International journal of clinical practice
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Dec 2000
A cross-sectional survey of the clinical and psychological features of low back pain and consequent work handicap: use of the Quebec Task Force classification.
A hospital-based cross-sectional study examined 657 consecutive referrals with low back pain over two years to a district rheumatology service serving a population of about 250,000 people. Five hundred and thirty-eight had mechanical/degenerative low back pain. The mean age was 48.6 (range 18-80 SD 15.3) years; 64% were women. ⋯ Women were more impaired (p = 0.02) than men but had similar disabilities (mean Roland score 11.7, range 0-24 SD 6.5). Fifty-three per cent of patients were receiving benefits and were significantly more likely to have musculoskeletal comorbidities than those in work (p < 0.025). It is concluded that the Quebec Task Force classification of low back pain impairment is a helpful descriptor and related to both physical and psychological disability and handicap in employment.
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With the increasing use of natural rubber products, latex allergy is becoming a major health concern among patients and healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to determine the availability of a latex allergy protocol and essential latex-free products in theatres. The number of latex allergy complaints among patients and theatre personnel were also studied. ⋯ Overall less than one-third of theatres in the UK have latex-free products set aside for use. A total of 505 patients with latex allergy underwent surgery; of these, there were four deaths, 18 major anaphylaxes and 483 minor complaints such as skin rash; 239 theatre personnel reported latex allergic reactions and one had a severe anaphylactic reaction. The number of cases with latex-related complications might be reduced if all hospitals had a latex allergy protocol and a range of essential latex-free products.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Oct 2000
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialRelief of sore throat with the anti-inflammatory throat lozenge flurbiprofen 8.75 mg: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of efficacy and safety.
In this double-blind study, 301 patients with subjective and objective signs of sore throat were randomly assigned to flurbiprofen 8.75 mg (n = 129), flurbiprofen 12.5 mg (n = 43) or placebo (demulcent lozenge without active drug [n = 129]). Efficacy was assessed by changes in subjective rating scales primarily after a single dose and also over a 4-day period. Flurbiprofen 8.75 mg was superior to placebo in a number of efficacy parameters, notably throat soreness. ⋯ The small sample size was considered contributory to the variable results obtained with flurbiprofen 12.5 mg lozenges, but overall these were not inconsistent with previous trials. Both treatments were tolerated well. Flurbiprofen 8.75 mg lozenges provide an effective and well tolerated treatment for sore throat.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Oct 2000
ReviewSkeletal muscle relaxants: pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in different patient groups.
Muscle relaxants can be safely administered during anaesthesia, providing the basic pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics of the compounds together with the physiological status of the patient are known. In this review the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the neuromuscular blocking agents are discussed and related to the physical health or disease state of groups of patients.
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Pulse oximetry monitoring is a relatively recent technique that has been embraced enthusiastically by medical, nursing and paramedical personnel in many clinical situations. Few people, however, have any idea of how it provides the reading of arterial blood saturation. This review performs several functions: it discusses the haemoglobin molecular structure and explains its relation to spectrophotometry, describes the history and principles of pulse oximetry and the nature of the equipment used, and reviews its common uses. It also explores the principles and proposed uses of its lesser known corollary, photoplethysmography.