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T Wasser

Publications and source records attributed to T Wasser.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

Ultrasonography in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

The purpose of this study was to assess our results of using graded compression ultrasonography (US) to confirm the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Graded compression US was performed on 94 patients who presented at the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, Pennsylvania with an equivocal clinical picture of acute appendicitis. When used to diagnose acute appendicitis, US provided a specificity of 93.7%, sensitivity of 74.2%, and accuracy of 87.2%. We conclude that graded compression US was useful to rule out the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and helped to avoid unnecessary appendectomies and reduced negative laparotomies. Our results proved to be comparable to previously reported studies.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1996

Defining "dead on arrival": impact on a level I trauma center.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the potential impact of defining criteria for "dead on arrival" (DOA) on a Level I trauma center. METHODS: From 1990 to 1994, trauma patients having cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed by certified prehospital personnel were reviewed for time of CPR, outcome, and costs to determine whether any benefit would have been realized had DOA criteria been followed. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients had prehospital CPR; 20 did not meet DOA criteria and underwent resuscitation, three survived (15%). Eighty-six patients met DOA criteria; 16 were pronounced dead without further resuscitative efforts (in-hospital costs of $200/patient), while 70 (81%) had continued resuscitation with no survivors (in-hospital costs of $4150/patient). The positive predictive value for criteria was 100%. Had criteria been implemented, total cost savings over the 5-year period would have been $290,000. CONCLUSIONS: National DOA criteria could dramatically reduce the burden on trauma centers with an estimated minimum annual savings of $14 million.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

The utility of a bilateral breast pumping system for mothers of premature infants.

Mothers of premature infants have difficulty maintaining their milk supply as a result of the separation that occurs between the mother and the baby. The hypothesis in the present investigation is that use of a bilateral (simultaneous) breast pumping system will increase the volume of milk expressed in these mothers. Thirty-two breastfeeding mothers of premature infants were randomly assigned to either the control (single) or the experimental (bilateral) breast pump group. Mothers pumped at least four times a day. Data collection included a daily milk production log, weekly serum prolactin levels, and a weekly State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Participation lasted from four to six weeks. Data analysis included average STAI scores; average prolactin levels; and weekly averages for number of pumping sessions, hours of pumping, and milk production in milliliters. The two groups did not differ on several demographic characteristics, STAI scores, prolactin levels, number of pumping sessions per week, or weekly milk production. The amount of time spent pumping, however, was statistically less for mothers who used the bilateral pump (7.6 +/- 3.0 hours/week) versus those who used the single pump (11.1 +/- 3.1 hours/week) (p = .003). Although use of either the single pump or the bilateral electric pump resulted in similar milk production, the bilateral pump significantly reduced the time invested in pumping. Health professionals should advocate use of the bilateral pump for mothers of premature infants. Additional studies are needed to determine strategies for increasing milk production in this population.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Alcohol level at head injury and subsequent psychotropic treatment during trauma critical care.

Alcohol intoxication at the time of traumatic brain injury (TBI) presents many complications for critical care treatment. This is the first reported data on psychotropic dosages administered to TBI patients in the critical care setting. In this study, the blood alcohol level (BAL)-positive patients (n = 14) tended to be older (P = 0.095), have lower admission Glascow Coma Scores (P = 0.031), and spent more days on respirators (P = 0.125) than the BAL-zero patients (n = 21). The BAL-positive group received more days of narcotics and benzodiazepines with markedly higher average daily doses, not statistically significant. These results are a basis for studying relationships between medication, treatment variables, and outcomes for TBI patients and then developing specific medication guidelines.

Adolescent↗