SEARCH · PubMed Health
Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
Three hundred and fifty men, aged between 17 and 80 years, with normal sexual anamnesis and without any neurological pathology, underwent finger (index) and penile biothesiometry using a biothesiometer. Tabular and graphical nomograms were obtained according to age and instrumental values. The use of the above-mentioned nomograms is an effective aid in detecting each individual case.
The relationship between rectal and peripheral-site temperature was investigated to achieve two objectives: 1) to evaluate a prevailing practice of intersite adjustment by use of an invariant temperature difference; and 2) to develop a statistical method for intersite temperature predictions in the individual child, especially for fever as defined by rectal measurement. Rectal, oral, axillary, left abdomen skin, and forehead skin temperatures (degrees F) were measured with an electronic thermometer in 257 children. Objective 1 was not achieved because a simple temperature difference between a peripheral site and the rectal site could not be used to predict rectal temperature reliably. For objective 2, intersite differences met three statistical criteria so that normal distribution theory could be used to derive the probabilities for occurrence of each difference. Accordingly, cumulative probability nomograms were constructed to estimate rectal-site fever from measurements at peripheral sites. This nomogram method produces a clinically reliable prediction of rectal-site fever from temperature measurement at peripheral sites, especially the oral and axillary sites. These predictions offer useful assessments of febrile illness severity when rectal temperature is not available.
PURPOSE: To present nomograms providing estimates of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) failure-free survival after radical prostatectomy (RP) or external-beam radiation therapy (RT) for men diagnosed during the PSA era with clinically localized disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A Cox regression multivariable analysis was used to determine the prognostic significance of the pretreatment PSA level, 1992 American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) clinical stage, and biopsy Gleason score in predicting the time to posttherapy PSA failure in 1,654 men with T1c,2 prostate cancer managed with either RP or RT. RESULTS: Pretherapy PSA, AJCC clinical stage, and biopsy Gleason score were independent predictors (P < .0001) of time to posttherapy PSA failure in patients managed with either RP or RT. Two-year PSA failure rates derived from the Cox regression model and bootstrap estimates of the 95% confidence intervals are presented in the format of a nomogram stratified by the pretreatment PSA, AJCC clinical stage, biopsy Gleason score, and local treatment modality. CONCLUSION: Men at high risk (> 50%) for early (< or = 2 years) PSA failure could be identified on the basis of the type of local therapy received and the clinical information obtained as part of the routine work-up for localized prostate cancer. Selection of these men for trials evaluating adjuvant systemic and improved local therapies may be justified.
Nomograms derived from mathematical analysis indicate that the level of malunion is the most important determinant of changes in the moment arm of the knee, the plane of the ankle and alterations in limb length. Testing in five patients undergoing reconstruction showed a mean error of postoperative limb length of 2.2 mm (SD 0.8 mm), knee moment arm of 4.7 mm (SD 3.3 mm) and ankle angle of 2.6 degrees (SD 2.3 degrees). These nomograms provide the information required when assessing whether a particular degree of angulation may be accepted.
A diagnostic nomogram based on log pCO2 and log cHCO3- as coordinates is presented. The significance areas for compensated acid-base disorders are indicated. The nomogram facilitates the recognition of mixed acid-base disorders. The graph is being used for on-line plotting.
OBJECTIVE: To construct an ultrasonographic nomogram of the fetal gastric size with gestational age in normal singleton pregnancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Out of 17 000 outpatient pregnant women who were admitted to our hospital, a total of 250 fetal measurements were randomly collected from routine ultrasonographic examinations performed in women with normal singleton pregnancies between 13 and 39 weeks of gestation without medical or obstetric complications. None of the fetuses had detectable fetal malformations. The ultrasound plane which provided the largest stomach area including the pylorus on a transverse and oblique section was used for definition and measurement of gastric longitudinal dimensions. The transverse section at the center of the gastric corpus was used for transverse and anteroposterior dimensions. Biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference were also measured. RESULTS: The fetal gastric longitudinal, anteroposterior and transverse dimensions were significantly correlated with gestational age (r values 0.74, 0.71, and 0.49, respectively). There was a significant correlation measurements between gastric size and AC. The correlation coefficents for gastric dimensions with gestational age was larger than those with AC (r=0.732, 0.702 and 0.489, respectively). The ratio of fetal gastric anteroposterior dimension to fetal AC was a constant parameter calculated as 1/3. CONCLUSION: Fetal stomach dimensions in normal pregnancy correlate with gestational age and nomogram of fetal gastric development appears to be useful in assessment of normal fetal growth.
The medical literature is replete with dosing guidelines for patients with renal dysfunction. Altering dosing regimens in such patients is particularly important with drugs with a narrow therapeutic index, such as digoxin and the aminoglycoside antibiotics. A variety of methods have been used to devise dosing nomograms. This article reviews the salient features of different methods, and addresses the issues of predictability or unpredictability in attaining desired plasma concentrations of drug. It is suggested that therapy must be individualised, and that the clinician can best plan his therapy by understanding the principles on which dose adjustment is based, rather than using the same nomogram or guideline for each and every patient.
A nomogram is presented for the rapid determination of the dosage adjustment factor for drugs eliminated in part by the kidneys in patients with reduced renal function. This nomogram method is based on knowledge of the fraction of a dose of the drug of interest eliminated by the kidneys in subjects with normal renal function and an estimation of the renal function of the patient in question. It assumes that there is no reduction in the liver metabolism of the drug in patients with reduced renal function. The dosage adjustment factor thus derived can be used to change the dosage regimen of the drug in patients with reduced renal function.
BACKGROUND: Epikeratoplasty for myopia is a relatively safe and reversible surgical technique that can result in large refractive corrections. However, it is also claimed that long-term stability and predictability are not satisfactory due to refractive regression and undercorrection. METHODS: In an effort to improve predictability and stability of epikeratoplasty for myopia, we followed 24 cases for 2 years and isolated factors affecting the postoperative refractive results. RESULTS: We found that better refractive results were achieved at 24 months postoperatively for cases in which the power of preoperative myopia was lower. Our investigations also disclosed no significant correlation between the surgical outcome at 24 months and patients' sex, age, and preoperative keratometric readings. CONCLUSION: On the basis of our observations, we propose a new nomogram where higher powers of minus keratolenses, compared to the traditional prescription chart, should be selected for those with high preoperative myopia to result in improved long-term results with epikeratoplasty for myopia. This nomogram has not yet been clinically tested.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual and refractive results of conventional (non-wavefront) laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism using the Alcon LADARVision 4000 excimer laser system and nomogram adjustment techniques. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 499 eyes that had LASIK for myopia and myopic astigmatism was performed. Preoperative manifest spherical equivalent refraction ranged from -0.43 to -6.00 D and preoperative astigmatism ranged from 0 to -4.75 D. Patients were evaluated during 3 months following surgery. RESULTS: One month after surgery, 72% of eyes examined (298/415 eyes) had uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/20 or better. Three months after surgery, 83% of eyes examined (216/261 eyes) had UCVA of 20/20 or better. One and three months after surgery, 82% and 83% of eyes, respectively, were within +/-0.50 D of attempted correction; 97% of eyes were within +/-1.00 D at both 1 and 3 months. No eye lost more than 1 line of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) at 3 months after surgery. At the 3-month examination, 83% of eyes had UCVA better than or equal to preoperative BSCVA. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional LASIK to correct myopia and myopic astigmatism was safe and effective using the Alcon LADARVision 4000 excimer laser system. Outcomes were substantially improved throughout development of an accurate nomogram, derived from continually updated regression analysis of previous refractive results.
We evolved a nomogram for guiding and standardizing intravenous theophylline therapy in hospitalized patients. It provides rapid calculation of a loading dose based on body weight and previous therapy and a maintenance infusion rate related to three categories of expected metabolic activity. The guidelines were prospectively used in the treatment of 72 patients, mainly in a respiratory care unit. The nomogram was successfully used to attain near-steady-state serum concentrations in the therapeutic range of 8 to 20 mg/litre in 72% of patients, with only two patients outside of the range of 5 to 25 mg/litre. These guidelines facilitate initial theophylline dosage in older patients with liver and cardiac disease and provide a rational basis for interpreting serum concentration measurements and adjustment of drug therapy.
Although there is extensive literature regarding ultrasonic biometric evaluation of the fetus, our goal is to establish nomograms for the visualization of fetal organs, as they have not previously been reported. Data from the first complete ultrasound examination of 2,389 consecutive gravidas at greater than or equal to 14 weeks gestation were analyzed. The examinations were performed by three registered sonographers during a 20-month period. Fetal cerebral ventricles, heart, stomach, kidneys, intestines, bladder, diaphragm, spinal column, extremities, and umbilical cord were examined routinely and classified as normal, abnormal, or suboptimally visualized. Ultrasound visualization of these organs varied with gestational age (P less than 0.0001) and patterns of visualization varied markedly by organ. These nomograms could be useful in the timing of ultrasound examinations, the timing and method of delivery, detection of anomalies amenable to in utero therapy, parental counseling, quality assurance programs, and medicolegal liability defense.
Doppler studies of umbilical artery blood flow waveform are becoming an accepted tool of antenatal estimation of fetal well-being. The S/D ratio of the systolic peak (S) to the end-diastolic (D) frequency is the most commonly used parameter. Nomograms relating S/D ratio to gestational age have been published both for normal and pathologic pregnancies. Three hundred twelve analyses of umbilical artery blood flow were performed by continuous Doppler technology in normal, well-dated pregnancies using either one of the following instruments: GE 3600 (GE) or Multigon 500A (MG). Both instruments showed a decrease of S/D with GA, but, by use of a nonpaired t test, a statistically significant difference was found between the two machines. Data on the system used for a particular study should be provided; nomograms for this particular instrument should be consulted and the same machine should be employed for repeat testing in longitudinal studies.
OBJECTIVE: To describe gestational age-dependent and -independent nomograms for fetal thyroid size. METHODS: Two hundred fetuses were evaluated between 16 and 37 weeks' gestation in this cross-sectional study. RESULTS: Nomograms of fetal thyroid size were created by using the 5th, 10th, 50th, 90th, and 95th percentiles based on biparietal diameter and gestational age. A second-order polynomial fit for biparietal diameter and a linear fit for gestational age best described thyroid circumference measurements. Variations in thyroid circumference measurements increased with both larger biparietal diameter and advancing gestational age. There was no intraobserver or interobserver variability in thyroid circumference measurements (P > .20). CONCLUSIONS: Both biparietal diameter and gestational age serve as good predictors of fetal thyroid circumference. When the biparietal diameter is difficult to measure, gestational age can be used to assess thyroid size.
BACKGROUND: While the accepted measure of aerobic power remains the VO2max this test is extremely demanding even for athletes. There are serious practical and ethical concerns in attempting such testing in non-athletic or patient populations. An alternative method of measuring aerobic power in such populations is required. A limited body of work exists evaluating the accuracy of the Astrand-Ryhming nomogram and linear extrapolation of the heart rate/oxygen uptake plot. Issues exist in terms of both equipment employed and sample numbers. METHODS: Twenty-five normal subjects (mean age 28.6, range 22-50) completed 52 trials (Bruce treadmill protocol) meeting stringent criteria for VO2max performance. Respiratory gases were measured with a portable gas analyser on a five-sec sample period. The data was analysed to allow comparison of the reliability and validity of linear extrapolations to three estimates of heart rate maximum with the Astrand nomogram prediction. RESULTS: Extrapolation was preferable yielding intraclass correlation co-efficients (ICC) of 0.9433 comparable to that of the observed VO2max at 0.9443 and a bias of -1.1 ml x min(-1) x kg(-1) representing a 2.19 percent underestimate. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides empirical evidence that extrapolation of submaximal data can be employed with confidence for both clinical monitoring and research purposes. With the use of portable equipment and submaximal testing the scope for future research in numerous populations and non-laboratory environments is considerably increased.
Based on repeat measurements in 11 male and 12 female normal subjects, aged 20 to 35 years, on normal, low and high sodium intake a nomogram for the relation between fasting urinary sodium creatinine ratio and plasma renin activity (PRA) is presented. The use of fasting urinary sodium creatinine ratio as index of sodium intake and hydration of the subject results in a better prediction of PRA as compared with 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. Although fasting urinary sodium creatinine ratio in normal subjects on a normal sodium intake varies between 0.2 and 1.6, a uniform increase of basal PRA is found only at a ratio of below 0.3. A ratio greater than 0.5 excludes any stimulation of PRA by low sodium intake and (or) dehydration of the subject. The shape of the nomogram should make it applicable independent of the method used for PRA assay, as soon as the variation of PRA in normal subjects with a urinary sodium creatinine ratio above 0.5 is established.
Despite dramatic and recently accelerated advances in the reduction of morbidity linked to radical prostatectomies, significant short- and long-term morbidity is still associated with this surgical procedure. Currently both surgical and nonsurgical minimally invasive options are available for men with clinically localized prostate cancer, including laparoscopic and robotic radical prostatectomy, brachytherapy, and cryosurgical ablation of the prostate, with others, such as high intensity focused ultrasound, under investigation. In continued efforts to improve patient outcomes and to tailor treatment options to individual patient circumstances, nomograms have been developed and are increasingly being used by physicians and patients, alike, to guide therapeutic choices at each stage of disease. This tool predicts the possibility of successful treatment for the patient based on factors such as prostate-specific antigen levels, clinical stage of disease, and biopsy results. The current and future development, design, availability, and use of nomograms is described along with the historic and newer minimally invasive treatment options for prostate cancer.
Uroflow studies in a normal pediatric population were analysed statistically. Single studies for 511 subjects (272 boys and 239 girls) were reviewed. Nomograms relating peak flow to volume voided and age were established. An acceptable lower limit for peak flow was obtained from the data and a volume voided range was calculated so that both criteria could be used with 90% probability to define the normal voiding situation. The mean values of peak flow rate increased with volume voided in both sexes and also with age in the male population. Different sets of nomograms, which are necessary for daily clinical evaluation, are given. They define the normal values in the normal population.