Ugeskrift for laeger
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Ugeskrift for laeger · Oct 1994
Randomized Controlled Trial Meta Analysis Comparative Study Clinical Trial[Low molecular weight heparin versus unfractionated heparin in the treatment of deep venous thrombosis--a meta-analysis].
A review based on 17 randomised studies on low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) versus unfractionated heparin (UFH) in the treatment of objectively verified deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is presented. Long-term treatment with LMWH was compared with long-term UFH in two studies and with warfarin in one study. In the rest of the studies LMWH and UFH were used during initiation of oral anticoagulant therapy, and these studies were included in a meta-analysis. ⋯ There was no significant difference in the reduction of Marder score during treatment (LMWH 5.0 versus UFH 3.8) or in the frequency of new symptomatic, scintigraphically or angiographically verified pulmonary embolism (LMWH 0.6% versus UFH 1.1%). The frequency of complications seemed independent of whether LMWH was administered once or twice daily. Monitoring of LMWH treatment is not considered necessary but determination of anti-factor Xa in plasma is recommended if bleeding occurs during treatment with LMWH.
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Many patients suffering from trauma or acute illness are in need of pain treatment in the prehospital phase, a treatment they seldom receive. In Denmark, it has been considered whether ambulance personnel should be allowed to administer pain treatment. Inhalation of 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen has been administered for many years by non-physicians around the world. ⋯ The few available controlled studies conducted inside the hospital have not shown significant pain-relieving effects of nitrous oxide for patients suffering from pain of acute medical of surgical origin when compared to other methods of pain treatment. Controlled studies of the effects of prehospital treatment with nitrous oxide need to be done. Technical problems and problems concerning indications, side effects, complications, pollution and possible addiction remain to be fully elucidated before prehospital treatment with nitrous oxide can be recommended for routine use in the Danish ambulances.
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Ugeskrift for laeger · Oct 1994
Case Reports[Incarceration of the ventricle through a right-sided Bochdalek hernia with symptoms of tension pneumothorax].
Acute herniations through a posterolateral diaphragmatic defect (Bochdalek hernia) are rare in adults. Most of these hernias are on the left side causing gastrointestinal symptoms. We present af case of a Bochdalek hernia on the right side, where incarceration and distension of the stomach was followed by dyspnoea and haemoptysis. Aetiology, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment are discussed.
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Ugeskrift for laeger · Sep 1994
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial[Prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications after heart-lung surgery. Comparison of 3 different mask physiotherapy regimens].
The object of the investigation was to compare the effect of three different physiotherapy masks on the incidence of postoperative complications after thoracic surgery. It was carried out as a prospective, consecutive, randomized comparison at a Department of Thoracic and Heart Surgery at a University Hospital. The therapy was performed by experienced and specially trained physiotherapists. ⋯ IR-PEP showed a lesser decrease in PaO2 on day nine. Otherwise there was an equal decrease in FVC and PaO2, and equal frequency of atelectasis in the three mask treatments. It is therefore concluded that any of the three therapies: continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), positive expiratory pressure (PEP), and inspiratory resistance--positive expiratory pressure (IR-PEP) may be used as supplement to standard chest physiotherapy.
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Ugeskrift for laeger · Sep 1994
Case Reports[Brachial plexus blockade via the interscalene port--for regional anesthesia/analgesia of upper extremities; use, application and risks].
The interscalene technique for brachial plexus anaesthesia is described. The method is suitable for anaesthesia of the upper extremity, especially when anaesthesia of the proximal part of the arm and the shoulder region is desired. The technique is also useful in paediatric cases. Side effects are few, but the risk of paralysing of the diaphragm makes this method inappropriate for patients with severe respiratory disease.