Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · Nov 1989
Case ReportsTopical TAC (tetracaine, adrenaline, cocaine) solution for local anesthesia in children: prescribing inconsistency and acute toxicity.
The topical anesthetic solution TAC (tetracaine, adrenaline, cocaine) has gained widespread acceptance as the preferred local anesthetic for repairing skin lacerations in children. Despite this popularity, there are no universally accepted guidelines for its application. We report the case of a 6-month-old infant who had respiratory distress and seizures after TAC administration. ⋯ Among the 20 (63%) with restrictions, there is wide variability in the way it is prescribed. TAC solution is a highly potent anesthetic agent with significant toxicity potential. Research into appropriate dosages, absorption, and actions needs to be undertaken before its widespread acceptance as the drug of choice for providing local anesthesia in children.
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The indications for emergency and elective cesarean hysterectomy have remained controversial throughout modern obstetric history. In an attempt to clarify the role of cesarean hysterectomy in today's practice, we retrospectively studied 216 peripartum hysterectomies done at our institution from 1956 to 1988. We analyzed indications, surgical procedures, and intraoperative and postoperative complications in an attempt to illustrate evolving obstetric trends.
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Southern medical journal · Oct 1989
Biography Historical ArticleFrancois Magendie, Claude Bernard, and the interrelation of science, history, and philosophy.
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Southern medical journal · Oct 1989
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialMetoclopramide versus droperidol for prevention of nausea and vomiting during epidural anesthesia for cesarean section.
In a randomized, double-blind study, we compared the efficacy of metoclopramide hydrochloride with that of low-dose droperidol for prevention of nausea and vomiting during and after elective cesarean section with epidural anesthesia. Immediately after the umbilical cord was clamped, each patient received fentanyl (50 micrograms) and the study drug intravenously over 30 to 60 seconds. In one study group, 40 women received metoclopramide (15 mg); in the other group, 41 women received droperidol (0.5 mg). ⋯ During the first four postoperative hours, five women (12%) in each group complained of nausea. Three women (7%) in each group had postoperative vomiting. We conclude that metoclopramide (15 mg) and droperidol (0.5 mg) were similarly effective.
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Southern medical journal · Oct 1989
Review Case ReportsLeptospirosis: a forgotten cause of aseptic meningitis and multisystem febrile illness.
Leptospirosis is a worldwide spirochetal zoonosis that spans a clinical spectrum from a mild febrile illness to a severe icteric disease with renal failure (Weil's syndrome). The illness is characteristically biphasic with conjunctival suffusion and an "immune" meningitis during the later phase of illness. ⋯ The diagnosis is confirmed by serology, by culture of blood or spinal fluid during the first phase of illness, or by culture of urine during the second phase. Doxycycline is the recommended therapy and is effective if given within the first several days of illness; it may also have a role in prophylaxis.