Kushal Madan | PubMed Health

PubMed2006

Autonomic dysfunction due to lead poisoning.

We present a case history of a 24 years old male who developed autonomic dysfunction, intestinal pseudo-obstruction and anemia due to lead poisoning. Concomitant recording of blood levels of lead and autonomic function showed a gradual decline in blood lead level (98.8 microg/dL at week 0, 56 microg/dL at week 6, and 40 microg/dL at week 52) and gradual improvement in autonomic functions. Decrease in blood lead levels with DMSA (Meso-2, 3-dimercaptosuccinic acid) therapy showed improvement in autonomic functions. At week 0, the patient had severe loss of autonomic tone and autonomic reactivity which improved at week 6. At the 52nd week, most of the autonomic parameters had normalized except for the persistence of mild loss of parasympathetic reactivity.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Comparison of straight sternotomy and interlocking sternotomy in open heart surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Stable sternal approximation is an important factor to avoid respiratory complications after open heart surgery. The present study is designed to compare interlocking sternotomy and straight sternotomy in terms of sternal stability, pain and respiratory function. METHODS: Sixty patients scheduled for open heart surgery underwent a standard midline sternotomy (n=30) or an interlocking sternotomy (n=30). The features assessed were pain on visual analogue scale during rest and during cough, peak expiratory flow rate and sternal instability. Evaluation was performed on the first, fourth post-operative days, on discharge and one month and three month follow up. RESULTS: Analysis of the peak expiratory flow rates, visual analogue ratings of pain intensity at rest and on coughing were carried out for each group only for those patients who completed the study. Postoperatively, in all patients there was significant reduction in peak expiratory flow rates. In the straight sternotomy group resting pain intensity was higher on discharge (2.6+/- 2 vs 1.6 +/- 2.3, P= 0.005). In the interlocking sternotomy group pain on coughing was significantly less than straight sternotomy group (median 0.5 vs 2.8, P=0.005) at 1 month follow up and at 3 months (median 0 vs 1.6, P=0.003). INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: Interlocking sternotomy can be performed with good functional results and offers a less painful alternative to straight sternotomy.

Adolescent↗