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Biomedical subjects

K K Kerle

Publications and source records attributed to K K Kerle.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Exertional collapse and sudden death associated with sickle cell trait.

Although rare, exertional collapse and sudden death are the most serious potential complications of sickle cell trait. Studies suggest that this condition may occur in susceptible persons when poor physical conditioning, dehydration, heat stress or hypoxic states precipitate sickling of the abnormal erythrocytes. Sickling leads to endothelial damage, which can cause vasoconstriction, disseminated intravascular coagulation and local tissue damage. Cardiac effects include acute ischemia and arrhythmias. Muscle damage results in acute compartment syndromes and release of myoglobin into the circulation. Acute renal failure is possible. Diagnosis is based on a high index of suspicion, and characteristic presentation and laboratory findings, including myoglobinuria, hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia and elevated creatine kinase levels. The differential diagnosis includes pulmonary embolism, acute cardiac events, anaphylaxis and heat stroke. Management is based on stabilization, rehydration, and the treatment and prevention of complications.

Death, Sudden↗
PubMed1996

Exertional collapse and sudden death associated with sickle cell trait.

The most serious complication of sickle cell trait (SCT) is sudden death during exertion. SCT often remains unrecognized in the 2.5 million African Americans affected. Exertional collapse and sudden death associated with SCT is characterized by rhabdomyolysis, heat stroke, and cardiac arrhythmia. There is a 40-fold increased risk of sudden death in affected soldiers during military basic training and there are many cases reported in athletes during preseason training. There have been no cases reported in soldiers beyond basic training. In the case presented, a soldier with 3 years of military service succumbed to SCT-associated sudden death during physical fitness testing.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Disseminated gonococcal infection.

The most frequent systemic complication of acute, untreated gonorrhea is disseminated infection, which develops in 0.5 to 3 percent of the more than 700,000 Americans infected with Neisseria gonorrhoeae each year. The classic triad of features consists of dermatitis, tenosynovitis and migratory polyarthritis. Disseminated gonococcal infection is most common in young women but may develop in sexually active persons of any age. The diagnosis often is not suspected because the initial mucosal infection is frequently asymptomatic, providing no clue to an infectious etiology. Prompt identification and treatment are essential to prevent complications such as endocarditis, meningitis, perihepatitis and permanent joint damage.

Age Factors↗