Isolation of HTLV-I from muscle of a patient with polymyositis
Article Abstract:
Infection with human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) has been associated with the development of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), a cancer characterized by proliferation of T cells, tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP; a partial and spastic paralysis of the lower limbs), HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (HAM; a disease of the spinal cord), and polymyositis (a disease of connective tissue). Polymyositis involves fluid accumulation, muscle inflammation and degeneration, and skin inflammation. A case is described of a 69-year-old woman with polymyositis who was found by muscle biopsy to be infected with HTLV-I. The woman was admitted to the hospital in December 1989 for evaluation of weakness in both legs. She had difficulty standing up and became extremely tired after walking. The patient also developed muscle pain and weakness of the left arm a year before admission. Her muscle reflexes and blood levels of the muscle enzyme creatine kinase were abnormal, and antibodies against HTLV-I were detected. A muscle biopsy revealed accumulations of abnormal T cells, a type of immune cell, within the muscle. After treatment with the steroid prednisolone, creatine kinase levels recovered to normal and muscle strength improved. The HTLV-I appeared to infect the T cells, which then accumulated in the muscle. Another study suggested that HTLV-I may directly infect the muscle. The development of virus-associated muscle disease requires further investigation. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0002-9343
Year: 1991
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Supporting the patient's role in decision making
Article Abstract:
Medical patients often must make decisions regarding their care in a situation of considerable uncertainty, where perspectives are clouded by pain, restricted activity, and treatment side effects. For instance, surgery can relieve pain, but it can also produce no result or, worse, a negative one. Professionals can offer advice, but cannot go beyond the scope of published studies, many of which are unsatisfactory in their methodology or not applicable to the particular case at hand. Patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH - an enlarged prostate gland), breast cancer, angina (chest pain due to insufficient blood supply to the heart), and lumbar disc disease face very difficult choices. Their perceptions regarding the outcomes of medical choices have profound effects on the choices they will make. To help in developing informed decision making, a computer-based interactive video called Shared Decision-making Procedure (SDP) has been developed. The SDP can function in lieu of a professional referral for patients with some diagnoses. For instance, in the case of a patient with BPH, selected patients are offered a video program tailored to individual circumstances. Outcome probabilities are discussed in the video. Currently, the SDP is being tested at several locations. It appears to be very acceptable to patients and clinical personnel, and to affect decision making. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1990
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Patient comfort and staff facilitation
Article Abstract:
It is very important for nursing home staff to be sensitive to the physical and psychological needs of the patients. The self-concept of patients needs to be reinforced. Nursing home staff need to feel respected and that their jobs have meaning in order to convey a positive psychological attitude to patients.
Publication Name: Nursing Homes Long Term Care Management
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0029-649X
Year: 1983
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