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T Platz

Publications and source records attributed to T Platz.

41 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

[The plasma prolactin level under fluphenazine treatment (author's transl)].

An efficient treatment with psycho-drugs is essential for the initial therapy of acute schizophrenic psychoses. Also the outcome of the psychosis is largely dependent on the influence and the duration of the existing initial symptoms. Neuroleptic drugs raise the plasma prolactin level by blocking the dopamine receptors. So a valid parameter for the interference of the neuroleptics in the dopaminergic transmitter system is available. In 21 male patients the plasma prolactin levels were examined. The plasma prolactin base-lines were the same as in healthy persons. Infusions of 20 to 40 mg fluphenazine every three hours led to an average of fourfold increase of prolactin, which returned to the original level after 10 hours. The plasma prolactin level reached a plateau on the 7th day of treatment with fluphenazine dihydrochloride. Together with the stabilisation of the plasma prolactin level, which is reached more quickly with simultaneously administered fluphenazine decanoate, generally an improvement of the psychopathological condition takes place. In a comparable group of patients treated with ECT the prolactin level always returned to the initial point even after multiple administrations.

Fluphenazine↗

Theoretical and methodological considerations in the measurement of spasticity.

PURPOSE: To discuss the measurement of spasticity in the clinical and research environments, make recommendations based on the SPASM reviews of biomechanical, neurophysiological and clinical methods of measuring spasticity and indicate future developments of measurement tools. METHOD: Using the results of the systematic reviews of the biomechanical, neurophysiological and clinical approaches, methods were evaluated across three dimensions: (1) validity, reliability and sensitivity to change; (2) practical quality such as ease of use and (3) qualities specific to the measurement of spasticity, for example ability to be applied to different muscle groups. Methods were considered in terms of applicability to research and clinical applications. RESULTS: A hierarchy of measurement approaches was identified from highly controlled and more objective (but unrelated to function) to ecologically valid, but less objective and subject to contamination from other variables. The lack of a precise definition of spasticity may account for the problem of developing a valid, reliable and sensitive method of measurement. The reviews have identified that some tests measure spasticity per se, some phenomena associated with spasticity or consequential to it and others the effect of spasticity on activity and participation and independence. CONCLUSIONS: Methods appropriate for use in research, particularly into the mechanism of spasticity did not satisfy the needs of the clinician and the need for an objective but clinically applicable tool was identified. A clinical assessment may need to generate more than one 'value' and should include evaluation of other components of the upper motor neurone syndrome. There is therefore a need for standardized protocols for 'best practice' in application of spasticity measurement tools and scales.

Electromyography↗

Clinical scales for the assessment of spasticity, associated phenomena, and function: a systematic review of the literature.

PURPOSE: To characterise clinical assessment methods for spasticity and/or its functional consequences in clinical patient populations at risk to suffer from spasticity. METHOD: Systematic literature search and manual-based two-step review process of psychometric properties of clinical assessment scales for spasticity and associated phenomena, as well as of functional scales with an association with spasticity. Reviewed psychometric properties included internal consistency, interrater, intrarater as well as retest reliability, construct validity, ecological validity, and responsiveness. RESULTS: Until May 2003 electronic database searches established a reference pool of 4151 references of which 90 references contributed to the review objectives. An additional 20 references were identified by an informal reference search. Twenty-four clinical scales that assess spasticity and/or related phenomena as well as 10 scales for 'active function' and three scales for 'passive function' with an association with spasticity could be identified. Some evidence signals that a high interrater reliability of the Ashworth and modified Ashworth scales can be achieved, however not in all circumstances. For many scales, reliability data is, however, missing. This is especially true for test retest reliability. Information about construct validity can promote our understanding of what individual scales are likely to assess. Many scales have been able to document changes after therapeutic intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The collated evidence can guide our clinical decision about when to use which scale and can promote evidence-based assessment of spasticity and related clinical phenomena.

Adult↗