Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde
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In many Dutch hospitals gastric lavage leaving charcoal and a laxative is the treatment of choice after autointoxication. Gastric lavage is not without risks. No difference has been demonstrated in efficacy and safety of gastric lavage combined with administration of activated charcoal on the one hand and just administration of activated charcoal on the other. ⋯ In case of a mild intoxication (for example with benzodiazepines), the risks of drug toxicity do not outweigh those of lavage, regardless of the time elapsed after ingestion. If gastric lavage is applied, it should be performed properly, i.e. with warm water (38 degrees C), with a 36-40 Fr. tube, using aliquots of 200-300 ml. In a minority of the intoxications whole bowel lavage should be employed.
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · May 2000
Case Reports[Hypocalcemia as a cause of reversible heart failure].
A 72-year-old woman with therapy resistant congestive heart failure presented with severe hypocalcaemia due to hypoparathyroidism after strumectomy more than 25 years before. After suppletion of calcium her complaints resolved and there was considerable improvement in left ventricular function. Our case report suggests that hypocalcaemia induced cardiomyopathy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of therapy resistant heart failure and that myocardial impairment is reversible after administration of calcium.
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · May 2000
Comparative Study[Link between indication for cesarean section and need for resuscitation of the neonate].
To study the relationship between the indication for caesarean section (CS) and the need for resuscitation of the infant. ⋯ Based on the indication for a CS, a paediatrician or physician experienced in neonatal resuscitation is required for a high-risk CS (foetal malposition, placental dysfunction, foetal distress, and general anaesthesia).
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · May 2000
Editorial[Terminologia anatomica: a new reference work for anatomy].
The Nomina anatomica (6th edition in 1989) was the standard anatomical nomenclature until recently. It has been succeeded by the Terminologia anatomica (TA) by resolution of the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists in 1999. By now the TA has been published as a book and on cd-rom. ⋯ The use of eponyms is discouraged, but a list of well-known ones is appended to facilitate accessibility of older literature. Relevant suggestions about amendments are eagerly awaited and a broad basis of endorsement among the medical scientific world is hoped for. This journal will adopt the TA/IAT from now on as the work of reference regarding anatomical terms.