Biomedical subjects

W Buchinger

Publications and source records attributed to W Buchinger.

32 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1994

Impact of stress and triiodothyronine on plasma magnesium fractions.

The differential regulation of free and bound plasma magnesium was studied in healthy volunteers exposed to various forms of stress, and patients screened for thyroid disorder. Both ergometric (7 min) and psychological (45 min) stress had no effect on free plasma magnesium, but increased the bound fraction. Before combined physical and psychological stress (45 min aerobatics) there was no correlation between the plasma fractions of magnesium; thereafter, there was a strong negative correlation between increased free and decreased bound magnesium. Three days of training in ground combat increased significantly the plasma levels of both magnesium fractions. Patients screened for thyroid disorder had a significant, positive correlation between both plasma fractions of magnesium, and a highly significant negative correlation between plasma T3 and the two magnesium fractions. No clear correlation between plasma catecholamines and magnesium levels was seen under any of the above conditions. Overall, the data show that the evaluation of the functions of circulating magnesium requires the specific measurement of the free and bound fractions.

Austria↗

PubMed1993

The impact of geographical, clinical, dietary and radiation-induced features in epidemiology of thyroid cancer.

Cancer of the thyroid accounts for less than 1% of all cancers recognised each year, but the incidence is rising. Much of the early work of the epidemiology and aetiology of thyroid cancer was based on the assumption that thyroid cancer can be treated as an entity. The recognition that two distinct types of endocrine cell occur within the thyroid has made it clear that any discussion of the aetiology and epidemiology of thyroid malignancies must take into account the histological classification of these tumours. Moreover, there are difficult problems to be considered when comparing thyroid cancer incidence across tumour registries, because of a lack of standardisation or morbidity data collection, difficulties in histological diagnosis, varying rates of diagnosis of occult papillary carcinoma, and prevalence and techniques of autopsies. So far only a relatively small proportion of thyroid cancer cases can be explained with adequate certainty as regards epidemiology and aetiology. As in cancer in general, the aetiology and epidemiology of thyroid cancer in detail remains unknown in the majority of cases.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Comparison of direct versus indirect determination of zinc concentration in erythrocytes in euthyroid and hyperthyroid subjects.

Zinc concentration in erythrocytes is a suitable marker of peripheral tissue response to thyroid hormones. Therefore, the determination of erythrocyte zinc concentration has become an important marker for duration of preexisting hyperthyroidism in the clinical laboratory. We compared a new indirect erythrocyte zinc determination method with a commonly used direct method in 42 euthyroid and 14 hyperthyroid subjects. Zinc concentrations (median and range) obtained by direct and indirect methods were 172.8 (134.4-241.1) and 176.8 (143-243.9) mumol/l erythrocytes in the euthyroid group and 117.1 (71-141.9) and 118.5 (73-137) mumol/l erythrocytes in the hyperthyroid group. Values measured by the indirect method were slightly higher in both groups. Regression analysis showed a good correlation (r = 0.967, p = 0.0001). The influence of the anticoagulants, potassium EDTA and heparin, on erythrocyte and plasma zinc values was studied, and zinc concentrations in serum and plasma were compared. No statistically significant differences were found. Thus, the indirect determination of erythrocyte zinc concentration is a simple and rapid technique well suited for use in clinical laboratory work, yielding accurate and reliable results. For the indirect method reference concentrations were established in a collective of 102 thyroid healthy subjects. An erythrocyte zinc concentration of 176.3 +/- 23.9 mumol/l (mean +/- SD) was found with a cut-off limit of 138 mumol/l to hyperthyroidism.

Biomarkers↗

PubMed1993

[Iodine content of infant food in Austria].

An adequate iodine supplementation is essential for the normal and intellectual development in premature birth and in newborns. The ceric arsenite reaction method modified by the authors was applied to examine whether a sufficient iodine content in milk samples of four manufacturers ensured the iodine supply of bottlefed preterms and fullterms. Only very few of 23 preparations examined contained the required iodine content recommended by the Food and Drug Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Research Council of the United States, the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, and the German Society of Nutrition. It could be demonstrated that the majority of the commercially available baby food-milk preparations contained insufficient quantities of iodine. To assure a sufficient iodine supply in this bottlefed group it would be necessary to add a varied quantity of iodine to formula milk or to prepare baby food with iodine containing mineral water. Moreover, manufacturers might use milk from cows fed with iodinated salt. The results show clearly that an improvement in iodine content of commercial baby food is essential for the cerebral development of solely bottlefed newborns.

Austria↗

PubMed1993

[Beta-carotene, vitamin A and carrier proteins in thyroid diseases].

The conversion of beta-carotene (provitamin A) to 2 molecules of vitamin A (retinol) is accelerated by thyroxine and hyperthyroidism, respectively. The characteristic yellow tint of the skin in hypothyroidism is due to hyper-beta-carotenemia. Both in hyper- and hypothyroidism in a retinol deficiency has been observed in literature. In a series of 36 patients (16 hyper-, 8 hypo-, and 12 euthyroid) serum samples were analyzed for retinol and beta-carotene levels (high pressure liquid chromatography) as well as retinol binding protein (radial immune diffusion), prealbumin (nephelometry), and serum zinc values (atomic absorption spectrometry) were established. The beta-carotene serum level in the hypothyroid group (mean 1.1 microgram/ml) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in relation to euthyroid controls (0.6 microgram/ml), the hyperthyroid group showed significantly lower values (0.3 microgram/ml). RBP and prealbumin concentrations were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in hyperthyroid as against eu- and hypothyroid patients. Surprisingly, in all 3 groups the retinol levels were not significantly different, although the hyperthyroid group was slightly lower (0.6 microgram/ml) than the mean value of 0.7 micrograms/ml in the other groups. A vitamin A and protein rich food, customary in Central Europe, seems to rule out any vitamin A deficiency both in hyper- and hypothyroidism. However, the beta-carotene values are significantly higher in hypothyroidism, while in hyperthyroidism they were lower. As intrahepatic zinc content plays an important role in the synthesis of RBP and its secretion together with retinol, we also analyzed this component: The serum zinc levels in hyperthyroid patients were clearly higher (79.1 micrograms/dl) than in the hypothyroid group with 57 micrograms/dl (p < 0.05).

Adult↗

PubMed1993

[TBG isoforms in the course of hyperthyroidism].

In 7 hyperthyroid patients on the one hand thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) was determined by commercially available radioimmunoassay and on the other hand TBG-isovariants were established by means of isoelectric focusing. For assessment blood samples were taken upon admittance to our hospital and 2 and 4 weeks thereafter, respectively, during antithyroid drug treatment. A comparative series of 10 euthyroid subjects were equally evaluated. Both groups showed no significant differences of TBG values at onset and in the course of antithyroid treatment. However, TBG isovariants showed significant decreases in anionic bands (pH 4.25 to 4.45) whereas a significant increase in cathodic bands (pH 4.55 to 4.65) at onset of treatment compared to the euthyroid control group could be observed. During the course of antithyroid treatment the values of TBG-isobands reversed reaching the pattern of normal group. In contrast to the recent research by Hashizume et al. we observed no reduction in TBG level in hyperthyroid patients although a significant shift in the TBG isovariants could be established. Due to the antithyroid treatment prescribed, the TBG isovariants finally reached the normal pattern of euthyroid controls.

Female↗

PubMed1991

Injuries to the cervical spine causing vertebral artery trauma: case reports.

In four patients with lesions of the vertebral artery resulting from cervical spine injury, two were due to unilateral facet dislocation and two to fractures of the dens. There was one arterial occlusion with minor vertebrobasilar symptoms, and an arterial lesion with thrombosis causing embolic occlusion of the basilar artery with lethal outcome. In one patient a fresh fracture of the dens caused dislocation of C1/2 with reversible occlusion of the left and stenosis of the right vertebral artery, resulting in unconsciousness. In a patient with pseudarthrosis of the dens an aneurysm of the vertebral artery could be detected. Cerebellar or cerebral symptoms associated with cervical spine injury should be investigated by vertebral angiography because vertebral arterial injury may be more common than suspected and may simulate traumatic brain damage.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

[Basket wires--a percutaneous surgical procedure for the treatment of unstable Colles' fractures].

Colles fractures are usually treated with closed reduction and forearm plaster. Even if reduced perfectly, some of these fractures tend to redislocate dorsally and radially, requiring repeated reduction maneuvers. Since K-wires cannot be firmly anchored in the distal fragment if comminution exists, Kapandji proposed a method whereby the distal fragment is not pinned at all. He introduced the pins through the fracture itself and into the medullary canal of the proximal fragment, anchoring the wires into the opposite cortices of the radius shaft. In order to "pre-stress" the K-wires, Böhler and Zifko modified the technique and the wires themselves. They inserted the wires through small skin incisions into the fracture and into the proximal fragment as medullary pins. The specially bent pins glide smoothly into the medullary cavity and snugly fit along the distal fragment; thereby minimizing the chance of damaging extensor tendons. One pin is inserted proximal to Lister's tubercle and another radially, proximal to the radial styloid. Technique, indication, and possible technical errors are discussed based on the follow-up of forty one patients.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

The effect of D- versus L-propranolol in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a difference in treatment of hyperthyroidism using either the D- or L-isomer of propranolol. Two groups of 20 patients with overt hyperthyroidism received either 120 mg L- or D-propranolol each for a period of 5 days. In the D-propranolol administered group there was a significant decrease in TT3 and fT3 plasma levels and in the ratio of TT3 to TT4; however, a significant increase occurred in rT3 values up to day 5. On the other hand, L-propranolol treatment resulted in a less pronounced decrease in TT4 and TT3 values, while all other thyroid hormone levels remained unchanged as, above all, did the T3/T4 ratio. The well known effect of D,L-propranolol upon peripheral conversion of T4 to T3 is thus not due to the beta-blocking action of L-propranolol but is mainly conditioned by the D-isomer which has no beta-blocking action itself.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

[Changes in zinc level in the serum, whole blood and erythrocytes in disorders of thyroid function].

The zinc level in serum and whole blood was determined in a series of 121 patients, 20 suffering from overt hyperthyroidism, 34 with manifest hypothyroidism and a control group of 67 euthyroid subjects. The zinc content per deciliter of erythrocytes was calculated from the haematocrit. The hyperthyroid group revealed a highly significantly elevated serum zinc level (p less than 0.01), but a most significantly reduced zinc content in whole blood (p less than 0.001) in comparison with the euthyroid group. On the other hand, the reverse changes were observed in the hypothyroid group, i.e. a most significantly reduced serum zinc content (p less than 0.001) and a highly significantly increased zinc content in whole blood (p less than 0.01). These results suggest that the determination of zinc levels both in serum and in whole blood may be a useful additional parameter of peripheral thyroid hormone effect.

Erythrocytes↗

PubMed1988