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Biomedical subjects

L J Arens

Publications and source records attributed to L J Arens.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1990

Causes of mental handicap in Cape Town.

A cross-cultural study of the cause of the mental handicap of greater than 1,000 children born in the Cape Town area between 1974 and 1986 was carried out. Acquired causes were noted to be more prevalent among the black ethnic group. This study showed that at least 80-100 additional cases of moderate-severe mental handicap can be expected in the Cape Town area each year. Attention is drawn to the expanded facilities that will be required to provide for the ongoing special needs of these children. Possible areas for prevention of mental handicap are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Incidence of spinal deformity in children after multiple level laminectomy for selective posterior rhizotomy.

Fifty-five children with cerebral palsy had multiple-level laminectomies for selective posterior rhizotomies for the relief of spasticity. They were followed up clinically and radiologically to assess their spinal stability and the possible development of post-laminectomy deformity of the spine. The majority of the deformities found were related to cerebral palsy and did not appear to be due to the laminectomy: 16% had scoliosis, 5% kyphosis, 7% lordosis, and 9% spondylolysis/spondylolisthesis. Spondylolysis is the only abnormality that appeared to be more common in this group than in children with cerebral palsy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Selective posterior rhizotomy: a long-term follow-up study.

Fifty-one spastic children who had undergone selective posterior lumbar rhizotomy between 1981 and 1984 were re-examined to determine whether the gains achieved had persisted and to look at other aspects that had not previously been explored in detail. The reduction of tone was maintained in all cases, while motor function continued to improve in 42 cases. Functional gains were greatest in children operated on under the age of 8, but pleasing results were also achieved in older children. Forty-five children continued to receive physiotherapy, particular attention being paid to building up muscle strength. Sensory disturbances were minimal, and there was no evidence of spinal instability. Post-rhizotomy orthopaedic surgery for fixed-joint contractures generally brought further improvement. Parents and older children were also questioned and almost all were enthusiastic about the outcome. Rhizotomy can be of considerable benefit to spastic children, but great care must be taken in the selection of suitable cases.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

A comparative study of postnatally-acquired cerebral palsy in Cape Town.

The importance of socio-economic conditions in the causation of postnatally-acquired cerebral palsy has not been stressed in previous studies. A comparative survey was undertaken in Cape Town, South Africa. Three ethnic groups were compared--white, coloured (mixed ancestry) and black. The percentage of postnatally-acquired cerebral palsy in these groups was 13.2, 24.0 and 36.1 per cent, respectively. These figures can be explained by the differing socio-economic conditions of each group, the white group belonging to the highest socio-economic stratum and the black group to the lowest. The main causes of postnatally-acquired cerebral palsy were cerebral infections (particularly meningitis), cerebral trauma and cerebrovascular accidents. The proportion in each group, the main causal factors, age at onset, types of cerebral palsy and intellectual status are similar to those of most previous studies.

Black or African American↗
PubMed1986

Ataxia-telangiectasia. X,14 translocation, progressive deterioration of lymphocyte numbers and function, and abnormal in vitro immunoglobulin production.

Three children with ataxia-telangiectasia have been followed up since their early childhood. Sequential immunological, biochemical and chromosome studies have been performed over the last 7 years. All the children showed progressive cerebellar ataxia and inexorable neurological deterioration. Further evidence for the progressive nature of this condition is the fall in lymphocyte counts, deterioration of lymphocyte transformation responses to mitogens, and an increase in chromosomal translocations and breakage. Elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein levels are a highly characteristic and useful diagnostic finding in this condition. Two of the patients had an X,14 translocation. In vitro studies of immunoglobulin synthesis suggest an intrinsic defect in B-cell synthesis as well as decreased helper T-cell activity. In spite of moderately severe and progressive abnormalities in the immune system, sinopulmonary infections have not been prominent in our patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

The effect of remedial teaching on children with learning disabilities.

A study of questionnaires completed by the parents and class teachers of 70 children with learning diabilities revealed evidence of considerable parental satisfaction with scholastic progress and improved behaviour. These advances were attended by a significant reduction in domestic tension and concern about the children's future. However, teacher ratings indicate that despite prolonged remedial teaching more than half of the group remained at a scholastic level below the average class performance.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

The adoption of the 'at risk' baby.

The high incidence of cerebral palsy among adopted children in Cape Town has long been a cause for concern. Five such children from a recent series of 12, in which pre- and perinatal histories were known, were high-risk infants. All were thought to have been normal at the time of adoption. The need for expert medical examination before adoption is stressed, risks that adoptive parents must take are evaluated, and the psychological aspects of delaying adoption are also considered. Some suggestions are made for modifying the existing adoption procedures in this country.

Adoption↗
PubMed1978

Cerebral palsy in Cape Town: a comparative 12-year retrospective study.

Three hundred and thirty-one Coloured and 175 White children with cerebral palsy, born between 1964 and 1975, were compared as regards aetiology and changing incidence over two 6-year periods. The following were the main points which emerged: (i) there is an apparent decrease in the total number of White children with cerebral palsy born in the second 6-year period, but for reasons discussed, there is probably little or no true decrease; (ii) there is a significant increase in the total number of Coloured cerebral palsied children born in the second 6-year period, due mainly to an increase in cases of cerebral palsy of perinatal origin, particularly cases of perinatal asphyxia; (iii) there is a high incidence of acquired cerebral palsy in both racial groups, but this is significantly higher amont the Coloured; (iv) ther is no racial difference in the incidence of cerebral palsy in babies of low birth weight; (v) both racial groups have a fairly high incidence of cerebral palsy due to kernicterus. It is interesting to speculate whether improved obstetric and neonatal care and the resultant lowering of perinatal mortality produce more handicapped babies.

Age Factors↗