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Biomedical subjects

W Walker

Publications and source records attributed to W Walker.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1977

Effect of maternal parity and infant sex upon the haematological values of cord blood.

Coulter Counter (Model S) analysis of 400 cord blood samples are presented, together with differential white cell counts for 249 of these. The mean values for haemoglobin and red cell count are somewhat higher than previous values determined by manual methods, while those for haematocrit and mean cell volume are slightly lower. An unexpected finding was that the red cell count, haemoglobin concentration, and haematocrit, are significantly higher in male than in female infants. A parity effect was also demonstrated: infants of both sexes born as second or subsequent births had lower values for total white cell count, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit, than first-born infants.

Birth Weight↗
PubMed1977

Nocturnal metiamide treatment in the management of healed duodenal ulceration.

This paper presents the results of a pilot study to investigate whether the administration of a nocturnal dose of metiamide (the first orally active H2 receptor antagonist) would prevent or delay the relapse of duodenal ulceration after initial ulcer healing. Sixteen patients took part in a double-blind trial to compare metiamide (400 mg) with placebo. Endoscopically confirmed duodenal ulcer relapses occurred in two out of eight on metiamide and six out of eight on placebo. There was a significant prolongation of remission in those in those on the active drug with an apparent reduction in duodenitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Bacterial endocarditis due to Haemophilus parainfluenzae.

We have evaluated three patients with Haemophilus parainfluenzae endocarditis. Two of the three had underlying heart disease. All presented with fever, chills and malaise of less than two weeks' duration. Mitral valve involvement led to congestive heart failure in two of three cases. Treatment proved difficult, despite normally adequate dosages of antibiotics to which the pathogens were sensitive in vitro (ampicillin, 12-20 gm/dag; gentamicin, 3-5 mg/kg/day). Two patients were cured; one died. There was a suggestion of an inverse correlation between vegetation mass and favorable clinical response. Review of the English literature disclosed 22 documented cases of H parainfluenzae endocarditis, including 12 in the antibiotic era.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1976

Splenectomy in childhood: a review in England and Wales, 1960-4.

An investigation was carried out of 821 children under the age of 16 years who were subjected to splenectomy in England and Wales during the 5 years 1960-4. A postal follow-up study provided satisfactory information concerning 96 per cent of these. Excluding early postoperative deaths, practically all the cases were followed up for 2 years or more and 70 per cent for more than 5 years. Forty-nine children had died since operation, 32 from underlying disease and 17 from infection. Fifty children (6 per cent of the survivors) had major infections considered to be due to the primary condition aggravated by splenectomy. Seven died, all from the primary disease. Sixteen children (2 per cent) developed septicaemic illnesses and 10 died. In these the effect of splenectomy was considered to be the primary factor. Fourteen of the 16 had been operated on in the first 4 years of life. Practically all the serious infections occurred within 3 years of operation and pneumococcus was the organism most frequently implicated. Ninety per cent of the splenectomies in childhood were performed for accidental injury, congenital haemolytic anaemia or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Accidental injury to the spleen rarely occurs in very young children, and in the other two conditions splenectomy can usually be safely delayed untile over the age of 3 years. If this is achieved it is estimated that the unavoidable risk of dangerous infection is less than 1 per cent. One in 10 splenectomies will be carried out for severe and potentially fatal illnesses and in this situation the risk from operation is of secondary importance. Many such conditions carry increased susceptibility to infection per se or because corticosteroids or other immune suppressants are used in their management. It is recommended that splenectomy be avoided if at all possible during the early years of life. It is further recommended that prophylactic penicillin be administered for 3 years following operation whatever its indication and whatever the age of the patient. If the underlying condition itself carries risk of infection more active and more prolonged prophylaxis may be indicated.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1976

Intrauterine transfusion in the management of severe rhesus isoimmunization.

In the ten years between 1965 and 1974, 2227 patients with rhesus isoimmunization were seen at the Newcastle centre. The antibody titre and previous history were the basis on which patients were selected for amniocentesis and determination of the amniotic fluid bilirubin ratio. There were 288 patients with a bilirubin ratio which was greater than 1-1: of these 206 were treated by intrauterine transfusion (IUT). Evidence for the belief that the treated and untreated groups were similar is presented. The overall survival rates were 44 per cent for cases treated by intrauterine transfusion and 50 per cent for those not treated in this way. The mortality directly attributable to the procedure was at least 20 per cent and did not take into account errors of selection nor accidents associated with amniocentesis.

Amniotic Fluid↗
PubMed1976

An analysis of career enquiries made to a school of radiography over a five-year period.

A follow-up enquiry form is described and results provided from a survey over a five-year period. The information gained has enabled a further and we hope more searching questionnaire to be designed. At the time of producing the pro-forma in 1969, career and salary prospects in radiography were not as good as at present. The Halsbury Report in May 1974 was a great advantage to the paramedical professions as a whole. It will be interesting to see how recruitment and job availability proceed over the ensuing five years.

Allied Health Personnel↗