Australian and New Zealand journal of medicine
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The administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) increases the granulocyte count in normal donors and enables the collection of large numbers of mature myeloid cells by leukapheresis. This has potential value in the treatment of sepsis unresponsive to antibiotics in patients with severe neutropenia. ⋯ G-CSF mobilised granulocyte collections are feasible and the preliminary evidence suggests that the infusion of these cells may be useful early in the prophylaxis or treatment of severe neutropenic sepsis.
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While use of thrombolytic therapy in the management of acute myocardial infarction has become accepted practice in major teaching hospitals, its use in peripheral metropolitan hospitals has not been well accepted. ⋯ Thrombolytic therapy can be undertaken in the EDs of peripheral metropolitan hospitals in a safe and timely manner. There is little justification for routine medical escorts in the clinically stable post thrombolysis patient.
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Editorial Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Interferon beta in the management of multiple sclerosis.
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Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation is a safe and effective cure for many forms of supraventricular tachycardia. Its efficacy in the cure of right ventricular outflow tract tachycardia, and some forms of left ventricular tachycardia in patients with left ventricular dysfunction, has also been shown. In contrast limited data are available to assess the role of RF catheter ablation in treating idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT), an unusual form of tachycardia occurring in patients without demonstrable heart disease. ⋯ We conclude that ILVT can be safely and effectively cured by RF catheter ablation.
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Acute renal failure (ARF) is a recognised complication following cardiac surgery, but the incidence varies widely in the published literature and there are no Australian data available to help predict the risks of ARF in patients with pre-existing renal disease. ⋯ These data confirm that ARF following cardiac surgery is uncommon without pre-operative impairment of renal function but currently carries a mortality rate of 13%. Impaired renal function alone is associated with higher mortality and prolonged hospital stay. Studies to prevent ARF in this setting should focus on the high risk subsets described in this study.