South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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A new principle is described which eliminates the need for expiratory valves in anaesthetic circuits. Scavenging of waste anaesthetic gases is also achieved. The innovations are simple, allow easy cleaning and sterilization, and can be regarded as disposable if necessary. The advantages of low circuit pressure and ease of operation are described.
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Accidental hypothermia has a mortality rate of 30-80% and should always be borne in mind with comatose, hypotensive patients. It is a preventable condition when adequate safety measures are ensured. ⋯ Resuscitation should be continued until the patient is warm and all biochemical abnormalities have been corrected and intoxication has been ruled out. Resuscitation may be successful in primitive, adverse conditions, as illustrated by this case of a 13-year-old boy with cardiopulmonary arrest and a core temperature of only 25 degrees C, who was successfully reanimated.
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Comparative Study
Distribution and biosocial correlations of blood pressure levels in Johannesburg blacks.
Blood pressures were measured in a sample of Johannesburg Blacks consisting of 5 018 men and 5 028 women attending the local Labour Bureau. Blood pressure levels correlated positively with age and body mass and were higher in males than females when weight was taken into account. ⋯ Correlations of blood pressure with a number of social variables were generally unimpressive. There was some evidence that blood pressure was inversely related to educational status and was higher in young adults who (a) lived apart from their families compared with those who lived in family units, and (b) grew up in a rural area and then migrated to Johannesburg compared with those who had lived in Johannesburg all their lives.
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The long-term anti-arrhythmic efficacy of lorcainide (R15 889) was studied in 20 ambulatory postmyocardial infarction patients. Lorcainide reduced the frequency of ventricular ectopic beats by more than 70% and 90% in 17 and 11 of the patients respectively. ⋯ On electrocardiographic examination, the P-R interval, QTc interval and QRS duration were prolonged, and T-wave changes were noted while the patients were receiving lorcainide. Lorcainide seems to be a useful addition to the available anti-arrhythmic agents, and should form part of the armamentarium against ventricular ectopic activity.