Internal medicine journal
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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.
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Internal medicine journal · Mar 2002
Evaluating Australia's National Medicines Policy using geographical mapping.
There has been a proliferation of quality use of medicines activities in Australia since the 1990s. However, knowledge of the nature and extent of these activities was lacking. A mechanism was required to map the activities to enable their coordination. ⋯ The mapping of projects by geographical location enabled easy identification of high and low activity areas. Analysis of the types of projects undertaken in each region enabled identification of target groups that had not been involved or services that had not yet been developed. This served as a powerful tool for policy planning and implementation and will be used to support the continued implementation of Australia's policy on the quality use of medicines.