Inflammatory gradient in Barrett's oesophagus: implications for disease complications.

Introduction: Barrett's oesophageal epithelium (BE) is clinically important due to the associated inflammatory and malignant complications which are unevenly distributed throughout the BE segment. As the immunoregulatory environment may influence disease manifestations, we analysed the inflammatory and cytokine responses throughout the BE mucosa. We then investigated whether the inflammatory gradient is related to the distribution of metaplastic cell subtypes, epithelial exposure to the components of refluxate, or squamocolumnar cell interactions.

Rigorous surveillance protocol increases detection of curable cancers associated with Barrett's esophagus.

Esophageal adenocarcinoma is increasing in incidence and has a high mortality unless detected early. Barrett's esophagus is the only known risk factor for this cancer; however, whether endoscopic surveillance reduces morbidity and mortality is controversial. Endoscopic cancer surveillance programes for Barrett's esophagus are not routinely practiced in the UK, and this is the first study to examine whether a rigorous surveillance protocol increases the detection rate of early oesophageal cancer.

A case study in evidence-based wound management.

On the first of July 1998, Frank Dobson, the then Secretary of State for Health, revealed the consultation document 'A First Class Service' (Department of Health (DoH), 1998). This article describes a wound management case study which showed how a first class service was provided for a patient with very severe pressure ulcers and complex medical problems. A multiprofessional approach to her complex and challenging problems was maintained.

Mechanical endoscopic methods of haemostasis for bleeding peptic ulcers: a review.

Re-bleeding following endoscopic therapy for gastrointestinal bleeding remains common probably because injection and thermal methods for treating bleeding are of limited efficacy, especially in the presence of a large bleeding artery. This chapter reviews mechanical methods of endoscopic haemostasis. The design of clips, which can be delivered through flexible endoscopes, is reviewed with experimental and clinical data of their efficacy.

Mechanical ventilation.

In this article Nigel Henderson discusses the nursing role in the mechanical ventilation of patients. He describes the different ventilator modes, and the physical and psychological care required by ventilated patients.

Contaminated lithium heparin bottles as a source of pseudobacteraemia due to Pseudomonas fluorescens.

Pseudobacteraemia might be responsible for up to 50% of all positive blood cultures and its early recognition is important in order to avoid unnecessary treatment with antibiotics and delay in the search for the true cause of the fever. We describe pseudobacteraemia outbreak of Pseudomonas fluorescens related to contaminated lithium heparin bottles in a paediatric ward. Twelve patients were involved in this outbreak from December 1996-January 1997.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: a questionnaire and microbiological survey of nursing and residential homes in Barking, Havering and Brentwood.

The study determined the policies and procedures for the control and prevention of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and its prevalence among nursing and residential homes, and evaluated whether certain home characteristics such as bed size, staffing level, and type of home are related to the prevalence of MRSA. A 21-questionnaire survey, with primarily categorical responses, was mailed to the home managers of all the 121 nursing and residential homes in the district, following which a simple, stratified random sample of 28 (23.14%) homes was taken and all agreeing residents screened from multiple sites for MRSA.

Erectile and ejaculatory failure after transurethral prostatectomy.

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical incidence of sexual dysfunction after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and to identify risk factors.

Setting: Havering Hospitals NHS Trust, Essex, UK.

Patients And Methods: 253 patients who underwent TURP were assessed using a standard proforma regarding pre- and post-operative erectile and ejaculatory functions.