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Biomedical subjects

J Wiggins

Publications and source records attributed to J Wiggins.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Effect of terbutaline on bronchoconstriction induced by nebulised pentamidine.

The severity, duration, and reversibility of pentamidine induced bronchial narrowing was studied with and without pretreatment with nebulised terbutaline 10 mg in an open study of 40 patients seropositive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). All subjects received pentamidine 300 mg in 5 ml water via an Acorn System 22 jet nebuliser. The forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) fell in all 20 patients given pentamidine alone, the mean maximum fall being 20.6%. In the 20 patients given pentamidine preceded by nebulised terbutaline the mean maximum fall in FEV1 was 4%; three subjects had a fall in FEV1 of more than 10%.

Administration, Inhalation↗

On physicians and litigation.

Because litigation involving physicians has come to influence the practice of medicine in several ways, we describe many of the legal processes involved. We also offer specific advice in regard to steps which can be effectively taken, and those which should be avoided. We close with a plea for active participation by physicians in the judicial process and in the promulgation of appropriate legislation.

Expert Testimony↗

Combined cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis and emphysema: the value of high resolution computed tomography in assessment.

Simple tests of lung function may be misleading in the assessment of patients with interstitial lung disease. Eight patients are described with cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis (histologically proven in four) with severe breathlessness and low gas transfer (median DLCO 32.4%, range 9.2 to 35.3%, % predicted) in whom lung volumes were preserved [median VC 98.7, range 67.5-131.1%; median TLC 92.5, range 88.1 to 121.2, (% predicted)], and in whom there was no evidence of airflow obstruction [median FEV1/FVC 84.6, range 68-116 (% predicted)]. All were current or ex-heavy smokers. Thoracic high resolution computed tomography revealed upper zone emphysema, the extent of which was not appreciated using conventional chest radiography. The atypical physiological and radiological features can be explained by coincidental cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis and emphysema and high resolution computed tomography was valuable in the assessment of these patients.

Aged↗

Cardiotonic agents. 6. Histamine analogues as potential cardiovascular selective H2 agonists.

Twenty-six alkyl and aralkyl histamine analogues were prepared as potential cardiotonic agents. Compounds were designed to allow interaction with a putative secondary aryl binding site at the H2 receptor, the presence of which was inferred from the structure of cyprohepatadine, which is known to have H2-antagonist properties. The compounds were examined for inotropic activity in ferret papillary muscle. Potent inotropic activity was generally found in N-alkyl- and N,N-dialkylimidazole-4-ethanamines, whereas N-(amidoalkyl)imidazole-4-ethanamines and N-alkylimidazole-4-propanamines were at best weakly active. Five compounds were examined in screens designed to assess hemodynamic effects and gastric acid secretion in vivo. Two of these compounds, alpha-(3-phenyl-2-transpropenyl)-1H-imidazole-4-ethanamine and N-heptyl-1H-imidazole-4-ethanamine, showed positive inotropic activity with minimal effects on heart rate and mean arterial pressure in vivo; however, both compounds were found to stimulate gastric acid secretion. These results demonstrate that selectivity between various H2-receptor-mediated activities can be obtained with substituted histamine analogues.

Animals↗

Recurrent and fatal haemoptysis caused by an atheromatous abdominal aortic aneurysm.

A 74 year old woman presented with a two month history of recurrent small hemoptyses and died after a subsequent massive haemoptysis. At postmortem examination the source of bleeding was found to be a leaking saccular, atheromatous abdominal aortic aneurysm, which had ruptured through the diaphragm into the lower lobe of the right lung.

Aged↗

Effect of intravenous immune globulin on the coagulopathy of Kawasaki syndrome.

We studied the effects of immune globulin and aspirin versus aspirin alone on platelet count, platelet activation, and factor-mediated coagulation in patients with Kawasaki syndrome. Coagulation tests were performed on the day of admission to the study and 4 to 6 days later. Twenty-three patients were enrolled; 12 received immune globulin intravenously plus aspirin, and 11 received aspirin alone. At initiation of the study the groups were comparable with regard to age, sex, race, and time from onset of illness to study entry. Coagulation values were similar at entry with the exception that the aspirin group had a geometric mean platelet count that was higher than the platelet count in the aspirin-immune globulin group (p = 0.02). Four days after entry there were no significant differences between the two groups in any coagulation studies. Although the immune globulin preparation used has been effective in reducing the prevalence of coronary artery aneurysms, it appears to have no early effect on reduction of platelet activation or other measures of coagulopathy. The mechanism of action of immune globulin in patients with Kawasaki syndrome remains to be elucidated.

Adolescent↗

Recent experience in the control and management of tuberculosis in a mental handicap hospital.

Sixteen cases of tuberculosis (14 in inmates, only one of whom was female) occurred in a mental handicap hospital of some 400 inmates during the period 1973-85. This represents an annual incidence of 269 per 100,000, substantially higher than that in the surrounding community. In 1980, 29% of inmates had Grade 3 or 4 positive Heaf tests. Widespread chemoprophylaxis was successfully undertaken in 1980/81, the only problem encountered being interaction of isoniazid with carbamazepine. One Down's syndrome patient had recurrent disease, and a second developed disease despite chemoprophylaxis. Immunological investigation of a small number of Down's syndrome patients with tuberculosis showed no consistent defect.

Adult↗

Chronic necrotising pneumonia caused by Aspergillus niger.

A woman with asthma developed chronic necrotising semi-invasive pneumonia due to mixed Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans infection; though not severely immunosuppressed, she may have been predisposed by long term oral corticosteroid and recurrent oral antibiotic treatment. The diagnosis should be considered in patients with chronic airflow limitation who develop cavitating pneumonia.

Aspergillosis↗

Respiratory aspects of Shwachman's syndrome in adults.

Shwachman's Syndrome is a rare disorder which causes considerable morbidity in childhood and can be confused with cystic fibrosis. Six patients (4 males; mean age 27 yrs) are described in order to illustrate the clinical picture of the syndrome in adults. Recognized features persisting in later life include pancreatic insufficiency and bone marrow dysfunction (all patients), short stature (5/6), advanced dental caries (4/6), and impaired glucose tolerance (2/6). Chest radiograph was normal in all patients whilst lung function tests showed mild restriction in three and obstruction in two. All patients were cyclically neutropenic (nadir count 2.1 x 10(9).l-1). Four of the six patients were thrombocytopenic and three had persistent immunoglobulin deficiencies. Neutrophil chemotaxis was abnormal in four patients and the nitro blue tetrazolium test was abnormal in a fifth. Two patients suffered from recurrent respiratory infections, one of whom died from bone marrow aplasia. Although Shwachman's Syndrome may be less troublesome in adults than in children, many of the abnormalities persist into adult life and may continue to cause diagnostic difficulty.

Adult↗