W Indian Med J
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The investigation of presumed neutropenia places a burden on the health services, especially those of developing countries, including Jamaica. This may be because the normal ranges used in the laboratory are based on the values generated from the Caucasian population. Previous studies looking at African and Afro-Caribbean groups have found lower counts for these populations compared with Caucasians. ⋯ Values for the Jamaican population were similar to those of other Afro-Caribbean groups. Based on this distribution, 14% of healthy Jamaicans would fall below the normal ranges derived from Caucasians and therefore presumed to have neutropenia. We recommend that the lower reference ranges obtained for Afro-Caribbean adults be adopted for that population.
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To assess the clinical and selected demographic features of patients with systemic sclerosis (SS) seen over a 10-year period at the Rheumatology service of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Barbados. To compare these data with what is known to obtain in other ethnic populations. ⋯ In a predominantly Afro-Caribbean population, SS was uncommonly seen, had a marked female preponderance and an earlier age of onset than that seen in Caucasian populations. As expected, diffuse disease was the more common subtype and digital pitting, pigmentary skin changes, and pulmonary disease were amongst the most frequent clinical features. Telangiectasia were found more frequently than the literature suggests is typical for patients of African descent.
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Emergency Medicine in Jamaica has evolved rapidly over the past 20 years and has gained recognition as a specialty. A residency training programme has been established, trademark life support courses are now available, moves to develop areas of sub-specialization have begun and an emergency medicine association has been formed. There has been an increase in the diagnostic modalities in the main teaching institution, the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI). ⋯ This will require the development of an efficient Emergency Medical Service (EMS). More emphasis and attention is required on disaster medicine, toxicology and trauma. Increased training of emergency physicians and nurses, advances in academia and research, and greater advocacy by local emergency physicians will further advance the specialty.
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To study the utilization pattern and the cost of sedatives, analgesics and neuromuscular blocking agents in a multidisciplinary intensive care unit (ICU). ⋯ The study highlights the utilization pattern and financial burden of sedation, analgesia and neuromuscular blockade in the delivery of critical care.
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Multicenter Study
Knowledge, perception and practices of healthcare professionals at tertiary level hospitals in Kingston, Jamaica, regarding neonatal pain management.
To determine knowledge, perception and practices of healthcare professionals at tertiary level hospitals in Kingston, Jamaica, regarding neonatal pain management. ⋯ There is an overwhelming deficiency in the knowledge, perception and practice of neonatal pain management at tertiary level institutions in Kingston, Jamaica. There is the urgent need for the education of health professionals on neonatal pain management. This will in turn facilitate change in perception and eventually, along with the institution of local policies and protocols, influence practice.