Irish journal of medical science
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There is no randomized controlled trial that demonstrated the efficacy of antiviral therapy against COVID-19 yet. However, physicians are prescribing different drugs to a large part of COVID-19 population in the hope they will cure them. This does not reflect the evidence-based medicine approach. What we need is more evidence-based knowledge about what routine care practices we should to apply to ameliorate symptoms of patients and fight COVID-19 pathology.
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Although laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is considered to be minimally invasive compared with open appendectomy (OA), there are few studies showing this in terms of cytokines and oxidative stress markers. ⋯ LA had a more positive effect on oxidative DNA damage, IL-1β and IL-37 than the OA. In addition, surgical stress was reduced with LA.
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This study aimed to determine the role of ONSD measurement by US for diagnosis of high ICP in TBI patients. ⋯ ONSD measurement by ultrasound is a good screening tool for high ICP in traumatic brain injury patients.
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Modern oncological and operative outcomes in esophageal cancer: the St. James's hospital experience.
Oesophageal cancer has a reputation for poor survival, and a relatively high risk of major postoperative morbidity and mortality. Encouragingly, a recent international cancer registry study reports a doubling of survival outcomes in Ireland over the last 20 years. This study focused on both oncologic and operative outcomes in patients treated with curative intent requiring surgery at a high-volume center. ⋯ Consistent with registry data on population survival for oesophageal cancer, this study highlights markedly improved survival outcomes in patients treated curatively, reflecting international trends, as well as low mortality rates; however, cardiorespiratory complications remain significant.
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Communication is key to any successful relationship with the patient-physician partnership being no different. Recent advances in technology have provided us with an array of new communication tools such as the mobile phone, computer, internet, and email. This new technology has revolutionized communications; however, limitations to their widespread use include access, literacy, and willingness for both the physician and patient to change. ⋯ Within this patient population, the use of technologies decreases with increasing age of the patients. This demonstrates a large population of service users who are contented with conventional methods of communication. Change within healthcare ICT is inevitable, and therefore, these patients need to be guided and educated to allow a smooth transition from the old to the new.