 |
|
Central nervous system infections rare but devastating following heart transplantation
October 09, 2007Central nervous system infections develop infrequently following heart transplants but are a significant predictor of death, according to an article posted online today that will appear in the December 2007 print issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
In the past 10 years, approximately 24,000 Americans have undergone heart transplantation, according to background information in the article. Improvements in surgical techniques and immunosuppressive medications have resulted in increased survival rates for transplant recipients.
Diederik van de Beek, M.D., Ph.D., and colleagues at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, studied 315 consecutive patients who underwent heart transplants there from January 1988 through June 2006. Data were gathered from the clinic databases, electronic and paper medical records, laboratory records and cranial imaging tests.
Eight patients (3 percent) developed central nervous system infections, all within four years after transplantation. The most common symptoms were confusion or headache (88 percent), often without the classic signs of fever and neck stiffness. Three of the eight patients died (38 percent), and two (25 percent) survived with mild complications.
Three patients developed cryptococcal meningitis, two had progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, two had varicella-zoster virus encephalitis, and one had Aspergillus fumigatus infection. "Varicella-zoster virus encephalitis has not been previously reported in heart transplant recipients, to our knowledge, but has been described in patients after bone marrow transplantation or in patients with HIV infection," the authors write. "Whether varicella-zoster virus encephalitis is emerging in other transplant populations should be a subject of further research."
Examining the cerebrospinal fluid did not necessarily help determine the cause of central nervous system infections, though protein levels were usually elevated in infected patients. "Nevertheless, appropriate management and rapid diagnosis can be achieved by taking a careful history and with physical examination, neuroimaging and diagnostic microbiological techniques," the authors write. "Because the mortality and morbidity rates are high, aggressive diagnosis and intervention are warranted in heart transplant recipients with suspected central nervous system infection."
JAMA and Archives Journals
Eight patients (3 percent) developed central nervous system infections, all within four years after transplantation. The most common symptoms were confusion or headache (88 percent), often without the classic signs of fever and neck stiffness. Three of the eight patients died (38 percent), and two (25 percent) survived with mild complications.
Three patients developed cryptococcal meningitis, two had progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, two had varicella-zoster virus encephalitis, and one had Aspergillus fumigatus infection. "Varicella-zoster virus encephalitis has not been previously reported in heart transplant recipients, to our knowledge, but has been described in patients after bone marrow transplantation or in patients with HIV infection," the authors write. "Whether varicella-zoster virus encephalitis is emerging in other transplant populations should be a subject of further research."
Examining the cerebrospinal fluid did not necessarily help determine the cause of central nervous system infections, though protein levels were usually elevated in infected patients. "Nevertheless, appropriate management and rapid diagnosis can be achieved by taking a careful history and with physical examination, neuroimaging and diagnostic microbiological techniques," the authors write. "Because the mortality and morbidity rates are high, aggressive diagnosis and intervention are warranted in heart transplant recipients with suspected central nervous system infection."
JAMA and Archives Journals
Nervous System Current Events and Nervous System News RSSSchizophrenia gene's role may be broader, more potent, than thought
UCSF scientists studying nerve cells in fruit flies have uncovered a new function for a gene whose human equivalent may play a critical role in schizophrenia.
The Protein Srebp2 Drives Cholesterol Formation in Prion-Infected Neuronal Cells Which May Promote Prion-Dependent Diseases
The regulating protein Srebp2 drives cholesterol formation, which prions need for their propagation, in prion-infected neuronal cells.
Pushing the brain to find new pathways
Until recently, scientists believed that, following a stroke, a patient had about six months to regain any lost function. After that, patients would be forced to compensate for the lost function by focusing on their remaining abilities.
Neural mechanism reveals why dyslexic brain has trouble distinguishing speech from noise
New research reveals that children with developmental dyslexia have a deficit in a brain mechanism involved in the perception of speech in a noisy environment.
Largest-ever database for liver proteins may lead to treatments for hepatitis
Scientists at a group of 11 research centers in China are reporting for the first time assembly of the largest-ever collection of data about the proteins produced by genes in a single human organ.
Men leave: Separation and divorce far more common when the wife is the patient
A woman is six times more likely to be separated or divorced soon after a diagnosis of cancer or multiple sclerosis than if a man in the relationship is the patient, according to a study that examined the role gender played in so-called "partner abandonment." The study also found that the longer the marriage the more likely it would remain intact.
Reduced muscle strength associated with risk for Alzheimer's
Individuals with weaker muscles appear to have a higher risk for Alzheimer's disease and declines in cognitive function over time, according to a report in the November issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Scientists successfully reprogram blood cells
Researchers have transplanted genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells into mice so that their developing red blood cells produce a critical lysosomal enzyme -preventing or reducing organ and central nervous system damage from the often-fatal genetic disorder Hurler's syndrome.
Yoga boosts heart health
Heart rate variability, a sign of a healthy heart, has been shown to be higher in yoga practitioners than in non-practitioners, according to research to be published in a forthcoming issue of the International Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics.
UCI embryonic stem cell therapy restores walking ability in rats with neck injuries
The first human embryonic stem cell treatment approved by the FDA for human testing has been shown to restore limb function in rats with neck spinal cord injuries - a finding that could expand the clinical trial to include people with cervical damage.
More Nervous System Current Events and Nervous System News Articles
 |
The Nervous System: A True Book (True Books-Health) by Darlene R. Stille (Author) Describes the various parts of the nervous system and explains how sensory messages are sent back and forth through nerves between the brain and the body. |
 |
An Introduction to Nervous Systems by Ralph J. Greenspan (Author) An Introduction to Nervous Systems presents the principles of neurobiology from an evolutionary perspective from single celled organisms to complex invertebrates such as flies and is ideal for use as a supplemental textbook. Greenspan describes the mechanisms that allow behavior to become ever more sophisticated from simple avoidance behavior of Paramecium through to the complex cognitive behaviors of the honeybee and shows how these mechanisms produce the increasing neural complexity found in these organisms. The book ends with a discussion of what is universal about nervous systems and what may be required, neurobiologically, to be human. This novel and highly readable presentation of fundamental principles of neurobiology is designed to be accessible to undergraduate and graduate... |
 |
The Nervous System Anatomical Chart Laminated by Anatomical Chart Company Featuring classic illustrations by Peter Bachin, this chart shows nerves in the body, brain, midbrain, medulla oblongata, and spinal cord. Spinal meninges, intercostal nerves, and sagittal section of female pelvis are also shown. |
 |
The Brain: Our Nervous System by Seymour Simon (Author) Exceptional nonfiction for children from two of the most trusted names in science education: Seymour Simon and the Smithsonian Institution. |
 |
Just The Facts: The Human Body - Nervous System Starring: Just the Facts Directed By: Cerebellum Corporation Are you right- or left-handed? Do you remember your first day of school? What are you thinking right now? The answers to these questions go right to the "brains of the operation," the incredible nervous system of the human body. This second part of The Human Body series explores the brain, spinal cord, nerves and the trillions of neurons, or nerve cells, that make our bodies uniquely human. Experts in neuroscience help us understand why the human brain is a marvel of structure and function. Viewers learn about left brain and right brain activities, and the purpose and function of the cerebellum, cerebrum, cranial nerves and other parts of the brain. The program also examines the interaction of the spinal cord and nerve endings, as well as fascinating concepts... |
 |
The Nervous System (True Books) by Christine Taylor-Butler (Author) |
 |
PetAlive PetCalm for Pet Nervous System Balance and Stress (20g) by PetAlive PetAlive PetCalm contains a special blend of herbal and homeopathic ingredients known for their calming and soothing effect. PetCalm is a natural remedy with no risk of side effects or addiction and can be safely used by animals of all ages and sizes. PetCalm may be used regularly to reduce anxiety and stress in highly strung or chronically anxious pets, or as needed for relief during particularly stressful situations like competitive events, visits to the vet, change of home, domestic stress, etc. Use PetCalm to immediately calm anxious, stressed and highly strung pets; to treat anxiety in pets with anxiety disorders or those with nervous dispositions; to reduce anxiety and excitability in competitive events; to help your pet cope during times of domestic stress (conflict, divorce or... |
 |
GREY MATTER funny humor nervous system retro WB SHIRT by TS Threads Brand New Never Been Worn. Grey Matter Shirt. Sizes Available: Youth Small - Adult 6XL Mention the size you want within your payment. |
 |
The Human Nervous System: An Introduction by Marion Hall (Author), Gisela Olias (Author), David Robinson (Author) CD-ROM, in display case, designed to follow the Open University CD-ROM, 'The Human Brain.' The CD-ROM is an interactive software program for students and consumers, explaining the human nervous system. No previous neurobiology experience required. For distance learning. System requirements: Pentium PC with 16 MB RAM, 8MB hard disk space, Windows 95+, and 6x CD-ROM drive. |
 |
Aids to the Examination of the Peripheral Nervous System (Neurology) by Brain (Author) This new edition of the highly successful short guide to the examination of the peripheral nervous system has been brought up to date and includes new illustrations, to ensure it retains its place as the standard short text on the subject. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |