Biomedical subjects

R Whit Curry

Publications and source records attributed to R Whit Curry.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: diagnostic considerations.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by the gradual progression of irreversible airflow obstruction and increased inflammation in the airways and lung parenchyma that is generally distinguishable from the inflammation caused by asthma. Most chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with smoking, but occupational exposure to irritants and air pollution also are important risk factors. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease typically present with coughing, sputum production, and dyspnea on exertion. However, none of these findings alone is diagnostic. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease diagnostic criterion for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity ratio of less than 70 percent of the predicted value. Severity is further stratified based on forced expiratory volume in one second and symptoms. Chest radiography may rule out alternative diagnoses and comorbid conditions. Selected patients should be tested for alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. Arterial blood gas testing is recommended for patients presenting with signs of severe disease, right-sided heart failure, or significant hypoxemia. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease also is a systemic disorder with weight loss and dysfunction of respiratory and skeletal muscles.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

PubMed2005

Subclinical thyroid disease.

Subclinical thyroid dysfunction is defined as an abnormal serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level (reference range: 0.45 to 4.50 microU per mL) and free thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels within their reference ranges. The management of subclinical thyroid dysfunction is controversial. The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism is about 4 to 8.5 percent, and may be as high as 20 percent in women older than 60 years. Subclinical hyperthyroidism is found in approximately 2 percent of the population. Most national organizations recommend against routine screening of asymptomatic patients, but screening is recommended for high-risk populations. There is good evidence that subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with progression to overt disease. Patients with a serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level greater than 10 microU per mL have a higher incidence of elevated serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations; however, evidence is lacking for other associations. There is insufficient evidence that treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism is beneficial. A serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level of less than 0.1 microU per mL is associated with progression to overt hyperthyroidism, atrial fibrillation, reduced bone mineral density, and cardiac dysfunction. There is little evidence that early treatment alters the clinical course.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2005

Chronic pelvic pain in women: evaluation and management in primary care.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women is a common disorder, affecting as many as 15% of adult women, and often provides both a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Pain in CPP may originate directly from pelvic organs, or may be referred from more distant tissue sites. A comprehensive medical history and physical examination should include special attention to gynecological, urological, gastrointestinal, psychiatric, myofascial, and neuromuscular systems. The effective management of CPP may involve comprehensive evaluations by specialists, psychologists, and multiple office visits. Physicians should address CPP as a chronic disease. Combining lifestyle modification with other traditional treatments produces better outcomes. Laboratory tests, transvaginal ultrasound, and laparoscopy may identify serious disease or provide significant reassurance to patient. Specific surgical procedures for various conditions and pain relief measures are beneficial in selected patients. A sensitive physician who is willing to spend adequate time and coordinate care with specialists can markedly diminish the suffering of these patients.

Analgesics↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Acute pelvic pain: evaluation and management.

Acute pelvic pain in women is often a diagnostic dilemma. Obstetrical, gynecological, urological or gastrointestinal causes must be considered. Stabilization, immediate therapy and early consultation are often indicated. If no etiology is found, conservative management with frequent re-evaluation is adequate.

Acute Disease↗