The Medical journal of Australia
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A study of 21 patients has shown that clonazepam is an effective drug in preventing attacks of pain in trigeminal neuralgia and Sluder's syndrome. It has also been shown that no side effects result from long-term prescription of this drug.
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A 24-year-old multipara 34 weeks pregnant presented in shock due to massive pulmonary embolism. Recovery followed thrombolytic therapy, although fetal death occurred early. There were no serious maternal side effects, although hypofibrinogenaemia occurred. Thrombolytic therapy is considered to offer advantages over heparin in this situation.
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The medical care delivery systems of most low-income countries are largely patterned on those of industrialized societies and are ill suited to the needs of developing countries. The present alternative model of health care in China has evolved after prolonged and often bitter debate extending over twenty years. The system that has been developed is one that appears uniquely suited to the needs of a large rural developing country; but it has been achieved in large part not through the medical profession but by evolving a system based upon participation by the people themselves and the development of new health-worker roles.
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A large total population study of childhood fresh water immersion accidents is reported. The study was undertaken in the City of Brisbane over the five-year period 1971 to 1975 inclusive, and 111 fresh water immersion accidents involving children were studied and analysed. The childhood fresh water immersion accident rate, including drowning and near-drownings, of 10-43 per year per 100,000 at risk (fatality rate of 5-17) is the highest reported. ⋯ Rates for drowning and near-drowning accidents after a fresh water immersion, by site, age and outcome (survival versus fatality), are also presented for the first time. Swimming pools produce 6-20 immersion accidents per year per 100,000 children at risk, and the domestic family bath tub produces 1-78. Possible factors explaining the high incidence are discussed, and comparisons of drowning rates from other centres are made.