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Biomedical subjects

M A De Kock

Publications and source records attributed to M A De Kock.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

Cross-sectional study of uranium mine workers to develop predictive equations for lung functions with reference to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

As the first part of a prospective epidemiological study of the lung function and dust exposure of workers at the Rössing Uranium Mine in SWA/Namibia, various measurements of lung function of 1,407 workers were carried out. This was necessary in order to follow up any chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that might develop. The opportunity was used to test existing prediction formulae and to develop formulae for normal values for workers at the Rössing mine.

Adult

Functional classification of chronic airflow limitation based on flow-volume and single-breath nitrogen washout criteria.

A simple means of functional classification of the individual patient has been devised. The performance of a forced flow-volume manoeuvre in concert with a single-breath nitrogen washout procedure in 54 comprehensively investigated patients with chronic airflow limitation yielded two parameters which could be employed in classification. A normalized alveolar nitrogen slope (FEV1/FVC X delta N2%) greater than 4.0% per litre clearly delineated emphysema. The peak flow ratio (PEFR/PIFR%) categorized other subgroupings: a value in excess of 100% strongly suggests primary bronchial disease, while a lower value almost certainly indicates a mixed functional disorder.

Forced Expiratory Flow Rates

A comprehensive on-line computerised lung function screening test.

An on-line computerised lung function screening test is described which prints out 22 lung function parameters and a functional diagnosis. The complete test with print-out data takes less than 8 min per patient which implies that more than 60 out-patients can be 'screened' per day. Furthermore, for patients about to undergo major surgery a lung function operative risk grading is also available. The developed computer system is comparatively inexpensive, simple to operate and can be immediately on-lined to most apparatus without special interfacing. The total screening system can be operated by a single technologist and the required respiratory manoeuvres can be performed by almost all patients irrespective of the degree of lung function impairment. Although comprehensive in itself the screening test has been invaluable in deciding upon which patients require more intensive and time-consuming lung function investigations.

Computers

Clinical experience with amikacin, a new aminoglycoside antibiotic.

Amikacin, a new semisynthetic aminoglycoside antibiotic, was administered parenterally to 20 patients suffering from severe Gram-negative bacterial infections. The antibiotic was found to be highly effective in controlling infection. It was well tolerated and no signs of nephro- or otoxicity were observed. The few side-effects which were seen appeared to be dose-related. The recommended 12-hourly dosage regimen has also proved useful in medium- to long-term management of refractory pulmonary infections.

Adolescent