Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Point-of-care testing (POCT) for the demonstration of pathogens was introduced several years ago. The present study describes the current technical status of POCT, giving some examples, and summarizes the specific advantages and disadvantages of the POCT approach in microbiology. ⋯ The test systems available today are technically mature and offer good to very good performance. For HIV, malaria, group A streptococci, and legionellae, POCT testing, when indicated, is on a par with conventional procedures. The information yielded by rapid tests for pneumococci and for influenza tends to be supplementary in nature. The rapid test for group B streptococci is unsuitable for routine use because its sensitivity is still too low compared with bacterial culture. POCT can be successful only if the tests are performed correctly by trained personnel, quality management procedures are followed, and the severity of illness and the epidemiological circumstances are taken into account when interpreting the results.
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The incidence of melanoma has increased fivefold during the past three decades. Melanoma can no longer be classified as rare; rather, it is now one of the more frequent tumors. ⋯ The recommendations presented here are based predominantly on the results of prospective randomized trials.
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Acute postoperative pain management is still far from satisfactory despite the availability of high-quality guidelines and advanced pain management techniques. ⋯ QUIPS shows that outcomes in postoperative pain management can be measured and compared in routine clinical practice. This may lead to improved care. QUIPS reveals which operations are the most painful. Quality improvement initiatives should use as few resources as possible, measure the quality of the outcomes, and provide rapid feedback. Structural and process parameters should be continuously reevaluated to determine their suitability as indicators of quality.
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The insertion of a chest tube in cases of large pleural effusion or spontaneous pneumothorax is a common surgical procedure often performed by a physician in training under the supervision of a senior physician. ⋯ Re-expansion edema is a rare, potentially life-threatening complication of the drainage of a spontaneous pneumothorax. With early recognition and timely treatment, complete resolution can be achieved. Risk factors include rapid re-expansion of the lung, young patient age, and a large pneumothorax persisting longer than 24 hours. If these risk factors are present, the chest tube should be inserted without primary suction. Doing so allows the lung to re-expand more slowly and may prevent this severe complication.