Biomedical subjects
A A Rozycki
Publications and source records attributed to A A Rozycki.
Evaluation and risk factors of latex allergy in spina bifida patients: is it preventable?
Allergic reactions to latex, varying from urticaria to life-threatening IgE-mediated anaphylaxis, have been described in patients with spina bifida. In a study of 50 patients 60% had a latex allergy identified by history, a radioallergosorbent test and/or a skin prick test. Latex allergic patients had undergone statistically more surgical procedures than nonallergic patients (9.5 versus 6.7) with a p value of 0.03. The presence of latex allergy did not correlate with the number of intra-abdominal procedures (1.9 versus 1.4) or with the number of years on clean intermittent catheterization (7.7 versus 5.9). These results suggest that latex allergy is acquired through multiple exposures due to breakdown of blood tissue barriers. Therefore, we recommend that all patients with spina bifida undergoing surgery be evaluated for latex allergy and that all surgical procedures in spina bifida patients, from the time of birth, be performed in a latex-free environment.
Recreational propane inhalation in an adolescent male.
Propane inhalation may be widespread, yet only a few cases have been reported. The victims were usually found dead, and only one other report describes firsthand the sought-after effects. We report on a 17 year-old male with a six month history of repeated inhalation. The patient manifested no pathophysiologic signs, but the ready availability of propane may result in an increase in its abuse. This activity carries considerable risk for trauma and/or sudden death. Our patient was able to recruit others to the practice by finding ways to avoid some of the unique, inherent deterrents.
Intraoperative anaphylactic reaction due to latex hypersensitivity.
Severe anaphylactic reaction secondary to latex allergy has lately been recognized and reported especially in individuals with spina bifida. We report a case of severe intraoperative anaphylactic reaction due to latex allergy. Preoperative testing for latex allergy may be helpful in determining latex allergy. We suggest a preoperative management protocol for patients who are thought to have latex allergy. An increased awareness to latex allergy will help avoid this potentially catastrophic event.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: occurrence in a child after reconstructive surgery.
The occurrence of the rare but potentially fatal neuroleptic malignant syndrome must be considered by the surgeon treating a patient who develops hyperthermia, mental abnormalities, autonomic instability, and muscle rigidity after exposure to phenothiazines or other neuroleptic drugs. The dopamine agonist bromocriptine appears to be the treatment of choice in adults and seemed to be effective and well tolerated in our patient. Although the syndrome cannot be prevented, recognition is crucial, since effective general and specific therapy is available. Differentiating neuroleptic malignant syndrome from malignant hyperthermia allows early appropriate treatment with bromocriptine.
Dandy-Walker malformation in identical twins.
The mother of a stillborn anencephalic child subsequently had twins with macrocephaly due to a cystic malformation of posterior brain structures, compatible with the Dandy-Walker syndrome.
Kerion caused by Trichophyton verrucosum.
A 12-year-old girl developed a severe inflammatory fungal infection of the scalp caused by Trichophyton verrucosm. The infection resulted in scarring alopecia. The natural history, differential diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of this infection of the skin are reviewed.
Central alveolar hypoventilation in a child: an evaluation using a whole body plethysmograph.
A disorder in the central nervous system control of breathing is thought to be responsible for the clinical syndrome of "primary" or central alveolar hypoventilation. Only 2 of the 7 reported cases in children have included any functional evaluation of this control system disorder. We report the case of a 2-year-old girl with central alveolar hypoventilation attributed to an abnormality in be central nervous system of unknown etiology. In evaluating her ventilatory control system, we used a method (whole body pleildren and small animals but has since received little clinical use. The findings included an irregular respiratory rhythm and a diminished ventilatory response to inhaled CO2, which suggested a functional abnormality of brainstem neurons responsible for rhythmic effective breathing and the CO2 response. A relatively normal change in breathing with sleep and exercise as well as qualitively normal peripheral chemoreceptor function suggested that these aspects of the control system were undisturbed. These findings are contrasted to those in other children; it is suggested that the syndrome of central alveolar hypoventilation may reflect a variety of functional abnormalities in the nervous system control of ventilation.