Biomedical subjects

T J Degan

Publications and source records attributed to T J Degan.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1983

Musculoskeletal infection with nongonococcal neisseria species not associated with meningitis.

Five patients with type III musculoskeletal infection from nongonococcal Neisseria species were examined during a 13-month period. The initial clinical diagnosis was incorrect in all cases. Synovial fluid analysis and Gram's stain were not helpful, and the correct diagnosis was made only after culture reports were available. The patients responded well to antibiotic treatment, but two patients with underlying rheumatoid arthritis required surgical debridement. All patients were asymptomatic, with resolution of their infection at follow-up evaluation. An early correct diagnosis is mandatory and Neisseria infection should be considered in patients with pre-existing joint disease.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1982

Surgical excision for anterior-process fractures of the calcaneus.

Most fractures of the anterior process of the calcaneus are successfully treated with cast immobilization. Eighteen of the twenty-five patients in this study were so treated successfully, although their symptoms persisted for variable periods after removal of the cast. Seven of the twenty-five patients had excision of the fracture fragment, two of whom were not relieved of their symptoms after excision. Both of these patients had had a missed diagnosis and no prior treatment of a fracture that had gone on to non-union. This suggests that the correct initial diagnosis and treatment are important, particularly if the fracture fragment is large, and that early excision of the fragment is usually not necessary or advisable.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1979

Colitis and pseudomembranous colitis associated with cephazolin prophylaxis.

Three patients suffering from colitis associated with cephalexin therapy are reported. All had undergone surgery and had previously suffered severe associated medical problems. Their presenting symptoms included profuse diarrhea, vague abdominal pain, fever and leukocytosis, but all stool cultures were negative. In one case, a pseudomembrane was present; in another only acute inflammatory changes, and in the third patient, no proctosigmoidoscopy or biopsy was done. Cephalosporin therapy was halted and bowel rest as well as intravenous hydration were instituted. All three patients survived. Inasmuch as four cases of colitis associated with cephalosporin therapy have now been treated at UCLA Hospital, the authors believe that this diagnosis should be strongly considered when patients on cephalosporin develop diarrhea.

Aged↗