Volumt· 1~3 Number I
Correspondence
2. Sternberl!. W. H.: Discussion. AM. T. 91: 257, l965.
-
0BSTET. GYNECOL.
3. Krause, D. E., and Stembridge, V. A.: Luteomas of pregnancy,
.A.M.
j.
0BSTET. GYNECOL.
Dimes, New York, New York, and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (U. S. A.). Digamber S. Borgaonkar David R. Bolling
95: 192, 1966.
!nternetkme! Reg!etry of Abnorme! Karyotypes
To the Editors:
We have established an International Registry of Abnormal Karyotypes. For inclusion in the Registry, the data should include information on the person(s) reporting on the case, the chromosomal variation or abnormality in as much detaiP as possible regarding the region and band of the chromosome(s), and the case number of the laboratory. (The latter is to avoid duplication of the data in multipie pubiications, to facilitate further communications about the case, and to protect the confidential nature of the data. The Registry has been computerized. From the data in the Registry, it is possible to obtain readily information on any abnormality and to sort data by chromosome, type of abnormality, and the locale of the reporting laboratory. It is planned to have computer printouts of the Registry about two or three times a year, and they will be available at cost. The organization of the Registry is by sections, each headed by an entry number as in the catalog of published chromosomal variants and aberrations also maintained in this Department. 2 • 3 The entry number has as its first two characters the chromosome number; the third character represents the chromosome arm, and the fourth, fifth, and sixth characters refer to the region, band and subband. Within each section, all reports are arranged alphabetically by the last name of the first author. The Registry has been established with a view to facilitating access to data which now lie buried in laboratory files. Through the Registry, these data will be available to those planning collective studies on specific chromosomal abnormalities, clinically delineating isolated cases with rare chromosomal anomalies, using cell lines with chromosomal rearrangements in regional gene assignments, etc. A registry of abnormal karyotypes is a desirable compilation from many points of view. For example, we would be able to have at a glance the total range and extent of abnormalities for a chromosome or a band thereof. From a public health point of view, such a registry ought to be of some help in proper planning of facilities such as amniocentesis clinics, genetic counseling centers, and management institutions. It is hoped that the system adopted in arranging the data may be used to catalog the mammalian Xchromosome and break points in different species such as the house mouse, Mus musculus, for which the chromosome regions have now been well defined. Preliminary financial support for this effort has been received from The National Foundation-March of
105
Division of Medical Genetics Department of Medicine The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, Maryland 21205
REFERENCES Conference 1971, Standardization in Human Cytogenetics, Birth Defects: Original Article Serit·s 8, New York, 1972, The National Foundation, p. 7. 2. Borgaonkar, D. S., Bolling, D. R., Partridge, C., Ruddle, F. H., and McKusick, V. A.: Chromosomal variation in man, A catalog of chromosomal variants and anomalies, in Rotterdam Conference 1974, Birth Defects: Orii!Pnal Artil. Paris
cle Series, !'-.Jew York, 1975, The ~~ational Foundation. In
press. 3. Borgaonkar, D. S.: Chromosomal Variation in Man, A cataiog of chromosomai variants and anomai~es, Baitimore, 1975. The Johns Hopkins University Pres,.
A comfortable operating room table To the Editors:
Operating room-table mattresses are the most uncomfortable, rock hard, unorthopedic coverings designed for a patient to be placed upon. X-ray tables are worse, but at least the patient is not anesthetized. A recent review of our patients revealed that the vast majority had varying degrees of back pain on returning from the operating room. In some cases, the back pain was worse than the pain from the incision. Anyone who tries to watch a football game while reclining in a "beanbag" chair finds it most difficult to stay awake for the last quarter. With the use of this principle of mobile styrofoam peas, an operating room mattress was made for the gynecologic service. This mattress has been well received by patients, and the problem of backache has been eliminated, e'oen after exenterations. The mattress was made with the same design used for standard operating table covers, with the exception that it was three inches thick and slightly wider than the table. It was found important not to overstuff the bag with "beans." A zipper at one end allowed for refilling if necessary. Head and feet cushions were made in a like fashion. It was necessary to bolster the arm board because of the extra height of the mattress. We found that positioning the patient on the mattress before administering the anesthetic is important. The patient should be instructed to wiggle, thus shifting the beans into the small of the back. A perfect mold of the back is formed for each individual, providing maximum support and comfort. Acceptance by the anesthetists and nurses has been enthusiastic. Patients do not mind waiting on the table and often remark that thev wish thev had one at home.
Correspondence
2. Sternberl!. W. H.: Discussion. AM. T. 91: 257, l965.
-
0BSTET. GYNECOL.
3. Krause, D. E., and Stembridge, V. A.: Luteomas of pregnancy,
.A.M.
j.
0BSTET. GYNECOL.
Dimes, New York, New York, and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (U. S. A.). Digamber S. Borgaonkar David R. Bolling
95: 192, 1966.
!nternetkme! Reg!etry of Abnorme! Karyotypes
To the Editors:
We have established an International Registry of Abnormal Karyotypes. For inclusion in the Registry, the data should include information on the person(s) reporting on the case, the chromosomal variation or abnormality in as much detaiP as possible regarding the region and band of the chromosome(s), and the case number of the laboratory. (The latter is to avoid duplication of the data in multipie pubiications, to facilitate further communications about the case, and to protect the confidential nature of the data. The Registry has been computerized. From the data in the Registry, it is possible to obtain readily information on any abnormality and to sort data by chromosome, type of abnormality, and the locale of the reporting laboratory. It is planned to have computer printouts of the Registry about two or three times a year, and they will be available at cost. The organization of the Registry is by sections, each headed by an entry number as in the catalog of published chromosomal variants and aberrations also maintained in this Department. 2 • 3 The entry number has as its first two characters the chromosome number; the third character represents the chromosome arm, and the fourth, fifth, and sixth characters refer to the region, band and subband. Within each section, all reports are arranged alphabetically by the last name of the first author. The Registry has been established with a view to facilitating access to data which now lie buried in laboratory files. Through the Registry, these data will be available to those planning collective studies on specific chromosomal abnormalities, clinically delineating isolated cases with rare chromosomal anomalies, using cell lines with chromosomal rearrangements in regional gene assignments, etc. A registry of abnormal karyotypes is a desirable compilation from many points of view. For example, we would be able to have at a glance the total range and extent of abnormalities for a chromosome or a band thereof. From a public health point of view, such a registry ought to be of some help in proper planning of facilities such as amniocentesis clinics, genetic counseling centers, and management institutions. It is hoped that the system adopted in arranging the data may be used to catalog the mammalian Xchromosome and break points in different species such as the house mouse, Mus musculus, for which the chromosome regions have now been well defined. Preliminary financial support for this effort has been received from The National Foundation-March of
105
Division of Medical Genetics Department of Medicine The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, Maryland 21205
REFERENCES Conference 1971, Standardization in Human Cytogenetics, Birth Defects: Original Article Serit·s 8, New York, 1972, The National Foundation, p. 7. 2. Borgaonkar, D. S., Bolling, D. R., Partridge, C., Ruddle, F. H., and McKusick, V. A.: Chromosomal variation in man, A catalog of chromosomal variants and anomalies, in Rotterdam Conference 1974, Birth Defects: Orii!Pnal Artil. Paris
cle Series, !'-.Jew York, 1975, The ~~ational Foundation. In
press. 3. Borgaonkar, D. S.: Chromosomal Variation in Man, A cataiog of chromosomai variants and anomai~es, Baitimore, 1975. The Johns Hopkins University Pres,.
A comfortable operating room table To the Editors:
Operating room-table mattresses are the most uncomfortable, rock hard, unorthopedic coverings designed for a patient to be placed upon. X-ray tables are worse, but at least the patient is not anesthetized. A recent review of our patients revealed that the vast majority had varying degrees of back pain on returning from the operating room. In some cases, the back pain was worse than the pain from the incision. Anyone who tries to watch a football game while reclining in a "beanbag" chair finds it most difficult to stay awake for the last quarter. With the use of this principle of mobile styrofoam peas, an operating room mattress was made for the gynecologic service. This mattress has been well received by patients, and the problem of backache has been eliminated, e'oen after exenterations. The mattress was made with the same design used for standard operating table covers, with the exception that it was three inches thick and slightly wider than the table. It was found important not to overstuff the bag with "beans." A zipper at one end allowed for refilling if necessary. Head and feet cushions were made in a like fashion. It was necessary to bolster the arm board because of the extra height of the mattress. We found that positioning the patient on the mattress before administering the anesthetic is important. The patient should be instructed to wiggle, thus shifting the beans into the small of the back. A perfect mold of the back is formed for each individual, providing maximum support and comfort. Acceptance by the anesthetists and nurses has been enthusiastic. Patients do not mind waiting on the table and often remark that thev wish thev had one at home.
