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Biomedical subjects

P J Elton

Publications and source records attributed to P J Elton.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Is there a role for long-chain omega3 or oil-rich fish in the treatment of atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in Europe and north America, and recently it was described as an epidemic. Treatment and management of this arrhythmia consists of using drugs, external electrical cardioversion and in extreme cases, internal electrical pacing. Despite treatment, this arrhythmia continues to impact on morbidity and mortality. The possible benefit from dietary interventions in relation to the primary and secondary prevention of atrial fibrillation have largely been overlooked. Our hypothesis is that increasing the intake of long-chain polyunsaturated omega3 fatty acids (LCn3) from eating a diet containing moderate amounts of oil-rich fish, will benefit people with persistent atrial fibrillation. A number of possible anti-arrhythmic actions from LCn3 have been found from animal and laboratory studies, mainly on ventricular arrhythmias. These include reducing pro-arrhythmic eicosanoids and inhibiting sodium and calcium currents. If found to be beneficial to these patients, dietary advice to eat more oil-rich fish, or take LCn3 supplements, could be part of a package of care for people with this arrhythmia. We have currently started a randomised controlled trial to test our hypothesis.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2004

Are those in need taking dietary supplements? A survey of 21 923 adults.

Many people take dietary supplements, but information on characteristics associated with their use is lacking. The relationship between lifestyle behaviours, morbidity and use of dietary supplements has not been examined and earlier studies have limited applicability to a general population. These issues were addressed in the current study. Information was obtained by postal questionnaire sent to a sample of the general population. The questionnaire was completed by 70.5 % of the sample (15 465 from a total sample of 21 923), with at least one-third (35.5 %) taking dietary supplements. In adjusted analyses, supplement users were more likely to be women, white, home-owners, non-smokers and physically active. Use of vitamin, mineral and/or antioxidant supplements was associated with eating more fruits and vegetables, and taking fish-oil supplements was associated with eating oil-rich fish. A history of CVD or risk factors for CVD reduced the risk of taking vitamins, minerals and/or antioxidants or fish-oil supplements. Those reporting musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis were more likely to take fish-oil supplements For the first time, we have shown that dietary supplement use is related to different types of morbidity. In particular, people at risk of primary or secondary CVD seem less likely to use dietary supplements, despite possible benefits shown in clinical trials. Public health organisations need to develop guidelines for the public and health professionals regarding the uncontrolled use of dietary supplements in the community.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Randomised controlled trial in northern England of the effect of a person knowing their own serum cholesterol concentration.

SUBJECT OBJECTIVE: To test the hypotheses that the knowledge that the serum cholesterol concentration is raised (> or = 6.5 mmol/l) will lead to a reduction in the concentration after education intervention and that the knowledge that the concentration is not raised does not lead to an increase in the serum cholesterol concentration after education intervention. DESIGN: Prospective randomised trial, with investigators blind to the randomisation. SETTING: An industrial site in Manchester, England. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 495 employees of Imperial Chemical Industries, 469 of whom completed the trial. MAIN RESULT: There was a significant reduction in the serum cholesterol concentration of those whose initial concentration was > or = 6.5 mmol/l and who were given the result. This reduction was 0.28 mmol/l greater than in the control group. The reduction was similar, however, to the increase in the serum cholesterol concentration in those whose initial concentration was < 5.2 mmol/l, regardless of whether or not they had been given the result. CONCLUSION: These results support the hypotheses, although the lack of regression to the mean in the control group with high serum cholesterol suggests that this conclusion should be treated with caution.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

A treatment service for minor injuries: maintaining equity of access.

Many studies have indicated that inner-city Accident and Emergency departments treat a large number of patients with minor injuries who do not require their specialized skills. However, if these patients are to be persuaded to go elsewhere then an acceptable alternative service must first be made available to them. This paper describes the events that surrounded the closure of Ancoats hospital Accident and Emergency department in North Manchester and the subsequent opening of a nurse-run minor injuries treatment service in a new community clinic. It provides a detailed review of the workload over the first six months and concludes that the treatment service is popular with the community and is used appropriately by the vast majority of attenders. Estimates of the average cost of attendance are given. A nurse-run treatment room is recommended as an acceptable alternative service for the treatment of minor injuries.

Adult↗