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Bornschein S, Hausteiner C, Zilker T, Förstl H. Psychiatric and somatic disorders and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) in 264 'environmental patients'. Psychol Med 2002; 32:1387-1394. [PMID: 12455937 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291702006554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of individuals with diverse health complaints are currently seeking help in the field of environmental medicine. Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) or idiopathic environmental intolerances (IEI) is defined as an acquired disorder with multiple recurrent symptoms associated with environmental chemicals in low concentrations that are well tolerated by the majority of people. Their symptoms are not explained by any known psychiatric or somatic disorder. METHOD Within a 2-year period we examined 264 of 267 consecutive patients prospectively presenting to a university based out-patient department for environmental medicine. Patients underwent routine medical examination, toxicological analysis and the structured clinical interview for DSM-IV psychiatric disorders (SCID). RESULTS Seventy-five per cent of the patients met DSM-IV criteria for at least one psychiatric disorder and 35% of all patients suffered from somatoform disorders. Other frequent diagnoses were affective and anxiety disorders, and dependence or substance abuse. In 39% a psychiatric disorder, in 23% a somatic condition and in 19% a combination of the two were considered to provide sufficient explanation of the symptoms. Toxic chemicals were regarded as the most probable cause in only five cases. The suspected diagnosis of MCS/IEI could not be sustained in the vast majority of cases. CONCLUSION This investigation confirms previous findings that psychiatric morbidity is high in patients presenting to specialized centres for environmental medicine. Somatoform disorders are the leading diagnostic category, and there is reason to believe that certain 'environmental' or MCS patients form a special subgroup of somatoform disorders. In most cases, symptoms can be explained by well-defined psychiatric and medical conditions other than MCS, which need specific treatment. Further studies should focus on provocation testing in order to find positive criteria for MCS and on therapeutic approaches that consider psychiatric aspects.
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Felgenhauer N, Zilker T. [Emergencies in general practice. Acute poisoning with medicinal drugs]. MMW Fortschr Med 2002; 144:42-5. [PMID: 12116553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
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Werner E, Roth P, Höllriegl V, Hansen C, Kaltwasser JP, Giussani A, Cantone MC, Greim H, Zilker T, Felgenhauer N. Assessment of intestinal absorption of trace metals in humans by means of stable isotopes. ISOTOPES IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH STUDIES 2002; 38:23-31. [PMID: 12219989 DOI: 10.1080/10256010208033306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
This study is aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of stable isotopes for the assessment of reliable data on fractional intestinal absorption of trace metals in healthy humans. Among the various methods available, the double isotope technique, i.e. one isotope given orally together with the test substance to be investigated and another isotope injected intravenously to correct for retention and endogenous excretion of the particular trace metal, provides quantitative figures of intestinal absorption at reasonable expenses with regard to costs for materials and number of samples to be evaluated. The trace metals exemplarily included in this study, i.e. iron, cobalt and molybdenum show diverging relations between absorbed fractions and amounts administered which are indicative for different regulatory mechanisms of their body content. Food ligands influence the fractional absorption significantly so that the uptake from a composite meal cannot be derived from results on uptake from particular foodstuffs. Therefore, validated data on the behaviour of intestinal absorption will significantly contribute to a better understanding of human trace metal metabolism.
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Bornschein S, Förstl H, Zilker T. Idiopathic environmental intolerances (formerly multiple chemical sensitivity) psychiatric perspectives. J Intern Med 2001; 250:309-21. [PMID: 11576318 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2796.2001.00870.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic environmental intolerances (IEI)/multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is characterized by various somatic symptoms which cannot be explained organically, but are attributed to the influences of toxic environmental chemicals in low, usually harmless doses. In the absence of a widely accepted definition of IEI, contradictory aetiological hypotheses and therapeutic suggestions are discussed. Some authors doubt the existence of IEI/MCS as a disease entity of its own. The label IEI does not implicate neither a diagnosis of somatic disease nor that it is caused by an avoidable exposure. Many IEI patients suffer from psychiatric diseases. A majority of them can be diagnosed as somatoform disorders. Consequently, psychiatric therapies could be effective. This review describes the current knowledge about IEI/MCS, outlines a diagnostic algorithm and a psychotherapeutic concept for variants of IEI understood as a somatoform disorder.
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Grasshoff C, Thiermann H, Gillessen T, Zilker T, Szinicz L. Internal standard high-performance liquid chromatography method for the determination of obidoxime in urine of organophosphate-poisoned patients. JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY. B, BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES AND APPLICATIONS 2001; 753:203-8. [PMID: 11334332 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4347(00)00543-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Obidoxime is an antidote approved for reactivation of inhibited acetylcholinesterase in organophosphate poisoning. HPLC methods were described for its determination in blood or aqueous solutions but not for the determination in urine. Since data for renal obidoxime excretion ranged from 2.2 to 84% of administered dose in healthy volunteers depending on the route of administration and little is known about pharmacokinetics of obidoxime in severely intoxicated patients we developed an internal standard (HI 6) reversed-phase HPLC method for determining obidoxime in urine. The mobile phase consisted of methanol, the counter ion 1-heptane sulfonic acid and tetrabutylammonium phosphate, the stationary phase involved a 5 microm reversed-phase column (125x4 mm). Obidoxime was detected spectrophotometrically at 288 nm. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 1 microM, the limit of detection (LOD) 0.5 microM. Linear calibration curves were obtained in a concentration range from 1 to 1000 microM. Intra- and inter-day precision C.V.s were below 4%. Accuracy was 95.9% in the LOQ range. Using this method, we were able to quantify obidoxime in urine of an organophosphate poisoned patient. Based on this data we calculated that 58% of the administered dose was excreted in the urine.
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Felgenhauer N, Zilker T, Worek F, Eyer P. Intoxication with huperzine A, a potent anticholinesterase found in the fir club moss. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY. CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 2001; 38:803-8. [PMID: 11192470 DOI: 10.1081/clt-100102396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Herbs from Lycopodium are generally reputed to be nontoxic and are occasionally used for preparing a salubrious tea. In Europe, the common Lycopodium clavatum can be easily confused with Lycopodium selago, the fir club moss. CASE REPORT We report 2 patients who drank a tea, erroneously prepared from dried herbs of Lycopodium selago, which resulted in sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, cramps, and slurred speech. These symptoms were suggestive of a cholinergic mechanism. To elucidate the active principle, aqueous extracts of Lycopodium selago were checked for their suspected anticholinesterase activity using human erythrocytes as an enzyme source in a modified Ellman assay. The extracts did exhibit significant anticholinesterase activity. The anticholinesterase(s) were most effectively extracted with dichloromethane and isolated by high-performance liquid chromatography. The major compound with anticholinesterase activity co-chromatographed with authentic huperzine A, but had a 2-3-fold higher inhibitory potency than the racemic standard. The amount of huperzine A found in the Lycopodium selago sample used for the tea preparation was calculated to be sufficient for a relevant acetylcholinesterase inhibition. CONCLUSION The signs and symptoms of Lycopodium selago poisoning are consistent with the anticholinesterase activity of huperzine A and should favorably respond to atropine therapy. This report demonstrates once more that laymen should not be encouraged to gather their remedies from "Mother Nature" without advanced botanical knowledge.
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Bornschein S, Hausteiner C, Zilker T, Bickel H, Förstl H. [Psychiatric and somatic morbidity of patients with suspected multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome (MCS)]. DER NERVENARZT 2000; 71:737-44. [PMID: 11042869 DOI: 10.1007/s001150050658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) or idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI) is understood as an acquired disorder with multiple recurrent symptoms that cannot be traced to any well-known medical or psychiatric condition and is associated with diverse environmental influences that are well tolerated by the majority of people. In a prospective study, we investigated 120 consecutive patients admitted a university-based outpatient department for environmental medicine during 1 year. Apart from routine medical examination and special toxicological diagnostic procedures, a structured clinical interview for DSM-IV psychiatric disorders was performed with every patient. At least one psychiatric diagnosis was found in 100 patients. The diagnostic criteria for somatoform disorders were filled by 53 patients. We found lifetime or current affective disorders in 39 patients, anxiety disorders in 29, and substance dependency or abuse in 25. In 16 patients, personality disorders were diagnosed. Nine suffered from psychotic disorders. This is the largest prospective study with standardized psychiatric diagnostic methods concerning psychiatric morbidity and MCS. The data show that many patients with environmental health problems obviously suffer from somatoform disorders but also from other, well-known psychiatric conditions.
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Zilker T. [Poisoning with ecstasy or cocaine. Why no beta blockers?]. Internist (Berl) 1999; 40:981. [PMID: 10577008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
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Speckl IM, Hallbach J, Guder WG, Meyer LV, Zilker T. Opiate detection in saliva and urine--a prospective comparison by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY. CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 1999; 37:441-5. [PMID: 10465240 DOI: 10.1081/clt-100102434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED There is an increasing interest in saliva as an alternative analytic body fluid. OBJECTIVE This study sought to determine the correlation of opiates analyzed in saliva and corresponding urine. METHODS A total of 130 adequate and 24 inadequate samples were collected from patients participating in drug withdrawal therapy. To obtain saliva from the oral cavity, a newly developed collection device (Clin Rep), consisting of a treated cotton roll and a centrifugation vial with a filter inset, was tested. For the preparation of a purified solution of urine, liquid extraction was used. Solid phase extraction was utilized to prepare the saliva samples. For the detection by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, an appropriate derivatization was necessary using N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide. The retention times were compared with defined standard solutions. The obtained mass spectra showed a characteristic fragmenting pattern and offered a reliable identification. RESULTS The concordance of the analytic results of the saliva samples with urine was 93% for a decision limit of 100 ng/mL and 98% for a decision limit of 300 ng/mL (DHHS opiate cutoff) in urine. CONCLUSIONS Saliva, of adequate amount in 85% of samples, may be appropriate for analysis of drugs of abuse.
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Zilker T. [Alcohol withdrawal syndrome and delirium tremens. Diagnosis and therapy]. MMW Fortschr Med 1999; 141:26-30. [PMID: 10726125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
The alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be classified into three degrees of severity on the basis of the symptomatology, autonomic withdrawal, predelirium and delirium tremens. In American literature the severity of withdrawal is recorded using the CIWA-A scale (Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment--Alcohol). The pathophysiological causes lie in an imbalance between the inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters after giving up alcohol. This results in predomination by the excitatory system. Therapeutic intervention is possible here. Clomethiazole has effective sedative actions, stabilises the autonomic nervous system, and is an anticonvulsant. It is the drug of choice for autonomic withdrawal and predelirium. The benzodlazepines have a similar effect, but cannot be controlled so accurately. Carbamazepine can prevent withdrawal convulsions and progression of delirium. Clonidine acts on autonomic withdrawal and, together with neuroleptics and benzodiazepines, is easy to use parenterally for delirium tremens, while parenteral clomethiazole harbours dangers.
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Thiermann H, Szinicz L, Eyer F, Worek F, Eyer P, Felgenhauer N, Zilker T. Modern strategies in therapy of organophosphate poisoning. Toxicol Lett 1999; 107:233-9. [PMID: 10414801 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4274(99)00052-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Considering the various microscopic reactions as well as toxicokinetic and pharmacokinetic principles in therapy of organophosphate poisoning, the administration of obidoxime by an initial bolus dose followed by continuous infusion appears rational. Using this protocol, six patients each with parathion or oxydemeton methyl poisoning were treated. In parathion poisoning, reactivation was possible up to 7 days. At paraoxon concentrations > 0.1 microM obidoxime only partially reactivated acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of erythrocytes in vivo although reactivation could be assessed in vitro, which roughly fitted theoretical calculations. AChE-inhibitory material was detected up to 5 days. Cholinergic signs soon subsided when AChE was above 20% of normal, and atropine plasma levels could be kept below 7 ng/ml. In one patient brain damage persisted. Oxydemeton methyl poisoning responded to obidoxime therapy only when the oxime was instituted shortly after poisoning. Out of six patients one died. No intermediate syndrome and no signs of permanent hepatic dysfunction were found in the 12 patients.
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Zilker T, Classen M. [Diagnosis and therapy of addictive diseases]. Internist (Berl) 1999; 40:581-2. [PMID: 10420308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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Blaschko S, Zilker T, Förstl H. [Idiopathic environmental intolerance (IPI)--formerly multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS)--from the psychiatric perspective]. FORTSCHRITTE DER NEUROLOGIE-PSYCHIATRIE 1999; 67:175-87. [PMID: 10327313 DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-993995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The term "idiopathic environmental intolerances" (IEI)/"multiple chemical sensitivities" (MCS) is used to describe a complex of heterogeneous somatic symptoms without a diagnosable organic disease. Symptoms are believed to be triggered by exposure to low levels of environmental chemicals that are usually well tolerated by the general population. There is no widely accepted definition for the phenomenon. A number of contradictory etiologic hypotheses and therapeutic concepts are discussed. One of the crucial questions is whether IEI/MCS should be understood as an own entity of disease. It has been demonstrated that a majority of patients with IEI/MCS meet diagnostic criteria for psychiatric diseases. Most frequently, somatoform, affective and anxiety disorders can be diagnosed. Therefore, psychiatric and psychotherapeutic therapy seems appropriate. The present paper provides a review of the different case definitions, etiologic and therapeutic concepts and of studies examining the frequency of psychiatric morbidity in patients with IEI/MCS. Additionally, a diagnostic algorithm and a concept of behavioral therapy for IEI/MCS patients with somatoform disorders are described.
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Pfab R, Hirtl C, Zilker T. Opiate detoxification under anesthesia: no apparent benefit but suppression of thyroid hormones and risk of pulmonary and renal failure. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY. CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 1999; 37:43-50. [PMID: 10078159 DOI: 10.1081/clt-100102407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The new technique for opiate detoxification using anesthesia and high, repetitive doses of opiate-antagonists claims to detoxify addicts without withdrawal symptoms within 24-48 hours. We studied the method with 12 opiate addicts (5 L-polamidone, 4 dihydrocodeine, 3 heroin), using general anesthesia and the antagonists naloxone 0.5 mg/kg and naltrexone > 150 mg. Objective and subjective withdrawal symptoms were measured until urine was free of drugs and patients had no withdrawal symptoms. Thyroid hormones were measured before, during, and after the anesthesia period. RESULTS All patients had moderate to severe opiate withdrawal symptoms. No detoxification was finished within 48 hours. The dihydrocodeine subjects were compared with conventionally detoxified controls; no difference was seen. The method suppressed thyroid hormones TT3, TT4, and TSH. The study was terminated because of side effects: 1 pulmonary failure and 2 renal failures. All patients survived without sequelae. CONCLUSION There is no obvious benefit from this method, whereas the risks are high.
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Wilbert-Lampen U, Seliger C, Zilker T, Arendt RM. Cocaine increases the endothelial release of immunoreactive endothelin and its concentrations in human plasma and urine: reversal by coincubation with sigma-receptor antagonists. Circulation 1998; 98:385-90. [PMID: 9714087 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.98.5.385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cocaine-associated vascular events are not completely explained by adrenergic stimulation. The purposes of this study were to investigate whether vasoconstrictive endothelin-1 is released by cocaine and to elucidate the mechanisms involved. METHODS AND RESULTS Endothelin-1 was measured by radioimmunoassay and high-performance liquid chromatography (1) in the supernatant of porcine aortic endothelial cells after treatment with cocaine (10(-7) to 10(-4) mol/L) and a sigma-receptor antagonist, haloperidol (10(-6) mol/L) or ditolylguanidine (10(-5) mol/L) and (2) in plasma and urine of 12 cocaine-intoxicated patients and 13 healthy control subjects. Radioligand binding assays were performed on endothelial membrane preparations. In cell culture, cocaine significantly increased endothelin accumulation above baseline at 3 to 24 hours; endothelin release rates per hour increased dose-dependently, reaching a plateau of 175+/-23% of control at hour 4 to 5. Coincubation of cocaine with haloperidol or ditolylguanidine abolished or reduced cocaine-induced endothelin release. Endothelial membrane preparations specifically and displaceably bound the highly selective sigma-ligand [3H]ditolylguanidine (25x10(-9) mol/L), with 1400 binding sites estimated per cell. Endothelin-1 levels in plasma (22.7+/-5.6 versus 7.3+/-0.8 pmol/L) and urine (41.5+/-10.1 versus 12.7+/-3.8 pmol/L) of cocaine-intoxicated patients were significantly increased compared with control values. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that cocaine increases the endothelin-1 release in vitro and in vivo. The cocaine-induced vasoconstriction/vasospasm may therefore be facilitated by the release of endothelin-1. Cocaine appears to be an exogenous stimulator at endothelial sigma-receptors. The endogenous ligands of this antiopioid system may prove to play a role in vasospastic angina, acute myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death.
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Zilker T, Felgenhauer N, Hibler A, Pfab R, Thiermann H, Worek F, Eyer P. Factors influencing the efficacy of obidoxime in organophosphate pesticides poisoning. PRZEGLAD LEKARSKI 1998; 54:662-4. [PMID: 9478082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Kleber JJ, Zilker T. [Adder bites in humans]. TIERARZTLICHE PRAXIS. AUSGABE K, KLEINTIERE/HEIMTIERE 1998; 26:95-100. [PMID: 9587980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In Germany the common viper (Vipera berus) and very seldom Vipera aspis are the only in freedom normally existing snakes. In general, bites by the common viper cause slight local symptoms, sometimes strong swellings of the extremities, but only rarely severe perilous general symptoms such as shock and angioneurotic edema. Mortal progresses despite of medical treatment are the exceptions. The most important therapeutic measure is the immobilization of the bitten extremity and the transport in a recumbent position to the next surgeon or clinic. The perilous shock and the angioneurotic edema often react on the administration of antihistaminica and corticosteroids, whereas the increase of the swelling of the extremity cannot be influenced by this treatment. The corresponding antisera have an advantageous and fast effect on all general symptoms and seem to favourably influence the swelling of the extremities. Because of the allergic reactions against the sera from horses, which do not occur seldom, in severe cases only Beritab--which is not yet admitted in Germany--with purified Fab-fragment antibodies from sheep should be used.
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Thiermann H, Mast U, Klimmek R, Eyer P, Hibler A, Pfab R, Felgenhauer N, Zilker T. Cholinesterase status, pharmacokinetics and laboratory findings during obidoxime therapy in organophosphate poisoned patients. Hum Exp Toxicol 1997; 16:473-80. [PMID: 9292288 DOI: 10.1177/096032719701600809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
1 The effectiveness of oxime therapy in organophosphate poisoning is still a matter of debate. It appears, however, that the often cited ineffectiveness of oximes may be due to inappropriate dosing. By virtue of in vitro findings and theoretical considerations we concluded in the preceding paper that oximes should preferably be administered by continuous infusion following an initial bolus dose for as long as reactivation of inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) can be expected. This conclusion has called for a clinical trial to evaluate such oxime therapy on the basis of objective parameters. 2 Before transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU), 5 patients received primary care by an emergency physician. In the ICU, atropine sulphate was administered i.v. upon demand according to the endpoints: no bronchorrhoea, dry mucous membranes, no axillary sweating, heart rate of about 100/min. Obidoxime (Toxogonin) was given as an i.v. bolus (250 mg) followed by continuous infusion of 750 mg/24 h. 3 Intoxication and therapy were monitored by determining erythrocyte AChE (eryAChE) activity, reactivatability of the patient's eryAChE ex vivo, plasma cholinesterase activity, the presence of AChE inhibiting compounds, as well as the concentrations of obidoxime and atropine in plasma. 4 Obidoxime was effective in life-threatening parathion poisoning, in particular when the dose absorbed was comparably low. In mega-dose poisoning, net reactivation was not achieved until several days after ingestion, when the concentration of active poison in plasma had declined. Reactivatability in vivo lasted for a longer period than expected from in vitro experiments. 5 Obidoxime was quite ineffective in oxydemetonmethyl poisoning, when the time elapsed between ingestion and oxime therapy was longer than 1 day. When obidoxime was administered shortly after ingestion (1 h) reactivation was nearly complete. 6 Obidoxime levels of 10-20 microM were achieved by our regimen, and atropine could rapidly be reduced to approx. 20 microM, as attained by continuous infusion of 1 mg atropine sulphate/h. Maintenance of the desired plasma levels was not critical even when renal function deteriorated. 7 Signs of transiently impaired liver function were observed in patients who showed transient multiorgan failure. In the present stage of knowledge, we feel it advisable to keep the plasma concentration of obidoxime at 10-20 microM, although the full reactivating potential of obidoxime will not then be exploited. Still, the reactivation rate, with an apparent half-time of some 3 min, is twice that estimated for a tenfold higher pralidoxime concentration.
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Martius P, Hüther R, Zilker T. [A case of malignant neuroleptic syndrome. Case report]. DER NERVENARZT 1996; 67:418-21. [PMID: 9005355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We report on a woman patient with organophosphate poisoning resulting from a psychotically motivated suicide attempt. After detoxification and during treatment with haloperidol and levomepromazine, she developed acute malignant neuroleptic syndrome (MNS) in which dyspnea requiring assisted ventilation was the main symptom. Discontinuation of the neuroleptics was enough to effect sufficient recovery. With this case report, we would first like to emphasize that MNS can evolve within a very short time into a severe and life-threatening situation requiring intensive medical care, and secondly to illustrate the implications of organophosphate poisoning and the consequent cholinesterase blocking far the differential diagnosis of MNS.
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Pfab R, Mückter H, Roider G, Zilker T. Clinical course of severe poisoning with thiomersal. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY. CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 1996; 34:453-60. [PMID: 8699562 DOI: 10.3109/15563659609013818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
CASE REPORT A 44-year-old man ingested 83 mg/kg Thiomersal. He developed gastritis, renal tubular failure, dermatitis, gingivitis, delirium, coma, polyneuropathy and respiratory failure. Treatment was symptomatic plus gastric lavage and the oral chelating agents dimercaptopropane sulfonate and dimercaptosuccinic acid. The patient recovered completely. Maximum mercury concentrations were blood 14 mg/L, serum 1.7 mg/L, urine 10.7 mg/L, and cerebrospinal fluid 0.025 mg/L. Mercury concentration in blood declined with two velocities: first with half-time 2.2 days, then with half-time 40.5 days. The decline of mercury concentration in blood, urinary mercury excretion, and renal mercury clearance were not substantially influenced by chelation therapy.
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Zachoval R, Günther C, Scheurlen C, Klüppelberg UG, Zilker T, Pape GR. [A 27-year old patient with watery diarrhea, nausea and vomiting 10 hours after eating a mushroom dish. Interdisciplinary liver transplantation team of the Grosshadern Clinic]. Internist (Berl) 1994; 35:385-91. [PMID: 8200763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Zilker T, Schaupp G. [Psychological processing of environmental anxiety. Dilemma of physicians--insecurity of patients]. FORTSCHRITTE DER MEDIZIN 1993; 111:211-213. [PMID: 8514222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
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Fogt F, Zilker T. Total exclusion from external respiration protects lungs from development of fibrosis after paraquat intoxication. HUMAN TOXICOLOGY 1989; 8:465-74. [PMID: 2591987 DOI: 10.1177/096032718900800606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Most survivors of paraquat intoxication go on to develop fibrosis of the lung leading to death within a few weeks. The pathogenic effects of paraquat are based on the formation of oxygen free radicals. A cascade reaction occurs at the cell membrane which is damaged and cell integrity is destroyed. Fibroblasts migrate into the damaged region leading to the laying down of collagen and subsequent fibrosis. Currently paraquat intoxication is treated with gastrointestinal lavage, haemoperfusion and haemodialysis with mixed results. Artificial respiration with low percentage of inspired oxygen is instituted in order to decrease the possible release of oxygen radicals. However, in most cases, developing fibrosis prevents this treatment continuing and requires increased concentrations of inspired O2 and increased ventilation pressure. The combination of increased FiO2 and barotrauma leads to a vicious circle of parenchymal lung damage. In this study we present a treatment designed to avoid the development of lung fibrosis using total exclusion of segments of the lung from external ventilation. Exclusion from external ventilation was performed in animal experiments by instillation of Ethibloc, an amino acid glue, in one main bronchus to create an atelectasis. In different experimental groups this procedure was performed before and after intraperitoneal intoxication with paraquat. Four to twelve days later the experimental animals were sacrified and the ventilated lungs and the atelectatic lungs were compared. The ventilated lungs showed dose-dependent damage to the alveolar epithelium and gross interstitial oedema. In some cases fibrosis was seen. The atelectatic parts of the lung were not different from the control group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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