CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne
-
Thrombolysis for acute stroke is beneficial in selected patients. Because clinical trials generally exclude patients with pre-existing disability, this subgroup of patients has not been studied. We examined the outcomes after thrombolysis of patients with and without disability before their stroke. ⋯ Although the true effectiveness of thrombolysis for acute stroke in patients with pre-existing disability is not known, treated patients appear able to return to their prestroke level of function as often as patients without pre-existing disability, despite a significantly higher mortality rate.
-
Infection with group B streptococcus (GBS) is a major cause of neonatal illness and death. We examined the antenatal and perinatal risk factors for early-onset GBS disease among neonates. ⋯ Intrauterine fetal monitoring should be added to the list of risk factors in risk-based screening. Since many of the cases had no identifiable maternal risk factors, universal screening for GBS may be appropriate.
-
Case Reports
Element of caution: a case of reversible cytopenias associated with excessive zinc supplementation.
Zinc is a common supplement and is widely available as a standard component of many over-the-counter products. A number of reports have identified an association between excessive zinc intake and severe cytopenia. We report a case of zinc-induced copper deficiency in a young adult to illustrate this under-recognized cause of anemia and neutropenia.