Southern medical journal
-
Southern medical journal · May 1981
Acute pulmonary histoplasmosis presenting as adult respiratory distress syndrome: effect of therapy on clinical and laboratory features.
Three patients with acute pulmonary histoplasmosis presented with extensive, diffuse bilateral infiltrates on chest roentgenograms. Fungal elements were seen in the bronchial secretions of two patients; Histoplasma capsulatum was grown from the third patient and from soil from the patients' workplace. ⋯ Initial pulmonary function tests suggested mild restriction in each, with normal test results by the fourth month of follow-up. Our experience suggests that amphotericin B may shorten the course of acute histoplasmosis and that corticosteroid therapy may be efficacious in controlling the symptoms related to hyperresponsiveness in fulminant primary disease.
-
Southern medical journal · Apr 1981
Case ReportsProfound hypothermia: value of prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
A patient with severe hypothermia (core temperature of 22.2 C) and ventricular fibrillation had manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation for 3 1/2 hours while various rewarming technics raised her temperature to a level permitting successful electrical cardioversion. Laboratory testing revealed disseminated intravascular coagulation and several endocrinologic abnormalities. The need for prolonged, aggressive resuscitative measures and the possible role of corticosteroids in the management of profound hypothermia are discussed.
-
Southern medical journal · Apr 1981
Case ReportsFacial abscess due to group L streptococcal infection.
A Lancefield group L streptococcal infection was found in a previously healthy male adult during a survey of beta-hemolytic streptococci. The infection was apparently acquired subsequent to a mild injury to the face and contact with soil. Treatment with cephalothin and cephalexin was successful after surgical drainage of the wound abscess.
-
Southern medical journal · Mar 1981
Gram-negative bacteremic shock: pathophysiology, clinical features, and treatment.
Life-threatening, gram-negative-rod bacteremia often complicates modern surgical procedures. The development of shock in association with gram-negative bacteremia represents a grave complication. The pathophysiology and clinical features of gram-negative bacteremic shock are reviewed, and contemporary forms of therapy are evaluated.
-
Homicide is a leading contributor to loss of life in the productive years. Of the 20,000 homicides yearly in the United States, the majority are committed with firearms. Because homicide rates and gun ownership are highest in the southern states, a descriptive study of 20,980 homicides occurring in five southern states between 1967-1975 was done with particular emphasis on the role of firearms. ⋯ Homicide with firearms accounted for 76.2%, and was the only method of homicide to show a significant increase in rate or a distinctive age distribution. Homicide in the US is a firearms phenomenon. Appropriate and effective regulation of access to firearms is an obvious first step in the prevention of this public health problem.