The New Zealand medical journal
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Respiratory distress syndrome in New Zealand: evidence from the OSIRIS trial of exogenous surfactant (Exosurf).
To assess the impact, mortality, morbidity and economic costs, of respiratory distress syndrome severe enough to warrant ventilation in one year in New Zealand. ⋯ In a full year (total births 60,000) approximately 350 New Zealand infants may require ventilation for respiratory distress syndrome. Increasing the percentage of infants who receive antenatal steroids is likely to be extremely cost effective. In the era of antenatal steroids and exogenous surfactant, 85% of infants with respiratory distress syndrome requiring ventilation survive to discharge home and over 90% of survivors are likely to be healthy normal adults.
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To assess the incidence of otorrhoea after swimming in patients with grommets in situ, and discover whether protecting the ears from water affects this occurrence. ⋯ There appears to be a low incidence of otorrhoea during summer in children who swim with grommets in situ. There is no evidence that protecting the ears from water entry confers any benefit as far as preventing infection in concerned.
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To identify existing surveillance initiatives and to seek and reach consensus on a national minimum data set for injury surveillance in public hospital emergency departments in New Zealand. ⋯ Injury data collection will, in time become mandatory. However, the promotion of the minimum data set for injury surveillance by health professionals, national organisations and community groups will be essential to ensure its implementation and utilisation for the prevention and control of injuries.