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Biomedical subjects

D Terry

Publications and source records attributed to D Terry.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

Quality of life in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Whilst the debilitating fatigue experienced in patients suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) results in a subjective marked impairment in functioning, little research has investigated the impact of this disorder on quality of life. Forty-seven subjects with a confirmed diagnosis of CFS and 30 healthy controls were compared using the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP). A subgroup of subjects were interviewed regarding the impact CFS has had on their social and family relationships, work and recreational activities. Results from both the SIP and the interview revealed that CFS subjects had significantly impaired quality of life, especially in areas of social functioning. These findings highlight the importance of addressing the social isolation and loss of role functioning experienced by CFS sufferers.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1994

Shunt dysfunction and constipation: could there be a link?

A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is the treatment of choice for hydrocephalus, functioning by means of a pressure differential between the ventricular system and peritoneal cavity. Constipation is frequently a concomitant problem in children with VP shunts. A case study is reported in which signs and symptoms of shunt dysfunction appear to have developed as a result of constipation. Nurses and physicians must address the need for preventing constipation much more aggressively in the population requiring shunts.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1994

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt dysfunction and constipation: a chart review.

Children treated for hydrocephalus frequently experience chronic constipation. A retrospective chart review was conducted to determine if there is a population of children with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt dysfunction in whom constipation might be a factor in the shunt dysfunction. Of 51 cases reviewed, 19 had documented constipation, such as no bowel movement for 2 or more days, small hard ball-like stools or fullness of the colon noted on physical examination or abdominal radiographs. In 6 cases, a bowel cleansing was performed and signs and symptoms of shunt dysfunction resolved without shunt revision. This review suggests that constipation may affect the fluid or pressure dynamics of the VP shunt and contribute to shunt dysfunction.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Nursing care of the child with external ventricular drainage.

External ventricular drainage (EVD) is used in children who have hydrocephalus, usually for shunt infection. Several complications, including increased intracranial pressure, hemorrhage, brain injury and infection, can occur in children with EVD. Nursing care for these children involves interventions to prevent complications and promote the well-being of children and their families.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts↗
PubMed1991

Use of low-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole thrice weekly for primary and secondary prophylaxis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients.

We conducted an open prospective clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole given as one double-strength tablet thrice weekly for primary and secondary prophylaxis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in human immunodeficiency virus-infected (HIV+) patients. A total of 104 HIV+ patients were evaluated, with 74 being in the primary prophylaxis group and 30 being in the secondary prophylaxis group. All except six patients received concomitant zidovudine; five patients on primary prophylaxis and one patient on secondary prophylaxis refused zidovudine. There were 70 patients evaluated for the efficacy of primary prophylaxis. The mean CD4 count was 124.4 +/- 110.1 cells per microliter. The mean follow-up time was 11.8 +/- 5.8 months (median, 12 months; range, 1 to 32 months). Two noncompliant patients developed PCP after 1 and 3 months of chemoprophylaxis. The failure rate (under the intention to treat principle) was 2 of 70 patients (2.9%; 95% confidence interval, 0.35 to 10%), or 1 per 413 patient-months of observation. There were 27 patients evaluated for the efficacy of secondary prophylaxis. The mean follow-up time was 12.4 +/- 7.2 months (median, 11 months; range, 1 to 29 months). Two patients, one of whom was noncompliant, were treatment failures, developing PCP after 14 and 15 months of chemoprophylaxis; this gave a failure rate of 2 of 27 patients (7.4%; 95% confidence interval, 0.9 to 24.3%), or 1 per 167 patient-months of observation. Adverse reactions sufficient to permanently terminate therapy occurred in 9 of 104 patients (8.7%; 95% confidence interval, 4 to 15.7%) overall. The serum trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, and N4-acetyl-sulfamethoxazole concentrations measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography were uniformly low. One double-strength tablet of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole taken weekly on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday appeared to be well tolerated and efficacious for the prophylaxis of PCP in HIV+ patients at high risk and deserves further investigation.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Alcohol intoxication, injuries, and dangerous behaviors--and the revolving emergency department door.

Suicides, homicides, motor vehicle crashes, and other violent deaths and injuries are linked inextricably to alcoholism. The association of injury and alcoholism should be particularly obvious to Emergency Department (ED) physicians. We sought to determine the extent to which intoxicated patients in an ED were properly diagnosed, counselled, and referred for substance abuse care. We reviewed the charts of 153 consecutive patients seen in a teaching hospital ED who had blood alcohol levels above 100 mg%. Most were male (70%), white (62%), young (mean age, 34 years) and severely intoxicated (mean BAL, 245; range, 109-558 mg%). Forty-six per cent of visits were for trauma; half of the patients were victims of violent assaults. The intoxicated patients received extensive medical and surgical management: an average of five tests or X-rays were performed per patient; 75% received at least one medication; at discharge 48% were referred for followup to medical or surgical clinics. In contrast, few patients were evaluated for dangerous behaviors or referred for treatment of alcoholism: only 19 patients (12.5%) were asked about depression, suicide, or homicide; 15% were advised to stop drinking; 13% received a referral to a psychiatrist, mental health worker, or alcohol rehabilitation facility. Forty-seven per cent of patients received "stat" intravenous thiamine (although the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is rare). In contrast, only 16% received a stat on-site psychiatric consultation (although dangerous behaviors are common in alcoholics). There was a strong, statistically significant negative association between the occurrence of an injury and the decision to initiate treatment and referrals for alcoholism.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Antigenic analysis of household dust samples.

Household dust samples from the homes of 106 allergy clinic patients in Baltimore were analyzed for specific allergen content. Dust mite antigen content was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) specific for the major allergens of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae, and D. microceras. Cat and dog antigen content were determined by ELISA using antisera for Fel d 1 (formerly cat allergen 1) and dog allergens 3 and 13, respectively. Mold content was assessed by culture with microscopic identification. Dust mite antigen was detected in 99% of homes (D. farinae, 95%; D. pteronyssinus, 88%; D. microceras, 31%), with total antigen content ranging from 50 ng/g dust (the lower limit of detection) to 30,170 ng/g (median, 1,123 ng/g). Animal allergens were found in 100% of samples (cat: range, 2 to 130,000 ng Fel d 1/g; median, 90 ng/g; dog: range, 112.5 to 585,000 IU/g; median, 2,719.5 IU/g). Although there were highly significant differences in antigen content (p less than 0.001) between homes with and without a particular pet in residence, many homes without pets contained pet allergens at high concentrations. Molds were also detected in 100% of homes (range, 4 to 761 colonies/30 mg dust; median, 72 colonies/30 mg). No correlation was demonstrated between antigen content and skin test results, a history of asthma, symptoms on allergen exposure, or the age of the home (except for molds) for any of the allergens detected. We conclude that dust mite allergens, cat and dog allergens, and molds are virtually ubiquitous in Baltimore homes and that our ability to predict the presence and relative quantities of these allergens on clinical grounds is very limited.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

Affinity chromatography of sn-glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase on immobilized NAD.

Three types of potential affinity chromatography columns have been examined for the purification of sn-glycerol-4-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.8) from rabbit tissues. Each column contained nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) covalently attached to an agarose matrix with a different mode of attachment for each column. The most effective column was one in which the NAD was linked to the agarose via the C-8 position of the adenine moiety. Release of the bound enzyme from this column was accomplished by elution with NADH or NAD. The enzymes from brain, heart, kidney, muscle and liver were purified using this procedure with nearly quantitative yields and up to a 90-fold purification. The binding capacity and elution profiles were dependent upon pH, ionic strength and temperature. The capacity was lowest at pH 7 and increased at higher and lower values. Increasing ionic strength and higher temperatures decreased the binding capacities.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

A potent contact allergen of Phacelia (Hydrophyllaceae).

The major contact allergen of Phacelia crenulata (Hydrophyllaceae) has been identified as geranylhydroquinone. A maximization test of geranylhydroquinone showed this to be a potent sensitizer comparable in degree to poison oak/ivy urushiol. Comparative patch testing on humans with urushiol established that the phacelia allergen does not cross-react with poison oak or ivy.

Allergens↗