Canadian Medical Association journal
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The gravimetric method of measuring blood loss was used during all types of pediatric operations at The Montreal Children's Hospital. Results of 1787 such measurements indicated that the method is of value in the management of transfusion. Grading blood loss as minor, moderate or severe, in terms of its relation to total blood volume or body weight is a procedure of practical value. ⋯ Blood loss at operation (adenotonsillectomy) was noted to vary considerably among surgeons but was fairly constant for each surgeon and seemed to be independent of the surgeon's experience. Two alleged hemostatic agents, adrenochrome carbazone (Statimo) and estrogenic substances (Premarin), were not effective in reducing the amount of blood lost during adenotonsillectomy. The importance of calculation of approximate equivalent amounts of blood at various ages of childhood is emphasized.
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Twelve cases of stenosing tenovaginitis at the radial styloid process (de Quervain's disease), including two bilateral cases, are reviewed. These patients presented the typical symptoms of pain just proximal to the radial styloid process accompanied by limitation of abduction of the thumb. Many previous reports have emphasized the frequency of aberrant tendons in this region and have implied that such anomalies may play a part in the etiology of this disorder. ⋯ All forms of therapy except surgical excision of the involved tendon sheaths were largely ineffective. This surgical procedure was so simple and satisfactory that it is recommended as the treatment of choice. The diagnosis of de Quervain's disease is easily missed unless the examining physician constantly keeps it in mind.
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Many varieties of swaddling bandages for injuries of the shoulder are in use and are called Velpeau bandages. Velpeau's original description has been consulted. ⋯ It is completed by transverse turns. Velpeau, a blacksmith's son, was born in 1795, became professor of surgery in Paris, and died in 1867 after a distinguished career.