Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi / Hong Kong Academy of Medicine
-
Pepper (oleoresin capsicum) spray is one of the most common riot-control measures used today. Although not lethal, exposure of pepper spray can cause injury to different organ systems. This review aimed to summarise the major clinicopathological effects of pepper spray in humans. ⋯ Pepper (oleoresin capsicum) spray is an effective riot-control agent and does not cause life-threatening clinical effects in the majority of exposed individuals. Early decontamination minimises the irritant effects.
-
Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection usually presents with upper and lower respiratory tract infection. Extrapulmonary involvement is not uncommon, however. ⋯ These cases illustrate the diversity of clinical presentations of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion.
-
To evaluate the clinical outcome (180-day mortality) of very elderly critically ill patients (age ≥80 years) and compare with those aged 60 to 79 years. ⋯ The proportion of critically ill patients aged ≥80 years increased over a 5-year period. Despite having more significant co-morbidities, greater disease severity, and higher intensive care unit/hospital/180-day mortality rate compared with those aged 60 to 79 years, 71.8% of those ≥80 years could be discharged home and 62.2% survived >180 days following intensive care unit admission. Disease severity, presence of co-morbidities, requirement for mechanical ventilation, emergency cases, and admission diagnosis independently predicted 180-day mortality.
-
To review all paediatric patients with intussusception over the last 17 years. ⋯ Non-operative reduction has a high success rate and low complication rate, but the presence of a palpable abdominal mass is a risk factor for failure. Operative intervention should not be delayed in those patients who encounter difficult or doubtful non-operative reduction.