Derriford Hospital

About: Derriford Hospital is a healthcare organization based out in Plymouth, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Transplantation. The organization has 2892 authors who have published 3137 publications receiving 84438 citations.

Interleukin 12B gene polymorphism and apparent resistance to hepatitis C virus infection.

Abstract: †‡ § † ‡ § Summary Cellular immunity with interferon gamma production could have a role in protection from hepatitis C virus (HCV) Interleukin (IL)-12 is a key cytokine in promoting such anti-viral T helper 1 (Th1) responses We hypothesized that a genetic background able to promote cellular responses may be associated with apparent protection from infection and have investigated the distribution of the functional 1188A/C polymorphism of IL-12B in HCV exposed but uninfected cases The frequency of the high IL-12-producing C allele was determined by restriction enzyme genotyping in 76 exposed– uninfected individuals and 105 healthy controls Overall, the C allele was found in 27·6% of exposed–uninfected cases compared with 16·7% of healthy controls [c 2 = 6·3, P = 0·02, odds ratio (OR) = 1·9, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1·1–3·2] CC genotype was found in 10·5% of exposed–uninfected cases compared with 0·9% controls (c 2 = 9·3,P = 0·01, OR = 12, 95% CI = 1·5–100) Individuals at high risk of HCV infection yet who remain uninfected may be resistant in some way to infection In our cohort of exposed–uninfected cases a genetic background of enhanced IL-12 production was associated with apparent resistance to HCV infection This lends support to a central role for cellular immune responses in protecting from infection

Do post-take ward round proformas improve communication and influence quality of patient care?

Abstract: The post-take ward round is a critical time for reviewing the initial history, examination and results, and the stage at which further treatment and investigations will be determined. However documentation of this ward round is often inadequate, so the benefits of decision making are lost. The documentation of 95 ward rounds was assessed for key items of information before and after the introduction of a proforma sheet. The introduction of the proforma led to a significant improvement in the documentation of a diagnosis, management plan, prophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis, and resuscitation status (p<0.05), which will have a significant impact on patient care.

Magnetic resonance imaging in macromelia and macrodactyly

Abstract: We report five cases presenting with soft tissue and bone overgrowth that demonstrate the ability of MRI to establish a diagnosis in the absence of specific clinical features. Disorders included macrodystrophia lipomatosa, angiolipomatosis, Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome, blue rubber bleb naevus syndrome and one case of segmental limited hypertrophy. The MRI appearances, and other radiological features of these conditions are discussed. MRI is recommended in all cases of macrodystrophy when the clinical features and plain film findings are indeterminate.

Use of colour duplex Doppler imaging in the postoperative assessment of buried free flaps.

Abstract: The postoperative assessment of free flaps is essential to identify and act on signs of incipient flap failure. Where the flap is completely burled, this becomes almost impossible unless part of the flap is exteriorised or an overlying skin window is used. Alternatively, complicated and often impractical monitoring devices have been advocated, but these have failed to gain widespread acceptance. A simpler solution to this problem has been evaluated in a series of patients using colour duplex Doppler imaging. This re-appraisal of a previously reported technique has been facilitated by up-dated technology in diagnostic radiology. Duplex Doppler imaging was confirmed as an accurate, non-invasive, and inexpensive tool for the postoperative measurement of blood flow within the pedicles of five buried free flaps in four patients undergoing surgery in our unit.