The New Zealand medical journal
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Since 1980, legislation has regulated the ignition characteristics of commercially manufacturered children's nightwear to reduce risk of burns. Between 1971 and 1984, there were 699 hospital discharges of children treated for clothing ignition burns. This evaluation analysed discharge summaries of 493 children, surveyed children's nightwear in 101 retail shops, surveyed 476 Plunket parents regarding home-sewing practices and 28 fabric retailers for fibre content labelling. ⋯ High-fire risk fabrics were recommended by sales assistants and used by home-sewers. The relative involvement of manufactured and home-sewn nightwear in burns should be determined. Children's nightwear and fabrics should bear fibre content labels.
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To establish the spectrum of penetrating trauma presenting to a city hospital and review the results of management, all patients brought to the resuscitation room at Auckland Hospital over a one year period were evaluated. Of 602 patients, only 41 (7%) had penetrating injuries. ⋯ Three of the four patients with fatal stab wounds died from exsanguination in the resuscitation room. A system which allows prompt resuscitation and rapid transfer to the operating theatre is needed to improve survival in patients suffering exsanguinating injury.
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Patients with Clostridium perfringens infections treated in Christchurch over a 14 year period to 1984 were reviewed retrospectively. Of the 46 documented cases, 21 died. ⋯ The clinical features and predisposing factors for clostridial infections are discussed. The importance of early vigorous treatment with a combination of surgical debridement, antibiotics and HBO to reduce the morbidity and mortality of this lethal infection is emphasised.