Irish journal of medical science
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The aim of this study was to analyze neuropathic pain (NeP) and its therapy in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) during a 6-month follow-up period. ⋯ NeP is a common and potentially severe symptom in GBS that may persist for months. It is important to recognize NeP, start specific treatment on time, in adequate doses, and for prolonged period of time.
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Multicenter Study
Current opinions and practices for the management of acute appendicitis: an international survey.
In recent decades the management of acute appendicitis has evolved significantly. Improved access to early imaging and better clinical scoring algorithms have resulted in less negative appendicectomy rates. In addition, non-operative management has become increasingly utilized. The aim of this study was to assess the variability of management of acute appendicitis globally. ⋯ This study represents the largest sampling of management strategies for acute appendicitis. It shows substantial global heterogeneity between clinicians regarding what constitutes a negative appendicectomy as well as the appropriateness of non-operative management.
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Multicenter Study
The workload distribution of acute stroke CT imaging in a level three hospital in Ireland.
Interventions for acute ischaemic stroke require brain imaging. Computerised tomography (CT) scanning is the most common method used. In this study, the aim was to investigate the CT workload of acute stroke in an Irish level 3 hospital, seeing approximately 200 acute strokes per year. ⋯ Acute stroke imaging constitutes a relatively small portion of the out-of-hour CT workload. Due to the emergency status of these scans, providing an acute stroke radiology service requires radiology staff to operate with extremely short response times 24 h a day.
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Multicenter Study
Head and neck injury in major trauma in Ireland: a multicentre retrospective analysis of patterns and surgical workload.
Head and neck injuries are common in major trauma patients, but the prevalence is poorly documented in the literature. This study aims to investigate this further, particularly in the context of increasing development of Irish and European trauma systems. ⋯ A substantial number of Irish major trauma patients of all ages and genders sustain some form of head and neck injury. It produces significant injury and surgical workload involving input from multiple disciplines.
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Multicenter Study
The use of computed tomography pulmonary angiography in the diagnosis of heart failure in the acute setting.
Heart failure is a clinical diagnosis characterised by non-specific symptoms such as dyspnoea, fatigue and oedema. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate what role computed tomography pulmonary angiography could play in supporting a diagnosis of heart failure when a pulmonary embolism has been excluded. ⋯ Findings on CTPA which included left ventricular enlargement, left atrial enlargement and right ventricular enlargement were shown to be specific for a diagnosis of heart failure. CTPA should be used by physicians awaiting echocardiography to help guide treatment in cases of suspected heart failure.