South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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To determine the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in institutionalised elderly people in Cape Town and to assess the usefulness of an abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration as a screening test in this group. ⋯ The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in institutionalised elderly people in Cape Town is similar to that reported for elderly people in other centres. Thyroid dysfunction had not previously been recognised in approximately two-thirds of the subjects in this study. The serum TSH concentration is a reliable screening test for thyroid dysfunction in the elderly, but is less useful if used to identify biochemical thyroid disease. An elevated TSH concentration is a better predictor of thyroid dysfunction in the elderly than a depressed TSH concentration.
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To evaluate the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on acute pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular function in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. ⋯ NO did not relieve the acute pulmonary artery hypertension associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome. As a consequence of this, right ventricular function failed to improve during the administration of NO.
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To describe the epidemiology, clinical features, management and outcome of children with burns admitted to a rural district hospital. ⋯ This study shows that paediatric burns are an important cause of morbidity and contribute significantly to inpatient stay in this rural setting. The lengthy delay from time of burn to presentation at hospital is of serious concern and our results show that this delay is associated with increased hospital stay. As most burns were due to spillage of hot fluids or food there seems to be significant potential for preventive interventions. Community-based studies would help to estimate the true incidence of burns and would contribute to an understanding of the reasons for delay in presentation. The information gathered is being used to inform the development of a burns prevention programme.