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N W Harrison

Publications and source records attributed to N W Harrison.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

The measurement of the main PGE metabolite, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin E by radioimmunoassay using methyl oxime stabilization.

The measurement of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin E2 [PGEM] is complicated by the artefactual formation of compounds of the corresponding A series which are reactive towards protein. Existing methods of assay depend on the deliberate dehydration to the 'A' form followed by cyclization in alkaline solution to a bicyclic derivative which is stable and can be measured by radioimmunoassay. We report an alternative approach using methyl oximation of the 9- and 15-keto groups which confer stability on the molecule. This derivatization is simple and does not involve an active intermediate such as those of the PGA series. The antiserum for radioimmunoassay is raised against the methyl oxime form. The label is the methyl oxime of PGEM coupled to a tripeptide Pro-gly-tyr through the nitrogen in the proline ring. This is a linkage distinct from that used to raise the antiserum and thus is not preferentially recognized over the endogenous analyte; this results in a high sensitivity assay. The results correlated well with those from the bicyclic assay when both assays were used to measure the same samples of peripheral blood from women receiving a sustained release PGE pessary for ripening the cervix. The technique provides a rapid and reliable method for determining prostaglandin E metabolites.

Alprostadil

Irrigation or no irrigation after transurethral prostatectomy?

Urologists remain divided as to the need for routine irrigation following transurethral prostatectomy (TURP). This randomised prospective study compared a policy of irrigation with that of no irrigation in a consecutive group of 200 patients undergoing TURP. In the irrigation group, a mean of 15 litres of irrigating fluid was used in each patient and one-third of patients required at least one bladder washout. In the no irrigation group, although two-thirds of the patients required at least one bladder washout, only one-third required more than one washout. No significant difference in blood loss, electrolyte balance, infection rate or recovery was seen in the 2 groups. This study led to a local change in practice, converting from a policy of routine irrigation to one of no irrigation.

Humans

Re: BAUS UROLINK.

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Developing Countries

Massive bladder stone.

3 cases of massive bladder calculus are described and are of interest not only because they are rare, but also because of the remarkably few symptoms they produced.

Aged

The place of alpha-blocking drugs in the treatment of children with neuropathic bladders.

Phenoxybenzamine, an alpha-adrenergic blocking drug has been evaluated in the treatment of 14 children with neuropathic bladder dysfunction. The majority of children treated showed significant reductions of residual urine and urethral closure pressure. A useful clinical response in terms of improved bladder control was obtained in over half the patients. Children with mild radiological changes in the upper urinary tracts showed radiological improvement but those with marked changes did not improve. The drug is generally well tolerated but side-effects of postural hypotension, lethargy and nausea may occur.

Child

Urodynamics in the prune belly syndrome.

Urodynamic studies have been carried out in 10 boys with the prune belly syndrome. In spite of gross radiological changes the condition is compatible with normal voiding dynamics. Filling cystometrograms show a marked shift to the right. Pressure/flow studies may demonstrate an unbalanced voiding mechanism which can be treated by urethrotomy. Following urethrotomy urethral pressure profiles showed a significant fall, flow rates increased and residual urine volumes were reduced. Urological treatment in the prune belly syndrome should be directed at producing a bladder which empties well: a balanced voiding mechanism. Urodynamic investigations are helpful in achieving this aim. Residual urine determination and flow rates should be used in routine follow-up. Urethrotomy to lower bladder outflow resistance is advocated as one of the first steps in treating the unbalanced voiding mechanism that is often found in the prune belly syndrome.

Abdominal Muscles

Ultrasound assessment of residual urine in children.

Ultrasound has been used to assess residual urine in children and found to have considerable advantages over other methods. Using a B-mode scan in the sagittal plane the presence or absence of residual urine can be confidently determined. Quantitative measurements of volume are subject to considerable error but semi-quantitative information in individual cases can be obtained by comparison of records made at subsequent examinations. More accurate quantitative values might be achieved by constructing an individual calibration curve. The advantages of ultrasound for assessing residual urine are that it is simple, quick, harmless and non-invasive. Because of these features the examination can be readily repeated, is suitable for out-patient use and is acceptable to children.

Adolescent