Ultrasonographic diagnosis of renal stones

To illucidate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in the detection of renal stones we performed a blind comparative study of ultrasonography and i.v. urography. In 92 kidneys with 58 stones, 10 stones smaller than 6 mm were overlooked by ultrasound, whereas all stones 6 mm or larger were correctly detected. In one case of uric acid stone disease i.v. urography was inconclusive in determining the true nature of a renal pelvic filling defect, whereas ultrasound correctly diagnosed a stone. We conclude that ultrasonography has a place in diagnosis and control of renal stones.     

Respiratory symptoms associated with the use of azodicarbonamide foaming agent in a plastics injection molding facility

Respiratory health variables were studied cross-sectionally in 227 employees of a plastics molding facility where numerous complaints had been apparently associated with the use of azodicarbonamide foaming agent in injection molding. Pre- and postshift respiratory status measures and azodicarbonamide concentrations were also obtained for 17 employees. Cross-sectional pulmonary function differences by injection molding status were not observed. Modest decrements in pulmonary function measures were observed between start and end of shift but with no dose-effect relationship. A strong association was observed for injection molding workers for eye/nose/throat irritation, cough, and wheezing. Additionally, wheezing, chest tightness, and symptoms of chronic bronchitis were strongly associated with work in injection molding during periods in which azodicarbonamide was in use. These results suggest respiratory symptom causation by some combination of azodicarbonamide itself, reaction products of azodicarbonamide formed during injection molding, or other unidentified agents uniquely associated with the process of injection molding with azodicarbonamide foaming agent.     

Behavioural Problems in Children with Infantile Hydrocephalus

The occurrence of behavioural problems in a population-based series of children with infantile hydrocephalus (non-spina bifida) was analysed, using parent questionnaires. Children with both infantile hydrocephalus and mental retardation had significantly more behavioural problems compared with those with no mental retardation and controls. Inattentiveness and hyperactivity were particularly typical. No differences were found between children with infantile hydrocephalus and no mental retardation and the control group.     

Spontaneous abortion following mid-trimester amniocentesis. Clinical significance of placental perforation and blood-stained amniotic fluid

The clinical significance of placental perforation and blood-stained amniotic fluid was studied in a group of 7238 Danish women undergoing mid-trimester amniocentesis for prenatal diagnosis under ultrasound guidance. The risk of spontaneous abortion was significantly increased both in pregnancies where the placenta was perforated and in those with blood-stained amniotic fluid. The risk estimate nearly doubled after placental perforation and more than doubled with a bloody tap. It is concluded that for women at relatively low risk of a fetal genetic abnormality, the indication of the amniocentesis should be reconsidered if a placental perforation is unavoidable.     

A population survey of retinitis pigmentosa and allied disorders in Denmark. Completeness of registration and quality of data.

The aim of this study was a complete survey of all patients in Denmark with a diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa. The study was performed during the period 1986-1989 and included all persons living in Denmark from 1850 to 1989. We describe the methods of registration from medical and non-medical sources, based on defined criteria. The inclusion criteria were fulfilled by 1890 persons, 1056 males and 834 females. Evaluation of this 'Danish Retinitis Pigmentosa Register' demonstrates an overall completeness of about 80%, increasing from 40% for birth cohorts before 1911 to 90% for patients born since 1981. Concerning diagnostic confidence, 73% of the probands were characterized as certain, 16% as probable, and 11% as possible. Non-systemic cases comprised 61% of all probands and 31% had systemic disease, the rest being unclassified with respect to systemic involvement. The material is considered very suitable for epidemiological treatment and continuous clinical and genetic investigations.     

The Impact of Exacerbations on the Asthmatic Patient's Preference Scores

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of exacerbations on mild to moderate asthmatic patients' preference-based, health-related, quality of life scores and also to describe the effect of these exacerbations on daily life. In a survey, 100 mild to moderate asthmatic patients in the United Kingdom were asked to rate three different health marker states on a scale between 0 (death) and 100 (perfect health), defined as: your asthma of today, a mild exacerbation, and a severe exacerbation of asthma. They were also asked to describe their symptoms and what they did when experiencing an exacerbation. During exacerbations the vast majority of asthmatic patients have significant symptoms and consume a considerable amount of health care resources, which often overlap. The health marker state “your asthma of today” was given a mean score of 81.0, a mild exacerbation a score of 62.1, and a severe exacerbation a score of 25.6, indicating a large impact on patients' daily life and their health-related quality of life. In conclusion, asthmatic patients are severely affected in their health and daily living by mild and severe exacerbations. Considerable effort should be made to reduce the number and severity of exacerbations.     

How often do asymptomatic healthcare workers cause methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus outbreaks? A systematic evaluation.

A systematic search was performed to identify outbreaks of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection and colonization caused by healthcare workers (HCWs). Of 191 outbreaks identified, 11 had strong epidemiological evidence that HCWs were the source. In 3 of these outbreaks, asymptomatic carriers were the cause. The frequent practice of screening asymptomatic HCWs should be reconsidered.