South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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Case Reports
Renal and neuromuscular respiratory failure--is this a syndrome associated with cantharidin poisoning?
To describe the clinical and laboratory features of patients with renal and neuromuscular respiratory failure due to suspected cantharidin poisoning. ⋯ This study highlights the possibility that cantharidin poisoning may be a cause of a 'Guillain-Barrè-like' syndrome.
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Case Reports
Prone position for ventilation in patients with severe adult respiratory distress syndrome.
We report 3 cases of severe adult respiratory distress syndrome. The patients were very difficult to oxygenate, even with the most advanced conventional mechanical ventilation techniques. ⋯ Reports of the use of the prone position for ventilation are scanty, and this is the first time it has been reported in this country. The proposed mechanisms for its effectiveness are reviewed.
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To evaluate the effectiveness of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) in postoperative cardiac surgery patients. ⋯ PCA is an effective means of controlling postoperative pain in cardiac surgery patients.