The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association
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J Am Osteopath Assoc · Aug 2014
Case ReportsUse of osteopathic manipulative treatment to manage recurrent bouts of singultus.
Singultus, or hiccups, are involuntary spasms of the diaphragm that in most cases are harmless and self-limited. Treatments are reserved for those cases that persist, and current options include pharmacotherapeutics, complementary methods (such as acupuncture), and osteopathic manipulative treatment. ⋯ Overall, there was a noted reduction in singultus frequency, duration, and intensity, as well as better tolerance of physical and occupational therapy. The authors theorize that OMT could be a useful adjunct to, or replacement of, pharmacologic interventions for singultus, especially when pharmacologic therapies have failed.
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J Am Osteopath Assoc · Jul 2014
Case ReportsOsteopathic musculoskeletal examination and subarachnoid anesthetic administration in a patient with severe scoliosis.
Physicians primarily use palpation of anatomical landmarks to guide the placement of needles when administering neuraxial anesthetics. For patients with anatomical abnormalities such as scoliosis, it is also important for physicians to understand Fryette mechanics and spinal curvature anatomy, as well as preprocedural radiography and ultrasonography, to ensure accuracy in neuraxial anesthetic procedures. ⋯ Using palpation and imaging, his physicians were able to successfully administer a subarachnoid anesthetic injection on the first attempt. The authors discuss considerations for improving success rates of neuraxial anesthetic administration in these patients.
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J Am Osteopath Assoc · Jul 2014
ReviewManagement of ionizing radiation injuries and illnesses, Part 3: Radiobiology and health effects of ionizing radiation.
Ionizing radiation exposure can induce profound changes in intracellular components, potentially leading to diverse health effects in exposed individuals. Any cellular component can be damaged by radiation, but some components affect cellular viability more profoundly than others. ⋯ In other cases, activation of the genetic machinery can lead to a genetic cascade potentially leading to mutations or cell death by apoptosis. In the third of 5 articles on the management of injuries and illnesses caused by ionizing radiation, the authors provide a clinically relevant overview of the pathophysiologic process associated with potential exposure to ionizing radiation.
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J Am Osteopath Assoc · Jun 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialOsteopathic manipulative treatment for inpatients with pulmonary exacerbations of cystic fibrosis: effects on spirometry findings and patient assessments of breathing, anxiety, and pain.
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) has been studied in patients with various respiratory diseases. However, to the authors' knowledge, no studies have assessed the efficacy of OMT in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). ⋯ In the current study, CF patients who received OMT did not demonstrate statistically significant differences in pre- and posttreatment spirometry findings compared with CF patients who received sham therapy. Questionnaire findings suggest that OMT may affect CF patients' perception of overall quality of breathing. Additional studies are needed to assess the clinical use of OMT in patients with CF.