Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Apr 2002
Comparative StudyBenchmarking ambulance call-to-needle times for thrombolysis after acute myocardial infarction in Australia: a pilot study.
Thrombolysis for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is of greatest benefit when treatment is commenced as soon as possible after symptom onset. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) recently set a benchmark recommending that eligible patients with AMI receive thrombolytic therapy less than 90 min after calling for medical assistance. ⋯ This study showed that the BHF benchmark for CTN was not being met for over one-third of patients in the study region, with potential impact on mortality after AMI. Further research is needed to establish: (i) whether there is relationship between longer transportation times and mortality, (ii) whether the findings of this study may be applied to other regions and (iii) what strategies might be employed to reduce CTN.
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Internal medicine journal · Apr 2002
Comparative StudyAn audit of the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in septic shock.
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) stimulates the production of neutrophils and modulates the function and activity of developing and mature neutrophils. In septic shock, the immune system can be considered one of the failing organ systems. G-CSF improves immune function and may be a useful adjunctive therapy in patients with septic shock. ⋯ G-CSF is a safe adjunctive therapy in community-acquired septic shock and may be associated with improved outcome. The use of G-CSF in septic shock should undergo further investigation to define subgroups of patients who may benefit from G-CSF. The use of G-CSF in patients with septic shock due to Burkholderia pseudomallei is recommended.
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Internal medicine journal · Apr 2002
Prevalence of snoring and sleep-disordered breathing in a group of commercial bus drivers in Hong Kong.
To assess the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and its associated symptoms in a group of commercial bus drivers in Hong Kong. ⋯ This study showed a high prevalence of objective snoring and SDB in a group of commercial bus drivers. Neither self-reported sleepiness nor the ESS could identify subjects with SDB.