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Biomedical subjects

K C Judkins

Publications and source records attributed to K C Judkins.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Hot-air ballooning injuries in the United Kingdom (January 1976-January 2004).

OBJECTIVES: Injuries due to hot-air ballooning accidents are uncommon but may be severe. In this study we examined the factors contributing to ballooning accidents in the UK and the type of injuries sustained. METHODS: The post-investigation reports of ballooning accidents from 1976 to 2004 were reviewed. They were analysed to determine type and severity of injuries, phase of flight at time of accident and causative or contributory factors. RESULTS: Sixty-one people were seriously injured in 98 ballooning accidents, with 2 fatalities. The majority of these accidents occurred during the approach and landing phase of flight. Ground collisions and crashes with power lines accounted for the majority of accidents. Adverse weather conditions were present in a significant number of crashes. Equipment failure was an uncommon cause of accidents. Fractures and burns were the most common form of injuries sustained. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in design and materials used, as well as adherence to specific recommended safety protocols, may aid to decrease the risk of severe burns in ballooning accidents. We discuss these factors illustrated by our experience of the worst recorded ballooning accident in Britain.

Accidents, Aviation↗
PubMed1989

Biosynthetic human growth hormone in burned patients: a pilot study.

A 15-day, open trial was conducted in 12 adult burned patients of whom six were randomly allocated to form a control group and six to receive biosynthetic human growth hormone (somatropin). All were fed enterally and treated according to a standard burn protocol. The mean age, burn size, energy and nitrogen intakes were well matched in each group. The resting energy expenditures (REE) were comparable in each group and the REEs exceeded the calculated basal energy expenditures by a mean of 36.8 +/- 4.1 per cent for both groups. Blood urea values were significantly lower in somatropin-treated patients but there was no significant difference in nitrogen balance, protein oxidation or the rate of plasma protein recovery between the two groups. The basal plasma insulin concentration and basal insulinogenic index were significantly higher in somatropin-treated patients but insulin release, in response to injected glucose, was comparable in both groups. All patients had impaired glucose disposal due to insulin resistance but the area under the glucose curve increased significantly during somatropin treatment. It is concluded that somatropin administration did not significantly improve nutrition in burned patients but has been shown to exacerbate the existing insulin resistance.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Aeromedical transfer of burned patients: a review with special reference to European civilian practice.

Inter-hospital transfer of a patient with a burn injury can usually be undertaken with confidence, even for non-medical reasons, as long as it is undertaken with care. Transfer by air has many advantages for the seriously burned patient provided that all potential risk factors are taken into account. There is a need to consider infection, the respiratory condition and the cardiovascular status of the patient. The possibility of other injuries should also be borne in mind. Early transfer requires careful but urgent planning if it is to be achieved, as is desirable, by days 3 or 4 postburn. Transfer during or at the end of the resuscitation phase, or in the convalescent phase when skin cover is well established, poses least problems. Plenty of sterile paraffin gauze, wool and crêpe bandages will be needed. Appropriate monitoring equipment and full cardiovascular and respiratory resuscitation facilities should be carried. Care should be taken in the selection of the medical and nursing personnel to accompany the patient, who should whenever possible have experience of burns as well as aviation medicine.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Determinants of urinary nitrogen excretion in burned patients.

A retrospective study of urinary urea excretion has been performed in 91 burned patients. Maximum mean excretion occurred between days 5 and 8 after injury. The rate of excretion during this peak period correlated significantly with the sex and age of the patient as well as the burn size. It is suggested that peak nitrogen excretion may be more accurately predicted if all three variables are considered. However, the wide variation seen in patient response and differences in clinical management mean that regular measurement of urinary urea excretion still provides the most reliable guide to dietary protein requirements after a burn.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Respiratory injury in children: the histology of healing.

Three children aged 18 months, 2 years and 3 years were involved in a house fire. Sadly, they all died. They did so at varying times after the incident, from almost immediately to 24 days. They all suffered a smoke inhalation injury. The histological findings from the large airways are presented and compared with reference to the stages in the healing process that they represent. Possible implications are discussed.

Burns, Inhalation↗