Biomedical subjects

L Susak

Publications and source records attributed to L Susak.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1992

Diurnal changes in the profile shape and range of motion of the back.

The diurnal height change reported to occur in young adults was investigated to characterize changes in the lumbar range of motion, spinal profile, and range of motion of the back. Twelve subjects aged 18-22 years were measured using stereophotography and standard clinical examinations in the evening and after a minimum of 8 hours of complete bed rest. The average increase in height was 20 mm. Forty percent of the height increase took place in the lumbar spine without change in the depth of the lordosis, and forty percent took place in the thoracic curve with a decrease in the kyphosis. The remaining 20% of the height increase was not located, but no measurements were taken of the cervical spine. Range of motion studies revealed that lumbar flexion, as measured using the lumbar flexion increment, was decreased in the morning, and straight leg raise was decreased when measured clinically but not when measured photographically. Extension, rotation, and femoral stretch test were not affected. The authors conclude that stereophotogrammetry offers an accurate, noninvasive way to study spinal profiles. Further work is needed to assess and quantify the relative motion of the skin and the underlying structures.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

A research tool for measurement of recovery from sedation: the Vancouver Sedative Recovery Scale.

The need for a research tool to measure recovery from sedation was identified during the design phase of a study investigating sedative protocols following open heart surgery in children. A thorough review of the literature failed to show any scales that measure degree of sedation in children at various times after initial awakening. The Vancouver Sedative Recovery Scale (VSRS) was developed through an iterative process during which we identified numerous indicators of levels of alertness among sedated children, and then determined the applicability and face validity of these indicators. The VSRS evaluated in this study consists of 12 distinct items that encompass three categories of indicators (response; eye appearance and function; and body movement). Total possible VSRS scoring ranges from 0 to 22 (higher score indicating more alert) because some of the 12 items have more than two rating levels. The VSRS was administered to 82 pediatric intensive care unit and postanesthesia recovery patients, with each patient assessed simultaneously by at least two observers. Internal consistency as measured by Cronbach's alpha was excellent: 0.85. Interobserver agreement or reliability as measured by intraclass correlation was also very high: 0.90; and for individual items Cohen's kappa ranged from 0.65 to 0.89. We consider the VSRS to be a good beginning in our effort to quantify level of alertness after sedation in the pediatric patient population.

Anesthesia Recovery Period↗

PubMed1991

Back pain and spinal changes in microgravity.

We believe that investigations into back pain and spinal changes in microgravity will contribute significantly to our knowledge and understanding of factors that cause back pain and the influence of spinal cord distraction on sensory and autonomic dysfunction. This information may have clinical implications for the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injury, for the care of patients during and after corrective spinal surgery, for the care and treatment of patients with chronic pain syndromes, and may potentially provide us with the opportunity to learn more about demyelinating diseases.

Back Pain↗

PubMed1989

Ingestion of cannabis: a cause of coma in children.

Previous reports of accidental ingestion of cannabis by children are rare. None has reported coma, although one described a stuporous state that required assisted ventilation. Over the past four years, the staff of British Columbia's Children's Hospital has managed six children with cannabis toxicity, three of whom presented in coma, including one with airway obstruction. Recurring diagnostic features included rapid onset of drowsiness, moderate pupil dilation, hypotonia, lid lag, and the presence of small granules or leaves in the mouth. Confirmation was obtained by positive urine screening for cannabinoids. The six cases described emphasize the need for emergency physician awareness of possible diagnostic criteria, the potential severity of intoxication, and the need for prevention through parent education.

Airway Obstruction↗