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Biomedical subjects

R K Byers

Publications and source records attributed to R K Byers.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1975

Spinal-cord injuries during birth.

The subject of perinatal injury to the spinal cord is briefly reviewed. Recognized causative factors are traction on the infant's trunk during breech delivery, rotational stresses applied to the spinal axis, traction on the cord via the brachial plexus in shoulder dystocia, and hyperextension of the fetal head in breech delivery or transverse presentation. Recognition of these factors is the basis for prevention of this terrible accident. Diagnostic criteria at various period of life are mentioned and the importance of the recognition of anaesthesia and reflex movements is emphasized. Treatment is mainly supportive. The development of an automatic reflex bladder evacuation is discussed. Follwup examinations and resourceful orthopedic care are essential. A few affected children learn to live with their disability and a very few who are apparently transected at birth recover surprisingly well.

Birth Injuries↗
PubMed1975

Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis: report of three cases and review of the literature.

Attention is directed to the diagnosis of acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis and the possibility of its clinical recognition is discussed. Three case histories, two diagnosed at autopsy and one clinically, are presented. The latter was treated with very generous doses of steroids and recovered spectacularly. On omission of steroids, a mild, temporary clinical recurrence occurred. Clinical, clinico-pathologic, and pathologic aspects of the disease are discussed, and etiologic factors mentioned. Some thoughts on the relationship of this disease to experimental allergic encephalomyelitis are mentioned. Differential diagnosis is considered and the use of biopsy for confirmation of diagnosis especially from herpes encephalitis considered. A plea is made for the trial of treatment with large doses of steroids.

Acute Disease↗