Biomedical subjects

D T Fitzpatrick

Publications and source records attributed to D T Fitzpatrick.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1994

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is defined as treatment in which a patient breathes 100% oxygen while under a pressure greater than one atmosphere. The efficacy of hyperbaric therapy is based on a reduction in volume of gas-filled spaces; and an elevation of the partial pressure of oxygen resulting in hyperoxygenation of perfused tissues. Multiple animal studies, clinical trials, and extensive clinical experience have produced a set of 12 indications for which HBO therapy may be beneficial.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Visual manifestations of neurologic decompression sickness.

Although visual changes are considered a common finding in Type II altitude-related decompression sickness (DCS), the specific symptoms have not been described. To better understand the visual symptomatology of neurologic DCS, 38 cases of neurologic DCS that identified visual changes (on file at the Davis Hyperbaric Medicine Laboratory, Brooks AFB, TX) were reviewed. Information obtained from each record included date of treatment, patient age and sex, exposure environment, maximum altitude, onset time of symptoms, clinical manifestations, treatment table type and results of therapy. Most cases (87%) resulted from altitude chamber exposure. Visual changes were reported as the initial symptom in 24% of cases, with blurred vision the most common manifestation. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment produced completely successful results in 97% of the cases. A better understanding of visual changes that occur in neurologic DCS will, we hope, lead to early diagnosis and treatment, reducing the potential for severe secondary effects and residual deficits.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Health-risk behaviors of Army aircrew.

Data from the US Army Health Risk Appraisal Program were used to compare health and fitness levels in flight and nonflight personnel. Survey data collected from an aviation brigade, consisting of 428 aircrew and 899 support personnel, were compared with US Army summary statistics. Flight personnel scored better on evaluation of hypertension, stress, weight standards, and seatbelt use. However, the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and driving after drinking or riding with someone who consumed alcohol was significantly higher in flight personnel. This study suggests that although Army aircrew have better lifestyle habits overall, high-risk behaviors have been identified that warrant further evaluation.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

A comparison of flight and non-flight sick call visits to a U.S. Army aviation medicine clinic.

In a U.S. Army aviation medicine program, flight surgeons provide primary clinical care for the units they support. Routine outpatient care (sick call) is performed daily on a walk-in basis. This study describes the diagnoses associated with flight and non-flight personnel reporting to sick call in an Army aviation medicine clinic. Data were collected over a 1-year period at an Aviation Troop Medical Clinic (TMC) supporting an aviation brigade consisting of 530 aircrew and 1,220 support personnel. A total of 5,793 sick call visits were made, 73% of which were initial visits, the remainder being second or subsequent visits. Aircrew evaluations accounted for 29% of the total. Major reasons for visits were illness (56%), injury (34%), and supplemental care (10%). However, substantial differences were noted between flight and non-flight patients. Overall, non-aircrew visits accounted for the bulk of the flight surgeons' clinical workload during sick call.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

An analysis of noise-induced hearing loss in Army helicopter pilots.

Hearing loss in the aviation environment has been attributed to a variety of factors ranging from aircraft noise exposure to the aging process. Consequently, this study was conducted to determine the relative contribution of age, total flight hours, type of aircraft, and use of hearing protection to hearing loss in U.S. Army aviators. Information from a survey of the aviators in an aviation brigade was combined with audiometric records to create the data file. The final study group, 83% of the unit aviators, was evaluated for hearing loss using two criteria: 1) existing U.S. army standards, and 2) four empirical categories of significant threshold shift. Data analysis suggests that hearing loss is primarily a function of noise exposure as measured by total flight hours. Age was found to be a less significant factor; aircraft type had no significant effect. The results indicate that combination hearing protection appears to significantly lower the risk of hearing loss.

Aerospace Medicine↗