Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

C I Jack

Publications and source records attributed to C I Jack.

25 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Simultaneous tracheal and esophageal pH monitoring: investigating reflux-associated asthma.

Aspiration of gastric acid into the trachea may cause asthma in some patients who have gastroesophageal reflux. Antireflux surgery has been advocated for such patients, but lack of an objective test for acid aspiration makes patient selection difficult. We report a new technique for demonstrating acid aspiration, simultaneous tracheal and esophageal pH monitoring. Tracheal pH was measured with a 1.0-mm pH electrode introduced through the cricothyroid membrane under bronchoscopic vision. A standard esophageal pH electrode was placed in the usual position. Tracheal and esophageal pH were monitored over a 24-hour period. Peak expiratory flow rate was measured hourly while the patient was awake. We present data obtained in 3 patients with severe asthma and symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux. All 3 patients demonstrated a decrease in tracheal pH to less than 5.5, coinciding with a decrease in esophageal pH to less than 4.0. The test was repeated after antireflux operation and showed that significant decreases in esophageal pH no longer lowered tracheal pH. Asthmatic symptoms were improved, and medication was reduced in 2 of the 3 patients.

Adult↗

Lung cancer in elderly patients: the role of induced sputum production to obtain a cytological diagnosis.

A single induced sputum sample using hypertonic saline and a ward nebulizer was obtained from 24/26 (92%) patients prior to fibreoptic bronchoscopy for suspected bronchial carcinoma. In 11 of the 19 patients later found to have bronchial carcinoma, positive cytology was found in the induced sputum sample (58% sensitivity), with no false positives (100% specificity). These results are higher than those reported for ordinary sputum samples. They suggest a possible role for this technique in diagnosing bronchial carcinoma in elderly patients in whom bronchoscopy may be considered hazardous, or where this facility is not readily available.

Aged↗

Differential free-radical activity after successful and unsuccessful thrombolytic reperfusion in acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Free-radical generation after successful thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction may jeopardize ischaemic but viable myocardium, thus limiting the optimal benefits of reperfusion. METHODS: Circulating free-radical activity was assessed in 25 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction. Those who successfully reperfused (Group A) were compared with those who did not (Group B). We also compared patients who had or had not developed Q waves and patients with and without previous angina or myocardial infarction. All patients presented within 6 h of the onset of chest pain and received standard intravenous streptokinase therapy. Free-radical activity in serial serum samples collected over 72 h was measured using the percentage molar ratio (PMR) of the concentrations of 9,11-linoleic acid to 9,12-linoleic acid, and malonaldehyde concentration. RESULTS: Throughout the study period Group A (n = 11) showed significantly greater change in serum PMR and malonaldehyde levels compared with Group B (n = 14) (P < 0.01). PMR differences between the two groups were most pronounced at 3 and 12 h (P < 0.001). Patients with non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (n = 5) showed significantly greater changes in serum PMR and malonaldehyde levels (P < 0.01) compared with those with Q-wave infarction (n = 20). A history of previous infarction or angina had no apparent effects on the changes in serum free-radical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Successful early reperfusion and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction are both associated with a significantly greater increase in the levels of markers of serum free-radical activity immediately after infarction. The results support present concepts of free-radical-mediated reperfusion injury. Use of these assays may identify those patients who may be at risk from free-radical-mediated reperfusion injury.

Aged↗

Colonic involvement in Fabry's disease.

The case of a 54 year old man with Fabry's disease and extensive jejunal and colonic diverticulosis causing colonic stricture is presented. Histological examination of the resected colon revealed evidence of ceramide trihexose deposition in the myenteric nerve plexus. Colonic involvement in Fabry's disease has not been reported before.

Colon, Sigmoid↗

Three cases of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency in the elderly.

We report three elderly patients who presented with increasing dyspnoea on exertion and radiological evidence of basal bullous emphysema. On further investigation they were found to have alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. We emphasize that alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency can present much later than is usually the case especially if the patient is a life-long non-smoker.

Aged↗

What factors influence patient preferences regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation?

The aims of this study were to investigate the impact of medical and non-medical factors on the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) preferences of patients, to determine which of them are the most important to patients when considering CPR, and to compare the views of older (> or = 70 years) and younger (< 70 years) patients. We interviewed 180 patients, 86 of whom were aged 70 years or older. 'I do not want to be a burden on my family' was the most important factor for older patients, and they were more ready to leave the decision to the doctor than were the younger patients. 'I want to retain my capacity to think clearly' was most important to younger patients. In general, younger patients gave higher ratings in favour of CPR than older patients. Increased age, drug abuse, dementia, pain, poor functional status and a low likelihood of success were associated with a lower preference rating for CPR in both age groups.

Age Factors↗