Saudi Med J
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Recent literature showed that development of hypomagnesemia is associated with higher mortality. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of magnesium supplementation on mortality rates of critically ill patients. ⋯ Daily magnesium supplementation index higher than 1 grm/day is associated with lower mortality rates for critically ill patients. This effect was not found to be independent and may be related to severity of illness. Given that magnesium levels were similar between the 2 groups of DMSI at almost all points of the study, magnesium supplementation per se may be beneficial in lowering mortality rates. The exact cause of this effect is unknown. An aggressive magnesium supplementation protocol may be warranted. A larger scale randomized study is necessary to evaluate this effect.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparison of the antiemetic effects of ondansetron and dexamethasone on middle ear surgery.
To compare the antiemetic efficacy of ondansetron and dexamethasone in adults undergoing middle ear surgery. ⋯ Ondansetron had a more significant effect on nausea and vomiting in the early period, however, no difference was found after 4 hours of administration. Furthermore, dexamethasone was found to cost less compared with ondansetron.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The preemptive use of diclofenac sodium in combination with ketamine and remifentanil does not enhance postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic gynecological procedures.
To evaluate the preemptive effects of diclofenac sodium, in combination with remifentanil and ketamine. ⋯ We have not found any preemptive or additive effect of diclofenac sodium with the concomitant use of ketamine.
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A rapidly spreading, highly pathogenic avian influenza virus A H5N1 in the domestic poultry population has crossed the species barrier to humans and other mammalian species, thus, posing an increasing pandemic threat. The World Health Organization, other agencies, and countries worldwide are closely monitoring the prevalent influenza viruses and their related illnesses to detect any increased virulence or transmissibility that might signal the beginnings of any future pandemic. So far, the H5N1 virus has infected birds in more than 30 countries in Asia, Europe and Africa, while further geographical spread remains likely. ⋯ Although antiviral drugs and vaccination are among the most important measures to be used in case of an influenza pandemic, a timely supply of sufficient quantities will not be possible. This review describes various aspects of avian influenza in birds and in humans; epidemiology, transmission, diagnosis and clinical manifestations. Also presented are the global preparedness, the anti-influenza drugs and vaccines.