Pseudoaneurysm: a complication of faulty technique in femoral arterial puncture

Pseudoaneurysm is a well-documented but rare complication of retrograde femoral arterial puncture. We present six patients in whom pseudoaneurysm complicated this procedure. The pseudoaneurysm arose from the superficial femoral artery in five patients and from the profunda femoris artery in one. An arteriovenous fistula also arose from the superficial femoral artery in one patient. In no patient did the pseudoaneurysm arise from the common femoral artery. Two mechanisms are postulated as to why pseudoaneurysms rarely complicate puncture of the common femoral artery.

A survey on the 'premedical syndrome'

The "premedical syndrome" has been widely discussed but only anecdotally described. To learn whether the syndrome exists in the South Carolina schools and which traits compose it, the authors surveyed faculty members and students of 13 undergraduate colleges in the state. Premedical students were perceived as differing from nonpremedical students in being excessively competitive, academically, overspecialized , overachieving , more highly motivated, more highly self-disciplined, goal-oriented, and proud of their career choice. The perception by students and faculty members of the premedical syndrome may have important effects on the undergraduate curriculum and students' choices of major areas of study. Only 3 percent of the premedical students who responded to the survey were majoring in the liberal arts, and only 9 percent of the nonpremedical students were majoring in the natural sciences. These data suggest that the natural science departments in U.S. colleges may have become training grounds for premedical students to the exclusion of others. Modification of medical school admissions policies may be able to reverse some features of the premedical syndrome and some of its effects.

Continuing education needs assessment in dentistry: the SNAP system

Needs assessment has become an integral step in planning for continuing education. This article describes a computer-based needs assessment system that has been used successfully in planning continuing dental education in South Carolina. The Statewide Needs Assessment Program (SNAP) provides a general purpose system for collecting and analyzing continuing education needs data for large populations. Needs assessment data from 489 practicing dentists in South Carolina are presented and analyzed.

Eczema herpeticum: atopic dermatitis complicated by primary herpetic gingivostomatitis

Various aspects of eczema herpeticum are discussed, and a case of eczema herpeticum secondary to atopic dermatitis complicated by primary herpetic gingivostomatitis in a young adult is presented. The lesions cleared, and the patient was discharged after treatment via a multiphasic approach directed at the management of pyrexia, prevention of secondary bacterial infections, symptomatic and supportive care for the effects of the viral infection, and close monitoring for evidence of visceral viremia.

Antineoplastic agents and their oral manifestations

The use of antineoplastic agents is rapidly increasing. A general classification of these drugs and their mechanisms of action is presented. Many of the drugs have an adverse effect on oral tissue, and the practicing dentist today must be well acquainted with these effects. A discussion of the features of these reactions and their management is presented.

Using the computer to prepare multiple-choice examinations: a simplified system

Program TEST offers a quick, easy, and efficient way to produce objectively-scored exams from an established item bank. It is especially useful in situations where frequent testing is utilized and secretarial help is scarce. The capability of constructing a customized exam the day before its administration should make the exam more reflective of the instruction. The provision for keyed copies has been found to be a useful tool for feedback to the student after the exam. Lastly, use of the program requires little computer assistance.

Appraisal, validation, and evaluation utilized in the assessment of instructional materials

To maintain the highest standards of instructional quality, it is essential that self-instructional materials used in the teaching effort be systematically assessed. This paper has presented three types of assessment that have proven effective for the Office of Education, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina. The commitment to a regular assessment program has resulted in a more informed selection of materials and a more appropriate use of self-instructional materials by the faculty. Obviously, all of the approaches described may not be appropriate for all institutions. However, all institutions utilizing self-instructional materials have an obligation to assess the effectiveness of the materials to the best of their ability and resources.

Hypospadias: results of surgical treatment and perspectives in management

An institutional experience with the repair of hypospadias over a fifteen-year period is reviewed. The 119 patients treated surigcally serve as the substance of this report. Recommendations concerning options in surgical treatment are predicated on this experience and the contemporary literature.