Journal of Nippon Medical School = Nippon Ika Daigaku zasshi
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Case Reports
Assessment of cerebral circulation in the acute phase of subarachnoid hemorrhage using perfusion computed tomography.
Primary brain damage, caused by acute ischemic changes during initial hemorrhage, is an important cause of death and disability following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, the mechanism underlying the reduction in cerebral circulation in patients in the acute stage of SAH remains unclear. The goal of this study was to clarify this mechanism with the aid of perfusion computed tomography (CT). ⋯ Hemodynamic disturbances frequently occur after SAH. These abnormalities probably reflect the primary brain damage caused by initial hemorrhage. Perfusion CT is valuable for detecting hemodynamic changes in the acute stages of SAH.
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Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) have improved neurological outcomes after sudden cardiac arrest, but the factors affecting favorable neurological outcome remain unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify these factors in patients in cardiac arrest treated with MTH. ⋯ MTH is associated with favorable neurological outcomes after sudden cardiac arrest, including those with non-shockable rhythms, especially in patients with prehospital ROSC.
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The Utstein-style guidelines have been used in various countries around the world, because they are suitable for evaluating regional emergency medical systems (EMSs) for patients who have an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). This report examined the present status of treating OHCA in Saga Prefecture and examined policies that can contribute to improving the rate of the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). ⋯ The Utstein-style guidelines were used to clarify differences in the ROSC rate in Saga Prefecture, thus making improvements in regional EMSs possible. Improvements in the quality of oral instruction and a reexamination of the oral instruction manual are expected to improve the ROSC rate, in parallel with education in basic life support for lay person and in advanced cardiac life support for medical personnel. In addition, it is important to reaffirm the effectiveness of CPR and encourage the participation of lay person by providing instructions by telephone from an ambulance that is en route to the scene.
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The fundamental principles of survival analysis are reviewed. In particular, the Kaplan-Meier method and a proportional hazard model are discussed. This work is the last part of a series in which medical statistics are surveyed.
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Review Historical Article
Cervical anterior fusion with the Williams-Isu method: clinical review.
Anterior decompression and fusion of the cervical spine is a widely accepted treatment for cervical canal disease. The Williams-Isu method involves cervical anterior fusion with autologous bone grafts from cervical vertebral bodies. Its advantages are a wide operative field, excellent graft fusion, the absence of problems related to the iliac donor site, and direct visualization of the nerve root. ⋯ To reduce the levels to be fused in patients with multilevel lesions due to cervical disease, the Williams-Isu method can be combined with the transvertebral approach. The transvertebral approach facilitated by the wide Williams-Isu window allows the root bifurcation area to be confirmed during the early stage of surgery and possible decompression along the root. Radiological examination has shown that the combination of the Williams-Isu method and transvertebral approach does not affect the fusion level compared with the Williams-Isu method alone and produces better results than does the transvertebral approach alone.