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Biomedical subjects

S Kanowski

Publications and source records attributed to S Kanowski.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

Confirmed clinical efficacy of Actovegin in elderly patients with organic brain syndrome.

A double-blind randomized clinical trial was performed comparing the therapeutic effects of Actovegin versus placebo in elderly patients with organic brain syndrome. In addition to the necessary basic internal medicine therapy, 40 geriatric patients received dialy intravenous infusions of 250 ml Actovegin 20% p.i., and 20 patients received 250 ml 0.9% saline solution as placebo over a period of four weeks. Of the patient sample, 58% were hospitalized for simple dementia (ICD-9: 290.0) and 42% due to senile dementia with depressive or paranoid symptoms (ICD-9: 290.2). Based on the Syndrome Short Test (SKT) and the Sandoz Clinical Assessment Geriatric Scale (SCAG) score, the patients suffered from mild to moderate dementia. The therapeutic effect on the total SCAG score and the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) were the primary study variables. The scores for the SCAG subscales and the SKT score served as secondary variables. The mean total SCAG score in the drug group decreased from 56.3 at the start of therapy to 36.3 points at the end of therapy, and in the placebo group the total score went from 61.2 to 52.0 (p < 0.01). The CGI showed that with Actovegin, 70% of the patients experienced "distinct improvement" or "improvement" compared to only 35% with such results in the placebo group. The SCAG subscales and the total SKT score also demonstrated the superior effects of Actovegin compared to placebo. Moreover, the therapy group treated with Actovegin showed greater improvements in social behavior and mental performance than did the placebo group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗
PubMed1990

Efficacy of xantinolnicotinate in patients with dementia.

Activation of cerebral metabolism and improvement of microcirculation by influencing rheological parameters are claimed to be the underlying pharmacological principles responsible for the efficacy of xantinolnicotinate. This dual mechanism of action led the authors to perform a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in patients with mild to moderate dementia (DSM III), characterized by a score of 40-90 on the Sandoz Clinical Geriatric Scale (SCAG), with a separate randomization for patients with Multi-Infarct Dementia (MID) and Senile Dementia of Alzheimer Type (SDAT). It was calculated that 150 patients would have to be recruited for each group. Allocation to the respective group (MID or SDAT) was based on the Hachinski Ischemic Score and computer tomogram. Preceded by a 2-week placebo run-in period, a 12-week treatment period followed with either 3 x 1 g xantinolnicotinate (Complamin) or placebo. Prior to the study, the physician's rating of the global therapeutic effect from the clinical global impression (CGI) was designated as the primary criterion of efficacy. Secondary efficacy criteria were SCAG, the BGP nursing rating, and, as psychometric variables, tests from the Nuremberg Psychogeriatric Inventory (NAI). The improvement compared to placebo was statistically significant for the CGI in both treatment groups (p less than 0.0001) and hence independent of etiology. Concerning the nurses' rating (BGP), apart from a marginally statistically significant difference for the factor "need of help" in the SDAT group, no remarkable changes were registered during treatment. However, in the SCAG the differences between verum and placebo were significant (MID p less than 0.0002; SDAT p less than 0.0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alzheimer Disease↗
PubMed1990

Therapeutic target for cognition enhancers: diagnosis and clinical phenomenology.

Uncertainty concerning therapeutic targets has probably retarded the development of cognition-enhancing drugs. While enhancement of normal cognitive function may be a legitimate goal it is unlikely that drugs developed without a clear clinical indication will ever be approved by regulatory authorities. Normal aging as a target would also appear to be excluded. The main debate is whether drugs should be developed for specific disease states (e.g., Alzheimer's), particular syndromes (e.g., AAMI) or for treating symptoms (e.g., memory deficits). Although targeting disease states appears the least problematic, it would be difficult to include many potentially treatable patients in such studies. In this respect, the status of AAMI is still the subject of much debate. In any case, it is important that trial populations be as homogeneous as possible, with clear diagnostic criteria (e.g., defined memory impairment, Hachinski score, CT scans) and that patients be moderately to severely affected.

Aging↗
PubMed1989

[Sleep disorders in the aged and their treatment].

A shortening of sleep duration is going along with aging. Several somatic diseases and different psychiatric disorders, which increasingly occur in old people cause sleep disorders. Thus patients suffering from disturbed sleep must be examined carefully before treatment. Benzodiazepines and Clomethiazol are potent and save drugs for sleep disorders in the aged. Antidepressants and neuroleptics should be applicated only for sleep disorders caused by underlying psychiatric diseases.

Aged↗
PubMed1986

Sleep disturbances and agitational states in the elderly. Therapeutic possibilities and limitations in West Germany.

Sleep disturbance is common in the elderly. The causes of sleep disturbance are varied, and no single treatment can be successful in all cases. Psychotropic drugs and hypnotics are the drugs most frequently prescribed to the elderly in West Germany. The indications for using benzodiazepines, chlormethiazole, butyrophenones and chloral hydrate are discussed. However, in all cases the underlying cause of the sleep disturbance should be sought rather than treating the symptoms in isolation.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

[Influence of psychologic-social factors on the success of psychopharmacotherapy--effect of treatment milieu].

Interactions between psychopharmacological drugs and milieu factors are reported in the clinical and experimental literature as well. This seems not to be a very striking discovery since both, milieu and psychopharmaca do in fact influence human behaviour. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms on which this kind of interellations can be based. So some of the hypothetical pathways to be considered are briefly discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

[Noninvasive tomographic measurement of regional cerebral blood flow].

The measurement of the regional cerebral bloodflow by means of the dynamic single-photon-emission-computed tomography is a method of examination which is completely free of risk for the patient, causes no inconvenience and can be repeated whenever it seems necessary. This method gives a quantitative explanation for the distribution of the effective cerebral perfusion and can only be substituted by the very complicated positron-emission-computed tomography. As well as the exact assessment of the hemodynamic relevance of cerebral vascular disease, this method enables us to prove whether or not in various types of psychiatric disorders an interference in the regional perfusion exists. This method can also contribute to the clarification of pathogenic mechanisms, as well as to the nosological classification of specific psychopathological conditions.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

[Outpatient treatment in geriatric psychiatry].

Diagnosis and treatment in geriatric psychiatry differs from general psychiatry in that respect that several pathogenetic conditions at various levels are present--e.g. from a somatic, psychiatric and social level which therefore have to be diagnosed and treated on a multidimensional level. The therapeutic efforts rely on pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, sociotherapy, individual and group therapy. The basic somatic condition and the personality have to be considered, requiring more time due to the above mentioned multifactorial pathogenesis.

Aged↗
PubMed1981

[Non-medicinal treatment in psychogeriatrics (author's transl)].

Of the triad of possible concepts of psychogeriatric therapy which includes pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and social therapy, the non-medicinal treatment of the elderly is dealt with here, starting from the experience of our own team in the outpatient and part inpatient sphere and in the interdisciplinary team. For psychotherapy in its strict sense, approaches are described which arise from the elaboration of deep psychology, learning theory or client-centered therapy. Forms of treatment are described and possibilities for concrete aids in the patients' environment outlined.

Aged↗
PubMed1980

[Concepts of medicinal treatment in psychogeriatrics (author's transl)].

Of the triad of possible concepts of psychogeriatric therapy which includes pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and social therapy, the use of drugs in older people is dealt with primarily here, starting from the experience of our own work in the outpatient and part inpatient sphere and in the interdisciplinary team. In addition the literature relevant to the theme is also referred to. Characteristic peculiarities which are to be taken into consideration in drug treatment of old people are outlined. The groups of preparations important for therapy of psychological states are discussed with reference to indication and side-effects.

Aged↗