Postgraduate medicine
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Numerous studies have indicated that home oxygen therapy is safe and practical. In advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), continuous oxygen therapy results in a higher survival rate than does administration of oxygen 12 hr/day. Practical oxygen systems are available. ⋯ Further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of oxygen therapy to combat the possible effects of transient hypoxemia in patients with COPD during sleep or exercise. COPD necessitates a preventive approach, including behavioral change if possible. Early identification by simple office spirometry and aggressive treatment designed to prevent or forestall complications of advanced disease are the next logical steps in developing a systematic, comprehensive approach aimed at the ultimate conquest of COPD in the next decade.
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Simple screening tests are available to detect abnormalities in the plasma coagulation system and platelet function. Prothrombin time reflects the integrity of the extrinsic system, while activated partial thromboplastin time indicates whether the intrinsic system is intact. ⋯ Ivy bleeding time is the best screening test of platelet function. If bleeding time is prolonged but results of plasma coagulation tests are normal, specialized platelet function tests may be necessary.
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Postgraduate medicine · Nov 1980
Case ReportsRegional soft tissue rheumatic pain syndromes: a common challenge in daily practice.
Soft tissue pain syndromes, problematic in themselves, may aggravate other underlying disorders. The physician who is familiar with the characteristic features of each of the many syndromes may more readily recognize them in practice. Treatment should be tailored to the individual and based on a home exercise program. Success of treatment corroborates the diagnosis and may prevent a state of chronic incapacitating pain.
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Short-term effects of marijuana smoking include bronchodilatation; long-term effects on the respiratory tree appear comparable with those of heavy cigarette use. Contamination of marijuana with paraquat, a potent herbicide, does not at this time appear to constitute a significant hazard to the lungs.