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Biomedical subjects

R M Kerr

Publications and source records attributed to R M Kerr.

29 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1980

Sensitivity of double-contrast barium enema: emphasis on polyp detection.

Colonoscopically verified lesions (230 in 178 patients) were reviewed and compared to results of double-contrast barium enema studies performed by radiologists specifically interested in gastrointestinal disease. Eighteen carcinomas and 22 cases of colitis found endoscopically were accurately identified radiographically. In 140 patients with 190 polyps, 16 lesions were missed radiologically, a false-negative error for polyps of 8.4%. All undetected polyps were distal to the splenic flexure with the majority located in the sigmoid colon. Thus, the double-contrast barium enema study was quite effective in finding colon polyps, particularly proximal to the splenic flexure.

Barium Sulfate↗
PubMed1979

Behavioral science and family practice: a status report.

The purpose of this study was to assess the current status of behavioral science instruction in family practice residency training programs. The primary areas of interest were: (1) characteristics of those who teach behavioral science (number of persons teaching behavioral science by discipline and academic degree, number and percent of time behavioral science personnel employed, work responsibilities, academic unit responsible for instruction, description of those who provide inservice training in behavioral science ), (2) the relative importance of various behavioral science topics as perceived by faculty/staff (21 topics), and (3) preferred methods of instruction. The data revealed a wide variety of persons involved in behavioral science instruction, a strong emphasis placed on communication and counseling skills, and similar, but not innovative, teaching methods used for behavioral science instruction.

Behavioral Sciences↗
PubMed1979

Secondary achalasia in esophagogastric carcinoma:re-emphasis of a difficult differential problem.

Six cases of esophagogastric junction carcinoma are reviewed, with emphasis placed on differential diagnosis between achalasia and carcinoma. All six had abnormal motility with aperistalsis being the most common finding. Three patients demonstrated tapering of the distal esophagus simulating achalasia. Patients over 40 with recent onset of esophageal symptoms and radiographic signs suggesting achalasia should be suspected of harboring carcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1967

Use of 125-I- and 51-Cr-labeled albumin for the measurement of gastrointestinal and total albumin catabolism.

A method for the simultaneous measurement of gastrointestinal protein loss and total albumin turnover entailing the use of a combination of (125)iodine- and (51)chromium-labeled albumin is described. Albumin turnover was calculated by the measurement of albumin-(125)I plasma decay and cumulative urinary excretion, and the results obtained agreed closely with previous studies utilizing albumin-(131)I. Gastrointestinal catabolism was calculated from the rate of fecal excretion of (51)Cr and the specific activity of plasma albumin-(51)Cr, and these data were related to the calculated albumin turnover results. During the period of 6-14 days after administration, the ratio of specific activties of albumin-(125)I and -(51)Cr in plasma and in extravascular spaces or gastric and biliary secretions remained almost identical. Fecal excretion of (51)Cr was also quite stable at this time. In six normal subjects gastrointestinal catabolism accounted for less than 10% of total albumin catabolism. Excessive gastrointestinal protein losses did not contribute to the low serum albumin in three patients with cirrhosis or in two adults with the nephrotic syndrome. Multiple mechanisms leading to hypoalbuminemia were demonstrated in other subjects with a variety of gastrointestinal disorders.

Albuminuria↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Defecography: results in 55 patients and impact on clinical management.

We reviewed the medical records and defecograms in 55 consecutive patients to determine the impact of results of defecography on clinical management. Main indication for defecography was constipation, present in 40 (73%) of 55 patients. In the remaining 15 patients, indications included obstructed defecation (5), incontinence (5), and miscellaneous symptoms (5). Defecography evaluated pelvic floor motion by assessing changes in the anorectal angle (ARA) and anorectal junction (ARJ) during various maneuvers, extent of evacuation, and structural abnormalities. Patients were grouped based on results of defecography as being normal (26) or abnormal (29). Comparison of measurements of the ARA and ARJ with various maneuvers showed no significant differences between the two groups. Clinical impact was determined by analyzing therapy done following defecography and subsequent patient response. In the normal group, 15 patients were managed medically, seven surgically, and four lost to follow-up. Clinical improvement occurred in 13 (59%) of 22 patients, with similar results between medical (60%) and surgical (57%) therapy. In the abnormal group, 16 had medical management, seven surgical therapy, and six lost to follow-up. Clinical improvement occurred in 13 (57%) of 23 patients but surgical therapy showed more improvement. In conclusion, most standard measurements of the ARA and ARJ were of no value in determining abnormality. Results of defecography did not alter selection of medical or surgical therapy, and had little impact on patient response to therapy.

Anal Canal↗