Palliative transhepatic biliary drainage and enteral nutrition.

Simultaneous intestinal and biliary obstruction is a rare but agonizing complication of metastatic abdominal cancer. Although endoscopic procedures exist that relieve jaundice or restore enteral nutrition, they can be impossible to perform for technical or anatomical reasons. We propose a palliative approach for these patients that includes transcutaneous common bile duct drainage, progressive dilation of the transhepatic channel over 1 wk, and, finally, insertion of a permanent silicon catheter that drains bile into the duodenum and is combined with an enteral feeding line. We report three patients whose metastatic abdominal tumors had led to simultaneous jaundice and gastric outlet obstruction, neither of which could be treated endoscopically. In all patients, the transcutaneous bile drainage catheter combined with the enteral feeding line was inserted and tumor symptoms resolved rapidly. As a result, the patients chose to return to home care with enteral nutrition and pain medication. The creation of a transhepatic access for simultaneous enteral bile drainage and nutrition is a technically simple procedure that causes little discomfort to a terminally ill patient. It relieves the symptoms of tumor obstruction, and the option of enteral nutrition and medication can obviate the need for intravenous infusions.

[A rare cause of recurrent upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage: aortoesophageal fistula in aneurysma spurium of the descending aorta]. / Seltene Ursache einer rezidivierenden oberen gastrointestinalen Blutung: Aortoösophageale Fistel bei Aneurysma spurium der Aorta descendens.

An aneurysma of the distal thoracic aorta developed in an 65 year old man. Several weeks later, the man was admitted to hospital because of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The diagnosis of an aortoesophageal fistula was made not until several endoscopic investigations. The patient died from a major bleeding soon after. The aneurysm proved to be an aneurysma spurium.

[Ki-ras mutation as a molecular tumor marker for carcinoma of the pancreas]. / Ki-ras-Mutation als molekularer Tumormarker für Pankreaskarzinome.

More than 90% of tumours of the pancreas have mutations on codon 12 of the Ki-ras oncogene. Cellular DNA from pancreatic secretions and fine-needle biopsies, obtained from 69 patients (41 men, 28 women), were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to demonstrate this characteristic marker. All these patients had undergone endoscopic retrograde pancreatography for suspected pancreatitis or carcinoma of the pancreas. Two different methods were developed to demonstrate the mutations. With the aid of one of these methods, enrichment PCR with analysis of the restriction fragment length (FL), mutations on codon 12 of the Ki-ras gene were demonstrated in unstimulated pancreatic secretions of 29 of 33 patients with pancreatic carcinoma. All eleven fine-needle biopsies that had been cytologically examined showed the tumour-specific mutation. After direct sequencing of enrichment PCR a codon 12 mutation was demonstrated in pancreatic secretion from 21 of 24 patients and with the single strand conformation polymorphism analysis in 17 of 33 patients. In two of these 33 patients two different Ki-ras mutations were discovered. No mutations were found in acute inflammations or stone disease, while in five patients with chronic pancreatitis mutations were demonstrated only in those two patients in whom histological examination had revealed precancerous mucinous hyperplasia. This investigation indicates that codon 12 mutations of the Ki-ras gene, found after PCR in pancreatic secretion and biopsies, constitute a sensitive and specific tumour marker whose clinical value is being assessed.

Diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma by polymerase chain reaction from pancreatic secretions.

As mutations at codon 12 of the Ki-ras oncogene have been shown to occur in 90% of pancreatic adenocarcinomas, a novel strategy for the detection of these mutations in pancreatic secretions obtained at routine endoscopies was developed. Ki-ras DNA was amplified and screened for the presence of mutations at codon 12 with a combination of different rapid, non-radioactive molecular biology techniques. Examination of DNA from cell lines and paraffin-embedded tumour samples was used to establish and test the strategy employed. Pancreatic secretions from 27 patients were examined for the presence of Ki-ras mutations. Mutations at codon 12 were detected in 16/16 secretions from patients with histologically confirmed carcinoma and from one patient with carcinoma of the bile duct. In six patients a mutation identical to the one found in the pancreatic secretions was also demonstrated in paraffin-embedded fine-needle biopsy or surgical samples. Of the remaining ten patients (who had pancreatitis or cholelithiasis) mutations were not found in nine. Ki-ras codon 12 mutation was identified in one of these patients however, and mucous cell hyperplasia of pancreatic ducts was found upon histological examination. These findings establish Ki-ras polymerase chain reaction from pancreatic secretions as a valuable new diagnostic procedure for the demonstration of malignant cells, possibly at an early stage of the disease.

[Hydroxyethyl starch-induced transient renal failure in preexisting glomerular damage]. / Durch Hydroxyäthylstärke induzierte passagere Niereninsuffizienz bei vorbestehender glomerulärer Schädigung.

Hemorheological therapy through hemodilution has been gaining importance for several years and been applied to an ever increasing degree in stationary as well as in ambulant treatment. While renal insufficiency without previously established nephropathy is known to be a side effect of dextrans, cases of HES-induced nephropathy have so far not been reported. Two cases are presented in which in the course of stationary hemodilution therapy with HES an acute deterioration of an already exiting nephropathy was noted. Possible pathophysiological causes for such a deterioration are most likely to be found in an increased permeability of the glomerular basal lamina. Hydroxyethyl starch molecules are filtered above the physiological renal threshold which increases the viscosity of the primary urine. This can be counteracted by increasing diuresis. This conclusion can be drawn from our own observations which proved that renal insufficiency can be avoided through sufficient fluid intake (approx. 3 liters/day). In patients with creatinine values above 1.5/dl and arterial hypertension the indication for hemodilution therapy must be analysed carefully. If hemodilution therapy proves to be necessary, sufficient fluid intake must be guaranteed. Retention parameters must be controlled every other day in the course of the therapy. As an alternative, the administration of gelatin preparations should be considered as it does not cause cumulation.

Reference values and variability of plasminogen in healthy blood donors and its relation to parameters of the fibrinolytic system.

During a survey of four month's duration the following parameters were determined in 43 healthy blood donors (22 males, 21 females; mean age 29 years/20-49/): plasminogen activity, plasminogen concentration, alpha 2-antiplasmin (alpha 2-AP) activity, alpha 2-AP concentration, tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA) activity, t-PA concentration, plasminogen activator inhibitor--I (PAI-I) activity, AT III activity, AT III concentration and heparin cofactor II (HC II) activity. Normal values including standard deviation (x +/- 2s) were: plasminogen activity: 96.3% (65.9-126.8), plasminogen concentration: 12.2 mg/dl (7.7-16.8), alpha 2-AP activity: 99.9% (83.8-116), alpha 2-AP concentration: 108.1% (84.5-131.8), t-PA activity: 0.85 IU/l (0.0-1.92), t-PA concentration: 10.3 ng/ml (2.5-18.1), PAI-I activity: 15.2 AU/ml, AT III activity: 111.4% (87.8-134.9), AT III concentration: 31.6 mg/dl (24.2-39.1) and HC II activity: 110.7% (81.4-140.0). Concerning plasminogen values no sex related difference could be stated. Women who were smokers and used oral contraceptives tended to present elevated t-PA activity levels due to a lower activity of PAI-I, although this tendency was not significant. Determining concentration and activity of components in the fibrinolytic system plays an important part in the diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of thrombophilic disorders.

Measurement of factor VIII procoagulant antigen in normal subjects and in hemophilia A patients by an immunoradiometric assay and by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Factor VIII coagulant antigen (FVIII:Ag) and FVIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C) were measured in 102 healthy individuals, in 5 hemophilia A carriers and in 21 hemophilia A patients before and after infusion of heat-treated high-purity FVIII concentrates. Factor VIII:Ag was determined by a solid-phase micro enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using monoclonal antibodies and by a conventional solid-phase immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). Factor VIII:C was assessed using a one-stage assay. The micro ELISA was decidedly more precise than the IRMA. There was a close correlation between the results obtained by the three assays in the plasma of healthy subjects and in hemophilia A carriers. After transfusion of FVIII concentrates to hemophilia A patients, the FVIII:Ag recoveries were significantly lower than the FVIII:C recoveries and the biological half-life of FVIII:Ag was significantly shorter than for FVIII:C. The calculated half-life of FVIII:C was longer than in any previous study.

High-dose systemic streptokinase and acylated streptokinase-plasminogen complex (BRL 26921) in acute myocardial infarction: alterations of the fibrinolytic system and clearance of fibrinolytic activity.

We report the results of two consecutive studies using intravenous bolus injections of streptokinase (SK) or acylated plasminogen-SK complex (BRL 26921) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In the first study, 20 patients received either 750,000 units (U) SK (group IA, n = 10) or 1,500,000 U SK (group IB, n = 10) within 5-10 min intravenously. In the second study 10 consecutive patients received 750,000 U SK within 15 min (group IIA) intravenously. The following 10 consecutive patients received 30 mg BRL 26921 within 2 min (group IIB). Early reperfusion was found in 16 patients in the first study (8 in each group) and in 18 patients in the second study (9 in each group). The decrease of fibrinolytic activity was biphasic with a half-disappearance time of 112.5 min for BRL 26921 and 31 (IA) and 18 (IB) min for SK. alpha 2-Antiplasmin depletion and a decrease of fibrinogen was observed with no differences after bolus injections of SK and of BRL 26921.

Factor VIII: C (FVIII: C) recovery and half-life after infusion of steam-treated high purity factor VIII concentrate in severe hemophilia A--comparison of one-stage assay, two-stage assay and a chromogenic substrate assay.

Factor VIII:C recovery and half-life was measured in 16 hemophilia A patients under comprehensively standardized conditions. Each patient received the same lot of a steam-treated high purity FVIII concentrate at a dose of 19-33 U/kg body weight. A comparison was made between the one-stage assay, the two-stage assay and a chromogenic substrate test for FVIII:C determination using a FXa-sensitive chromogenic substrate. Factor VIII:C potency of the administered FVIII concentrate was measured using calibration curves derived from a concentrate standard and FVIII:C plasma levels were read from calibration curves derived from a plasma standard. The chromogenic assay showed a good reproducibility at FVIII:C levels between 0.015 and 0.50 U/ml. The FVIII:C recoveries calculated from the results of the one-stage assay, the two-stage assay and the chromogenic substrate test were 109 +/- 20, 92 +/- 14 and 81 +/- 11% (mean +/- SD), respectively. The elimination half-lives of FVIII:C were calculated by non-linear least square analysis using a modified computerized Gauss-Newton algorithm. The half-lives calculated from the FVIII:C plasma levels measured by the one-stage assay, the two-stage assay and the chromogenic test were 23.8 +/- 6.4, 22.2 +/- 5.7 and 17.1 +/- 4.8 h (mean +/- SD), respectively. No previous study has reported such long half-life values. Our findings indicate that measurements of recoveries and half-lives by the chromogenic FVIII:C assay and by computerized non-linear least square analysis allow the possibility of individualized FVIII replacement therapy.

Dose response relationships of anticoagulant activities after subcutaneous administration of two low molecular weight heparins in healthy individuals.

This study was performed to estimate appropriate dosages of two low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) for clinical trials on subcutaneous perioperative thrombosis prophylaxis. Anticoagulatory activities and platelet function were investigated after single doses of two LMWH and of unfractionated sodium heparin (UFH) in 24 healthy individuals. Twelve subjects received subcutaneous injections of 1000, 1500, and 2500 i.u. (aPTT) of LMHW 1, and the other 12 received LMWH 2 at same dosages. The following parameters were determined before 30 min, 1 h, 90 min, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h, 6 h, 8 h, and 10 h after either LMWH or 5000 i.u. (aPTT) UFH: aPTT, thrombin time, anti-Xa activity (S 2222, Coatest heparin), and anti-IIa activity (Chromozym TH). Bleeding time, platelet count, and adrenalin-, collagen-, and ADP-induced platelet aggregation were assessed before and 3 h after administration. After application of 1500 i.u. LMWH 1 and LMWH 2, the anti-Xa and anti-IIa levels were already significantly higher than after 5000 i.u. UFH. 2500 i.u. LMWH 1 and LMWH 2 evoked significantly greater prolongations of aPTT and thrombin time values than did 5000 i.u. UFH. This was not the case after 1000 and 1500 i.u. LMWH. The half-lives of anticoagulatory effects after LMWH were markedly longer than after UFH. Platelet function was not altered by any of the heparins tested. Our results indicate that LMWH cause anticoagulatory effects in vivo that cannot be predicted by in vitro studies and that the appropriate single dosages of LMWH in subcutaneous perioperative thrombosis prophylaxis have to be estimated by dosage determinations in healthy subjects.

[Severe hypernatremia within the scope of catatonic schizophrenia]. / Schwere Hypernatriämie im Rahmen einer katatonen Schizophrenie.

We report the case of a 57-year-old chronic schizophrenic patient who developed an acute catatonic stupor after postoperative withdrawal of neuroleptics with excessive and firstly therapy-resistant hypernatremia. Only after re-treatment with neuroleptics the hypernatremia could be compensated. A relationship between the catatonic schizophrenia and the electrolyte-disturbances can be supposed; probably in both diencephalic structures are involved. Therefore the syndrome of "acute life threatening catatonia" should be included into the differential diagnosis of uncertain metabolic disorders.

[Clinical aspects of acquired antithrombin III deficiency]. / Klinische Gesichtspunkte des erworbenen Antithrombin III-Mangels.

The significance of acquired antithrombin III (AT III) deficiency must be interpreted in close relation to the underlying disease process. In patients with acute or chronic liver impairment, the AT III activity is related to a decrease of procoagulatory factors, whereas, in protein loss syndromes such as nephrotic syndrome, the AT III indicates an increased risk of thromboembolic events. The effect of oral contraceptives (OC) on AT III levels in young healthy females (n = 30) was determined prospectively. AT III decreases during OC usage could not be related to the estrogen content of the examined oral contraceptives, and there was no parallel decrease of AT III activity and concentration in each type of OC. In a prospective study, the extent of AT III decrease was determined in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass operations (CPB) receiving different anticoagulant schedules during extracorporeal circulation (n = 49). There was no significant influence on the effectiveness of anticoagulation by the observed AT III decreases. AT III deficiency during CPB was primarily the result of hemodilution. However, the AT III kinetics were significantly influenced by the different protamin dosages and were not affected by the different heparin dosages. Correction of diminished AT III levels by substitution of AT III concentrates is beneficial in cases, in which an interruption of an enhanced coagulatory process such as disseminated intravascular coagulation is necessary or in patients requiring high dosage heparinization as in deep vein thrombosis. In those cases the quality of AT III correction correlates to the course of the disease. However, the potency of concentrates as well as the individual AT III recovery and half-life must be considered for an appropriate treatment with AT III substitution.

[Fibrinolytic treatment of deep vein thrombosis and lung embolism]. / Fibrinolytische Behandlung von tiefen Venenthrombosen und Lungenembolien.

Selective evaluation prior to determining the indication for thrombolytic therapy is just as important for therapeutic success as choosing the appropriate fibrinolytic agent. During this initial stage, the localization, age, extension, and possible consequences of the thrombosis must be determined with suitable as well as specific methods. Selection of the fibrinolytic agent and careful monitoring of the thrombolysis should ensure a maximum therapeutic effect with a minimum of bleeding complications.

Comparative study of intranasal, subcutaneous and intravenous administration of desamino-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP).

This study was performed to evaluate the influence of different routes of administration on the efficacy of DDAVP treatment. Ten healthy volunteers received DDAVP intranasally (i.n.), subcutaneously (s.c.) and intravenously (i.v.) in a randomized cross-over trial. Factor XII and high molecular weight (HMW)-kininogen levels increased only slightly after DDAVP administration. The mean increase of factor VIII: C was 3.1 (i.v.), 2.3 (s.c.), and 1.3 (i.n.) - fold over baseline. Ristocetin cofactor (von Willebrand factor antigen) increased 3.1 (2.5), 2.0 (2.3) and 1.2 (1.2) - fold over baseline mean values after i.v., s.c. and i.n. DDAVP, respectively. The half-disappearance time of factor VIII and von Willebrand factor (vWF) after DDAVP ranged from five (factor VIII:C) to eight hours (vWF). The mean increase of fibrinolytic activity was more pronounced after i.v. DDAVP. The antidiuretic effect was moderate with no apparent differences between the routes of application. This study provides further evidence that both i.v. and s.c. DDAVP administration result in an appropriate and reliable stimulation of haemostasis. An additional advantage of s.c. administration is its suitability for home treatment.

Combined dys-form of homozygous factor XI deficiency and heterozygous factor XII deficiency.

A 12-year-old girl with lifelong hemorrhagic episodes was found to have both a dys-form of homozygous factor XI deficiency and heterozygous factor XII deficiency. The heredity of the coagulation defects was confirmed by family studies. Severe bleeding after dental surgery occurred in spite of replacement therapy and local measures including fibrin glue. Our findings suggest that the risk of bleeding in patients with homozygous factor XI deficiency must not be underestimated and that the most effective measure is the transfusion of sufficient amounts of fresh frozen plasma until at least the 5th postoperative day.

[Treatment of von Willebrand-Jürgens syndrome with "hepatitis-free" factor VIII concentrates]. / Behandlung des von-Willebrand-Jürgens-Syndroms mit "hepatitissicheren" Faktor-VIII-Konzentraten.

In five patients with von Willebrand's disease the haemostatic effect of heat-treated factor VIII concentrates was examined. For comparison, small-pool cryoprecipitate was used. All three preparations (Factor VIII-HT Hyland, Factor VIII HS Behringwerke, Kryobulin SP) were shown to improve abnormal laboratory findings, especially bleeding time, and at times even normalize them. It was possible to prevent bleedings during operative procedures, and effectively treat spontaneous bleedings. Factor VIII-HT and Factor VIII HS could be used in dosages comparable to cryoprecipitate (20-40 U/kg); in patients undergoing surgery a dose interval of eight hours is recommended. Two of four patients suffering of chronic liver disease had raised transaminase activities after receiving Factor VIII-HT. Although the risk of hepatitis cannot be conclusively assessed, the preparations used provide, owing to their good blood-clotting effect, an advance in the treatment and prevention of serious complications in patients with von Willebrand's disease.

In vitro characterization of commercial Factor VIII concentrates: long-term follow-up.

Fifty batches of Factor VIII concentrates from 12 producers were characterized in a long-term follow-up. The following parameters were measured: Factor VIII: C, Factor VIIIR: AG, Factor VIII: Rcof, specific activity (U Factor VIII: C/mg protein), fibrinogen, IgG, IgM, IgA, isoagglutinins, Hbs-AG, heparin-like activity, thrombin-like activity, antithrombin III, Factor VIII-stability at room temperature, and the rate of complete dissolution of the lyophilizate. In most preparations there was an unacceptable batch-to-batch variation of both Factor VIII complex and contaminating proteins, which exceeded the inter-assay coefficient of variation of the applied test systems. Nevertheless, different brands could be recognized by their typical protein pattern. The results obtained suggest that the standardization of Factor VIII concentrates of unknown composition is still accompanied by considerable risks.

The subcutaneous administration of the vasopressin analogue 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin in patients with von Willebrand's disease and hemophilia.

Twenty-one patients suffering from mild von Willebrand's disease (vWd) and patients suffering from mild or moderate hemophilia A received 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) (Minirin, Ferring AG) s.c. at a dose of 0.4 microgram/kg body weight. Additionally, two hemophiliacs and 22 patients with vWd received DDAVP i.v. Within the observation period of 3 h Factor (F) VIII:C levels increased 2.4 X baseline levels in hemophiliacs, and the maximal effect was observed 3 h post DDAVP s.c. In patients with vWd post DDAVP s.c. (i.v.) a 2.7 (3.4), 2.1 (1.9) and 2.2 (2.8) fold increase for F VIII: C, F VIIIR:Ag and F VIII:Rcof was observed. In eight patients suffering from vWd with additional F XII deficiency a small and transitory but significant increase of F XII levels was detected post DDAVP s.c. No local or systemic side effects were observed. In five patients with vWd tooth extractions were performed without bleeding complications under DDAVP s.c. treatment. Two patients practiced self-treatment by injecting the drug s.c. at home. We thus conclude that s.c. DDAVP is an effective, reliable, and cost-reducing form of treatment that does not bring with it the risk of transmitting infectious diseases in patients with vWd and hemophilia and that can be administered at home.

[Significance of disordered antithrombin III function in disseminated intravascular coagulation and deep venous thrombosis for anticoagulant therapy]. / Zur Bedeutung der gestörten Antithrombin-III-Funktion bei disseminierter intravaskulärer Koagulation und bei Venenthrombosen für die antikoagulatorische Therapie.

In patients with acute deep vein thrombosis of the pelvis and limbs and in patients with decompensating course of DICFS considerable defects in AT III function are regularly demonstrated by laboratory tests, while in groups including patients with old or less pronounced venous thrombosis or in patients with compensated or overcompensated consumption coagulopathy normal AT III values might frequently be expected. This seems to be of interest for the interpretation of laboratory data on AT III. However, from these findings AT III replacement cannot be deduced and they cannot be used as a criterion to assess the prognostic value of AT III deficiency for the course of the underlying disease. In acquired AT III defects the anticoagulant activity of heparin is not necessarily decreased. After continuous infusion of doses below 500 USP in patients with DICFS and after administration of heparin doses of 750 USP/h/70 kg in patients undergoing fibrinolytic therapy the AT III content rather increases continuously. After extremely high heparin doses during extracorporeal circulation in the heart-lung machine transitorily decreased AT III values return to normal. In certain risk situations, however, such as after bolus injection of comparatively high heparin doses in patients with greatly reduced AT III values, a lowered anticoagulant effect of high heparin doses must be expected. In these cases AT III replacement is indicated. However, when enhanced heparin resistance is suspected or diagnosed, treatment with AT III concentrates is justified only when the diagnosis is based on laboratory findings. Cortisone and protamine chloride were found to exert direct effects on AT III function and concentration independent of the AT III defects mentioned.