Swiss medical weekly
-
Swiss medical weekly · May 2003
ReviewMacrolide antibiotic therapy in patients with cystic fibrosis.
This summary of the current knowledge of macrolide therapy serves as an example of recent progress in the therapeutic approach to treating patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The benefit of macrolides in the treatment of patients with diffuse panbronchiolitis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, as seen in Japan, was the rational behind trials in patients with CF. Thus far, the majority of reports of positive trends in the therapeutic potential of macrolides have studied azithromycin. The data presented in peer reviewed journals are, however, too sparse to already justify firm recommendations for the general use of azithromycin, erythromycin or clarithromycin on a long-term basis for the treatment of chronic lung disease in CF.
-
Swiss medical weekly · May 2003
Sociodemographic and career characteristics in female and male faculty members of Swiss medical schools.
Women are still underrepresented in the senior ranks of medical school faculties. Thus far information has been lacking on gendersensitive career paths for professorial and nonprofessorial staff of Swiss medical schools. The aim of this study was to survey faculty members of all Swiss medical schools on sociodemographic aspects, career paths and current career position. ⋯ The data show that Swiss medical faculties reflect the same underrepresentation of women in the higher echelons of medicine as most other Western countries. Gender-sensitive mentoring is needed in medical faculties to support women, especially in advancing to tenure and increasing their publication activities.
-
In Switzerland, nonmedical right-to-die organisations offer instruction and personal guidance in committing suicide to members suffering from incurable diseases. Suicide is usually committed with a lethal dose of barbiturates prescribed by a physician. This study is a retrospective analysis of all case files of assisted suicide kept during the period 1990-2000 by "Exit Deutsche Schweiz", the largest Swiss right-to-die organisation. ⋯ The number of suicides assisted by "Exit Deutsche Schweiz" and the practices followed markedly expanded over this time. There was no apparent relaxation of the indications for assisted suicide. Notification of the authorities appeared to be total.
-
We report on a series of patients with acute strabismus related to heroin and methadone intake or withdrawal, discuss possible mechanisms involved in this clinical picture and make recommendations for work-up and referral. ⋯ Acute esotropia with double vision is a disturbing side effect of heroin withdrawal, and, similarly, acute exotropia may be related to heroin intake. In the absence of focal neurological signs, further work-up is not mandatory. Referral to a specialised orthoptic service is beneficial in offering the patient symptomatic treatment and reassurance, thus supporting successful withdrawal therapy.