British journal of anaesthesia
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Early warning scores using physiological measurements may help identify ward patients who are, or who may become, critically ill. We studied the value of abnormal physiology scores to identify high-risk hospital patients. ⋯ Simple physiological observations identify high-risk hospital inpatients. Those who die are often inpatients for days or weeks before death, allowing time for clinicians to intervene and potentially change outcome. Access to critical care beds could decrease mortality.
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Case Reports
Retrieval of a retrograde catheter using suction, in patients who cannot open their mouths.
In difficulty, tracheal intubation can be facilitated by passing a retrograde catheter, but the mouth has to be opened for the retrieval of the catheter from the pharynx. Two patients with ankylosis of a temporomandibular joint were unable to open their mouth, and required general anaesthesia for gap arthroplasty. ⋯ Catheter-guided tracheal intubation was done without complication. A suction catheter can assist retrograde retrieval of a catheter to aid intubation in patients who cannot open the mouth.