Presse Med
-
Comparative Study
[Portable hemoglobinometer for bedside monitoring of capillary blood hemoglobin in patients with acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage].
Monitoring of hemoglobin is necessary in patients with gastrointestinal haemorrhage. Take blood sample and analysis at laboratory with automatum is the gold standard. A fast determination of hemoglobin at the bedside is possible with a portable haemoglobinometer Hemocue. ⋯ In acute period of a gastrointestinal hemorrhage, monitoring of hemoglobin by Hemocue with capillary blood at the bedside is a reliable method.
-
Hypertension is more frequent and more severe in blacks than in other racial groups. Salt-sensitive and low-renin hypertension are both more frequent in blacks. Cardiovascular morbidity appears to be similar in blacks and whites and depends on the classic cardiovascular risk factors. ⋯ Reduced salt intake improves drug efficacy. Diuretics and calcium channel blockers are more effective in lowering blood pressure, while angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors may be more effective in preventing organ damage. Specific trials are needed to evaluate therapeutic benefits in blacks.
-
Unintentional drowning is an important public health problem. Effective prevention measures require detailed knowledge of the specific epidemiology of fresh water drowning and near-drowning incidents. ⋯ Only prevention measures that fully take into account the different characteristics of each drowning site can reduce the incidence of these events.
-
Lymphopenia is defined as a peripheral lymphocyte count lower than 1500/mm3 in adults and 4500/mm3 in children younger than eight months of age. We propose a classification of lymphopenia according to the mechanism involved: lymphocyte production defects, including primary immune deficiencies and immune deficiencies secondary to malnutrition or zinc deprivation; excess catabolism, due to causes including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunosuppressive therapy, HIV infection, and systemic lupus erythematosus; abnormal lymphocyte trapping, including mainly splenomegaly, certain viral infections, septic shock, extended burns, systemic granulomatosis, and corticosteroids; other causes of lymphocytopenia, with mechanisms that remain poorly understood: ethnicity (Ethiopians), lymphoma, renal insufficiency, and idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia.