Medizinische Monatsschrift für Pharmazeuten
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Med Monatsschr Pharm · Mar 2015
Review[Treatment of intoxication with new psychoactive substances and methamphetamine].
Fatal outcomes subsequent to the use of new psychoactive suostances are increasingly common in Germany. In this article, we present the clinical effects and associated side effects of the different classes of substances, as synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, phenylethylamines, piperazines and methamphetamine, as well as diagnostic aspects and treatment options in case of symptoms of poisoning.
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Tetanus is an acute, often fatal, disease caused by an exotoxin (tetanospasmin) produced by the anaerobic, gram-positive spore-forming bacterium Clostridium tetani. It is characterized by generalized rigidity and convulsive spasms of skeletal muscles. In most industrialized countries, tetanus is a rare disease. ⋯ About 50 000 newborns and infants die each year from consequences from this severe illness. Management of tetanus involves neutralization of free circulating toxin, adequate antibacterial and symptomatic therapy as well as intensive care of the patient. For prophylaxis of the disease, active tetanus toxoid vaccination is the method of choice.
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Skin cuts and lacerations are frequent injuries. A perfect result of the treatment is going without saying for the patient and its relatives. But there are some aspects to note for an adequate wound management. ⋯ Although suturing is the preferred method for laceration repair, tissue adhesives are similar in patient satisfaction, infection rates, and scarring risk in low skin-tension areas and may be also more cost-effective. Patient education and appropriate procedural coding are important after the repair. Please do not forget in every case to ask for the tetanus immunization and to think about an antibiotic therapy in case of human or animal bites and for wounds in risk areas and with contamination.