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Biomedical subjects

S Bruce

Publications and source records attributed to S Bruce.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Pregnancy in sickle cell disease.

Risks associated with pregnancy for mothers with sickle cell disease and their infants have decreased markedly during the last decade. Among 79 women with sickle cell anemia (156 pregnancies), maternal death decreased from 4.1% before 1972 to 1.7% after 1972; their infants' fetal and perinatal death rates decreased from 52.7 to 22.7% (P less than .05), and from 33.3 to 27.3% among infants of women with sickle hemoglobin C disease. There has been a significant improvement in birth weight specific mortality and an increase in number of weeks' gestation from 34.7 to 37.4 (P less than .05). A higher percentage of sickle hemoglobin C disease mothers completed their pregnancies with no complications (43%) when compared with sickle cell anemia mothers (21%), thus identifying a subset of women for whom pregnancy does not represent an increased risk. These results are attributed to improvements in state-of-the-art medical, obstetric, and perinatal care.

Adult↗

Quinidine-induced photosensitive livedo reticularis-like eruption.

A 39-year-old white man who was taking quinidine developed a purpuric eruption in a photodistributed livedo reticularis-like pattern. This is the fourth reported case of a similar eruption in patients taking quinidine. Possible pathophysiologic mechanisms for nonthrombocytopenic drug-induced purpuras are discussed.

Adult↗

Emergency hysterectomy for obstetric hemorrhage.

From 1978 to 1982, 70 cases of emergency hysterectomy for obstetric hemorrhage were performed at Los Angeles County/University of Southern California Women's Hospital. Sixty hysterectomies followed cesarean section, and ten were performed for hemorrhage after vaginal delivery. The most common indication for hysterectomy was atony (43%) followed by placenta accreta (30%), uterine rupture (13%), extension of a low transverse incision (10%), and leiomyomata preventing uterine closure and hemostasis (4%). Hysterectomies performed for atony had a significant association with the following factors when compared to hysterectomies performed for other indications: 1) amnionitis, 2) cesarean section for labor arrest, 3) oxytocin augmentation of labor, 4) MgSO4 infusion, and 5) fetal weight. Fifty-seven percent of hysterectomies performed for placenta accreta were associated with a previous cesarean section. During the study period, 53% of all patients presenting at term with both a placenta previa and one or more previous cesarean sections, subsequently underwent hysterectomy for placenta accreta. Even with a broad inclusion of risk factors, only 74% of patients developing a hemorrhagic complication leading to hysterectomy can be identified before delivery.

Cesarean Section↗

Cutaneous mucinosis associated with thyroid dysfunction.

An unusual case of pruritic, papular cutaneous mucinosis in conjunction with hypothyroidism is described. Resolution of this disorder followed thyroid hormone supplementation. The various cutaneous mucinoses and the pathogenesis of mucin deposition are reviewed.

Adult↗

Weight reduction in a normal population.

Weight loss of more than 2 kg under the guidance of a trained nurse was achieved over a 12-month period in 38% of overweight hospital and transport workers. Males over 50 were the subgroup most successful in losing weight. Weight loss achieved by older males with an "off-hand" as compared with an "energetic" approach was similar up until nine months, after which the "energetic" approach was more effective. Females on an "energetic" diet were successful up until nine months only. The "off-hand" approach is acceptable to more people and is less time-consuming. It should therefore be seriously considered by a public health authority which seeks to promote weight reduction in the general community.

Adult↗

Endoscopy and gastric cancer.

In an attempt to assess the impact of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy on the outcome of patients with gastric cancer, we have studied 483 patients with gastric cancer from three centres with differing endoscopic practice. The introduction of an open access general practitioners endoscopy service led to a 10-fold increase in the number of endoscopies being performed per head of population, but there was no demonstrable effect on prognosis or on the duration of symptoms before diagnosis. There was no increase in the proportion of early gastric cancer diagnosed.

Gastroscopy↗

Knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy and compliance with medical regimen, number of emergency department visits, and hospitalizations in adults with asthma.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy and compliance with prescribed medical regimen, number of emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations in adults with asthma. METHOD: The sample consisted of 29 adults with a diagnosis of asthma. The relationship among knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and compliance with medical regimen was explored through use of a survey design. The Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-Efficacy Asthma Questionnaire and the Asthma Management Questionnaire that measured compliance were mailed to subjects' homes. Once completed, questionnaires were returned, and demographic data and number of ED visits and hospitalizations were obtained through a retrospective chart review. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between knowledge and attitudes and knowledge and self-efficacy. The more positive persons' attitudes toward their asthma, the higher their knowledge and self-efficacy scores. There were significant correlations between select demographic variables and knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy. Women scored higher on attitudes, persons with a college education scored higher on knowledge and attitudes, and persons with mild asthma scored highest on the self-efficacy scale. Compliance with use of peak-flow meters correlated with higher scores on the attitude and self-efficacy scales. The higher total compliance score group had significantly higher self-efficacy scores. In addition, higher self-efficacy scores correlated with lower numbers of hospitalizations. CONCLUSION: Attitudes and self-efficacy rather than knowledge had the most significant impact on compliance and number of ED visits and hospitalizations. The Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-Efficacy Asthma Questionnaire provides a means for nurses to assess patients' knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy regarding their asthma. Patients with low scores could be channeled into programs that would help them improve their ability to manage their asthma.

Adult↗

Photodynamic therapy: another option in cancer treatment.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT)--also called phototherapy, photoradiation therapy, or photochemotherapy--is a relatively new treatment option being used to treat certain types of cancer, including endobronchial and esophageal cancers. PDT is a two-step process that involves administration of a photosensitizing agent followed by exposure to non thermal laser light. Intensive patient education and support are required during PDT. In the immediate post-procedure period, patients require intensive monitoring to ensure that a patient airway is maintained and pain is alleviated. Photosensitivity persist for four to six weeks post-PDT; to avoid photosensitivity reactions, patients must adhere to specific recommendations to avoid exposure to light. PDT is noted for extending the life expectancy and improving the quality of life of patients.

Contraindications↗