Journal of the Mississippi State Medical Association
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After prolonged exposure to cold, an elderly man was found with altered mentation by his family physical examination revealed hypothermia. The electrocardiogram demonstrated characteristic changes. Results of an extensive diagnostic workup revealed only adrenal insufficiency, and the electrocardiographic abnormalities resolved after warming. ⋯ While history and physical exam are the best means for diagnosing hypothermia, several laboratory abnormalities are typical. One finding on electrocardiogram, while not pathognomic, is highly suggestive of hypothermia: the Osborn wave. Other findings on electrocardiogram can assist in diagnosis as well, but the only factors shown to predict outcome are atrial fibrillation and shivering artifact.
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J Miss State Med Assoc · Jun 2007
Does rural Mississippi have access to emergency neurosurgical care?
Acute neurosurgical emergencies are a potentially devastating occurrence requiring prompt evaluation and intervention by a neurosurgeon. Current consensus for acute subdural hematoma evacuation recommends a maximum time period of four hours from injury to operation; other injuries require prompt evaluation by a neurosurgeon but do not have soundly supported recommendations. Rural hospitals, such as Field Memorial Community Hospital in Centreville, MS, transfer acutely injured neurosurgical patients to centers with neurosurgical capability after initial stabilization. We report our experience with neurosurgical transfer patients and examine times from injury to arrival at neurosurgical care centers after being stabilized and transferred from Field Hospital.
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J Miss State Med Assoc · Feb 2006
Biography Historical ArticleCartwright's remarks on chloroform in 1852.