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Biomedical subjects

Helene J Krouse

Publications and source records attributed to Helene J Krouse.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Modulation of immune mediators with MQT-based immunotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: Assess immune and clinical changes with immunotherapy based on modified quantitative testing (MQT). BACKGROUND: Immunotherapy promotes immunomodulation that occurs over several years. Quantitative testing offers the advantage of initiating immunotherapy with robust antigen concentrations. This study assessed whether changes in immune mediators and allergy symptoms occur rapidly using quantitative techniques. METHODS: Sixteen allergic adults were tested using MQT. Subjects had serum drawn for immunoglobulins E and G4 (IgE, IgG4) to 3 antigens, Der p1, Der f1, and Fel d1, and for interleukins IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-13, and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA). Subjects also completed the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 (SNOT-20), the Allergy Outcome Scale (AOS), and the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI). They underwent MQT-based immunotherapy and completed outcome measures again at 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: Nine subjects completed the study. Analysis demonstrated significant increases in IgG4 levels to all antigens, significant decreases in serum levels of IL-1beta and IL-5, and significant increases in levels of IL-1RA. Improvement was also noted in AOS and RSDI subscales. CONCLUSION: Immunotherapy based on MQT demonstrates significant changes in immunoglobulin and cytokine levels by 12 weeks following initiation. In addition, improvement in symptom and quality-of-life measures occurs by 12 weeks. These findings support the rapid onset of clinical effects with MQT-based treatment of inhalant allergy. EBM RATING: C-4.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Competence in the field of aging within otorhinolaryngology and head-neck nursing.

ORL-Head and Neck Nursing proudly announces the launch of its new journal department, entitled "Gero-ORL." This guest editorial, written by the new Department's Editor, and two past presidents of SOHN, presents the history of SOHN's agenda on aging, provides the background and rationale for the Gero-ORL Department, and solicits manuscripts.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Reflections on a presidency.

The term of each SOHN president is two years. One of the president's many duties and privileges is to preside over the opening ceremony at the Annual Congress and Nursing Symposium each fall, marking the official opening of the five-day conference, which includes educational, collegial, and social activities. Following is the outgoing President Helene Krouse's address, delivered on September 24, 2005 at the 29th Annual Congress in Los Angeles, California, which reviews and salutes SOHN's past presidents.

Certification↗
PubMed2004

Impact of tracheostomy or laryngectomy on spousal and caregiver relationships.

Caregiving is an important component in the management of patients with a tracheostomy or laryngectomy. The purpose of this integrative research literature review was to gain a better understanding of the impact of caregiving for adults and children with laryngectomy or tracheostomy on the patient, the family, and the caregiver. Patients who had undergone laryngectomy or tracheostomy included those with and without cancer. This integrated review of the literature on caregiving in this population demonstrates the dearth of studies on this subject. Despite the significance of the caregiving role, few studies have addressed caregiving, and those that have are primarily descriptive. Studies are needed that develop and test interventions to assist caregivers in adaptation to their role, identification of methods of decreasing caregiver burden and strain, and coordination of resources to support patients and caregivers of patients with tracheostomies and laryngectomies.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2003

Efficacy of video education for patients and caregivers.

Videotapes are valuable resources for assistance in educating patients and caregivers in today's changing health care environment. Videotapes can be effective teaching tools for patients by facilitating knowledge acquisition, reducing anxiety, improving coping skills, and enhancing self care behaviors. They incorporate visual and auditory information into a teaching modality that is often easy for individuals to understand and retain. Research on videotaped patient education will be presented with application of findings to the practice of otolaryngologic nursing.

Caregivers↗
PubMed2003

SOHN 2002 Web-based membership survey: results, analysis and recommendations.

In March, 2002, the Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Nurses, Inc. (SOHN) conducted a web-based survey of members' knowledge of and satisfaction with its portfolio of products and services. This paper reports on the process of developing and conducting the survey, as well as its findings. A new "Volunteer Agreement/Code of Conduct", piloted for this team's work is introduced. General and specific recommendations are put forth for SOHN members and leaders, including useful information to facilitate work for future survey teams.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2003

Highlights from the Hill: a united voice for nurses.

The Nurse in Washington Internship (NIWI) is a wonderful opportunity for members of the Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Nurses (SOHN) to experience the political process first hand while making a difference in the lives of others. As President-Elect, I was asked to represent SOHN at NIWI, 2003. I share with you my perspectives based on this unique experience.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2002

Immune mediators in allergic rhinitis and sleep.

OBJECTIVE: Our study goal was to examine polysomnography, indices of sleep and allergy, and serum and nasal cytokines in allergic and nonallergic subjects. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: In this descriptive, exploratory study, 4 allergic and 4 nonallergic subjects underwent 2 nights of polysomnographic recording with serial measurements of cytokines and completed measures of sleep quality and allergic symptoms. RESULTS: Three serum cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1beta, IL-4, and IL-10) were higher in allergic subjects and were termed proallergic. Three serum cytokines (IL-1ra, IL-2, and IL-12) were higher in nonallergic subjects and were termed allergy inhibitory. Proallergic serum cytokines correlated with increased latency to rapid eye movement sleep, decreased time in rapid eye movement sleep, and decreased latency to sleep onset. Low levels of allergy-inhibitory serum cytokines were associated with increased allergic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in serum cytokines between allergic and nonallergic individuals are associated with variations in polysomnography and allergic symptoms. SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding these mechanisms may suggest novel approaches to alleviating drowsiness and other symptoms in allergic patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Allergic disease and associated concurrent medical illnesses.

This retrospective study examined the pattern of medical illnesses, surgical procedures, and medication usage among 249 patients with allergic rhinitis contrasted with a comparison group of 253 patients with cerumen impaction. Results revealed that allergic patients experienced more frequent nasal and abdominal surgery, a higher prevalence of pulmonary and gastrointestinal disease, and used nasal sprays, antihistamines, and psychoactive medications more often than the comparison group. Implications for otolaryngology nursing practice are discussed.

Adolescent↗