The Medical journal of Australia
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Editorial Comment
Ischaemic heart disease: across the social and geographic divides.
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To investigate the role of topical negative pressure (TNP) therapy in the management of difficult wounds. ⋯ TNP can, in some circumstances, promote rapid secondary wound healing. A further randomised trial of TNP versus more traditional wound management modalities is justified.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
A randomised crossover trial of chemotherapy in the home: patient preferences and cost analysis.
To determine patient preferences and cost differences between home-based and hospital-based chemotherapy. ⋯ Patients prefer home-based chemotherapy to hospital-based treatment. The future of chemotherapy-in-the-home programs in Australia will depend on whether patient preferences are deemed to offset any potential increase in costs.
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A case of fatal aluminium phosphide poisoning that forced the evacuation of the emergency department of a Sydney teaching hospital highlights the importance of hospitals being able to safely manage hazardous materials incidents.
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Intrathecal drug administration is an important component of the management of malignancy and symptom control. This route of administration reduces systemic adverse effects, but can increase the risk of local adverse effects such as arachnoiditis. It is accepted practice that any spinal injection should not contain any preservatives (such as benzyl alcohol and parabens-containing compounds). ⋯ Available data do not support the safety of intrathecal injection of products preserved with parabens; rather, they demonstrate a need for further investigation. Steps should be taken to ensure that preservative-free products are used. Staff involved with the preparation and administration of intrathecal preparations need to be educated about the risks associated with preservatives in this setting.