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Biomedical subjects

R Safadi

Publications and source records attributed to R Safadi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

[Neurological manifestations of non A-G viral hepatitis].

Guillain-Barre and other neurologic syndromes rarely occur as complications of viral hepatitis (A, B and C). Other neurologic syndromes have also been reported in serologically defined viral hepatitis, including mononeuritis, auditory neuritis, and seizures. Chronic hepatitis B and mononeuritis multiplex are found together in 31-54% of patients with periarteritis nodosa. The mechanisms of these associations are unknown, but may include direct cytotoxicity of the virus or immune-mediated damage. Vasculitis of the vasa nervorum plays an intermediate role, at least in some cases. We describe a 36-year-old man with acute non A-G hepatitis complicated by Guillain-Barre syndrome. The neurological manifestation resolved completely without specific therapy within 6 days, as the hepatitis resolved.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Comparison of immune reactivity and pharmacokinetics of two hepatitis B immune globulins in patients after liver transplantation.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) immune globulin (HBIg) administration will prevent HBV graft reinfection in HBV patients after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). However, the expenditure for such prophylaxis is extremely high ranging between $2,000 to $10,000 per month in various countries for an undefined period and presumably for life. As a consequence, there is a need for introduction of additional and less expensive modes of treatment. In a preliminary clinical trial a new HBIg preparation has been shown to induce longer lasting levels of circulating antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) in patients after OLT compared with previous experience with conventional HBIg preparations. In the present study the pharmacokinetics of this new HBIg, OMRI-Hep-B, were studied and compared with a conventional, licensed preparation, Hepatect. Fifteen post-OLT patients (2-8 years post-OLT, 18-62 years of age, 6 men, 9 women) were treated intravenously with 49 doses of OMRI-Hep-B or Hepatect given at least once, alternately, at 10,000 to 14,000 units per injection ( approximately 130 IU/kg body weight). The new HBIg was well tolerated and no adverse effects were observed. Administration of OMRI-Hep-B was shown to induce high and long-lasting levels of circulating anti-HBs antibodies and greater areas under the curve (AUC) compared with the conventional preparation. Thus, anti-HBs half-life was 22 +/- 1.3 days for OMRI-Hep-B recipients and 13 +/- 1.3 days for Hepatect recipients (P <.001). Time to reach trough anti-HBs levels of 150 mIU/mL was significantly longer after administration of OMRI-Hep-B than after Hepatect (79 +/- 4.5 and 52 +/- 3.8 days, respectively; P <.001). In summary, the pharmacokinetic profile of the new HBIg, and in particular its prolonged elimination half-life, may reduce the cost of administration by approximately 30% and improve the quality of life of patients by extending the interval between repeated immune globulin injections.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

A rapidly progressive cataract in a patient with autoimmune hypoparathyroidism and acute liver and renal failure.

Cataract is a well-known complication of hypoparathyroidism, albeit the mechanism is obscure. The progression of cataract is typically slow in patients with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism. We describe a case of an extremely rapid evolution of typical hypocalcemic cataracts in a patient with familial autoimmune hypoparathyroidism during acute idiopathic hepatic and renal failure, while serum calcium and phosphorus were unbalanced. Physicians and ophthalmologists must be aware of cataracts developing rapidly in the setting of such metabolic derangements.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed1998

Pituitary apoplexy manifested by sterile meningitis.

Pituitary apoplexy is rare and underdiagnosed. It results from either infarction or hemorrhage into an adenoma of the pituitary gland. The clinical presentation comprises a rapid development of impaired consciousness, severe headache, and amblyopia or diplopia. Meningeal irritation signs are considered rare and have not been reported as presenting signs. We report a 64-year-old patient whose presentation with necrosis of a pituitary adenoma was clinically indistinguishable from infectious meningitis.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed1998

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis associated with rectal carcinoma--a paraneoplastic syndrome or coincidence?

The association between lung cancer and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is well documented, complicating > or = 10% of cases involving IPF. This association is considered to be a result of neoplastic degeneration, rather than a paraneoplastic phenomenon. However, rectal carcinoma has only rarely been linked to paraneoplastic manifestations. We describe a young patient with IPF that preceded the appearance of rectal carcinoma by 6 mo. The possible association between the two disorders is discussed.

Carcinoma↗
PubMed1998

Increased serum CA 19-9 antibodies in Sjögren's syndrome.

A 67-year-old woman with a history of thyroiditis presented with recent intermittent epigastric pain and nausea. Hyperamylasaemia, oedema of the pancreas, and high serum levels of lipase and CA 19-9 were found. Xerostomia and dry eyes developed later, accompanied by an abnormal Schirmer's test. The diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome was confirmed by increased anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies and the histological findings of parotid gland biopsy. Two additional cases of Sjögren's syndrome with elevated serum CA 19-9 are also described. These observations of elevated serum lipase and serum CA 19-9 in Sjögren's syndrome without evidence of malignancy may reflect pancreatic involvement in this disorder.

Adult↗