Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde
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Traditionally, midshaft clavicular fractures have been treated conservatively. However a review of the literature reveals that certain fractures can benefit from operative repair. Conservative treatment, preferably in the form of a sling, of an undisplaced midshaft clavicular fracture leads to excellent results. ⋯ Intramedullary fixation can give good results in simple dislocated fractures, but does not provide optimal preservation of length and rotation in comminuted fractures. Plate osteosynthesis can be used for all clavicular fractures and causes a reduction of the relative risk of non-union of 86%. Due to the increased risk of non-union or malunion and of a worse functional result, osteosynthesis should be considered for patients with dislocated or comminuted midshaft clavicular fractures, with due consideration for the patient's expectations and lifestyle.
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Jan 2010
Review[Dexrazoxane in anthracycline induced cardiotoxicity and extravasation].
Cardiotoxicity and extravasation injuries are extremely serious complications of anthracycline use. Both complications are probably caused by oxidative stress. Dexrazoxane has been approved as a cardioprotective agent and as an antidote in extravasation of anthracyclines. ⋯ Dexrazoxane can be considered as the treatment of first choice for this indication. Dexrazoxane is well tolerated in general. The most commonly reported side effects are leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and local reactions at the infusion site.
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The improved prognosis of cancer patients has led to an increased incidence of both bone metastases and (impending) pathological fractures. A solitary bone lesion seen on radiography should never be assumed to be a metastasis. Preoperative biopsy is necessary in patients with a known malignancy and a solitary lytic bone lesion as well as in patients in whom the primary tumor is unknown, in order to prevent an incorrect operation (also known as 'whoops surgery'). ⋯ Surgical fixation of an impending pathologic fracture is recommended when radiography indicates that a length of more than 3 cm of the cortex of a long bone has been destroyed. If surgical treatment is necessary, it should support the whole long bone in order to enable full weight bearing. When the diagnosis of a bone lesion is uncertain, referral to an experienced treatment centre is recommended.
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Constipation is a common problem with a considerable negative impact on quality of life in patients who receive palliative care. Over 35% of patients with heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cancer have constipation. In the palliative phase constipation often has multiple causes. ⋯ Prophylactic use of laxatives is indicated to prevent constipation when initiating constipation inducing medication such as opioids. In treatment-resistant constipation prucalopride, colchicine or misoprostol may be effective. Opioid-antagonists such as naloxone and methylnaltrexone are effective in patients with persistent opioid-induced constipation despite the use of laxatives.
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Jan 2010
Review[Mucocutaneous abnormalities in Chlamydia trachomatis-induced reactive arthritis].
Reactive arthritis (previously known as Reiters syndrome) is an inflammatory arthritis that is a type of spondyloarthropathy. The disease consists of the classical triad of arthritis, urethritis and conjunctivitis, but mucocutaneous abnormalities also frequently appear: balanitis circinata, keratoderma blennorrhagicum, aphthous ulcers in the mouth and nail disorders. These skin lesions are mainly found in reactive arthritis induced by Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct). ⋯ Although in the Netherlands a Ct induced reactive arthritis is not yet treated with antibiotics, a recent published clinical trial in patients with a chronic Ct induced reactive arthritis showed a significant reduction in complaints in the group treated with a combination of antibiotics for 6 months, compared to the placebo group. Active genitourinary Ct infection should be treated with antibiotics, the first choice being azithromycin 1000 mg as a single dose. It is important that the patient's partner is tested at the same time and if necessary treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection.