Neuroendocrinol Lett
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Neuroendocrinol Lett · Jan 2012
Clinical TrialIntermittent subcutaneous morphine regimen for postoperative pain management following abdominal hysterectomy regarding morphine- and beta-endorphin systemic concentrations.
Systemic β-endorphin, an endogenous opioid and stress hormone, has been demonstrated to correlate with the postoperative pain intensity, however its putative role as a postoperative pain biomarker has not been cleared. ⋯ Systemic β-endorphin is not an appropriate pain marker in postoperative gynaecologic patients.
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Neuroendocrinol Lett · Jan 2012
Case ReportsHypothalamic dysfunctions as a late consequence of surgical opening of the lamina terminalis. A controversial hypothesis.
Opening of the lamina terminalis is often used in surgery of the optico-chiasmatic region. Consequently, alteration of cerebral-spinal fluid (CSF) dynamics can occur after this manoeuvre, thus potentially translating into clinical complications. Herein, we describe 2 cases in which clinically relevant hypothalamic dysfunctions developed after few days opening of the lamina terminalis both patients showed mild to moderate preoperative hydrocephalus which improved postoperatively. ⋯ Our experience may suggest that hypothalamic dysfunctions should be reminded as a possible, although rare, complication following the opening of the lamina terminalis. This clinical condition, if not properly managed, may contribute to trigger severe life-threatening complications.
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Neuroendocrinol Lett · Jan 2012
The relationship between S100B protein serum levels, injury severity and Glasgow Outcome Scale values in children with CNS injuries.
The S100B protein subgroup is a thermolabile acidic calcium-binding protein, which was first described in association with the central nervous system. Destruction of nerve tissue results in S100B protein release from astrocytes and elevation of its levels in cerebrospinal fluid. If the blood-brain barrier is also damaged, S100B can pass into the systemic circulation and elevated blood levels of S100B can be detected. High S100B serum levels in patients with head injuries are predictive of possible development of secondary brain injury and may be related to the extent of permanent injury to the CNS . ⋯ Due to high variability in S100B protein serum levels in children (dependent on age and gender) no correlation between initial S100B levels and GOS was observed for our group of patients. Our results indicate that the rate of decrease of S100B protein levels back to normal values is more meaningful than its absolute value.
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Neuroendocrinol Lett · Jan 2012
Lactic acidosis in medical ICU - the role of diabetes mellitus and metformin.
To evaluate the significance of diabetes mellitus and metformin in patients admitted to medical ICU with lactic acidosis. ⋯ The presence of diabetes mellitus and metformin application is not associated with the presence of lactic acidosis in medical ICU and its mortality. The prognosis of acute renal failure of patients on metformin is good if the subjects with sepsis are excluded.