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Biomedical subjects

J P Stanfield

Publications and source records attributed to J P Stanfield.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1979

Stool viruses in babies in Glasgow. 3. Community studies.

Twenty-seven babies from one deprived housing area in Glasgow were followed-up regularly, for periods varying between 2 months and 11 months (mean 7 months), in a prospective study of the viruses to be found in their stools by electron microscopy. Weekly stool specimens were collected in the home together with a history of the baby's health. Additional stool specimens were obtained, up to a maximum of one per day, during admissions to hospital. Over 500 specimens were obtained at home and another 320 in hospital. A wide variety of viruses (over 200 recognizates) were detected and it has been possible to plot their temporal relation to disease episodes. It became apparent that virus excretion was frequently unaccompanied by evidence of illness and it has not been possible to describe a typical illness syndrome associated with any of the morphological types of virus observed. The results suggest that, in one area of Glasgow at least, patterns of virus excretion in young babies are complex and will need further elucidation before the need for a vaccine to prevent infantile diarrhoea could be defined.

Diarrhea, Infantile↗
PubMed1976

The effects of protein energy malnutrition in early childhood on intellectual and motor abilities in later childhood and adolescence.

Three groups of Ugandan children (20 in each group) and one comparison group of 20 children were examined between 11 and 17 years of age. The first three groups had been admitted to hospital for treatment of protein energy malnutrition between the ages of eight to 15, 16 to 21 and 22 to 27 months, respectively. The comparison group had not been clinically malnourished throughout the whole period up to 27 months of age. All the children came from one tribe and were individually matched for sex, age, education and home environment. It was found that the three malnourished groups fell significantly below the comparison group in anthropometric measurements and in tests of intellectual and motor abilities. No evidence was found for a relationship between the deficit and age at admission. Further analysis among the 60 malnourished children revealed that anthropometry and intellectual and motor abilities are the more affected the greater the degree of 'chronic undernutrition' at admission, but no correlation was found with the severity of the 'acute malnutrition'. The results show a general impairment of intellectual abilities, with reasoning and spatial abilities most affected, memory and rote learning intermediately and language ability least, if at all, affected. These findings are discussed in the context of a comprehensive and critical appraisal of the existing literature.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1975

The long-term effects of protein energy malnutrition in early childhood on bone age, bone cortical thickness and height.

Three groups of Ugandan children, 18 in each group, and one comparison group of 18 children were examined at 11-17 years of age. The three groups had previously been admitted for treatment of protein energy malnutrition between the ages of 8 to 15, 16 to 21 and 22 to 27 months respectively. The comparison group had not been clinically malnourished throughout the period up to 27 months of age. The children came from one tribe and from similar socio-economic background, and were individually matched on age and sex. The bone age was estimated by hand wrist radiography scored for maturity by the Tanner & Whitehouse method. The metacarpal index, a ratio derived from the medullary width and full diameter of the mid-point of the second metacarpal, was used as a measure of bone cortical thickness. The three malnourished groups are significantly shorter in height than the comparison group, but are not different in bone age and metacarpal index. No differences are observed between the three groups of children who had been admitted for protein energy malnutrition at different ages. The findings are discussed as they relate to the existing literature.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1972

Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis immunization by intradermal jet injection.

An intradermal jet injector was used to administer combined diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (D.T.P.) vaccines to infants aged 2 to 12 months. A second dose was given one month after the first and a third six months after the second. Each dose was considerably smaller than the standard intramuscular dose. Blood samples taken one month after the third dose showed a satisfactory diphtheria and tetanus antitoxin response in all but a few cases. The antibody response to the pertussis component was not examined. Reactions were insignificant. Intradermal jet injection is proposed as a cheap, extremely rapid, and effective technique for D.T.P. immunization, especially suitable for use in remote areas where trained staff and facilities are few and many children require immunization.

Antibody Formation↗
PubMed1972

Paediatric neurology in Africa: a Ugandan report.

The findings in 138 children attending a neurology clinic in Uganda are presented. In contrast with findings in developed countries, only 25 had an abnormal birth and history dating from birth compared with 63 who had a normal birth and early development with symptoms of postnatal onset. The commonest mode of onset in the postnatal period was a catastrophic, feverish illness. Effective and usually easily achieved drug control of epilepsy and hyperkinesis enabled most parents to cope with disabled children. Simple explanation to parents and teachers can reduce the rejection and educational retardation associated with epilepsy.Primary prevention lies in earlier diagnosis and treatment of cerebral malaria, meningitis, and encephalitis and improved obstetric services. Secondary prevention requires closer follow-up of potentially brain-damaged children and the education of doctors in neurological and behavioural assessment and the more efficient treatment of epilepsy and hyperkinesis.

Brain Damage, Chronic↗