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Biomedical subjects

A J Wing

Publications and source records attributed to A J Wing.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The social responsibility of physicians as agents of public health services.

The physician who is entrusted with a large quantity of resources for the treatment of ARF/MOSF has a social responsibility for optimizing the treatment, auditing the outcome, and where possible, preventing the illness. Best treatment includes not only modern techniques but also efficient organization and leadership of the ICU team. Audit is an individual responsibility, may be fruitfully pursued on a multicenter basis, and is a cost-containment discipline. Audit of the St. Thomas' Hospital ARF program has resulted in a predictive scoring formula. This is used to illustrate a cost-effective analysis related to disease severity. Prevention of ARF/MOSF is a challenge to emergency services. There may also be a considerable opportunity to prevent ARF in high-risk surgical patients. A randomized study carried out at St. George's Hospital illustrates the health gains which could result.

Acute Kidney Injury

Factors influencing anaemia in dialysis patients. A special survey by the EDTA-ERA Registry.

The European Dialysis and Transplantation Association-European Renal Association (EDTA-ERA) Registry conducted a special study on anaemia in dialysis patients because it seemed important to elucidate the various factors that influence the degree of anaemia and the use of regular transfusions in dialysis patients before the introduction of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) for larger groups of patients. In a 20% sample of all patients recorded to have been dialysed throughout 1987, statistically significant associations could be found by multifactorial analysis between haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and age, sex, primary renal disease, type of treatment, hours of dialysis per week, and number of years on renal replacement therapy. The type of dialyser membrane did not seem to play a role (although there was weak evidence of an effect of the dialyser). Mean Hb concentration for dialysis patients differed between countries as did the transfusion policy. In view of the high costs of the rHuEpo treatment and potential side-effects, factors such as method of dialysis and hours of haemodialysis per week should be taken into consideration in the treatment of anaemia in dialysis patients.

Adolescent

Controlled trial of a Y-set dialysis delivery system to prevent peritonitis in patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Peritonitis rates were compared in patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) via either a Y-set dialysate delivery system or a standard system. Forty patients in each arm of the trial were matched for age (range 20-67 years, mean 49 years), and remained in the study for similar periods (range 3-36 months, mean 14.1 months). The observation time was 564 patient-months for each arm of the trial. There were 22 episodes of peritonitis in nine out of 40 patients using the Y-set and 57 episodes in 21 out of 40 patients using the standard system (P = 0.005 Wilcoxon signed rank test for episodes, P = 0.02 McNemar's chi 2 test for patients). Peritonitis rates were one episode per 25 patient-months in the Y-set group, and one episode per 9.7 patient-months in the standard group. In the Y-set group there were significantly fewer episodes caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci and Acinetobacter spp. There was no difference in the rate of episodes caused by Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci, enterococci, corynebacteria, enterobacteria or pseudomonads. There was no difference in the incidence of catheter exit wound infections. The Y-set dialysis delivery system is effective in reducing peritonitis rates in CAPD patients caused by organisms derived from the commensal skin flora, principally coagulase-negative staphylococci, but does not reduce peritonitis caused by other organisms.

Acinetobacter

Rehabilitation of young adults during renal replacement therapy in Europe. 1. The presence of disabilities.

The aim of this study was to analyse rehabilitation during RRT in 617 young adults from different European countries who started dialysis or transplantation before the age of 15 years. The data were derived from the EDTA Registry patient data files and a special questionnaire that was sent to centres reporting to the EDTA Registry. The duration of RRT was more than 10 years in 63% of patients. Fifty-four percent were living with a functioning graft and 46% were on dialysis. The prevalence and severity of motor, hearing, sight, and mental disabilities were analysed retrospectively. They were found to vary according to primary renal disease and method of treatment. One-third of patients had one or more disabilities at the start of RRT. Although disability status had changed in many patients by 31 December 1986, some disability remained in one-third of the patients available for study. Disabilities were recorded as mild in the majority of patients. Both improvement and worsening of motor and mental disability occurred more often than changes of hearing capacity and sight. It is concluded that prevention and treatment of disabilities need special attention in children and young adults on RRT in order to improve rehabilitation.

Adolescent

Rehabilitation of young adults during renal replacement therapy in Europe. 2. Schooling, employment, and social situation.

The educational status, employment rate and social situation were studied in 617 patients between 21 and 35 years of age who started renal replacement therapy (RRT) as children. The data were derived from a special questionnaire concerning disability and rehabilitation sent to dialysis and transplant centres reporting to the EDTA Registry. Fifty-six percent of patients completed secondary school and one in three went on to vocational training. Eleven percent of patients attended university, and 16% were reported to have gone to a special school for the handicapped. Up to one-third of patients who attended different school types failed to complete their education. There were notable geographical differences in schooling and in employment. Fifty-six percent of all patients were employed. Lack of schooling was considered to be a major reason for unemployment. Sixty-one percent of patients with disabilities and 34% without disabilities were receiving invalidity payments. The place of residence of these patients aged 21-35 was usually the parental home. Compared to the general population of similar age, only a few patients were married (13.5% of the total study group) and 8% had children. In summary, the present report shows that the major factors influencing rehabilitation on RRT are the presence of disabilities, the method of treatment, geographical factors, duration of RRT, and the underlying primary renal disease.

Adolescent

Successful pregnancies in women on renal replacement therapy: report from the EDTA Registry.

This study reports the geographical incidence of successful pregnancies in women on renal replacement therapy (RRT) and related information on gestation and clinical status of newborns. The impact of successful pregnancy on graft function was assessed by means of a retrospective case-control study. Since 1977 special questionnaires have been sent to each dialysis and transplant centre which reported babies born to mothers on RRT on the yearly centre questionnaire. After 10 years of data collection, a total of 490 pregnancies and 500 babies were available for analysis. A percentage of 88.4 of the babies were born to mothers with a functioning graft, 11.2% to mothers on chronic haemodialysis, and the remaining 0.4% to mothers on CAPD. Almost 50% of all successful pregnancies were reported from the UK. The number of successful pregnancies increased steadily and in parallel with the increasing number of females of childbearing age with a functioning renal transplant. The majority of mothers delivered at age 24-32. For transplanted mothers delivery occurred most commonly during the 3rd and 4th year after successful transplantation. In approximately 85% of cases the duration of pregnancy was shorter than the lower 10th percentile of normal. Birthweight was reduced in accordance with gestational age. Newborn mortality was 1.8%. Fifty-three mothers with a successful pregnancy in 1984-1987 were computer matched with controls according to a number of criteria. The serum creatinine concentration recorded in coded form at the end of each year on the individual EDTA patient questionnaire was used to assess changes in graft function.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult

Infective complications associated with the use of the Quinton 'Permcath' for long-term central vascular access in haemodialysis.

The major complication of central venous catheterization for immediate access for haemodialysis is infection. The Quinton Permcath is a tunnelled, double lumen, flexible silastic catheter with a Dacron cuff, and is claimed to be associated with a low rate of infection. In a two-year study we have monitored all complications including catheter-associated infection related to this device in haemodialysis patients while following a simple aseptic programme for the care of the catheter exit wound. Thirty four Permcaths were inserted in 30 patients for a mean duration of 6.2 months (SD +/- 5.7; range 2 days to 23 months). Catheter use amounted to a total of 197 months. Of twenty-seven catheter wound infections, 6 (22%) were caused by Staphylococcus aureus, and 15 (56%) by coagulase-negative staphylococci or corynebacteria. These occurred in 19 patients, giving an exit site infection rate of one episode per 7.4 catheter months. Catheter-associated septicaemia occurred in three patients (two S. aureus, one S. epidermidis), at a rate of one episode per 66 months. It was possible to correlate three episodes of infection with breakdown in aseptic care. This study confirms the low rate of infection associated with the use of the Permcath, and we conclude that the design of the device and aseptic care of the catheter and its wound contribute to this.

Adult

Low dose intraperitoneal ciprofloxacin for the treatment of peritonitis in patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).

Ciprofloxacin at a dose of 25 mg/L of dialysate was administered intraperitoneally for five days as a single agent for the empirical treatment of CAPD peritonitis. One hundred and seventeen consecutive episodes of peritonitis occurred in 65 patients during the study period, and 100 episodes were entered in the study. This therapy was successful in 79% of episodes. Resistant organisms (MIC greater than 4 mg/L) all of them coagulase-negative staphylococci, were isolated in nine (7.8%) of the 117 episodes. Mean ciprofloxacin concentrations in dialysate and serum on the last day of treatment were 6.1 mg/L (range 0.3-15.7) and 0.3 mg/L (range 0-0.9) respectively. No adverse effects were reported.

Adolescent

Renal transplantation in diabetic patients with or without simultaneous pancreatic transplantation 1986: data from the EDTA Registry.

This report summarises the outcome of 90 combined kidney/pancreatic grafts performed in Europe in 1986. Data for the combined kidney/pancreas grafts were obtained by a special questionnaire. The one-year patient and kidney graft survival is compared to the results of a group of 389 patients with diabetic nephropathy on the EDTA Registry data file who received kidney grafts alone. The recipients of combined kidney-pancreas grafts were younger, whereas a greater proportion of males received kidney graft alone. Patient survival at one year after transplantation was similar: 89% in recipients of combined transplants compared to 90% in recipients of kidney grafts alone. Kidney graft survival was 78% at one year for recipients of combined grafts versus 76%. It is concluded that pancreas transplantation has little effect on the fate of concomitant kidney grafts. The procedure should-in experienced hands and in selected patients-be almost as safe as kidney grafting alone.

Adult

Adult polycystic kidney disease in a kindred of West Indian origin exhibits linkage with the 3'HVR probe on chromosome 16.

In a large pedigree of Caribbean origin with adult polycystic kidney disease, linkage has been established to the 3'HVR probe on chromosome 16. Although there are five different fathers in this pedigree, only one of whom was available for DNA analysis, the polymorphic nature of 3'HVR has enabled gene tracking to be carried out. The same allele cosegregates with the disease in every affected family member.

Adult

Active intervention dramatically reduces CAPD-associated infection.

In 1987 a preventive programme was initiated to address the problem of high hospital and community-acquired CAPD infection. It concentrated on reducing Staphylococcus aureus carriage, improving aseptic operative technique, intensive training for nursing staff and patients in stringent aseptic care of the exit site, and avoidance of contact of the exit site with unsterile water. This programme was associated with an overall 10-fold reduction in exit site infection, a 2-fold reduction in peritonitis, and a 4.5-fold reduction in catheter loss from infection. These reductions have been sustained. Preventing infection in CAPD patients requires persistence and commitment but improves the patient's quality of life and reduces the cost of treatment.

Asepsis

Case control study on dialysis arthropathy: the influence of two different dialysis membranes: data from the EDTA Registry.

In a retrospective case control study the prevalence of signs and symptoms of dialysis osteoarthropathy was analysed. Cases and controls had received over 9 years of maintenance haemodialysis uninterrupted by peritoneal dialysis or transplantation. The cases comprised 55 patients treated predominantly with polyacrylonitrile (AN69) dialysers. They were compared to a matched group dialysed exclusively with cellulosic membranes. Over 60% of all patients, cases and controls, showed one or more signs of disabling osteoarthropathy, with joint pains occurring more frequently in the older age groups. Twenty-seven of the 55 cases who had received less than 2 years of cellulosic membrane dialysis followed by 7-12 years of AN69 dialysis tended to have a lower prevalence of joint pains, carpal-tunnel syndrome and bone cysts. However, no statistically significant differences were obtained compared to the matched control group dialysed exclusively on cellulosic membranes (mostly cuprophane). The remaining 28 cases, who had been treated for more than 2 years with cellulosic membranes preceding the longer treatment period with polyacrylonitrile dialysers, showed a prevalence similar to that of their cellulosic controls. This study thus shows little, if any, influence of the two types of membranes on the prevalence of signs and symptoms of beta 2-microglobulin amyloidosis.

Acrylic Resins