Birgit Gathof - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Birgit Gathof
Beiträge zur Infusionstherapie = Contributions to infusion therapy
Between March 30 and July 31, 1989, 117,874 blood donations were tested for anti-HIV-1 and in a c... more Between March 30 and July 31, 1989, 117,874 blood donations were tested for anti-HIV-1 and in a combined ELISA for anti-HIV-1/HIV-2 (both Abbott). On each repeat reactive (14 = 0.01% for anti-HIV-1 and 400 = 0.34% for anti-HIV-1/HIV-2), a Western blot (WB) was performed. Two donors, who tested repeatedly reactive in both ELISAs, were confirmed anti-HIV-1 positive by WB. As the specificity of anti-HIV-1/HIV-2 ELISA is considerably lower (99.66%) than of anti-HIV-1 (99.99%), introduction of a different HIV-2 specific ELISA should be discussed to prevent loss of too many blood donations and donors through anti-HIV screening.
Bildgebung = Imaging
A case of acute infectious mononucleosis with pleural effusions as rare complication is reported.... more A case of acute infectious mononucleosis with pleural effusions as rare complication is reported. This complication is detectable by ultrasonographic examination, often performed in the follow-up of affections of liver and spleen in infectious mononucleosis. It should also be regarded in the differential diagnosis of pleural effusions.
![Research paper thumbnail of [Abdominal aortic aneurysm as incidental finding in echographic study of the abdomen]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/42087732/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde
Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a life-threatening condition, which usually remains without symptoms... more Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a life-threatening condition, which usually remains without symptoms until rupture occurs. The only way to reduce the high mortality rate (estimated at over 80%) is elective surgery on suitable patients. Therefore the presence of such an aneurysm has to be detected. For this ultrasonography is the method of choice. We studied 4399 consecutive patients aged 50 years and older, who underwent abdominal ultrasonography for the first time. According to the recommendation of the Dutch Society for Radiodiagnostics the whole abdomen was screened. In 4026 patients (1717 men and 2309 women) the ultrasound examination was performed for non-vascular reasons. In 199 of these patients (4.9%) an abdominal aortic aneurysm was an adventitious finding (133 men (7.7%) and 66 women (2.9%)). In men aged 60 years and older it was even found in 10.2%. When abdominal ultrasonography is performed for the first time in a patient aged 50 years or older, the aorta has to be screened for presence of an aneurysm.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
Der Orthopäde
Unfraktionierte (UFH) und niedermolekulare Heparine (NMH) werden zur Prophylaxe und Therapie von ... more Unfraktionierte (UFH) und niedermolekulare Heparine (NMH) werden zur Prophylaxe und Therapie von Gefäßverschlüssen prä- und postoperativ eingesetzt, wodurch sich das Risiko postoperativer Thromboembolien bei orthopädischen Patienten reduziert hat. Allerdings verursacht bei ihnen die heparininduzierte Thrombozytopenie (HIT Typ II) als unerwünschte Wirkung der Heparingabe in 0,5% (NMH) bis 3% (UFH) lebensbedrohliche, thromboembolische Komplikationen meist zwischen dem 5. und 10. postoperativen Tag. Eine immunologisch ausgelöste massive Aktivierung von Thrombozyten und Endothelzellen führt zur überschießenden Thrombingeneration und zu Gefäßverschlüssen. Nur frühzeitige Diagnostik in Kenntnis der Pathophysiologie ermöglicht es, die 30%ige Mortalitäts- und 20%ige Amputationsrate zu senken. Sofortiges Absetzen des Heparins und umgehende kompatible Antikoagulation in adäquater Dosierung sind erforderlich. Eine orale Antikoagulation ohne Blick auf die Thrombozytenzahlen kann ebenso wie die ...
Transfusion Science, 1990
ABSTRACT Post-transfusion hepatitis (PTH) is not only one of the most serious but also one of the... more ABSTRACT Post-transfusion hepatitis (PTH) is not only one of the most serious but also one of the most frequent complications of blood transfusion. Theoretically, all six forms of hepatitis, hepatitis A, B, D (Delta), non A-non B (enterically transmitted, E), non A-non B (parenterally transmitted, P), and so-called “associated” hepatitides caused by other microbial and parasitic infections must be considered when discussing PTH, but in this paper the “associated” hepatitides will not be discussed.
Der Orthopäde, 2004
The application of unfractioned (UFH) and low molecular weight heparins (LMH) has reduced the inc... more The application of unfractioned (UFH) and low molecular weight heparins (LMH) has reduced the incidence of thromboembolic events. However, the frequency of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT II) in orthopedic patients, particularly susceptible for both thromboembolic complications and HIT II with potentially life threatening complications, is about 0.5% for LMW and 3% UFH. Induced by an immune response, the excessive activation of platelets and endothelial cells causes massive thrombin generation and, as a result, thrombotic vessel occlusion. The rates of mortality and amputation in HIT II are estimated to be 30% and 20%, respectively. The clinical course is highly dependent on early therapeutic intervention, consisting of compatible and adequately dosed anticoagulation drugs. Vitamin K antagonists as well as platelet substitution may lead to disastrous sequelae. We summarize the current state of the pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapy of HIT II and illustrate therapeutic mist...
European journal of medical research, Jan 30, 2004
Due to the widespread use of unfractionated (UFH) and low molecular weight heparins (LWH) for pro... more Due to the widespread use of unfractionated (UFH) and low molecular weight heparins (LWH) for prophylaxis and treatment of thrombosis, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is considered to be the most frequent (and potentially the most devastating) drug-induced thrombocytopenia. Induced by an immune response, excessive activation of platelets and endothelium cells causes massive thrombin generation and, as a result, life-threatening venous and arterial thrombotic vessel occlusion. The rate of mortality and amputation in HIT II is estimated to be 30% and 20%, respectively. The clinical course of HIT II depends highly on early therapeutic intervention consisting of immediate interruption of heparin application and, most important, of compatible thrombin inhibition. All measures implying a potentially procoagulant risk such as begin of oral anticoagulation or platelet substitution may result in disastrous side effects.
European journal of medical research, Jan 30, 2004
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the most frequent multifactorial diseases. It manifests cl... more Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the most frequent multifactorial diseases. It manifests clinically by deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) leading to death in about 6%. It is important to emphasize, that 50% of the patients do not present any symptoms. The prevalence is influenced by age and ethnics. Both, hereditary (Factor V Leiden, G20210A prothrombin gene mutation, deficiencies of protein C, S or antithrombin) and acquired risk factors (estrogen replacement, cancer, cardiovascular disease, surgery, trauma, immobility, use of central venous catheters, autoimmune disease such as anti-phospholipid syndrome) contribute to VTE. The risk increases dramatically by the addition of hyperhomocysteinemia or the combination of several risk factors. Since VTE is a dynamic process able to manifest clinically or to resolve completely, the identification of persons at increased risk is mainly important for early diagnosis and treatment. The diagnostic strategy including...
European journal of medical research, Jan 26, 2004
of this study was to compare the clinical benefit - reduction of heart attacks, strokes or deaths... more of this study was to compare the clinical benefit - reduction of heart attacks, strokes or deaths - of the different statins applying the results of randomized controlled endpoint studies. - We analyzed 11 published randomized controlled endpoint studies statin-to-placebo looking for the cardiovasculoprotective benefit of the 5 statins (atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin) tested: AFCAPS/TexCAPS, ASCOT, CARE, FLORIDA, HPS, PROSPER, LIPID, LIPS, MIRACL, 4S, WOSCOPS. - 1. Statins produced substantial benefit for the patients, reducing the rate of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. 2. This benefit was independent of the patient's initial cholesterol or LDL-cholesterol concentrations and could also be demonstrated in patients who had average or low cholesterol levels. 3. Men and women showed a comparable benefit from statin treatment, elderly patients a little more than younger patients. 4. The statins did not have like effects. There were clear diff...
BMC biochemistry, Jan 19, 2003
Annexin A7 is a Ca2+- and phospholipid-binding protein expressed as a 47 and 51 kDa isoform, whic... more Annexin A7 is a Ca2+- and phospholipid-binding protein expressed as a 47 and 51 kDa isoform, which is thought to be involved in membrane fusion processes. Recently the 47 kDa isoform has been identified in erythrocytes where it was proposed to be a key component in the process of the Ca2+-dependent vesicle release, a process with which red blood cells might protect themselves against an attack by for example complement components. The role of annexin A7 in red blood cells was addressed in erythrocytes from anxA7-/- mice. Interestingly, the Ca2+-mediated vesiculation process was not impaired. Also, the membrane organization appeared not to be disturbed as assessed using gradient fractionation studies. Instead, lack of annexin A7 led to an altered cell shape and increased osmotic resistance of red blood cells. Annexin A7 was also identified in platelets. In these cells its loss led to a slightly slower aggregation velocity which seems to be compensated by an increased number of platel...
Journal of medical virology, 1994
The extent of human T-cell lymphotropic retrovirus HTLV-I and HTLV-II infections in the general p... more The extent of human T-cell lymphotropic retrovirus HTLV-I and HTLV-II infections in the general population in central Europe has not been investigated fully. Two hundred forty-eight thousand blood donors from southern Germany were examined serologically for antibodies to the human lymphotropic retroviruses HTLV-I and HTLV-II: 0.021% were confirmed positive and 0.056% were "indeterminate". A limited number of seropositives and "indeterminate" samples were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR): the seropositives were confirmed as positive and 43% of the "indeterminate" samples were PCR-positive. The range of 0.021% HTLV-positives in 248,000 donors, i.e. about two in 10,000 individuals, mirrors closely the published data for the United States.
Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 1994
Klinische Wochenschrift, Jan 17, 1990
Since 1962 our group has performed four studies on uric acid values in blood donors in southern G... more Since 1962 our group has performed four studies on uric acid values in blood donors in southern Germany (Bavaria). Uric acid levels in men have increased over the years, from 4.86 mg/dl in 1962 to 6.00 mg/dl in 1971, 5.60 mg/dl in 1984, and 5.90 mg/dl in 1989. Levels in women have increased slightly, from 4.05 mg/dl in 1962 to 4.35 mg/dl in 1971, 4.10 mg/dl in 1984, and 4.16 mg/dl in 1989. Women aged 51 to 60 years had significantly higher uric acid levels than those in the fourth decade. In women treated with oral contraceptives uric acid levels were significantly lower than in other women of the same age. Hypouricemia (uric acid levels less than or equal to 2.0 mg/dl) was observed in three women, none of whom had a history of medication. Hyperuricemia exists when uric acid levels are greater than or equal to 6.5 mg/dl. In 1989 2.6% of the female blood donors and 28.6% of the males were hyperuricemic, with an increased risk of gout, nephrolithiasis, and nephropathy.
Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 1991
Beiträge zur Infusionstherapie = Contributions to infusion therapy
Between March 30 and July 31, 1989, 117,874 blood donations were tested for anti-HIV-1 and in a c... more Between March 30 and July 31, 1989, 117,874 blood donations were tested for anti-HIV-1 and in a combined ELISA for anti-HIV-1/HIV-2 (both Abbott). On each repeat reactive (14 = 0.01% for anti-HIV-1 and 400 = 0.34% for anti-HIV-1/HIV-2), a Western blot (WB) was performed. Two donors, who tested repeatedly reactive in both ELISAs, were confirmed anti-HIV-1 positive by WB. As the specificity of anti-HIV-1/HIV-2 ELISA is considerably lower (99.66%) than of anti-HIV-1 (99.99%), introduction of a different HIV-2 specific ELISA should be discussed to prevent loss of too many blood donations and donors through anti-HIV screening.
Bildgebung = Imaging
A case of acute infectious mononucleosis with pleural effusions as rare complication is reported.... more A case of acute infectious mononucleosis with pleural effusions as rare complication is reported. This complication is detectable by ultrasonographic examination, often performed in the follow-up of affections of liver and spleen in infectious mononucleosis. It should also be regarded in the differential diagnosis of pleural effusions.
Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde
Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a life-threatening condition, which usually remains without symptoms... more Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a life-threatening condition, which usually remains without symptoms until rupture occurs. The only way to reduce the high mortality rate (estimated at over 80%) is elective surgery on suitable patients. Therefore the presence of such an aneurysm has to be detected. For this ultrasonography is the method of choice. We studied 4399 consecutive patients aged 50 years and older, who underwent abdominal ultrasonography for the first time. According to the recommendation of the Dutch Society for Radiodiagnostics the whole abdomen was screened. In 4026 patients (1717 men and 2309 women) the ultrasound examination was performed for non-vascular reasons. In 199 of these patients (4.9%) an abdominal aortic aneurysm was an adventitious finding (133 men (7.7%) and 66 women (2.9%)). In men aged 60 years and older it was even found in 10.2%. When abdominal ultrasonography is performed for the first time in a patient aged 50 years or older, the aorta has to be screened for presence of an aneurysm.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
Der Orthopäde
Unfraktionierte (UFH) und niedermolekulare Heparine (NMH) werden zur Prophylaxe und Therapie von ... more Unfraktionierte (UFH) und niedermolekulare Heparine (NMH) werden zur Prophylaxe und Therapie von Gefäßverschlüssen prä- und postoperativ eingesetzt, wodurch sich das Risiko postoperativer Thromboembolien bei orthopädischen Patienten reduziert hat. Allerdings verursacht bei ihnen die heparininduzierte Thrombozytopenie (HIT Typ II) als unerwünschte Wirkung der Heparingabe in 0,5% (NMH) bis 3% (UFH) lebensbedrohliche, thromboembolische Komplikationen meist zwischen dem 5. und 10. postoperativen Tag. Eine immunologisch ausgelöste massive Aktivierung von Thrombozyten und Endothelzellen führt zur überschießenden Thrombingeneration und zu Gefäßverschlüssen. Nur frühzeitige Diagnostik in Kenntnis der Pathophysiologie ermöglicht es, die 30%ige Mortalitäts- und 20%ige Amputationsrate zu senken. Sofortiges Absetzen des Heparins und umgehende kompatible Antikoagulation in adäquater Dosierung sind erforderlich. Eine orale Antikoagulation ohne Blick auf die Thrombozytenzahlen kann ebenso wie die ...
Transfusion Science, 1990
ABSTRACT Post-transfusion hepatitis (PTH) is not only one of the most serious but also one of the... more ABSTRACT Post-transfusion hepatitis (PTH) is not only one of the most serious but also one of the most frequent complications of blood transfusion. Theoretically, all six forms of hepatitis, hepatitis A, B, D (Delta), non A-non B (enterically transmitted, E), non A-non B (parenterally transmitted, P), and so-called “associated” hepatitides caused by other microbial and parasitic infections must be considered when discussing PTH, but in this paper the “associated” hepatitides will not be discussed.
Der Orthopäde, 2004
The application of unfractioned (UFH) and low molecular weight heparins (LMH) has reduced the inc... more The application of unfractioned (UFH) and low molecular weight heparins (LMH) has reduced the incidence of thromboembolic events. However, the frequency of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT II) in orthopedic patients, particularly susceptible for both thromboembolic complications and HIT II with potentially life threatening complications, is about 0.5% for LMW and 3% UFH. Induced by an immune response, the excessive activation of platelets and endothelial cells causes massive thrombin generation and, as a result, thrombotic vessel occlusion. The rates of mortality and amputation in HIT II are estimated to be 30% and 20%, respectively. The clinical course is highly dependent on early therapeutic intervention, consisting of compatible and adequately dosed anticoagulation drugs. Vitamin K antagonists as well as platelet substitution may lead to disastrous sequelae. We summarize the current state of the pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapy of HIT II and illustrate therapeutic mist...
European journal of medical research, Jan 30, 2004
Due to the widespread use of unfractionated (UFH) and low molecular weight heparins (LWH) for pro... more Due to the widespread use of unfractionated (UFH) and low molecular weight heparins (LWH) for prophylaxis and treatment of thrombosis, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is considered to be the most frequent (and potentially the most devastating) drug-induced thrombocytopenia. Induced by an immune response, excessive activation of platelets and endothelium cells causes massive thrombin generation and, as a result, life-threatening venous and arterial thrombotic vessel occlusion. The rate of mortality and amputation in HIT II is estimated to be 30% and 20%, respectively. The clinical course of HIT II depends highly on early therapeutic intervention consisting of immediate interruption of heparin application and, most important, of compatible thrombin inhibition. All measures implying a potentially procoagulant risk such as begin of oral anticoagulation or platelet substitution may result in disastrous side effects.
European journal of medical research, Jan 30, 2004
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the most frequent multifactorial diseases. It manifests cl... more Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the most frequent multifactorial diseases. It manifests clinically by deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) leading to death in about 6%. It is important to emphasize, that 50% of the patients do not present any symptoms. The prevalence is influenced by age and ethnics. Both, hereditary (Factor V Leiden, G20210A prothrombin gene mutation, deficiencies of protein C, S or antithrombin) and acquired risk factors (estrogen replacement, cancer, cardiovascular disease, surgery, trauma, immobility, use of central venous catheters, autoimmune disease such as anti-phospholipid syndrome) contribute to VTE. The risk increases dramatically by the addition of hyperhomocysteinemia or the combination of several risk factors. Since VTE is a dynamic process able to manifest clinically or to resolve completely, the identification of persons at increased risk is mainly important for early diagnosis and treatment. The diagnostic strategy including...
European journal of medical research, Jan 26, 2004
of this study was to compare the clinical benefit - reduction of heart attacks, strokes or deaths... more of this study was to compare the clinical benefit - reduction of heart attacks, strokes or deaths - of the different statins applying the results of randomized controlled endpoint studies. - We analyzed 11 published randomized controlled endpoint studies statin-to-placebo looking for the cardiovasculoprotective benefit of the 5 statins (atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin) tested: AFCAPS/TexCAPS, ASCOT, CARE, FLORIDA, HPS, PROSPER, LIPID, LIPS, MIRACL, 4S, WOSCOPS. - 1. Statins produced substantial benefit for the patients, reducing the rate of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. 2. This benefit was independent of the patient's initial cholesterol or LDL-cholesterol concentrations and could also be demonstrated in patients who had average or low cholesterol levels. 3. Men and women showed a comparable benefit from statin treatment, elderly patients a little more than younger patients. 4. The statins did not have like effects. There were clear diff...
BMC biochemistry, Jan 19, 2003
Annexin A7 is a Ca2+- and phospholipid-binding protein expressed as a 47 and 51 kDa isoform, whic... more Annexin A7 is a Ca2+- and phospholipid-binding protein expressed as a 47 and 51 kDa isoform, which is thought to be involved in membrane fusion processes. Recently the 47 kDa isoform has been identified in erythrocytes where it was proposed to be a key component in the process of the Ca2+-dependent vesicle release, a process with which red blood cells might protect themselves against an attack by for example complement components. The role of annexin A7 in red blood cells was addressed in erythrocytes from anxA7-/- mice. Interestingly, the Ca2+-mediated vesiculation process was not impaired. Also, the membrane organization appeared not to be disturbed as assessed using gradient fractionation studies. Instead, lack of annexin A7 led to an altered cell shape and increased osmotic resistance of red blood cells. Annexin A7 was also identified in platelets. In these cells its loss led to a slightly slower aggregation velocity which seems to be compensated by an increased number of platel...
Journal of medical virology, 1994
The extent of human T-cell lymphotropic retrovirus HTLV-I and HTLV-II infections in the general p... more The extent of human T-cell lymphotropic retrovirus HTLV-I and HTLV-II infections in the general population in central Europe has not been investigated fully. Two hundred forty-eight thousand blood donors from southern Germany were examined serologically for antibodies to the human lymphotropic retroviruses HTLV-I and HTLV-II: 0.021% were confirmed positive and 0.056% were "indeterminate". A limited number of seropositives and "indeterminate" samples were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR): the seropositives were confirmed as positive and 43% of the "indeterminate" samples were PCR-positive. The range of 0.021% HTLV-positives in 248,000 donors, i.e. about two in 10,000 individuals, mirrors closely the published data for the United States.
Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 1994
Klinische Wochenschrift, Jan 17, 1990
Since 1962 our group has performed four studies on uric acid values in blood donors in southern G... more Since 1962 our group has performed four studies on uric acid values in blood donors in southern Germany (Bavaria). Uric acid levels in men have increased over the years, from 4.86 mg/dl in 1962 to 6.00 mg/dl in 1971, 5.60 mg/dl in 1984, and 5.90 mg/dl in 1989. Levels in women have increased slightly, from 4.05 mg/dl in 1962 to 4.35 mg/dl in 1971, 4.10 mg/dl in 1984, and 4.16 mg/dl in 1989. Women aged 51 to 60 years had significantly higher uric acid levels than those in the fourth decade. In women treated with oral contraceptives uric acid levels were significantly lower than in other women of the same age. Hypouricemia (uric acid levels less than or equal to 2.0 mg/dl) was observed in three women, none of whom had a history of medication. Hyperuricemia exists when uric acid levels are greater than or equal to 6.5 mg/dl. In 1989 2.6% of the female blood donors and 28.6% of the males were hyperuricemic, with an increased risk of gout, nephrolithiasis, and nephropathy.
Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 1991