Tremor in multiple sclerosis

Tremor is estimated to occur in about 25 to 60 percent of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This symptom, which can be severely disabling and embarrassing for patients, is difficult to manage. Isoniazid in high doses, carbamazepine, propranolol and gluthetimide have been reported to provide some relief, but published evidence of effectiveness is very limited. Most trials were of small size and of short duration. Cannabinoids appear ineffective. Tremor reduction can be obtained with stereotactic thalamotomy or thalamic stimulation. However, the studies were small and information on long-term functional outcome is scarce. Physiotherapy, tremor reducing orthoses, and limb cooling can achieve some functional improvement. Tremor in MS remains a significant challenge and unmet need, requiring further basic and clinical research

Simultaneous determination of the stroke volume and the left ventricular residual fraction with the fiberoptic- and thermodilution method

Simultaneous measurements of the concentration of dye by a fiberoptic catheter and of the temperature by a thermistor catheter were obtained in dogs. No significant difference for cardiac output and stroke volume was found. The slightly but significant higher residual fraction by thermodilution than by fiberoptic technique is caused by cold transfer between ventricular myocardium and cavity. It becomes evident after the fifth bea

Frequenzverhalten von Lithium-Schrittmachern bei Batterieerschopfung. [Stimulation rate of lithium powered pacemakers in the event of battery depletion]

Between 1976 and 1977, 347 lithium powered pacemakers with capacity below 1.8 Ah have been implanted at Zurich University Hospital. 25 (7%) had to be explanted after an average of 37.3 months because of premature battery depletion, the reason for which was low resistance electrodes (Elema EMT 588 A and C) in CPI-502 UD and Telectronics 150B. Both types showed a drop in stimulation rate as an EOL-characteristic, as predicted by manufacturer. Rate controls at 6 month intervals have proven a reliable means of detecting premature failure. With ARCO Li-3D, prediction of battery depletion was possible only in one case out of 5 because of sudden and unpredictable EOL. In pacemaker dependent patients this type should be explanted by the end of the guarantee period at the latest