Saint Francis University

About: Saint Francis University is a education organization based out in Loretto, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Osteoblast. The organization has 1694 authors who have published 2038 publications receiving 87149 citations.

Hyperparathyroidism but a negative sestamibi scan: a clinical dilemma.

Abstract: Background The outcomes of patients with biochemically confirmed hyperparathyroidism but a negative Tc-99 Sestamibi scan are unclear. We examined the outcomes and quality of life of patients having surgery and those who had medical therapy. Methods Patients having a diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism with confirmed elevated calcium and parathormone levels, yet negative sestamibi scans were identified. The RAND SF-36 Health Survey was administered via mail to these patients. The patient’s charts were then reviewed to verify treatments and to determine outcomes. Results Ninety-five patients fitting the criteria were identified. Twenty patients completed all aspects of the study. Ten of the respondents had undergone parathyroidectomy, and 10 had not. The surgical patients scored more favorably in all 8 of the measured parameters than patients treated medically. The differences in 3 domains, physical functioning, pain, and social functioning, were statistically significant. Conclusions Our findings suggest that surgical therapy confers a better quality of life and is superior to medical therapy in the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism, even in patients having a negative sestamibi scan.

Diagnosis of spontaneous perforation of the gallbladder by Tc-99m DISIDA.

Abstract: A case of spontaneous rupture of the gallbladder correctly diagnosed preoperatively using Tc-99m DISIDA cholescintigraphy is presented.

Early enteral feeding of a severely burned pediatric patient.

Abstract: Early postburn duodenal feeding can provide adequate nutritional support despite increased risk of intolerance in a severely injured pediatric patient. A 3-year-old girl was admitted with 30% total body surface area thermal burns and severe inhalation injury. During admission, a pediatric feeding tube was placed into the duodenum, and enteral feeding was initiated within 12 hours after injury. Total enteral feeding provided full nutritional needs by postburn day 5 and continued to provide stable and adequate nutrition throughout administration. A full-strength isotonic formula with high concentration of dipeptides and tripeptides was used. Complications of enteral feeding did not prevent achievement of positive caloric and protein balance or repletion of nutritional stores with conscientious nutritional management. Maintenance of admission weight was achieved. This case report describes techniques in nutritional monitoring to assist in optimizing enteral nutrition management.