Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Carolyn Kim.
A 66-year-old man presented with linear lesions of 5-years duration on his right lower extremity along Blaschko's lines. Physical examination showed hyperpigmented and violaceous papules with hypopigmented centers that were surrounded by fine, raised hyperkeratototic rims. The lesions were characteristic of porokeratosis, and the diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination. Associated medical conditions and treatment modalities are reviewed.
A 48-year-old woman with an 8-year history of intermittently pruritic papules on the lower extremities suddenly developed pruritus and generalized spread of the lesions over a 1-month period. The lesions appeared as smooth, flat-topped, violaceous, round papules on all extremities, trunk, and back. A biopsy specimen showed sarcoidosis. Cutaneous sarcoidosis has many morphologic presentations and often mimics other dermatologic diseases. Despite widespread cutaneous involvement, she has no systemic involvement. Treatment options are reviewed.
This prospective observational study examined the outcomes of 200 consecutive admissions to an adult tertiary level Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Eligible and consenting participants were also involved in a sub-study that examined health status at four measurement points from pre-illness to 6 months post-discharge. Of the 189 individual patients admitted, 23% died in ICU and 57% were discharged home. The health status sub-study enrolled 34 participants (39% of eligible patients) who were representative of the ICU population for demographic and clinical variables. Surviving participants returned to a similar, though not identical state of health at 6 months post-discharge, when compared to their pre-ICU health-state using the 15D and SF-36 instruments. Health status at ICU discharge was significantly impaired when compared to other measurement points, particularly for mobility, breathing, eating, usual activities and vitality. A number of methodological challenges were evident, particularly for the health status sub-study, including prospective subject recruitment and retention, losses to follow-up and instrument responsiveness. Despite the limitations noted, the study provided useful findings and recommendations for the continued development of methods to examine the health status of critically ill patients.