Irish journal of medical science
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Ward-based patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) for postoperative pain control was introduced at our institution in 2006. We audited the efficacy and safety of ward-based PCEA from January 2006 to December 2008. ⋯ Effective and safe postoperative analgesia can be provided with PCEA in a general surgical ward without recourse to high-dependency supervision.
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The Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health (CEMACH) reported outcomes of pregnancies in women with pre-gestational diabetes (PGDM) in the UK (n = 3,733). This study aimed to compare CEMACH outcomes with PGDM pregnancies in Dublin. ⋯ These results serve to underline the continued importance of multidisciplinary care for pregnant women with diabetes.
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To date, there is no information on anaesthetists' practice of chronic pain management in the Republic of Ireland. ⋯ One-third of consultant anaesthetists in the Republic surveyed incorporate chronic pain in their practice and their pattern of practice is widely diversified.
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The purpose of this study is to determine the association between fetal nasal bone length (NBL) and gestational age (GA), biparietal diameter (BPD) and head circumference (HC) in women undergoing prenatal assessments and Down syndrome screening. ⋯ Using multiple parameters (GA, BPD and HC) to estimate NBL is more accurate than using than using GA or BPD or HC alone, as indicated by the higher predictive value.
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Review Case Reports
Male lupus: a diagnosis often delayed--a case series and review of the literature.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an auto-immune disease that is characterised by autoantibody production. Male lupus is rare, apart from at either end of the age spectrum. ⋯ Our patients presented in middle age and tended to develop haematological abnormalities, renal involvement and neurological manifestations which preceded the onset of their skin and joint complaints. Our patients accrued damage rapidly and overall did badly. They tended to respond sub-optimally to standard treatments. These cases highlight the need an increased awareness that male SLE patients present with a wide variety of symptoms, and that they accrue damage quickly. There is a need for timely diagnosis and appropriate initiation of treatment. This may help avoid preventable organ damage and increase the survival of men with SLE.