Biomedical subjects

Richard A Pomerantz

Publications and source records attributed to Richard A Pomerantz.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Colon and rectal injuries.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to develop treatment algorithms for colon, rectal, and anal injuries based on the review of relevant literature. METHODS: Information was obtained through a MEDLINE ( www.nobi.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi ) search, and additional references were obtained through cross-referencing key articles cited in these papers. RESULTS: A total of 203 articles were considered relevant. CONCLUSIONS: The management of penetrating and blunt colon, rectal, and anal injuries has evolved during the past 150 years. Since the World War II mandate to divert penetrating colon injuries, primary repair or resection and anastomosis have found an increasing role in patients with nondestructive injuries. A critical review of recent literature better defines the role of primary repair and fecal diversion for these injuries and allows for better algorithms for the management of these injuries.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2006

A role for interleukin-10 in the assessment of venous thromboembolism risk in injured patients.

BACKGROUND: Management of patients with multiple trauma requires prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE). This involves recognition of the physiologic factors that are associated with VTE risk. Currently, there is no effective strategy for risk assessment. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship of serum P-selectin and interleuken-10 (IL-10) with VTE as a possible physiologic marker. METHODS: Patients admitted to two trauma centers with an Injury Severity Score >/=9 had blood samples drawn and underwent duplex ultrasound scanning of the lower extremities before initiating prophylaxis at admission, on days 3 and 7, and weekly until discharge. Patients were prophylaxed according to institutional protocols. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-six patients were enrolled with a VTE incidence of 17.8%. The population was predominantly male (60%), with a mean age of 48 years. sP-selectin levels were not statistically different between the groups (64.4 versus 74.8 pg/mL). However, IL-10 was significantly lower in the VTE group at both the initial and subsequent blood draws (21 versus 165 ng/mL, p = 0.012). Further, the ratio of sP-selectin to IL-10 (3.92 versus 0.92, p = 0.014) was statistically higher in the VTE group at admission. CONCLUSION: An elevated sP-selectin to IL-10 ratio appears to be associated with the development of VTE in patients at high risk and may prove to be a useful clinical marker for this dreaded complication among trauma patients. Early recognition of this high-risk group improves the accuracy of the risk/benefit determination for prophylaxis and identifies a group in whom routine ultrasound screening would be cost-effective.

Female↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Resident research training conducted in a community hospital general surgery residency program.

PURPOSE: Research is educationally important for surgical residents. However, little information exists regarding effective methods for teaching residents scientific methodology in a community hospital. This effort describes an effective program conducted in a community hospital for enhancing scientific opportunities of surgical residents. METHODS: A strong infrastructure that supports research is necessary. Dedicated nonsalaried teaching faculty serve as mentors and co-investigators. Opportunities to engage in basic research are made available in off-campus basic science laboratories. RESULTS: Research productivity has been prolific, as demonstrated by numerous publications. Residents interested in sub-speciality training have been able to conduct research that has made them competitive for fellowships and a wider range of practice choices. CONCLUSION: Rigorous research can be effectively taught in a community hospital, provided adequate educational and funding support is provided and faculty actively mentor residents. Having research capabilities provides added incentive for better-qualified medical students to apply to a surgical residency position in a community hospital. Research productivity also enhances the ability to better recruit new faculty.

Biomedical Research↗