Læknablađiđ
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Allergies to antibiotics are reported by 8-14% of the adult population out of which half is thought to be due to penicillins. Women are two thirds of those. It is estimated that 20.000 Icelanders believe they are allergic to beta-lactam drugs. ⋯ The beta-lactam allergy is diagnosed by a precise history, measuring drug specific IgE, by prick- and intradermal skin tests and challenge tests with the drug in question. The purpose of this article is to draw the attention of Icelandic doctors to the importance of drug allergy with specific emphasis on beta-lactam drugs and the value of accurate recording of symptoms and signs in the patient's records. We also describe the diagnostic methods used and propose an algorithmic approach to diagnose beta-lactam allergy in Icelandic children and adults.
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To examine and explain the effect of unemployment on the number of disability pensioners in Iceland by examining changes in this relationship from 1992 to 2006. ⋯ Health and capability condition determine the overall disability rate, but fluctuations over time are related to environmental conditions in the labour market, especially the unemployment rate. The features of the welfare system, especially the benefit and rehabilitation system, as well as the extent and character of activation measures in the labour market also influence the number of disability pensioners. A new method of disability assessment from late 1999 may have had some influence on the relationship during the latter part of the period and increasing applications from people with mental and psychiatric deficiencies seems to have had a significant influence on the growing disability rate during the last few years.
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Acute coronary angiography with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), if executed with sufficient expertise and without undue delay, is the best therapy for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). At Landspitali-University Hospital 24 hour on-call service has been provided since December the 1st 2003. This hospital is the single center for all coronary catherizations in Iceland. This report is a review of this service during the first year. ⋯ The experience of a 24 hour on-call service at Landspitali-University Hospital to carry out primary PCI for all patients in Iceland with STEMI proved excellent during its first year, with a short door-to-needle time, short hospital stay and low mortality.
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To determine the prevalence of methylphenidate use among children in Iceland and show utilization trends from 1989 to 2006. Patterns of use were analyzed by sex, age and region of habitation, short-acting vs. long-acting formulations and presciber's specialty. ⋯ Use of methylphenidate among children in Iceland increased considerably from 1989 to 2004, when a plateau seems to have been reached. In accordance with the trend in many Western countries, a rise in use of long-acting drugs was detected concurrently with a steep decrease in use of short-acting drugs. Compared to utilization rates in Europe, prevalence of methylphenidate use among children in Iceland is high.
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Special observation (constant observation) of patients is common on psychiatric wards, both in Iceland and abroad, but very few studies have been conducted on their therapeutic value. The objective was to investigate the extent and nature of special observation on emergency wards at the division of psychiatry at the Landspitali-University Hospital in Iceland as well as the attitudes of patients and staff toward special observation. ⋯ The extent, nature and process of observation on acute inpatient wards in Iceland seems to be comparable to other studies from abroad. In view of the importance of special observations in psychiatric emergency care and their influence on patients' private life it is important to develop and implement clinical guidelines about their use.