Chinese Med J Peking
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Chinese Med J Peking · Feb 2009
Continuous epidural block of the cervical vertebrae for cervicogenic headache.
Cervicogenic headache (CEH) is caused by a structural abnormality in the cervical spine. Available treatments for CEH include medical therapy, local botulinum toxin injection, cervical epidural corticosteroid injection, and surgery. The objective of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of a continuous epidural block of the cervical vertebra. ⋯ Continuous epidural block of the cervical vertebra for patients with CEH is effective for at least six months. Further research is needed to elucidate mechanisms of action and to prolong this effect.
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Chinese Med J Peking · Feb 2009
Clinical assessment of awake endotracheal intubation using the lightwand technique alone in patients with difficult airways.
There is few study to determine whether the use of the lightwand technique alone could achieve effective, safe and successful awake endotracheal intubation (ETI), therefore we designed a prospective clinical study to systematically evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of awake ETI using the lightwand alone in patients with difficult airways. ⋯ Alone use of the lightwand technique can achieve effective, safe and successful awake ETI in patients with difficult airways.
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Chinese Med J Peking · Feb 2009
Impact of human leukocyte antigen matching and recipients' panel reactive antibodies on two-year outcome in presensitized renal allograft recipients.
Renal transplantation in sensitized candidates remains a highly significant challenge worldwide. The production of panel reactive antibody (PRA) against human leukocyte antigen (HLA) is a major risk factor in presensitized recipients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of HLA matching and recipients' PRA on two-year outcome in presensitized renal allograft recipients. ⋯ Pre-transplant PRA preparations might improve the access of presensitized patients to renal donors. Avoiding antigen-positive donors remains a fundamental measure in preventing HR and early rejections.
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Chinese Med J Peking · Feb 2009
Factors influencing ambulance use in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction in Beijing, China.
Emergency medical service plays a key role in the early recognition and treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but studies indicate that the patients experiencing STEMI symptoms often fail to call an ambulance as recommended. This study aimed to examine the current ambulance transport frequency and ascertain predictors and reasons for not choosing ambulance transportation by the patients with STEMI in Beijing. ⋯ A large proportion of patients in Beijing do not call for an ambulance after onset of STEMI symptoms. Several factors including demographics, previous CAD, symptoms and cognitive factors of patients are associated with the ambulance use. The public should be educated that an ambulance is not merely a transportation modality and that it also provides rapid diagnosis and treatment.
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Chinese Med J Peking · Feb 2009
Clinical TrialTreatment of hypocalcemia caused by hypoparathyroidism or pseudohypoparathyroidism with domestic-made calcitriol: a prospective and self-controlled clinical trial.
Parathyroid hormone deficiency or resistance may cause hypocalcemia with related symptoms and signs. Lifelong treatment of calcium combined with vitamin D or its metabolites is always necessary for these patients. Here we reported a prospective and open-label trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of domestic-made calcitriol in treatment of hypocalcemia caused by hypoparathyroidism or pseudohypoparathyroidism. ⋯ Calcitriol combined with calcium can be used in treatment of hypocalcemia caused by hypoparathyroidism or pseudohypoparathyroidism effectively and safely. Serum and urinary calcium levels should be monitored during the course of the therapy.