The Medical journal of Australia
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Comparative Study
Snakebite in tropical Australia: a prospective study in the "Top End" of the Northern Territory.
To describe the epidemiology of snakebite in the "Top End" of the Northern Territory, and the envenoming syndromes of individual snake species. ⋯ Snakebite still causes morbidity in tropical Australia, but, with access to hospital and antivenom, deaths are rare. This study has enabled further definition of the envenoming syndromes of three highly venomous Australasian elapids.
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Despite leadership roles being critical, we persist with outmoded models of organisations and pay inadequate attention to developing individual leaders and new models of leadership within the medical profession. New forms of leadership are required. Among many important roles, leaders are called on: to enhance the meaningful identity of a profession; to create effective linkages with other healthcare professionals and stakeholders, as well as with healthcare system managers; to interpret complexity so that their institutions and followers can operate successfully in uncertain times; and to consistently model ethical behaviour.
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Comparative Study
Antivenom dosing in 35 patients with severe brown snake (Pseudonaja) envenoming in Western Australia over 10 years.
To investigate the doses of antivenom administered to adult patients with severe brown snake envenoming. ⋯ Patients received initial doses of antivenom too small to neutralise circulating venom, and remained afibrinogenaemic for prolonged periods, with serious consequences. The authors now use 10 ampoules as an initial dose in severe brown snake envenoming.