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Biomedical subjects

R Simo

Publications and source records attributed to R Simo.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

Per-operative antibiotic/steroid prophylaxis of tympanostomy tube otorrhoea: chemical or mechanical effect?

The per-operative instillation of ototopical antibiotic/steroid drops reduces the incidence of early otorrhoea after tympanostomy tube insertion. Whether this is due to the chemical properties of the antibiotic/steroid or simply the mechanical instillation of fluid is unclear. In this paired matched study of 161 subjects Gentisone HC was shown to significantly reduce the otorrhoea rate compared to normal saline (1.24 per cent compared with 9.32 per cent, p < 0.005, difference 8.07 per cent, 95 per cent confidence interval for difference 3.21 per cent to 12.93 per cent). Capillary viscosimetry proved Gentisone HC to be more viscous than normal saline. The benefits are due to Gentisone HC's chemical properties, and Gentisone HC rather than normal saline instillation per-operatively is recommended when tympanostomy tubes are inserted.

Anti-Bacterial Agents

Treatment of rhinophyma with carbon dioxide laser.

Rhinophyma is a slowly progressive, disfiguring disorder of the nose which represents the end stage of acne rosacea. The cosmetic deformity is often the reason for patients to seek medical attention. Over the years many treatment modalities, including dermabrasion, electrocautery, excision and grafting, decortication and cryosurgery amongst others, have been described to treat this condition, but none of them are very satisfactory. Special concern about the droplet dispersion of blood in dermabrasion have made this method less acceptable as it poses a potential risk to health workers. We describe a technique in which this proliferative disorder can be treated, using carbon dioxide laser excision and vaporization. This method provides a very dry surgical field which allows the sculpting of the hypertrophic areas to be very effective, giving a very satisfactory cosmetic result.

Aged

Genetic analysis of seven Mediterranean families with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A.

OBJECTIVE: Genetic analysis is now essential for the accurate screening of families with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). We present the genetic analyses by both haplotype and direct RET proto-oncogene mutation analysis in seven Mediterranean MEN 2A families and have compared these results with biochemical screening tests and pathological examinations. DESIGN: Total DNA was extracted from leucocytes. Linkage analysis was performed using five RFLP systems from three loci that flank the MEN2A locus (FNRB, RBP3, D10S15). RET proto-oncogene analysis was carried out by automatic DNA sequencing and adequate digestion of PCR amplified products for exons 10 and 11. Screening for medullary thyroid carcinoma or C-cell hyperplasia was performed by the pentagastrin provocation test. Adrenal medullary function was assessed by measurements of 24-hour urinary excretion of catecholamines and their metabolites. Serum calcium and phosphate measurements were the initial screen for hyperparathyroidism. Serum PTH was determined only if hyperparathyroidism was suggested by the former determinations. PATIENT: Genetic study was performed in 59 individuals (39 at risk) from seven kindreds of Mediterranean origin with MEN 2A. RESULTS: Diagnosis by linkage analysis was not possible in 30% of individuals at risk, but RET proto-oncogene analysis identified all these individuals. Mutations of the RET proto-oncogene were detected in exon 10 (codon 618) in one MEN 2A kindred and in exon 11 (codon 634) in the others. The results of direct analysis were concordant with linkage studies in each case. Three individuals from different MEN 2A kindreds, who were subsequently shown not to be gene carriers, had false positive pentagastrin stimulation tests. CONCLUSION: Biochemical tests can be replaced by direct DNA mutation analysis as the first line screening test in order to identify gene carriers of MEN 2A.

Base Sequence

Extratemporal facial nerve paralysis after blunt trauma.

Presented are two patients in whom facial palsy developed after blunt trauma to the side of the face. Both patients made a complete and uneventful recovery. The etiology of a facial nerve lesion can be established through knowledge of the possible sites of injury to the facial nerve, good history taking and physical examination, together with appropriate tests. The prognosis of an injury secondary to blunt trauma is generally good.

Adult

Evaluation of Surgicel Nu-knit, Merocel and Vasolene gauze nasal packs: a randomized trial.

A randomised, prospective trial to evaluate Surgicel Nu-knit with Vasolene ribbon gauze and Merocel packs, respectively. Sixty patients (36 males and 24 females) undergoing bilateral nasal surgery, each having the same procedure performed on both sides, were recruited. The mean age was 49 years (range: 16-70 years). At operation, Surgicel Nu-knit was placed in one nostril, the other nostril was randomised to Vasolene gauze or Merocel. Twenty-four hours post-operatively, patients were asked to assess the discomfort experienced in either side of the nose while the packs were in position and on removal. The length of time and estimated amount of bleeding following removal of packs were also assessed. Surgicel Nu-knit caused significantly less discomfort both while in position and on removal than Vasolene gauze (p < 0.01, respectively). Compared to Merocel sponges, Surgicel Nu-knit caused significantly less discomfort on removal (p < 0.01). Bleeding following removal was also significantly less compared to the other packs. One patient in the Surgicel group required a general anaesthetic to remove a retained pack fragment. At 6-week follow-up, no nasal complications were noted in all of the groups.

Cellulose, Oxidized

Head bandaging following otoplasty--how we do it.

One of the most common problems following otoplasty is that the bandage applied at the time of surgery slips prematurely, falling over the patient's eyes and thereby requiring replacement. We present a simple technique which prevents this from occurring.

Bandages

Fish bones and other foreign bodies.

In this prospective study the types of foreign body ingested, sites of impaction, radiographical findings, management and outcome in 81 patients were recorded. We have demonstrated that foreign bodies can be conveniently divided into 'fish bones' and 'others', in terms of their sites of impaction (P < 0.0001), the age groups affected, whether dentures were worn or not (P < 0.02) and their respective management (P < 0.001). Statistical analysis supporting these observations has not been previously reported.

Adolescent

Large-surface hemodialysis.

A hemodialysis device with a surface of 5 m2, a blood flow (QB) of 500 ml/min, and a dialysate flow (QD) of 1,000 ml/min has enabled the authors to obtain in 6 h/week the same clearances for urea, creatinine, uric acid, phosphates, and vitamin B12 as has conventional hemodialysis (CH), which takes from 12 to 15 h/week. Twenty-five patients were hemodialyzed throughout 1 year with CH and another year with large-surface hemodialysis, 20 with a creatinine clearance (CCr) of 0.5 ml/min and 5 with a CCr between 0.5 and 4.5 ml/min. All followed a free diet and led a normal life. Hemodialysis time was 6 h/week, and the results obtained were equal to those of the previous year with a CH of 12 h/week. The use of a bicarbonate dialysate rich in glucose, with a relatively high level of potassium and sodium, can avoid the disequilibrium syndrome caused by quick hemodialysis and makes possible the removal of excess liquid in only 6 h/week, without disturbances for the patient.

Adult