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Biomedical subjects

L S Krain

Publications and source records attributed to L S Krain.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Some thoughts about the importance of X-ray exposure histories for patients.

The controversy regarding the importance of the definition and standardization of a radiation exposure history is identified. Cancer incidence is increasing partly due to increased diagnostic accuracy but some over utilization of diagnostic X-ray exposure has been linked with increased breast, brain, thyroid and skin cancer, leukemia and multiple myeloma incidence. Since there is a lack of standardization of radiation histories and lack of knowledge by some physicians of radiation exposure dosages, this practitioner has compiled a suggested practical reference list of common radiation exposure dosages and indications for a detailed radiation history with current references.

Humans↗

Aviation, high altitude, cumulative radiation exposure and their associations with cancer.

High altitude exposure and/or aviator status correlate significantly with cancerous conditions of the skin, testicles, bladder, and thyroid based upon a comprehensive literature review and survey of governmental sources. Other lesser significantly associated conditions include leukemia, lymphosarcoma, and Hodgkin's disease. Although radiation and sunlight are strongly associated with cancer incidence and risk at high altitudes, other intervening variables are discussed and critically reviewed using malignant melanoma of the skin as an example.

Altitude↗

Limitations of electroencephalographic monitoring in the detection of cerebral ischemia accompanying carotid endarterectomy.

An analysis was undertaken of 458 consecutive carotid endarterectomies performed over 6 years with the patient under general anesthesia and with electroencephalographic monitoring. Seventy patients (15%) had electroencephalographic changes suggestive of ischemia with carotid clamping and had shunts placed. Ischemic encephalographic changes occurred in 26% of patients with an occluded contralateral carotid artery, 21% of patients with a prior stroke history, and 12% of patients with no stroke history and a patent contralateral carotid artery. Nineteen strokes (4.1%), nine transient deficits (2.0%), and one death (0.2%) occurred in the 458 endarterectomies in this experience. Ten of the 19 strokes and five of nine transient deficits were immediately apparent when patients awoke from anesthesia. Five of 10 patients with immediate strokes and all five patients with immediate transient deficits had no ischemic electroencephalographic changes during the procedure. Two other patients with immediate strokes initially had ischemic electroencephalographic changes after carotid clamping that reversed with increased blood pressure or shunting. Therefore 7 of 10 patients with immediate strokes and all 5 patients with immediate transient deficits had electroencephalographs unchanged from baseline at completion of the procedure, and thus deficits not manifest by operative electroencephalographic changes developed. Our data do not support the tenet that electroencephalographic monitoring will always predict neurologic deficits accompanying carotid endarterectomy.

Aged↗

Decreased serum complement in the Gardner-Diamond syndrome: immunofluorescent findings and association with angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy.

Immunologic and immunofluorescent profiles of two patients with the Gardner-Diamond syndrome are described. During the time ecchymoses were present, both patients had decreased serum complement levels; when the lesions healed, the serum complement level returned to normal. One patient had associated angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy and subepidermal deposits of immunoglobulin IgM at the basement membrane of ecchymotic skin. The other patient had a normal immunofluorescent pattern. Both patients had increased B-cell counts. The association of immunologic and immunofluorescent findings in patients with the Gardner-Diamond syndrome is suggestive and deserves further study.

Adult↗