Dermatoses in the Elderly: Biochemical and Haematological Studies, With Special Reference to Serum Proteins

Dewar, William A (1951) Dermatoses in the Elderly: Biochemical and Haematological Studies, With Special Reference to Serum Proteins. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

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Abstract

(1.) Literature regarding serum proteins, malnutrition, oedema, protein deficiency and disease of the skin has been reviewed. (2.) One hundred and thirty-seven investigations of serum protein concentrations and of haematological values have been carried out in fifty-two subjects, fifty of whom were over sixty years of age. Eighty-two estimations of serum total base have been carried out in thirty-five subjects. One hundred and thirty-four thymol turbidity values have been determined in fifty-two subjects and gruel fractional test-meals have been carried out in forty-two subjects. Ten normal control subjects who were over sixty years of age have also been investigated. Variations in the blood due to alteration of posture have been demonstrated in eleven subjects. Eighteen subjects with varicose conditions, seventeen with infectious eczematoid dermatitis, nine with scurvy and eight with pemphigus or bullous drug eruptions were investigated. (3.) The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was not related to the state of activity of the skin. (4.) Thymol turbidity estimations were within the normal range in all subjects. (5) In uncomplicated varicose conditions and in uncomplicated infectious eczema told dermatitis the serum total base was within the normal range. (6.) No close relationship between serum protein concentrations and oedema was found. Oedema occurring in uncomplicated infectious eczematoid dermatitis and in uncomplicated varicose conditions in elderly subjects may be explained by local tissue infection and by mechanical factors such as diminished tissue elasticity, impaired lymphatic drainage and local venous congestion. (7.) Significant low concentrations of serum total protein were not found in uncomplicated varicose conditions or in uncomplicated infectious eczematoid dermatitis. Serum total protein concentrations below normal were found in two subjects with scurvy, in one subject with pemphigus vulgaris, in one subject with varicose eczema and drug eruption and in one subject with infectious eczematoid dermatitis and thyrotoxicosis. (8.) The serum albumin concentration was below normal in one subject with pemphigus vulgaris. Low concentrations of serum albumin were commonly found in scurvy and in infectious eczematoid dermatitis. Normochromic, normocytic anaemia was present in the majority of scorbutic subjects and in one third of subjects with infectious eczematoid dermatitis. No relationship was evident between "achlorhydria" and serum protein concentrations or haematological values. (9.) Some evidence was presented that high protein diets were of value in restoring the blood picture to normal in scorbutic subjects and in those with infectious eczematoid dermatitis. Scurvy and infectious eczematoid dermatitis presented some features in common, with respect to the serum albumin concentrations and to the haematological values. Malnutrition may have been a factor in both groups, but it is not possible to state that malnutrition played a definite part in the production of infectious eczematoid dermatitis. (10.) Administration of a high protein diet to scorbutic subjects and to selected elderly subjects who are suffering from infectious eczematoid dermatitis is suggested as a necessary addition to other routine forms of treatment.

Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
Qualification Level: Doctoral
Keywords: Medicine, Biochemistry, Gerontology
Date of Award: 1951
Depositing User: Enlighten Team
Unique ID: glathesis:1951-79751
Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
Date Deposited: 31 Mar 2020 09:09
Last Modified: 31 Mar 2020 09:09
URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/79751

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