Irish journal of medical science
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Methylprednisolone is the only neuroprotective therapy advocated in acute non-penetrating spinal cord injury. Trials indicate improved neurological outcome following early administration of a high dose regime. The National Spinal Injuries Unit (NSIU) has promoted this regime by a simple laminated poster sent to all Irish A&E departments. ⋯ There was poor documentation of prescription orders and timing of administration. Only six patients had clear documentation allowing confirmation of adherence to the protocol of the National Acute Spinal Cord Injury Study (NASCIS) III trial.
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The contribution of dysmotility to dysphagia in oesophageal cancer is unclear. ⋯ Oesophageal motility is disturbed in oesophageal cancer. Dysphagia in oesophageal cancer may be partly explained by oesophageal dysmotility. This is improved by chemotherapy.
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To determine the usefulness of endoscopically-delivered small intestinal submucosa (SIS) as a scaffold in enhancing the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) pressures. ⋯ SIS is a biologically compatible material. Lack of an animal model for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) makes determining the ability of injections of SIS to combat reflux problematic.
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Multicenter Study
Primary care anticoagulant management using near patient testing.
Indications for anticoagulant treatment are increasing and new approaches to anticoagulant services require a shift from hospital to primary care. ⋯ This study confirmed the validity of anticoagulant management using the CoaguCheck monitor in primary care.
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Contralateral groin exploration in children with unilateral inguinal hernia is still controversial, particularly in infants. The patency rate of processus vaginalis is highest in infants but there are few data on the subsequent risk of contralateral hernia development in infants. In this retrospective study, we aimed to find out the incidence of contralateral inguinal hernia following unilateral inguinal herniotomy in infants aged less than one year. ⋯ The low incidence and benign nature of contralateral hernia development in infants undergoing a unilateral inguinal herniotomy does not justify routine contralateral groin exploration.