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Biomedical subjects

J Stern

Publications and source records attributed to J Stern.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Countertransference and limits of therapy in war situation.

Psychotherapy of war traumas and their specific emotional and psychological experiences is a challenge for the therapist. The two partners of the therapeutic dyad may undergo the same difficulties and suffer from the same anxieties, and be affected by the transference and countertransference processes. The conditions of neutrality that should be maintained in the treatment are thus prone to changes. The therapist may protect himself/herself from unconscious guilt, omnipotent fantasies and feelings of being overwhelmed by different modes of defenses. The historical and social context of the trauma have to be taken into account. A chronology to be introduced in the narrative is the first step in the process of reindividuation as the victim's identity has been attacked by the trauma as well as his/her physical integrity. The therapist may find in this intervention a reflection of his/her own needs. The aims of psychotherapy in war situations may be close to those of crisis intervention and at the same time deal with the reactivation of previous infantile traumas. The past plays a significant part in the readaptative process as much as it is relevant to the present. The therapeutic intervention is in essence a message of hope as it implies a potential future to be created.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Impact of comorbidity on outcome of young patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Comorbid conditions have a significant impact on the actuarial survival of patients with head and neck cancer. However, no studies have evaluated the impact of comorbidity on tumor- and treatment-specific outcomes. This study was performed to evaluate the impact of comorbidity, graded by the Kaplan-Feinstein comorbidity index (KFI) on the incidence and severity of complications, disease-free interval, and tumor-specific survival in patients undergoing curative treatment for head and neck cancer. METHODS: A multi-institutional, retrospective cohort of 70 patients 45 years of age and under with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) presenting over an 11-year period was studied. RESULTS: Advanced comorbidity (KFI grade 2 or 3) was present in 21 patients (30%). Patients with advanced comorbidity did not differ from patients with low-level comorbidity (KFI grades 0 or 1) in sex distribution, race, presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, tobacco use, location of primary lesion, stage at presentation, pathologic differentiation of the tumor, or type of initial treatment. The overall incidence of treatment-associated complications was similar between the groups (57% versus 49%; p > 0.05), but a higher proportion of patients with advanced comorbidity developed high-grade complications (24% versus 6%; p = .04). The median disease-free interval (11.1 months versus 21.6 months; p = .045) and tumor-specific survival (13.7 months versus 57.6 months; p = .03) was poorer for patients with advanced comorbidity. The effects of comorbidity on survival remained significant even after adjusting for the confounding effects of HIV status and tumor stage (p = .05). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of comorbid conditions has a significant impact on tumor- and treatment-specific outcomes. Although the presence of advanced comorbid conditions is not associated with an increase in the rate of treatment-associated complications, complications tend to be more severe in this population. More importantly, advanced comorbidity has a detrimental effect on the disease-free interval and tumor-specific survival in patients with head and neck cancer, independent of other factors. This suggests that comorbidity may impact on tumor behavior, presumably by altering the host's response to cancer. Accordingly, to be more predictive and reliable, the current staging system for head and neck cancer should include a description of the patient's comorbidity.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Pre- and postoperative quality of life of patients with ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis with ileoanal pouch operation].

After ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), in addition to postoperative morbidity and functional outcome quality of life is a relevant factor for assessment of the operation's success. Between 1982 and 1997 restorative proctocolectomy was performed in 602 patients (UC: n = 424; FAP: n = 178) at the Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg. The assessment of pre- and postoperative quality of life was done through a prospective study (before restorative proctocolectomy, before and 1 year after closure of ileostomy). This study (UC: n = 27; FAP: n = 7) revealed a poor preoperative quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis. Proctocolectomy is the decisive factor for the improvement of quality of life in the surgical treatment in UC. Quality of life could not be further significantly improved by ileostomy closure. Before proctocolectomy, FAP patients showed a quality of life, activity and function similar to that of healthy controls. In FAP patients proctocolectomy led to a significant loss of quality of life. This loss could only partly be regained by ileostomy closure. Quality of life and activity comparable to that of healthy controls can be achieved in UC patients by restorative proctocolectomy.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1998

Contraception with two levonorgestrel rod implants. A 5-year study in the United States and Dominican Republic.

A 5-year trial of a two-rod contraceptive implant, which releases the progestin levonorgestrel (LNG rod), was conducted at four clinics with 594 women. Mean age and weight at admission were 25.5 years and 62.4 kg, respectively. Consent to continue through 5 years was sought and obtained when the 3-year cumulative pregnancy rate proved to be 0.8 per 100. No pregnancies occurred in the fourth or fifth years. The 5-year cumulative pregnancy rate was, therefore, 0.8 per 100 with an annual average pregnancy rate below 2 per 1000 women. Prolonged bleeding/spotting (8.2% of subjects) and irregular bleeding (5.6%) were the most frequently cited medical reasons for removal. Removals for headache (4.7%) and weight change (4.0%) were the next most frequent medical reasons. Between 1% and 2% of subjects during the 5-year trial sought removals for each of the following conditions: mood changes, lower abdominal pain, depression, or pain at the implant site. The mean annual continuation rate during the study was 77 per 100. Use per woman averaged 2.96 years. Mean removal time was 5.9 +/- 0.6 min. These data indicate that, for a 5-year period, the two LNG rod implants are equivalent to the six Norplant capsule implants with respect to safety and efficacy parameters, but permit easier and more rapid implant removal.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

The performance of levonorgestrel rod and Norplant contraceptive implants: a 5 year randomized study.

A new contraceptive (LNG rod implants, Jadelle, Leiras Oy's registered trademark for rod implants) was prospectively evaluated in randomized 5 year comparison with Norplant (Population Council's registered trademark for contraceptive implants releasing levonorgestrel) capsule implants. The study involved 1198 women at seven centres. No pregnancies occurred in the first 4 years. At 5 years, the cumulative pregnancy rate was 1 per 100 users or less for each regimen. Annual discontinuation rates averaged 11-12 per 100 users (P > 0.05), corresponding to 5 year continuation rates of 55.1 for rods and 53.0 per 100 for capsules. Mean annual discontinuation rates for menstrual disturbances were 3.5 and 4.2 per 100 for rod and capsule implants respectively (P > 0.05), and mean annual removal rates for medical problems were 3.5 and 3.0 per 100 (P > 0.05) respectively. Apart from menstrual problems, headache, weight gain and acne were the principal medical reasons for removal. In proportional hazard analyses, family formation variables, age, parity and desire/non desire for another child, recorded at admission, significantly affected discontinuation rates for major decrement categories and for all reasons combined. Mean rod removal time was half that of Norplant (P < 0.01); complications of rod removal were at a lower rate. With these contraceptives indistinguishable in performance except for ease and speed of removal, LNG rod implants appear to be preferable to Norplant for use through 5 years by virtue of relative ease of removal.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Telemedicine applications in otolaryngology.

A prospective study of the use of realtime and store-and-forward teleconsulting was carried out in patients who presented to the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary for otolaryngology care. Forty-five patients were seen in the study. There were no significant differences between local and remote otolaryngologists when interpreting the examinations, indicating that transmission did not affect the ability of a qualified physician to make an accurate diagnosis. In the store-and-forward examinations only 62% of the electronic records provided sufficient information for a confident diagnosis. Records were judged inadequate primarily due to poor selection, or an insufficient number of stored images. The study demonstrates that both interactive and store-and-forward techniques can be used to provide accurate clinical consultations in nasopharyngolaryngoscopic examinations. However, since store-and-forward consultations include less information and do not provide immediate feedback, as well defined clinical protocol for assembling the electronic consultation is needed.

Humans↗
PubMed1998

[GSG (Structured Health Regulation)-conforming documentation of surgical interventions in a university clinic--3 years clinical experiences 1994-1996].

The cost increase in the public health sector is steadily mounting and hence politicians are forced to redefine the economic conditions for regulations. As a new quality in the area of inpatient hospital care the new German law of structural health care (GSG), valid as of January 1, 1993 replaces the principle of covering full costs. The GSG law required in our hospital an adjustment of existing EDP structures with integrated automatic remuneration estimate and the installation of a medical structure of the organisation for complete and correct documentation. Weakpoints of the prescribed obligatory ICPM codes and inadequate legal regulations result in a lack of separation or wrong integration of the lump sum payment in individual cases (FP) and special compensation (SE). The summary analysis of the compensation system with a subsequent medical control system showed a primarily inaccurate classification by 12%. There is as yet no proof for the usefulness of a lump sum payment system resulting in a selection of risks.

Cost Control↗
PubMed1998

[Effect of proctocolectomy on fluid balance--comparison of conventional ileostomy, ileorectal anastomosis and ileoanal pouch operation].

Total colectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC) and familiar adenomatous polyposis coli (FAP) is mainly performed as an ileoanal Pouch procedure (IAP). Alternatives are ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) and conventional proctocolectomy with Brooke ileostomy (CPS). The different surgical techniques may influence the excretion of water and electrolytes in stool and urine and may lead to a higher risk for urolithiasis. We investigated patients (12 IAP, 12 IRA and 8 CPS) several years after surgery and compared them to twelve normal controls. Total fecal and urinary output was collected at two consecutive days. Volume and electrolytes were determined in stool and urine. The risk for urinary stone formation was calculated by nomograms. Fecal volume and sodium (Na+) excretion was increased in all therapy groups compared to controls. IAP and IRA had significant less stool volume and Na+ excretion compared to CPS. Augmented fecal Na+ excretion was compensated by reduction of renal output after colectomy compared to controls. There were no significant differences in the daily urine volume between any groups. There was no urolithiasis in any groups. The nomograms showed a risk for all groups and controls to develop urinary stones.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗
PubMed1998

[Long-term quality of life after continence-preserving proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis].

After ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), quality of life is a relevant factor for the assessment of the operation's success, in addition to postoperative morbidity and functional outcome. Between 1982 and 1995 restorative proctocolectomy was performed in 453 patients (UC: n = 332; FAP: n = 121) at the Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg. We studied postoperative quality of life through a long-term follow-up study (median follow-up time 43.2 months). This study 1 year or more following ileostomy closure of persons who had undergone J-pouch anastomosis (n = 243 total; UC n = 185, FAP n = 58) revealed that at the time of follow-up, the underlying disease (UC versus FAP) and successfully treated complications are without influence on the quality of life. The patient's age (P < 0.01) and the presence of unsuccessfully treated complications (P < 0.0001) showed a significant influence on the quality of life. There was a distinct relation between the functional index and the quality of life index (coefficient of correlation r = -0.714). However, quality of life, comparable to that of healthy controls, can be achieved with UC and FAP patients by restorative proctocolectomy only if postoperative complications can be avoided or are successfully treated.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1998

[Complications and late outcome of restorative proctocolectomy].

The restorative proctocolectomy with ileoanal pouch is a sophisticated operative procedure with considerable postoperative complications. The main problems are postoperative ileus (11%), anastomotic stricture (9%), local septic complications (13%) and pouchitis (29%). A variety of other complications also occur. Most of the problems can be successfully managed by conservative or surgical treatment. In only 2.5% (n = 15/593) was final pouch extirpation necessary. Postoperative function showed elevated stool frequency (6 per day) and slightly compromised stool continence. Most patients confirm good quality of life.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗
PubMed1998

[Surgical therapy of gynecomastia and its results].

The objective of our study was to evaluate the factors which lead to operative therapy of gynaecomastia for cosmetic or diagnostic reasons and to assess the postoperative results. 100 patients with gynaecomastia underwent subcutaneous mastectomy (n = 98) or total mastectomy for gynaecomastia through different incisions, with subjectively satisfactory results in 93% of all patients, although cosmetically unsatisfactory results occurred in more than 50% of all patients. Although the surgical objective is achieved by current operative therapy, many patients experience cosmetically unsatisfactory results, which demands the evaluation of other operative strategies with a potentially higher rate of cosmetically adequate results.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[Heidelberg polyposis register. Experiences with ileoanal pouch in familial adenomatous polyposis coli (FAP): the ileoanal anastomosis problem zone].

Restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the therapy of choice for the prophylactic treatment of FAP. Despite maximal radicality, we frequently observed remaining rectal mucosa and in some cases even adenomas at the pouch-anal anastomosis. Therefore, we changed our postoperative care by adding a yearly proctoscopy to regular pouchoscopies.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗
PubMed1997

[Restorative proctectomy. A comparison of direct colo-anal and colon-pouch-anal anastomoses for reconstructing continuity].

Thirty-nine of 63 patients undergoing deep anterior rectal resection received a straight coloanal anastomosis (CAA); the remaining 24 patients additionally had a colon-j-pouch (CPA) constructed. After pouch-anal anastomosis, local septic complications occurred in 12.5% of patients compared to 20.5% after coloanal anastomosis. Stool frequency after pouch-anal anastomosis was 3.3 per 24 h compared to 5.2 per 24 h after straight anastomosis within the first year after ileostomy closure (P = 0.053). Continence was slightly better in the pouch group (n.s.), and anal manometry showed a significant postoperative decrease only in resting pressure after straight colonal anastomosis (P < 0.001). This study supports the construction of a colon-j-pouch after deep rectal resection, as the pouch-anal anastomosis has fewer local septic complications and seems to improve functional outcome.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Clinical performance of a new two-rod levonorgestrel contraceptive implant: a three-year randomized study with Norplant implants as controls.

In a randomized three-year clinical trial at seven clinics, the performance of levonorgestrel rod (LNG ROD) implants used by 600 women was compared with that of soft tubing NORPLANT implants used by 598 women. No pregnancies occurred in either group of women and, accordingly, body weight did not affect the efficacy of either type of implant. There were neither statistically significant nor important differences in termination rates for any reason over the three years. Complaint and illness rates during use of either of the two implant types were statistically indistinguishable and were attributable to the same set of conditions. Seventy-one per 100 of the women using each implant regimen continued to the three-year point, for an average annual continuation rate of 89 per 100. Removals of LNG ROD implants were accomplished in about half the time required for removal of Norplant capsule implants (p < 0.001).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Levonorgestrel concentrations during use of levonorgestrel rod (LNG ROD) implants.

In a three-year randomized trial that included 398 women, blood samples were collected for the purpose of assaying levonorgestrel concentrations in women using a new two-rod contraceptive implant system or an earlier implant formulation, Norplant-2 implants. Sample collection was at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after placement and semiannually thereafter through three years. Resulting assays and analyses showed that levonorgestrel concentrations of each implant formulation decreased significantly with time after placement, with increasing body weight, and with ponderal index. In the third year, several measures indicated that concentrations of the contraceptive drug were higher in women using the LNG ROD implants than in users of the original formulation. No pregnancies occurred among women in either group in the three years. This study provides evidence that the minimum levonorgestrel concentration needed to protect against pregnancy is below 200 pg/ml, and possibly is below 175 pg/ml.

Adolescent↗