Irish journal of medical science
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Poisoning is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children and adolescents. Pharmaceutical and household products are responsible for the majority of cases. ⋯ Few unintentional ingestions in the paediatric group result in serious toxicity. Mortality is rare. There is increasing intentional poisoning and alcohol abuse in adolescents. Poison prevention should be part of all well child visits. Agencies catering for children should carry educational leaflets for parents on how to 'poison proof' a child's environment, as the majority of incidents occur at home.
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Methylprednisolone is the only neuroprotective therapy advocated in acute non-penetrating spinal cord injury. Trials indicate improved neurological outcome following early administration of a high dose regime. The National Spinal Injuries Unit (NSIU) has promoted this regime by a simple laminated poster sent to all Irish A&E departments. ⋯ There was poor documentation of prescription orders and timing of administration. Only six patients had clear documentation allowing confirmation of adherence to the protocol of the National Acute Spinal Cord Injury Study (NASCIS) III trial.
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Review Case Reports
Malignant phaeochromocytoma metastasising to the breast.
Nearly one-quarter of metastatic tumours in the breast are from an occult extramammary tumour, usually a lung carcinoma. ⋯ This is the first published case of a phaeochromocytoma metastasising to the breast, and demonstrates the challenge that extramammary tumours in the breast can pose for the pathologist.
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Laparoscopic techniques are increasingly used in common surgical procedures. Many of these procedures are used to teach basic surgical trainees (BST) and therefore introduction of these techniques may have implications for training. ⋯ The use of minimally invasive techniques has had a negative effect on surgical training. Appropriate measures must be taken to minimise this and such measures should include a structured approach to laparoscopic training and greater access to laparoscopic training facilities.