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Biomedical subjects

A Merino

Publications and source records attributed to A Merino.

76 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
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[Digital computerized absorptiometry in the diagnosis of osteoporosis in a group of the severely mentally retarded].

BACKGROUND: The loss of bone mass after a certain age is a physiological fact that, in certain circumstances, is capable of inducing osteoporosis. In the diagnostic strategies for this condition, densitometry is a well-accepted technique now widely used. On patients with severe mental retardation, a number of circumstances come into play and may foster a greater frequency of osteoporosis. GOAL AND SCOPE OF STUDY: The goal of the study is to identify the bone mineral density values in a group of severe mentally retarded individuals using a digital densitometry technique in order to compare these with the general population and investigate the possible influence on these values of certain clinical variables and therapeutic regimens. VOLUNTEERS: One hundred and ninety-two patients of both sexes and treated at an institution devoted to the study and care of severely mentally retarded individuals. ACTIONS TAKEN: In all cases, the bone mineral density value has been obtained by means of digital densitometry using a compact desktop system using dual X-ray absorption measurement technology The data obtained have been contrasted with sex, age, degree of mobility and anti-epilepsy or sedative medication. RESULTS: In the population under study, the bone mineral density is significantly lower than that of the general population: 25% present osteopenia and 22% osteoporosis. These results are associated with the fact that they move little and are regularly taking phenobarbital medication. The population with Down's syndrome is also seen to be a group at risk. CONCLUSIONS: Osteoporosis is frequent among severe mentally retarded patients. The greatest risk is associated with insufficient mobility, Down's syndrome and regular medication with phenobarbital. Digital densitometry is a simple procedure that may be useful to identify the true dimension of this problem and the efficacy of the various preventive or curative procedures put forward.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
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[Acute myocardial infarction in patients over 65 years of age].

Three hundred and ten patients, 129 under sixty-five years (group A) and 181 over this age (group B), were studied to determine the clinical differences between young and elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction. Women were significantly more present in group A and heavy smokers in group B. Hypertension, although not significantly, was more frequent among the elderly. Serial ECG and enzyme determinations followed the same classic pattern in both groups. Age did not influence neither the localization of the infarction nor the incidence of subendocardial infarction. Young patients remained more often in functional class I, whereas class IV was twofold more frequent among the older. First and second degree A-V block were equally present in the two groups, while third degree A-V block was significantly more frequent in patients over 65. Finally, as expected, in-hospital mortality was significantly higher (34% vs 16% p less than 0.001) among the older patients.

Aged↗