PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

H Semo

Publications and source records attributed to H Semo.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

[Heart rate variability in the elderly with syncope or falls of uncertain origin].

Presyncope, syncope and falls in undetermined circumstances are frequent among the elderly. They may be caused by orthostatic hypotension secondary to autonomic insufficiency. Tilt-tests and determination of catecholamines in serum and urine may establish the diagnosis, but often may not be feasible in these patients. A simple, indirect, noninvasive technique to assess autonomic insufficiency is analysis of heart rate variability during Holter-monitoring. We present 5 cases in which it proved useful in the investigation of spells of unconsciousness.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed1999

[Sacral insufficiency fractures and low back pain in elderly women].

Sudden low back pain is common in elderly women. It causes physical and mental stress, and results in deterioration of functional movement and in activities of daily living. Awareness of possible sacral insufficiency fracture is important; they may be demonstrated by imaging modalities, mainly radionuclide bone scan. Prognosis is good and accurate diagnosis serves to exclude malignancy and relieve fear of chronic pain and disability. We describe 4 women, aged 84, 82, 71 and 77 who illustrating the clinical and imaging findings of this disorder.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

[Polyneuropathy in critical illness].

Critical illness polyneuropathy developed in 8 patients aged 22-84 years in our intensive care units. This acute polyneuropathy, predominantly axonal and motor, develops in the setting of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multi-organ failure. It is found in about 50% of patients treated in intensive care units for more than 2 weeks. In those who survive, neurological and functional recovery is the rule.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Orthostatic hypotension as a manifestation of malignant lymphoproliferative disease].

An 85-year-old man was admitted with 6-month history of incapacitating orthostatic hypotension. Investigation led to the discovery of sympathetic dysautonomia, sensorimotor neuropathy and malignant lymphoproliferative disease. Several attempts to treat the orthostatic hypotension or the neoplastic disease failed to improve his condition. Orthostatic hypotension precipitated by sympathetic dysautonomia may be an infrequent effect of early malignant lymphoproliferative disease.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

[Central cord syndrome in the elderly who fall: a diagnostic trap].

Acute post-traumatic spinal injury is common and usually poses no diagnostic difficulties. Following a low-energy fall, the onset of acute central cord syndrome in the elderly is not common and is frequently misdiagnosed. Men aged 60 and 81, and a woman aged 75 are described, in whom central cord syndrome was overlooked. Awareness of this condition is important to avoid incorrect diagnosis and hazardous management.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed1994

[Functions of a geriatric facility].

A geriatric facility in a general hospital is a relatively new service, not clearly defined and varying in character from hospital to hospital. A geriatric rehabilitation department was opened at this hospital in 1973 and has treated more than 1,500 patients. It was originally set up to relieve pressure on the general and surgical wards. It admitted elderly patients who required additional treatment or who could not be discharged due to inability to function independently without a suitable support framework. The department has since focused increasingly on rehabilitation of elderly patients following CVA or fracture of the hip, with increasing emphasis on physiotherapy. At the same time, a geriatric facility system of work was consolidated, whose features are a multidisciplinary team, a thorough study of the patient from many aspects, and search for medical, nursing and rehabilitation solutions best suited to the patient's particular needs. Problems encountered in those admitted have recently changed, and patient turnover is now more rapid and duration of hospitalization has shortened. The department had been transformed from a long-stay ward treating chronic illness to one giving intensive treatment following an acute crisis.

Aged↗