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Biomedical subjects

A N Clark

Publications and source records attributed to A N Clark.

28 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1976

Wheat bran in dyschezia in the aged.

A trial of wheat bran added to the diet of aged dyschezic hospital patients (12 men, 13 women) is reported. This significantly reduced the need for aperients and suppositories but revealed unexpected differences in response by sex. In men, bran produced more bowel actions, fewer constipated days and an increase in stool size. In women there was much less effect upon the number of bowel actions and reduction of constipated days. In men there were fewer constipated days and need for aperients after the bran was withdrawn. Side-effects were only seen in men. Most patients received 15 g/day (range 5-25 g/day). Although cheap and effective in replacing aperients, there were problems in administration and control of incontinence for the nursing staff. The value of added wheat bran in the bowel management of the long-stay hospital patient is discussed and an effective method of combining bran in the diet (e.g. with bread) might be further investigated.

Aged↗
PubMed1975

SI units.

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Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1975

Diogenes syndrome. A clinical study of gross neglect in old age.

A study of elderly patients (fourteen men, sixteen women) who were admitted to hospital with acute illness and extreme self-neglect revealed common features which might be called Diogenes syndrome. All had dirty, untidy homes and a filthy personal appearance about which they showed no shame. Hoarding of rubbish (syllogomania) was sometimes seen. All except two lived alone, but poverty and poor housing standards were not a serious problem. All were known to the social-services departments and a third had persistently refused offers of help. An acute presentation with falls or collapse was common, and several physical diagnoses could be made. Multiple deficiency states were found--including iron, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin C, calcium and vitamin D, serum proteins and albumin, water, and potassium. The mortality, especially for women, was high (46%); most of the survivors responded well and were discharged. Half showed no evidence of psychiatric disorder and possessed higher than average intelligence. Many had led successful professional and business lives, with good family backgrounds and upbringing. Personality characteristics showed them to tend to be aloff, suspicious, emotionally labile, aggressive, group-dependent, and reality-distorting individuals. It is suggested that this syndrome may be a reaction late in life to stress in a certain type of personality.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1975

Cardiac effects of carotid sinus massage in old age.

The effects of carotid sinus massage in aged subjects with a high incidence of arteriosclerosis are described. In 71 men and 315 women tested, a slowing of more than 10 per cent of the heart rate was found in 25 per cent of the men and 19 per cent of the women, which is not of statistical significance in relation to sex. Only men showed a significant increase with age and the women had a significant preponderance of a right-sided response. The technique was found to be safe, although a review of reported side-effects suggests care is advisable and carotid compression must not occur. The findings are discussed in relation to those reported in younger subjects and in carotid sinus syndrome with syncope. The fact that men have an acquired increase in response in old age, which is not seen in women, may be a factor of importance in the explanation of why carotid sinus syncope is almost always seen in men. Carotid sinus sensitivity appears to diminish in old age and some of the ageing factors which might influence the carotid sinus reflex are examined.

Age Factors↗