Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde
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Since 2009, a warning has been issued about cocaine that has been adulterated with levamisole, mainly in the USA and Canada. Agranulocytosis occurs as an idiosyncratic reaction in 3-10% of patients exposed to levamisole. ⋯ This patient had acquired agranulocytosis, due to the use of cocaine adulterated with levamisole.
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Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage is a new, relatively non-invasive treatment for patients with symptomatic gallbladder disease and a high surgery risk. Placement of an internal pigtail stent is an alternative treatment for percutaneous gallbladder drainage. This procedure can be performed in patients with a temporary contra-indication - in preparatory process to a cholecystectomy - as well as in patients with a prolonged contra-indication where the pigtail stent can remain in situ for a longer period of time. This technique appears to be an effective and safe procedure for patients with acute cholecystitis or symptomatic gallbladder disease and a high surgery risk.
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Hospital standardized mortality ratios (HSMR) are meant to compare mortality risks between hospitals. There is, however, much discussion about the value of the HSMR because incomplete adjustment for case mix is almost inevitable and because the data required to estimate HSMR are often unreliable. ⋯ The number of factors that can influence mortality risk in a hospital for these 50 diagnoses is enormous. There are many potential explanations for an increased (or decreased) HSMR, meaning that even if an increased HSMR really does point towards an increased mortality risk, this provides no real indication of the underlying cause.
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A rare disease usually concerns only a handful of patients, but all patients with a rare disease combined represent a significant health burden. Due to limited knowledge and the absence of treatment guidelines, patients with rare diseases usually experience delayed diagnosis and suboptimal treatment. Historically, rare diseases have never been considered a major health problem. ⋯ Two critical steps in optimising healthcare for rare diseases are developing multidisciplinary healthcare teams and stimulating patient empowerment. Optimal cooperation between patients, patient organisations, multidisciplinary healthcare teams and scientists is of great importance. In this respect, transition to adult healthcare requires special attention.
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Ebola is an exceptionally risky infection and safety measures are therefore unprecedentedly strict. However, despite stringent measures infection of health care providers by the Ebola virus cannot be excluded. ⋯ Before undertaking care for Ebola patients, 'fit for the job'screening is necessary. We should only expose our care givers if we know that they are physically and mentally up to the task.