Der Anaesthesist
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Increased perception of the risks of homologous blood transfusion has focused substantial interest on autologous blood transfusion (ABT). To evaluate the role of ABT in the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), we conducted postal surveys of German hospitals in 1989 and 1993. In the present study, the responses of 143 hospitals in the "old" federal states (former West Germany) that replied to both of our surveys were analysed. ⋯ CONCLUSIONS. Although the 143 hospitals are not representative on a national level, the findings of our study allow some conclusions on general trends in the "old" states of the FRG. The potential for ABT has substantially grown in the "old" states from 1989 to 1993, although more consistent advantage of this potential could be taken.
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The treatment of cancer pain with opioids is well accepted. However, the use of opioids for the treatment of non-cancer pain is still a matter of controversy. The main matters of concern are physical dependence and opioid abuse. ⋯ The reliable intake of prescribed medication must be assured if necessary by laboratory screening. The treatment of non-cancer pain with opioids may be an alternative for those patients, who didn't gain sufficient reduction of pain by other therapies. Standards for this therapy are an absolute necessity and are to be followed closely.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
[Anxiolysis, sedation, and stress reduction following oral premedication with midazolam in adults. A comparison with dipotassium clorazepate and placebo].
Benzodiazepines are the most commonly used anxiolytic agents. Among the benzodiazepines, midazolam has the advantage of a short elimination half-life, which is especially useful in outpatient surgery. However, in contrast to other commonly prescribed benzodiazepines, such as chlorazepate dipotassium, oral premedication with midazolam has not been thoroughly investigated. ⋯ The anxiolytic effects of 7.5 mg midazolam and 20 mg clorazepate dipotassium were similar after oral application. However, the anxiolytic effect of midazolam is shorter-lived than that of clorazepate dipotassium. In contrast to clorazepate dipotassium, midazolam produced no increase in arterial blood pressure and stabilized oral salivation, production in the palms, muscle tension and motoric restlessness.