Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are both multisystem diseases and the latter can manifest hemopoietic abnormalities that may mimic TTP. This has led to diagnostic confusion and reports of the 2 diseases occurring in a single patient. We describe a 15-yr-old girl who presented at age 12 with purpura, fever, headaches, changes in conscious state, thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and who was diagnosed despite the absence of renal disease, as having TTP. ANA and LE cells were negative then, and again 1 yr later. Three yr later she presented with the nephrotic syndrome with a positive ANA (1:100), elevated DNA antibody (79 U/ml, normal less than 25) and a circulating anticoagulant. Renal biopsy confirmed the presence of lupus nephritis. The association is discussed.

Child↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The effects of botulinum toxin on ocular tissue.

This report examines the beneficial use of botulinum toxin in the treatment of ophthalmic disorders. It aims to describe the effects and uses of the toxin along with the ophthalmic conditions it is used to treat. The use of botulinum toxin as an effective treatment of ophthalmic disorders is a recent development, with the first treatment occurring in 1983.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Postural instability on one foot in patients with loss of unilateral peripheral vestibular function.

The vestibular system is a major contributor to postural control and the vestibular nuclei are closely connected to the limb spinal motor neurons. Acute loss of unilateral peripheral vestibular function results in, among others, postural instability which improves with time due to central compensatory processes. It has been shown, however, that a number of processes, such as sensorimotor restriction, drugs, and so forth, may affect the speed and the quality of compensation. Due to the difference of ipsilateral vs contralateral connectivity between the vestibular nuclei and the limb spinal motor neurons, and the peculiarities of compensatory processes, the ipsilateral may not compensate as well as the contralateral foot to lesion in patients who lost unilateral peripheral vestibular function. To explore this possibility, the sway, while standing on each foot, was recorded in normal subjects (N = 30) and compensated (except three) patients (N = 37) with loss of unilateral peripheral vestibular function and the percentage difference between the two sways was calculated. No difference was found between patients swaying more on the ipsilateral vs patients swaying more on the contralateral foot to lesion (p > .80). There was, however, a statistical difference between patients as a group vs normal subjects as a group (p = .005). These data suggest, although not evident in all patients of the group, that sway on the contralateral foot was less than the sway on the ipsilateral foot to lesion, as initially speculated. They may, however, signify that one foot compensates better than the other. This is a preliminary report and more testing is on-going to confirm these results.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Day-release cataracts.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Ambulatory Surgical Procedures↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Nurses as foster parents of medically fragile children.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Child↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Support for patients with recent visual impairment.

This paper discusses the psychological reactions adults may experience in response to becoming blind after several years of normal, or at least useful, sight. It looks at the process of adjustment, identifies coping and support strategies and explores the nurse's role.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMedDate not supplied

1% or less: a community-based nutrition campaign.

OBJECTIVE: The authors evaluated the effectiveness of a community education campaign to encourage a switch from high-fat (whole and 2%) milk to low-fat (1%, 1/2%, and skim) milk as a way to reduce consumption of saturated fat. METHODS: Milk sales data were collected from supermarkets in the intervention and comparison communities for three one-month time periods: at baseline, immediately following the campaign, and six months after the campaign. In addition, trained volunteers conducted pre- and post-intervention telephone surveys. RESULTS: Overall milk sales increased by 16% in the intervention cities following the campaign and remained high at follow-up. Low-fat milk's market share increased from 18% of overall milk sales at baseline to 41% of overall milk sales in the month following the end of the campaign, an increase in market share that was sustained at the six-month follow-up. In the post-intervention telephone survey, 38.2% of those respondents who reported drinking high-fat milk at baseline reported having switched to low-fat milk. CONCLUSION: A focused message communicated through paid advertising, public relations activities, and community-based education programs increased low-fat and overall milk consumption in one community.

Adolescent↗