Biomedical subjects

G Savage

Publications and source records attributed to G Savage.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1998

Initial experience with a physiologic morcellating resectoscope.

A new physiologic morcellating resectoscope allows operative hysteroscopy to be performed with a physiologic distention medium, thus reducing the risk of dilutional hyponatremia and cerebral edema secondary to excessive absorption of nonphysiologic fluid. To study this new technology, we gathered in vitro data with the SL resectoscope with dual-function electrode (FemRx, Sunnyvale, CA). Coupled to a standard monopolar electrosurgery unit and operating in normal saline or Ringer's lactate solution, extirpated uteri showed equivalent depth of tissue necrosis with this new physiologic morcellating resectoscope as with a conventional monopolar resectoscope used in an electrically nonconductive fluid.

Electrocoagulation↗

PubMed1997

The cost effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccination strategies.

Pneumonia and influenza, combined, are the sixth leading causes of death in the US. The age-adjusted mortality rate for these diseases increased by 20% between 1979 and 1993, perhaps as a result of the emergence of multi-drug-resistant and penicillin-resistant strains of bacteria that cause pneumonia. Of the approximately $US23 billion annual cost of community-acquired pneumonia, pneumococcal pneumonia is currently estimated to account for up to $US18 billion. Considering the clinical and economic consequences of pneumococcal disease, vaccination appears to be a valuable preventive strategy. However, despite Medicare coverage and the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices (ACIP), only 28% of elderly and high-risk patients received the pneumococcal vaccine in 1993. This article reviews the epidemiology and economic factors that determine the cost effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccination strategies. The strategies are taken from a review of 10 published economic analyses of the pneumococcal vaccine. Cost savings and favourable cost-effectiveness ratios are associated with key factors that increase vaccination programme benefits by maximising averted direct medical costs as well as reducing vaccination programme costs, such as through public vaccination campaigns.

Bacterial Vaccines↗

PubMed1990

Mortality and increasing drug use in Edinburgh: implications for HIV epidemic.

Mortality among a group of known drug users shows small numbers of deaths from AIDS so far but increasing deaths from overdose, especially in young women. Steadily rising numbers of drug injectors are observed. The need for a distinctly different educational approach in areas of very high seroprevalence is discussed and the requirement for close co-operation between prescribing sources identified.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

Predictive value of clinical, laboratory, pathologic, and treatment variables in steroid/immunosuppressive resistant lupus nephritis.

Twenty-seven patients with lupus nephritis and nephrotic syndrome had persistent disease activity despite an adequate trial of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs; 30% were Asians, compared with 7% of our overall SLE population. Two years later, seven had a very good outcome and seven a poor outcome. Thirty clinical, pathological, laboratory, and treatment variables were analyzed in a good versus poor responder subset comparison in an effort to determine which factors were associated with favorable outcome. Administration of pulse steroids (P = .069) and a low biopsy chronicity index (P = .048) were associated with the good responder subset. Serum creatinine, biopsy class, blood pressure, complement, and anti-DNA values at entry as well as the choice of immunosuppressive drug were not helpful in predicting outcome. All seven good responders were plasmapheresed (P = .026). Patients with refractory lupus nephritis who have a low biopsy chronicity index may benefit from the use of pulse steroids or plasmapheresis, and controlled studies are suggested.

Adult↗

PubMed1984