J Natl Med Assoc
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This article retrospectively reviews 258 consecutive abdominal trauma admissions who required laparotomy from July 1985 to June 1989 at a level one urban trauma center to define the population at risk, the patterns of injury, and the resulting morbidity and mortality. The findings were compared with a series of 252 abdominal trauma patients reported in 1974 by one of the authors. The majority of injuries in this series were gunshot wounds (GSWs) (47%), followed by stab wounds (SWs) (43%) and blunt abdominal trauma (10%). ⋯ Major vascular system injury was the primary cause of death. Prompt evaluation, resuscitation, and operative intervention are mandatory in all abdominal GSW patients. More than half of those patients with major vascular system injury did not present in shock but had a high associated mortality.
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The epidemiology of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the United States is reviewed. Hypertension and diabetes as etiologic factors in ESRD in minorities are discussed, as is the question of a familial ESRD. It is hypothesized that diuretics as sole antihypertensive therapy in blacks may in the long term result in chronic volume contraction, increased sympathetic stimulation, and therefore, decreased renal function. As such, a rational basis for the long-term use of diuretics as the sole antihypertensive therapeutic in blacks becomes questionable at best.
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Comparative Study
Attitudes toward condom use and AIDS among patients from an urban family practice center.
As part of an effort to better educate patients about using condoms, a survey was done to assess the sexual practices, attitudes toward acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and condom use by patients who visit an urban family practice center. A self-administered questionnaire was given to 126 patients of whom the majority were black and single. Seventeen percent indicated they had sex with more than one person in the 3 months before the survey. ⋯ Twenty-seven percent of those surveyed believed that a man's penis may be too large for a condom and 18% believed that uncircumcised men could not use condoms. Forty-five percent believed they should be screened for human immune deficiency virus exposure. The results highlight attitudes and beliefs that may function as barriers to condom use and should be addressed when encouraging condom use with this population.
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Sixteen trauma victims with adult respiratory distress syndrome were retrospectively examined. High injury severity score (mean: 44), massive transfusion requirements, and prolonged ventilator days characterize this group. Persistent intra-abdominal infection accounted for two of three deaths in this series. ⋯ High frequency jet ventilation was necessary in one subject. Two patients exhibited early ARDS reversal, ie, clinical improvement, better chest x-ray and decreased shunt (within 72 hours) when an intra-abdominal septic focus was eradicated. Principles of critical care for these patients remain: an FiO2 less than .40, limiting barotrauma, using PEEP for alveolar recruitment and close monitoring of O2 transport.
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This article presents seven cases of patients with tonsillar abscess formation and discusses the pathophysiology of intratonsillar abscess formation.