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Biomedical subjects

I H Wright

Publications and source records attributed to I H Wright.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

Glasgow marathons 1982-1987. A review of medical problems.

The race statistics, whether conditions and incidence of medical problems for the six consecutive years of the Glasgow Marathon are reviewed. The results suggest that the popularity of marathon running is declining but that the competitors are becoming more experienced, seeking medical assistance earlier and, as a result, experiencing fewer and less serious problems at the finish. The effect of weather conditions on the runners' performance is discussed.

First Aid

Cardiovascular instability following bolus dose of etomidate.

A patient with alveolar proteinosis developed unexpected cardiovascular instability after broncho-alveolar lavage. He had received two bolus doses of etomidate within an 18-hour period. Serum cortisol concentrations were low and hydrocortisone replacement therapy was necessary to restore arterial pressure. Implications for management of critically ill patients who receive bolus doses of etomidate are discussed.

Anesthesia, Intravenous

Changes in anti-endotoxin-IgG antibody and endotoxaemia in three cases of gram-negative septic shock.

Circulating endotoxin levels and IgG antibodies to a range of Gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) (endotoxins) of different sizes and structures were measured daily in three cases of septic shock. There was an inverse relationship between endotoxin levels and cross-reactive antibodies to the core glycolipid (CGL) region of lipopolysaccharide. This suggests that antibody to LPS-CGL was initially consumed by a superabundance of endotoxin, and that a resurgence of intrinsic anti-LPS-CGL antibody levels may be associated with a reduction of circulating endotoxin. The implications of these findings for passive antibody therapy of septic shock are discussed.

Adult

Critical abdominal sepsis.

Intra-abdominal sepsis is a heterogeneous condition which in its severe forms carries a high mortality. The systemic consequences of established major infection are the result of a complex pathophysiology whose mechanisms are imcompletely understood. It is clear that early appropriate therapy is vital in minimizing effects of intra-abdominal infection and to this end early recognition of sepsis is important. Clinical examination may be unhelpful in difficult cases and special investigations may aid diagnosis; a high index of suspicion is mandatory. Surgery is the mainstay of therapy but may be inadequate and supportive measures are an essential adjunct.

Acute Disease

Provision of facilities for secondary transport of seriously ill patients in the United Kingdom.

A survey by questionnaire of 280 hospitals with general intensive care units was carried out to find out what facilities were provided for secondary transport of seriously ill patients in the United Kingdom. Replies were received from 181 units. Extrapolating from the survey data showed that about 10,000 patients were transported each year, although many units transferred only a few patients. An appreciable minority of units reported that facilities for secondary transport were inadequate and many were obliged to send inexperienced medical staff with patients. Almost half of the respondents thought that arrangements for transfer were unsatisfactory, but only a tenth said that they delayed or refused transfer for this reason. This undoubtedly reflects a policy of "making do" despite inadequate resources. We believe that these results support the concept of regional transport services, where each major unit would be adequately equipped and staffed and unnecessary duplication of resources avoided.

Ambulances

Postoperative intra-abdominal sepsis.

Postoperative intra-abdominal sepsis carries a high mortality. Diagnosis by clinical examination is often difficult, and imaging techniques may be helpful. Diagnostic laparotomy should be considered early, even in the absence of localizing signs. The use of aggressive surgical techniques may improve prognosis. The timing of surgical intervention is as important as the technique. Early diagnosis and treatment is particularly crucial in critically ill patients.

Abdomen

Acute poisoning with gold cyanide.

A case of deliberate ingestion of an electroplating solution containing gold cyanide is described. Despite the use of an antidote, and supportive treatment for cyanide poisoning, the patient died after 13 hours. Sublethal cyanide and high red blood cell gold levels suggest acute gold toxicity as the most likely cause of death. Evidence for this is discussed and recommendations are made for the treatment of cyanide poisoning.

Acute Disease