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Biomedical subjects

T W O'Connor

Publications and source records attributed to T W O'Connor.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1991

Simplified quantitative estimation in vitro of lymphocyte radiosensitivity applied to patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

Lymphocyte survival changes observed at 1, 2 and 3 days as responses to 3 doses of ionising radiation in vitro (40, 100, and 500 cGy) are analysed by computer according to a simple (single cell population) mathematical model. Intrinsic radiosensitivity, the susceptibility to lethal injury, which is expressed as the D37 value (the radiation dose permitting 37% survival), is estimated separately from the kinetics of subsequent death of lethally-irradiated cells (expressed as their half-life, or t1/2 value). Among the 35 patients with B-cell CLL studied (15 were never treated), both parameters varied widely and independently of one another. t1/2 ranged from 9-200 h and above, D37 from 14-500 cGy or above. Twenty-three patients were deemed 'radiosensitive' (D37 below 110 cGy). D37 level did not correlate with treatment status, mode of treatment, clinical staging (Rai) or lymphocyte count. With some exceptions, D37 remained relatively constant for individual patients with increasing duration of disease or alterations in treatment status. The assay method may prove useful as an aid in predicting response to low-dose splenic irradiation (SI) in CLL.

B-Lymphocytes↗
PubMed1979

Late development of colorectal cancer subsequent to pelvic irradiation.

Two cases of irradiation-associated carcinoma of the colon are reported and the literature reviewed. The clinical courses and operative difficulties in treating these patients are emphasized. The necessity for life-long follow-up examinations with proctoscopic and barium-enema evaluations in high-risk patients is stressed. Irradiation-associated carcinoma of the colon occurs almost exclusively in women, but should be investigated in patients of either sex who live for long periods after pelvic irradiation.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1979

Abdominal drainage: a clinical review.

A review of the indications for, and technique of, abdominal drainage is presented. An analysis is made of the physical characteristics of the commonly used types of drains. Evidence is presented that abdominal drains, although sometimes life-saving, are potentially harmfully and should be used only when a clear indication is present. When drainage is employed, it should be of the most efficient, closed type, and the drain should be removed at the earliest safe time after operation.

Appendicitis↗
PubMed1978

Cell studies in prolymphocytic leukaemia.

A case of prolymphocytic leukaemia, showing several features not yet reported in this disease, is reported. The majority of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood and bone marrow had markers of both B- and T-lymphocytes. The simultaneous presence of receptors for sheep RBC and surface immunoglobulins on individual cells was demonstrated and the endogenous origin of these markers was established. The lymphocytes had some of the functional characteristics seen in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CCL). In vitro cell death in the presence of colchicine (colchicine ultrasensitivity) and polystyrene bead column retention were of the same order as seen in CLL. In contrast with the findings in CLL, these cells were markedly radioresistant in vitro. The dominant clinical features--anaemia and constitutional symptoms--appeared to be related to hypersplenism associated with massive splenomegaly. The relevance of these findings is discussed.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Case for pneumatic dilatation in achalasia.

A standardized method of performing pneumatic dilatation for the treatment of achalasia is described. Twenty-five patients were treated in this manner and 80% had excellent results. There was minimal morbidity and no mortality. Pneumatic dilatation is recommended as the primary procedure for achalasia as it is a simple and safe procedure which avoids unnecessary surgery. Local topical anesthesia, rather than general, is utilized and hospitalization time is two days, rather than the 14 days required following surgery. The Heller operation can be performed when pneumatic dilatation is unsuccessful.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Relearning the swallowing process.

Three patients were encountered who had physical defects that prevented them from swallowing food. They had received nourishment for a long period of time by means of tube feedings, gastrostomy in two cases and nasogastric tube in the third. Following surgical correction of the physical problems, they were still unable to swallow food. It was conceived that they had forgotten how to swallow. A program to enable them to relearn the technique of swallowing was established, similar to that used in premature infants. The three patients were successfully rehabilitated, able to eat a regular diet. The method is being evaluated in stroke patients who have lost the ability to swallow food and saliva.

Adolescent↗