Swiss medical weekly
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Swiss medical weekly · May 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialIncidence of contrast nephropathy in patients receiving comprehensive intravenous and oral hydration.
Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) remains a major complication of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and a common cause of acute renal failure. The most effective preventive strategy is unknown. ⋯ Applying the combination of intravenous and oral volume supplementation results in a very low incidence of CIN following PCI. Hydration remains the cornerstone for the prevention of CIN.
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Swiss medical weekly · May 2005
Case ReportsAnti-infectious prophylaxis after splenectomy: current practice in an eastern region of Switzerland.
Overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI) is a long-term risk in asplenic patients, which may be minimised by appropriate preventive measures. In this survey anti-infectious strategies after splenectomy were evaluated in an eastern part of Switzerland. We found 91 individuals in the canton of Thurgau, who underwent splenectomy between 1998 and 2003. ⋯ Three adults had a supply of stand-by antibiotics at home. Less than half of the patients who were interviewed knew that asplenia puts them at greater risk for life-threatening infections and few practitioners were aware that travel and animal bites pose a special threat. We conclude that after splenectomy vaccination discipline and patient education should be substantially improved and suggest the publication of comprehensive guidelines.