Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J A Marx

Publications and source records attributed to J A Marx.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Toxic shock syndrome following diagnostic peritoneal lavage.

We report the case of a 15-year-old girl who developed high fever, syncope, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, myalgia, pharyngitis, and a desquamating rash eight days after a diagnostic peritoneal lavage. The diagnostic peritoneal lavage wound was erythematous and tender. Incision of the site yielded 10 mL of exudate that cultured Staphylococcus aureus. The patient was treated with a first-generation cephalosporin and recovered without sequelae. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of toxic shock syndrome following diagnostic peritoneal lavage.

Abdominal Injuries↗
PubMed1988

Intracranial lesions shown by CT scans in 259 cases of first alcohol-related seizures.

We obtained CTs in 259 patients with a first alcohol-related convulsion. Each subject had generalized convulsions, recent abstinence from alcohol abuse, and no obvious etiology for seizures other than alcohol withdrawal. Patients with only focal seizures, major head injury, coma, or a severe toxic-metabolic disorder were excluded. We recorded history and signs of minor head injury, presence of headache, level of consciousness, neurologic signs, routine medical examination findings, and subsequent clinical course. Sixteen patients (6.2%) had intracranial lesions on CT. Eight had subdural hematomas or hygromas, two had vascular malformations, two had neurocysticercosis, and one each showed a Berry aneurysm, possible tumor, skull fracture with subarachnoid hemorrhage, and probable cerebral infarction. In ten cases (3.9%), clinical management was altered because of the CT result. History or signs of minor head trauma, headache, level of consciousness, or focal neurologic signs did not significantly correlate with CT abnormality.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Magnesium levels after magnesium-containing cathartics.

To determine the effect on serum Mg++ levels of oral Magnesium-containing cathartics (MgCC) used in the treatment of suspected drug overdose, a prospective, non-randomized study of 24 cases of suspected drug overdose was conducted. Ten cases admitted to the observation unit were assigned to the single dose MgCC group. Fourteen cases admitted to either the ICU or the observation unit were assigned to the multiple dose MgCC group. Single dose cases received 30 gm of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) at 0 hours. Multiple dose cases received 3 30 gm doses of MgSO4 at 0, 4, and 8 hours. Mg++ levels were measured prior to each MgSO4 dose and 1 and 4 hours after the final dose in both groups. In the single dose group, there was no difference between baseline Mg++ levels and post MgSO4 levels, and only 2/10 developed slightly elevated levels (2.2, 2.3 mEq/L). In the multiple dose group, levels increased and remained significantly higher than baseline after the second MgSO4 dose, and 9/14 developed elevated levels (2.2 to 5.0 mEq/L). All patients who developed elevated Mg++ levels had normal BUN and creatinine values. When the single and multiple dose groups were compared, baseline Mg++ levels were no different (1.68 +/- 0.21 vs 1.69 +/- 0.24, p = 0.952), but peak Mg++ levels were significantly higher in the multiple dose group (1.80 +/- 0.31 vs 2.61 +/- 0.86, p = 0.004). Cases that developed hypermagnesemia had slightly higher baseline Mg++ levels (1.78 +/- 0.22 vs 1.60 +/- 0.19 mEq/L, p = 0.041). In the multiple dose group, higher peak Mg++ levels were noted in cases involving ingestions of anticholinergic or opioid drugs (2.83 vs 1.98, p = 0.025). Hypermagnesemia developed in some cases with normal renal function, blood pressure, and urine output. We conclude that significant hypermagnesemia can occur rapidly after use of multiple dose Mg++ cathartics in standard doses in patients with normal renal function.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1987

Case report: Brown-Séquard's syndrome associated with histiocytic lymphoma.

Brown-Séquard's syndrome is a rare spinal cord lesion usually produced by penetrating injuries in which ipsilateral hemiparesis and loss of position sense is associated with loss of pain and temperature sensation on the opposite side of the body. Reported here is an unusual cause of the syndrome, and a review of the pathophysiology of the syndrome is presented.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Peroneal retinaculum injury: an unusual cause of ankle pain.

A case of superior peroneal retinaculum injury is described. The patient's clinical presentation included tenderness at the peroneal groove and anterior subluxation of the peroneal tendons at the lateral malleolus. Radiographs of the ankle demonstrated an avulsion fracture from the lateral cortex of the lateral malleolus, pathognomonic for this injury. The patient wore a cast with the ankle in a neutral position for six weeks, following which she experienced repeated subluxation of the peroneal tendons. She subsequently required operative reconstruction of the retinaculum. Clinical findings and management of peroneal retinaculum injury are reviewed.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Prehospital advanced trauma life support for critical blunt trauma victims.

The ability of paramedics to deliver advanced trauma life support (ATLS) in an expedient fashion for victims of trauma has been strongly challenged. In this study, the records of 114 consecutive victims of blunt trauma who underwent laparotomy or thoracotomy were reviewed. Prehospital care was rendered by paramedics operating under strict protocols. The mean response time (minutes +/- SEM) to the scene was 5.6 +/- 0.27. On-scene time was 13.9 +/- 0.62. The time to return to the hospital was 8.0 +/- 0.4. On-scene time included assessing hazards at the scene, patient extrication, spine immobilization (n = 98), application of oxygen (n = 94), measurement of vital signs (n = 114), splinting of 59 limbs, and the following ATLS procedures: endotracheal intubation (n = 31), IV access (n = 106), ECG monitoring (n = 69), procurement of blood for tests including type and cross (n = 58), and application of a pneumatic antishock garment (PASG) (n = 31). On-scene times were analyzed according to the number of ATLS procedures performed: insertion of one IV line (n = 46), 14.8 +/- 1.03 minutes; two IV lines (n = 28), 13.4 +/- 0.92; one IV line plus intubation (n = 7), 14.0 +/- 2.94; two IV lines plus intubation (n = 9), 17.0 +/- 2.38; and two IV lines plus intubation plus PASG (n = 13), 12.4 +/- 1.36. Of the 161 IV attempts, 94% were completed successfully. Of 36 attempts at endotracheal intubation, 89% were successful.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Emergency Medical Services↗
PubMed1987

Multicenter hypothermia survey.

A multicenter survey evaluated the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of accidental hypothermia. Data were collected from 13 emergency departments, with 401 of the 428 cases presenting during a two-year study period. Core temperatures ranged from 35 C to 15.6 C (mean, 30.57 C +/- 3.53) with 272 cases (63.6%) less than or equal to 32.2 C. There were no significant differences by age in presenting temperature, rewarming strategies, or mortality. The first hour rewarming rate was significantly (P less than .05) faster in the population less than or equal to 59 years (1.08 +/- 1.39 C/hr) than in those greater than or equal to 60 years (0.75 +/- 1.16 C/hr). Male core temperatures averaged 30.27 +/- 3.44 C versus female temperatures of 31.1 +/- 3.61 C. There were no clinically significant differences in male (N = 296) versus female (N = 132) profiles. High ethanol levels (315 to 800 mg%) did not affect outcome. Nine of 27 (33%) patients who received CPR initiated in the field survived, versus six of 14 (43%) with CPR begun in the ED. The profile of the CPR versus non-CPR population differed significantly (P less than .05) in location (outdoors), initial temperature (24.8 +/- 3.77 C vs 30.94 +/- 3.12 C), third-hour rewarming rate (2.28 +/- 1.53 C vs 1.17 +/- 1.18 C/hr), and numerous laboratory parameters. Tracheal intubation was performed without incident in 117 cases, of which 97 were less than or equal to 32.2 C. There were 73 fatalities (17.1%). Of these, 84.9% (N = 62) were less than or equal to 32.2 C. Predisposing conditions in this group included "serious" illness (30), systemic infection (28), trauma (15), immersion (ten), frostbite (seven), and overdose (two). The initial pulse, hemoglobin, and first-hour rewarming rate was lower in the deceased population, while the potassium, urea nitrogen, creatinine, and phosphorus were elevated. Excluding treatment combinations, outcome with exclusive use of a single rewarming strategy was passive external rewarming, 14 deaths below 32.2 C, 13 above; active external rewarming, six deaths below 32.2 C, two above; active core rewarming, 38 deaths below 32.2 C, none above. Refinements of the American Heart Association's CPR standards in hypothermia and a Hypothermia Survival Index are proposed.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1987

Selective management of blunt abdominal trauma in children--the triage role of peritoneal lavage.

The evolution of selective laparotomy in children sustaining blunt abdominal trauma has been highly controversial. This report describes our experience and policy change during this transitional period. Emergency laparotomies performed in the pediatric age group (less than 14 yr) between 1980 and 1984, based on peritoneal lavage, were reviewed. Of 16 such patients, six (37.5%) had injuries identified at laparotomy necessitating operation, (four greater than Grade III spleen, one hepatic vein, one small bowel). The remaining ten patients (67.5%) had injuries which probably could have been managed nonoperatively (eight less than or equal to Grade II spleen, two less than or equal to Grade II liver). We additionally reviewed 46 peritoneal lavages done in children during 1984, and noted a 100% sensitivity but 86% specificity when considering essential laparotomies. Based on these data, we established a selective management protocol and initiated a prospective study in January 1985. The protocol consisted of: 1) routine peritoneal lavage (DPL) in children at high risk for abdominal injury, 2) immediate laparotomy for DPL positive for blood in conjunction with hemodynamic instability, 3) selective laparotomy for DPL positive for blood in a stable child, additionally evaluated by abdominal CT scan (major mechanism) or liver/spleen scan (minor mechanism), and 4) mandatory laparotomy for DPL effluent positive by criteria other than blood. This policy reduced unnecessary laparotomy, otherwise warranted by DPL, to 18% (2/11); both patients had Grade II splenic injuries. Five children sustaining low-energy trauma were managed nonoperatively following peritoneal aspiration of gross blood with L-S scan confirming minor solid visceral injury.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Abdominal Injuries↗
PubMed1987

Trauma in pregnancy.

Care of the pregnant trauma patient requires knowledge of the mechanism of injury, understanding the physiological changes of pregnancy, assessing fetal maturity and stability, and close teamwork among emergency, trauma, obstetric and pediatric services.

Cesarean Section↗
PubMed1986

Management of urgent hypertension: a comparison of oral treatment regimens in the emergency department.

Urgent hypertension is defined by severe elevations of blood pressure without associated end-organ damage. The use of parenteral agents for this entity entails intensive monitoring and the potential for significant hemodynamic complications. Therefore, various oral regimens have been studied. Herein described are mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and side effects of oral agents used in the treatment of urgent hypertension.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1986

Central nervous system cysticercosis simulating an acute cerebellar hemorrhage.

We report the case of a Mexican man who suddenly developed severe occipital headache, vomiting, vertigo, and ataxia. Neurologic examination showed nystagmus and cerebellar findings. Computed tomography of the brain demonstrated a large left cerebellar cystic lesion consistent with the diagnosis of cysticercosis. The patient was treated with dexamethasone and praziquantel and required surgical removal of the lesion to prevent herniation. He recovered without neurologic sequelae. The abrupt onset of cerebellar findings is an unusual presentation of this disease. Central nervous system cysticercosis is being recognized with increasing frequency in the United States, where it is found primarily in Hispanic and Asian immigrants. The literature of central nervous system cysticercosis is reviewed and the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and therapy are discussed.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1986

Successful management of cardiac impalement: the result of an integrated EMS-trauma system.

A case of cardiac impalement is presented and the general principles of torso impalement discussed. Leaving the impaling object in situ is desirable but when this requires substantial time, the patient's clinical status and the difficulties of resuscitation due to the object may necessitate prompt removal. Emergency department assessment and resuscitation should be brief and preoperative studies minimal.

Emergencies↗
PubMed1985

Penetrating abdominal wounds. Rationale for exploratory laparotomy.

Over the past decade a general consensus has evolved about the indications for celiotomy after civilian penetrating wounds. Stab injuries to the anterior part of the abdomen clearly warrant a selective approach based on physical signs, local wound exploration, and diagnostic peritoneal lavage. Gunshot wounds violating the peritoneum, on the other hand, mandate abdominal exploration. Peritoneal lavage is also valuable for the selective management of lower thoracic penetrating wounds. Back and flank injuries are difficult to assess, and patient care must be individualized with the assistance of retroperitoneal contrast studies. Although the adjunctive role of peritoneal lavage in the evaluation of penetrating wounds has substantially reduced unnecessary celiotomy, the safest policy is to explore the abdomen if any question of visceral injury exists.

Abdominal Injuries↗