Anaesthesia
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Viral gastroenteritis is usually a mild, self-limiting illness. We report a case of a previously well 74-year-old woman who suffered a grave complication of this common condition, and caused a significant outbreak of illness amongst staff involved in her care. This case highlights the risks of Hospital Acquired Infection and raises important infection control issues. It illustrates the hazards associated with exposure to potentially infectious secretions and presents a clear message to medical and nursing staff involved in the care of the acute surgical emergency.
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Breathing system filters are recommended for use during anaesthesia to protect the patient from inhaling gas-borne particles. Filters placed at the patient connection port of the breathing system can also humidify the inspired gases. ⋯ The moisture content of the end-inspired air at the end of the 3-min period varied from 6.4 to 27.8 and from 4.4 to 25.9 g.m-3 for tidal volumes of 0.5 and 1.0 l, respectively (p < 0.0001 for all pairwise comparisons of the five filters and for the two tidal volumes). Those breathing system filters that have at least an adequate level of performance (at least 20 g.m-3) will generally achieve this level within the 3-min pre-oxygenation period.
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Letter Case Reports
Difficult intubation due to ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament.
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Comment Letter Case Reports
Nasotracheal intubation in a patient with maxillo-facial and basal skull fractures.