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Biomedical subjects

L Fischer

Publications and source records attributed to L Fischer.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Serial sevens versus world backwards: a comparison of the two measures of attention from the MMSE.

This paper reports on a comparison of the two alternative tests of attention in the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), a well-known cognitive screening tool. The two tests, serial subtraction by seven and backwards spelling of the word world, are often used interchangeably. In a large population-based sample, the two tests were found to be weakly associated with each other, with the former test appearing more difficult, although both were strongly associated with educational level. The authors discuss the implications of this finding in clinical and research settings, and make recommendations for more consistent use of the instrument.

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Late progress of radiation-induced proctitis.

Sixty-five patients with late radiation-induced proctitis who presented after a median latency of 13 months (range 6 months to 43 years) were studied retrospectively. As a result of progression new colorectal injuries had occurred in 53 patients (82%): stricture (n = 33), fistula (n = 19) and perforation (n = 1). Fourty-one patients had progression of their lesions to the small bowel or urinary tract. Only seven patients had no progression of their radiation injuries after the initial episode proctitis. Surgery was required in 15 patients with strictures, in 18 patients with fistulas, and in one patient with perforation. Thirty-two patients were managed conservatively. Fifteen patients died, given an overall radiation induced mortality of 23%. Factors significantly influencing mortality were coexisting injuries of the small bowel or urinary tract. Age, stage of primary malignant disease, and previous laparotomy did not influence outcome. After a median observation period of 11 years, 35 patients were alive, of whom 18 (51%) had a fair outcome; 12 continued to have slight or moderate symptoms (34%) and five disabling symptoms (14%). Ten patients had died from unrelated causes, and five from recurrent cancer. Because radiation-induced proctitis is likely progresses, it can not be characterised as a harmless manifestation of late radiation injuries.

Colorectal Neoplasms↗