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Biomedical subjects

R Rackwitz

Publications and source records attributed to R Rackwitz.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1981

Case report and study of collagen metabolism in Marfan's syndrome.

The case report on a 33 year old woman with prominent features of Marfan's syndrome is presented. Characteristic signs were seen in the bones, the eyes, the cardiovascular system, and the lungs. Due to regurgitation of both the aortic and mitral valves and an aneurysm of the ascending aorta a double valve replacement was made, including a prosthesis of the aorta. The problems of early diagnosis and therapy of the life-threatening cardiovascular complications are discussed. Tissue specimens from the aorta were analysed histochemically and biochemically. Histology showed a typical necrosis of the media with cyst formation. Biochemical analysis by in vitro labeling of collagen in tissue explants and by electron microscopical evaluation showed proportions of type I and type III collagen which were significantly different from controls. In both the media and the adventitia the amount of type I collagen was drastically reduced as shown by quantitation of collagen and procollagen. Fibroblasts derived from the skin of the patient showed a normal content of type I and type III collagen. It is conceivable that the reduced content of type I collagen in the aortic wall is responsible for the weakness of the vessel wall causing formation of aneurysm and its sequelae.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

[Radiological evidence and removal of tablet conglomerates in intoxication with bromide-containing hypnotics (author's transl)].

If large amounts of bromide-containing hypnotics are taken together, the tablets may conglomerate in the stomach. Because of the bromide, this is radiologically demonstrable. Conventional gastric lavage does not remove such conglomerates. In order to prevent long-term late absorption with serious complications such as hypothermia, shock-lung and renal failure, previously only gastrotomy had been an effective treatment. But using gastroscopy with lavage and aspiration, such conglomerates can be removed within one to three hours. Fifteen patients in whom this technique was used were rousable within 24 hours, significantly shortening the period of intoxication. At the same time, complications may be avoided. This is also true in instances where the tablet dosage would otherwise have been fetal.

Foreign Bodies↗
PubMed1975

[A prognostic index in acute myocardial infarction: discrimination analysis of clinical parameters on admission to hospital (author's transl)].

In 301 patients admitted to an intensive-care unit because of acute myocardial infarction a prognostic analysis was undertaken, based on 21 parameters (history, condition on admission, laboratory results) and related to ultimate outcome. Although some parameters were singly of prognostic value, discrimination analysis markedly improved predictive value. A prognostic index was constructed from seven easily available parameters: age, pulmonary congestion, leucocytosis, peripheral vasoconstriction, systolic blood pressure, site of infarct and hypertension. For those in a low-risk class (index less than 60, death-rate up to 5%), duration of stay in the intensive-care unit may be shortened and rehabilitation measures accelerated. Those at moderate risk (index 60-90, death-rate up to 25%) require careful monitoring. The highest risk classes (index 90-120, death-rate up to 90%; and index more than 120, death-rate more than 90%) require specially intensive and long-term monitoring, and various procedures for assisted circulation and possible cardiacsurgical intervention should be considered from the outset.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1975

Dose-relation of thyroxine-induced changes in myocardial energy stores.

Experimental hyperthyroidism was produced in guinea pigs by daily intraperitoneal injection of l-thyroxine (T4) in various doses (0.7, 0.35, 0.175, and 0.07 mg/kg/day) for 7 days. Controls received solvent only. The following metabolites were determined in heart muscle (freeze-stop technique, enzymatic tests): Pi, adenosine tri-, di-, and monophosphates (ATP, ADP, AMP), creatine phosphate (CP), glucose 6-phosphate (G-6-P), fructose diphosphate (FDP), pyruvate, and lactate. Thyroxine induced a dose-related decrease of CP and a corresponding increase of Pi even in the lowest dose used in this study (0.07 mg/kg) and became more pronounced with increased doses. No remarkable changes of adeninenucleotides (ATP, ADP, AMP) were observed. G-6-P and FDP levels were markedly elevated in all dosages. Besides other possible effects (thyroxine-induced activation and induction of enzymes) the dose-related decrease of CP and increase of Pi may be due to the increasing contractility. In the physiological and pathophysiological range of thyroxine doses (T4 less than 20 mug%) high energy phosphates stores are dose-related decreased but not to a critical level. In the toxic range heart failure as a consequence of a deficit of CP may occur.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed1975

Myocardial high energy phosphates in experimental thyrotoxicosis in guinea pigs.

Experimental thyrotoxicosis was produced in guinea pigs by daily intraperitoneal injection of 0.7 mg/kg thyroxine (T4) or 0.15 mg/kg triiodothyronine (T3), as shown by an increase of PBI over 50 gamma percent, weight reduction of 20--30 percent, and increase in heart rate of 30--50 percent. Control animals received solvent only. Metabolites were determined in heart muscle on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th day using freeze-stop technique and enzymatic methods: creatine phosphate (CP), ATP, ADP, AMP, glucose 6-phosphate (G-6-P), fructose diphosphate (FDP), pyruvate, lactate, and inorganic phosphate (Pi). In thyrotoxic animals there was a decrease in CP which became significant after 3 days and more pronounced after 7 days. The ratio of CP to Pi decreased. G-6-P and FDP levels increased. The results were identical after administration of T4 and T3. ATP decreased slightly and ADP increased slightly after T4. Propranolol up to a dose of 3 mg/kg or practolol up to 10 mg/kg given daily i.p. on the 4th to 7th day did not prevent either the T4-induced decrease in high energy phosphates or the increase in G-6-P.

Adenine Nucleotides↗