orabase and Chronic-Disease

Use of silver containing dressings has become prevalent in clinical practice to manage chronic wounds at risk for infections. This literature review examines the evidence for the efficacy of using silver dressings in the chronic wound management.. Relevant in vitro articles on antimicrobial activity of silver dressings, relevant randomized controlled studies (RCTs), and one retrospective cohort study were selected to assess the effectiveness of silver dressings on human chronic wounds.. The emerging evidence base for this use of silver dressings in clinical practice on chronic wounds does not provide absolute evidence of antimicrobial efficacy because there are limited large, well-designed RCTs. To supplement this gap, more rigorously controlled long-term, randomized studies of human subjects with chronic wounds are needed.. It is essential that advanced practice nurses (APNs) be knowledgeable of the wound bacterial balance continuum. For deciding appropriate wound healing strategies, they also need to critically appraise the current literature as it changes for the latest information on antimicrobial efficacy of silver dressings. Until research clarifies the inconclusive evidence, APNs must provide holistic and accurate assessments of both the patient and the wound before selecting silver dressings.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Bandages; Biofilms; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Chronic Disease; Evidence-Based Nursing; Humans; Nanoparticles; Polyesters; Polyethylenes; Silver; Wounds and Injuries

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic mucosal condition commonly encountered in clinical dental practice. Lichen planus is believed to represent an abnormal immune response in which epithelial cells are recognized as foreign, secondary to changes in the antigenicity of the cell surface. It has various oral manifestations, the reticular form being the most common. The erosive and atrophic forms of OLP are less common, yet are most likely to cause symptoms. Topical corticosteroids constitute the mainstay of treatment for symptomatic lesions of OLP. Recalcitrant lesions can be treated with systemic steroids or other systemic medications. However, there is only weak evidence that these treatments are superior to placebo. Given reports of a slightly greater risk of squamous cell carcinoma developing in areas of erosive OLP, it is important for clinicians to maintain a high index of suspicion for all intraoral lichenoid lesions. Periodic follow-up of all patients with OLP is recommended.

Topics: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Chronic Disease; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lichen Planus, Oral; Mouth Neoplasms; Precancerous Conditions; Steroids; Tacrolimus

Behçet's syndrome is a disease of uncertain aetiology characterised by recurrent oral and genital ulcerations, ocular lesions and skin lesions. Although cases of this syndrome have been reported almost worldwide, the literature did not reveal any reports from this region. Management of this disorder is mainly palliative. However several treatment regimens have been tried. Following are some of the treatments considered effective. Azathioprine, corticosteroids, chlorambucil, transfusions of fresh blood or plasma and fibrinolytic therapy with phenformin and ethyloestrenol. The importance of multi-disciplinary management of such patients is emphasized.

Topics: Behcet Syndrome; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Chronic Disease; Female; Hospitals, University; Humans; Kenya; Lidocaine; Middle Aged; Periodontitis

The so-called ocular pemphigus is an oculocutaneomucosal disease, the clinical manifestations of which have been recognized for over a century while its recognition as a nosological and histopathological unit is quite recent. The clinical picture in the eye consists essentially of progressive scar contraction which, preceded by a transient bullous phase, leads to symblepharon, entropion and trichiasis. Corneal complications, such as bullous eruption, erosions, proliferation of vasculoconnective tissue, supervene later. The final appearance is that of complete xerosis with total symblepharon producing a typical 'statute eye'. This local process may be accompanied by bullous lesions of the skin and mucous membranes but the general condition of the patient invariably remains good. In the advanced stages of the disease the appearance is described as 'pemphigoid facies'. The nosological place of ocular pemphigus has been a matter of debate. At various times it has been identified with pemphigus vulgaris, dermatitis herpetiformis of Duhring-Brocq, erythema multiforme of Hebra, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, syphilitic dermatitis bullosa and other bullous dermatoses. At present the condition is universally recognized as a clinical entity, referred to as chronic mucosynechial pemphigoid (CMSP). The anatomopathological picture is quite peculiar. The elementary lesion is a sub-epidermic bulla, hence easily distinguished from that of pemphigus vulgaris, which is situated in the Malpighian layer. This difference applies to the lesions of the skin as well as to those of the mucous membranes including the conjuctiva. In the conjunctiva, epithelial changes suggestive of its epidermization were demonstrated. The Malpighian layer shows a high glycogen and DNA content with overall reduction in enzyme activity. The dermis shows infiltration by lymphocytes, histiocytes and plasma cells, and a considerable increase in hyaluronic acid content. There are many areas of dermoepidermal separation with formation of bullae and the basal membrane is often missing. In some cases, in the centre of the bullae, we were able to demonstrate one or more lumps, consisting almost exclusively of hyaluronic acid, probably filtered in from the dermis across the altered basal membrane. Similar changes are met with also in other mucous membranes, that of buccal cavity in particular, even in ostensibly healthy areas. The histological and histochemical findings are sufficiently typical to justify early d

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Aged; Biopsy; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Chronic Disease; Corneal Diseases; Eye Diseases; Female; Glycosaminoglycans; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous

Silver-containing carboxymethylcellulose fiber dressing (Aquacel®-Ag) has been used to treat burns and ulcers with a large amount of exudate. The aim of this investigation was to confirm whether Aquacel®-Ag has beneficial effects when it is used as nasal packing.. We included 44 patients who underwent bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery due to chronic rhino-sinusitis. Beschitin-F® or Aquacel®-Ag was packed postoperatively into the bilateral middle meatus. Patient's comfort was recorded using a VAS, as well as wound healing, postoperative bleeding and local infection. Postoperative-specific organisms were also evaluated from the removed packing materials located in the middle meatus when they were removed on the 4th day after surgery.. The scores for nasal obstruction and pain were not statistically different in each group. Postoperative bacteriologic studies indicated marked differences. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were predominant and potential pathogens were recovered in a few cases in the Aquacel®-Ag group. In contrast, potential pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza, and Gram-negative rods, were predominant in the Beschitin-F® group.. The results indicate that Aquacel®-Ag might contribute to hemostasis, wound healing, and patient comfort after endonasal surgery, similar to Beschitin-F®. Additionally, it may have advantages concerning the prevention of postoperative infection.

Topics: Adult; Bandages; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Chronic Disease; Endoscopy; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pain, Postoperative; Paranasal Sinuses; Postoperative Care; Postoperative Hemorrhage; Rhinitis; Silver Compounds; Single-Blind Method; Sinusitis; Surgical Wound Infection; Treatment Outcome; Wound Healing

We measured the effectiveness of inhibition of adhesion and fibrosis on patient outcomes after epididymectomy as a treatment for chronic epididymitis.. An initial cohort of 152 patients was treated conservatively for chronic epididymitis. Of these patients 43 did not respond to conservative treatment and following informed consent they were enrolled in the clinical trial. The patients were randomized into 2 groups so that 22 underwent epididymectomy with concurrent administration of the inhibitors of adhesion and fibrosis hyaluronic acid and carboxymethylcellulose (group 1), and 21 underwent epididymectomy only (group 2). Visual analog pain scores and patient satisfaction scores were obtained at postoperative weeks 4, 12 and 24.. There were no postoperative complications such as wound infection or hematoma in either group. One patient was lost to followup from group 1 and 2 were lost from group 2. At postoperative week 24, 12 patients (57.1%) from group 1 and 3 (15.8%) from group 2 were pain-free, 6 (28.6%) from group 1 and 6 (31.6%) from group 2 exhibited limited pain relief, 2 (9.5%) from group 1 and 7 (36.8%) from group 2 exhibited no pain relief, and 1 (4.8%) from group 1 and 3 (15.8%) from group 2 exhibited recurrence of pain after initial resolution at earlier followup intervals (p = 0.028).. Inhibition of adhesion and fibrosis after epididymectomy as a treatment for chronic epididymitis improves pain relief and patient satisfaction.

Topics: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Chronic Disease; Combined Modality Therapy; Epididymis; Epididymitis; Fibrosis; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Single-Blind Method; Tissue Adhesions; Treatment Outcome

This study compared wound healing efficacy of two silver dressings, AQUACEL(®) Ag and Urgotul(®) Silver, against venous ulcers at risk of infection, over 8 weeks of treatment. The primary objective was to show non inferiority of AQUACEL(®) Ag to Urgotul(®) Silver. Patients (281) were randomised into two groups. The AQUACEL(®) Ag group had 145 patients treated with AQUACEL(®) Ag for 4 weeks followed by AQUACEL for another 4 weeks. TheUrgotul(®) Silver group had 136 patients treated with Urgotul(®) Silver for 4 weeks followed by Urgotul(®) for another 4 weeks. In both groups, ulcer size and depth, safety events and ulcer healing were compared. After 8 weeks of treatment, the AQUACEL(®) Ag group had a relative wound size reduction (49·65% ± 52·53%) compared with the Urgotul(®) Silver group (42·81% ± 60·0%). The non inferiority of the AQUACEL(®) Ag group to the Urgotul(®) Silver group was established based on the difference between them (6·84% ± 56·3%, 95% confidence interval -6·56 to 20·2) and the pre-defined non inferiority margin (-15%). Composite wound healing analysis showed that the AQUACEL(®) Ag group had statistically higher percentage of subjects with better wound progression (66·9% versus 51·9%, P = 0·0108). In general, both dressings were effective at promoting healing of venous ulcers.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Bandages, Hydrocolloid; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Chronic Disease; Drug Carriers; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Silver Compounds; Treatment Outcome; Varicose Ulcer; Wound Healing

The aim of this study is to evaluate the haemostatic effect of carboxy-methylated cellulose (CMC) nasal packing following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The design includes an investigator-initiated, randomized, single-blinded, controlled, prospective clinical study. A bilateral FESS procedure was performed on 41 patients. At the end of the operation, one side was randomly filled with CMC nasal packing, the other side remained without packing. The patients were blinded to the side of nasal packing and were postoperatively examined on the 1st day, after 2 and 4 weeks and the extent of the postoperative bleeding was quantified with a clinical grading system. Even though there were slightly more postoperative bleedings reported for the non-packed sides as compared to the CMC-packed sides, these differences were at no point statistically significant within the monitored postoperative period of 4 weeks. In the examined collective, the CMC packing investigated did not statistically prove to have an effect on bleeding control in this study design.

Topics: Administration, Intranasal; Bandages; Biocompatible Materials; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Chronic Disease; Endoscopy; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nasal Polyps; Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures; Postoperative Hemorrhage; Prospective Studies; Rhinitis; Sinusitis

To evaluate the patterns of silver release from selected sustained silver-release dressings and the protective role of proteins in wound exudate and wound scale. The bactericidal action of silver in chronic wound therapy is also examined.. Sequential microbiological examination of wound swabs from seven patients with chronic wounds and sampling of wound exudate and wound scale. Silver content was measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. The ability of Contreet Foam to absorb exudate and release silver was studied in punch biopsy wounds in a rodent model.. Silver accumulation in wound exudate correlated well with its viscosity and protein content. Silver bound to wound scale and debris was approximately proportional to the silver ion release from dressings. Bacterial burden was controlled, but not eliminated, following chronic silver therapy.. Silver dressings (Acticoat-7, Actisorb Silver, Contreet Foam, Aquacel Ag and Flamazine) were found to be safe for use in chronic wound therapy. Excess silver ion is bound by wound exudate and wound scale as a protective mechanism. Silver-release dressings are not likely to result in germ-free wounds. Further studies are needed to examine potential silver resistance.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Animals; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Chronic Disease; Exudates and Transudates; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Occlusive Dressings; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Silver; Treatment Outcome; Varicose Ulcer; Wound Infection

Twenty-two patients with chronic ulcers of the lower limb were treated with 'Varihesive', a modified form of 'Stomahesive'. The results showed that granulation was stimulated by the dressing, and no side-effects were encountered. The treatment is considered to be a useful adjunct to routine supportive measures. I should like to thank E.R. Squibb & Sons for providing the material for this study.

Topics: Aged; Bandages; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Chronic Disease; Clinical Trials as Topic; Female; Gelatin; Granulation Tissue; Humans; Leg Ulcer; Male; Middle Aged; Pectins

The immense burden imposed by chronic wounds-those persisting over 6 weeks despite active intervention-on patients and health services is well recognised. There are various reasons for why a wound fails to progress towards closure, and clinicians must investigate the underlying cause of wound chronicity, as this information guides the management of such wounds. The TIME framework (T=tissue; I=infection/inflammation; M=moisture balance; E=wound edges) is a useful tool for practitioners to systematically undertake wound assessment and product selection. This article discusses chronic wound management based on the TIME framework, examining the aspects to be considered when managing chronic wounds. It also describes the process of dressing selection for overcoming the various barriers to wound healing, specifically discussing the AQUACEL family of dressings.

Topics: Bandages; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Chronic Disease; Humans; Inflammation; Tissue Survival; Wound Healing; Wound Infection; Wounds and Injuries

This study aimed to investigate the role of interarytenoid injection laryngoplasty (IL) for the management of pediatric aspiration.. Medical records of 30 patients, 9 female, with radiographically confirmed chronic aspiration who underwent intraoperative IL were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical improvement was defined as successful advancement of feeds to thinner consistencies.. Clinical improvement was observed in 57% of patients. Six children with type 1 posterior laryngeal cleft (PLC-1) were not significantly more likely to show improvement compared to the children without PLC-1. Type 1 posterior laryngeal cleft was associated with older age and higher prevalence of neurodevelopmental risk factors relative to absence of PLC-1. Patients with PLC-1 were more likely than noncleft patients to show recurrence of symptoms after initial improvement with IL. Five patients underwent endoscopic repair. Repair was successful in 3 patients who improved after IL but not in 2 patients who did not improve after IL.. Chronic aspiration can improve after IL even in patients with normal anatomy. Injection laryngoplasty can be performed to improve selection of PLC-1 patients for definitive endoscopic repair. Further prospective research, with a randomized control group, is needed to understand whether interarytenoid incompetence plays a role in some patients with chronic aspiration, who do not have a PLC-1.

Topics: Bronchoscopy; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Congenital Abnormalities; Female; Gels; Humans; Infant; Laryngoplasty; Laryngoscopy; Larynx; Male; Recurrence; Respiratory Aspiration; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome

To estimate the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of using a sodium carboxymethylcellulose dressing (CMC [Aquacel]) and four super absorbent dressings (DryMax Extra[DM], Flivasorb [F], Kerramax [K] and sachet S [S]) in the treatment of highly exuding chronic venous leg ulcers (VLUs) in the UK, from the perspective of the National Health Service (NHS).. A decision model was constructed depicting the patient pathways and associated management of a cohort of 439 patients with highly exuding chronic VLUs of;;: 3 months of age. The model was based on the case records of a cohort of matched patients from The Health Improvement Network (THIN)database (a nationally representative database of patients registered with general practitioners (GPs) in the UK) who were treated with one of the five dressings. The model estimated the costs and outcomes of patient management over 6 months and the relative cost-effectiveness of using each dressing.. Patients' mean age was 73.1 years, and 46% were female. Between 39% and 56% ofVLUs healed by 6 months. CMC-treated wounds that remained unhealed increased in size by 43% over the study period, whereas unhealed wounds treated with the other dressings decreased in size by a mean 34%. Consequently, CMC was excluded from the cost-effectiveness analysis. The 6-monthly NHS cost of managing a VLU with S was £3700 per patient, which was 15-28% lower than the cost of managing patients with the other three super absorbents. Additionally, use of S improved patients' health status to a greater extent than the other three super absorbents, since S-treated patients accrued 0.3-3% more QALYs. Starting treatment with S was the preferred strategy followed by DM, K and Fin that order.. Within the limitations of the data set,S affords the NHS a cost-effective treatment for managing highly exuding chronic VLUs of ≥3 months of age, compared with DM, F, K and CMC.

Topics: Aged; Bandages; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Chronic Disease; Cohort Studies; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Decision Making; Decision Support Techniques; Female; General Practice; Humans; Leg Ulcer; Male; Models, Economic; Models, Organizational; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; State Medicine; Treatment Outcome; United Kingdom; Varicose Ulcer; Wound Healing

The management of patients with highly-exuding wounds can often lead to the use of unreliable and costly treatments. Patients are frequently found to be at increased risk of infection and delayed healing, which results in a huge negative impact on their quality of life. In the political and health arena, reducing health-care costs yet maintaining high quality and productivity is high on the list. With current economic, health-care and political targets, it is crucial to address the importance of effective wound management, particularly the importance of managing exudate. Inappropriate management of wound exudate can lead to prolonged wound healing, peri-wound maceration and excoriation, and can result in deterioration of the wound.

Topics: Absorption; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Bandages; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Chronic Disease; Exudates and Transudates; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pressure Ulcer; Rectal Diseases; Skin Ulcer; Surgical Wound Dehiscence; Wounds and Injuries

Silver-based dressings have been used extensively in wound management in recent years, but data on their antimicrobial activity in the clinical setting are limited. In order to explore their effects on chronic leg ulcer flora, 14 ulcers were cultured after at least 3 weeks treatment with Aquacel Ag(®) or Acticoat(®). Phenotypic and genetic silver resistance were investigated in a total of 56 isolates. Silver-based dressings had a limited effect on primary wound pathogens, which were present in 79% of the cultures before, and 71% after, treatment. One silver-resistant Enterobacter cloacae strain was identified (silver nitrate minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) > 512 mg/l, positive for silE, silS and silP). Further studies in vitro showed that inducible silver-resistance was more frequent in Enterobacteriaceae with cephalosporin-resistance and that silver nitrate had mainly a bacteriostatic effect on Staphylococcus aureus. Monitoring of silver resistance should be considered in areas where silver is used extensively.

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bandages; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Cephalosporin Resistance; Chronic Disease; Drug Carriers; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; Enterobacter cloacae; Genes, Bacterial; Humans; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Leg Ulcer; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Polyesters; Polyethylenes; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Silver Nitrate; Staphylococcus aureus

Aim is to determine the efficacy and pain level associated with the use of dissolvable carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) foam dressing in functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in adult patients. In the present prospective study, 60 patients with bilateral chronic rhinosinusitis were included. All patients underwent bilateral FESS. Thirty patients had both nasal cavities packed with dissolvable CMC foam (CMCF) and another 30 patients had their nasal cavities packed with routine nasal packing (RNP) in latex glove fingers. The haemostatic effect of the CMCF was assessed during the recovery period, and pain levels were recorded by the patients on a visual analogue scale 24 h after surgery. The prevalence of postoperative middle meatal synechia formation was assessed 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after the operation. Four (13.3%) of the patients packed with CMCF had primary postoperative bleeding during the recovery period and required additional dressing. Bleeding appeared in two (6.7%) patients packed with RNP. The mean level of pain was 0.962 (range 0-4) for patients packed with CMCF but was 5.5 (range 3-9) for patients packed with RNP. Four (6.7%) of 26 CMCF patients and 10 (35.7%) of 28 RNP patients developed a synechia in the middle meatus. We found that dissolvable CMC foam dressing is associated with very low levels of localised pain and with low levels of postoperative bleeding and synechia formation.

Topics: Administration, Intranasal; Adult; Aged; Bandages; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Chronic Disease; Endoscopy; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures; Pain, Postoperative; Prospective Studies; Rhinitis; Sinusitis; Young Adult

We describe the histopathology of ossicular grafts and implants so as to provide insight into factors that may influence functional results after surgery for chronic otitis media.. Histopathologic observations were made on 56 cases: 50 surgical specimens and 6 temporal bone cases in which the graft was sectioned in situ.. Autogenous malleus, incus, and cortical bone grafts behaved in a similar manner and maintained their morphological size, shape, and contour for extended periods of time, at least up to 30 years. These histopathologic observations support the continued use of autograft ossicular and cortical bone grafts for middle ear reconstruction. Cartilage grafts developed chondromalacia with resulting loss of stiffness and showed a tendency to undergo resorption. Synthetic prostheses made of porous plastic (Plastipore, Polycel) elicited foreign body giant cell reactions with various degrees of biodegradation of the implants. Prostheses made of hydroxyapatite and Bioglass were enveloped by a lining of connective tissue and mucosal epithelium. The Bioglass material was broken down into small fragments and partially resorbed by a host response within the middle ear. These results warrant caution in the use of prostheses made of porous plastic or Bioglass.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged, 80 and over; Bone Resorption; Bone Transplantation; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Ceramics; Child; Chronic Disease; Ear Cartilage; Ear Ossicles; Foreign-Body Reaction; Giant Cells, Foreign-Body; Humans; Middle Aged; Ossicular Prosthesis; Osteocytes; Otitis Media; Polyethylenes; Polypropylenes; Prosthesis Failure

Bullous diseases of the oral cavity cause painful erosion. They must be distinguished from aphthae and vesicles which may have a similar presentation. Acute, chronic and congenital conditions are recognized. Acute lesions may involve a polymorphous oral erhythema which has an polymorphous erythematous presentation or toxidermia (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Lyell syndrome, fixed pigmented erythema). Examination of the skin and history taking are the keys to diagnosis. Patients with chronic bullous diseases may have a congenital condition (bullous epidermolysis or lymphangioma) suggested by the age at onset and the clinical presentation. Acquired chronic bullous diseases include lichen planus and autoimmune bullous diseases. Careful examination is essential to identify mucosal or cutaneous involvement and to obtain a biopsy for histological examination. Search for antibodies deposited in the perilesional mucosa is necessary. Chronic erosive gingivitis is a frequent presentation. Most of the patients have cicatricial pemphigoid, lichen planus, and more rarely pemphigus. The pinch sign is highly discriminative to differentiate the cause of this syndrome. Symptomatic treatment of bullous lesions of the oral cavity include adapted diet and correct and early use of antalgesics.

Topics: Acute Disease; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Chronic Disease; Diagnosis, Differential; Erythema Multiforme; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Lichen Planus, Oral; Mouth Diseases; Mouth Mucosa; Pemphigoid, Benign Mucous Membrane; Pemphigus; Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Bandages, Hydrocolloid; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Chronic Disease; Colloids; Combined Modality Therapy; Foot Ulcer; Humans; Male; Occlusive Dressings

Viscosity-enhancing agents such as carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) can alter absorption of solutes and fluid exchange in the small intestine. We investigated whether the standard World Health Organization oral rehydration solution (WHO-ORS) with the addition of CMC would improve net water and sodium absorption in rats using an in vivo intestinal perfusion technique. Four WHO-ORS, containing either 0, 2.5, 5.0, or 10.0 g/L of CMC, were perfused in rats with a well-tested model of cathartic-induced chronic osmotic diarrhea (D) and in normal controls (C). In D rats, the ORSs with CMC improved sodium absorption at the three concentrations used (p < 0.01). The same effect was shown in C rats. Net water absorption was also enhanced in D rats given ORSs with CMC, although the changes in C animals were less marked. The improvement in sodium and water absorption in both C and D rats positively correlated with the log of relative ORS viscosity. Ultrastructural examination of tissues perfused with 10 g/L of CMC showed an extended brush border glycocalyx. This study indicates that CMC added to WHO-ORS in the perfused rat jejunum improves the effectiveness of the solution by increasing sodium and water absorption.

Topics: Animals; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Chronic Disease; Diarrhea; Disease Models, Animal; Fluid Therapy; Intestinal Absorption; Male; Microscopy, Electron; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Rehydration Solutions; Sodium; Viscosity; Water

Although gamma interferon (gamma-IFN) may be involved in the pathogenesis of exacerbations of multiple sclerosis (MS), whether it plays a role in chronic progressive MS is not known. To investigate this, we retrospectively analyzed serum samples from nine chronic progressive MS patients who were treated with monthly intravenous infusions of the interferon inducer polyinosinic acid polycytidylic acid polylysine in carboxymethylcellulose (poly ICLC). Using a bioassay we found that the mean peak total interferon level was 177 U/ml 12 hours after infusion, and using a radioimmunoassay we found that the mean peak gamma-IFN level was 15.9 U/ml 12 hours after infusion, so that gamma-IFN made up approximately 10% of the total. Greater gamma-IFN induction did not correlate with clinical worsening; induced gamma-IFN levels were not higher in two patients who worsened on treatment, and the highest levels were found in a patient who remained stable. Either chronic progressive MS is not sensitive to gamma-IFN or the effects of gamma-IFN are masked by other mediators induced by poly ICLC.

Topics: Antigens, CD; Antigens, Differentiation; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Chronic Disease; Female; HLA-DR Antigens; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Interferon Inducers; Interferon-gamma; Male; Multiple Sclerosis; Poly I-C; Polylysine; Receptors, Fc; Receptors, IgG; Retrospective Studies

Collagens in normal human lung and in idiopathic chronic fibrosis were investigated in terms of their covalent structure and compared for possible alterations in the diseased state. Collagens were solubilized by limited digestion with pepsin under nondenaturing conditions, and after purification they, were fractionated into types I and III. Carboxymethylcellulose and agarose chromatography of both types I and III collagens, and amino acid and carbohydrate analyses of the resulting alpha-chains indicated that the alpha 1 (I), alpha 2, and alpha 1 (III) chains of normal human lung were identical with the human skin alpha-chains in all respects examined except that the normal lung chains contained higher levels of hydroxylysine. Examination of collagens obtained from the diseased lung revealed that the content of hydroxylysine of the alpha 1 (I) and the alpha 1 (III) chains appeared to be diminished as compared to the normal lung chains. The values, expressed as residues per 1,000 residues, are 7.1 and 8.3 for the alpha 1 (I) and the alpha 1 (III) chains, respectively, as compared to 10.0 and 11.1 for the alpha-chains from the normal tissue. The chromatographic properties and amino acid and carbohydrate composition of the alpha-chains from the diseased tissue were otherwise indistinguishable from those of normal lung. In addition, isolation and characterization of the CNBr peptides of alpha 1 (I), alpha 2 and alpha 1 (III) from the diseased lung revealed no significant differences from the CNBr peptides from other human tissues reported previously. Normal and diseased lungs were also digested with CNBr, and the resultant alpha 1 (I) and alpha 1 (III) peptides were separated chromatographically. The relative quantities of these peptides indicate that type III collagen constitutes 33% of the total collagen in normal human lung, with the remainder being type I, whereas in idiopathic chronic pulmonary fibrosis, the relative content of type III collagen is markedly diminished, ranging from 12 to 24% in different patients. These results indicate that an alteration in tissue collagen polymorphism as well as subtle variations in the collagen structure accompany the fibrotic process in the diseased state, and suggest that these alterations may have possible pathogenetic implications.

Topics: Aged; Amino Acids; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Chromatography, Agarose; Chromatography, Ion Exchange; Chronic Disease; Collagen; Cyanogen Bromide; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pepsin A; Polymorphism, Genetic; Pulmonary Fibrosis