Biomedical subjects

K Taylor

Publications and source records attributed to K Taylor.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed2001

Three-dimensional image reconstruction of dephosphorylated smooth muscle heavy meromyosin reveals asymmetry in the interaction between myosin heads and placement of subfragment 2.

Regulation of the actin-activated ATPase of smooth muscle myosin II is known to involve an interaction between the two heads that is controlled by phosphorylation of the regulatory light chain. However, the three-dimensional structure of this inactivated form has been unknown. We have used a lipid monolayer to obtain two-dimensional crystalline arrays of the unphosphorylated inactive form of smooth muscle heavy meromyosin suitable for structural studies by electron cryomicroscopy of unstained, frozen-hydrated specimens. The three-dimensional structure reveals an asymmetric interaction between the two myosin heads. The ATPase activity of one head is sterically "blocked" because part of its actin-binding interface is positioned onto the converter domain of the second head. ATPase activity of the second head, which can bind actin, appears to be inhibited through stabilization of converter domain movements needed to release phosphate and achieve strong actin binding. When the subfragment 2 domain of heavy meromyosin is oriented as it would be in an actomyosin filament lattice, the position of the heads is very different from that needed to bind actin, suggesting an additional contribution to ATPase inhibition in situ.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

A measurement of the cosmological mass density from clustering in the 2dF Galaxy Redshift Survey.

The large-scale structure in the distribution of galaxies is thought to arise from the gravitational instability of small fluctuations in the initial density field of the Universe. A key test of this hypothesis is that forming superclusters of galaxies should generate a systematic infall of other galaxies. This would be evident in the pattern of recessional velocities, causing an anisotropy in the inferred spatial clustering of galaxies. Here we report a precise measurement of this clustering, using the redshifts of more than 141,000 galaxies from the two-degree-field (2dF) galaxy redshift survey. We determine the parameter beta = Omega0.6/b = 0.43 +/- 0.07, where Omega is the total mass-density parameter of the Universe and b is a measure of the 'bias' of the luminous galaxies in the survey. (Bias is the difference between the clustering of visible galaxies and of the total mass, most of which is dark.) Combined with the anisotropy of the cosmic microwave background, our results favour a low-density Universe with Omega approximately 0.3.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2001

Massive gene decay in the leprosy bacillus.

Leprosy, a chronic human neurological disease, results from infection with the obligate intracellular pathogen Mycobacterium leprae, a close relative of the tubercle bacillus. Mycobacterium leprae has the longest doubling time of all known bacteria and has thwarted every effort at culture in the laboratory. Comparing the 3.27-megabase (Mb) genome sequence of an armadillo-derived Indian isolate of the leprosy bacillus with that of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (4.41 Mb) provides clear explanations for these properties and reveals an extreme case of reductive evolution. Less than half of the genome contains functional genes but pseudogenes, with intact counterparts in M. tuberculosis, abound. Genome downsizing and the current mosaic arrangement appear to have resulted from extensive recombination events between dispersed repetitive sequences. Gene deletion and decay have eliminated many important metabolic activities including siderophore production, part of the oxidative and most of the microaerophilic and anaerobic respiratory chains, and numerous catabolic systems and their regulatory circuits.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Next generation catheters for excimer laser coronary angioplasty.

In response to the need for maximising debulking in complex lesions, three new excimer laser coronary angioplasty catheter designs have been introduced. The eccentric laser catheter features a fibreoptic bundle disposed opposite the guide-wire lumen at the catheter tip and a torque mechanism that allows the user to rotate the fibre bundle toward the lesion mass. Residual lumens 50% larger than the catheter tip diameter have been obtained when multiple passes were made, with each pass performed using a different tip rotation. A recent case series utilising this catheter in restenosed stents resulted in larger lumens and lower 6-month restenosis rates. The optimal spaced (OS) laser catheter features a fibre bundle placed concentrically around the guide-wire lumen. The 61 microm diameter core fibres are spaced at a nominal centre-to-centre distance of 90 microm, resulting in a 40% increase in ablative area as compared to previous concentric catheter designs. In vitro testing and clinical evaluation demonstrated OS catheters routinely achieve an ablated area > or =90% of the catheter tip size. The 0.9 mm catheter features a high-density fibre pack composed of 65 fibres. Peripheral dead space has been minimised to maximise penetration of calcified plaque. When combined with laser parameters of up to 80 mJ/mm2, and 80 Hz pulse repetition rate, the catheter demonstrated improved hard tissue and calcified tissue penetration in vitro. Clinical evaluation in Canada revealed a 94% lesion recanalisation rate in high-grade stenoses with angiographic evidence of calcification, chronic total occlusions, and lesions which have failed balloon angioplasty.

Angioplasty, Laser↗

PubMed2001

Risk-factors for meningococcal disease in Victoria, Australia, in 1997.

In Victoria between 1990 and 1996, meningococcal infections occurred in 1-2/100,000 people each year, with sometimes devastating outcome. In 1997, a typical year, we conducted a case-control study of all cases notified to the State Disease Control Unit, to investigate personal, environmental and lifestyle risk factors. In bivariate analysis many exposures were statistically significantly different (at P = 0.01) in cases and controls. The level of risk, and specific risks, differed between children (under 16) and adults (16 years and over). In multivariate analysis few exposures remained significant (at P = 0.05). However, these included having a smoker amongst close contacts, exposure to construction dust, recent illness, a history of snoring and speech problems, and sharing a bedroom. Besides confirming some previously identified risk factors, this is the first time that snoring and speech problems have been identified as risk factors for meningococcal disease.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Validation of the Welch Allyn 'Vital Signs' oscillometric blood pressure monitor.

This study has determined the accuracy of the Welch Allyn 'Vital Signs' blood pressure (BP) monitoring device in an adult population, according to the criteria of the British Hypertension Society (British Hypertension Society, 1993). Validation was also classified by the American 'Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation' (AAMI). The Welch Allyn 'Vital Signs' monitor achieved a BHS grade A for both systolic and diastolic BP. It also met the criteria for the AAMI protocol. The mean differences between trained observers using a mercury sphygmomanometer and the device were -1 +/- 5 mm Hg for systolic BP and -3 +/- 4 mm Hg for diastolic BP. The Welch Allyn 'Vital Signs' monitor can be recommended for clinical use in the adult population. This is one of the first oscillometric monitors designed for routine use in a hospital environment that has been found to provide an accurate assessment of BP by accepted validation procedures.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Effects of glycosylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor after high-dose cytarabine-based induction chemotherapy for adult acute myeloid leukaemia.

The Australian Leukaemia Study Group (ALSG) investigated whether G-CSF would accelerate haemopoietic recovery after induction treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) intensified with high-dose cytarabine, and therefore improve response rates and survival. Patients were randomised to receive lenograstim (glycosylated recombinant human G-CSF) 5 microg per kg body weight subcutaneously daily from day 8 after starting chemotherapy, or no cytokine, following chemotherapy with cytarabine 3 g/m2 every 12 h on days 1, 3, 5, and 7, together with idarubicin 9 or 12 mg/m2 on days 1, 2, and 3, plus etoposide 75 mg/m2 on days 1 to 7 inclusive. Patients had untreated AML, and were aged 16 to 60 years. Overall, 54 evaluable patients were randomised to receive lenograstim and 58 to no cytokine. Patients in the lenograstim arm had a significantly shorter duration of neutropenia <0.5 x 10(9)/l compared to patients in the no cytokine arm (median 18 vs 22 days; P = 0.0005), and also shorter duration of total leucopenia <1.0 x 10(9)/l (17 vs 19 days; P = 0.0002), as well as a reduction in duration of treatment with therapeutic intravenous antibiotics (20 vs 24 days; P= 0.015) and a trend to reduced number of days with fever >38.0 degrees C (9 vs 12 days; P = 0.18). There were no differences between the two groups in platelet recovery, red cell or platelet transfusions, or non-haematological toxicities. For patients achieving CR after their first induction course, a reduction in the time to the start of the next course of therapy was observed in the lenograstim arm, from a median of 40.5 days to a median of 36 days (P = 0.082). The overall complete response rates to chemotherapy were similar, 81% in the lenograstim arm vs 75% for the no cytokine arm (P = 0.5), and there was no significant difference in the survival durations. We conclude that the granulopoietic stimulating effect of G-CSF is observed after induction therapy for AML intensified by high-dose cytarabine, resulting in an improvement in a number of clinically important parameters with no major adverse effects.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2001

Angioedema in the emergency department: a presentation of lymphoma.

A 58-year-old woman presented to emergency departments on several occasions with episodic angioedema. Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma with an IgM paraprotein (Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia) was eventually diagnosed 14 months later in association with acquired C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency. Resolution of the angioedema and C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency was achieved with danazol and treatment of the underlying lymphoma.

Angioedema↗

PubMed2001

Laboratory enhanced surveillance for meningococcal disease in Victoria.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological and microbiological characteristics and notification patterns of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in Victoria between 1990 and 1999. METHODS: Cases of IMD occurring between 1990 and 1995 identified in any of three databases were combined, matching where possible. Statistical modelling provided estimates of cases missing from all datasets. Notification sources for 1999 and 2000 cases were identified. Cases identified from notification and laboratory results provided the data to describe IMD epidemiology between 1990 and 1999. RESULTS: Between 1990 and 1995, 479 cases of IMD were identified. Three individual datasets each identified between 62 and 82% of cases and 47% of cases were identified in all three datasets. Statistical modelling estimated that between 37 and 83 additional cases were not identified by any dataset. Serogroup B and C strains caused 63 and 33% of culture-positive cases, respectively, with a substantial rise in serogroup C cases in 1999. Epidemiological characteristics remained relatively constant between 1990 and 1998, but an increase in patient age was seen in cases with serogroup C disease in 1999. In addition to three clonal strains seen elsewhere, an additional strain was identified that was unique to Victoria. Since January 1999, only 72% of notifications have come from treating doctors. CONCLUSIONS: Meningococcal disease is of increasing public health significance in Victoria. Laboratory enhanced notification has improved case identification and detailed microbiological information has improved our understanding of the changing epidemiology of this disease. Collaboration with laboratories and other agencies, active investigation of putative cases and microbiological monitoring are important elements in supporting public health decisions about the control of IMD.

Age Distribution↗

PubMed2001

The relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection, the virulence genotypes of the infecting strain and gastric cancer in the African setting.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric carcinoma remains controversial, especially in the African setting where infection is common, while gastric cancer is perceived to be uncommon, the basis of the so called 'African enigma'. This discrepancy between infection and the development of disease is commonly attributed to differences in host, environment and bacterial factors. Interest in the bacterial factors has focused on heterogeneity in the so-called 'virulence genes'. AIM: The aim of this prospective, case-controlled study was to establish whether H. pylori infection is significantly associated with gastric cancer and to investigate whether gastric cancer is associated with genotypically distinct (as it relates to the candidate virulence genes) organisms in this population. METHODS: Patients with histologically confirmed gastric cancer were matched with nonulcer dyspeptic controls for age (within 5 years), gender and ethnicity. Helicobacter pylori status was determined by RUT, histology, culture and serology (locally validated and used as default determinant of H. pylori status). Tumors were classified according to the Lauren classification. The 'virulence genotype' of 17 paired culture samples was determined by previously described and validated molecular techniques (cagA presence, vacA alleles, structure of the cag pathogenicity island and analysis of the iceA alleles). Categorical variables were analysed by the chi2 test. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients (median age 59 years) could be adequately matched to controls. 39/48 (81%) cases and 43/48 (90%) controls were H. pylori positive (NS). Significant differences in the virulence genotypes of infecting strains were noted: vacAs2-controls 24%, cases 0%, p < .00001; vacAs1 present - cases 100%, controls 76%, p < .05; cagA-3'-length > 650 bp - cases 47%, controls 0%, p < .002; cag pathogenicity island intact - cases 82%, controls 43%, p < .04; iceA1 - cases 53%, controls 6%, p < .005. cagA was found in all subjects. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that, in this African population at least, there is no difference in the prevalence of H. pylori infection when comparing gastric cancer cases with matched controls. However, the findings suggest that gastric cancer may be associated with infection by organisms that are genotypically different from those not associated with disease.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Coronary artery bypass grafting in non-dialysis-dependent mild-to-moderate renal dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: The effect of mild-to-moderate elevation of preoperative serum creatinine levels on morbidity and mortality from coronary artery bypass grafting has not been investigated in a large multivariable model incorporating preoperative and intraoperative variables. Our first objective was to ascertain the effect of a mild-to-moderate elevation in the preoperative serum creatinine level on the need for mechanical renal support; the duration of special care and total postoperative stay; the occurrence of infective, respiratory, and neurologic complications; and hospital mortality. Our second objective was to ascertain which patient variables contributed to an increase in the serum creatinine level in association with coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: A total of 1427 patients who had no known pre-existing renal disease and who were undergoing first-time coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass were recruited for the study. Patients were divided, on the basis of preoperative serum creatinine level, into 3 groups as follows: creatinine level of less than 130 micromol. L(-1); creatinine level of 130 to 149 micromol. L(-1); and creatinine level of 150 micromol. L(-1) or greater. A multivariable stepwise logistic regression analysis was used, and variables significant at the 5% level were included when developing the final multivariable models. RESULTS: Multivariable analysis showed that elevation of the preoperative serum creatinine level to 130 micromol. L(-1) or greater increased the likelihood of needing mechanical renal support postoperatively (P <.001), as well as the need for postoperative special care (P <.001) and total hospital stay (P <.001). In-hospital mortality was also significantly elevated as the preoperative creatinine level rose to 130 to 149 micromol. L(-1) (P =.045) and to 150 micromol. L(-1) or greater (P <.001). It was further observed that patients with preoperative serum creatinine levels of 130 to 149 micromol. L(-1) (P =.02), patients with preoperative serum creatinine levels of 150 micromol. L(-1) or greater (P =.001), hypertensive patients (P =.007), patients with angina of New York Heart Association class III or greater (P =.001), patients having a nonelective operation (P =.002), and patients having a prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (P =.008) had a significantly greater increase in the serum creatinine level as a result of coronary artery bypass grafting. Of particular note was the finding that the method of myocardial protection (cardioplegia or crossclamp fibrillation) did not significantly influence in-hospital mortality, need for mechanical renal support, or special care or total postoperative hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: A mild elevation (130-149 micromol. L(-1)) in the preoperative serum creatinine level significantly increases the need for mechanical renal support, the duration of special care and total postoperative stay, and the in-hospital mortality. As the preoperative serum creatinine level increases further (> or =150 micromol. L(-1)), this effect is more pronounced. No significant difference in outcome was observed between the use of cardioplegia or crossclamp fibrillation for myocardial protection.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

"Optimally spaced" excimer laser coronary catheters: performance analysis.

BACKGROUND: Excimer laser angioplasty is a percutaneous treatment modality for management of selected patients with severe obstructive coronary artery disease. This technology entails application of multifiber catheters that vaporize intra-arterial plaque and thrombus with the 308-nm wavelength light. A coronary laser catheter ("OS") with increased space between its optic fibers (90 microns) at the tip was recently developed. The previous design used a closely packed fiber bundle ("CP") with a smaller space between the fibers (77 microns). We sought to determine the ablation characteristics of the new, OS design. METHODS: Experiments testing the new catheter and comparing it to the existing catheter included: (1) measurement of the laser output beam sizes and divergences; (2) evaluation of particulate matter generation during ablation of atherosclerotic tissue; (3) measurement of ablation hole sizes and tissue penetration rates; (4) histopathologic examination of laser-induced in vivo vessel wall injury. RESULTS: The new OS catheters produce a wider beam with higher divergence than the traditional CP catheters (6.7 degrees vs. 4.7 degrees, respectively). Testing two different levels of energy revealed the generation of a reduced number of particulate matter and shallower penetration depth with the OS catheter compared with traditional CP catheters. The OS catheters created a larger diameter of ablated hole than the CP catheters (for 2.0-mm catheters: 2.7 mm2 vs. 1.5 mm2, respectively, p = 0.01). Lasing with the OS catheters with slow advancement rates (0.2-0.5 mm/sec) resulted in creation of significantly larger-diameter holes than those produced at higher speeds (1-3 mm/sec). The in vivo vessel wall injury scores were similar among the two types of catheters tested. CONCLUSIONS: A new design of spaced optical fibers for coronary laser catheters provides increased tissue ablation in comparison to the traditional closely packed fibers catheter. Slow advancement rates during lasing with the new OS catheter are crucial for achievement of adequate plaque debulking.

Absorption↗

PubMed2001

Brefeldin A affects adhesion of zoospores of the green alga Enteromorpha.

Primary adhesion of zoospores of the green macroalga Enteromorpha to substrata involves a massive release of adhesive glycoproteins from Golgi-derived, membrane-bounded vesicles in the anterior region of the spore, followed by rapid curing. This process is sensitive to low concentrations (5-10 microg x ml(-1)) of the secretion-inhibiting antibiotic, brefeldin A (BFA). The proportion of cells that settled in BFA was reduced by approximately 50%, but the effect was fully reversed by washing in seawater to remove the BFA. Ultrastructural observations showed that BFA caused the breakdown of Golgi stacks in the majority of cells examined. When settled cells were subjected to shear stress, a greater proportion of those settled in the presence of BFA were detached, compared with controls, indicating reduced adhesion strength in the presence of the antibiotic. The most likely reason for this is that strong adhesion to substrata either requires the synthesis of extra adhesive materials beyond those present in the swimming spore, or the secretion of an additional component required for adhesive curing. The novel use of atomic force microscopy in force modulation mode demonstrated that the adhesive secreted by most spores in the presence of BFA did not undergo the rapid curing process typical of control spores. However, some variation between zoospores was observed, with some cells showing no ultrastructural changes and normal adhesive curing. These results are discussed in relation to variations observed in the propensity and competence of spores to settle, which may be reflected in differential requirements for de novo synthesis and secretion of materials needed for full adhesion.

Antifungal Agents↗

PubMed2001

TTY2: a multicopy Y-linked gene family.

Genes involved in human male sex determination and spermatogenesis are likely to be located on the Y chromosome. In an effort to identify Y-linked, testis-expressed genes, a cDNA selection library was generated by selecting testis cDNA with Y-cosmid clones. Resultant clones containing repetitive or vector material were eliminated, and 79 of the remaining clones were sequenced. Nineteen cDNAs showed homology with the TTY2 gene, and indicated that TTY2 is part of a large gene family. Screening of a panel of Y-linked cosmids revealed that the TTY2 gene family includes at least 26 members organized in 14 subfamilies. Further investigation revealed that TTY2 genes are arranged in tandemly arrayed clusters on both arms of the Y chromosome, and each gene comprises a series of tandemly arranged repeats. RT-PCR studies for two of these genes revealed that they are expressed in adult and fetal testis, as well as in the adult kidney. None of the genes investigated in detail contain an open reading frame. We conclude that the TTY2 gene family is composed of multiple copies, some of which may function as noncoding RNA transcripts and some may be pseudogenes.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Effect of venlafaxine versus fluoxetine on metabolism of dextromethorphan, a CYP2D6 probe.

Two antidepressants, venlafaxine and fluoxetine, were evaluated in vivo for their effect on cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) activity, measured by the ratio of dextromethorphan, a sensitive CYP2D6 marker, to its metabolite dextrorphan (i.e., DM:DT) excreted in urine after DM coadministration. Twenty-eight healthy extensive metabolizers of CYP2D6 received either venlafaxine (37.5 mg bid for 7 days, then 75 mg bid until Day 28) or fluoxetine (20 mg daily for 28 days); 26 completed the study. Plasma concentrations of both drugs and their active metabolites were determined. DM:DTs were evaluated at baseline (Day 0), on Days 7 and 28 of dosing, and 2 weeks after drug discontinuation (Day 42). Steady-state drug and metabolite levels were achieved in both groups by Day 28. Mean DM:DTs for venlafaxine and fluoxetine differed statistically significantly (p < 0.001) on Days 7, 28, and 42. Comparisons of DM:DT as a percentage of baseline values showed that DM:DT increased 1.2-fold for venlafaxine and 9.1-fold for fluoxetine on Day 7 (p < 0.001) and increased 2.1-fold for venlafaxine and 17.1-fold for fluoxetine on Day 28 (p < 0.001). Inhibition of CYP2D6 metabolism persisted for 2 weeks after discontinuation of fluoxetine, unlike the case with venlafaxine. These in vivo results confirm in vitro data demonstrating significantly weaker inhibition of CYP2D6 with venlafaxine than with fluoxetine. This suggests that clinically significant interactions involving CYP2D6 inhibition could occur between fluoxetine and drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 but may be less likely to occur with venlafaxine.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed2001

Regeneration of articular cartilage chondral defects by osteogenic protein-1 (bone morphogenetic protein-7) in sheep.

The efficacy of osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1; BMP-7) in regeneration of articular cartilage was examined by creating knee chondral defects in sheep. With a specially designed instrument in both knees, two 10 mm (diameter) chondral defects were created: one in the trochlea and the other on the femoral condyle. The recombinant BMP was delivered via an extra-articulary positioned mini-osmotic pump, which was fixed to the femoral diaphysis above the knee joint, and connected by a polyethylene tubing to the articular space. Prior to use, the compatibility of OP-1 with mini-osmotic pumps was tested in vitro by measuring aggregation/precipitation and modification of the released protein by size exclusion and reversed phase HPLC. The average amount of aggregation was 15% and about 5% of OP-1 was modified. However, the biological activity of OP-1 released from pumps over a period of 2 weeks at 37 degrees C was equal to ROS cell assay OP-1 standard. Following surgery, a total of 55 microg (low dose) or 170 microg (high dose) OP-1 in acetate buffer (pH 4.5) was slowly released from the pump over a period of 2 weeks. The pumps connected to control knees were filled with acetate buffer as a vehicle. Twelve animals were operated, six of which were treated with the low OP-1 dose, and six with the high OP-1 dose. Three sheep of each group were killed either at 3 or 6 months following surgery, based on arthroscopical evaluation. The chondral defects in the control knees remained empty during the observation period. At 3 months following surgery, defects treated with both OP-1 doses were filled with connective tissue and cartilage. At 6 months following surgery, both doses of OP-1 stimulated regeneration in treated knees. The boundaries between new and old cartilage were well fused and mechanically resisted animals' weight bearing. The regenerated cartilage was rich in proteoglycans and type II collagen, as demonstrated by toluidine blue staining and immunohistochemistry. No signs of endochondral bone formation above the bony tidemark were observed. We suggest that a recombinant bone morphogenctic protein stimulates ingrowth of mesenchymal cells into the chondral defects which then transform into newly formed articular cartilage-like tissue.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PubMed2001

An outbreak of serogroup C meningococcal disease associated with a secondary school.

An outbreak of 3 cases of invasive meningococcal disease occurred in a secondary school on 2 campuses in Victoria. Despite having only one isolate (a C.2a:nst strain), meningococcal DNA was identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in early culture-negative blood specimens of the other 2 cases. Both were subsequently shown by PCR to be capsule serogroup C by PCR. An committee was formed to manage the response to the outbreak. Chemoprophylaxis was offered to family and children who had been in close contact with the cases. As one strain had been confirmed as being of a vaccine-preventable group, vaccination was offered to the whole school community as well as the families of cases. The direct costs of the outbreak to public health, which would have been identical whatever the causative serogroup, was $8,178. Vaccine charges accounted for most of the additional $56,941 cost of vaccinating the target group of 1600 students, staff, and families. No further cases have been associated with this outbreak.

Child↗

PubMed2001

Prevention of corticosteroid induced osteoporosis in inpatients recently discharged from a tertiary teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the medical conditions for which oral corticosteroids are prescribed and to determine the frequency and type of osteoporosis prophylaxis offered to these patients. METHODS: Medical records of all inpatients for the period March to October 1999 who were documented in pharmacy records as either having received continuous oral steroids for at least 3 months or who had at least 4 courses of oral steroids per year were examined for the following data: age, sex, medical condition for which steroids were required, dose and duration of steroid therapy, whether they were offered bone mineral density (BMD) scans, and whether they were offered drug prophylaxis for steroid induced osteoporosis and the type of drug prophylaxis offered. Followup telephone calls were made to verify patients' use of prophylactic treatment and to validate the chronic use of oral corticosteroids. Use of BMD testing was also validated by comparing the list of patients in this study with the records of bone densitometer units in the area. RESULTS: A total of 189 medical records were examined: 38% were women (n = 72) and 62% were men (n = 117), with an age range of 19-91 years; 73% were taking continuous steroid therapy, the remaining 27% had multiple courses of prednisolone through the year. Steroids were prescribed for respiratory (n = 82, 43%), rheumatological (n = 74, 39%), hematological (n = 16, 8%), dermatological (n = 8, 4%), and gastrointestinal conditions (n = 7, 4%). Chronic obstructive airway disease was the most common respiratory condition for which steroids were prescribed (77, 94%), and polymyalgia rheumatica (36%) and inflammatory arthritis (41%) were the most common rheumatological conditions for which steroids were prescribed. In total, 47% (n = 89) were offered BMD scans while 53% (n = 100) were not. Of the 100 patients not offered BMD scans, 21 (21%) were receiving some form of drug prophylaxis, while 79% of patients were not taking any form of drug prophylaxis. Prophylaxis consisted of calcitriol (64%), alendronate (11%), calcitriol and calcium (7%), calcium alone (7%), alendronate and calcium (3%), etidronate and calcium (2%), alendronate, calcitriol and calcium (1%), alendronate and calcitriol (1%), and hormone replacement therapy (4%). Rheumatologists utilized both BMD testing and prophylactic treatment twice as often in patients taking chronic oral corticosteroid treatment than other specialty physicians. CONCLUSION: Compared to literature reports, the use of prophylaxis for corticosteroid induced osteoporosis was relatively high at this teaching hospital, with a surprisingly large number of patients receiving this treatment with no monitoring by BMD measurements.

Administration, Oral↗