Biomedical subjects

R J Th Ouwendijk

Publications and source records attributed to R J Th Ouwendijk.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Computerisation of endoscopy reports using standard reports and text blocks.

BACKGROUND: The widespread use of gastrointestinal endoscopy for diagnosis and treatment requires effective, standardised report systems. This need is further increased by the limited storage of images, and by the need for structured databases for surveillance and epidemiology. We therefore aimed for a report system which would be quick, easy to learn, and suitable for use in busy daily practice. METHODS: Endobase III is an endoscopy information system offering three different ways of report writing, i.e. standard reports, text blocks and Minimal Standard Terminology (MST). A working group of two university and four general hospitals worked as a reference group for the development of standard reports and text blocks. Guidelines from various gastrointestinal endoscopy societies were followed to compose the reports. RESULTS: Standard reports were based on a list of distinct diagnoses; text blocks were based on anatomic landmarks and individual procedures. As such, 316 standard reports were developed for upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In this way selecting one diagnosis produces a complete report. A total of 1571 different text blocks were additionally developed for each part of the gastrointestinal tract and for procedures during endoscopy. This module allowed generation of a full report on the combination of text blocks. Reports could be composed and printed within two minutes for 90% of cases. CONCLUSION: Standard reports and text blocks are a quick, user-friendly way of report writing accepted and used by a number of gastroenterologists in the Netherlands.

Databases, Factual↗

PubMed2005

Severe hypokalaemic paralysis and rhabdomyolysis due to ingestion of liquorice.

Chronic ingestion of liquorice induces a syndrome with findings similar to those in primary hyperaldosteronism. We describe a patient who, with a plasma K+ of 1.8 mmol/l, showed a paralysis and severe rhabdomyolysis after the habitual consumption of natural liquorice. Liquorice has become widely available as a flavouring agent in foods and drugs. It is important for physicians to keep liquorice consumption in mind as a cause for hypokalaemic paralysis and rhabdomyolysis.

Candy↗

PubMed2003

[Collagenous colitis: macroscopically invisible, but with various treatment options].

Two female patients, aged 54 and 67 years, respectively, had suffered from watery diarrhoea for several weeks or months without cramps or blood in the stools. The findings upon physical examination, blood and faecal examination and endoscopy were normal, and subsequent histological examination of intestinal biopsies revealed collagenous colitis. After treatment with a high-fibre diet, sulphasalazine and either prednisone or budesonide, the symptoms subsided. Collagenous colitis is a chronic watery diarrhoea disorder with unknown aetiology and pathogenesis. It is characterised by macroscopically normal mucosa, while histopathologically an abnormal thickening of the subepithelial collagenous layer and an increase in the number of intra-epithelial lymphocytes is found. There are various treatment options such as dietary fibre, mesalazine or bismuthsubsalicylate. Recently budesonide has been found to have a favourable effect both clinically and histologically. Complications of the disease are rare.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

[Revision needed of follow-up policy for Barrett's esophagus].

The frequency of adenocarcinomas at the oesophagocardial junction is increasing and, if symptomatic, the patients chances of cure are bleak. Given the association of Barrett's oesophagus (Barrett's oesophagus; denoting metaplasia of the oesophageal squamous cell lining to gastric-type mucosa) and oesophageal adenocarcinoma, it is plausible that establishing the presence of Barrett's oesophagus will subsequently enable two preventive strategies: primary, i.e. the treatment and eradication of Barrett's oesophagus, and secondary, the early diagnosis of (pre)malignancy during periodic endoscopic follow-up. Given the frequent occurrence of Barrett's oesophagus and the rarity of oesophageal adenocarcinoma there is a clear risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Most studies on the effect of regular follow-up are uncontrolled and barely give any indication of a favourable outcome. Only a minority of patients with Barrett's oesophagus ought to have periodic endoscopic checkups: those with dysplasia or with one or more of the known risk factors (especially male gender, specialised type Barrett's oesophagus and long segment Barrett's oesophagus). Those patients must be healthy enough beforehand to undergo surgical treatment if necessary. The amount of quantity or quality of life that may be gained from this approach has yet to be established.

Adenocarcinoma↗