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Biomedical subjects

M G Wilson

Publications and source records attributed to M G Wilson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Fluoxetine vs. tricyclic antidepressants in women with major depressive disorder.

Major depressive disorder and dysthymia are twice as prevalent in women as in men, and the lifetime risk of a woman's developing a major depressive disorder is about 20%. Yet depression is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed in women, and only about one quarter of women who meet criteria for major depressive disorder receive appropriate therapy. Until recently, women were generally excluded from clinical drug trials because of concerns of inadvertent pregnancy and risk of teratogenicity. Thus, information on safety and efficacy in those most likely to require antidepressant therapy is lacking. Studies have shown that the antidepressant fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) has a more tolerable side effect profile than do tricyclic amine (TCA) antidepressants, but few data have been reported on the efficacy and tolerability of fluoxetine or other SSRIs in female patients. In this study, a retrospective analysis of 11 randomized, double-blind, well-controlled trials was done to compare data from 427 female patients on fluoxetine and 423 female patients on TCAs. Both fluoxetine and TCAs significantly reduced the HAMD17 total mean score from baseline to end point, week 5 (fluoxetine, 24.35 to 14.37; TCAs, 24.57 to 14.43; p < 0.001). Both treatment groups were associated with significant reductions in the HAMD17 anxiety/somatization and insomnia subfactor scores. Abnormal vision, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, and somnolence occurred more frequently (p < 0.05) in the TCA group. Insomnia and nausea were the only adverse events more common (p < 0.05) in the fluoxetine group. This study demonstrates that fluoxetine is an effective and tolerable agent for the treatment of major depressive disorder in women.

Adult

Management of the rheumatoid hindfoot with special reference to talonavicular arthrodesis.

In the patient with rheumatoid arthritis, involvement of the hindfoot is common. If conservative management fails, surgical treatment should be considered before the development of a fixed deformity. In patients with isolated talonavicular disease, arthrodesis of this joint provides excellent pain relief and seems to prevent future deformity.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid

A work-systems analysis of compliance with universal precautions among health care workers.

Universal precautions are work practices designed to protect health care workers from occupational exposure to HIV and other bloodborne pathogens. However, despite aggressive dissemination efforts by CDC and regulatory action by OSHA, compliance remains less than satisfactory. This article argues that the minimization of risk from bloodborne pathogens requires a multilevel or work-systems perspective that considers individual, job/task, and environmental/organizational factors. The available literature on universal precautions suggests the potential of such an approach and provides insight into the limited success of current worker-focused mitigation efforts. In particular, specific opportunities exist to develop and apply engineering controls, to improve the design and organization of jobs and tasks, and to create organizations that facilitate and reinforce safe behavior.

Blood-Borne Pathogens

Isolated proximal femoral osteotomy for treatment of residua of congenital dysplasia or idiopathic osteoarthrosis of the hip. Five to ten-year results.

We retrospectively reviewed the five to ten-year results of an isolated proximal femoral osteotomy in two groups of patients. One group consisted of seventeen patients (eighteen hips) who had a residual deformity resulting from congenital dysplasia of the hip; there were fifteen women and two men, and the mean age was thirty-three years (range, twenty-four to fifty-eight years). The other group included sixteen patients (sixteen hips) who had idiopathic osteoarthrosis; there were three women and thirteen men, and the mean age was forty-eight years (range thirty-eight to fifty-seven years). Both groups were evaluated clinically and radiographically, at a mean of 6.1 years (the patients who had residua of congenital dysplasia) and 6.7 years (the patients who had idiopathic osteoarthrosis). Of the seventeen patients who had residual deformity resulting from congenital dysplasia, eight (eight hips) were completely satisfied with the result of the osteotomy at least five years postoperatively; the joint space was improved in five of these patients (five hips) at the latest radiographic evaluation. Nine patients (ten hips) were not satisfied with the result of the osteotomy at the time of the most recent follow-up; four of the (four hips) had a subsequent total hip arthroplasty. Of the sixteen patients who had idiopathic osteoarthrosis, six were completely satisfied with the result of the osteotomy at least five years postoperatively. The joint space was improved in only two patients at the latest radiographic evaluation. The osteotomy did not provide lasting pain relief for seven patients, all of whom had a subsequent total hip arthroplasty. In both diagnostic groups, the most enduring clinical improvement occurred in hips that had the least evidence of osteoarthrotic changes on the preoperative radiographs. In addition, in the group that had residual deformity resulting from congenital dysplasia, the best outcomes were seen in hips with the least degree of acetabular dysplasia.

Adult

Efficacy and safety of long-term fluoxetine treatment of obesity--maximizing success.

Obesity is a major health care concern because of its associated medical complications and increased mortality. Despite a myriad of short-term weight loss strategies and the motivation of improving health, patients have difficulty maintaining reduced weight. Pharmacologic agents, such as fluoxetine, a selective serotonin uptake inhibitor, have been investigated as adjunctive therapy to standard weight management programs. Extended therapy with fluoxetine has demonstrated clinically meaningful benefits on weight loss and obesity-associated medical conditions in double-blind placebo-controlled studies. However, the magnitude of these benefits for individuals vary. Such findings are consistent with the belief that the obesity syndrome has differing etiologies. Accordingly not all patients are likely to benefit from a particular therapy. Studies should identify patient subgroups that are more likely to respond to a specific therapy. In this study of 719 fluoxetine-treated and 722 placebo treated patients in four multicenter, randomized, double-blind, long-term clinical trials, we investigated possible predictors of a beneficial long-term outcome from fluoxetine therapy. Patients' age, current smoking activity, and baseline uric acid concentration were predictors of a meaningful long-term treatment effect. Further review of the weight loss patterns of patients achieving long-term success provided the basis for a treatment monitor. Use of the predictors and the treatment monitor are strategies to maximize the benefits of therapy through improved patient selection and monitoring during a therapeutic program.

Double-Blind Method

Long-term fluoxetine treatment of bulimia nervosa. Fluoxetine Bulimia Nervosa Research Group.

BACKGROUND: A large collaborative 8-week study has shown fluoxetine to be effective and safe in treating patients with bulimia nervosa. The present study evaluated fluoxetine over 16 weeks. METHOD: Fifteen US out-patient psychiatry clinics conducted a double-blind parallel study in men and women with DSM-III-R bulimia nervosa (483 patients entered, 398 randomised [3:1 ratio, fluoxetine 60 mg/day or placebo], 225 completed). Outcome measures included change in vomiting and binge-eating episodes per week. Eating Disorder Inventory, Clinical Global Impressions and Patient's Global Impression. RESULTS: Compared with placebo, fluoxetine treatment resulted in significantly greater reductions in vomiting (F[1,360] = 14.73, P < 0.0001) and binge-eating (F[1,360] = 14.39, P = 0.0002) episodes per week at endpoint and improvement in other outcome measures. Adverse event, vital sign and laboratory analyses indicated that fluoxetine was safe. CONCLUSION: Fluoxetine appeared to be safe and effective in patients with bulimia nervosa for up to 16 weeks.

Adolescent

Fixed low-dose versus adjusted higher-dose warfarin following orthopedic surgery. A randomized prospective trial.

Orthopedic patients are at a high risk for developing venous thromboembolism, yet only a fraction of eligible patients receive anticoagulation prophylaxis after hospital discharge. This pilot study compared the efficacy of a fixed 2 mg/d dose of warfarin versus an adjusted higher dose of warfarin for 1 month after discharge to prevent the development of proximal leg deep venous thrombosis among recently discharged orthopedic patients. After standard inhospital treatment with adjusted higher-dose warfarin and a predischarge leg ultrasound to exclude deep venous thrombosis, 96 orthopedic patients were randomized just prior to discharge to either fixed low-dose (n = 49) or adjusted higher-dose warfarin (n = 47). At the 6-week follow-up evaluation, ultrasonographically confirmed, asymptomatic, proximal leg deep venous thrombosis occurred in two patients (4%). Both patients were randomized to the fixed low-dose group, although one remained on adjusted higher-dose warfarin throughout the trial. No patient in either group developed major bleeding complications. Further studies should be undertaken to further test fixed low-dose warfarin for venous thromboembolic prevention in high-risk orthopedic patients.

Female

Racial differences in the use of total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis among older Americans.

The purpose of this study was to determine differences in the use of total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis among black and white older Americans and to determine whether clinical and economic factors contribute to these differences. Data on black and white Americans aged 65 years and older were gleaned from national Medicare hospitalization records for 1980 through 1988 and the Medicare enrollment file for 1987, the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 1971 through 1975, the National Hospital Discharge Survey of 1979 through 1988, the 1980 through 1988 US census counts and estimates, and 1980 census economic data. Information gathered includes prevalence of osteoarthritis of the knee among blacks and whites; rate of total knee arthroplasty use in the United States by race, sex, and age of subjects at the time of operations; use of competing procedures; and economic factors. Results showed that blacks were less often treated with total knee arthroplasty than were whites (white-to-black rate ratios = 3.0 to 5.1 for men and 1.5 to 2.0 for women) but had nonsignificantly higher rates of clinical osteoarthritis of the knee (white-to-black rate ratios = 0.39 for men and 0.78 for women). This racial difference in total knee arthroplasty rates was consistent across income levels and was unexplained by black patients' having operations at earlier ages or using competing procedures. Furthermore, the discrepancy occurred even among Medicaid-eligible Medicare recipients, who had no direct economic disincentive for surgery. These findings suggest that even though elderly blacks have higher rates of knee osteoarthritis, they do not receive total knee arthroplasty as often as do elderly whites. This discrepancy does not appear to have an economic explanation. Even if a comprehensive care system were in place to remove economic barriers, inequality in the use of this procedure would likely persist. Future studies should assess the nonclinical and noneconomic causes of these differences.

Black or African American

Bipolar socket in protrusio acetabuli. 3-6-year study.

Twenty-two hips with protrusio acetabular deformity in 14 patients received bipolar socket hemiarthroplasty combined with bone-grafting to the medial wall defect. The surgical technique included crushed cancellous grafting and attention to adequate rim contact for the socket. Results were evaluated at a mean of 54 months after surgery (range, 36-76 months). On hip had thigh pain attributable to a loose femoral component. No patient had groin pain at follow-up examination. A satisfactory range of motion was achieved in all but one case, and an average increase of 40 points in the Harris hip score was realized. Radiographically, all acetabuli were returned to a more normal, inferolateral position. Socket migration (measured relative to the teardrop) in the range of 3-7 mm was noted in 5 hips; the remaining 17 hips displayed no or minimal migration of the socket (< 3 mm). The bipolar socket with crushed cancellous graft appears to be an acceptable surgical alternative in protrusio acetabuli, providing a reliable relief of pain, satisfactory functional results, and a restoration of acetabular bone stock in the majority of cases.

Acetabulum

Diagnostic fiberoptic bronchoscopy in patients with community-acquired pneumonia. Comparison between bronchoalveolar lavage and telescoping plugged catheter cultures.

We compared the diagnostic value of quantitative cultures of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and telescoping plugged catheter (TPC) samples in 40 patients with moderately severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). None had received antibiotics previously. BAL quantitative cultures were performed in 13 control patients without pneumonia. In 28 (70 percent) patients, TPC cultures yielded > or = 10(3) cfu/ml of a pathogenic bacterium in pure culture. In 27 of these cases and in four additional cases, BAL cultures yielded > or = 10(3) cfu/ml. BAL cultures from the control group were sterile in seven cases, yielded normal flora in three cases, and yielded microorganisms thought to be not significant in two cases. Microbiologic agreement was reached by both TPC and BAL for 32 (84 percent) of 38 microorganisms recovered. Quantitative cultures from both techniques correlated very well (r = 0.71, p < 0.0001). We conclude that both TPC and BAL have similar accuracy to determine etiologic diagnosis of CAP. There was good qualitative and quantitative agreement between both techniques.

Adolescent

Birth prevalence of Down syndrome in a predominantly Latino population: a 15-year study.

The birth prevalence of Down syndrome (DS), although decreasing in parts of the world, is not known in many specific subpopulations. The rate of DS for live births was determined for a 15-year period (1974-1988) at the Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center, which is a large public hospital serving a predominantly Latino population. DS was ascertained primarily by clinical monitoring of newborn infants. The overall rate of DS was 1.60/1,000 live births and had minimal fluctuation throughout the 15 years. The rate of DS for Latino births was 1.69/1,000 live births, 1.67 when adjusted for maternal age, and 1.75 when corrected for prenatal diagnosis. The high rate of DS in the Latino population was associated with advanced maternal ages and increased maternal-age specific rates for DS, especially in the age ranges of 30 to 34 and 40 to 44 years, when compared with other studies.

Adolescent

Cost effectiveness of work-site cholesterol screening and intervention programs.

A study was conducted to evaluate the costs and cost effectiveness of behavioral interventions designed to reduce high serum cholesterol levels in a manufacturing population. A sample of 3202 employees participating in a screening was separated into four intervention groups and a control group. All four intervention groups received an educational program of varying length (1 or 3 months). Two of these groups also received incentives. A second screening was conducted after the interventions to determine effectiveness. The 1-month educational intervention with incentive and the 3-month educational intervention had the lowest costs per participant ($46.28 and $53.09, respectively) and costs per borderline high or high risk participant reducing cholesterol greater than 10% ($285.89 and $351.56) and the greatest effectiveness per dollar spent (0.60 and 0.62). The cost-effectiveness analyses were affected by the impact of the intervention and participation rate. Sensitivity analyses showed that increasing participation had a greater impact on the less cost-effective interventions.

Adult

Cholesterol reduction in the workplace and in community settings.

Recent emphasis has been placed on the role of serum cholesterol in the development of cardiovascular disease and on reducing high serum cholesterol levels through a screening followed by a behavioral intervention. However, evidence about the effectiveness of this technique in reducing cholesterol has yet to be evaluated. A review of the biomedical and allied health literature was conducted to determine the effectiveness of reducing serum cholesterol levels in the general population through the use of a screening to identify those at risk followed by a behavioral intervention. Only worksite and community based studies published from 1980-89 were reviewed. Seven worksite and four community studies were identified. All studies used total serum cholesterol as the dependent variable while some included other physiological measures. The majority of studies used a multicomponent intervention involving dietary education, exercise, smoking cessation, or weight reduction components. The interventions tested lasted from 14 weeks to five years and varied from low intensity to high intensity. The methods of intervention ranged from face-to-face interaction to mail and telephone counseling. Although many of the studies reviewed contain methodological flaws, certain findings are evident. The studies show that cholesterol can be reduced through a screening followed by a behavioral intervention, the multicomponent program is the most effective intervention, and low intensive interventions are as equally effective as high intensive interventions. Program implications and future research directions are discussed.

Cholesterol

Total knee arthroplasty: a population-based study.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is being used increasingly for the management of chronic arthritis of the knee. In this report, we review the frequency of application of TKA in the population of Olmsted County, Minnesota, from 1971 through 1986. The utilization rate of TKA increased from 20.5 per 100,000 person-years for 1971 through 1974 to 60.8 per 100,000 for 1983 through 1986. Although rates were higher in women, they increased with advancing age in both sexes. Rates between the urban and rural populations of Olmsted County did not differ. The two most common underlying diseases that necessitated TKA were osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; they were the cause of more than 90% of all operations. By extrapolating the rates of TKA in Olmsted County to the total 1986 US population, we estimate a need for at least 143,000 TKAs annually at a direct cost of more than $2.3 billion each year.

Adult

Program for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in high-risk orthopaedic patients.

Postoperative orthopaedic patients remain at risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) after hospital discharge. Therefore, the authors designed and implemented a program for prevention of VTE that included outpatient adjusted-dose warfarin using twice-weekly prothrombin time (PT) determinations, a dedicated telephone line for PT results, and vigilant nurse-physician supervision to administer prophylaxis to 125 postoperative orthopaedic patients against VTE for an average of 31.4 days after discharge. PT was maintained between 13.2 and 18.3 seconds (1.1-1.5 x control) in the average patient. There was a failure rate of 3.2% and 0.8% for clinically suspected and radiologically confirmed deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), respectively. The rate of bleeding complications was 3.2%, but none of these patients required transfusion or hospital readmission for hemorrhage. The authors conclude that the described program for VTE prevention is a safe, effective, and practical program to administer prophylaxis to postoperative orthopaedic patients against clinically evident VTE for the first month after hospital discharge.

Adult

Capsular impingement as a source of pain following bipolar hip arthroplasty.

Concerns regarding the extent and predictability of pain relief with bipolar hemiarthroplasty have been raised. Inconsistent clinical results have been reported, with persistent postoperative groin pain noted in some patients. A diverse number of bipolar operative techniques have been reported, but discussion of the surgical treatment of capsular tissue has usually been omitted. Although the source of postoperative pain is difficult to determine, the authors report the relief of groin pain after a capsulectomy in a patient with a preexisting bipolar hemiarthroplasty, thus offering one possible etiology.

Adult

Growth retardation in Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome.

Postnatal growth records of 13 patients with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome indicate that the syndrome is associated with continuing severe growth retardation and marked microcephaly. In spite of severe retardation, these patients (with one exception) survived beyond infancy.

Abnormalities, Multiple