Transaxillary subcutaneouscopic sternocleidomastoid tumor division for treatment of persistent torticollis in children: our technique.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the transaxillary subcutaneous endoscopic sternocleidomastoid muscle division for treatment of persistent torticollis. Traditionally persistent sternomastoid torticollis is treated with a neck incision which results in a neck scar. We report our technique of transaxillary subcutaneouscopic sternocleidomastoid (TASS) division for treatment of persistent torticollis which avoids a neck scar and provides a better view of the neck structures.

Prevention of Rh sensitization in the context of trauma: two case reports.

Background: Transfusion of D+ red blood cells (RBCs) to D- recipients can be accidental or necessary due to D- RBC shortage. Alloimmunization can complicate future transfusions; implications for women of childbearing age are compounded by possible hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Rh immunoprophylaxis is effective, and indicated, for preventing alloimmunization.

Respiratory viral infections in patients with chronic, obstructive pulmonary disease.

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to apply reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assays to clinical specimens collected from patients with acute respiratory illness and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods: One hundred and ninety-four samples from two different study cohorts were analysed using RT-PCR assays for picornaviruses, coronaviruses 229E and OC43, influenza A and B viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza types 1-3 viruses, and human metapneumovirus and a PCR assay for adenoviruses. The results were added to results obtained previously using cell culture and serologic methods.

Patterns of microbiology in intra-abdominal packing for trauma.

Introduction: This study tracks the microbiology of packs and infections in damage-control trauma patients to determine whether the packs cause infections.

Methods: The peritoneum and abdominal packs were cultured in patients who survived to re-operation. The study recorded all positive cultures, pack count, packing duration, number of operations, and infections.

Infections in Hispanic immigrants.

Hispanic immigrants are an increasing portion of the United States (US) population. In addition to being at risk for diseases common in the US-born population, Hispanic immigrants also are at risk for infections that do not usually occur in the US-born population. Thus, such diseases as tuberculosis, neurocysticercosis, brucellosis, typhoid fever, malaria, amebiasis, viral exanthems, and hepatitis need to be considered in Hispanics who present with fever or focal lesions.

Carboxyhemoglobin levels in patients with sickle-cell anemia: relationship to hemolytic and vasoocclusive severity.

Background: When carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin, it increases the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen and shifts the oxygen dissociation curve to the left. The resulting decrease in sickling tendency could have clinical benefit, and carbon monoxide has been suggested as a treatment for sickle-cell disease. Furthermore, in sickle-cell disease, as in other hemolytic diseases, endogenous carbon monoxide production is increased because of increased heme catabolism.

Prolonged use of intraluminal arterial shunts without systemic anticoagulation.

Background: Temporary arterial shunts maintain perfusion while surgeons postpone arterial repairs. The common indications are combined orthopedic and vascular injuries and damage control. The duration of patency and the need for systemic anticoagulation remain in question.

Middle cerebral artery vasculitis and stroke after varicella in a young adult.

Varicella-zoster virus infection has been implicated in a broad range of neurologic complications. In Hispanic immigrants, primary varicella often appears in adolescents and young adults. We describe the case of a 20-year-old Hispanic man with vasculitis and stroke after primary varicella infection.

A new staining method for identification of Helicobacter pylori and simultaneous visualization of gastric morphologic features.

Helicobacter pylori (HP) is prevalent in the general population and is associated with chronic active gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastric carcinoma, and lymphoma. Different methods to diagnose HP colonization include the urea breath test, serologic analysis, and gastric biopsy. Many different staining methods, including silver and Giemsa-based stains, have been used to demonstrate these organisms in gastric biopsy specimens.