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R K Knopp

Publications and source records attributed to R K Knopp.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

Painless abruptio placentae associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation and syncope.

Abruptio placentae is a complication of pregnancy associated with significant morbidity and mortality for both fetus and mother. The presence of uterine pain and tenderness traditionally has been considered a useful criterion for distinguishing abruptio placentae from other causes of bleeding in pregnancy. We report the case of a 25-year-old woman who presented with painless abruptio placentae and coagulopathy during the second trimester. This case illustrates the importance of considering this diagnosis in pregnant patients with vaginal bleeding.

Abruptio Placentae

Urine sampling in ambulatory women: midstream clean-catch versus catheterization.

We conducted a study to determine if there were any significant differences in urinalyses or urine cultures obtained by midstream clean-catch (MSCC) urine sampling in comparison with in-and-out catheterization (CATH). One hundred five women with symptoms suggestive of a urinary tract infection were studied prospectively. Each woman had a MSCC urine sample obtained initially, followed by a CATH sample. The MSCC and CATH urine samples were analyzed and compared for urine culture, leukocyte esterase, nitrites, microscopic bacteriuria, and pyuria. Of the 105 patients, 42 (40%) had a culture-proven urinary tract infection. The concordance rates between MSCC and CATH urine cultures, nitrites, leukocyte esterase, significant microscopic bacteriuria, and pyuria were 96%, 94%, 93%, 90%, and 90%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between MSCC and CATH sensitivities, specificities, or positive or negative predictive values for any urinalysis variable (leukocyte esterase, nitrites, significant microscopic bacteriuria, or pyuria). We conclude that if proper MSCC technique is used, the differences between MSCC and CATH urinalyses or urine cultures do not appear to be significant in the majority of ambulatory women without active vaginal bleeding who present with symptoms suggestive of a urinary tract infection.

Adolescent

Subclavian vein catheterization in the emergency department: a comparison of guidewire and nonguidewire techniques.

Guidewire catheters have been used with increasing frequency during the last several years for placement of central venous lines. No data exist comparing success and complication rates of guidewire and nonguidewire catheterization in the emergency setting. A prospective, randomized study was conducted to compare GW and NGW central venous catheterization (CVC) by the infraclavicular subclavian approach. The study consisted of 210 patients (87 trauma, 123 medical) requiring a CVC as part of their emergency department care. Catheter placement and complications were determined by immediate chest radiograph, two-day followup, and chart review after discharge. Results demonstrated no statistically significant differences in success rates or complications, with the exception of catheter malfunction due to extrathoracic vascular placement or catheter kinkage. This complication occurred more frequently when the guidewire technique was used. The guidewire CVC technique does not appear to offer any improvement of complication rates when compared to the nonguidewire technique.

Adult