Biomedical subjects

K V Straaton

Publications and source records attributed to K V Straaton.

21 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1991

Insufficiency fractures of the distal tibia misdiagnosed as cellulitis in three patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

We describe 3 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who presented with diffuse pain, swelling, and erythema of the distal aspect of the lower extremity, suggestive of either cellulitis or thrombophlebitis, but were found to have insufficiency fractures of the distal tibia. The value of technetium-99m diphosphonate bone scintigraphy in the early recognition of these fractures and a possible explanation for the associated inflammatory symptoms are discussed.

Aged↗

PubMed1991

Strategies for reducing excess morbidity and mortality in blacks with systemic lupus erythematosus.

The epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus suggests that the excess morbidity and mortality in blacks with the disease is related to lower socioeconomic status. Poverty and factors associated with poverty are powerful predictors of poor outcome in a variety of chronic diseases, and lupus appears to be no exception. A body of studies in other illnesses suggests ways to neutralize, at least partially, the disadvantages of lower socioeconomic status, even though the root causes of poverty may be insurmountable. These include improving access to quality health care; targeting educational programs to promote recognition and understanding of the disease and the comorbid conditions that affect outcome; implementing programs to improve self-monitoring and adherence to medical regimens; developing opportunities to facilitate homemaking, childrearing, and working outside the home; and applying psychosocial interventions to enhance self-confidence and social support. Improved access to quality health care may actually lead to a decrease in health care costs.

Black or African American↗

PubMed1988

Clinically significant valvular heart disease in systemic lupus erythematosus.

PURPOSE: Clinically significant valvular heart disease due to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has generally been considered rare, and Libman-Sacks endocarditis has been thought to be predominantly an autopsy finding. With the declining prevalence of rheumatic heart disease, however, the spectrum of valvular heart disease is changing. We retrospectively analyzed our experience with SLE between 1975 and 1987 for the presence of hemodynamically significant valvular heart disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An existing data base of 421 patients with SLE was selected for review. Patients were selected for inclusion in the study if they met four or more of the criteria of the American Rheumatism Association for SLE, they had clinically significant valvular heart disease, and tissue from the involved valve was available for review. The etiology of the valve lesion was determined by assessment of the clinical history, chart review, gross morphology, and valve histology. RESULTS: Of 14 cases with pathologic material available for review, six had anatomic features of SLE valvular heart disease such as verrucous vegetations or valvulitis with necrosis and vasculitis. Two of these patients underwent successful valve replacements and four died from complications of their valve disease. CONCLUSION: We suggest that significant morbidity and mortality may result from SLE valvular heart disease in about 1 to 2 percent of SLE patients and that the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying valve dysfunction in SLE patients are multifactorial.

Adolescent↗