Australian and New Zealand journal of medicine
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The development of venous access devices (VADs) and portable infusion pumps has enabled chemotherapy to be administered continuously within the home environment. ⋯ The findings in this review confirm that, with close attention to the potential pitfalls of ambulatory chemotherapy, an acceptable service can be provided.
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Although lung diseases are a leading cause of premature mortality in Australian Aborigines, little is known about normal lung function in these people. ⋯ Apparently healthy rural Aboriginal people have low forced expiratory volumes when contrasted with Caucasians and indigenous peoples such as African Americans. More research is required to determine if this is 'normal' or a product of the suboptimal environment into which many Aboriginal people are born.
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No-cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) orders are frequently used to limit the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients who die in hospital. International research has consistently highlighted major deficiencies in the formulation, documentation and communication of such orders. There has been little Australian research into No-CPR orders and the impact of clinical guidelines. ⋯ No-CPR orders are frequently implemented as a result of failure to respond to curative therapy and do not represent abandonment of the patient. Although this study demonstrates the value of No-CPR guidelines and the audit process, the findings raise fundamental issues regarding the involvement of nursing staff, and of patients, that need to be further addressed.
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Letter Case Reports
Cervical meningioma and lumbar stenosis: a case presenting as immobility.