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Biomedical subjects

K G McGrath

Publications and source records attributed to K G McGrath.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

An earlier age of breast cancer diagnosis related to more frequent use of antiperspirants/deodorants and underarm shaving.

Breast cancer incidence suggests a lifestyle cause. A lifestyle factor used near the breast is the application of antiperspirants/deodorants accompanied by axillary shaving. A previous study did not support a link with breast cancer. If these habits have a role in breast cancer development, women using antiperspirants/deodorants and shaving their underarms frequently would be expected to have an earlier age of diagnosis than those doing so less often. An earlier age of diagnosis would also be expected in those starting to use deodorants and shaving at an earlier age. This is the first study to investigate the intensity of underarm exposure in a cohort of breast cancer survivors. Four hundred and thirty-seven females diagnosed with breast cancer were surveyed. Once grouped by their frequency of underarm hygiene habits, the mean age of diagnosis was the primary end point. Secondary end points included the overall frequency of these habits, and potential usage group confounding variables were evaluated. All statistical tests were two-sided. Frequency and earlier onset of antiperspirant/deodorant usage with underarm shaving were associated with an earlier age of breast cancer diagnosis. Combined habits are likely for this earlier age of diagnosis. In conclusion, underarm shaving with antiperspirant/deodorant use may play a role in breast cancer. It is not clear which of these components are involved. Reviewed literature insinuates absorption of aluminium salts facilitated by dermal barrier disruption. Case-controlled investigations are needed before alternative underarm hygiene habits are suggested.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Malignant cough equivalent asthma: definition and case reports.

BACKGROUND: Cough equivalent asthma is a cause for chronic cough and usually responds to corticosteroid therapy. Oral corticosteroids are employed in a diagnostic-therapeutic trial and inhaled corticosteroids are employed in maintenance therapy. In certain cases the cough may be especially severe and require escalated doses of oral corticosteroids for initial control. This is labeled malignant cough equivalent asthma. OBJECTIVE: To define malignant cough equivalent asthma, provide two case reports, and identify features that should alert physicians to consider the possibility of malignant cough equivalent asthma. CASE REPORTS: We report two patients who presented complaining of chronic cough that was disruptive of sleep and normal activities, and in one patient prompted an emergency room visit and later hospitalization. The patients underwent evaluation with history, physical examination, and laboratory testing as indicated. Other causes for chronic cough were ruled out by appropriate testing, or were treated, and patients did not respond to usual corticosteroid treatment for cough equivalent asthma. These patients were considered to have a more severe form of cough equivalent asthma and did respond to treatment with higher doses of oral corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: Malignant cough equivalent asthma is a cause of chronic cough that is disruptive to sleep or normal activities, may lead to emergency room visits or hospitalization, and requires escalated doses of oral corticosteroids for initial control.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1995

Undifferentiated somatoform idiopathic anaphylaxis: nonorganic symptoms mimicking idiopathic anaphylaxis.

BACKGROUND: Northwestern University's Division of Allergy and Immunology has had experience with the diagnosis and treatment of more than 350 patients with idiopathic anaphylaxis (IA). In 1992 we reported a group of patients with IA whose presentations mimicked IA, but IA and other organic causes were later excluded. Psychologic factors were suspected as the underlying problem. These patients were classified as IA-variant. Management of these cases was extremely difficult. There was significant morbidity and high and unnecessary costs. OBJECTIVE: We aim to distinguish the nature of this disease and to highlight the evaluation and treatment of this group of patients. METHODS: Their cases are reviewed and reported. RESULTS: Common features included (1) presenting symptoms mimicking IA, (2) no objective findings that correlated with 1, (3) no response to the therapeutic regimen for IA, (4) meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria for undifferentiated somatoform disorder, and (5) significant wasted health care expenditure. CONCLUSIONS: This group of patients were better defined as having undifferentiated somatoform-IA. An algorithm was proposed to expedite the diagnosis of the disease so that with early recognition of the disease, unwarranted repetitive consultations, tests, and inappropriate therapy can be avoided.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Descriptive and therapeutic controversy.

Diagnosis and particularly the management of erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome are controversial in medical textbooks and thus in individual cases. In these diseases, fatalities may result from various causes, including secondary infection or visceral organ damage to lung, liver, or kidneys. We present a series of 13 cases managed by one group of physicians which demonstrates the controversy in certain cases, and we review the controversy in the medical literature. Corticosteroid therapy used in this series was considered beneficial in every case by the managing physician and lifesaving in some cases. There were no fatalities in this series. Although the summation may be considered as our opinion only, the frequently suggested "controlled trial of corticosteroid therapy" can probably never be done for ethical reasons, and series such as this will have to establish the standard of therapy.

Erythema Multiforme↗
PubMed1986

Identification of patients at risk for anaphylaxis due to streptokinase.

To identify patients at risk for immediate-type allergic reactions to streptokinase, we performed streptokinase skin tests on patients immediately before planned administration of intravenous streptokinase for treatment of acute myocardial infarction. Forty-five patients had negative skin tests and received streptokinase without allergic reaction. One patient had a positive skin test and was given urokinase instead, without incident. Positive skin tests were also present in a patient who had recently had an anaphylactic reaction to streptokinase, and in two physician volunteers who had been sensitized to streptokinase during initial determination of the optimal skin testing dose. Immunoassays for IgE to streptokinase were performed on serum samples from skin-tested patients and volunteers, and on 16 other patients who had not been skin tested but had previously received streptokinase without allergic reactions. The skin test was a sensitive and specific indicator of elevated levels of IgE to streptokinase. We propose that skin testing immediately before streptokinase administration is a practical approach for identifying patients at risk for immediate-type allergic reactions to streptokinase, and its use may possibly prevent anaphylaxis and death.

Anaphylaxis↗
PubMed1985

Factitious desquamative gingivitis simulating a possible immunologic disease.

A case of a unique factitious disorder resulted from self-inducement of oral lacerations, erosions, and abrasions. Previous medical investigations included evaluations by two general dentists, one oral surgeon, two periodontists, one internist, one otolaryngologist, and one infectious-disease physician. The patient had two gingival biopsies and one hospitalization. The lesions were unresponsive to several therapeutic regimens including temporary discontinuation of tooth brushing, antibiotics, and gingival dressings. The differential diagnosis included infectious, nutritional, immunologic, and factitious disorders. An apparent initial response to corticosteroids suggested the possibility of an immunologic inflammatory disease; however, no organic cause could be found. The enigma was resolved by discussion with the patient who reported that the lesions were self-induced and the manner in which this was done.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Chronic cutaneous granulomatous dermopathy: morphologic and serologic evaluation, differential diagnosis and pharmacologic control.

We report on a syndrome of disfiguring lower extremity cutaneous lesions of 6 years duration. Previous medical evaluations included 5 skin biopsies and several therapeutic regimens which did not alter the course of illness. The histologic interpretations of skin biopsies included panniculitis, papulonecrosis, and granuloma. One biopsy was interpreted as a localized cutaneous vasculitis with a wedge-shaped infarct. Infectious, collagen vascular, and factitious etiologies could not be demonstrated to explain the patient's lesions. The Chicago Dermatological Society included in their differential diagnosis bacterial allergy, including the tuberculoid reaction. Mycobacterium tuberculosis as the etiology was dismissed by negative cultures, histologic staining and failure of response to antituberculous therapy. Our report includes a series of immunologic tests that might be consistent with but do not definitively establish a bacterial hypersensitivity reaction to explain this patient's skin lesions. Despite a lack of proven etiology dramatic improvement occurred with corticosteroid therapy.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1985

Immunologic responses to intravenous streptokinase in dogs.

Streptokinase is used worldwide as a thrombolytic agent. Allergic reactions to streptokinase have been reported, but the immunologic mechanisms have not been well characterized. To develop a canine model of streptokinase immune responses analogous to human responses, four dogs received intravenous streptokinase infusions. Significant rises in IgG, IgA and IgM antibody levels occurred after streptokinase administration in three of four dogs; a fourth dog developed significant increases in IgG and IgA antibody levels. Two dogs developed immediate-type cutaneous hypersensitivity to streptokinase. One dog developed subacute dermatitis with eosinophilic infiltrates which was possibly a manifestation of an allergic reaction to streptokinase.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Anaphylactic reactivity to streptokinase.

Streptokinase is used worldwide as a thrombolytic agent. Allergic reactions have been observed to streptokinase; however, the immunologic mechanisms have not been described. In a case of an anaphylactic reaction to intravenously administered streptokinase during the evolution of a myocardial infarction, the patient had elevated specific IgE and IgG levels to this agent demonstrated by in vitro methods. In vivo testing demonstrated cutaneous immediate-type hypersensitivity with a typical wheal and flare reaction. Critically ill patients receive short-term treatment with streptokinase. Because of the potential danger of anaphylaxis in these patients, we provide an approach that may identify those at risk. The urgency of the requirement for immediate administration of streptokinase is such that an in vitro test cannot be used; thus, results of appropriate skin testing must be evaluated.

Anaphylaxis↗
PubMed1984

Four-year evaluation of workers exposed to trimellitic anhydride. A brief report.

In a four-year clinical, immunologic, and environmental study of trimellitic anhydride (TMA) exposure in a single plant, 20 workers exposed to TMA powder were evaluated in 1979 and a total of 32 workers were evaluated from 1979 to 1983. Two distinct groups emerged before and after workplace control improvements were made in 1979. Seventeen of the original 20 workers were available for longitudinal study through 1983. Annual clinical evaluations and serum radioimmunoassays for total antibody binding and specific IgE binding to 125I TM-HSA (human serum albumin) were performed on all 32 workers. In 1979, six workers had antibody against TM-HSA, three had the late respiratory systemic syndrome, and two had TMA-induced allergic rhinitis or allergic rhinitis and asthma. One worker had antibody against TM-HSA without illness. Fifteen additional workers were evaluated longitudinally after institution of several workplace control measures. Four of these 15 workers had TMA exposure prior to environmental improvement and joined the study in 1982. The remaining 11 workers joined the study in 1982 and had at least two years of TMA exposure in the modified workplace. None of these 11 workers developed a TMA-induced immunologic syndrome or significant total or specific IgE antibody binding to 125I TM-HSA.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

The relationship of airborne trimellitic anhydride concentrations to trimellitic anhydride--induced symptoms and immune responses.

Eighteen workers exposed to trimellitic anhydride (TMA) powder were evaluated in 1979. Twelve of these workers were available for longitudinal study until 1982. Annual clinical evaluations and serum radioimmunoassays for total antibody binding and specific IgE binding to 125I-TM-HSA were performed. In 1979, five workers had antibody against TM-HSA. Of these, three workers were diagnosed with the late respiratory systemic syndrome (LRSS) and one worker with TMA-induced allergic rhinitis. The LRSS workers had significantly elevated total antibody binding of 125I-TM-HSA and the worker with rhinitis had significantly elevated specific IgE binding of 125I-TM-HSA per milliliter of serum. Although TMA handling was intermittent throughout the year, average airborne dust concentrations from 1974 to 1978 at job stations of the two heaviest TMA-exposed occupations, operator and assistant operator, were 2.1 and 0.82 mg/m3, respectively. After local exhaust ventilation had been improved, average airborne dust concentrations of TMA at the two latter job stations fell to levels of 0.03 and 0.01 mg/m3, respectively, in 1982. The decrease in TMA exposure coincided with a gradual fall in total antibody binding of 125I-TM-HSA per milliliter in 1982 and symptomatic improvement in the three individuals with the LRSS. The continuous low-level exposure of the worker with TMA rhinitis was sufficient to elicit a rise in specific IgE against TM-HSA from 1.1 ng of 125I-TM-HSA bound per milliliter in 1979 to 2.12 in 1982.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Air Pollution↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The "Peter Pan" syndrome and allergy practice: facilitating adherence through the use of social support.

The complexity of care of some patients in an allergy-immunology practice may be increased by behavioral abnormalities of the patients. Facilitating adherence through the use of social support may be the most effective treatment strategy for some of the most difficult of these patients. We report three patients whose medical management problems were alleviated largely because of the participation of their support system. All three patients were stabilized because of the acceptance of responsibility and support of the physician by the designated member of the patient's support system. The range of social support used to manage nonadherent patients ranged from directly providing instructions to a family member to the consistent presence of a spouse or companion at multiple clinical visits. In all cases, the success in management was attributed largely to the presence of a support system.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Corticosteroid therapy in an additional 13 cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome: a total series of 67 cases.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a severe cutaneous eruption that can be a life-threatening emergency. Previously, we have reported our favorable experience in treating 54 patients with SJS with systemic corticosteroids. We continued our prospective analysis of consecutive patients with SJS treated with corticosteroids. Possible etiologic factors and clinical outcomes of the patients are described. All 13 patients improved with initiation of systemic corticosteroid therapy. There was no mortality or permanent sequelae attributable to SJS. Drugs were the offending agents in all 13 cases. There was one death unrelated to SJS. In conclusion, prompt treatment with systemic corticosteroids reduces morbidity and improves outcome of SJS patients. This analysis extends our series to 67 consecutive patients with SJS who were treated with corticosteroids and had a favorable outcome.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Allergic rhinitis jeopardizing the careers of professional singers, justifies intense therapy.

A series of three patients were evaluated and treated by the Northwestern University Section of Allergy. These patients had allergic disease that threatened their professional careers as performing artists. Although the clinical manifestations of allergic rhinitis were not unusually severe, these were sufficient to interfere with the performance of these professional singers. Because previous allergic diagnostic and therapeutic regimens had not controlled the voice related symptoms, career changes were reluctantly being considered. Unusually aggressive therapy including systemic corticosteroids was initiated as a diagnostic and therapeutic trial. The resultant improvement was then maintained with more standard allergic management and the three singers were able to perform satisfactorily. This report demonstrates how allergic disease affecting three performing artists justified intense therapy to prevent job loss and the potential financial, emotional and social consequences.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Chronic cutaneous bacterial hypersensitivity dermopathy: a second case and six year evaluation of the first case.

A case we described and reported 6 years ago as chronic cutaneous granulomatous dermopathy was believed due to bacterial hypersensitivity. We now report a second case with similar features of chronic recurrent indolent inflammatory skin lesions, nondiagnostic skin biopsies, and failure to respond to antibiotics. In the absence of another diagnosis and because of the remarkably similar appearance to the first case, we initiated a therapeutic trial with corticosteroids, which induced a remission. The initial case has now been observed for 6 years, and the patient remains in remission on 5 mg of prednisone on alternate days. The second case was considered consistent with bacterial allergy because of IgG and IgE antibodies against common cutaneous bacteria. As there were no granulomas in the current patient's skin lesions, a new designation, chronic cutaneous bacterial hypersensitivity, has been assigned. The differential diagnosis and criteria for this clinical entity are discussed. Either a remission from prednisone or control with low-dose prednisone may be achieved in this dermopathy, which is both disfiguring and frightening to patients.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Chronic cutaneous bacterial hypersensitivity.

Chronic cutaneous bacterial hypersensitivity (CCBH) is a syndrome of recurrent indolent inflammatory lesions that are caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to skin flora. It can cause significant physical and social distress to those affected, who often endure years of nondiagnostic evaluations and ineffective treatments. We report two additional cases of this syndrome. Skin testing demonstrated IgE to bacterial antigens in both patients, and ELISA demonstrated both IgE and IgG to bacterial antigens in one patient. Both patients improved rapidly and dramatically with oral corticosteroid therapy, although they failed to achieve a lasting remission, as had been seen in previous cases. These represent the fourth and fifth reported cases of CCBH. Despite failure to achieve remission, these patients demonstrate the effectiveness of an inexpensive and safe prednisone regimen in controlling this physically and socially destructive disease.

Adult↗