New chromosomal abnormalities.
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Abnormalities, Multiple↗
Biomedical subjects
M Griffin
Publications and source records attributed to M Griffin.
Some Varieties of the Last Dorsal and First Lumbar Nerves.
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Journal Article↗
Enabling conception and pregnancy. Midwifery care of women experiencing infertility.
This article provides a comprehensive and thoughtful overview of primary midwifery care of the woman experiencing infertility. Midwifery assessment and management strategies that can assist women and their partners experiencing infertility to achieve a successful pregnancy are reviewed. In addition to physiologic considerations, the article addresses psychosocial, spiritual, legal, and financial issues essential to understanding the ramifications of infertility care. The authors frame their approach in a feminist perspective that enables the woman to achieve control of fertility and self-determination of care.
Female↗
Group therapy for depressed elders.
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Aged↗
Videotaped focus groups: transforming a therapeutic strategy into a research tool.
Focus groups have become a popular method of collecting data for research projects. The addition of using a videotaped approach has broad implications for researchers, as it allows constant replay of the session. Although on the surface this approach seems straightforward and easy to use, the authors caution that this is not an approach for the novice. Investigators planning to use a focus group method must be well versed in group process. There is an unpredictable nature to the focus group process, and researchers need to prepare for the inevitable mishaps that lead to lost opportunities for data collection.
Data Collection↗
'Real' epidemiology of varicose veins and chronic venous diseases: the San Valentino Vascular Screening Project.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and incidence of venous diseases and the role of concomitant/risk factors for varicose veins (VV) or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The study was based in San Valentino in Central Italy and was a real whole-population study. The study included 30,000 subjects in eight villages/towns evaluated with clinical assessment and duplex scanning. The global prevalence of VV was 7%; for CVI, the prevalence was 0.86% with 0.48% of ulcers. Incidence (new cases per year) was 0.22% for VV and 0.18% for CVI; 34% of patients with venous disease had never been seen or evaluated. The distribution of VV and CVI in comparison with duplex-detected incompetence (DI) indicates that 12% of subjects had only VV (no DI), 2% had DI but no VV, 7.5% had DI associated with VV, 2% apparent CVI without DI, 3% DI only (without CVI), and 1.6% both CVI and DI. VV associated with DI are rapidly progressive and CVI associated with DI often progresses to ulceration (22% in 6 years). VV without significant DI (3%) and venous dilatation without DI tend to remain at the same stage without progression for a lengthy time. New cases per year appear to have a greater increase in the working population (particularly CVI) possibly as a consequence of trauma during the working period. In older age (>80 years), the incidence of CVI tends to decrease. Ulcers increase in number with age. Only 22% of ulcers can be defined as venous (due to venous hypertension, increased ambulatory venous pressure, shorter refilling time, obstruction and DI). Medical advice for VV or CVI is requested in 164 subjects of 1,000 in the population. In 39 of 1,000, there is a problem but no medical advice is requested and in only 61 of 1,000, the venous problem is real. In VV in 78% of limbs, there is only reflux, in 8% only obstruction, and in 14% both. In CVI, 58% of limbs have reflux, 23% obstruction, and 19% both. In conclusion, VV and CVI are more common with increasing age. The increase with age is linear. There was no important difference between males and females. These results are the basis for future real, whole population studies to evaluate VV and CVI.
Adolescent↗
Foam-sclerotherapy, surgery, sclerotherapy, and combined treatment for varicose veins: a 10-year, prospective, randomized, controlled, trial (VEDICO trial).
The study compared, by a prospective, randomized method, 6 treatment options: A: Sclerotherapy; B: High-dose sclerotherapy; C: Multiple ligations; D: Stab avulsion; E: Foam-sclerotherapy; F: Surgery (ligation) followed by sclerotherapy. Results were analyzed 10 years after inclusion and initial treatment. Endpoints of the study were variations in ambulatory venous pressure (AVP), refilling time (RT), presence of duplex-reflux, and number of recurrent or new incompetent venous sites. The number of patients, limbs, and treated venous segments were comparable in the 6 treatment groups, also comparable for age and sex distribution. The occurrence of new varicose veins at 5 years varied from 34% for group F (surgery + sclero) and ligation (C) to 44% for the foam + sclero group (E) and 48% for group A (dose 1 sclero). At 10 years the occurrence of new veins varied from 37% in F to 56% in A. At inclusion AVP was comparable in the different groups. At 10 years the decrease in AVP and the increase in RT (indicating decrease in reflux), was generally comparable in the different groups. Also at 10 years the number of new points of major incompetence was comparable in all treatment groups. These results indicate that, when correctly performed, all treatments may be similarly effective. "Standard," low-dose sclerotherapy appears to be less effective than high-dose sclero and foam-sclerotherapy which may obtain, in selected subjects, results comparable to surgery.
Adult↗
Improvement of microcirculation and healing of venous hypertension and ulcers with Crystacide. Evaluation of free radicals, laser Doppler flux and PO2. A prospective-randomized-controlled study.
In 20 patients with chronic venous insufficiency and venous hypertension associated with ulcerations, the effects of a new compound, applied onto the skin (Crystacide) were assessed in a randomized, controlled study. Duplex scanning was used to assess the presence of venous obstruction and incompetence, and microcirculatory methods were used to assess and quantify venous microangiopathy and to follow up subjects after local treatment with Crystacide. Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) was used to assess skin perfusion in association with transcutaneous (tc) partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) measurements. Local plasma free radicals (PFR) were evaluated in the area surrounding the venous ulcer, with the D-Rom test. Crystacide was applied around and on the ulcer for 10 days. Crystacide was more effective than the control treatment: PO2 was increased, PFR and LDF were decreased (flux increase is associated with venous hypertension), and the ulcer area was significantly smaller at 10 days in the Crystacide group in comparison with the placebo group (p<0.05). In conclusion, in venous ulcerations, local treatment with Crystacide (10 days) improves the microcirculation and decreases skin free radicals improving healing.
Aged↗
Evaluation of the local effects of vitamin E (E-Mousse) on free radicals in diabetic microangiopathy: a randomized, controlled trial.
The aims of the study were to evaluate the short-term effects of a new thermosensitive, vitamin E (V-E) mousse on local free radicals (FR) and skin flux in diabetic microangiopathy. A group of 40 patients with diabetic microangiopathy was included. The variation in measurements of skin FR was evaluated by the D-Rom test. Subjects were between 45 and 65 years with type II diabetes and good metabolic control. E-mousse, a thermoactive preparation of acetate vitamin E (20%), was applied twice daily on the whole surface of the leg (below knee) and foot for 3 weeks. The contralateral leg was untreated acting as control. Subjects with age between 45 and 65 years with type II diabetes (diagnosed at least 5 years before) and good metabolic control (blood sugar < 180 mg/dL) were included after informed consent. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and severe lower limbs infections were excluded. Local free radicals (FR) and laser Doppler flux including the venoarteriolar response (VAR) were evaluated. The tolerability was evaluated by a semiquantitative score. Of the 40 included patients 34 completed the study. The 2 groups were comparable. At 3 weeks there was no decrease in FR in controls; the decrease in the treatment group was 45.3% (p < 0.05). Also in the treatment group RF decreased (p < 0.05) and the VARveno improved from an average of 21% to an average of 38% (p < 0.05). No significant variations were observed in the control group. The variation in symptomatic score was from a total value of 8 to 5 in the control group and from 8 to 1 in the treatment group (p < 0.02). Their tolerability was good. In conclusion local treatment with E-mousse for 3 weeks in diabetic microangiopathy improves skin microcirculation and the metabolic condition as shown by the decrease in FR.
Administration, Topical↗
Prevention of venous thrombosis in long-haul flights with Flite Tabs: the LONFLIT-FLITE randomized, controlled trial.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the development of edema, and superficial and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis with an oral profibrinolytic agent (Flite Tabs, 150 mg pinokinase, Aidan, Tempe, AZ, USA) in long-haul flights (7-8 hours), in high-risk subjects. A group of 300 subjects was included; 76 were excluded for several problems including concomitant treatments; 204 were randomized into 2 groups (active treatment or placebo) to evaluate the effects of prophylaxis with Flite Tabs. An exercise program was used in both groups. The femoral, popliteal, tibial, and superficial veins were scanned with ultrasound before and within 90 minutes after flights. Of the included subjects, 92 of 103 controls and 94 of 101 treated subjects completed the study. Dropouts were due to connection problems. Age, gender, and risk distribution were comparable in the groups. In the treatment group, no DVT was observed. In the control group, 5 subjects (5.4%) had a DVT and there were 2 superficial thromboses (7 events in 92 subjects; 7.6%). At inclusion, edema was comparable in the 2 groups. After flights there was an increase in score in controls (+12%) in comparison with a decrease (-15%) in the Flite Tabs group (the difference in variation was statistically significant). Intention-to-treat analysis for thrombotic events shows 18 failures in controls (11 lost to follow-up + 7 thrombotic events) of 92 subjects (19.6%) in comparison with 7 failures (of 94 subjects, equivalent to 7.4%) in the treatment group (p < 0.05). Events were asymptomatic. In conclusion, Flite Tabs were effective in reducing thrombotic events and in controlling edema in high-risk subjects in long flights.
Adult↗
Peer coaching: an intervention for individuals struggling with diabetes.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the value of peer coaching and its influence on behavior change. METHODS: Coaches who were known to be successfully managing their diabetes were paired with individuals who were struggling with behavior change associated with managing diabetes. The pairs were matched according to age, sex, and physical appearance. Coaches met initially with participants in a face-to-face meeting for 1 hour and talked with them once a week for 10 to 15 minutes for the next 8 weeks. The initial interview and subsequent phone conversations focused on the person's problems and efforts at behavior change. RESULTS: At the end of the study, the pairs participated in a videotaped focus group to discuss their views on coaching and its influence on behavior change. Participants reported that coaching was personal, useful in disease management, and helpful in their quest to establish and adhere to routines of care. Participants also reported making progress toward changing their behavior related to diet, exercise, and blood glucose monitoring. Sustained behavior change was not measured. CONCLUSIONS: Peer coaching appears to have merit as a viable, low-cost intervention with the potential of helping individuals with diabetes who need to change their behavior.
Diabetes Mellitus↗
Setopress vs Elastocrepe in chronic venous ulceration.
Venous ulceration is a major problem, particularly in the elderly population. It causes stress to the patient and treatment can be time-consuming. Compression therapy is considered to be the most appropriate non-invasive treatment of venous ulcers. It is generally accepted that composite bandage systems are most efficacious using a long-stretch or short-stretch bandage system. The study reported has compared a long-stretch bandage (Setopress) with a short-stretch bandage (Elastocrepe) over a 16-week period in the treatment of patients with venous ulceration. The trial was a prospective, randomized, observer-blind, parallel group study. Thirty-two patients (male and female) with a total of 39 ulcers completed the trial. After 15 weeks, 11 of 19 ulcers treated with the long-stretch bandage and 7 of 20 ulcers treated with the short-stretch bandage had healed. The differences were not statistically significant. After 15 weeks, the ulcer healing rate for the long-stretch bandage was 58% compared with 35% for the short-stretch bandage. The combined proportion of ulcers healed or improved was statistically significantly greater in the long-stretch bandage group.
Bandages↗
Multiplane transesophageal echocardiography: a basic oblique plane patient imaging sequence.
We have previously reported a standardized 10-step sequence of monoplane (transverse plane) transesophageal two-dimensional echocardiographic views and a standardized 7-step vertical plane examination, both suitable for expeditious intraoperative use by the beginning practitioner. A multiplane transesophageal examination involves transverse plane views, vertical plane views and the remaining "in-between" oblique plane views. This report describes a sequence of specific oblique views to be used as a framework for the completion of a multiplane transesophageal examination. Each of these steps is illustrated with a two-dimensional echocardiographic image, a matching diagram and a schematic representation of the corresponding axis of interrogation. This description of oblique plane imaging, therefore, completes the components of a multiplane transesophageal examination.
Aorta↗
Transesophageal echocardiographic imaging workshop: a basic transverse plane examination sequence.
This workshop describes a 10-step sequence of transverse plane two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic views of the heart and great vessels that constitutes a basic standardized examination capable of being performed by a beginning practitioner.
Aorta↗
Treatment of severe intermittent claudication with pentoxifylline: a 40-week, controlled, randomized trial.
The efficacy, safety, and cost of pentoxifylline (PXF) in the treatment of severe intermittent claudication were studied comparing PXF and placebo in a randomized 40-week study. A treadmill test was performed at inclusion and at the end of weeks 20 and 40. A progressive training plan and the control of risk factors (with antiplatelet treatment) were used in both groups. Of the 200 included patients, 178 completed the study: 88 in the PXF group and 90 in the placebo group. There were 22 dropouts. The two groups were comparable for age, sex distribution, and for the presence of risk factors and smoking. There was a significant increase in pain-free walking distance (PFWD) in both groups. The absolute and percent increase in PFWD was significantly greater in the PXF group (p<0.05). At 20 weeks, the increase was 360.5% in the PXF vs 252% in the placebo group. At 40 weeks, the increase was 386% in the PXF and 369% in the placebo group (p<0.02). Total walking distance (TWD) increased at 20 weeks (up to 254%) and up to 329% at 40 weeks. In the placebo groups the increase was 158% at 20 weeks and 183% at 40 weeks. The excess increase produced by PXF treatment was 30% at 20 weeks and 38% at 40 weeks (p<0.02). Unwanted effects treatment was well tolerated. No serious drug-related side effects were observed. In summary, between-group analysis favors PXF considering walking distance and costs. Results indicate good efficacy and tolerability.
Aged↗
Treatment of long-distance intermittent claudication with pentoxifylline: a 12-month, randomized trial.
The efficacy, safety, and cost of pentoxifylline (PXF) in long-range (>400 m interval) intermittent claudication was studied comparing PXF and placebo in a 12-month study. A standardized treadmill test was performed at inclusion and at 6 and 12 months. A training plan based on walking was associated with the control of risk factor levels. Of the 194 included patients, 135 completed the study: 75 in the PXF group and 60 in the placebo group. There were 59 dropouts (due to low compliance). The authors observed a 148% increase in total walking distance (TWD) at 6 months with PXF (vs 110% with placebo; p<0.05); at 12 months, the increase was 170% with PXF (vs 131% with placebo; p<0.02). There was a 38% difference at 6 months and 39% at 12 months in favor of PXF. Treatment was well tolerated. In conclusion, PXF improved walking distance significantly better than placebo.
Aged↗
Treatment of vascular inner ear disease with pentoxifylline: a 4-week, controlled, randomized trial.
The efficacy of pentoxifylline (PXF) in vascular inner ear disease (VIED) was studied comparing PXF and placebo in a 4-week study; 60 patients with unilateral loss of hearing, vertigo, dizziness, tinnitus (analyzed with an analogue scale line), and cochlear flow reduction were included. The aim of the study was to study the effect of PXF (1800 mg/day) in VIED considering clinical outcome and cochlear flow. All patients completed the study. Improvement in cochlear flow (p<0.05) and a decrease in score in both groups were observed. The cochlear flow increase was 287.5% in the PXF group vs 168% in the placebo group (119.5% difference; p<0.02). There was a difference in score decrease (44.1% larger) in the PXF group (p<0.05). PXF was more effective considering flow and symptoms.
Cochlea↗
Treatment of vascular inner ear disease in vascular patients with pentoxifylline: a controlled, randomized trial.
The efficacy of Pentoxifylline in vascular inner ear disease (VIED) was studied comparing PXF and placebo in a 4-week study; 40 patients with vascular disease and monolateral loss of hearing, vertigo, dizziness, tinnitus (analyzed with an analogue scale line), and cochlear flow reduction were included. The aims of the study were to study the effects of PXF (1600 mg daily) in VIED considering clinical outcome and cochlear flow. Of the 20 included patients, 19 completed the study. One dropout in the placebo group was due to low compliance. Intention-to-treat analysis indicated an improvement in cochlear flow (p<0.05) and a decrease in score in both groups. The cochlear flow increase was 287.5% in the PXF group vs 168% in the placebo group (119.5% difference; p<0.02). There was a difference in score decrease (44.1% larger) in the PXF group (p<0.05).Between-group analysis favors PXF considering blood flow and symptoms. Results indicate good efficacy and tolerability of PXF in VIED.
Cochlea↗