Irish journal of medical science
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Surgical procedures to correct larger curve magnitudes >70° in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are still common; despite their increased complexity, limited research has assessed the effect of preoperative curve severity on outcomes. ⋯ Surgeons can expect a longer surgical duration, greater intraoperative blood loss and double the blood product transfusion risk when performing PSF procedures on AIS patients with curves greater than 70° vs. those ≤70°. Surgical correction for curves >70°, often as a result of lengthy surgical waiting lists, also incurs added expense and results in a partial delay in early functional recovery.
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GISTs are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. The last 20 years have been revolutionary in the understanding of these tumours and began with the discovery of c-KIT, a proto oncogene that when mutated forms the molecular basis for the growth and development of these malignancies. ⋯ These novel agents have significantly reduced the frequency of disease recurrence and dramatically improved survival, and serve as a model for the study of targeted therapies in other solid tumors. We present a review of gastrointestinal stromal tumours and consider the current evidence based detection and management of these unique tumors.
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This paper argues that Sir William Wilde was indeed a pioneering demographer. It also describes the unveiling of the plaque commemorating Sir William Wilde at his home, 1, Merrion Square, Dublin on the 28 October 1971.
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This is a literature review of outcomes for patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) who require admission to the intensive care unit for mechanical ventilation. Respiratory distress is the leading cause of death in the acute phase, and occurs in about 25 % of patients. ⋯ Accurate data are limited by the fact that these studies are retrospective, often covering long periods in the past. Larger, more recent, prospective, multi-centre studies will be required.
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Investigation of patients, particularly children, with unexplained global developmental delay (GDD)/learning disability (LD) has been challenging due to a lack of clear guidance from specialised centres. Limited knowledge of rare diseases and a poor understanding of the purpose or limitations of appropriate investigations have been some of the principal reasons for this difficulty. ⋯ It is hoped that these recommendations will become national guidelines for the first line metabolic, genetic and radiological investigation of patients presenting with unexplained GDD/ID.