fragmentation was seen comparable to results obtained elsewhere. Oral bile acid therapy was used after ESWL in the 18 patients mentioned and the mean follow-up period was five months (range 3-8 months). Four patients had by now passed all stones while 12 patients still had remaining stone fragments and one patient a gallstone. After ESWL, one patient was and one patient a gallstone. After ESWL, one patient was referred for cholecystectomy at his own request. Of the remaining five patients, cholecystectomy was performed in two and was scheduled for in three. Complications after ESWL were seen in two patients who developed acute pancreatitis. Thus, our preliminary experience shows that ESWL resulted in fragmentation and passing of gallbladder stones, but not without complications. Like the gallstone groups in Lyon, Montreal and Munich we are convinced that ESWL should be performed in accordance with prospectively designed protocols in order to establish optimal planning of indications and strategies for future treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Pelvic floor muscle thickness measured by perineal ultrasonography.

Pelvic floor muscle thickness was assessed in nine healthy female physiotherapists by perineal sonography. All measurements were performed as triple-measurements. The aims were to assess the reliability of the measurements and to establish a reference material. The muscle thickness at rest and at contraction was 9.4 +/- 0.8 mm and 11.5 +/- 1.1 mm respectively (mean +/- SD). Contraction increased the thickness by 2.2 +/- 0.8 mm or 23 +/- 8%. The intra- and inter observer standard deviation of the estimate was in the range of 4-6%. In conclusion, we find the reliability of the measurements acceptable.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

US-guided fine needle biopsy of solid renal masses--comparison of histology and cytology.

We report on 134 fine needle biopsies in 127 patients with an ultrasound finding suggesting renal malignancy. Biopsy was performed guided by dynamic ultrasound using an 0.6 mm aspiration needle for cytology and an 0.8 mm Surecut needle for histology. The retrieval rate for cytology was 97.8% compared to 79.1% for histology. Sensitivity for cytology and histology was 89.4% and 70.6%, respectively. The specificity of cytology was 85.4% giving a predictive value of a positive result of 91.6%. Specificity and positive predictive value for histology were both 100%. We conclude that fine needle aspiration biopsy from renal masses in our hands carries too high a false positive rate to be clinically safe. We recommend that fine needle histological biopsy replaces the aspiration biopsy in case of renal masses.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed1991

Ultrasound versus intravenous urography in the initial evaluation of patients with suspected obstructing urinary calculi.

A consecutive series of 102 patients admitted to the radiology department for emergency intravenous urography (IVP) due to suspected obstructing urinary calculus, had an ultrasound scanning (US) performed immediately prior to the requested IVP. The scannings were performed by US-specialists who had access to all patient data except the IVP result. IVP diagnosed renal outlet obstruction in 53 of the 102 cases. This was correctly diagnosed by US in 50 cases. In three cases where IVP described acute obstruction ("white kidney") no dilatation was visible on US. The false negative rate concerning obstruction was thus 6%. No false positive US investigations occurred. Five cases of uretero-pelvic stenosis were correctly diagnosed at both investigations. 18 kidney stones--two being obstructing--were found at both investigations. IVP diagnosed 40 of 46 ureteral stones. The remaining stones were diagnosed by other means (retrograde pyelography, ureteroscopy). US only visualized 18 ureteral stones. The overlooked stones were all less than 5 mm in size, the major part being situated in the middle and lower ureter. We conclude that US plays a role in the initial evaluation of patients with suspected obstructing urinary calculi. If obstruction is diagnosed emergency IVP may be substituted by an elective investigation or even omitted. If no obstruction is diagnosed IVP must be performed in order to rule out non-dilated obstruction. IVP remains the gold standard for visualization of the urinary tract in patients with suspected acute obstruction.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1990

Doctors' requirements for reproducibility of diagnostic information.

Two radiologists independently assessed 100 leg vein phlebograms for the presence or absence of deep venous thrombosis. In a subsequent questionnaire, 66 physicians were asked to state the level of agreement they would require to use conventional phlebography in their diagnostic decisions, and whether they would reduce their requirements if the phlebographic technique were made less painful and less expensive. The responses indicated physicians' requirements for reproducibility of a well-known routine diagnostic method may be unrealistic, and that physicians do not consider the inconvenience of an examination to the patient or its cost in setting their requirements for diagnostic precision.

Adult↗