Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift
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Wien Med Wochenschr · Jan 1996
Review[Sleep fragmentation as the cause of daytime sleepiness and reduced performance].
Studies in healthy young adults revealed that periodic arousals during the night result in increasing sleepiness as a function of the interval of time between arousals. When arousals are frequent, deficits similar to those seen after total sleep deprivation have been found. Observed decrements appear to be specifically related to EEG arousals and do not require complete awakening. In patients with fragmenting sleep disorders such as periodic leg movements and central sleep apnea, improved nocturnal sleep is related to increased alertness and daytime performance.
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Wien Med Wochenschr · Jan 1996
Review[Not all coughing is asthma--on differential bronchial asthma diagnosis in childhood].
Cough and wheezing are typical symptoms of asthma in childhood. But depending on age there are also other causes for the appearance of such complaints. A systematic approach to the differential diagnosis will clarify the situation in most of the patients.
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Wien Med Wochenschr · Jan 1996
Review[Legal limits of assisted death: exemplified by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis].
The article discusses the question to what extent the physician may offer aid in dying to the terminally ill patient. The author comes to the conclusion that the withdrawal of artificial ventilation (after application of anesthesia) is allowed and even a physician's duty if the patient refuses further ventilation. Because the competent patient may refuse treatment at any time, a doctor's willful disregard of his patient's right to self-determination could also be regarded as battery [section 110 Penal Code).