Postgraduate medical journal
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To evaluate the association between xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) and atherosclerosis by the measurement of carotid intima media thickness (CIMT). In addition, the concurrent association between metabolic syndrome, dyslipidaemia and dyslipoproteinaemia was also assessed. ⋯ Alteration in apolipoprotein levels (A1 and B) in XP patients may predispose to cutaneous and systemic deposition of lipids, including atherosclerosis. Therefore, XP patients irrespective of their lesion size or serum lipid levels should be screened using CIMT for detection of subclinical atherosclerosis.
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Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) hospital-acquired infection is associated with increased patient mortality. National guidelines state that shared patient equipment must be cleaned after use. The authors sought to identify MRSA contamination in a sample of non-disposable venepuncture tourniquets and audit cleaning habits between patient contacts. ⋯ Non-disposable venepuncture tourniquets are contaminated with MRSA and pose a risk to patients. The majority of clinical staff do not clean them between patient contacts as recommended by guidelines. The use of non-disposable venepuncture tourniquets should be abandoned. The introduction of disposable tourniquets to clinical practice should be an adjunct to current measures for MRSA prevention.