WMJ : official publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin
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Review Case Reports
Acute thigh compartment syndrome post femoral vein catheterization: a case report.
This case report presents a previously unreported etiology of acute thigh compartment syndrome following ipsilateral femoral vein catheterization, including clinical results and a brief review of the literature.
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Medical specialties are adopting methods to improve continuing medical education (CME). A "double credit" option, sponsored by the American Academy of Family Physicians, is now available for presentations submitted and approved as evidence based (EB). ⋯ Double-credit presenters use a greater percentage of EB resources, while their counterparts used more professional experience to prepare CME presentations. Attendees reported improved quality and value with increased EB CME. Time is a perceived and real factor in preparing double-credit applications.
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Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has provided a means to improve functional outcome of patients in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. ⋯ This study provides evidence that tPA can be safely administered in rural hospitals. Physicians working in rural emergency departments are able to diagnose and manage acute ischemic stroke within the guidelines established by the National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) without increased complication rates. Making tPA available in rural communities increases access to treatment and improves outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke.
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An estimated 250,000 people in the United States are living with undiagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Those who are unaware they are HIV-infected miss opportunities for early treatment and may unknowingly infect others. Early identification of HIV-infected individuals benefits both the infected individuals and the health of the public. ⋯ The authors conclude that Wisconsin health care professionals should adopt the CDC recommendations for HIV testing. However, to fully implement the revised CDC testing protocol, Wisconsin law will need to be amended. Adoption of these recommendations would increase the number of people in Wisconsin who are aware of their HIV-positive status and can then receive timely treatment and information about preventing HIV transmission.