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Jeffrey D Kravetz

Publications and source records attributed to Jeffrey D Kravetz.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Full-body skin examinations and the female veteran: prevalence and perspective.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of full-body skin examinations (FBSEs) among female veterans and to determine whether patient risk factors for skin cancer alter the frequency of screening. Subjects were also queried as to attitudes about FBSE. DESIGN: Questionnaires pertaining to whether patients underwent regular FBSE, their opinions and attitudes about this screening test, and their risks for developing skin cancer. SETTING: A primary health care clinic for female veterans at a Veterans Affairs medical center. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 245 patients awaiting clinic appointments. Of those asked to participate, 201 agreed, for a participation rate of 82%. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient report of undergoing FBSE, attitudes regarding FBSE, and risk factors for cutaneous malignancy. RESULTS: Eighteen percent of all respondents reported undergoing regular FBSE by their primary care provider, whereas 9 (45%) of the 20 with a history of skin cancer reported undergoing FBSE. Fifteen percent of subjects reported embarrassment with FBSE. Seventy-nine percent reported that their primary care provider would be considered thorough by performing FBSE, and 69% would like their primary care provider to perform FBSE regularly. We found that 16% of subjects would refuse the examination if the primary care provider were of the opposite sex, whereas 38% would not refuse but be less willing to be examined. CONCLUSIONS: Female veterans report a low incidence of FBSE, although those with a personal history of skin cancer are more likely to undergo screening. Despite embarrassment expressed about a sex difference between the patient and examiner, female veterans have a strong preference to undergo FBSE.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Plasmablastic lymphoma presenting as an arm mass in an individual negative for human immunodeficiency virus: a case report.

Plasmablastic lymphoma is an aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma classically arising in the oral cavities and jaws of individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). More recently, cases of plasmablastic lymphoma have been identified in individuals negative for HIV. We report a case of plasmablastic lymphoma presenting as a rapidly expanding upper extremity mass in a 66-year-old individual negative for HIV. Aggressive multiple-agent chemotherapy resulted in a dramatic improvement of all symptoms. Increasing awareness of plasmablastic lymphoma in individuals who are HIV negative can allow for a better understanding of its clinical course and for specific chemotherapeutic regimens to be developed.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy.

Pregnant women who acquire infection from Toxoplasma gondii usually remain asymptomatic, although they can still transmit the infection to their fetuses with severe consequences. Given the asymptomatic nature of most Toxoplasma infections, primary prevention in pregnant women may lower the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis. Both consumption of undercooked meat and unprotected contact with soil are independent risk factors for T. gondii seroconversion during pregnancy, while contact with cat litter may pose a risk in certain situations. However, many pregnant women lack knowledge of these risk factors. This article reviews toxoplasmosis infection in pregnancy, with an emphasis on risk factors and appropriate counseling of pregnant women.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Prevention of toxoplasmosis in pregnancy: knowledge of risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Infection with Toxoplasma gondii is common and usually asymptomatic, although it can have catastrophic consequences in a pregnant woman if passed to her developing fetus. Counseling of pregnant women about risk factor reduction may reduce the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis. This study was undertaken to assess and compare the knowledge of obstetricians and internists or family practitioners regarding well-established risk factors for toxoplasmosis infection. METHODS: The study surveyed 102 obstetricians, internists and family practitioners to assess their knowledge of risk factors for toxoplasmosis infection as well as their practices for primary prevention counseling of pregnant women. Responses were analyzed for differences. RESULTS: Obstetricians were more likely than internists or family practitioners to provide appropriate counseling on reducing the two most common risk factors for toxoplasmosis infection (undercooked meat consumption and gardening without gloves). However, over one quarter of all participants inappropriately advised pregnant women to avoid all cat contact. Obstetricians, internists and family practitioners were all likely to fail to identify undercooked meat consumption as the primary risk factor for toxoplasmosis transmission. CONCLUSIONS: Obstetricians appear to provide more appropriate counseling for primary prevention of toxoplasmosis than internists and family practitioners, but both groups of physicians inappropriately advised avoidance of all cat contact. Education of obstetricians, internists and family practitioners on risk factors for toxoplasmosis transmission is needed and may lower the rate of congenital toxoplasmosis as well as decrease the frequency of cat abandonment during pregnancy.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Full-body skin examinations: the patient's perspective.

OBJECTIVES: To determine (1). primary care practitioner (PCP) and dermatologist full-body skin examination (FBSE) rates by using a patient questionnaire and (2). whether patient risk factors for skin cancer alter these rates. DESIGN: Questionnaires pertaining to whether participants underwent regular FBSE, their feelings about this screening test, and their risks for developing skin cancer. SETTING: The primary care and dermatology clinics at the West Haven Veterans Affairs Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 356 patients awaiting clinic appointments. Of those asked to participate, 251 (71%) agreed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient report of undergoing FBSE, attitudes regarding this examination, and risk factors for cutaneous malignancy. RESULTS: Thirty-two percent of all respondents reported undergoing regular FBSE by their PCP, whereas 55% of those with a history of skin cancer reported undergoing FBSE. Eight percent of participants reported embarrassment with FBSE, 83% reported that their PCP would be considered thorough by performing FBSE, and 87% would like their PCP to perform FBSE regularly. Only 2% of participants would refuse the examination if the PCP were of the opposite sex, whereas 8% would be more willing to be examined. CONCLUSIONS: Although patients report a low incidence of FBSE, those with a personal history of skin cancer are more likely to be screened. A low rate of embarrassment and a high rate of perceived PCP thoroughness are associated with FBSE. Patients have a strong preference to undergo FBSE. A sex difference between the PCP and the patient should not be a barrier to this examination.

Connecticut↗
PubMed2004

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome and ulcerative colitis.

The Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome is an uncommon disorder characterized by uveitis and neurologic and cutaneous abnormalities, including tinnitus, vertigo, headache, meningoencephalitis, vitiligo, alopecia, and poliosis. The VKH syndrome has been reported to occur in association with other autoimmune disorders. We report a case of a patient with severe ulcerative colitis who developed VKH syndrome. We postulate that the patient's history of a traumatic brain injury might have been responsible for an abnormal "immunologic milieu" and the occurrence of ulcerative colitis, VKH syndrome, and severe reactive arthritis.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Necrotizing fasciitis and cardiac catheterization.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is an uncommon, life-threatening soft tissue infection characterized by rapidly spreading inflammation and necrosis of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and fascia. We report a case of NF as a complication of cardiac catheterization. Familiarity with this entity may lead to earlier diagnosis and initiation of appropriate therapy.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2003

Valproic acid-induced eosinophilic pleural effusion.

Valproic acid is a carboxylic acid used for the treatment of both seizure and mood disorders. Its association with pleural fluid eosinophilia has been reported once in the English language literature. We present another case of valproic acid-induced pleural fluid eosinophilia associated with fever and peripheral blood eosinophilia. Extensive evaluation failed to reveal any other cause of eosinophilic pleural effusion, and the effusion resolved with discontinuance of valproic acid. Rechallenge with valproic acid produced recurrent symptoms. Valproic acid should be considered a possible cause of eosinophilic pleural effusion.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Cat-associated zoonoses.

Cats co-occupy one third of all residences in the United States. As common household pets, they serve as sources of joy and companionship for their owners. However, feline ownership also comes with its own inherent risks, as cats can transmit an array of diseases to their owners, ranging from trivial to fatal ailments. By understanding the pathogenesis of cat-associated diseases, owners and their pets can live together with little risk of disease transmission. This article reviews cat-related diseases, with an emphasis on their prevention and management.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Skin cancer screening by dermatologists: prevalence and barriers.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of skin cancers is increasing at an alarming rate, and there is currently no consensus by major health policy organizations regarding skin cancer screening. It has previously been shown that primary care physicians do not screen a majority of patients for skin cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of skin cancer screening among dermatologists and to detect barriers to screening. As a secondary objective, we set out to determine the prevalence of dermatoscopy use. METHODS: With the use of membership data from the 1999-2000 directory of the American Academy of Dermatology, a random sample of 464 American dermatologists was surveyed to assess their skin cancer screening practices and perceived obstacles to this practice. We then determined whether differences in knowledge of skin cancer screening recommendations, emphasis of skin cancer screening in training, or physician age affected the prevalence of screening. RESULTS: A total of 190 dermatologists responded (41%). Fifty-seven respondents (30%) reported performing full-body skin cancer screening on all of their adult patients and 93 more (49%) reported screening only patients perceived to be at increased risk. Eighty respondents (42%) reported lack of time as an impediment to screening. Only 18 (9%) did not screen patients because of potential patient embarrassment, whereas 17 (9%) did not perform screening because of lack of financial reimbursement. Sixty-two dermatologists (33%) reported being aware of official skin cancer screening recommendations, but they were not more likely to screen all patients (P =.64) or partake in screening of all patients or only those at increased risk (P =.84). One hundred nineteen respondents (63%) reported that skin cancer screening was emphasized during their medical training and they were more likely to screen all patients (P =.04) or either all or high-risk patients (P =.02). Younger age groups of dermatologists were significantly more likely to screen all patients for skin cancer (P =.03). Twenty-two percent of respondents reported using dermatoscopy for suspicious lesions. CONCLUSION: Dermatologists report a high rate of screening for skin cancer despite not having knowledge of skin cancer screening recommendations. Inadequate time to perform full-body skin examinations and lack of emphasis during training were identified as possible barriers to this practice.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Peripheral arterial disease. A marker of morbidity and mortality.

Peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities is a common manifestation of the atherosclerotic process. A heightened awareness of symptomatic and asymptomatic disease, as well as screening of at-risk patients, is imperative because of the increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and even death. This article describes the various symptoms, diagnostic tests, and therapies for this common, underdiagnosed, undertreated disease.

Exercise Therapy↗