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Biomedical subjects

K E Kendall

Publications and source records attributed to K E Kendall.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

The effects of vitamin B6 supplementation on premenstrual symptoms.

A double-blind controlled study of the effects of vitamin B6 supplementation on premenstrual symptoms was conducted. Fifty-five women who reported moderate to severe premenstrual mood changes participated in the study. Symptoms were monitored prospectively through daily home record-keeping over a one-month baseline period followed by two months of treatment. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive daily supplements of 150 mg of vitamin B6 or placebo over the entire two-month treatment period. Analysis of covariance suggested that even though vitamin B6 may improve premenstrual symptoms related to autonomic reactions (eg, dizziness and vomiting) and behavioral changes (eg, poor performance and decreased social activities), a significant amount of physical and affective symptomatology remained during the premenstrual phase. In light of recently reported, potentially toxic effects of low doses of vitamin B6, our results call for caution in using this therapy for premenstrual symptoms.

Adult

An analysis of selected blood service policy changes.

Prinicipal national goals for a blood service system are concerned with shortage, quality, acessibility, and efficiency. Since regional blood service operating objectives based on these goals are in partial conflict, a single policy does not exist. Using a computer-based planning system, four policies are examined and tested for their effects on these objectives. [corrected] The policies are: use of frozen red cells ( a technological alternative); extension of the useful life of fresh blood (a legal alternative); improved collection planning (a planning alternative), and improved inventory management (a management alternative). Model projections of the effects of each policy and comparative performance of each policy with respect to the principal objectives are discussed.

Blood Banks

A computer-based interactive planning system for scheduling blood collections.

Seasonal imbalances between supply and demand for blood products are common. This paper describes a planning system which utilizes conversational computer facilities to assist the manager of a regional or communitywide blood agency in scheduling bloodmobiles and fixed facility collections from one to 18 months in advance. The benefits from changes to only one day of a collection schedule recover the annual costs of using the system, estimated at at $600 for a blood service which collects 65,000 units annually.

Blood Banks

Cost effectiveness of use of frozen blood to alleviate blood shortages.

Human blood shortages are a perennial problem because of the relatively short life span (21 days) of stored blood and the traditional shortage periods during summer vacation months and other vacation periods. This study evaluates the use of frozen blood during these traditional shortage periods. An empirically-based simulation model is used. During periods of excess supply surplus blood is frozen and during shortage periods frozen blood is thawed and used as a substitute for stored blood. The results of the study indicate that the use of frozen blood during shortage periods alleviates shortages but at a high cost. Improved blood collection scheduling management and promotion will attain the same results at a lower cost.

Blood Banks