Tidsskrift for den Norske lægeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny række
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Patients with suspected scaphoid fractures usually have their arm immobilised in a cast for two weeks, even in the absence of radiographic signs of fracture. After two weeks a new radiographic examination is performed. Our objective was to assess the extent of unnecessary cast immobilisation and to describe existing diagnostic practice in our hospital. ⋯ Only 23 % of patients treated with cast immobilisation for two weeks were ultimately diagnosed with scaphoid fracture. The extent of unnecessary cast immobilisation indicates a need to use better diagnostic tools early after the injury.
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The aim of this paper is to assess the substance pregabaline's potential for abuse. Little information is available on the subject and that retrieved is in part conflicting. Pregabaline is likely to be abused for its positive psychological effects, e.g. euphoria. ⋯ Pregabaline is therefore likely to have a lower potential for abuse than benzodiazepines. In clinical studies, symptoms suggestive of physical dependence (e.g. insomnia, nausea, headache, diarrhoea) have been observed in some patients after abrupt discontinuation of pregabaline. However, available documentation indicates that pregabaline is associated with less physical and psychological dependence than benzodiazepines.