Irish journal of medical science
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Aseptic meningitis is a frequent diagnostic problem, with little data available regarding its prevalence and the commonly identified causes. ⋯ The median duration of admission to hospital in the undiagnosed group was 12 days, which may be improved with increased accuracy and availability of diagnostic techniques such as polymerase chain reaction.
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Ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block combined with general anaesthesia facilitates inguinal herniorrhaphy in an ambulatory setting by improving analgesia and reducing opioid requirements. Case reports in children indicate the possibility of colonic puncture and associated morbidity with blind ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric blockade. ⋯ Ultrasound guidance for ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block in the inguinal region is both feasible and a promising technique.
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To assess changing trends in histological types of thyroid cancer in an Irish hospital over the past 30 years. ⋯ This study demonstrated a significant increase in the incidence of papillary carcinoma. This may be related to increasing dietary iodine intake and may be significant as papillary carcinoma is associated with a more favourable prognosis.
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To review and examine the epidemiology, severity and management of trauma admissions at the national neurosurgical teaching hospital. ⋯ The management of patients with serious injury is complex. The large proportion of patients with critical injuries, some of whom were paediatric, highlighted the need for 24 h cover by senior trauma personnel and the provision of radiology and operating facilities to meet their needs. The inclusion of indicators of alterations in innate or adaptive immune responses may improve the predictive power of severity of injury scores.
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Intraoperative cell salvage (ICS) is the recovery, anticoagulation, filtration and reinfusion of blood lost during surgery. The aim of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of ICS in emergency and elective abdominal aortic surgery. ⋯ ICS is a safe procedure and substantially reduces the need for blood transfusion in patients undergoing abdominal aortic surgery. It may substantially alleviate shortages of allogenic blood and should be part of the armamentarium of vascular units.