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Biomedical subjects

J A Mellor

Publications and source records attributed to J A Mellor.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1991

Why flush peripheral intravenous cannulae used for intermittent intravenous injection?

We aimed to investigate whether regular flushing of peripheral intravenous cannulae used for intermittent injections with heparin-saline, in a unit for acute medicine for the elderly, reduced the incidence of complications necessitating cannula removal. We wanted to see if this could also prolong the time that cannulae may remain functional in situ. In a prospective, open study, 50 consecutively inserted cannulae were flushed regularly and a subsequent 50 consecutive cannulae were not flushed. The incidence of complications necessitating removal was not significantly different between the two groups (18% flushed, 22% unflushed). Overall, only 5% of cannulae were removed because of blockage. Heparin-saline flushes did not significantly increase the time that cannulae remained in situ. Antibiotic use was found to be associated with an increased rate of complications necessitating cannula removal. We found no significant advantage in heparin-saline flushing of peripheral intravenous cannulae used for intermittent administration of medications.

Aged↗
PubMed1988

A descriptive survey of uncontrolled methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a twin site general hospital.

Over a five year period beginning in 1981, during which control measures were applied intermittently, the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates increased steadily within a twin site general hospital. A retrospective chart review of 154 patients identified in 1984-1985 showed that the MRSA 'definitely' contributed to three deaths (2%) and 'probably' contributed to a further 15 (10%). The prolonged median duration of hospital admission (22 days) before first isolation of MRSA, together with the clustering of cases in time on certain wards, suggested that most, if not all, affected patients acquired the MRSA in hospital. As the virulence of MRSA in our outbreak appeared the same as that reported from teaching hospitals, MRSA control measures need to be comprehensively applied in general hospitals.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

Vancomycin toxicity: a prospective study.

A prospective study of 34 patients treated with 39 courses of intravenous vancomycin, was undertaken in order to assess toxicity. Six patients received vancomycin alone and 27 courses were associated with aminoglycoside administration either concurrently or within two weeks of the first dose of vancomycin. Hearing loss was slight and uncommon; patients were unaware of its occurrence. Tinnitus and dizziness was noted by two patients and resolved on withdrawal of vancomycin. Diminution of renal function was seen both during (7%) and after (9%) vancomycin therapy. A striking feature of these patients with renal deterioration was the severity of their underlying disease. No evidence of synergistic toxicity between vancomycin and aminoglycosides was seen.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

A retrospective evaluation of mediastinal tomograms, isotope liver scans, and isotope bone scans in the staging and management of patients with lymphoma.

The influence of mediastinal tomograms and isotope scans of liver and bone on the initial staging and management of patients with lymphoma has been studied. There appears to be only a small role for these investigative procedures, and it is suggested that considerable savings in time and money can be made by a more judicious use of these techniques.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Pseudomonas aeruginosa: prevention better than cure?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common pathogen in certain groups of patients. The use of antibiotics in these patients may be associated with toxic side effects, drug resistance and therapeutic failure. Pseudomonas vaccines have been prepared by many workers and one vaccine has been widely used in clinical trials. Administration of this vaccine was associated with a high incidence of toxic reactions. A new polyvalent pseudomonas vaccine has recently been prepared. We report the reactivity of this polyvalent vaccine in healthy volunteers and compare this with the reactivity of the earlier pseudomonas vaccine reported in the literature. The vaccine is at present being used in burned patients and has been associated with a significant reduction in mortality. We suggest that this new polyvalent vaccine has a low incidence of toxic effects and promises a considerable advance upon earlier vaccines.

Bacterial Vaccines↗