PubMed HealthSearch

Biomedical subjects

G Brattebø

Publications and source records attributed to G Brattebø.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Prevention of acute renal failure in muscular injuries].

Rhabdomyolysis may be caused by sustained, continuous pressure to skeletal muscle. The syndrome is characterized by hypovolemia, hyperkalemia and release of excessive amounts of myoglobin to the circulation. If untreated, the syndrome becomes complicated by potentially fatal acute renal failure. Two case reports are presented which illustrate the importance of early and aggressive fluid substitution where forced alkaline diuresis seemed to prevent life threatening renal complications.

Acute Kidney Injury

An introductory 'survival course' for first-year medical students: a brief account of the course.

At the School of Medicine, Tromsø, Norway, an intensive 2-day week-end course was offered to students in the first year of their studies. The content covered study approaches and study skills, learning issues, strategies for improving the current curriculum, and preparing for the first comprehensive final examination. A brief account of the content and outcome is presented.

Attitude of Health Personnel

Activation of blood platelets in workers exposed to organic solvents.

Organic solvents probably exert their clinical effects through distortion of cellular membrane structure and function. Blood platelets represent an easily available membrane system. This study describes an evaluation of mean platelet volume (MPV) and total platelet count (TPC) in a group of workers exposed to a mixture of organic solvents in paint factories. We have found a correlation between decreased MPV and present exposure. The reduction was reversed within an exposure-free interval of 3 weeks. The intracellular adenosine triphosphate/adenosine diphosphate (ATP/ADP) ratio was significantly increased in exposed workers, compatible with dense granule secretion. A quantitative study of the phosphoinositide cycle in the platelets revealed an increased concentration of the phosphatidic acid, indicating an increased turnover. These findings are consistent with a solvent-induced activation of circulating platelets.

Adenosine Diphosphate

[Liposuction].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Anesthesia, Local

Crush injuries in arctic off-shore fisheries: initial treatment to prevent acute renal failure.

Rhabdomylosis following crush injuries represents an occupational hazard in the off-shore fisheries. In northern countries this can be complicated by hypothermia and a long transport time to the nearest hospital. If treatment is delayed, what is initially a local limb injury can result in a potentially life threatening acute renal failure as a result of the nephrotoxic effects of the various intracellular muscle components released into the circulation. Therefore early and aggressive fluid treatment in the field, and during the transport of crush injury victims is very important. Forced alkaline diuresis is the main prophylaxis against hyperkalemia and acute myoglobinuric renal failure. A case history which demonstrates some of the aspects and challenges in the treatment of crush injuries is presented.

Accidents, Occupational

[Intra-osseous infusion--a simple, rapid and lifesaving method].

One of the major challenges in the initial treatment of critically ill or injured patients is the establishment of a well functioning intravenous access. This can be very difficult in patients with circulatory collapse, and almost impossible in infants. Central venous cannulation is time-consuming and requires skill. Nor can intratracheal and rectal administration of drugs and fluids fully replace the intravascular route. In such situations the old but forgotten technique of intraosseous infusion represents an elegant and easy way of gaining rapid intravascular access. The method is simple, safe and almost foolproof, and can easily be performed under field conditions, e.g. by paramedical personnel. Very few contra indications exist, and the success rate even by untrained personnel is high. In this review the physiological aspects and the technique itself is discussed and illustrated by case reports.

Aged

[The laryngeal mask: a new tool for creating a free airway].

The laryngeal mask airway represents a new concept in airway management of anesthetised patients. It is inserted without any instruments and is very easy to use, even for unskilled personnel. It reduces the problem of waste gas pollution in the operating theater, and it leaves the hands of the anaesthetist free for record keeping and monitoring. It is well tolerated by the patients. In this article the technique is presented together with indications and limitations. Based on our experience we find the laryngeal mask airway an excellent alternative to the face mask, even in procedures of short duration.

Anesthesia, Inhalation

[Instruction and training in emergency care procedures of recently deceased patients].

The need for medical personnel to be able to perform certain emergency medical procedures, such as endotracheal intubation, intravascular acess, defibrillation, and tracheotomy cannot be questioned. However, it is difficult to practise these techniques on patients and mannequins. Using newly deceased persons is an alternative which allows the procedures to be performed under nearly realistic circumstances, but this educational approach could raise certain ethical objections among staff who are not adequately informed about the educational objectives. A survey of the ten largest Norwegian hospitals revealed that only two had adopted this practice. The rest had considered it, but had decided not to start this routine. None of the hospitals had refrained from it after thoroughly analysing the ethical issues involved. Six hospitals used cadavers for other instruction. The practice represents a unique opportunity for training, and the ethical implications are justifiable provided that the training is conducted with respect and compassion for the deceased.

Education, Medical

[The snowmobile--only for fun? Registration of snowmobile accidents in Western Finnmark 1988-89].

Driving a snowmobile seems to be associated with a high rate of injury and serious injuries. During the winter season 1988-89, every snowmobile-related injury that had required medical care was registered prospectively in a population of 47,500. 62 persons were injured, mostly men. The majority were young people, and most injuries occurred when the snowmobiles were used for recreation, and at the weekend. 11% of the drivers appeared drunk. 26% were hospitalized. Fractures were the most frequently registered injury, and 16 persons suffered head injuries. A number of other serious injuries were also registered. The rate of injury per registered snowmobile was high compared with the rate of road traffic injuries during the same period.

Accidents

Health workers and the human immunodeficiency virus: knowledge, ignorance and behaviour.

The attitude of health personnel towards the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has a great influence on public opinion. Thus appropriate knowledge about HIV and its routes of transmission, plus safe and professional behaviour are crucial. A survey of 359 Norwegian health workers (75% response) revealed that factual knowledge was good. Fear of occupational transmission was substantial, but was not reflected in behaviour: 25-50% of the personnel reported not using gloves when exposed to blood. No relationship was found between knowledge and behaviour. A majority (79%) of the sample held the view that every hospital patient should be routinely tested on admission. Seventy-four per cent advocated preoperative screening, with special precautions if the results are positive. Knowledge did not seem to influence these attitudes. It is concluded that the behaviour of health personnel in relation to occupational risks is unrelated to factual knowledge, and further studies are needed to uncover behavioral determinants.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

HIV infection and health personnel: health care workers' opinions concerning some ethical dilemmas.

A survey was made of a sample of 359 Norwegian health workers to assess attitudes towards HIV infected colleagues, and how the respondents would behave if they themselves became HIV infected. Two thirds of the 268 (75%) who responded would not allow that a HIV positive health worker treated their family, and 47% supported routine HIV screening of health workers to protect patients. Most of the respondents were opposed to disability pensioning of HIV infected health personnel in general, and would not ask for this if were found HIV positive. One hundred ninety-six would not tell colleagues if they became HIV infected. Within this group, the proportion (153/196) that would not accept practising HIV positive health personnel was significantly larger than that among those who would report own seropositivity (24/64). The study revealed substantial anxiety, and inconsistencies between expected behaviour of others, and the respondents' own reactions also were found.

Allied Health Personnel