The New Zealand medical journal
-
Elderly are the most vulnerable population group owing to increased prevalence of chronic diseases and drug consumption. Several characteristics of aging and geriatrics medicine affect drug prescribing for elderly. Thus the selection of appropriate pharmacotherapy for elderly becomes a complex and challenging process. ⋯ The objective of this article is to understand the concept, causes and measurement of medication errors in elderly. Various interventions to improve drug prescribing such as educational approaches, geriatric medicine services, computerised prescribing and multifaceted approaches have also been highlighted. In conclusion there is an overwhelming need for optimising the prescribing in elderly through an integrated approach involving physician, pharmacologist, pharmacist and the patient himself.
-
Review Case Reports
Bilateral plunging ranula: two case reports and a review of the literature.
Presentation of two bilateral plunging ranula cases and then review of the plunging ranula literature to understand current concepts on aetiology, imaging for diagnosis and management. ⋯ Plunging ranula are a rare cause of bilateral and unilateral neck swellings but more common in Maori, Polynesian and Asian people. Their cause is multifactorial and ultrasound scan (USS) is the current investigation of choice. Management relies on excision of the sublingual gland with the cystic contents via a trans-oral approach.