Biomedical subjects

K D Fu

Publications and source records attributed to K D Fu.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

La Crosse encephalitis in children.

BACKGROUND: La Crosse encephalitis is a mosquito-borne disease that can be mistaken for herpes simplex encephalitis. It has been reported in 28 states but may be underrecognized. METHODS: We investigated the manifestations and clinical course of La Crosse encephalitis in 127 patients hospitalized from 1987 through 1996. The diagnosis was established by serologic testing for IgM and IgG antibodies to La Crosse virus. Data were collected by chart review. RESULTS: Most of the patients were school-aged children (mean [+/-SD] age, 7.8+/-3.5 years; range, 0.5 to 15.0). Symptoms included headache, fever, and vomiting (each in 70 percent or more of the patients), seizures (in 46 percent), and disorientation (in 42 percent). Thirteen percent had aseptic meningitis. Hyponatremia developed in 21 percent, and there were signs of increased intracranial pressure in 13 percent. Six patients, including three with cerebral herniation, underwent intracranial-pressure monitoring. The 13 patients (11 percent) whose condition deteriorated in the hospital had decreases in serum sodium levels (P=0.007), and increases in body temperature (P=0.003) at the time of deterioration. At admission, these patients more often had a history of vomiting (P=0.047) and a score of 12 or lower on the Glasgow Coma Scale (P=0.02) than the others; a trend toward a greater prevalence of seizures at admission was also evident in this group (P=0.07). All the patients survived, but 15 of them (12 percent) had neurologic deficits at discharge. Follow-up assessments, performed in 28 children, suggested an increase in cognitive and behavioral deficits 10 to 18 months after the episode of encephalitis. CONCLUSIONS: La Crosse virus infection should be considered in children who present with aseptic meningitis or encephalitis. Hyponatremia and increasing body temperature may be related to clinical deterioration.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

The use of 5,6 benzo-[alpha]-pyrone (coumarin) and heating by microwaves in the treatment of chronic lymphedema of the legs.

Sixty patients with leg lymphedema from a variety of etiologies were divided into randomized two groups, matched by Grade, duration, age, sex, and cause of lymphedema. Using a double-blind format, one group received 5,6 benzo-[alpha]-pyrone (coumarin 1,2 benzopyrone, 400 mg/day) for six months; the other received a placebo. For the next six months, both groups received a standardized regimen of heat (using microwaves) coupled with compression garments. Benzopyrone produced approximately 20% reduction in the volume (p = 10(-4)) and improvement in circumferences and tonometry (p = 10(-5) and 10(-7)). Symptoms (feelings of swelling, pain, heaviness and loss of mobility) were also significantly improved (p = 0.03 to 10(-7)). During the second six months, when microwave heat therapy was added to drug therapy, the patients who had previously received the placebo showed significant improvement (p = 0.03 to 10(-9)) in signs and symptoms of lymphedema. Some, but not all, of the group that was receiving benzopyrones were also significantly improved by heat therapy (p = 0.8 to 0.002). Taking benzopyrones for 12 months plus heat treatment for six months was significantly better, for some criteria, than the placebo plus heat therapy (p = 0.7 to 0.04). On the other hand, heat plus either placebo or benzopyrone was often significantly better than either the active or inactive drug without heat (p = 0.8 to 10(-9)).

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1995

Analysis of 136 cases of reconstructed penis using various methods.

Our experience in reconstructive surgery of the penis in 136 cases is reported. The postoperative complication rate was 13.24 percent. Five methods were used: the radial forearm free flap, the superficial inferior epigastric artery flap, the superficial circumflex iliac artery flap, the anterolateral thigh flap, and the combined cutaneous flap. The choice of the method had to be made depending on the patient's condition and prediction of the operative results. The penis not only should have a good appearance with normal size but also should have good sensation and function. The keys to success of this operation are considered to be correct preoperative planning, careful manipulation, and excellent anastomoses.

Humans↗

PubMed1991

Indirect lymphography with Isovist-300 in various forms of lymphedema.

Twenty patients with various forms of lymphedema were studied by indirect lymphography. Isovist, a new non-ionic, water-soluble, dimeric contrast media, was used for intradermal infusion. Simultaneous indirect lymphography showed characteristic patterns of lymphatics. The initial lymphatics were visualized by intradermal infusion of the newly developed isovist. However, they were not opacified with direct lymphography unless in the presence of valvular insufficiency. No systemic side-effects were observed except for a feeling of discomfort at the injection site. The results showed that indirect lymphography with intradermal infusion of Isovist is useful for demonstrating dermal lymph vessels and for the diagnosis of lymphedema.

Adolescent↗