Prehospital rapid sequence intubation.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to D Pogson.
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Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is widely available without prescription. Although self-poisoning is rare, if severe it may be life threatening. Haemodialysis has been recommended in severe cases when salicylate levels exceed 7.3 mmol l(-1). We describe three cases of severe salicylate poisoning, which were treated with continuous veno-venous haemodiafiltration (CVVHDF). All patients survived. The first case had already undergone haemodialysis before transfer to the ICU, where CVVHDF was commenced because salicylism persisted at 3 mmol l(-1). A small reduction in serum salicylate was noted. In the second case, serum salicylate decreased from 8.5 to 3.5 mmol l(-1) after 3 h of CVVHDF even though only minimal urine was produced. Our third case is a chronic overdose in whom serum salicylate decreased from 6.2 to 4 mmol l(-1) after 4 h and to 1.4 mmol l(-1) after a further 7 h. No bicarbonate was administered to this patient and elimination can only be attributed to CVVHDF and urinary clearance, which is known to be slow. We discuss the pathogenesis of severe salicylate toxicity and postulate that CVVHDF, which is widely used in the intensive care setting, may be a useful therapy in severely poisoned patients who are unstable and cannot undergo haemodialysis or in situations where haemodialysis is unavailable.
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Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) disease comprises a group of disorders characterized by progressive distal muscle weakness and wasting. Review of the anaesthetic literature produced conflicting reports concerning the responses to neuromuscular blocking drugs in these patients. We describe a case in which vecuronium 0.11 mg kg(-1) produced prolonged neuromuscular blockade lasting 115 min in a patient with the condition. Conduction velocity in the facial nerve is usually less affected than the ulnar or peroneal nerve in CMT patients. This nerve may be more useful in monitoring neuromuscular blockade, both in titrating the dose of neuromuscular blocking drug and ensuring adequate reversal at the end of a procedure. Recent advances in molecular biology have enabled identification of the underlying genetic abnormalities and pathophysiology of CMT. These advances are reviewed and implications of CMT for the anaesthetist discussed.
An adult male with intellectual disabilities demonstrated deterioration in many skills over a number of years and an increase in his temper outbursts was also reported. At 18 years of age, he had been diagnosed as having dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR) deficiency, but treatment had proved unsuccessful in the short term and was discontinued. Dihydropteridine reductase deficiency is a recessively inherited disorder of the amino acid metabolism resulting in a deficiency of tetrahydrobiopterin, an essential cofactor for phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan metabolism. This causes a severe deficiency of neurotransmitters in the brain. Following further neurological examinations, treatment for the subject was recommenced at the age of 30 years. Few reports of late-diagnosis DHPR have been documented. This paper outlines one case report of DHPR, highlighting the importance of diagnosis, medical treatment and nursing care.
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This paper describes the method by which the learning disabilities branch programme in Southampton has been adapted to reflect educational and practical changes. Emphasis is placed on integrating theory and practice through giving students extended contact with a caseload of patients with the support of a tutor and mentors. The authors report on the initial difficulties and benefits resulting from the new programme.