Biomedical subjects

R Brilliant

Publications and source records attributed to R Brilliant.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1998

The enigma of giant cell arteritis: multidisciplinary management of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Giant cell arteritis is an enigmatic disease that is characterized by chronic granulomatous inflammation of the walls of large and medium-sized arteries. The process has a predilection for the extradural cranial arteries, which include the ophthalmic and the posterior ciliary arteries. A multisymptom disease of older individuals, giant cell arteritis often manifests challenging issues and diagnostic dilemmas. CASE REPORTS: We illustrate two cases with initial symptoms of intermittent headache, malaise, and decreased visual acuity that were incorrectly diagnosed or ultimately misdiagnosed. The first case represents a patient who was diagnosed as having migraine headache and an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) that was interpreted by the attending physician as too low to warrant temporal artery biopsy. The second case is that of a patient who had a history of headaches, jaw claudication, and numerous medical evaluations. CONCLUSION: Giant cell arteries is an enigmatic disease with multiple manifestations. The differential diagnoses can range from temporal mandibular joint dysfunction to tension headache. Imminent vision loss as a sequelae of this condition warrants careful review of ocular and constitutional history and prompt treatment.

Aged↗

PubMed1993

Use of spectacle mounted telescope systems by the visually impaired.

BACKGROUND: Spectacle mounted telescope low vision aids are designed to magnify objects Spectacle telescopes are often rejected by the visually impaired because of their unusual cosmetic appearance which may call attention to their disability. METHODS: Fifty-six subjects were recruited at four independent low vision clinics and divided into two categories: 24 were current wearers of expanded field spectacle mounted telescope systems, and 32 were new wearers. New wearers underwent a randomized cross-over trial, comparing the experimental device (Ocutech VES) to one of two controls (DFV Expanded Field or Walter's Keplarian Close-focus Telescope). RESULTS: Our data show that previous telescope wearers increased their use of telescopes after introduction of the experimental device (Ocutech VES) and there was an equivalent utilization rate for new wearers. CONCLUSIONS: Visual activity patterns are not a sensitive measure of telescope benefit, but frequency of use patterns do change and appear to demonstrate a valid benefit of spectacle mounted telescopes for the visually impaired.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1991

The Ocutech Vision Enhancing System (VES): utilization and preference study.

An NIH-sponsored user and prescriber preference trial was conducted comparing a new low vision telescope system, the Ocutech Vision Enhancing System (VES) to two conventional Keplarian spectacle telescope systems in a controlled cross-over clinical study performed at four independent low vision clinics. Fifty-five visually impaired individuals, 18-81 years of age, with both previous and no telescope experience, were followed for 8-16 weeks. The experimental and control devices were compared on a series of subject-selected visual tasks using a standardized clinical protocol. Subjects were trained in the use of the systems with standardized clinical methods. The data shows a statistically significant preference of the new design by both patient and clinician with the overriding factors relating to appearance, weight, adjustability and the fit of the frame.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1987

Use of intravenous methylprednisolone in acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Twenty newly diagnosed children with acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) with a platelet count (PC) of less than 20,000 were treated with intravenous methyl prednisolone (IVMP) 5 mg/kg/day in four divided doses until the platelet count increased to 50,000/mm3. They were then placed on oral prednisone at conventional doses for a total of three weeks of steroid therapy. The platelet counts increased by an average of 55,000/mm3 within 48 h of treatment. Within 72 h (day 3) of treatment all patients achieved a PC of greater than 20,000/mm3. By day 5, all 20 patients achieved a PC of greater than 50,000. IVMP is highly effective in rapidly raising the PC in acute ITP above the critical level of 20,000, thereby reducing the duration of risk for intracranial hemorrhage (ICH).

Adolescent↗

PubMed1985

Amorphic lenses: a mobility aid for patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

An amorphic lens, designed by William Feinbloom, was tested on 69 patients with retinitis pigmentosa. The results showed that one-half of the patients experienced immediate improvement in mobility and one-third of the patients fitted with the amorphic lens reported (after wearing the lenses for 2 weeks) improved mobility compared to their mobility before using the lens.

Equipment Design↗