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Biomedical subjects

David Kirkpatrick

Publications and source records attributed to David Kirkpatrick.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Infections associated with locking reconstruction plates: a retrospective review.

PURPOSE: In this study, we examined the incidence of infection with the use of a locking reconstruction bone plate/system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients, treated with a locking reconstruction bone plate/screw system for mandible fractures in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery service over a 28-month period at a level I trauma center, were evaluated through a retrospective chart review by independent examiners. The use of a locking reconstruction plate was determined by the attending staff involved in the patient's care. Patient population included single, bilateral, and comminuted fractures. Patient characteristics were noted and include dentate versus edentulous, smoking history, and history of previous infection. RESULTS: Fifty-six locking bone plates were placed in 42 patients. Eight (19%) of the patients were infected before treatment. A persistent infection remained in 3 of these 8 patients (37.5%). Two patients (5.8%), with 3 fracture sites (6.4%) developed postoperative infection that required further intervention. All 5 of the patients who were infected after surgery were heavy smokers. History of preoperative infection and smoking appear to be significant factors in the etiology of postoperative infection. All postoperative infections resolved successfully with local measures and with no loss of fixation. CONCLUSION: The use of locking reconstruction plates can facilitate the management of complicated fractures; however, it does not eliminate complications. Postoperative infections are related to numerous factors, including preoperative incidence of infection, smoking, and proper use of the plates.

Adolescent↗

Dermal absorption and disposition of musk ambrette, musk ketone and musk xylene in human subjects.

Musk ambrette, musk ketone and musk xylene have a long history of use as fragrance ingredients, although musk ambrette is no longer used in fragrances. As part of the review of the safety of these uses, it is important to consider the systemic exposure that results from these uses. Since the primary route of exposure to fragrances is on the skin, dermal doses of carbon-14 labelled musk ambrette, musk ketone and musk xylene were applied to the backs (100 cm2) of healthy human volunteers (two to three subjects) at a nominal dose level of 10-20 microg/cm2 and excess material removed at 6 h. Means of 2.0% musk ambrette, 0.5% musk ketone and 0.3% musk xylene were absorbed based on the amounts excreted in urine and faeces during 5 days. Most of the material was excreted in the urine with less than 10% of the amount excreted being found in faeces. No radioactivity was detected in any plasma sample, consistent with low absorption, and no radioactivity was detected (<0.02% dose) in skin strips taken at 120 h. Analysis of urine samples indicated that all three compounds were excreted mainly as single glucuronide conjugates. The aglycones were chromatographically different, but of similar polarity, to the major rat metabolites excreted in bile also as glucuronides.

Adult↗

Acute bacterial sinusitis in adults: management in the primary care setting.

Sinus disease is inherently associated with viral upper respiratory tract infections and occurs in 90% of individuals with the common cold. Acute bacterial sinusitis occurs in 0.5 to 2% of these individuals. Although the diagnosis of acute bacterial sinusitis is usually based on physical findings, no one sign or symptom is either sensitive or specific for sinusitis. The predictive power can be significantly improved when all signs and symptoms are combined into a clinical impression. Imaging studies have not been shown to be cost effective in the initial assessment and treatment of patients in the primary care setting. Simple plain films may be indicated to resolve the diagnosis in patients with an equivocal history or to follow patients admitted to hospital with severe sinus disease. The initial management of acute sinusitis should be directed toward the relief of symptoms with a 7-day course of decongestants and mucoevacuents. For patients who fail to improve with symptomatic treatment, a 10-day course of amoxicillin is recommended. Second line antibiotics should be initiated if improvement is not seen within 72 to 96 hours.

Adult↗