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Biomedical subjects

D L Elliot

Publications and source records attributed to D L Elliot.

62 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Medical evaluation before operation.

Surgical outcome can be optimized by anticipation and prevention of medical complications. General considerations that apply to all patients include evaluation for coagulation disorders, prior anesthetic complications and drug history. Evaluation for organ-specific risk factors allows identification of patients at high surgical risk, minimization of risk and anticipation of postoperative complications. Review of the recent literature and a practical guide to therapy is presented for the major medical considerations before surgical procedures: cardiac disease, hypertension, pulmonary disease, endocrine considerations and hepatic disease. Attention to these areas and communication among internists, anesthesiologists and surgeons should provide optimal treatment of surgical patients with medical disease.

Endocrine System Diseases↗

Internal medicine training in ambulatory gynecology.

OBJECTIVE: To assess internists' perceptions of their training in the management of common problems in ambulatory gynecology and to compare these perceptions with their clinical practice experiences. METHODS: We surveyed 325 internists in the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area about their residency training and practice experiences in the diagnosis and management of 25 clinical problems in ambulatory gynecology and five nongynecologic problems. RESULTS: Responses were received from 159 internists (48.5%). Overall, the internists reported relatively little residency training in the management of many common gynecologic disorders. Women internists managed gynecologic problems more than did their male counterparts, independent of the number of women patients in their practices. CONCLUSIONS: Internal medicine residency programs need to expand training in ambulatory gynecology to better prepare graduates for clinical practice.

Clinical Competence↗

The effect of exercise on lipid metabolism in men and women.

Lipoprotein abnormalities constitute a major risk for development of cardiovascular disease. These substances, which are comprised of various lipids and proteins (apoproteins), are influenced by specific enzymes which effect their concentrations. It has been demonstrated that elevated total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol are directly associated with the development of coronary artery disease, whereas HDL cholesterol has an inverse relationship with coronary heart disease (CHD). Although more controversial, triglycerides may also be directly associated with coronary atherosclerosis. Favourable changes in lipid levels have been shown to reduce coronary mortality. Exercise may constitute a non-pharmacological approach to lipoprotein therapy. Many exogenous factors also influence lipoprotein concentrations. Changes in diet, body composition, age, as well as medication and alcohol usage may directly alter lipid levels. In addition, they can be artificially affected by the analytical method. The immediate effects of one to several bouts of physical activity appear to influence lipoprotein level. A reduction in triglycerides has been shown after physical exertion, especially among trained individuals and those with hypertriglyceridaemia. These acute changes may reflect the utilisation of both muscle and plasma triglycerides as fuels during exertion. After more prolonged training, changes in lipoproteins may also occur. However, since exercise is accompanied by many co-variables which also favourably alter these levels (e.g. lower percentage of body fat, dietary alterations), it is difficult to determine the direct effect of regular physical activity. Initial studies of exercise training's effects on total cholesterol did not differentiate changes in HDL and LDL cholesterol. Subsequent research has observed these specific cholesterol fractions. Consistent reduction in LDL cholesterol levels have not been convincingly demonstrated. Although HDL cholesterol has been shown to increase in certain studies, the response has been variable in other investigations. These latter responses may have been due to the fact that HDL cholesterol changes may be dependent on levels prior to conditioning. Assessment of HDL cholesterol subfractions (HDL2 and HDL3), which could additionally impact on cardiovascular risk reduction, have shown favourable increases in HDL2, but as yet these HDL moieties have not been adequately investigated. Reductions in triglyceride levels after training among those with elevated values and beneficial apoprotein changes post-training have been reported, although few studies exist.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Arteriosclerosis↗