South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Side-effects of oral misoprostol in the third stage of labour--a randomised placebo-controlled trial.
Misoprostol, an inexpensive, stable, orally active prostaglandin analogue, has been suggested for use in the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage. Potential side-effects, however, need to be quantified. ⋯ This study has shown the association of postpartum oral misoprostol 600 micrograms with shivering, pyrexia and hypertension. The increased blood pressure, as for the trend towards increased abdominal pain, may be secondary to the uterotonic effect of misoprostol. Large randomised trials are needed to assess the effectiveness of misoprostol in the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage, against which the disadvantages demonstrated here can be weighed.
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While individual mortuaries have recorded data for non-natural deaths in time-limited studies, there have been no systematic efforts to draw forensic-medical services and state mortuaries into a nationwide fatal injury surveillance system. Beginning in June 1998, the National Non-Natural Mortality Surveillance System (NMSS) commenced pilot operation. ⋯ With minimal resources, the NMSS uses existing investigative procedures to describe and report the epidemiology of fatal injuries. The pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of the system, and identifies the need to remove organisational constraints and individual barriers if it is to be sustained and expanded beyond the pilot sites.
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To determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in a group of peri-urban black South Africans. ⋯ In conclusion, this study found a prevalence of diabetes and IGT comparable to prevalence results reported in other black South African communities. The implications with regard to this community merit further study.
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To determine the outcome of craniocerebral gunshot injuries, analyse factors that affect prognosis and suggest a management protocol. ⋯ Patients with non-penetrating craniocerebral gunshot injuries should all undergo a CT scan as 10% will have cerebral injury. The prognosis is normally good. In penetrating craniocerebral gunshot injuries a GCS of 5 or less, or a GCS of 8 or less with CT scan findings of transventricular or bihemispheric injury have such a poor outcome that conservative treatment is indicated.