World journal of clinical cases
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World Health Organization announced on April 2009 a public health emergency of international concern caused by swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been reported to be the most devastating complications of this pathogen. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) therapy for patients with H1N1 related ARDS has been described once all other therapeutic options have been exhausted. ⋯ This report highlights several important issues. First, it describes a successful use of a dialysis catheter for the establishment of a veno-venous ECMO in an emergency case by child. Second, it highlights the importance of a closely monitoring of clotting parameters during ECMO therapy and third, if severe respiratory failure is complicated by cardiogenic shock, veno-atrial ECMO support via median sternotomy should be considered as a viable treatment option without further delay.
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To characterize and compare our current series of patients to prior reports in order to identify any changes in the incidence of neurological injury related to hunting accidents in Rochester, New York. ⋯ Falls from hunting tree stands are still common, with a high rate of neurological injury. Compared to a decade ago we have made no progress in preventing these neurological injuries, despite an increase in safety advances. Neurosurgeons must continue to advocate for increased safety awareness and participate in leadership roles to improve outcomes for hunters.
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Case Reports
Passage of nasogastric tube through tracheo-esophageal fistula into stomach: A rare event.
Esophageal atresia with tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TEF) occurs in 1 in 3500 live births. Anorectal malformation is found to be associated with 14% of TEF. ⋯ We had an uncommon situation where a nasogastric tube reached the stomach through the trachea and tracheo-esophageal fistula, leading to misdiagnosis in a case of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula. By using a stiff rubber catheter instead of a soft feeding tube for the diagnosis of esophageal atresia and TEF, such situation can be avoided.
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Stroke is an important cause of death and disability in adults. However, effective treatments for patients with acute ischemic stroke are limited. Intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (iv rtPA) within 4.5 h after onset has been approved as a standard treatment for patients with acute ischemic stroke. ⋯ Endovascular interventional therapy has rarely been done in Thailand. We report seven patients with successful recanalization after endovascular treatment in acute large vessel stroke from a single stroke center in Thailand. Patient screening and selection with multimodal imaging protocol and multimodality methods of endovascular interventional therapy are described.
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A 67-year-old male presented with a gradually progressive low back pain of 2 years duration. The patient was leading a retired life and there was no history of chronic fever or significant trauma. There was no radiation of pain or any features suggestive of claudication. ⋯ Routine blood investigations were within normal limits. The patient was managed conservatively. He was given a week's course of analgesics and muscle relaxants and then started on spinal flexion exercises, with significant improvement being noted at 6 months follow up.