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Biomedical subjects

B M Ansari

Publications and source records attributed to B M Ansari.

30 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

The declining incidence of infantile hypernatremic dehydration in Great Britain.

The feeding habits of 70 infants under 6 months old hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis were studied to determine whether current efforts to discourage high-solute feeding were having an effect on the incidence of hypernatremic dehydration. Fifteen infants (21%) were fed modified (low-solute) milks and 55 (79%) unmodified (high-solute) milks. Of 47 infants under 3 months old, 15 (32%) had commenced mixed feeding. Plasma sodium level was estimated in 60 infants. Mean values in the modified and unmodified groups were the same, at 137 mEq/liter. Only one infant was hypernatremic (sodium level, 152 m/eq/liter). Osmolalities of 65 samples of milk were measured to provide a measure of milk concentration. Only ten (16%) exceeded by more than 25% that recommended by the manufacturers. Twenty-two (34%) were less than 75% of the recommended concentrations. These improved feeding practices have probably contributed largely to the very low incidence of hypernatremia by preventing dangerously high solute intakes at a time of particular vulnerability.

Acute Disease↗

Chromosomal abnormality in congenital rubella.

An infant with congenital rubella was found to have two extra chromosome fragements in most cells examined. This is an unusual finding in congenital rubella and it is suggested that it may be related to the infection.

Adult↗

A comparative study of acute myeloblastic leukaemia in children and adults.

The presenting features and clinical course of 89 adults and 15 children with acute myeloblastic leukaemia (AML) presenting to a Regional Leukaemia Centre has been analysed. Remission rate was related to age, being 40% for the total adult group and 60% for all children. Young adults and children had a particularly high remission rate, whilst elderly patients faired badly. Survival diminished with increasing age and patients who entered complete remission survived for a significantly longer time (P less than 0.001) than those who did not. Adult AML differs from childhood AML, the adults having a lower remission rate, a significantly shorter survival (P less than 0.005) and almost complete absence of second remissions. Adults showed no correlation between complete remission and initial WBC or initial blast cell count, but in children there was a significant correlation (P less than 0.05) between initial total WBC and complete remission. A significant correlation between initial platelet count and complete remission could not be demonstrated in either group. Although the numbers of children are small, preadolescent children may represent a favourable sub-group, particularly those between 7 and 8 years of age.

Adolescent↗

Anterior fontanelle size in the neonate.

A simple method is described for measuring the area of the anterior fontanelle at birth. Normal values in preterm and term infants suggest enlargement of the fontanelle with gestational age. Small-for-dates infants have significantly larger anterior fontanelles than either preterm or term infants. Knowledge of the normal variation in anterior fontanelle size may be of help in the early diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism or provide a clue to other disorders of skeletal development.

Anthropometry↗

Rubella-neutralizing and haemagglutinin-inhibiting antibodies in children of different ages.

Rubella neutralization and haemagglutinin-inhibition tests were used to determine the incidence of rubella antibodies in the sera of 235 children and adolescents aged 1 month to 20 years. The tests showed good agreement in the detection of rubella antibodies resulting from acute infection. Maternal antibodies became undetectable within six months after birth. The proportion of children possessing rubella antibodies was found to be about 23% by the age of 5 years, rising sharply to 80% in the 6-12 years age group and 83% in the 13-20 years age group. Results indicate that the incidence of rubella infection may be higher in females than in males. The correlation between statements concerning a past history of rubella and immune status was poor, particularly in the older age groups. Any policy for vaccination against rubella must take into account the difficulties of identifying nonimmune persons in a large population.

Adolescent↗

Perspectives in the management of central nervous system tumours.

A general review and update in the management of CNS tumours using medulloblastoma as the main model is given in this article. Special emphasis has been placed on the benefits of combined modality treatment for brain tumours. The pathogenesis and management of these tumours is discussed and recommendations made for treatment in developing countries.

Central Nervous System Neoplasms↗