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Biomedical subjects

M Glasson

Publications and source records attributed to M Glasson.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

Gastroschisis: determinants of neonatal outcome.

This retrospective study elicits information regarding the dependence of neonatal outcome in gastroschisis upon: (1) the mode of delivery, (2) place of birth, (3) time for birth to surgery, (4) method of closure, (5) time from operation to commencement of first enteral feeds. The neonatal intensive care database from five major tertiary centres was used to identify 181 neonates with gastroschisis from 1990 to 2000. There were 8 deaths. There were no significant differences in outcome for infants delivered vaginally (102) versus Caesarean section (79), those born near the tertiary centre (133) as compared to infants born away (48), ones operated within 7 hours (125) compared with those operated after 7 hours (56), with delayed closure (30) versus primary closure (151). Neonates fed within 10 days of operation (85) had significantly lower incidence of sepsis, duration of TPN and hospital stay when compared to those fed after 10 days (96). Early commencement of feeds decreases the incidence of sepsis, duration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and hospital stay. Place of delivery, mode of delivery, time to surgery and type of closure do not influence neonatal outcome.

Delivery, Obstetric↗

A Gambian TNF haplotype matches the European HLA-A1,B8,DR3 and Chinese HLA-A33,B58,DR3 haplotypes.

Caucasians carry TNFA-308*2 in the 8.1 ancestral haplotype (AH) (HLA-A1,B8,DR3). In Gambians, TNFA-308*2 occurs without HLA-B8 or -DR3, suggesting an independent effect of TNFA-308 on disease. Hence we sought a segment of the 8.1 AH in Gambians. BAT1 (intron 10)*2 was selected as a specific marker of the haplotype and was found with TNFA-308*2 in Gambians. Samples homozygous at TNFA-308 and BAT1 (intron 10) demonstrated identity between the African TNFA-308*2 haplotype, the 8.1AH and the Asian diabetogenic 58.1AH (HLA-A33,B58,DR3) across a region spanning BAT1, ATP6G, IKBL, LTA, TNFA, LTB, LST-1 and AIF-1. Conservation of this block in geographically distinct populations suggests a common evolutionary origin and challenges current views of the role of TNFA-308*2 in disease.

Asian People↗

Lipid, lipase and lipocalin differences between tolerant and intolerant contact lens wearers.

PURPOSE: Tear volume is reduced in symptomatic contact lens wearers, evaporation of the ocular tear film may be a cause. In this study we have focussed on symptomatic or intolerant subjects and compared their tear film lipid-related features to those tolerant to soft contact lens wear. METHOD: Fourteen tolerant and 10 intolerant to lens wear subjects were recruited for this study. Intolerance to lens wear was defined as experiencing dryness symptoms in the first 6 hours of lens wear and consequently not being regular lens wearers. Lipid layer appearance was graded on a 0-5 scale, meibomian gland obstruction was observed, and the McMonnies questionnaire completed. Tears were collected without reflex stimulation. Degraded lipid (tear aldehyde content), secretory phospholipase A2 enzyme (sPLA2) concentration and activity and lipocalin concentration were analysed using spectrophotometry to quantify colour reactions and enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. Statistical results were calculated using non-parametric tests (median +/- interquartile range) or chi-squared test. RESULTS: Degradation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and related esters leads to the by-products, malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal. Intolerant subjects were found to have significantly (p = 0.004) higher concentrations of these by-products in their tears (0.85 +/- 1.0 microM; n = 9) compared to tolerant subjects (0.15 +/- 0.15 microM; n = 10). Intolerant subjects (1.86 +/- 0.05 ng/microl; n = 9) had significantly more (p = 0.047) sPLA2 enzyme in their tears compared with tolerant subjects (1.80 +/- 0.08 ng/microl; n = 12) and significantly more enzyme activity (p = 0.012). Intolerant subjects had significantly higher amounts of lipocalin in their tears (2.40 +/- 1.5 microg/microl; n = 10, p < 0.001) compared to tolerant subjects (0.45 +/- 0.85 microg/microl; n = 13). CONCLUSION: Changes to the components of the tear film, however small, can disturb the nature and dynamics of the tear film. Increased lipases, degraded lipids and lipocalins in the aqueous tear film potentiates intolerance to contact lens wear and was associated with increased McMonnies dry eye history scores and symptoms scores.

Adult↗

Oesophageal atresia in twins.

The twin incidence is higher in infants with oesophageal atresia (OA) than in the general population. The purpose of this study was to review the twin OA information from five institutions and evaluate possible links between the development of OA and the twinning process. Data were compared, combined, and analysed. There was a total of 1,215 infants with OA, of whom 50 were from a twin pregnancy and 1 from a triplet pregnancy. Two sets of twins were concordant for OA. Mean birth weights and gestational ages were lower in the twin infants (P < 0.0005) and survival was lower in twins (65%, P < 0.005) than singletons. The anatomical variant of pure OA without fistula was seen in proportionally fewer twins (4%) than in singletons (7%). Multiple anomalies were present in 40% of twins compared with 33% of singletons, although this did not reach statistical significance. OA in our multicentre population was more common in twins. Several possible mechanisms are put forward to explain the apparent link between twinning and OA. Further analysis of this aspect of OA may aid in understanding the aetiology of this congenital anomaly.

Esophageal Atresia↗

Variation in measurement of ankle-brachial pressure index in routine clinical practice.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the variation in ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) measurements in routine clinical practice. METHODS: Analysis was done of preoperative and postoperative ABPIs in 130 limbs contralateral to those undergoing femoral bypass grafting in 123 patients over a 15-month period. RESULTS: The mean initial ABPI was 0.72 (range 0.22 to 1.10). The range of observed differences between the preoperative and postoperative ABPIs was from -0.33 to +0.25. The mean (+/-SD) difference between the first and second ABPIs was 0.00 (+/-0.11). The 95% confidence limits of the difference were -0.21 to 0.21. There was no trend for the size or direction of the difference in ABPI to vary according to the mean ABPI, brachial blood pressure, or time between tests. CONCLUSIONS: ABPI is routinely used as an objective measure of peripheral vascular disease. The variation observed in this study is comparable with values obtained in reproducibility studies and is greater than that accepted in clinical practice. The difference between an ABPI measurement and the actual ABPI and the difference between repeat single measurements are not the same and should be distinguished. Vascular laboratories should determine the accuracy of ABPI measurement on a local basis to guarantee and maintain quality assurance.

Aged↗

Esophageal stricture following esophageal atresia repair: endoscopic assessment and dilation.

A retrospective review from 1981 to 1986 was made of 51 neonates who were treated for congenital esophageal atresia at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Sydney, Australia. Thirty of the 51 had primary repair and 15 (50%) developed esophageal stricture requiring one or more dilations. Stricture dilations were performed with open-tube rigid esophagoscopes, rigid telescopes, and Jackson dilators. The number of dilations performed until the patient was asymptomatic ranged from 1 to 12 (mean 4.5). The minimal follow-up time was 4 years. There was one esophageal perforation with full recovery following conservative management. One child died of septicemia caused by continued aspiration of unknown cause. A surprising finding, contrary to other reports, was the stricture formation did not appear to be related to the size of the "gap" found at the time of esophageal repair. Gastroesophageal reflux, however, was an important factor. We conclude that esophageal stricture following repair of tracheoesophageal atresia can be satisfactorily and relatively safely managed by direct vision antegrade endoscopic dilation using graduated dilators, although treatment may be prolonged and repeated. New esophagoscopes and dilators, in graduated sizes and designed for pediatric use, are recommended. The technique of esophageal dilation in infants is described in detail. Pediatric laryngobronchoesophagologists will become more involved in the care of infants born with esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula.

Dilatation↗

Anogenital warts in childhood.

Fifteen children with anogenital warts are presented. Twelve cases were referred for assessment of sexual abuse which was established in six cases, strongly suspected in one, and excluded in three. In two, the source was unclear. Papillomavirus typing was carried out by HPV DNA dot and Southern blot hybridization using mixed HPV 6/11, 16/18, and 2/3 DNA probes on 15 specimens from 12 of the children. Seven biopsy specimens were positive for HPV 6 or 11 and one hybridized with both HPV 6/11 and 16/18 mixed sets of probes. Two specimens were positive for HPV 2, and a further two hybridized with both HPV 18 and 2. Three wart specimens could not be typed with the available genital or skin probes. The viruses causing genital tract papillomata are the same for children and adults. The identification of HPV 16/18 raises the concern of potential oncogenicity and stresses the need for long-term assessment. The diagnosis of sexual abuse was made on history rather than examination, as only two cases showed additional physical signs of sexual abuse. It is advocated that the presence of anogenital warts alone be sufficient grounds to pursue the possibility of sexual abuse. Nonsexual transmission, although possible, is far less likely.

Adolescent↗

Intestinal atresia: factors affecting survival.

Eighty-four patients with congenital jejuno-ileal or colonic atresia treated at this hospital during the years 1961-86 were studied. There were 42 cases of jejunal atresia, seven cases of jejuno-ileal atresia, 33 cases of ileal atresia and two cases of colonic atresia. Multiple atresias occurred in 19 patients. During the first 15 years of the study the mortality rate was 56%. In the last 10 years it was 22%. Multivariate linear modelling techniques were used to determine the factors associated with a fatal outcome. In order of magnitude associations were found between death and year of treatment (P less than 0.01), the type of anastomosis performed to correct the atresis (P less than 0.05), the presence of other congenital abnormalities (P less than 0.01) and presence of a malrotation (P less than 0.02). The anastomoses associated with the highest mortality were those with a stoma. The mean length of bowel resected proximal to the anastomosis was 15 cm and the mean length resected distally 5 cm. Eleven patients had 60 cm or less of small bowel remaining after surgery and only three of these survived. The highest mortality rate can be expected in patients with other congenital abnormalities and those with a malrotation. A primary anastomosis without a stoma is recommended.

Analysis of Variance↗

Surgical treatment of extracranial cerebrovascular disease: regional experience.

This paper reports a retrospective review of 40 patients who underwent 48 surgical procedures to treat extracranial cerebrovascular disease. The surgery was performed at the Port Kembla District Hospital (a 145-bed regional institution) between 4 October 1984 and 9 September 1987. Carotid endarterectomy was the most common operation (n = 44, 91.6%). The survey reports the patterns of presenting symptoms, risk factors, investigations, surgical detail and early and late complications, and compares these with other published series. Operative and peri-operative morbidity and mortality were within contemporary international standards: mortality 0% (reference range: 0-1%); stroke 2.1% (1-3%); transient ischaemic attack 6.3% (0-8%). These results support the contention of other authors that international standards for extracranial cerebrovascular surgery are achievable in regional institutions.

Adult↗

Tracheomalacia in association with congenital tracheoesophageal fistula.

Tracheomalacia is an important cause of morbidity and death following correction of congenital tracheoesophageal fistula and is a well defined syndrome which requires recognition and appropriate treatment. The symptoms and signs allow division into mild, moderate, and severe groups. When the clinical features suggest the presence of tracheomalacia, endoscopy should be carried out in order to confirm the diagnosis and document the severity. Mild and moderate cases can be managed conservatively; efficient and regular physiotherapy is the mainstay of treatment. Severe cases warrant consideration for the operation of tracheopexy which may be lifesaving and will certainly reduce the period of hospitalization and will simplify management.

Age Factors↗