Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
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To present a case of unexpected prolonged apnoea following the administration of mivacurium, a short-acting muscle relaxant and to identify the factors for early diagnosis and management. ⋯ Pseudocholinesterase deficiency is an uncommon occurrence but should be highly suspected in cases of prolonged paralysis following the administration of a short-acting muscle relaxant. The use of a nerve stimulator is recommended whenever muscle relaxants are used. Muscle relaxants should be used only when facilities for prolonged ventilation are available.
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Researchers in oral cancer agree that the early diagnosis of oral carcinoma greatly increases the probability of cure with minimum impairment and deformity. Primary prevention which involves reducing the exposure to tobacco, alcohol and betel quid has been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of oral cancer. Secondary prevention involves screening for the early detection of oral cancer. ⋯ Whatever screening method is used, a positive screening result must be confirmed by biopsy. A public awareness programme that stresses the importance of at least one annual dental examination, identification of warning signs of oral cancer and recognition of the hazards of tobacco and alcohol use is necessary to reverse the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with this disease. In the future, the identification of oncogene and tumour suppressor gene mutations in biopsy specimens may give a clearer indication of the likely behaviour of suspicious oral lesions.
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To prospectively study the prevalence of nosocomially acquired Clostridium difficile, a major cause of diarrhoea in hospitalized patients, in the intensive care units (ICUs) and burn unit (BUs) of three teaching hospitals in Kuwait. ⋯ Overall, the prevalence of hospital-acquired C. difficile infection/colonization was less than 10%. The use of third-generation cephalosporins was high and was related to the development of diarrhoea. Once acquired, diarrhoea developed in about one third of C. difficile-positive cases, an indication that C. difficile infection/colonization endemic in the hospital ICUs studied is usually transmitted among the hospitalized patients.
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) comprises a major proportion of gastrointestinal and primary care practice worldwide. The past several years have seen the rapid evolution of a new and comprehensive model of IBS based on alterations in brain-gut interactions. Alterations in the bidirectional communication between the enteric nervous system and the central nervous system are implicated in the pathogenesis of IBS. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin), a major neurotransmitter in the gastrointestinal tract, and its receptors 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 are involved in the control of gastrointestinal function. ⋯ Two novel serotonin agonists are currently under development for constipated IBS patients, tegaserod and prucalopride. Antidiarrheal agents, including loperamide and diphenoxylate, may help patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS. 5-HT3 receptor antagonists may play a role in the management of such patients in the future. Psychological treatment and antidepressants should be considered when IBS symptoms are severe or refractory or associated with psychological distress and impaired quality of life.
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A global epidemic of type 2 diabetes exists and in the near future it may be closely associated with an epidemic of cardiovascular disease. Since the diabetic population is at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes management should target tight glycaemic control. Two controversial issues in the management of diabetics with coronary heart disease (CHD) are discussed in this review. ⋯ Activation of potassium ATP channels completely mimicked the preconditioning phenomena; moreover, blocking these channels with some of the sulphonylurea compounds abolished this protective effect. The concept of selectivity of sulphonylurea compounds therefore emerged and the choice of drug should be based on this fact. Every compound should be studied individually for its efficacy and safety vis-à-vis the relevant end points for type 2 diabetes, i.e. cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.