E Wayne Massey

Given that the physiology of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) encompasses mitochondrial biogenesis, we tested the hypothesis that the HO-1 product, carbon monoxide (CO), activates mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle and enhances maximal oxygen uptake (Vo(2max)) in humans. In 10 healthy subjects, we biopsied the vastus lateralis and performed Vo(2max) tests followed by blinded randomization to air or CO breathing (1 h/day at 100 parts/million for 5 days), a contralateral muscle biopsy on ...

We evaluated the safety and possible efficacy of large doses of the heparinoid ORG 10172 in 57 patients with acute or progressing ischemic stroke. Patients received a loading bolus of the drug followed by a maintenance intravenous infusion for 7 days. The plasma level of ORG 10172 was monitored by the degree of inhibition of coagulation factor Xa. In general, the drug was well tolerated and few hemorrhagic complications occurred. Two patients with large cardioembolic hemispheric strokes ...

Sickle cell disease is known to predispose patients to the risk of cerebral infarction. However, only scattered reports exist of the neurological sequelae of the sickle cell trait. Only 8 cases are reported in the English literature, in some of which the sickle cell trait was not documented by hemoglobin electrophoresis. This report describes 2 men, age 35 and 24 years, who developed acute cerebral infarction. Investigation revealed no apparent cause for the lesion other than the sickle cell trait.

There is growing clinical evidence supporting a connection between copper deficiency and subacute combined degeneration. While nearly half of patients with copper deficiency myelopathy exhibit MRI abnormalities, signal changes are often ill-defined in distribution. We report a patient with sensory ataxia and spastic paraplegia from copper deficiency whose MRI demonstrates abnormal signal restricted to the dorsal and lateral columns, providing clear radiological support of an association ...

Preexisting and coincident neuromuscular disorders in pregnancy are challenging for clinicians because of the heterogeneity of disease and the limited data in the literature. Many questions arise regarding the effect of disease on the pregnancy, delivery, and newborn in addition to the effect of pregnancy on the course of disease. Each disorder has particular considerations and possible complications. An interdisciplinary team of physicians is essential. This article discusses the most ...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article provides an overview of the most common peripheral neuropathic disorders in pregnancy with a focus on clinical recognition, diagnosis, and treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS: The literature on this topic consists primarily of case reports, case series, and retrospective reviews. Recent work, particularly in carpal tunnel syndrome, brachial neuritis, and inherited neuropathies in pregnancy, has added to our knowledge of this field. Awareness of diabetic ...