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Biomedical subjects

C Fitzpatrick

Publications and source records attributed to C Fitzpatrick.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Teenage girls attending a Dublin sexually transmitted disease clinic: a socio-sexual and diagnostic profile.

Over a 12 month period, 32 teenage girls attended the sexually transmitted disease clinic in the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin for the first time, accounting for 17.8% of all first visits. Their mean age was 18.2 years (range 15-19 years). Twenty-four (75%) were from social class V. Five (15.6%) were abusing drugs. The mean age of first coitus was 16.1 years (range 13-19 years). The mean number of sexual partners was 1.8 (range 1-5). Four (12.5%) had been sexually abused in the past. Fourteen (43.8%) had never used contraception. Twenty-three (71.9%) were nulligravidae: 2 were diagnosed as being pregnant in the clinic. Twelve (37.5%) were unaware of cervical cytology screening. Of 29 having intercourse without condoms, none considered themselves to be at risk of contracting HIV from their present partner. A total of 26 diagnoses were made in 23 patients (71.9%). The most common diagnosis was ano-genital condylomata acuminata (6, 18.8%); Chlamydia trachomatis was located in 2 patients and Neisseria gonorrhoea in one. Mild to moderate dyskaryosis was reported in 4 cervical smears (12.5%). This data highlights the need for priority targeting of this high risk group.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Clinical note: childhood neurotic disorders with a sexual content need not imply child sexual abuse.

Two cases are described of childhood obsessional states in which the content of the symptomatology led parents and professionals to suspect child sexual abuse. Following assessment it was felt, on the balance of probabilities, unlikely that child sexual abuse had occurred in either case. Both children had previously engaged in "sex play" with peers. Maternal attitudes to sexuality were felt to have influenced their daughters' views about sexual behaviour and to have contributed to the children's guilt feelings. Response to appropriate treatment was rapid and has been sustained in the short-term. The importance of avoiding lengthy and possibly damaging assessment procedures in such cases is discussed.

Behavior Therapy↗
PubMed1990

Cultural differences in family communication about Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

This study compared the patterns of communication and use of professional support systems of Irish and American families with sons with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Structured interviews were used with the parents of 34 Irish boys and 21 American boys attending the muscular dystrophy services of Central Remedial Clinic, Dublin, and Children's Hospital, Boston. A matched control group was interviewed in each culture to compare use of professional support systems. Difficulties in communicating about DMD with their spouses and with their affected sons were reported by significantly more Irish parents than by their American counterparts. More Irish parents had never spoken about DMD with their affected sons. American DMD families reported significantly more contact with professional support systems than did the Irish families. Factors which may contribute to these cultural differences are discussed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1989

A new system for port films.

A novel system for port films is described which incorporates a high-quality fluorescent screen lying behind a flat, heavy-metal screen or filter and the film pressed between them is not an X ray type but a single-emulsion, very high contrast graphics or line-type film. In experimental comparisons using 4 MV, 6 MV, and 25 MV photon beams, the new Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute (PMCI) system produced clearer images, about X2 higher in contrast yet lower in relative noise levels, than did the conventional commercially-available systems which use x-ray film between heavy-metal screens. Direct clinical comparisons, chiefly using 6 MV accelerators, confirmed that anatomical details were correspondingly better visualized and in general, the PMCI port film could be matched against the simulator radiograph with greater confidence. Routine use for greater than 2 yr in this Institute (4000 new patients per yr, 20 cassettes made for use with four 6 MV accelerators) has shown the PMCI system to be an economical and practical device, giving reproducibly high quality images in all the common port film applications.

Humans↗
PubMed1986

Psychiatric disorder among boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The prevalence of psychiatric disorder in 23 boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy was assessed and compared to a matched control group. Dysthymic disorder and major depressive disorder occurred significantly more often among DMD boys than controls. Older boys with DMD were at greater risk of depressive disorder than younger boys. Possible aetiological factors and approaches to management are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Communication within families about Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

An interview with parents of 23 boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) suggested that communication within families about the disorder presented difficulties for both parents and the boys. Spouses rarely discussed the condition and for many this was not a problem area but a way of coping by dealing only with the present. More problematic was the inability for parents and affected boys to communicate about the disorder. Lack of communication occasionally was responsible for carriers not being informed about the genetic nature of the disorder. Possible reasons for these patterns of communication are discussed and some approaches to helping families of boys with DMD are suggested.

Adolescent↗