The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association
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J Am Osteopath Assoc · Oct 2010
Letter Case ReportsAtypical presentation of herpes simplex encephalitis in an infant.
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J Am Osteopath Assoc · Oct 2010
Case ReportsManagement of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo with the canalith repositioning maneuver in the emergency department setting.
Vertigo is a common clinical manifestation in the emergency department (ED). It is important for physicians to determine if the peripheral cause of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a disorder accounting for 20% of all vertigo cases. However, the Dix-Hallpike test--the standard for BPPV diagnosis--is not common in the ED setting. ⋯ Studies have shown that these pharmaceutical treatment options may not be the best for patients with BPPV. The authors describe a case of a 38-year-old woman who presented to the ED with complaints of severe, sudden-onset vertigo. The patient's BPPV was diagnosed by means of a Dix-Hallpike test and the patient was acutely treated in the ED with physical therapy using the canalith repositioning maneuver.
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J Am Osteopath Assoc · Sep 2010
Case Reports5-oxoproline-induced anion gap metabolic acidosis after an acute acetaminophen overdose.
Metabolic acidosis after acute acetaminophen overdose is typically attributed to either transient lactic acidosis without evidence of hepatic injury or hepatic failure. High levels of the organic acid 5-oxoprolinuria are usually reported in patients with predisposing conditions, such as sepsis, who are treated in a subacute or chronic fashion with acetaminophen. ⋯ Urinalysis revealed elevated levels of 5-oxoproline, suggesting that the patient's acute acetaminophen overdose was associated with marked anion gap metabolic acidosis due solely to 5-oxoproline without hepatic complications. The acidosis fully resolved with N-acetylcysteine treatment and supportive care including hydration.
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J Am Osteopath Assoc · Jul 2010
Review Comparative StudyMethods and implications of limiting resident duty hours.
Current limitations on residency duty hours came about after the death of a patient in 1984 in a New York City hospital. This tragedy served as the catalyst for a new public awareness and subsequent change in philosophy regarding resident duty hours, fatigue factors, and risks to patients from the long and tedious shifts of residency. However, it has proven difficult to limit resident physician duty hours. ⋯ A survey and literature review revealed a number of benefits of RDHLs. It is unclear, however, whether additional limitations of resident work hours are necessary or could accommodate the growing amount of information and skills that are required to become a competent physician.