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Biomedical subjects

T Holt

Publications and source records attributed to T Holt.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1991

Evaluation of growth and changes in body composition following neonatal diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.

Early deficits in nutritional status that might require specific treatment and early response to nutritional therapy were studied longitudinally in 25 infants with cystic fibrosis (CF) diagnosed by neonatal screening, using anthropometric and research body composition methodology, and evaluation of pancreatic function. At the time of confirmed diagnosis (mean 5.4 weeks), body mass, length, total body fat (TBF), and total body potassium (TBK) were all significantly reduced. Following diagnosis and commencement of therapy there was a normalization of weight, length, and TBK by 6-12 months of age, indicating catch-up growth. But in some individuals the response was incomplete, and as a group, mean total body fat remained significantly lower than normal at 1 year of age. Seven of 25 (28%) were pancreatic sufficient at diagnosis, and all but one had evidence of declining pancreatic function requiring the institution of pancreatic enzyme therapy during the next 1-9 months. The median age of commencement of enzyme therapy was 10 weeks (range 5 weeks to 11 months). These longitudinal assessments emphasize the dynamic changes occurring in absorptive function, body composition, and nutritional status following neonatal diagnosis of cystic fibrosis and may reflect previously described abnormalities of energy metabolism in this age group. Abnormal body composition is evident in most CF infants following diagnosis by neonatal screening but pancreatic damage may still be evolving. We suggest that early active nutritional therapy and surveillance for changes in pancreatic function are warranted in CF infants diagnosed by neonatal screening.

Body Composition↗
PubMed1989

Histological evaluation of the effect of a miniature carbon dioxide laser on oral mucosa.

Carbon dioxide lasers emit infra-red radiation at a wavelength of 10600 nm, making them suitable for tissue vaporisation, incision and vessel coagulation. A miniature CO2 laser (length 24 cm), with an output of 4 Watts focused on to a spot of 0.2 mm diameter at a distance of 2.5 mm from the nozzle tip, has been developed. This hand-held, water-cooled device operates off a 12 V D.C. source and provides good access to most areas of the mouth. In order to evaluate the use of the miniature laser, a series of lesions were produced on the lateral margins of sheep's tongues, and histological examination of tissues carried out immediately after treatment and at 1 h; 1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 day intervals. Wounds showed clean cut margins with even removal of epithelium and superficial connective tissue. Damage appeared to be restricted to a 100 microns deep zone in the lamina propria. Epithelial regeneration had commenced at between 2 and 4 days, and re-covered the surface by 14 days. A residue of chronic inflammatory cells was present within the stroma at 21 days, but this had resolved by 28 days. The miniature carbon dioxide laser is effective in vaporising oral mucosa and also achieving haemostasis by vessel coagulation; its manoeuvrability and relatively low cost warrant further clinical evaluation for the treatment of mucosal lesions, such as leukoplakia.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Profound muscle weakness and hypokalemia due to clay ingestion.

We have presented the case of a 43-year-old woman with severe myositis due to clay ingestion and hypokalemia. EMG studies revealed a pattern consistent with myositis, and muscle biopsy showed a nonspecific diffuse myositis. The clay was shown to act as a potassium binder. With potassium replacement and discontinuance of clay ingestion, the symptoms and signs abated and laboratory values returned to normal.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Efficacy of routine annual studies in the care of elderly patients.

The authors reviewed the results of annual laboratory screening (SMA 20, T3, T4, UA, EKG, chest x-ray) performed on a population of 500 institutionalized and ambulatory patients retrospectively followed from 1 to 19 years. With 30 laboratory values recorded for each annual exam, there were an average of 1.56 new abnormal laboratory findings per year per patient. A sample of 100 patients was further reviewed to determine the incidence of new diagnoses and treatment initiated by the appearance of new abnormal laboratory findings; 756 new abnormalities were recorded out of a possible 15,000, and 66 medical work-ups were initiated, which lead to new diagnoses in 21 cases and a treatment plan in 12 cases. The authors suggest that, in view of the rapid increase in the number of elderly persons and the consequent need to conserve limited health care resources, "standard" laboratory screening may not be warranted on a yearly basis in the elderly population.

Aged↗