The New Zealand medical journal
-
Median sternotomy wounds are formed following most cardiac surgery. These wounds may heal with problematic scars. We hypothesise that midline sternotomy scars will scar poorly in general and in comparison with control scarring from other sites. ⋯ Our study shows that median sternotomy scarring can be problematic with 1 in 5 patients symptomatic and 1 in 10 patients developing hypertrophic scarring. Thus, this predominantly Caucasion population has a low but significant rate of scar problems in comparison to median sternotomy scarring in other populations. We could not identify patient factors which were predictive for poor scarring but anatomical location may be a key factor. Overall, we believe that median sternotomy patients should be offered preventative treatment to ensure the best scar outcome.
-
Comparative Study
Over-the-counter codeine analgesic misuse and harm: characteristics of cases in Australia and New Zealand.
To describe the characteristics of clients addicted to over-the-counter (OTC) codeine analgesics presenting to an Auckland open-access clinic, and to compare them to clients admitted to a New Zealand detoxification unit, and in the Australian community. ⋯ This study has identified that controls on OTC codeine analgesics in both countries were not sufficient to limit non-medical use of these products. As a result, cases identified in these two countries escalated the number of self-administered tablets taken daily for misuse, resulting in codeine dependence and serious NSAID toxicity secondary to this dependence.
-
Editorial Comparative Study
Access to new medicines in New Zealand compared to Australia.
To compare access to new prescription-only medicines in New Zealand (NZ) with that in Australia. ⋯ In the last decade, public access to new medicines in NZ has been more limited and delayed compared to Australia.