Biomedical subjects

G Fritsma

Publications and source records attributed to G Fritsma.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Laboratory results that predict arterial thrombosis.

This focus section reviews the laboratory markets now available for predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease. The three most often ordered are: fibrinogen, described by David Golec of Esoterix Coagulation; homocysteine, reviewed by Paige Macy of Esoterix Coagulation; and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, reviewed by George Fritsma of the University of Alabama at Birmingham coagulation service. Following is a brief review of cardiovascular disease.

Arteriosclerosis↗

PubMed2001

High sensitivity C-reactive protein.

Though there is no apparent relationship between CRP and cardiovascular disease, the hsCRP may be the most effective single marker of disease among otherwise healthy adults, and is certainly an effective marker when employed in combination with other proven markers such as fibrinogen, homocysteine, and lipid assays. The hsCRP test may not be particularly useful among inpatients, however, as it is typically elevated in acute inflammatory disease. In addition to its apparent ability to predict the risk of cardiovascular disease, the hsCRP test points the way to further identification of risk markers.

C-Reactive Protein↗

PubMed1989

Lupus-like anticoagulants and lower extremity arterial occlusive disease.

Lupus-like anticoagulants (LLA), lupus anticoagulant and/or anticardiolipin antibody, are increasingly recognized in association with venous and arterial thrombotic events. We recently reviewed our experience with patients undergoing revascularization for lower-limb ischemia who were found to have LLA. Nine patients had LLA based on a prolongation of the partial thromboplastin time or by anticardiolipin assay by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system. The ages of the patients ranged from 23 to 57 years. There were seven (78%) men, six (67%) blacks, two (22%) diabetic patients, and three (33%) hypertensive patients. One patient had systemic lupus erythematosus. All patients except one were cigarette smokers. Four patients had concurrent regulatory protein abnormalities: three protein C deficiencies, one protein S deficiency, and one plasminogen deficiency. The nine patients had 10 lower-extremity arterial reconstructions with two postoperative failures within 30 days. Patients were anticoagulated with heparin or aspirin after all but one operation. Patients at risk were identified on the basis of age (less than 51 years), unexplained early graft thrombosis, or history of venous or arterial thrombotic events. This group of patients is believed to be at risk for early postoperative thrombosis. Postoperative anticoagulation after revascularization for patients with LLA may be beneficial.

Adult↗

PubMed1981

Control mechanisms in platelet activation.

Those activation stages that are energy dependent rely upon a complex control mechanism involving the interaction of platelet thrombasthenin, free ionic calcium, cyclic AMP and the prostaglandins. This article describes the feedback mechanisms inherent in these controls, and the sources, activities and degradation of all control materials. Particular attention is paid to the prostaglandins and their activating enzymes, both within the dense tubular system of the platelet and the cytoplasm of endothelial cells. The implications of the prostaglandin pathway for both therapy and laboratory diagnosis are explored.

Biological Transport, Active↗

PubMed1981

A review of platelet function and testing.

Platelet function testing is an area of recent growth and development in clinical laboratories. Additions to classical testing procedures include aggregation and retention tests and measurement of platelet release products. The necessity exists for understanding platelet structure and function. In this paper, the various platelet structures are demonstrated, their composition is described, and their individual contribution to platelet activation discussed. Platelet activation is described in four phases: adhesion, reversible contraction, aggregation, and release. Each is described in relationship to the others and laboratory test procedures marking each are described. The question of the relationship of measurement of platelet release markers to clinical condition is reviewed.

Blood Platelets↗

PubMed1979

A career mobility option within a university integrated medical technology program.

Career mobility has become an increasingly important movement influencing the education of allied health professionals in recent years. With the advent of intermediate levels of professionals in several allied health fields, career mobility can facilitate the advancement of careers for many of these health professionals.

Career Mobility↗

PubMed1979

Determining continuing education interests of medical technologists: an initial step.

Continuing education is an ever-increasing need for medical technologists who want to maintain and upgrade their professional knowledge and skills. Professional groups strive to develop programs to meet a diversity of needs. Planning groups often encounter difficulty during the program development process as they identify topics and select effective educational strategies for presentation. In order to help identify topics of interest and desirable educational methods for the continuing education of laboratory personnel, a continuing medical technology education interest assessment tool was developed and used by a medical technology continuing education committee. Development and use of this assessment tool and resulting statistical survey results formed the basis for two continuing education courses, both considered highly successful.

Education, Continuing↗