Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde
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Medical assistance by doctors on board an aircraft The number of in-flight medical emergencies continues to increase due to the rise in the number of (older) passengers, the greater capacity of new airplanes and the constant increases in the distances flown. The most common medical problems on board an aircraft are vasovagal collapse, dizziness, and gastro-intestinal and cardiac complaints. ⋯ The chances of being involved in a lawsuit afterwards are, however, very small because the usual medical standards do not apply and because the patient usually does not know the doctor that has assisted him. Even if it should come to a legal procedure, the chance that a physician will be found guilty of malpractice is very small because of the special circumstances and limitations in an airplane.
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Mar 2006
Review[The guideline 'Treatment of acute carbon-monoxide poisoning' from doctors in clinics with a tank for hyperbaric ventilation].
The guideline 'Treatment of acute carbon-monoxide poisoning' from doctors in clinics with a tank for hyperbaric ventilation Carbon-monoxide (CO) poisoning is a potentially life-threatening emergency. Its prognosis is determined by prompt recognition and treatment. CO is toxic because it binds to haemoglobin (Hb), thus impairing oxygen transport and causing tissue hypoxia. ⋯ In patients requiring artificial ventilation, 100% oxygen for 8 hours is recommended. In pregnant women and in patients who are or have been comatose, hyperbaric oxygen can be considered. In all other symptomatic patients, use of a non-rebreathing mask with 100% oxygen for 8 hours is recommended.
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Mar 2006
Review[Potential role for probiotics in the prevention of infectious complications during acute pancreatitis].
Acute pancreatitis has a high mortality in case of secondary infection of (peri-)pancreatic necrosis. Bacterial translocation is held responsible for the majority of these infectious complications of severe acute pancreatitis. ⋯ Recently, several randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials evaluating prophylactic treatment with enteral probiotics have shown good results. A Dutch multicentre trial, 'Probiotics in pancreatitis trial' (PROPATRIA), is currently underway.