The Medical journal of Australia
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Observation wards have not been discussed in the Australian literature. In the United Kingdom, the few published reports suggest that they are an essential part of the function of emergency departments. ⋯ Nearly half the remaining hospitals wanted to establish an observation ward. Our concept of observation wards is discussed.
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Automatic-dishwasher detergent is a common household substance which is extremely corrosive and potentially fatal if ingested. In this report, we discuss the implications of the ingestion of automatic-dishwasher detergent in 18 children over a three-year period. Ten of the 18 children gained access to the automatic-dishwasher detergent from the dishwasher on the completion of a washing-cycle, while the remainder ingested the detergent directly from the packet. There was a poor correlation between the presenting signs and symptoms and the subsequent endoscopic findings in the 14 children who underwent endoscopy.