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S K Voeks

Publications and source records attributed to S K Voeks.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1991

Follow-up of mild hypothyroidism in a nursing home.

The course of untreated mild hypothyroidism was followed in 67 nursing home residents (mean age 78 years). The diagnosis was based on a normal free thyroxine index (FTI) and elevated thyrotropin concentration (TSH 4.6 to 15.0 microIU/mL, nl less than or equal to 4.5 microIU/mL. FTI and FSH were measured in follow-up 42-378 (mean 161) days after the diagnosis of mild hypothyroidism had been made. In 45 patients initial TSH was less than 6.8 microIU/mL; in 23 of these subjects TSH returned to normal during the observation period, whereas in 22 TSH remained elevated. In all 22 residents whose initial TSH was greater than 6.8 microIU/mL, TSH remained elevated at follow-up. In 4 subjects whose initial TSH concentrations ranged from 5.0 to 9.6 microIU/mL, FTI fell below normal 91-141 days after the diagnosis of mild hypothyroidism was made. Clinical progression of the signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism was not detected in the 4 patients who developed hypothyroxinemia. Three demonstrated positive thyroid antibody titers, and 1 had myasthenia gravis. These observations suggest a need for replacement therapy in debilitated patients with mild hypothyroidism and evidence of thyroid autoimmunity.

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PubMed1990

Hearing loss in the nursing home. An institutional issue.

One hundred ninety-eight nursing home admissions underwent audiometric assessment and answered questions regarding hearing difficulty in common listening situations. Twenty-four percent demonstrated normal thresholds (0-25 dB) in the speech frequencies with only mild losses at 4000 Hz. Fifty-four percent had normal thresholds through the speech frequencies with moderate to profound losses at higher frequencies, or mild losses (26-40 dB) in the speech frequencies. Such persons would be at risk in daily listening situations. Twenty-two percent had moderate or greater losses (greater than 40 dB) through the entire frequency range. Sixteen percent of this significantly impaired group were not identified as having a hearing loss by either the admitting RN or physician. Sixty percent of residents reported trouble in a group if they could not see the speaker's face, when watching television, and/or when using the telephone. The data indicate that a systematic hearing screening program is the most reliable means of identifying hearing loss and functional hearing handicap on an individual basis. The high prevalence of hearing problems suggests that this handicap also needs to be addressed from the perspective of institutional policy. Staff training and environmental modification should be undertaken to give hearing support to the entire nursing home population.

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PubMed1987

Psychological depressive symptoms in grade II hypothyroidism in a nursing home.

In an effort to explore the relationship between Grade II hypothyroidism and depressive symptoms, 16 nursing home residents with normal free thyroxine index and elevated basal thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone; TSH) levels were matched for age, sex, nursing level of care, and certain medications with a control group who had normal basal TSH levels. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was administered to all participants. Basal TSH elevation was not associated with increased psychological depressive symptoms on the GDS.

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