South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
-
Comparative Study
Endotracheal tube cuff pressures - the worrying reality: a comparative audit of intra-operative versus emergency intubations.
The primary aim was to assess the need for objective cuff pressure monitoring in the theatre complex and trauma centre at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. Secondary aims were to determine whether the tube size, tube make or place of intubation affected cuff pressure. ⋯ The risk of a high cuff pressure is roughly two- to threefold higher in emergency patients than in theatre patients. These unacceptably high cuff pressures are especially concerning in view of the fact that many trauma patients are hypotensive and therefore more susceptible to mucosal ischaemia.
-
Locally specific epidemiological understanding is pivotal to the success of malaria elimination in South Africa. Here, we focus on how the host, vector, parasite and environment and their interactions have influenced malaria incidence in South Africa between 1995 and 2012. Broad environmental considerations are necessary, including the physical (temperature and humidity), social (migration patterns), economic (quality of housing stock) and political (regional collaboration).
-
In this supplement, several authors have shared lessons from the past and identified factors that led to the significant reductions in malaria morbidity and mortality during the past half-century in South Africa. In addition, strategies for achieving malaria elimination have been proposed. Here, we highlight the gaps that have been identified and make proposals for taking South Africa from malaria control to elimination.