W Indian Med J
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To evaluate resources and utilization of Intensive Care Units in Trinidad and Tobago. ⋯ The overall bed availability in ICUs with respect to Trinidad and Tobago's population and case-mix is low compared to developed countries, although the process of ICU care is comparable. Outcome of patients was good in terms of risk-adjusted mortality. The study highlights the need to further increase bed-strength and optimize the resource utilization of ICUs in Trinidad and Tobago.
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Cardiovascular disease is emerging as the leading cause of death in the Caribbean region with hypertension along with diabetes mellitus representing the major causes. Left ventricular hypertrophy associated with hypertension results in a two to fourfold increase in cardiac morbidity and mortality. One hundred and eleven patients, 67% female, mean age 46 years with a mean of seven years since diagnosis, had resting blood pressure, electrocardiogram and sector-focused M-mode echocardiogram performed The electrocardiograms were analyzed for left ventricular hypertrophy using Sokolow-Lyon, Cornell, Romhilts-Estes, 12 lead sum, QRS duration, 12 lead-QRS product and left ventricular strain pattern. ⋯ Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of the electrocardiogram in predicting increased left ventricular mass index was best for Sokolow-Lyon (31%, 86%, 76%), Cornell (23%, 96%, 88%) and 12 lead-QRS product (30%, 86%, 72%). Sensitivity ranged from 3 to 31%, specificity from 80 to 96% and positive predictive value from 40 to 88%. The electrocardiogram is insensitive in detecting increased echocardiographic left ventricular mass index, as in patients from developed countries, and is less specific for the finding as in African Americans.
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The correlates of body image perception among an ethnically diverse group of adolescent females attending secondary school in Trinidad were investigated. ⋯ In this group of adolescents, there are ethnic differences in the level of concern over body image and associated eating, and weight-related behaviour.
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Review
Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: anaesthetic implications and the Trinidad experience.
To review the evolution of off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery with particular reference to the anaesthetic and perioperative implications. ⋯ Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery has distinct anaesthetic implications. In Trinidad and Tobago, the majority (85%) of the coronary revascularization surgeries are being done by this technique. Because of the lower cost and improved outcomes, this technique could be recommended to other developing countries of the region.
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Although urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common hospital-acquired infections, the epidemiology of these UTIs is not well defined in Turkey. The aim of this surveillance study was to determine micro-organisms responsible for UTI, their antibiotic sensitivities and to describe the incidence and risk factors of nosocomial urinary tract infections (NUTI). ⋯ Important factors to prevent NUTI are to avoid unnecessary urethral catheterization, to choose narrow spectrum antibiotics according to antibiotic sensitivities, to investigate regularly the causative micro-organisms and their resistance patterns and to update the treatment protocols.