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PubMed1988

Quantitative lymphoscintigraphy.

A radioisotopic method was used to evaluate the state and dynamics of the lymphatic system in 92 patients affected by chronic oedema of the limbs and in 12 control subjects. After interstitial injections of 99mTc-sulphur microcolloid, scans were obtained using a LFOV camera linked to a data processor. The quantitative indices of clearance and lymph node uptake obtained showed good correlation with lymphoedema etiology, controls and ostensibly healthy limbs of patients affected by monolateral disease. In conclusion, quantitative lymphoscintigraphy appears to be a feasible indicator of early changes in the lymph pathophysiology and supports the hypothesis that lymphoedema generally arises from a predisposing congenital pathology.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[An ergonomic analysis of 5 technics for moving patients]].

Nursing personnel and physical therapists refer to the lifting and moving of patients as the most important determinant of occupationally related low-back pain. This study was conducted in 12 nurses and 12 patients, to compare three methods of transferring patients from bed to wheelchair; (I) manual lifting, (II) an assistive device-a walking belt (with both one- and two-person transfers) and (III) a mechanical hoist. After completion of a given transfer, nurses were asked to rate the physical stress and how secure they felt the method was. Patients were asked to rate how secure and comfortable they felt. We also recorded the time required to make each transfer. The walking belt two persons had the most favourable ratings (the least stressful and most secure and comfortable), however transfers with this method took longer than those with the manual methods (although less than transfers with the hoist). Both nurses and patients rated one-person manual lifting as most stressful and least secure. Two-person transfer methods were preferred to the corresponding one-person methods. The hoist was the least suitable transfer method in view of the corresponding one-person methods. The hoist was the least suitable transfer method in view of the considerable physical stresses to the nurses, perceived lack of safety, discomfort for the patients and time involved.

Adult↗