Biomedical subjects

J M Branday

Publications and source records attributed to J M Branday.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1996

The prevalence of seat belt use in Jamaica. An observational study.

An observational cross-sectional survey showed that 21.1% of private motor vehicle drivers and 13.5% of front seat passengers voluntarily wore seat belts in Kingston, Jamaica, where there is no law requiring this. Rear passenger utilisation was not examined. Compared to males, females were significantly more likely to wear seat belts when driving but not as front seat passengers. Of all motor vehicles examined, 10.1% were not equipped with seat belts. The oldest group of vehicles were mostly not fitted with seat belts. Drivers of older vehicles were significantly less likely to use seat belts even when the vehicles were equipped with belts. Implementation of legislation can reduce mortality, morbidity and costs from road traffic accidents which are relatively frequent in Jamaica. Male drivers, drivers of older vehicles and all passengers may require specific targeting in an educational and enforcement campaign should legislation, which is highly desirable, be implemented.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

The dying patient--teaching doctors to care.

This article discusses the question of teaching doctors the humanistic components of caring for the dying. The difficulties of learning in the affective domain are compounded by the modern social attitude to death, which serves to distance the caregiver from the dying patient at the time of his greatest need. Values and attitudes can be taught. Experiential learning, supported by group discussion, is an accepted and available strategy but ethical decision-making is best taught by example and suitable attitudes can only be developed by teachers who have emotionally accepted their own mortality. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of teachers, with the right attitudes and skills, who will serve as suitable role models for our students.

Attitude to Death↗

PubMed1994

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. A 10-year clinicopathological review of an uncommon tumour.

A review of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans diagnosed at the University Hospital of the West Indies over a 10-year period revealed 23 cases. The mean age of the patients was 36.3 years. There were 13 females and 10 males. The trunk was the most common site. The clinical diagnosis was commonly missed. The results of this study are compared with those from other countries.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Penetrating injuries of the heart.

This study represents a review of 33 patients seen at the Kingston Public Hospital, Jamaica, with penetrating cardiac injuries over a 7-year period from 1982 to 1989. Male patients between the ages of 12 and 30 years accounted for more than 80 per cent of cases. A history of syncope associated with haemodynamic instability were the predominant clinical features on presentation. The clinical triad of raised central venous pressure, muffled heart sounds, and low blood pressure levels was present in 33 per cent of the patients with cardiac tamponade. Pulsus paradoxus was not a significant diagnostic sign. Most of the injuries were stab wounds to the left anterior chest. The most commonly injured heart chamber was the right ventricle (48 per cent). Pericardiocentesis was not helpful in making the diagnosis and was only performed as a resuscitative measure in unstable patients prior to thoracotomy. Cardiorrhaphy was performed in the majority of patients through a left anterior lateral thoracotomy with median sternotomy being used only for suspected hilar injuries. A high index of suspicion in patients with penetrating thoracic trauma with expeditious thoracotomy will result in the greatest salvage rate.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1989

Visceral complications of electrical burn injury. A report of two cases and review of the literature.

Two patients with high voltage electrical injury involving the trunk are presented. Both injuries were complicated by visceral damage; and one patient died from sepsis secondary to bowel perforation. The rarity of this complication is examined in light of the pathophysiology of electrical injury; and its management is discussed with reference to previously published reports on this condition.

Burns, Electric↗

PubMed1988

Primary tumours of the small intestine in Jamaica.

A review of 60 patients with primary small bowel tumours seen at the University Hospital, Jamaica, during the 15 year period 1971-1985, revealed that adenocarcinoma was the commonest tumour (27%), followed by smooth muscle tumour (23%), and carcinoids (11%). There were 32 malignant and 28 benign tumours. The mean age at presentation was 56 years, with a range of 4 to 85 years. The most common clinical presentation was intestinal obstruction, followed by pain, weight loss, abdominal mass and intussusception. In the majority of patients the diagnosis was not made preoperatively, and 80% with adenocarcinoma had lymph node metastases. Increased awareness of the diagnosis in symptomatic patients may result in improved survival.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1988