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Biomedical subjects

R J Wolstenholme

Publications and source records attributed to R J Wolstenholme.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1989

Etoposide compared with the combination of vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide in the treatment of small cell lung cancer.

One hundred and three patients with small cell lung carcinoma were stratified according to stage of disease (47 limited disease, 56 extensive disease) and then randomised to receive etoposide 300 mg/m2 alone for two days or a combination (VAC) of vincristine 1 mg/m2, doxorubicin (Adriamycin) 50 mg/m2, and cyclophosphamide 1000 mg/m2. The drugs were given at three week intervals. Patients were assessed after three cycles of treatment and continued with the same regimen if in complete remission and with the alternative regimen if in partial remission; they were withdrawn if the disease had progressed. Twenty four patients (23%) achieved complete remission and this occurred more often when patients were receiving VAC (19 of 82) than etoposide (5 of 75). There was no difference, however, in overall survival between those initially treated with etoposide and those having combination chemotherapy, whether for limited disease (both 8 months) or extensive disease (7 and 5.5 months). Toxicity was less with etoposide. Survival was disappointing, especially with limited disease, even in patients who showed a complete response to treatment.

Actuarial Analysis↗
PubMed1989

Comparison of a combination of fenoterol with ipratropium bromide (Duovent) and salbutamol in young adults with nocturnal asthma.

In a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, crossover study consisting of two 1-month periods with a 2-week 'run-in' we compared the effects of a combination of fenoterol with ipratropium bromide (Duovent, Boehringer Ingelheim) and salbutamol administered by standard metered dose inhalers in conventional dosage in young adults with nocturnal asthma. Seventeen patients were studied, all were aged between 19 and 35 years and showed 'morning dip' associated with nocturnal symptoms of cough, wheeze and breathlessness. They recorded morning and evening peak flows and symptoms of nocturnal asthma on diary cards. Over the 10 weeks of the study there was no difference between Duovent and salbutamol in any of the parameters measured.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1987

Ifosfamide, etoposide, and thoracic irradiation therapy in 163 patients with unresectable small cell lung cancer.

One hundred sixty-three patients with small cell lung cancer were treated with six courses, at 3-week intervals, of ifosfamide (5 g/m2) with mesna and etoposide. Thoracic radiotherapy was delivered to the limited stage (LS) patients. The complete response rate (CR, determined clinically and radiologically) was 76% for the 78 LS patients with a further 14% partial response (PR). The majority of the CRs were confirmed on a follow-up bronchoscopy. The CR rate was 27% for extensive stage (ES) patients with another 38% undergoing a partial response. The median survival for LS patients was 11 months, (16 months for CR confirmed by rebronchoscopy) and 8 months for ES patients. The 2-year actuarial survival for LS patients is 27%, follow-up ranges from 12 months to 30 months with a median of 22 months. Toxicity was not severe for the patient population, of whom only 20% had a good performance status before chemotherapy. Parental antibiotics were required on 4% of all 844 chemotherapy courses and 12% of courses were delayed due to side effects. The majority of responses occurred within the first two courses of chemotherapy and there was a corresponding improvement in the patients' symptoms and performance status. The regimen produced rapid tumor response with corresponding improvement in symptoms without marked toxicity and allowed further treatment development.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

The disease spectrum in a Maldivian (Adduan) population.

The changing pattern of disease in the population of Addu Atoll, Republic of Maldives, Indian Ocean, is reviewed. Over 30 years the population has nearly trebled with an increasing percentage in those under the age of 15 years. Diarrhoeal diseases and respiratory infections are now the dominant health problems where previously malaria and filariasis were major causes of morbidity. These problems are discussed against a background of changing financial resources and standards of health care.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Diffuse alveolitis on a small dose of penicillamine.

A 60-year-old man with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis developed rapidly progressive dyspnoea and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates on short exposure to 50 mg penicillamine daily. He made a satisfactory recovery following cessation of penicillamine therapy and the addition of prednisolone. This case has been reported to the Committee on Safety of Medicines and we would like to emphasize that the possibility of penicillamine-induced lung disease should be recognized, even on a small dose of short duration.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed1981

The spectrum of liver disease in the United Arab Emirates.

Of 209 patients with liver disease attending the Al Qassimi Hospital, Sharjah, 172 were suffering from acute hepatitis. The proportion harbouring the hepatitis B surface antigen was unknown. Of the remainder, 10 were suffering from chronic active hepatitis, five from primary hepatoma and six from cirrhosis. Infection with hepatitis virus B was regarded as of aetiological significance in three cases of chronic active hepatitis, four of primary hepatoma and two of cirrhosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Bronchial asthma in the southern Maldives.

A whole population survey was performed in Addu Atoll, southern Maldives to establish the prevalence of bronchial asthma. Assessments of atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and intestinal infection were made, and serum specific IgE titres to a number of allergens were measured. Asthma is a common condition in the southern Maldives, and there is no evidence that the IgE produced by intestinal helminths prevents the condition.

Adolescent↗