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Biomedical subjects

S Husebø

Publications and source records attributed to S Husebø.

15 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

[Palliative care - also in geriatrics?].

Red Cross Clinic is the largest geriatric center in Norway (240 beds). Major parts of the center are: long time geriatric ward (215 beds), rehabilitation and acute ward (25 beds), day clinic (45 patients) and a teaching and research unit. A palliative care unit (10 beds) will be opened in spring 2000. In mai 1998 a national project: Palliative care for the elderly was opened at our center. The projects main goal is to develop and support proper palliative care to all severe ill and dying patients in Norway. In a prospective study we examined 179 consecutive deaths between 1998 and 1999. Average age was 84.5. Major symptom problems were pain, dyspnoea, death-rattle and anxiety. In the last 24 hours 83% of the patients received opioids, 67% of the cases morphine (mean daily dosage 31.8 mg). 37% of the patients received scopolamine (mean daily dosage 0.8 mg), 12% benzodiazepines and 3% of the patients haloperidol. 152 (85%) of the deaths were expected, 27 (15%) unexpected. In 137 patients (77%) open, honest, frank communication with patient or their nearest kin regarding the imminent death was possible. In our experience it is a myth that the relatives want doctors to practise "maximal therapy". All old patients in geriatric clinics and nursing homes need palliative care. We have found no international textbooks of geriatrics with chapters on palliative care or textbooks on palliative care with chapters on the elderly. They need doctors and nurses who are properly trained and educated in palliative care. In most countries in Europe this training and education is not provided.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

[Treatment chronic pain with amitriptyline. A double-blind dosage study with determination of serum levels].

The aim of this study was to find an optimal analgesic dose of amitriptyline, and at the same time examine whether a therapeutic window existed for this analgesic effect. 85 patients with chronic, non-malignant pain were included in a double-blind treatment regime with four doses of amitriptyline (10, 25, 50 or 100 mg). A blood sample was taken at steady state. The results showed 25 mg amitriptyline to have a good analgesic and sleep regulatory effect. The four different doses of amitriptyline did not show any significant difference in efficacy. No therapeutic window was found, but one cannot exclude that it exists. Low-dose amitriptyline, as a non-addictive drug, is a good alternative in the treatment of chronic pain, independent of co-morbid depression.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Group therapy of patients with chronic pain].

51 patients suffering chronic pain, with different diagnoses, were treated in groups as outpatients using a cognitive behavioural approach. Groups of 7-8 patients met for two hours a week for six weeks. The groups were led by a team consisting of a clinical psychologist, a physiotherapist and a doctor. The patients learned about different aspects of pain, self-exercise and relaxation by selfhypnosis. Group dynamics was used to strengthen self-esteem, facilitate learning and encourage a change of attitude towards pain. Each patient answered a questionnaire about activities, level of pain, drugs and psychological symptoms before and immediately after treatment, and at follow-up one year later. At follow-up, 43% were less depressed, 70% felt less pain and 50% were more active and used less drugs.

Ambulatory Care↗
PubMed1990

[Patients dying in institutions. A medical and human challenge].

Over 40,000 people die in Norway every year. About 80% die in institutions and 2/3 are over 70 years old. The debate about terminal care and euthanasia is often based on unusual and extreme situations. The great challenge, however, is found in the quite ordinary routine conditions in our hospitals and institutions for the elderly. The continuing debate concerning active euthanasia hides several realities; fear of disease, worry about physical and mental disability, loss of dignity and autonomy and concern about dependence and helplessness in the last phases of life. Resolving some of these issues requires that the physician is aware of the true condition of the patient and communicates this knowledge in a caring and respectful manner. The patients' wishes must be weight against appropriate treatment.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

[Advanced abdominal cancer. Treatment of complications].

Gastrointestinal obstruction and fistulas are well known complications in advanced cancer. Complications are common after surgery. Two case-histories illustrate etiology and treatment. A small syringe driver enables subcutaneous infusion. Continuous support by means of antiemetic, analgetic and anticholinergic drugs can provide sufficient control of symptoms. Patients with severe gastrointestinal obstruction can be cared for in their homes during the final weeks and months of terminal disease. Only rarely is tube-feeding or parenteral-nutrition indicated.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

[Dying as a disease].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1984

Effects of a distal venting hole in the femur during total hip replacement.

In 18 patients who underwent total hip replacement, the intramedullary pressure in the femur was measured during the insertion of the femoral prosthesis component. Half the patients had a pressure release hole (diameter 4.5 mm) drilled into the medullary canal at the distal end of the femur, the other half not. In the patients without a venting hole, the intramedullary pressure increased transiently to a median of 390mmHg during the insertion of the femoral stem, while those with a venting hole only showed an increase to 23mmHg. A drop in arterial oxygen tension of 2.2kPa and in thrombocytes of 51 x 10(9)/1 was found in those without a venting hole, while the corresponding values in those with a venting hole were 0.9kPa and 20 x 10(9)/1. Furthermore, a significant correlation was demonstrated between the increase in intramedullary pressure and the drop in oxygen tension and in blood platelets. No significant change in blood pressure was measured during operation in either group.

Aged↗