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Biomedical subjects

F Ehrlich

Publications and source records attributed to F Ehrlich.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

A comparison of caregivers for elderly stroke and dementia victims.

OBJECTIVE: To compare elderly co-resident caregivers of stroke and dementia patients on measures of burden and psychological morbidity. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Caregivers interviewed at home. SUBJECTS: Convenience sample, 99 co-resident caregivers of dementia and stroke patients registered with a community rehabilitation and geriatric service and who were 60 years or over. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Caregiver burden as measured by self-administered questionnaire and subsequent interview, using the Relatives Stress Scale (RSS) and psychological morbidity as measured on the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). RESULTS: Forty-six percent of caregivers had significant psychological morbidity (GHQ greater than 4). Mean RSS score was 12.2 (SD 5.4). No significant differences were found between stroke and dementia caregivers on these measures. Caregiver burden was significantly correlated with psychological morbidity in both caregiver groups. Behavior and mood disturbance in the patient was significantly correlated with burden (dementia caregivers r = 0.66; stroke caregivers r = 0.49, P less than 0.0001) and psychological morbidity (dementia caregivers r = 0.44, P less than 0.01; stroke caregivers r = 0.30, P less than 0.05). Caregiver's dissatisfaction with participation in life activities was correlated with burden (dementia caregivers r = 0.58; stroke caregivers r = 0.63, P less than 0.0001) and psychological morbidity (dementia caregivers r = 0.67, stroke caregivers r = 0.56, P, 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Elderly co-resident caregivers for stroke and dementia patients experience similar degrees of burden and high levels of psychological morbidity. Psychiatric aspects of chronic disability, rather than physical aspects, were found to be more stressful to caregivers. All assessments of the disabled elderly should include measures of caregiver burden and psychological distress.

Activities of Daily Living

Brown recluse spider bites.

The brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa), found in many areas of the United States, is capable of producing significant medical problems and potentially life-threatening systemic manifestations. This paper reviews the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, pathophysiology, and management of the brown spider bite. Emphasis is placed on the potential for error in establishing this diagnosis. The need for a simplified management program is discussed along with current concepts on how to achieve this management program. Attention is also directed to the more serious complications.

Adult

Aorto-iliac aneurysms following umbilical artery catheterization.

Aneurysms of the aorta and its major branches are rare in the pediatric population and are usually associated with cardiovascular malformations. Recently, however, a number of children have emerged with aneurysms following umbilical artery catheterization (UAC). In the last 8 years, two such patients have presented at the Medical College of Virginia. These are reported in detail and compared with 18 others found in the literature (12 thoracic, 4 abdominal, 2 iliac). Several conclusions follow from the study of this group of 20 children: The history of umbilical artery catheterization in the presence of bacteremia, especially staphylococcal, is a prime risk factor in the development of aneurysms (90%, P less than .01). In addition, there was a concordance between the location of the catheter tip and the site of future aneurysm formation (P less than .05). UAC associated aneurysms are difficult to diagnose because of their rarity and have often been mistaken for tumors. The diagnosis should be suspected in the workup of a tumor in a child with an appropriate history. Though these aneurysms are probably mycotic, pus has not been encountered at surgery and there have been no reported graft infections. Patients with S aureus bacteremia complicating UAC should be followed closely to detect aneurysm formation.

Aneurysm

Late results of ureteroureterostomy in puppies.

Experimental resection of a segment of ureter in the puppy with end-to-end ureteroureterostomy led to severe anastomotic stricture, obstructive atrophy, and 100% ipsilateral renal loss at one year. This may have been the result of unrecognized anastomotic tension. Transureteroureterostomy was followed by normally functioning upper urinary tracts at the end of one year, without evidence of damage to the recipient ureter. These experimental findings in the growing animal suggest that transureteroureterostomy in the immature nondilated ureter is a safe and reliable procedure in the management of surgically acquired unilateral segmental ureteral defects.

Age Factors

Visual guidance.

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Exercise Therapy