DR. VAUGHN M. COLLETT, MD

WATERVILLE, ME

Research Active
Orthopaedic Surgery NPI registered 21+ years 3 publications 1979 – 1997 NPI: 1558367060
Cervical VertebraeSpinal FusionLumbar VertebraeSpondylolisthesisEnzyme ActivationLow Back PainGenes, DominantOrthotic DevicesBracesNeck PainOsteopetrosisSpondylolysisAmmonium ChlorideGlutamic AcidGlutaminase

Practice Location

325D KENNEDY MEMORIAL DR # EF
WATERVILLE, ME 04901-4530

Phone: (207) 861-7862

What does VAUGHN COLLETT research?

Dr. Collett studies the effects of rare bone diseases like osteopetrosis on children, particularly focusing on spinal problems such as spondylolysis, which is a separation of the vertebra that can lead to back pain. His research highlights how many children with osteopetrosis experience spondylolysis, which can often go unnoticed while causing discomfort. Additionally, he examines how substances like spermine can enhance liver enzyme activity, specifically relating to glutamine processing, which is important for metabolic health and can affect individuals with liver conditions.

Key findings

  • In a study of seven children with osteopetrosis, five were found to have spondylolysis, indicating this spinal issue is more common in these patients than previously believed.
  • Follow-up with the children after an average of 41 months revealed that most had no symptoms from spondylolysis, highlighting the need for vigilance in monitoring these patients.
  • Spermine was found to increase the activity of hepatic glutaminase, a liver enzyme, by about six times, demonstrating its significant role in nutrient processing.

Frequently asked questions

Does Dr. Collett study osteopetrosis?
Yes, Dr. Collett researches osteopetrosis, particularly how it can lead to spinal issues such as spondylolysis in children.
What treatments has Dr. Collett researched?
While Dr. Collett's work focuses on understanding conditions like osteopetrosis and metabolic processes, he primarily highlights the importance of monitoring and diagnosing associated issues rather than specific treatments.
Is Dr. Collett's work relevant to children with spinal issues?
Yes, his research is directly relevant as it addresses how osteopetrosis can manifest as spinal conditions, providing essential insights for pediatric care.

Publications in plain English

Spondylolysis in children who have osteopetrosis.

1997

The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume

Martin RP, Deane RH, Collett V

Plain English
This study looked at seven children with a rare bone condition called osteopetrosis to see how many had a spinal issue known as spondylolysis. Out of those children, five had spondylolysis in either their neck or lower back, and most showed no symptoms after an average follow-up of about 41 months. These findings suggest that spondylolysis is more common in children with osteopetrosis than previously thought and that it can cause back pain, which might help in diagnosing the bone condition early. Who this helps: This helps patients with osteopetrosis and their doctors by providing important information about potential spinal issues related to the condition.

PubMed

Activation of hepatic glutaminase by spermine.

1995

The Biochemical journal

Kovacevic Z, Day SH, Collett V, Brosnan JT, Brosnan ME

Plain English
This study looked at how a substance called spermine affects an enzyme in the liver that helps process a nutrient called glutamine. The researchers found that spermine significantly boosts this enzyme’s activity, increasing its effectiveness by about six times. This is important because it shows that spermine plays a key role in how the liver uses glutamine, which can impact overall metabolism and health. Who this helps: This benefits patients with liver conditions or metabolic disorders.

PubMed

Spotlight on children. The under-five child in Nepal.

1979

Nursing times

Collett V

PubMed

Frequent Co-Authors

R P Martin R H Deane Z Kovacevic S H Day J T Brosnan M E Brosnan

Physician data sourced from the NPPES NPI Registry . Publication data from PubMed . Plain-English summaries generated by AI. Not medical advice.