Irish medical journal
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Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains one of the leading direct causes of maternal death. Risk factors for VTE and prophylaxis guidelines have been highlighted by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). A cross sectional study was completed in Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) to determine pattern of VTE risk and compliance with 2004 RCOG guidelines. 364 women's charts were reviewed. ⋯ Only 67% (n = 245) had a recorded body mass index (BMI). Increased BMI is a significant risk factor for VTE and should be measured and recorded at the booking visit. Awareness of the risks for VTE and the need for appropriate dosing should be improved.
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Qutenza is a high potency capsaicin topical patch which has been recommended for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain. The aim of this study was to assess our selected patients' response to Qutenza application. ⋯ Patients were also asked to document any changes to the character of their pain, changes in sleep, activities of daily living and mood as well as any changes to their medication usage. 21 patients had Qutenza applied in a 5 month period. 17 patients completed the questionnaire in a 5 month period. We found that the mean overall reduction in pain score at 3 months was 32.7%. 8 of our patients (47%) reported improved sleep, activities of daily living and mood. 6 patients (35%) reported a reduction in medication use, while 7 (41%) reported an improvement in the character of their pain.
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Irish medical journal · Mar 2013
The epidemiology of assault-related hospital in-patient admissions and ED attendances.
The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology and impact of serious assault warranting in-patient care over six years and its impact on ED attendances in a large teaching hospital in Dublin over 2 years. There were 16,079 emergency assault-related inpatient hospital discharges reducing from 60.1 per 100,000 population in 2005 to 50.6 per 100,000 population in 2010. The median length of stay was 1 day (1-466) representing 49,870 bed days. ⋯ Data on ED attendances confirmed the age and gender profile and also showed an increase at weekends. Alcohol misuse was recorded in 2,292/16079 (14%) of in-patient cases and 242/2484 (10%) in ED attendances. An inter-sectoral preventative approach specifically targeting knife crime is required to reduce this burden on health services.