J Am Acad Nurse Prac
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J Am Acad Nurse Prac · Jul 2005
Review Case ReportsVertebroplasty and kyphoplasty for treatment of painful osteoporotic compression fractures.
To review the pathophysiology of osteoporosis and describe vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, which are minimally invasive procedures to treat the pain associated with vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). ⋯ Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures aimed at pain control, stabilization of the vertebral body, and with kyphoplasty, the ability to provide some correction of deformity with partial restoration of vertebral body height. Providing pain control and stabilization of the vertebral column improves mobility, thus decreasing the potential risks associated with immobility.
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J Am Acad Nurse Prac · Jul 2005
Chronic blood transfusion therapy practices to treat strokes in children with sickle cell disease.
To identify variations in practices used by nurses for pediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) receiving chronic blood transfusion therapy for strokes. ⋯ A wide range of local standard care guidelines for blood transfusion therapy exists. The results of this survey indicate that partial manual exchange transfusion is the most commonly used method of chronic blood transfusion therapy in children with SCD and stroke despite the fact that the magnitude of benefit in comparison with simple transfusion has not been established. Factors such as peripheral venous access, compliance with current chelation regimen, and the presence of antibodies are important considerations in the choice of method.