PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

W Kullich

Publications and source records attributed to W Kullich.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Association between serum pepsinogen A and C levels, serum gastrin concentrations and Helicobacter pylori antibodies.

Pepsinogen A and C as well as gastrin were measured in the serum of 117 patients with rheumatic diseases. Moreover, the patients were divided up in groups by aids of a semiquantitative, rapid enzyme immunoassay for detection of Helicobacter pylori: 20 patients without H. pylori antibodies (AB) negative, 18 positive + (= weak AB-titre), 21 positive +2 (medium AB-titre), and 58 positive +3 (high AB-titre). The semiquantitative determinations of H. pylori-AB correlated with pepsinogen A, C and gastrin. Patients with H. pylori-AB positive +3 showed significantly higher values of pepsinogen C (p < or = 0.01) as well as pepsinogen A and gastrin (p < or = 0.05) than H. pylori-AB negative patients. Significantly increased levels of pepsinogen A (> 150 ng/ml) and C (> 25 ng/ml) were found to occur in 39% and 100% of patients with high H. pylori-AB titres. The measurement of serum pepsinogen C concentrations may provide additional diagnostic information of the extent of mucosal lesions in patients with positive H. pylori-AB titres treated with antirheumatic drugs. Our findings suggest that the semi-quantitative classification of positive AB-results can be useful in cases determining H. pylori infection and mucosal irritation if other investigations are not available.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Results of inpatient postoperative rehabilitation after hip replacement].

The study was performed as a pilot study evaluating the benefit of a 4-week inpatient postoperative rehabilitation programme. We examined 177 patients admitted after total hip replacement. We found statistically significant improvements of joint mobility, muscle power, gait, walking distance and a significant reduction of various pain parameters. The decline in usage of crutches, improvements in the activities of daily living and the positive patients' assessments were of striking evidence. A short time inpatient postoperative rehabilitation programme achieved significant success through an acceptable expenditure of treatment and resulted in substantially increased mobility and autonomy of the patients.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1997

Correlations between endotoxin, interferon-gamma, biopterin and serum phospholipase A2-activities during lethal gram negative sepsis in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a standardised reproducible animal model of intraperitoneal sepsis, and to investigate early immunoserological responses to find a mediator-based system for evaluation and grading of diffuse peritonitis in patients DESIGN: Prospective experimental study SETTING: 4 Teaching hospitals, Germany and Austria MATERIAL: 42 LEW. 1W rats, 12 of which acted as controls INTERVENTIONS: Gram negative sepsis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 6 ml of a mixture of Escherichia coli (K1:H+) 10(10) organisms/ml, autogenous haemoglobin 2.9 ml (haemoglobin concentration 3%), 0.9% sodium chloride 3 ml, and suspension 0.1 ml. Control rats were given physiological saline 6 ml alone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Concentrations of endotoxin, interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), and biopterin, and serum phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the septic and control rats in concentrations of endotoxin (EU/ml) (median (interquartile range) 21.85 (2.02-159.5) compared with 0, p < 0.0001; IFN-gamma (pg/ml) 1263.0 (271.0-7575.0) compared with 101.0 (89.0-141.0), p < 0.0001; biopterin (nmol/L) 111.0 (66.4-156.3) compared with 53.7 (38.3-67.6), p < 0.001; and PLA2 (U/L) 163.0 (125.8-209.0) compared with 112.5 (88.5-126.5) p < 0.01. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements of concentrations of endotoxin, IFN-gamma, pteridines, and PLA2 activity may well be adequate markers for early recognition of sepsis, and perhaps for grading it during the first 6 hours after induction. The allow a clear distinction to be made between septic and non-septic disorders in 87% of cases.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Therapy of hyperuricemia and gout].

Therapy of hyperuricemia and gout has to depend on pathogenesis and stage of the disease. Dietary regimen are in the forefront in treatment of asymptomatic hyperuricemia. Uric acid lowering drugs can only be supported in repeated serum-measures from 9 mg/dl up. The therapy of an acute attack of gout primarily is done with non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, in rare cases with colchicine or corticoids. Gouty arthritis in intermission, independent of the extent of hyperuricemia, as well as chronic gout are indications for an uric acid lowering pharmacotherapy, usually for life. A special therapeutic challenge arises out of renal complications and the frequent association with the metabolic syndrome.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1996

[Possible effect of hormones on immune and inflammatory processes in female patients with chronic polyarthritis].

The influence of gender on the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is well known. We examined 40 female patients with RA to show the possible influence of androgen hormones on inflammation and immune system. We measured blood count, blood sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein routinely and free and bound testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), prolactin, insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF), IgA-rheumatoid factor (IgA-RF) and the monocyte marker CD 14 of radioimmunoassays and enzymeimmunoassays. The female patients with RA had lower androgen levels correlating with higher inflammatory markers which are not rising significantly with higher age. The significantly raised IgA-RF with abnormal low testosterone levels points out a poor prognosis for developing joint erosions. The simultaneously reduced levels of prolactin may be rather caused by cytokines and could have additional connections to the anemia in RA. Somatomedin correlated inversely to the degree of inflammation, measured by BSR, CRP and CD 14, a fact which could indicate a reduced, Somatomedin-induced, synthesis in matrix and collagen of cartilage in "active" RA. The results point to the existence of a reciprocal connection of the endocrine system with the immune system.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Gastroduodenal tolerance and clinical effectiveness of therapy with lonazolac-calcium in rheumatic diseases].

Most undesired side effects in therapy with non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) mainly effect the gastric and duodenal mucosa. The radioimmunological determination of pepsinogen A and C (pepsinogen group I and II) is qualified for inclusion of the functional and morphologic state of the gastroduodenal mucosa. By determination of the pepsinogens group A and C the influence and the gastroduodenal compatibility of the non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug lonazolac Ca (LCa) [Irritren] were examined in a dosage of 600 mg/d during a 2-weeks therapy. 31 patients with various painful rheumatic diseases and 10 healthy probands as a control group were examined. The results show that the treatment with LCa did not significantly effect mean and median of pepsinogen A- and -C levels in serum. Only in 3.7% of the cases a contemporary increase of pepsinogen A and C occurred, which could be estimated as a beginning superficial gastritis. In addition the beneficial clinical efficacy of LCa was documented by a significant decrease of a tripartite pain score from 2.1 to 1.4. The results point to a very good proportion of clinical efficacy and gastroduodenal side-effects of LCa.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[The significance of lipoprotein(a) in assessment of risk for atherosclerosis].

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] consists like the low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) in the structure protein apolipoprotein B, but is additionally connected with apolipoprotein(a), which is highly homologous to plasminogen. The physiological function of Lp(a) is yet not entirely clear. Lp(a) is established to be an independent factor in the genesis of atherosclerosis however. With occurrence of high Lp(a) Lp(a) plasma levels and other atherogenous risk factors at the same time a potentiation of their effects on genesis of atherosclerosis is observed. Unfortunately the therapeutic possibilities of counteracting the high atherogenicity of Lp(a) are still limited, because LDL apheresis as the only known effective technique today cannot be applied in all cases. In several studies it has been shown, that Lp(a) concentrations can be reduced mainly by long term treatment with lipid-lowering sustained-release bezafibrate, ACE-inhibitor fosinopril, alpha-tocopheryl-nicotinate and N-acetylcysteine. Because of the synergistic effects of atherogenous risk factors patients with high Lp(a) concentrations should avoid additional risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, diet increasing LDL, etc.

Arteriosclerosis↗
PubMed1994

[IgA rheumatoid factor formation in connection with complement activation and circulating immune complexes in chronic polyarthritis].

The IgA-rheumatoid factor (IgA-RF) as well as the complement component C3a in plasma and serum levels of circulating immune complexes (CIC) (C1q binding assay and Raji Cell Replacement assay) were measured with enzyme immunoassays in 81 patients with established rheumatoid arthritis. The serum levels of the complement component C3a were found significantly higher (p < 0.02) in the cases with high IgA-RF (> 6 AU/ml) than in those with low IgA-RF. Distinct significant correlations (r = 0.38; p < 0.001) were observed between production of IgA-RF and activation of the complement fragment C3a, which might be associated with production of antibodies and with complement activation accompanying inflammatory processes. A weaker correlation between CIC and IgA-RF-levels indicates CIC not to be closely related to the production of IgA-RF in the examined R.A.-patients. However, an indirect connection by the way of inflammation and activation of T-cells is possible.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Determination of serum pepsinogen I and II for assessment of gastroduodenal tolerance of S(+) ibuprofen].

Therapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs often causes gastroduodenal side effects. Changes in the gastric mucosa were studied by determination of serum pepsinogen I and pepsinogen II by the means of radioimmunoassay. 41 patients with degenerative rheumatic diseases were divided into two groups, 21 patients receiving 600 mg S(+) ibuprofen daily (3 x 200mg) and 20 patients receiving 900 mg S(+) ibuprofen daily (3 x 300 mg) over a 14-day period. No significant increase occurred in mean and median values of pepsinogen I and II. Indeed, no changes in serum pepsinogen I and II were noted in 80% of the patients in the higher dosage group and in more than 90% of the lower dosage group. None of the gastroduodenal side effects frequently reported during therapy with non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drugs occurred.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Correlation of interleukin-2 receptor and neopterin secretion in rheumatoid arthritis.

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) an immuno dysregulation alters the release of neopterin from human monocytes/macrophages, probably by activation of a feed-back regulation mechanism in pterin metabolism. With the overactivation of T-lymphocytes, the secretion of interleukin-2 and its receptor (IL-2R) is influenced. Investigation on 84 RA patients has shown that this immunoactivation is accompanied by an increased secretion of neopterin and soluble IL-2R in the serum, and that both parameters are very suitable for detection of inflammatory disease activity. The significant correlation between neopterin and IL-2R (r = 0.65; p < or = 0.001) in RA points out a possible connection in pathomechanisms of the immune system.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Circulating immune complexes and complement fragment iC3b in chronic polyarthritis during 12 months therapy with oral enzymes in comparison with oral gold].

In the course of a double-blind randomized study lasting 1 year 19 patients suffering from ensured rheumatoid arthritis (ARA criteria) were treated with oral hydrolytic enzymes or oral gold salts. The effects of these therapies were examined in regard to changes in serum concentrations of circulating immune complexes (CIC) and the complement component iC3b. After 12 months treatment with oral enzymes we determined a therapeutically wanted significant decrease of CIC whereas CIC increased up to 6 months. The best but not significant result under therapy with oral gold salts concerning CIC was a decrease in 6 out of 9 patients after 9 months. The complement component iC3b diminished with either therapy during the first 6 months and increased afterwards. As well as the reduction of circulating immune complexes, the intensified inactivation of C3b into iC3b during the second half-year with both treatments indicates that there might be a slight improvement of the pathologically changed immunoreactions after 6 months only. Concerning the examined laboratory parameters, no significant difference was found between both therapies.

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗
PubMed1991

[Changes in the serum pepsinogen level during therapy with acemtacin retard as a measure of gastroduodenal tolerance].

Early indications of the development of gastroduodenal lesions can be obtained with the radioimmunological determination of pepsinogen I in serum. The influence of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Acemetacin in depot form on the course of the pepsinogen levels in serum was examined during 14 day therapy. Mean and median of pepsinogen I in the whole group of 26 patients did not increase significantly. Likewise no increases of the single pepsinogen levels in serum were seen in 85%. Only 4 patients showed increases of about 20 to 27% compared with the initial values. These results indicate that Acemetacin with prolonged action is well tolerated and has only mean influence on the integrity of the mucosa.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Influence of lornoxicam on serum pepsinogen levels.

Serum pepsinogen I was determined radioimmunologically in 18 patients suffering from lumbar backache syndromes. These patients were then treated with lornoxicam 4 mg twice daily over a period of 2 weeks. No significant increase in the serum pepsinogen I level was found in 17 (94.4%) of cases. Using the serum pepsinogen I as a parameter for the integrity of the gastric mucosa, this suggests good gastric tolerance of lornoxicam.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Changes in uric acid and blood lipids in patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia treated with diet therapy in a rehabilitation procedure].

More than 300 patients with asymptomatic hyperuricaemia had been included in lipometabolic analysis performed before and after 4 weeks of a special low-cholesterol, low-triglyceride and low-purine dietetic regimen. Remarkable in almost the entire hyperuricaemic population (96.7%) had been the presence of serum cholesterol levels of more than 200 mg/dl. Lipoprotein analysis showed that 87% of the patients had increased LDL- and 69% increased VLDL-levels; HDL-levels were pathologically lowered to below 40mg/dl in 41% of the group. After a four-week rehabilitation programme, all lipometabolic parameters and serum urate concentrations were found to have been significantly reduced by the special diet. The results therefore are impressive proof of the major health benefits of purposive nutritional behaviour.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

[Sports and coronary heart disease].

The effectivity of an endurance physical training must not be ignored any longer as it is known that physical activity as well in the job as in the leisure time diminishes the risk of coronary artery disease and their consequences. The training should be put through according to the vigorous exercise training with 70 to 80% of the maximal work load in a dynamic work continuously for at least 10 minutes. The optimum duration appears to be about 30 to 40 minutes a day, repeated 3 to 4 times weekly. The best sports for coronary patients are jogging, cycling or bicycle ergometry, country cross skiing, walking in the mountains as well as at diminished performance capacity, gymnastic, walking, golf and with some restrictions swimming.

Coronary Disease↗
PubMed1988

[Hyperlipoproteinemia in primary gout and asymptomatic hyperuricemia].

More than 800 patients suffering from primary gout or asymptomatic hyperuricemia were examined for the values of total cholesterol and triglycerides and the pattern of lipoproteins. The values for HDL (high-density-lipoprotein = alpha-lipoprotein), LDL (low-density-lipoprotein = beta-lipoprotein) and VLDL (very-low-density-lipoprotein = pre-beta-lipoprotein), found in lipid electrophoresis, were significant abnormal as well in the group of patients with gout (n = 147) as in the group of patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia (n = 700) versus the healthy controls. It was remarkable, that the values of lipoproteins in asymptomatic hyperuricemia almost were abnormal just as often as in primary gout. Approximately 80% of both groups showed an increased LDL, around 35% a decreased HDL, and an increased VLDL was found in 72% of patients with gout and in 54% of asymptomatic hyperuricemia. Pathological changes of all lipoproteins (HDL, LDL and VLDL) appeared in 23% of patients with gout and in 20% of patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia. Only 2.7% of patients with gout and 4.8% with hyperuricemia showed a normal lipometabolism.

Adolescent↗