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Biomedical subjects

R J Eason

Publications and source records attributed to R J Eason.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1990

Familial iron overload with possible autosomal dominant inheritance.

A 96 member Melanesian kindred with 31 cases of iron overload is reported. Liver biopsies from 19 of these patients showed features similar to those of genetic haemochromatosis in Caucasians, but in contrast to the previous reported HLA-linked autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance for haemochromatosis, this family shows a pattern that is most consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance. This is suggested by involvement of three and possibly four consecutive generations, with a high frequency of transmission from parents to children and equal gender distribution. Linkage and segregation analysis supported dominant inheritance, with no demonstrable HLA linkage.

Female↗
PubMed1987

Changing patterns of hypertension, diabetes, obesity and diet among Melanesians and Micronesians in the Solomon Islands.

A cross-sectional survey of diabetes, hypertension, obesity and dietary patterns has been conducted in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. Three groups--traditional and more urbanized Melanesians and semitraditional Micronesians--were compared. Abnormal glucose tolerance was rare (less than 1% over all) in Melanesians regardless of acculturation, but was present in 9.7% of adult Micronesians in whom it was associated with age; obesity; female sex; and a diet that was high in energy and refined carbohydrates. Hypertension, which was associated with advancing age and obesity, was recorded in 6.0% and 8.3% of traditional and partly urbanized Melanesians, respectively, and in 4.8% of Micronesians. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures correlated significantly with age for all except traditional Melanesian women among whom the association was limited to the systolic blood pressure only. Significant correlation coefficients were recorded between diastolic blood pressure and body mass index for both sexes and all groups, and between systolic blood pressure and body mass index for all women but only for Micronesian men. Dramatic differences in life-style and dietary patterns are described for rural and more urbanized Melanesians among whom the mean daily urinary sodium outputs were 67 and 119 mmol/L, respectively.

Acculturation↗
PubMed1987

Tuberculin sensitivity.

A prospective study of tuberculin sensitivity has been conducted among 3610 subjects under 20 years old in the Solomon Islands, Western Province. Mantoux positivity (greater than or equal to mm induration after 5 TU) fell from 81% during the 6 months following birth BCG vaccination to 13% for children aged 1-8 years of age among whom it was not significantly higher than the rate of 9% noted for unvaccinated subjects. Birth BCG does not, therefore, hinder the diagnostic usefulness of tuberculin testing for such children. For the study population as a whole, BCG-induced Mantoux positivity was restricted to induration under 15 mm diameter. Stronger responses were considered specific for tuberculin infection and indicated a prevalence rate that rose from 2% to 16% with age. Accelerated BCG reactions recorded among 45% of 162 tuberculin non-reactors under 8 years old indicated that the waning of tuberculin responsiveness at this time could not be equated with loss of clinical protection against tuberculosis.

BCG Vaccine↗
PubMed1986

Chronic suppurative otitis media in the Solomon Islands: a prospective, microbiological, audiometric and therapeutic survey.

Chronic suppurative otitis media affected 3.8% of 3500 Solomon Island children under 15 years (and 6.1% under 5 years) and was the sole cause of conductive hearing loss recorded in 265 children tested audiometrically. It was characterised by early onset (65% under 18 months) male preponderance and large central tubotympanic perforations. Measles, respiratory infections, swimming and malnutrition were identified as aetiological factors amenable to intervention. Proteus and pseudomonas were the principle aerobes isolated from ear pus and gentamicin the only antibiotic tested to be effective against them. However although a prospective therapeutic trial demonstrated a significantly improved outcome after aural toilet, no additional benefit was imparted by concurrent ototopical boric acid or aminoglycoside solution or oral antianaerobic clindamycin. Parental tuition in aural cleaning, avoidance of ear water entry, nose blowing and breathing will yield a good result in up to 60% of children in half of whom tympanic healing occurred.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Resurgent yaws and other skin diseases in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands.

A clinical study of the extent and nature of skin disease was undertaken among 10,224 Melanesians in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. It was performed concurrently with a survey and selective mass treatment campaign for yaws which has reappeared in the area for the first time in 20 years. For children under 15 years old, prevalence rates for pyoderma and infectious yaws were 52% and 8.5%, respectively. Tinea versicolor was the commonest superficial dermatomycosis affecting nearly half of all adults seen. Glabrous skin (16% of all cases) and nails (25% of all cases) were the principle sites infected by the dermatophytes. Tinea imbricata, whilst uncommon, was restricted to small endemic foci. Pediculosis capitis was universal but scabies was present in only 4% of young children. Unfavourable environmental conditions and misconceptions about personal hygiene are important aetiological determinants. Education and motivation at a village level will be the mainstay of future control with specific therapy generally reserved for treponematoses, extensive dermatophytoses and scabies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Resurgent yaws in the Solomon Islands.

We report a resurgence of yaws in the Solomon Islands and describe the combined clinico-serological survey and mass penicillin treatment campaign to define and curb it.

Adolescent↗