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Biomedical subjects

J A HALSTED

Publications and source records attributed to J A HALSTED.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1955

Megaloblastic anemia, associated with surgically produced gastrointestinal abnormalities.

Two of the mechanisms for vitamin B(12) deficiency, leading to megaloblastic anemia, are the result of surgically produced abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract. The basic mechanism is different for each lesion. Total gastrectomy results in complete lack of intrinsic factor which is necessary for vitamin B(12) absorption. It is believed that if patients survive long enough and are not given prophylactic vitamin B(12) therapy, all would develop megaloblastic anemia. Intestinal anastomosis leading to stasis of intestinal contents, with overgrowth of bacteria may cause vitamin B(12) deficiency through bacterial interference with the utilization of vitamin B(12). Use of radioactive vitamin B(12) (cobalt(60)-labeled B(12)) has led to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of both types of megaloblastic anemia. The radioactive vitamin provides a useful tool for study of its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed1954

Emotional component in gastrointestinal disorders.

In peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis and achalasia of the esophagus there is usually an important emotional component, the significance of which in the etiology of these diseases is not yet known, but which has a profound effect on the course and severity of symptoms. None of these diseases can successfully be treated without consideration of this aspect and it must be dealt with by a general physician rather than a psychiatrist, in most instances. Eighty per cent of the purely functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract are manifestations of neurosis. The results of treatment in these cases should be good if correctly undertaken early in the course of the disease. The author believes that many gastrointestinal neuroses which have become intractable are such because of improper treatment at the onset, and are thus iatrogenic.

Colitis, Ulcerative↗