Southern medical journal
-
Southern medical journal · Jul 2004
Reptile envenomation 20-year mortality as reported by US medical examiners.
Accurate reptile envenomation mortality data for the United States is unavailable. Using data from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS), deaths from 1979 through 1998 were analyzed. ⋯ From 1979 through 1998, less than 100 deaths by venomous reptile bite were reported nationwide. White male Southerners appear to be at greatest risk. This finding of a specific high-risk population may require further investigation and public health intervention.
-
Southern medical journal · Jul 2004
Descriptive epidemiology of cystic hygroma: Hawaii, 1986 to 1999.
Cystic hygroma is associated with chromosomal abnormalities and a low chance of survival. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between cystic hygroma and various clinical and demographic factors. ⋯ Cystic hygroma rates were not found to be associated with delivery year or plurality, but were associated with maternal age, race and ethnicity, residence at delivery, and sex.
-
Southern medical journal · Jul 2004
Case ReportsThoracic packing for uncontrolled bleeding in penetrating thoracic injuries.
We present a series of three patients who suffered penetrating thoracic injury, and in whom thoracic packing was used as a life-saving procedure. Survival among these patients paralleled the severity and extent of the original injuries. Restriction of cardiac filling and lung expansion are potential deterrents from using this technique; however, its use seems to be a valid adjunct, especially in the setting of chest wall bleeding coming from the intercostal arteries. Damage control surgery in pentrating thoracic trauma, including thoracic packing, is a sound alternative when uncontrollable bleeding, hypothermia and coagulopathy compromises the survival of a patient.
-
Southern medical journal · Jul 2004
Case ReportsPrimary cutaneous cryptococcosis in a lung transplant recipient.
Cryptococcal skin lesions are found in 10 to 15% of patients with disseminated cryptococcosis. Primary skin inoculation by Cryptococcus neoformans is rare but has been reported. We report the first known case of primary cutaneous cryptococcosis in a lung transplant recipient. ⋯ Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis has been reported in kidney and liver recipients but not in lung transplantation recipients. Nonhealing ulcers in immunocompromised patients mandate aggressive diagnostic procedures. Differential diagnosis of these cutaneous lesions should consider fungi, including C. neoformans.
-
Southern medical journal · Jul 2004
Public attitudes toward smoking bans in a tobacco-producing county.
Allen County, KY, is a rural county with a population of approximately 18,000. The county has a tobacco crop and is in a state in which tobacco interests are influential. The tobacco control program at the public health department developed a goal to reduce environmental tobacco smoke by restricting smoking in public places. To progress toward that goal, a public opinion poll was conducted to determine citizens' views regarding smoking restrictions in the county courthouse. ⋯ Most Allen County residents support some form of restriction on smoking in public places (including the county courthouse and restaurants) and in workplaces. Only approximately one-third, however, supported an increase in the cigarette tax, perhaps reflecting a general antitax feeling. Ownership of tobacco allotments does not appear to be an important factor in determining attitudes on smoking control issues.