Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Feb 2005
Review[From gene to disease; from CLN1, CLN2 and CLN3 to neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis].
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL) are worldwide the most common lysosomal storage disorders of childhood. Clinical features often include progressive visual impairment, seizures, psychomotor deterioration, dementia, and premature death. ⋯ Diagnosis at the protein level is not available for JNCL, but CLN3 mutation analysis is possible. The carrier status of healthy relatives in families with known mutations in either CLN1, CLN2, CLN3 or CLN6 can be determined with certainty by mutation analysis.
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Jan 2005
Review[Practice guideline 'Influenza prevention in nursing homes and care homes', issued by the Dutch Society of Nursing Home Specialists; division of tasks between nursing home specialist, general practitioner and company doctor].
The Dutch Society of Nursing Home Specialists has formulated a guideline for the prevention of influenza in nursing homes and care homes in The Netherlands. The guideline recommends the realisation of the highest possible degree of vaccination of both patients and health care workers. At the start of the flu season, the manager of the chronic care institute should organize a scheme for vaccination against influenza and a plan in case of an outbreak of influenza. ⋯ Non-vaccinated patients should also be offered vaccination to restrict re-introduction of the virus. During an influenza outbreak, only patients with influenza or those who have had prophylactic treatment may be admitted to the facility. In the case of an influenza pandemic, national guidelines should be followed.
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Dec 2004
Review[The sensitization model: a method to explain chronic pain to a patient].
Chronic pain is pain without a clear somatic substrate. As a result, patients with chronic pain often do not receive a clear diagnosis following a medical examination. In many patients, having pain without a proper explanation or diagnosis induces stress and the urge to search elsewhere for explanations and treatments. ⋯ This central sensitisation is facilitated by numerous factors that contribute to the maintenance of pain in a way that differs from individual to individual. How sensitisation may develop and persist as a result of medical, psychological and social factors calls for research from the perspective of a bio-psycho-social model. If sensitisation is used to explain chronic pain to a patient and the patient understands the relation beween pain and the factors that play a role in the maintenance of the pain, this can lead to acceptation of a treatment learning to cope with these factors.
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Nov 2004
Review[Medicinal cannabis for diseases of the nervous system: no convincing evidence of effectiveness].
--In 1996, the Netherlands Health Council issued a negative recommendation regarding the use of medication on the basis of cannabis (marihuana). However, interest in medicinal cannabis has certainly not waned since. --The neurological diseases for which cannabis could presently be used therapeutically are: multiple sclerosis, chronic (neuropathic) pain and the syndrome of Gilles de la Tourette. --Since September 2003, the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport delivers medicinal cannabis to Dutch pharmacies, so that now for the first time, medicinal cannabis can be given to patients on a prescription basis within the framework of the Opium Law. ⋯ There was no significant effect of treatment on the primary outcome measure, i.e. objectively determined spasticity. Nevertheless, it was concluded that the mobility was improved and that the pain was subjectively decreased. --Until now, convincing scientific evidence that cannabinoids are effective in neurological conditions is still lacking. --However, it is also not possible to conclude definitely that cannabinoids are ineffective; still, this is no basis for official stimulation of their use.
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Nov 2004
Review[The value and limitations of the body mass index (BMI) in the assessment of the health risks of overweight and obesity].
--The Body Mass Index (BMI) is used as a measure of overweight and obesity. In epidemiological studies age, sex and ethnic background all have to be taken into consideration, particularly when determining the health risk caused by the amount of body fat. --Caution should be observed when using the BMI as a measure for interpreting overweight and obesity as body composition can be highly variable yet have the same BMI. ⋯ The BMI does not give any insight into regional body fat distribution. Waist circumference is a valid index of visceral fat accumulation and can therefore be used as an indicator of health risks associated with visceral obesity.