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Biomedical subjects

R J Powell

Publications and source records attributed to R J Powell.

173 records · Page 10Linked to original sources
PubMed1985

C-reactive protein levels in neutropenic patients with pyrexia.

This study describes the experience of a clinical haematology unit in dealing with pyrexial episodes in 62 patients. Serum C-reactive protein levels were serially estimated and proved to be useful in following the course of the illness. No significant difference could be demonstrated in the C-reactive protein levels of those patients with bacteriologically proven illnesses, those in whom a clinically evident infection was present, and those with a 'pyrexia of unknown origin'. However, those patients in whom disease activity was thought to be responsible for the pyrexia had significantly lower C-reactive protein levels compared with those patients who had a septicaemic illness.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Can the rapid semiquantitative estimation of serum C reactive protein be adapted for the management of bacterial infection?

Serum C reactive protein concentrations measured by a laboratory based assay were compared with the semiquantitative results obtained with a visual agglutination method (Well-cotest, CRP kit). Using this agglutination kit, diluting serum 1/10 and 1/20 gave C reactive protein results which could be of more clinical value than those obtained using the 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and 1/16 dilutions recommended by the manufacturers. The kit was also used on the ward by junior medical staff, who showed that after minimal training reproducible serum C reactive protein results could be obtained.

Bacterial Infections↗
PubMed1985

Class specific rheumatoid factors in rheumatoid arthritis: response to chrysotherapy and relationship to disease activity.

IgG rheumatoid factors (RF) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our study investigates the relationship between class specific RF levels measured by radioimmunoassay and disease activity in patients with RA undergoing chrysotherapy. Nineteen patients were treated with 20 mg disodium aurothiomalate weekly for 6 months. Rheumatoid disease activity was assessed before and after 6 months' treatment and the level of IgG, IgA and IgM RF measured. There were significant falls in disease activity (p less than 0.005), IgA RF (p less than 0.005) IgG RF (p less than 0.005) and SCAT (p less than 0.025), but not IgM RF, over the 6 month treatment period. No correlation was found between absolute levels of IgA, IgG or IgM RF and disease activity before or after 6 months' therapy but there was a highly significant linear correlation between reduction in IgG RF levels and fall in disease activity (r = 0.642, p less than 0.005) with treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

An improved assay for IgG rheumatoid factor: its value in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

A simple radioimmunoassay suitable for the routine estimation of IgG rheumatoid factors (IgG RF) has been developed. This involves determination of the amount of IgG RF binding to highly purified human IgG Fc on microtiter plates using a radiolabelled F(ab')2 preparation of an antihuman IgG Fd antiserum. A correction for nonspecific binding is made by subtracting sample reactivity with bovine serum albumin. Significantly elevated IgG RF levels were found only in patients with symmetrical peripheral erosive polyarthritis and in some patients with "mixed connective tissue disease."

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Thalidomide in severe orogenital ulceration.

Thalidomide was given to 15 patients with severe orogenital ulceration (OGU). 4 patients underwent a double-blind controlled trial with glutethimide as placebo and 11 were treated openly. Treatment with thalidomide produced complete resolution of ulcers in 14 and significant improvement in the remaining patient. No peripheral neuropathies developed. Patients did not respond to glutethimide. Thalidomide is an effective treatment for severe OGU. Adequate contraceptive measures should be taken during treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

C reactive protein concentrations in neonates: determination by a latex enhanced immunoassay.

A latex enhanced immunoassay on a centrifugal fast analyser was used to compare serum C reactive protein concentrations in maternal and neonatal blood. In the neonate the C reactive protein concentration at birth was less than 1.0 mg/l; the concentration rose slightly during the first two weeks of life. There was no correlation between C reactive protein concentrations in maternal and neonatal sera. No significant difference was found between the C reactive protein concentrations in blood obtained by either heel prick or venepuncture.

Blood Specimen Collection↗
PubMed1984

Serum complement levels.

The value of serum complement measurements to the clinician continues to increase as the intricate pathway is unravelled. These measurements are important in the investigation and monitoring of immunologically mediated diseases.

Complement Activation↗
PubMed1976

Double-blind clinical trial of 5-hydroxytryptophan in a case of Lesch-Nyhan syndrome.

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) treatment of a single case of Lesch-Nyhan syndrome showing compulsive self-mutilation, athetoid movements, and characteristic clinical biochemical picture was studied on a double-blind basis. 5-HTP or placebo was administered for seven fortnightly treatment blocks. 5-HTP produced a significant reduction of athetoid movement and a sedative effect but did not improve the patient's mood or reduce self-mutilation.

5-Hydroxytryptophan↗