Ugeskrift for laeger
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Ugeskrift for laeger · Dec 1999
Case Reports[Two cases of severe eye and cranial injuries due to firework explosions].
Two patients who sustained serious facial, cranial and eye trauma secondary to recreational fireworks injuries are reported. Initial assessment included axial and coronary computerized tomography, control of haemorrhage, debridement of wound and brain, and in one patient bilateral excenteration of the globe. Both patients suffered from intracranial haemorrhage, but both recovered without severe neurological sequelae.
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Ugeskrift for laeger · Dec 1999
Review[Amphetamine, ecstasy and cocaine. Clinical aspects of acute poisoning].
Consumption of the illicit drugs amphetamine, ecstasy and cocaine is increasing in Denmark and Europe leading to an increasing number of intoxications with these drugs. Abroad, several deaths after ingestion of a few doses of the drugs have been reported. Amphetamine, ecstasy and cocaine increase the amount of dopamine, norephedrine and serotonine in the nervous system, resulting in CNS stimulation and a general sympathomimetic stimulation. ⋯ Hyperpyrexia, rhabdomyolysis and affections of the kidneys, lung and liver function are also often seen. Hyperpyrexia is an important marker of poor prognosis, and must be handled aggressively. A review of the literature concerning the optimal treatment based on pharmacological and diagnostic considerations is given in the article.
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Ugeskrift for laeger · Dec 1999
Case Reports[Gamma-hydroxybutyrate, a new central nervous system stimulant].
In the last months we have seen an increasing number of younger patients admitted to the emergency room in a deep coma, mostly without cardio-pulmonary symptoms. After a few hours they suddenly woke up without any after-effects. ⋯ We believe they had taken gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB). This drug has not previously been described in Danish scientific reports.
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Ugeskrift for laeger · Dec 1999
Case Reports[Poisoning with gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Cases reported in connection with "cultural festivals" in August 1999 in Kolding].
Eight cases of poisoning with the relatively newly introduced synthetic drug gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) are reported. The abuse of GHB was in most cases mixed with alcohol intake but not any opiates. The condition of some of the victims was serious with bradycardia and depressed respiration. The antidote Naloxone appeared to have a beneficial effect on the combined intoxication with GHB and alcohol.