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Biomedical subjects

M Hodges

Publications and source records attributed to M Hodges.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Interrelation between alterations in pulmonary mechanics and hemodynamics in acute myocardial infarction.

Pulmonary mechanics were evaluated in 30 patients with acute myocardial infarction by measuring forced expiratory flow rates and total pulmonary resistance (R(T)) with the oscillometric method at the resonant frequency of the chest (6-8) cycle/s). During the first 3 days after infarction, forced expiratory volume (FEV) and forced mid-expiratory flow rate (FEF(25-75%)) were 69% and 60% of predicted values, respectively. 10 or more wk later these values were 95% and 91%. Initially, R(T) was 52% greater than predicted, but was only 4% greater 10 or more wk later. In 11 patients R(T) was measured at both resonant frequency and at 3 cycle/s. Five of these patients had no clinical signs of heart failure, but nine had abnormally high values of pulmonary artery pressure, "wedge" pressure and pulmonary extravascular water volume. All of these patients recovered. Initially, R(T) at resonance was 50% and R(T) at 3 cycle/s was 130% greater than predicted values. 2-3 wk later these figures were -3% and +6% of those predicted, respectively. At 10 wk or more, significant frequency dependence of R(T) had disappeared (R(T) at 3 cycle/s was 7% greater than R(T) at resonance). Isoproterenol inhalation in six patients caused no change in flow rates, R(T) at resonance, or R(T) at 3 cycle/s. R(T) at resonance and at 3 cycle/s, FEV, and FEF(25-75%) correlated significantly with the pulmonary vascular pressures. Patients with more marked arterial hypoxia and larger values for extravascular water volume had greater elevations of R(T) and depression of FEF(25-75%), but linear correlations were not significant. Clinical signs of congestive heart failure significantly correlated with a fall in FEV and FEF(25-75%), the development of frequency dependence of R(T), and elevation of the pulmonary wedge pressure. The initial elevation of R(T) and low flow rates indicate a modest degree of airway obstruction in acute myocardial infarction. Lack of response to isoproterenol suggests that bronchial muscular constriction is not a major factor. Frequency dependence of R(T) accompanied by elevated pulmonary vascular pressures and extravascular water volume indicates that pulmonary congestion causes the development of uneven time constants in the airways. Vascular engorgement and interstitial edema from elevated vascular pressures causing narrowing of the peripheral airways and closure of collateral airways could account for the above findings.

Acute Disease↗

Albendazole therapy and reduced decline in haemoglobin concentration during pregnancy (Sierra Leone).

WHO recommends that anthelmintic treatment be included in strategies to improve maternal nutrition in areas where hookworms are endemic and anaemia is prevalent. At present, few countries have adopted this recommendation, partly owing to the lack of data to support the adverse effects of hookworms on maternal health. A longitudinal study was conducted on 125 women in Sierra Leone (in 1995/96) to measure the impact of single-dose albendazole (400 mg) and daily iron-folate supplements (36 mg iron and 5 mg folate) on haemoglobin and serum ferritin concentration during pregnancy. Women who received both albendazole and iron-folate supplements experienced no significant change (P > 0.05) in the prevalence of anaemia and iron-deficiency anaemia between the first and third trimesters. These prevalence levels significantly increased (P < 0.05) in women who received either albendazole or iron-folate supplements or neither. After controlling for baseline haemoglobin concentration and season, the mean decline in haemoglobin concentration between the first and third trimester in women who received albendazole was 6.6 g/L less than in women who received the control (P = 0.0034). The corresponding value for iron-folate supplements was 13.7 g/L haemoglobin (P < 0.001). The effects of albendazole and iron-folate supplements were additive. These findings lend support to WHO's recommendation for anthelmintic treatment during pregnancy.

Adolescent↗

Thermodilution and Fick cardiac index determinations following cardiac surgery.

With the thermodilution technique, repeated determination of cardiac index (CI) has become a rapid, easily accomplished, safe procedure. We paired 77 CI determinations measured by direct Fick and thermodilution techniques in 21 patients who underwent myocardial revascularization. Commercially available thermistor-tipped catheters and a cardiac output computer were used to determine CI according to the manufacturer's instructions. Oxygen consumption and arterial-venous oxygen content differences were measured directly to determine CI by the Fick method. Comparisons were made during mechanical ventilation with and without positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and during spontaneous ventilation with and without PEEP. Cardiac indices measured by the two techniques were within +/- 0.5 L/min/m2 of each other only 76% of the time and within +/- 1.0 L/min/m2 96% of the time, if CI greater than or equal to 4.0 L/min/m2 were omitted. Ventilatory pattern had no apparent effect on results.

Cardiac Output↗

Tracheal pathology following short-term intubation with low- and high-pressure endotracheal tube cuffs.

Histologic sections of dog tracheas were taken from 20 dogs anesthetized and intubated for 5 to 7 hours with high-pressure, low-volume Shiley or low-pressure, high-volume Lanz endo-tracheal tubes. Microscopic examination and measurement showed that while the high-pressure, low-volume cuff produced deeper average mucosal erosion, the large-volume, low-pressure cuff resulted in significantly greater lengths of tracheal mucosa-cuff erosion. Maximal depth of penetration throught the basement membrane was similar in both groups. Grooves in the mucosa were seen in 50% of the high-volume-cuff trachea sections but none of the low-volume-cuff tracheal sections. These findings demonstrate that low-pressure, high-volume endotracheal tube cuffs produce different but significant tracheal damage after short-term intubation when compared to high-pressure, low-volume cuffs.

Animals↗

Comparison of albendazole and levamisole chemotherapy on prevalence and intensity of common soil-transmitted helminth infections in school children, Sierra Leone.

A comparison of two studies performed in Sierra Leone on the effect of anthelmintic, chemotherapy, levamisole, albendazole or a placebo in children aged 6 to 10 years on the prevalence and intensity of common soil transmitted helminths (S-THs) infections is presented. In total 501 children were screened, and 394 successfully follow-up. At baseline their overall prevalence and intensity (epg) of Ascaris, Necator and Trichuris were 34% (2,877), 22% (284) and 39% (266) respectively. At baseline there was no significant difference in the intensity of S-THs infections in the different treatment groups but the prevalence of Necator was significantly higher in the levamisole than the albendazole group (p < 0.05). At follow-up both albendazole and levamisole significantly reduced prevalence and intensity of Ascaris and Trichuris. Only albendazole significantly reduced those of Necator. The placebo group had no significant change in prevalence but a significant increase in intensity of all S-THs.

Albendazole↗

Seroprevalence of hepatitis markers; HAV, HBV, HCV and HEV amongst primary school children in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The prevalence of hepatitis markers (Hepatitis A, B, C and E) in primary school children in Freetown, Sierra Leone was investigated in a government school, representative of the urban middle class. The children were aged between 6-12 years old. A sub-sample (n = 120) of the 450 pupils were invited to participate. Of the 66 volunteers (mean 8.32 years) 12 were positive for HBsAg (males 9, females 3) and 11 were confirmed. Six of these were HBeAg positive, anti-HBe negative, (male 5, female 1). Whilst 6 were HBeAg negative, anti-HBe positive (male 4, female 2). HBcAb was present in 47 children (71%). Hepatitis A, C and E antibodies were detected in 64 (97%), 1 (2%) and 5 (8%) of children respectively.

Biomarkers↗