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Biomedical subjects

G M Yuill

Publications and source records attributed to G M Yuill.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

A national survey of the provision for patients with latex allergy.

The prevalence of latex allergy has increased since the 1980s. As latex is found throughout hospitals and operating theatres, careful planning is required for latex-allergic patients who present pre-operatively. We conducted a postal survey of 269 departments of anaesthesia in England and Wales; responses were received from 208 (77%). Of these, 198 (95%) had a latex allergy protocol and 181 (87%) had a store of latex-free equipment. Only 113 (54%) had a named nurse and 58 (28%) had a named consultant responsible for the update of latex allergy provisions. Access to allergy clinics and further investigations were available to 189 (91%). Many respondents called for national guidelines. We are reassured that the majority of trusts have an up-to-date latex allergy protocol and latex-free equipment store. However, relatively few have nominated members of staff responsible for these and peri-operative care of susceptible patients.

Anesthesia Department, Hospital↗
PubMed1995

Inherited Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in a British family associated with a novel 144 base pair insertion of the prion protein gene.

A case of familial Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease associated with a 144 base pair insertion in the open reading frame of the prion protein gene is described. Sequencing of the mutated allele showed an arrangement of six octapeptide repeats, distinct from that of a recently described British family with an insertion of similar size. Thirteen years previously the brother of the proband had died from "Huntington's disease", but re-examination of his neuropathology revealed spongiform encephalopathy and anti-prion protein immunocytochemistry gave a positive result. The independent evolution of at least two distinct pathological 144 base pair insertions in Britain is proposed. The importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion of inherited Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in cases of familial neurodegenerative disease is stressed.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1992

A critical appraisal of in-patient neurological services in a subregional centre.

A computer database was established for the medical audit of admissions to the North Manchester General Hospital neurology unit. Over a six-month period, 277 patients completed 300 hospital stays. A higher proportion of patients were admitted from the North Manchester District compared with the peripheral districts served by the unit, suggesting that more neurology in these areas was performed by general physicians. This supports claims for an increase in the number of neurologists to improve the quality of service at district level. The introduction of a programmed investigation unit, closed at weekends, would allow financial savings since 60% of cases did not require a bed at the weekend. It would also allow more efficient pre-booking of investigations. The diagnostic yields from routine B12 and folate levels, syphilis serology, thyroid function tests, chest radiography and electrocardiography were low and should be replaced by more selective investigations. Savings might also be made by performing the 38% of myelograms restricted to the lumbar region in the out-patient department. The introduction of out-patient magnetic resonance imaging will make significant savings by obviating the need for many of the inpatient myelograms which were required in 55 patients. The simple and relatively inexpensive technology used in this study provided medical staff with valuable information on which to base changes in practice and evaluate their consequences.

England↗
PubMed1991

Deficiencies in anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody measurement in myasthenia gravis.

In a retrospective case note study of 86 patients with myasthenia gravis, 60 had an anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody assay performed by the regional immunology laboratory. Antibody was detected in 38% which compares with 66-93% in other series. Whilst the use of staphylococcal protein A to precipitate the antibody-receptor complex, rather than anti-human immunoglobulin, may be partly responsible for this low sensitivity, other methodological problems are likely to exist. It is suggested that this potentially critical assay becomes a subject for regular audit.

Autoantibodies↗
PubMed1990

Magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium-DTPA enhancement in the differentiation of benign from neoplastic cord cavitation.

A patient with an extensive spinal cord glioma is presented. The lumbar mass and cervical cavity associated with the tumour were demonstrated by myelography and computed tomography. Magnetic resonance imaging provided greater detail than these conventional imaging modalities without exposure to ionising radiation and was of considerable additional value in the planning of surgery.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Relative efficacy of intravenous methylprednisolone and ACTH in the treatment of acute relapse in MS.

To compare the efficacy of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone with intramuscular ACTH in the treatment of acute relapse in multiple sclerosis, we undertook a double-blind, randomized, controlled study involving 61 patients. There was a marked improvement in both groups in the course of the study, but no difference between them in either the rate of recovery or the final outcome. High-dose IV methylprednisolone is a safe alternative to ACTH in the management of acute relapse in MS.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1977

Icarus's syndrome: new hazards in flight.

The British Hang Gliding Association accident report for 1975 reported two deaths. The remaining cases were predominantly limb fractures. The major causes of the injuries were inexperience, high wind speed, turbulence, and stalling. It is contended that the sport is no more risky than is rock climbing, motor-bike racing, skiing, or potholing, yet against these undoubtedly dangerous sports no threat of prohibition exists. The current accident rate in hang gliding could be reduced dramatically by the provision of proper courses of instruction.

Accidents, Aviation↗