Przegla̧d lekarski
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In statistics from Poison Information Center in Kraków plant poisonings comprise 2% of the total registered poisonings. In toxicology cardiac glycosides poisonings existing in common foxglove plant, lilies of the valley, oleander are essential. Species of cardiotoxic plants which may cause a danger in Poland are presented in the research. The toxic mechanisms of cardiac glycosides are specified.
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Between 1994-1997 the Pain and Palliative Care Out-Patient Clinic founded by the Society of Friends of the Sick Hospicium in Kraków undertook hospice home care of 870 cancer patients. Retrospective evaluation of their files revealed that 48.2% of patients on admission were aware of their diagnosis and 61.2% of families did not discuss it with patients. ⋯ During the same time, among the cancer patients not admitted to hospice home care in the city of Kraków, only 23.7% died at home and the rest in institutions. In spite of demonstrated adequate home care, 16.5% of home care patients were admitted to the local hospital, which suggests the need for stationary hospice or palliative care ward cooperation.
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The paper approximates news relating to pathophysiology, prophylaxis and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting, which, besides the pain, remain some of the most unpleasant memories of the recovery phase. In spite of the fact that they belong to very common ailments of the postoperative phase, they are placed low on this list, probably because the common belief that they do not threaten life imminently. However they may cause a varity of undesired symptoms, among them aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs in patients with impaired consciousnesess, also dehydratation, and electrolytic disturbances, especially with children and older patients. This paper has presented methods for their prevention and treatment.
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CO poisoning remains a serious public health problem. Oxygen is the basis of its treatment and HBO has been proven more effective to prevent cognitive sequelae than NBO. Most commonly accepted criteria for HBO treatment are: comatose patient, loss of consciousness, neuropsychological and cardiac symptoms and pregnancy. However, patients not requiring HBO, have to be treated by a correct NBO regimen.
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Treatment of prostate cancer is a challenge for both urologists and radiation oncologists. Currently two radical methods of treatment are recommended i.e. radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy. Hormonal therapy is mainly indicated for treatment of patients with metastases, but lately has become popular in combination with radical radiotherapy. ⋯ This study showed that 2 years of adjuvant hormonal therapy produced significant prolongation of the 5-year overall survival by 80% in comparison to 69% for patients treated without adjuvant hormonal therapy. Despite these few trials, lacking is still data and the following crucial questions are waiting for answers in the near future: What is the optimal timing of hormonal therapy? Which patients will obtain the greatest benefits due to combined strategy? How does long lasting hormonal therapy influence on patient's quality of life? Future trials (RTOG 9413 and RTOG 9901) will give some answers to the mentioned above questions. Currently we can conclude that in the group of patients with high risk of relapse, hormonal therapy with radiotherapy improve results of treatment.