Irish journal of medical science
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Comparative Study
Comparison of 3T MR arthrography and 3T MRI in intra-articular hip pathology: a cost-analysis.
MR arthrography (MRA) has previously been the radiological gold standard for investigating labral and chondral lesions of the hip joint. In recent years, 3T MRI has demonstrated comparable accuracy, being adopted as the first-line imaging investigation in many institutions. ⋯ Transitioning from 3T MRA to 3T MRI in the investigation of intra-articular hip pathology increases cost savings and reduces radiation dose.
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Comparative Study Observational Study
A comparison of two weaning strategies for non-invasive ventilation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with acute respiratory failure.
Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) is a crucial therapy for managing acute exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) with hypercapnic respiratory failure. Research has shown that NIV can decrease the rate of endotracheal intubation, length of hospital and Intensive Care Unit stays, and mortality. There are three main strategies for weaning patients off NIV: gradual reduction of NIV duration, gradual reduction of NIV pressure support, and immediate cessation of NIV. ⋯ On comparison of two methods of NIV withdrawal, it was found that neither method is superior to the other in terms of weaning failure, intubation rates, and average length of hospital stay.
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Diabetes mellitus is a major health problem with a variety of implications: cellular, metabolic, and hematological. Hematological alterations observed in type 2 diabetes are related to hyperglycemia and have a vital role in vascular-associated diabetes complications which could be used as a marker for these complications. The aim of this study is to assess the association between hematological indices and blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes attending outpatient clinics in Mosul. ⋯ This study revealed statistically significant differences in various hematological parameters between patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy controls. Regular testing of hematological indices helps in early detection and proper management of diabetic complications.
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The ERAS protocol is a set of international guidelines established to expedite patients' discharge after colorectal surgery. It does this by aiming to prevent postoperative complications early, and return the patient to normal function allowing earlier discharge. Complications such as PONV, DVT, ileus and pain are common after surgery to name a few, and delay discharge. Early treatment and prevention of these complications however is suggested to aid a patients' return to home at earlier rates than traditional practice. ⋯ UHL has a satisfactory compliance of over 70% with a large variety of elements of the ERAS protocol. Areas of improvement required include postoperative antibiotic and preoperative gabapentin usage. With the collective effort of the multidisciplinary team, along with education, the ERAS protocol can successfully be applied and implemented in a model 4 hospital in Ireland.
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Presentation to the emergency department (ED) with self-harm provides an important opportunity for intervention. ⋯ The findings underline the importance of assessing all individuals who present with self-harm and highlight the need for comprehensively resourced 24hr services providing mental health care in the ED.