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Biomedical subjects

S Ritland

Publications and source records attributed to S Ritland.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Hilar lymphadenopathy associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae infection.

A 27-year-old man with an acute Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and hilar lymph node involvement is reported. Further investigation gave no evidence of sarcoidosis or other known cause of enlarged hilar nodes. Serological tests proved an acute infection with C. pneumoniae Thus, an infection with C. pneumoniae may lead to enlargement of the hilar lymph nodes, and infection with this microorganism should be included in the differential diagnostic considerations in patients with hilar lymphadenopathy.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Erythema nodosum in Chlamydia pneumoniae infection].

Chlamydia pneumonia is now recognized as a species of the Chlamydia genus distinct from C psittaci and C trachomatis species. It is a common cause of pneumonia and other acute respiratory tract infections. We describe a patient with erythema nodosum secondary to infection with C pneumoniae. Since this agent usually causes a mild illness, with no distinct clinical findings, we recommend adding serological tests for C pneumoniae to other relevant laboratory investigations in patients with erythema nodosum.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

[Results of respiratory treatment in a medical intensive care department].

During a three-year period 77 patients (43 men and 34 women, aged 21-82 years, mean age 62.0 years) were treated with mechanical ventilation in a medical intensive care unit. Three patients were treated twice. The most common diagnoses (in decreasing order of frequency) were acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular trauma and chronic ischemic cardiac disease. The mean duration of ventilation was 6.4 days. 41 patients (51.3%) survived--80% of whom could be discharged to their home. Patients with chronic pulmonary disease showed the highest survival rate, those with cerebrovascular disease the lowest, with the cardiac patients in-between. It is calculated that it cost NOK 207,000 to treat each patient who survived.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Retrograde ileography. Contrast imaging of the terminal ileum by colonoscopy].

The distal ileum, the segment most frequently affected by small intestinal disease, may be difficult to visualize by conventional x-ray techniques. In recent years various methods have been described for retrograde ileography during or after colonoscopy. However, these methods require special equipment and may be difficult to perform in practice. We have therefore tried out a somewhat modified technique. Patients with suspected distal ileal disease are examined on a fluoroscopy table at the x-ray department. When necessary, biopsies are taken during the introduction of the scope. With the tip of the colonoscope in the terminal ileum (or coecum) a catheter is introduced through the biopsy channel into the distal ileum. Water-soluble contrast (Mixobar) is then instilled under fluoroscopic control and films are taken in the supine, oblique and prone positions. Owing to gas already present in the ileum a double contrast effect is obtained. The ileography is completed in 5-10 minutes and entails no additional discomfort for the patient. The technique is easy to learn and requires no special equipment. It does not obviate the need for conventional small bowel enema, but may be a valuable supplement to this examination when distal ileal pathology is suspected.

Colonoscopes↗
PubMed1990

[Amebic liver abscess].

Hepatic abscesses represent the most common non-enteric complication of amebic infection, and occur in 1-25% of the patients. We describe two male patients, 44 and 47 years old, who presented hepatic abscesses after travelling in endemic regions. We stress the importance of accurate and early diagnosis. Ultrasonography and computed tomography were of major importance as diagnostic tools.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Gastrointestinal disturbances in marathon runners.

To determine the prevalence of various gastrointestinal disturbances related to long-distance running and its effect on weight, diet and everyday digestive problems, we gave a questionnaire to 279 leisure-time marathon runners, comprising 10% of the participants in a local marathon race. Their answers disclosed a prevalence of dietary changes, weight reduction and altered bowel habits (mainly looser stools and/or more frequent defaecation) of 37, 38 and 48% respectively. A quarter reported earlier long lasting gastrointestinal problems, which improved in 41% of the runners after they started regular training. Thirty-four percent experienced gastrointestinal disturbances during or after running, 20% to such an extent that it seriously affected their performance.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[Biliary duct obstruction presenting with laboratory levels indicating liver cell damage].

Some patients with extrahepatic biliary occlusion present high levels of serum aminotransferases indicating parenchymatous liver disease. The levels, usually in the range of 400-500 U/l, may sometimes exceed 1,000 U/l. Most of these patients have stones in the bile ducts, but the causes may occasionally be pancreatic tumours and pancreatitis. Typically the maximum enzyme levels are reached within 1-2 days, followed by a rapid fall--whether the gallstones have passed or not. The alkaline phophatase levels are initially normal or slightly elevated, usually increasing slowly to about twice the upper reference level. The pathogenesis of this rapid elevation of the aminotransferases has yet not been fully elucidated. However, the main mechanisms are probably increased permeability of the hepatocyte membrane caused by elevated pressure in the bile ducts, combined with a direct toxic effect of retinated bile acids. Increased enzyme synthesis may also be a contributory factor. Further knowledge of this not unusual enzyme pattern in acute (and sometimes also chronic) biliary obstruction will help to establish a correct diagnosis at an early stage of the disease, and thus avoid a need for invasive, potentially dangerous investigations.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Macroamylasemia--an rather unknown condition for Norwegian doctors?].

Three patients with macroamylasemia and different clinical problems are presented. They illustrate the importance of recognizing the macroenzymes as the cause of elevated serum amylases. Several methods exist for confirmation of the condition, as for instance electrophoresis. It may be sufficient, however, to determine serum lipase or amylase in urine that is normal. Macroamylasemia is a benign condition requiring no treatment. It is important to recognize macroamylasemia in order to avoid unnecessary, diagnostic procedures.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Exercise and liver disease.

Although more than 30 years have elapsed since the appearance of the first reports demonstrating that physical activity had no detrimental effect in patients with acute viral hepatitis, bedrest seems to still be widely practised. More recent reports have also shown that exercise during the acute phase may help preserve the physical capacity of the patients. Following acute viral hepatitis patients may start training earlier than previously presumed. Restriction of physical activity has also been widely practised in patients with chronic liver disorders. Most groups of patients studied so far seem to tolerate physical activity well without deterioration of the liver function, and regular training in patients with chronic active hepatitis resulted in increased oxygen consumption and improved working capacity. Thus, physical activity may be of benefit to most patients with acute or chronic liver diseases.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1979

Liver copper content in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and associated liver disorders.

In 45 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (9 with Crohn's disease and 36 with ulcerative colitis) and associated liver disorders, increased liver copper content (above 100 microgram/g dry weight) was found in 14 (31%). These patients represented about 50% of the patients with either biliary cirrhosis or pericholangitis. Four of the patients had levels regarded as compatible with hepatolenticular degeneration (greater than 250 microgram/g dry weight). In patients with chronic active hepatitis or non-specific changes in liver tissue, normal levels were found. The patients with Crohn's disease also had normal levels. Plasma ceruloplasmin was normal or increased in all. Determination of urinary copper output gave little diagnostic information. Alkaline phosphatases were markedly increased in most of the patients with increased liver copper concentration. In patients with ulcerative colitis and enhanced alkaline phosphatases, elevated liver copper content should be suspected and chelation therapy should be considered.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

The fortune of a capacious spinal canal.

Injury to the spine may be either osseous, neural, or both. The neurological deficit may or may not be a reflection of the severity of the osseous injury. Patients having wide canals are more likely to have less neurological dysfunction than those having narrow canals.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

The effect of lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase on the electrophoretic mobility of lipoprotein-X.

Lipoprotein-X containing plasma from a patient with familial lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) deficiency, was used as substrate and incubated with postheparin plasma or partly purified lipases. LP-X could not be demonstrated by agar gel electrophoresis after incubation with postheparin plasma from a healthy subject, from a patient with chronic active hepatitis deficient in hepatic lipase, or with partly purified lipoprotein lipase. After incubation a marked increase in free fatty acids (FFA) was observed. In contrast LP-X was still present after incubation when postheparin plasma deficient in lipoprotein lipase or partly purified hepatic lipase was added to the substrate. Only minor changes in the concentration of FFA occurred. After addition of oleic acid to the substrate LP-X could not be demonstrated by agar gel electrophoresis. However, in the isolated low density lipoproteins, LP-X like particles were still present as viewed by electron microscopy. Our results strongly suggest that the change in electrophoretic mobility of LP-X was induced by the release of FFA. This was achieved by lipoprotein lipase, but not by hepatic lipase.

Adult↗