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Biomedical subjects

Martin Thomas

Publications and source records attributed to Martin Thomas.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

X-sizer for thrombectomy in acute myocardial infarction improves ST-segment resolution: results of the X-sizer in AMI for negligible embolization and optimal ST resolution (X AMINE ST) trial.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to compare, in a prospective randomized multicenter study, the effect of adjunctive thrombectomy using X-Sizer (eV3, White Bear Lake, Minnesota) before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus conventional PCI in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) for <12 h and Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade 0 to 1. The primary end point was the magnitude of ST-segment resolution after PCI. BACKGROUND: Despite a high rate of TIMI flow grade 3 achieved by PCI in patients with AMI, myocardial reperfusion remains relatively low. Distal embolization of thrombotic materials may play a major role in this setting. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized, multicenter study in patients with AMI <12 h and initial TIMI flow grade 0 to 1 who were treated with primary PCI. The magnitude of ST-segment resolution 1 h after PCI was the primary end point. RESULTS: A total of 201 patients were included. Treatment groups were comparable by age (61 +/- 13 years), diabetes (22%), previous MI (8%), anterior MI (52%), onset-to-angiogram (258 +/- 173 min), and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor use (59%). The magnitude of ST-segment resolution was greater in the X-Sizer group compared with the conventional group (7.5 vs. 4.9 mm, respectively; p = 0.033) as ST-segment resolution >50% (68% vs. 53%; p = 0.037). The occurrence of distal embolization was reduced (2% vs. 10%; p = 0.033) and TIMI flow grade 3 was obtained in 96% vs. 89%, respectively (p = 0.105). Myocardial blush grade 3 was similar (30% vs. 31%; p = NS). Six-month clinical outcome was comparable (death, 6% vs. 4% and major adverse cardiac and cerebral events, 13% vs. 13%, respectively). By multivariate analysis, independent predictors of ST-segment resolution >50% were: younger age, non-anterior MI, use of the X-Sizer, and a short time interval from symptom onset. CONCLUSIONS: Reducing thrombus burden with X-Sizer before stenting leads to better myocardial reperfusion, as illustrated by a reduced risk of distal embolization and better ST-segment resolution.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Best evidence topic report. Glucagon infusion in refractory anaphylactic shock in patients on beta-blockers.

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether a glucagon infusion is of benefit in patients with refractory anaphylaxis. 62 papers were found using the reported search, of which two presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Randomized controlled trial of misoprostol for second-trimester pregnancy termination associated with fetal malformation.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to compare the effectiveness, women's views of the termination procedure, and success of umbilical cord culture for vaginal and oral misoprostol versus intra-amniotic prostaglandin PGF(2alpha) for second-trimester pregnancy termination (STPT). STUDY DESIGN: We randomized 217 women, 15 to 24 weeks' gestation, into 3 groups. Oral (OM) and vaginal (VM) misoprostol groups received 400 microg of misoprostol every 4 hours for 24 hours. The intra-amniotic PGF(2alpha) (IAPG) group received 40 mg of PGF(2alpha) followed by oxytocin infusion. Women completed self-administered questionnaires 3 weeks after the termination procedure. Umbilical cord samples were collected at delivery for karyotype analysis. The primary outcome was the time from start of the procedure to placental delivery. Secondary outcomes were maternal complications, women's acceptance of the termination procedure, and success rates of umbilical cord culture. RESULTS: The time was longer for the OM group (30.5+/-14.4 hours) compared with the VM group (18.3+/-8.2 hours) and the IAPG group (21.1+/-10.2 hours), P<.001 for both comparisons. Women in the VM group reported being more willing to repeat the termination method in the future and reported fewer side effects than those in the other groups, P<.001. Failure rates for umbilical cord cultures were 9.6%, 17.0%, and 45.6% for the VM, OM, and IAPG groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Oral misoprostol is less effective than intra-amniotic PGF(2alpha) or vaginal misoprostol for STPT. Women report vaginal misoprostol more acceptable than other methods. Umbilical cord culture failure rate is highest in the IAPG group.

Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal↗

WalkSafe: a school-based pedestrian safety intervention program.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the WalkSafe program, an elementary school-based pedestrian safety program in a single high-risk district in Miami-Dade County. METHODS: Sixteen elementary schools were identified in a single high-risk district and enrolled in a one-year study. All schools implemented the WalkSafe program on the last week of January 2003. A pre, post, and three-month post testing of pedestrian safety knowledge was conducted. An observational component was also implemented at four schools that were randomly chosen. Engineering recommendations and law enforcement initiatives were also performed. RESULTS: A total of 6467 children from K-5th grade from 16 elementary schools participated in the program. Of these 5762 tests were collected over three different testing times. A significant difference (p-value < 0.001) was found between the pre and post testing conditions across all grade levels. There was no significant difference found between the post and three-month post testing conditions across all grade levels (p-value > 0.05). The observational data collected at four schools across the different testing times demonstrated a significant difference found between pre and post testing conditions for Group A (stop at the curb and look left, right, left) and also for Group B (midstreet crossing and darting out) (p-value < 0.05). There was no difference found between comparing the pre-test or post-test condition with the three-month post-test time. There were many environmental modifications that were recommended and actually performed. CONCLUSION: The WalkSafe program implemented in a single high-risk district was shown to improve the pedestrian safety knowledge of elementary school children. The observational data demonstrated improved crossing behaviors from pre-test to post-testing conditions. Future research will focus on sustaining the program in this district and expanding the program throughout our county.

Accidents, Traffic↗

The management of VBAC at term: a survey of Canadian obstetricians.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the current practice patterns of Canadian obstetricians towards pregnant women at term, with intact membranes, who have had a previous Caesarean delivery. STUDY DESIGN: A questionnaire was developed in French and English, pretested, and mailed to all obstetricians registered with the Canadian Medical Directory. Two reminders were sent out at 3-week intervals. Respondents identities were kept anonymous. RESULTS: Of 1497 questionnaires sent out, 750 (50%) were returned. Of these 750 respondents, 102 were no longer working in obstetrics and 47 did not manage women with prior uterine incisions in labour, thus leaving 601 respondents (80% of all respondents) who did manage pregnant women in labour with previous Caesarean scars eligible for the analysis. Whereas 91% of these 601 respondents always counsel prospective vaginal birth after Caesarean (VBAC) candidates regarding the risk of uterine rupture, 9% never, or only occasionally, do so. Of these 601 respondents, 16% would use ultrasound assessment of lower uterine segment thickness to consider patients for VBAC, and 25% percent would use prostaglandins to induce labour in women who have had a previous Caesarean. CONCLUSION: There is considerable disparity in the approach of Canadian obstetricians to the management of women with a previous Caesarean delivery scar who come to term without the spontaneous onset of labour, including appropriateness of inducing labour. A large, multicentre, prospective, randomized controlled trial of large numbers of women would help to determine the safety of VBAC and induction of labour in the setting of a uterine scar.

Adult↗

Towards evidence based emergency medicine: best BETs from Manchester Royal Infirmary. Swimmers view or supine oblique views to visualise the cervicothoracic junction.

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether swimmer's views were better than superior oblique views at visualising the C7/T1 junction. Eleven papers were found using the reported search, of which one presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses of this best paper are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.

Cervical Vertebrae↗

Towards evidence based emergency medicine: best BETs from Manchester Royal Infirmary. Computed tomography and the exclusion of upper cervical spine injury in trauma patients with altered mental state.

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether CT scans of the upper cervical spine are necessary in trauma patients with altered mental status and normal plain radiographs. A total of 572 papers were found using the reported search, of which six presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.

Cervical Vertebrae↗