Przegla̧d lekarski
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The objective of the study was to describe epidemiological and clinical data regarding acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in an urban area of North Italy. 95 consecutive adult patients admitted to Milan and Turin Poisons Control Centres (PCC) for CO poisoning between October 1993 and March 1995 were enrolled into the study. Epidemiological and medical parameters were recorded in a standardised collection data sheet, which included age, sex, circumstances of poisoning, severity grading (0-3), blood HbCO level upon admission. ⋯ Carbon monoxide exposure represents a significant cause of severe but potentially preventable accidental poisoning. The study indicates the need for public education campaigns aimed to warn people against the silent killer at home, and to promote preventive measures. The clinical course of CO poisoning is often severe. A standardised collection data system, to record all the cases of acute CO intoxication in Emergency Departments, can help evaluate the real incidence and clinical significance of this poisoning.
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Dementia is found in a small percent of general population but remains a significant problem in the elderly population. Little is known whether prevention of dementia in the elderly is possible. Some evidence exists that both vascular dementia and Alzheimer's type dementia are related to cardiovascular disease risk factors. ⋯ Compared to men, women had lower education (higher than elementary education in 17% and 9% respectively), more frequent obesity (respectively 12% and 36%), hypertension (respectively 57% and 71%) and hyperlipoproteinemia (respectively 17% and 30%) but lower smoking rate (respectively 53% and 4%). Integration of neuropsychological testing and neuroimaging with the epidemiological approach to risk factors could contribute to better understanding of the mechanisms on which the disease affects the brain morphology and functions. The results of CASCADE and CASCADE Kraków projects will contribute also to the development of the strategies of medical care and management of the cognitive impairment in the elderly.
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We report organisation principles and three year experience of Acute Pain Service in general surgery clinic. 481 patients were treated after abdominal and vascular interventions, hemorrhoidal varices and mammectomies. Continuous epidural, combined spinal-epidural, intrapleural anaesthesia and continuous brachial plexus block were used for pain control. Time of analgesia varied from 1 to 4 days. ⋯ In 2% of cases cardiovascular complications were observed. Respiratory depression occurred in 1 patient. The work of APS team was assessed as very good by both surgeons and patients.
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The aim of the research was to verify the procedures of first-aid and treatment in 100 patients with cranial and brain injuries, admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Material was estimated using Ambulance and Surgical Ambulatory data and Intensive Care Unit case records. Medical procedure at the place of accident and during transport, duration of the transport to the hospital, duration of the diagnostics and morbidity in studied groups were estimated. Considering the analysed material, it seems that following procedures have significant influence on the final outcome: 1. full resuscitation of the patient at the place of accident; 2. correct protection of the injured person during transport and duration of the transport; 3. time necessary for full and correct diagnostics.
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The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between h.d.m. allergy and incidence of respiratory tract infections in children with episodic, mild and moderate asthma. 32 children with bronchial asthma being followed up at the I. Department of Children Diseases P. A. ⋯ There was no significant difference in incidence of acute respiratory tract infections between both groups. It seems likely that small number of patients may influence the statistics. To verify the results, prospective observation of wider group of patients is planned in forthcoming winter.