Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Dec 2005
[Resuscitation by laypersons: lack of knowledge of first-aid measures in Germany].
Sudden cardiac death is a leading cause of death. In Germany, only 10% of patients will survive reanimation. The prognosis is mainly determined by the first-aid skills of accidental witnesses. ⋯ These representative data suggest that (a) ABC-like first-aid rules are largely unknown among the population; (b) the value of a stable lateral position is overestimated and (c) first-aid skills of elderly persons are worst. A significant improvement of first-aid skills of the German population is mandatory in order to improve in future the outcome of sudden cardiac death.
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Nov 2005
[Problems of emergency transfers of patients after a stroke. Results of a telemedicine pilot project for integrated stroke accommodation in southeast Bavaria (TEMPiS)].
Specific stroke subtypes like subarachnoid hemorrhages or malignant brain infarcts require immediate interventions, but treatment options are offered mainly in specialized centers. For this reason, interhospital transfers from primary hospitals need to be done without delay. ⋯ Emergency transfers of stroke patients are time consuming. This may contribute to additional harm being done to severely ill patients. Faster organization and conduct of transports is required.
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Thyroid hormone has many effects on the heart and vascular system. In hyperthyroidism changes in cardiovascular hemodynamics explain many of the clinical manifestations induced by thyroid hormones. In hypothyroidism the cardiovascular effects are opposite to those observed in hyperthyroidism, although the clinical manifestations are less obvious. ⋯ In particular the subclinical dysfunctions of the thyroid gland, which occurs especially in older age, will be discussed. The clinical relevance and the necessity of diagnostic and therapy in subclinical thyroid disease are not clarified yet. In the United States an expert group has published a scientific review and guideline for the diagnosis and management of subclinical thyroid disease in 2004, which will also be outlined.