South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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Psychogenic cough tic is a troublesome complaint. The cough is a noisy bark or honking, repeated frequently while the child is awake, but absent during sleep. Clinical and laboratory findings are negative, and cough suppressants and other medications are ineffective. ⋯ School phobia is frequently a contributory cause, but other psychological problems must also be considered. Treatment is usually by suggestion and identification of the underlying psychological problem. In some cases tranquillizers may be required.
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The toxicity of ferrous sulphate is discussed, with particular reference to fibrosis and stricturing of the stomach. This does not occur in every case, but occasionally, in spite of adequate treatment, ferrous sulphate produces local damage similar to that caused by acid. ⋯ Gastrectomy is often necessary when severe scarring and fibrosis have resulted in damage to the stomach. The need for long-term follow-up of these patients is an important aspect of treatment.
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Comparative Study
Evaluation of driving skills after brief exposure to nitrous oxide.
The driving skills of 10 dental students were evaluated on three occasions on a driving simulator after exposure to air and 50% and 70% nitrous oxide in oxygen. Errors increased after exposure to nitrous oxide and were statistically significant during the middle of the test period. Driving after short exposure to nitrous oxide appears inadvisable.
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An outline of the anatomy, physiology, indications, contraindications, complications and technique of lumbar epidural anaesthesia is presented.