Articles: treatment.
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To review the metabolism and function of potassium and causes and management of hypokalaemia. ⋯ Hypokalaemia can be asymptomatic or it may cause cardiovascular, neurological or skeletal muscle dysfunction. If intravenous potassium therapy is required, then correction with potassium chloride, acetate, or phosphate salts are usually guided by the presence of a metabolic acidosis, alkalosis or hypophosphataemia.
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To review the current status of echocardiography in critically ill patients with special reference to the advantages and disadvantages of the transthoracic and transoesophageal approaches. ⋯ Echocardiography often provides useful information in critically ill patients. Intensivists should familiarise themselves with this new technology and if possible become skilled practitioners of this exciting technique. The care of critically ill patients will benefit from its widespread use.
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To reappraise the problem of incarcerated and strangulated inguinal hernias in children in Zaria, Nigeria. ⋯ The policy of early repair of inguinal hernias in children especially below two years and particularly in neonates should be continuously emphasised to avoid morbidity.
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To review the pathophysiology and management of patients with clinical manifestations of fat embolism. ⋯ Fat embolism occurs in many traumatic and atraumatic conditions and is largely asymptomatic. Preventative measures include early immobilization of fractures and methods to reduce intramedullary pressure during surgical manoeuvres. Treatment is largely symptomatic with therapy for respiratory failure similar to that used in management of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Corticosteroids have not been found to be of significant benefit.
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Br J Obstet Gynaecol · Aug 1999
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialMisoprostol for induction of labour at term: a more effective agent than dinoprostone vaginal gel.
To compare the efficacy of vaginal misoprostol and dinoprostone vaginal gel for induction of labour at term. ⋯ Misoprostol 50 microg vaginally is a more effective induction agent than 1 mg dinoprostone vaginal gel, with no apparent adverse effects on mode of delivery, or on the fetus. The higher pain scores in the misoprostol group must be balanced against the reduction in time spent having labour induced, and the reduction in need for intravenous oxytocin augmentation. Further randomised studies must continue to exclude the possibility of rare adverse side effects.