Showing papers by "LAC+USC Medical Center published in 1975"

"Agenesis" of ductus arteriosus associated with the syndrome of tetralogy of Fallot and absent pulmonary valve.

Abstract: Four infants with the severe form of the syndrome of tetralogy of Fallot and absent pulmonary valve are described. All had severe respiratory distress due to bronchial compression from massively dilated pulmonary arteries. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by cardiac catheterization and angiocardiography. The infants died at age 3, 5, 30 and 90 days, respectively. Autopsy revealed, in addition to the usual components of the syndrome, absence of the ductus arteriosus or its remnants. The possible relation of "agenesis" of the ductus arteriosus to the pathogenesis of the severe form of this syndrome is discussed and pertinent studies are reviewed.

Specific IgE antibodies in atopic eczema

Abstract: Radioallergosorbent tests (RAST'S) with 35 antigens and total serum IgE levels were performed on sera from 25 patients with atopic eczema, ranging from mild to very severe, who had been evaluated clinically and, when possible, skin-tested to inhalant allergens. IgE levels varied from 95 to 112,000 I.U., with a geometric mean of 2,200 I.U. Individual patients' sera gave an average of 8.4 positive RAST's to 14 inhalant allergens with a range of from 1 to 14 positive tests. The correlation of RAST with skin tests averaged 55 per cent with no difference observed with either the scratch or the prick methods. The degree of correlation was not related to severity of eczema. In eczema patients the great majority of noncorrelating tests were RAST positive and skin-test negative, unlike the noncorrelating tests found in children with asthma and allergic rhinitis, where there are more positive skin tests with negative RAST. The 25 sera were tested by RAST with 18 food antigens and the various sera gave from 1 to 18 positive tests, with an average of 9.7. IgE antibodies reacting with at least one of the DPT antigens were found in 10 of the 25 sera. Sera from 4 of the patients studied contained IgE antibodies that combined with all 35 antigens studied. Control RAST's with these sera were negative. This study shows that much of the elevation of serum IgE observed in atopic eczema represents specific IgE antibodies that can combine with common antigens with relatively high affinity.

The use of the oxytocin challenge test for antepartum clinical evaluation of uteroplacental respiratory function

Abstract: Over the last 4 years at Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center, Women's Hospital, clinical interest in antepartum fetal monitoring has increased considerably. As a result of approximately 1,500 tests in some 600 patients at high risk for placental insufficiency, we have reached several conclusions regarding the methods for antepartum fetal monitoring, criteria for interpretation of the results obtained, and the role of antepartum monitoring information in clinical management. In this paper, the results of "stress" monitoring (monitoring in the presence of uterine contractions) are presented. The term "oxytocin challenge test" is used in reference to "stressed" monitoring even though sometimes the contractions were spontaneous, or without oxytocin stimulation.

Effect of glucagon on blood glucose homeostasis in infants of diabetic mothers.

Abstract: Thirty infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) were randomly selected and divided into 3 groups of 10 babies each. Group A were used as controls. Group B received glucagon 300 mug/kg i.m. and Group C received glucagon 300 mug/kg i.v. at birth. Hypoglycemia developed in 6 infants in Group A and 4 infants in Group B. None of the infants in Group C had hypoglycemia. Mean blood glucose was higher in Group C in the first 3 hours than Group A, and higher in Group B in the first (/2-1 hour. I.v. glucshon, 300 mug/kg when given in the first 15 minutes after birth prevented hypoglycemia in IDM in the first hours of life.

Suicide by overdoses of medicines among the aged.

Abstract: The current literature on suicide by medicinal overdose among the elderly population of the United States and Britain is discussed. The older white male is a high risk in this regard. Physical and mental illnesses contribute to the problem of suicide among the aged, and some of the drugs prescribed for treatment (e.g., barbiturates and psychotherapeutic agents) are often accessible to the older person for misuse in suicide. The responsibilities of the prescribing physician and the practices of the dispensing pharmacist are considered in relation to the exposure of the elderly patient to potentially lethal drugs. Prediction of suicidal attitudes in the elderly is complicated by the fact that any attempt at suicide usually is serious and rarely preceded by gestures. Depression, based on social factors, is common among older people. Some of them face problems of declining income and prestige, as well as a loss of physical and mental powers. A change in the attitude of society towards the elderly may help to alleviate the depressive state which so often contributes to the suicidal potential.

Stabilization of Sheep Red Blood Cell (E) Rosettes with High Molecular Weight Compounds

Abstract: Sheep red blood cell (SRBC) (E) rosette formation by T lymphocytes was stabilized and enhanced in the presence of the high molecular weight substances bovine serum albumin (BSA), dextran and Ficoll. Of the three compounds used for stabilization, Ficoll was chosen as a standard high molecular weight E rosette stabilizer because it is a synthetic compound, which is readily available, relatively inexpensive, and does not require SRBC adsorption.

Hospital radiopharmacy training program.

Abstract: Training of radiopharmacists, including self-study and a hospital short-term course, is discussed. A systematic approach for self-study is suggested. The 30-day hospital training program described includes both didactic material and on-the-job experience.

Perception of parental behavior by adolescents in crisis.

Abstract: The Bronfenbrenner Parent Behavior Questionnaire was used to study parental behavior as perceived by 86 adolescents (aged 12 to 18 yr.) in a crisis ward. In contrast to normal school age children, these adolescents viewed their parents as significantly more punitive, intrusive, restrictive, and to have higher demands for achievement for their children. A factor analysis of 15 subscales delineated four orthogonal factors: Nurturing, Punishing, Firm Control vs Lax Control, and Rejection. In terms of these factorial dimensions, no significant correlation was observed between the adolescents' perception of parental behavior and the specific forms of their crisis behavior, i.e., suicidal, aggressive, psychotic, and drug-induced psychotic behaviors.