South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is a well-established technique for the relief of acute and chronic pain. It is widely used in Western hospitals. ⋯ The considerable potential difficulties in communication and education appear to have been overcome. The widespread introduction of PCA in all our hospitals would appear to be feasible.
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Case Reports
Severe bradycardia and sinus arrest after administration of vecuronium, fentanyl and halothane. A case report.
A severe bradycardia leading to sinus arrest in an 18-year-old girl anaesthetised for a bilateral breast reduction is described. The probable precipitating factors and the specific problems are discussed.
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The findings of specialist anaesthetists on visits to rural towns in the western Cape over 6 years are reported. The importance of academic units communicating with general practitioners, nursing staff and hospital authorities in their own working environment is emphasised. Hospital anaesthetic facilities and general practice anaesthetic methods are discussed and recommendations made and, in addition, common problems that could improve anaesthesia in general practice are summarised.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Anti-inflammatory and combined anti-inflammatory/analgesic medication in the early management of iliotibial band friction syndrome. A clinical trial.
Forty-three athletes presenting with unilateral iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS) were randomly divided into three groups for the first 7 days of treatment (placebo-controlled, double-blind): 1--placebo (N = 13); 2--anti-inflammatory medication (N = 14) (Voltaren; Geigy); and 3--analgesic/anti-inflammatory combined medication (N = 16) (Myprodol; Rio Ethicals). All subjects rested from day 0 to day 7 and all groups received the same physiotherapy outpatient treatment programme from day 3 to day 7. On days 0, 3 and 7 the subjects performed a functional treadmill running test (maximum 30 minutes) during which they reported pain (scale 0-10; 0 = no pain, 10 = unbearable pain) each minute. ⋯ In contrast, during the running test only group 3 improved their total running time and distance from day 0 to day 7, whereas in all the groups the area under the pain v. time curve decreased from day 0 to day 7. All the other groups improved total running time and running distance from day 3 to day 7. All three treatment modalities are effective in the early treatment of ITBFS but physiotherapy in combination with analgesic/anti-inflammatory medication is superior.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)