Læknablađiđ
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Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction is characterized by thunderclap headache and vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries, with or without focal neurologic symptoms. The syndrome is three times more common in women with a mean age around 45 years. In approximately 60% of cases a cause can be identified, commonly after intake of vasoactive substances. ⋯ Vascular imaging reveals alternating cerebral vasoconstriction and vasodilation that normalizes within 12 weeks. Calcium channel antagonists such as nimodipine reduce the frequency of thunderclap headaches but do not decidedly affect the risk of cerebral ischemia or hemorrhage. In this article the epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of RCVS is reviewed.
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Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) children (birth weight ≤1000 g) are at risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of developmental disorders and disabilities among ELBW children born in Iceland during a 25 year period and to assess which clinical factors predict disability among these children. ⋯ The majority of ELBW children do not have major developmental disorders. The rate of disability in this study is similar to other studies. The study probably underestimates the rate of mild developmental disorders in the Icelandic population. Risk factors for disability in this study are comparable to previous studies.
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Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a mechanical device that increases cardiac output by increasing diastolic blood flow to the coronary arteries and lowers the afterload of the left ventricle in systole. IABP is primarily used in acute heart failure, that includes patients that have to undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Its usage, however, in cardiac surgery has been declining with ongoing controversy regarding its benefits. The aim of this study was to assess the use and indications and outcome of IABP related to CABG surgery. ⋯ Less than 5% of patients received IABP in relation to CABG in Iceland and the rate hasn't changed much for the last 18 years. Both the complication rate and 30-day mortality was higher in patients in IABP group and both the long term and MACCE-free survival was much worse, probably mostly related to worse overall clinical condition of the patient that received IABP.