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Biomedical subjects

J Pearn

Publications and source records attributed to J Pearn.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1986

Macrodactyly simplex congenita. A case series and considerations of differential diagnosis and aetiology.

Macrodactyly simplex congenita (MSC) is a rare congenital anomaly comprising some 10% of cases of isolated congenital macrodactyly. The essential elements in MSC are mentioned and a differential diagnosis from other forms of enlarged digits is given, in the light of the natural history of the condition. The distinction is shown to have practical therapeutic implications. The causation is discussed and a hypothesis advanced of a possible somatic mutation in an inhibitory chalone receptor allowing the switch-on of unimpeded local growth.

Child↗
PubMed1986

Fifteen years of child drowning--a 1967-1981 analysis of all fatal cases from the Brisbane Drowning Study and an 11 year study of consecutive near-drowning cases.

A total population study of childhood fresh water drowning accidents (fatalities) for the 15 year period, 1967-1981, is reported. These data are from the ongoing Brisbane Drowning Study which has now also analysed 255 fresh water child immersions (both fatalities and near-fatalities) over the eleven year period, 1978-1981, and as such forms a consecutive unselected series for over one decade. The annual fatality (drowning) rate is 3.53 per 100,000. Details of immersion accidents by site, sex and by outcome (survivors versus fatalities) are presented. An analysis of secular trends revealed that one epidemic peak of child drownings in swimming pools and domestic baths (noted in the mid 1970s in Australia and other countries) is now passed. Evidence is presented to suggest that a vigorous education, and public awareness campaign can reduce the incidence of serious child immersion accidents by one-third. Such a campaign may have influence on all types of childhood household drownings (pools, baths, garden ponds), irrespective of site. Survival rates for unsupervised children who lose consciousness in fresh water are site-dependent, only 21% of such potential victims surviving after losing consciousness in rivers and creeks, compared with the survival rate of 65% for those in potential drowning incidents in their own backyard. Violent death continues to account for more than half of all deaths in childhood up to the age of 14 years [Gratz, 1979; Mayer, Walker and Johnson et al., 1981].(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Australian state-specific reference data, by socioeconomic status, for the analysis of health and disease correlates.

Socioeconomic status has an enormous influence on health and disease patterns. Hitherto only national data have been available for use as norms for the interpretation of apparent clustering of disease and accident patterns (by social class) in Australia. However, the majority of health studies are based at local, city or State level, the patterns of which vary significantly from city to city and from State to State. A specific analysis of the latest available census data, by State, has been undertaken to provide norms, or "expected" figures, for epidemiological and health studies in Australia. Population norms for socioeconomic status ranking, by sex and by State, are presented as reference tables. New national norms, to include the Armed Services, are also presented for the first time.

Australia↗
PubMed1984

Accidental poisoning in childhood: five year urban population study with 15 year analysis of fatality.

Patterns of accidental poisoning in children are changing dramatically. A five year population study (1977-81) was undertaken in urban children from Brisbane (population 1 000 000). A total of 2098 children were poisoned during this period with only one fatality, which represents a dramatic reduction in mortality. Over the past 15 years (1968-82) 13 children have died from accidental poisoning from this population, and two were murdered with drugs. A study of secular trends has indicated that peak incidence occurred in 1979, and the rate has been falling progressively since. The current age corrected rate of poisoning is 393 per 100 000 children per year (0-5 year olds). The rank order of poisons, drugs, and chemicals causing hospital admission and death is: petroleum distillates 13%; antihistamines 9%; benzodiazepines 9%; bleach and detergents 7%; and aspirin 6%. The ratio of fatalities to ingestions requiring hospital admission was calculated to give an index of a practical danger of noxious agents to which children are currently exposed and the rank order is: cardiotoxic drugs, one fatality to 25 ingestions; tricyclic antidepressants, one to 44; sympathomimetic drugs, one to 54; caustic soda, one to 68; aspirin, one fatality to 350 ingestions. Accidental poisoning of children leading to death has been reduced because patterns of drug prescriptions have changed, packaging of dangerous drugs has been made safer, and substances such as kerosene have been coloured blue.

Accidents↗
PubMed1984

The discovery of neuronopathy and neuropathy as a cause of progressive paralysis in childhood. The historical origins of modern differential diagnosis in neuromuscular disease.

The concept of the differential diagnosis has a central place in all clinical medicine. In neurology and paediatrics, evolution of thought concerning the differential diagnosis of the child presenting with symptoms of neuromuscular disease was far in advance of similar diagnostic approaches to problems of infectious, infective and neoplastic disease; and as such forms a significant historical model for the development of modern clinical approaches to the sick or disabled child. The account presented in this paper provides a detailed historical review of the development of thought relating to the causes of neuromuscular disease. Nosological developments concerning diseases of the motor unit can be conveniently classified into three periods: (a) a "state of the art" period to 1850; (b) 1850-1890 - a period of parallel and interdependent advances in both normal neuro-anatomy and neurophysiology, and diseases recognized as variations from such norms. In this era Duchenne was the first to write about the differential diagnosis of the progressive muscular paralysis in childhood; and Gowers was the first to write specifically on the hereditary transmission of this group of diseases; (c) in 1891 was described the first case of childhood neuronopathy recognized as such, and with this development was ushered in the modern era of clinical differential diagnosis of childhood neuromuscular disease. The "splitters" have won the great debate concerning the clinical approach to neurological diseases. The continual further refining of an exact diagnosis is the only way in which a realistic prognosis can be forecast, correct genetic counseling can be offered, and (if the condition is treatable) optimal therapy can be introduced.

Europe↗
PubMed1984

Manifestations and natural history of idiopathic hemihypertrophy: a review of eleven cases.

Idiopathic hemihypertrophy is a specific entity which is distinct from the numerous other causes of limb overgrowth. In our investigation of eleven new cases in South Africa and Australia, no genetic or other aetiological factors could be recognised. There were no differences in bone age between the normal and hypertrophied limbs and the pattern of growth through life showed that relative body proportions remained the same. Idiopathic hemihypertrophy is associated with mild mental retardation, genito-urinary anomalies and an oncogenic potential. Regular clinical surveillance for abdominal tumours is recommended.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1984

Norms for hand grip strength.

Norms for hand grip strength of healthy children are presented. Sex and age specific centiles for age 5 to 18 years have been determined using a portable strain gauge dynamometer with an accuracy of 0.5 N. The test group comprised 1417 healthy, urban school children from a middle class suburb of Brisbane. Mean maximum grip strength (of four tests, two with each hand) and mean peak grip strength (best of four tests) were recorded. Mean values of peak grip strength were 10 to 15% higher than the average maximum grip in all age groups. At all ages girls had a reduced grip strength compared with boys and although boys manifested a continual, approximately linear increase in grip strength through all age groups, girls manifested an approximately linear increase up to 13 years after which mean hand grip usually remained constant. By the age of 18 years boys had a mean grip strength some 60% higher than girls. Correlations with height and weight are also presented. "Handedness' influenced grip strength and was most noticeable in children aged over 10 years. The clinical use of hand grip strength centiles for the early indication of neurological and muscular disorders and for following the natural history of neuromuscular disease is discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Limb overgrowth--clinical observations and nosological considerations.

Limb or digital overgrowth occurs in a number of rare conditions. Hypertrophy is present at birth in cases of macrodactyly simplex congenita, macromelia, hemihypertrophy, and the Klippel- Trenaunay-Weber syndrome. Late-onset overgrowth is a feature of macrodystrophia lipomatosa and neurofibromatosis. We have reviewed more than 40 patients with overgrowth disorders in order to clarify problems of differentiation and classification, and in this article we have depicted and discussed typical cases. The course, prognosis and complications differ in these autonomous conditions; for this reason accurate diagnosis is vital.

Adolescent↗