Ugeskrift for laeger
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Ugeskrift for laeger · Jan 1993
Case Reports[Toxic shock syndrome in group A streptococcal infection].
Three new cases of toxic shock syndrome due to infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococci are described and similar cases in the literature are reviewed. The typical features of this disease include rapid development of multiorgan failure with renal impairment and, in many patients, also the respiratory distress syndrome. ⋯ In patients with initial soft tissue infection this is rapidly progressive and often associated with necrotizing fasciitis and myositis, which may give rise to a compartment syndrome with rhabdomyolysis. In addition to conventional therapy with antibiotics, fluid replacement and inotropics, most patients with extensive soft tissue infection also require surgical intervention with debridement and occasionally fasciotomy.
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Ugeskrift for laeger · Jan 1993
[Description of activities in the neonatal department at Rigshospitalet during the period 1983-1990].
Since 1983, the gestational age (GA in completed weeks), use of mechanical ventilation, duration of hospitalization and the diagnosis-related group were registered routinely for all infants admitted to the Neonatal Department, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen. The data were analysed concerning the 6,636 infants treated during the seven-year period until the end of 1991. The annual number of admissions decreased during the period (p < 0.001) whereas the number of extremely preterm infants (GA < 28 weeks) increased from 30 to 45 annually (p < 0.05). ⋯ The cost of treatment increased by 40% in fixed prices to DDK 4,000 per day (approximately 333 pounds). The authors conclude that the introduction of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has permitted treatment of moderately preterm infants in county hospitals and has also resulted in avoidance of mechanical ventilation in extremely preterm infants without preventing improved survival. Although the patients have become more selected, the duration of hospitalization remains unchanged.
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Ugeskrift for laeger · Dec 1992
Case Reports[Burns due to fireworks. A 4-year study of the incidence and causes with suggestions for prevention].
During the period around New Year 1991-1992, significantly more patients were admitted to the burns units in Denmark with burns caused by fireworks, compared to the previous three years. All patients were males and 88% under 18 years of age. The areas burned were localized primarily to the thighs and the front of the body. ⋯ A campaign for the oncoming New Year, informing about burns, eye and hand injuries caused by fireworks is under preparation. Although sale of fireworks to persons under 18 years of age is prohibited, more than 80% of the children had purchased the fireworks themselves. We recommend reinforcement of the law.
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This investigation is a review of the injuries due to fireworks seen in five casualty departments in Denmark over a period of four years. These casualty departments have a total catchment population of 675,000 (13% of the population of Denmark). The review is based on data from the Danish section of EHLASS-project. (Europea Home and Leisure Accident surveillance system). ⋯ The regions most frequently injured were the hands/fingers (40%) or the eyes (24%). 6% of the patients required admission to hospital. The estimated number of injuries due to fireworks in Denmark is 690 annually. The majority of injuries due to fireworks were due to incorrect use of fireworks of absence of protective measures.
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At present, when economy and environment receive high priority, the ideal anaesthesia system with inhalation anaesthetics is a closed circle system in which only the gases which the patient consumes or produces are replaced or eliminated. Low-flow (LF) anaesthesia in which the fresh gas flow which is employed in a closed system, provides a stable system compares with closed anaesthesia systems. ⋯ The special conditions involved in LF anaesthesia are described in detail with the hope that the method will obtain more widespread distribution than is the case in Denmark today. If greater safety under anaesthesia is desired, eg by monitoring the concentrations of CO2, O2 and inhalation anaesthetics which the patients inspire and expire, this monitoring equipment can be financed by introduction of LF anaesthesia.