Acta medica Croatica : c̆asopis Hravatske akademije medicinskih znanosti
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Acute rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome characterized by the lesion of skeletal muscle resulting in subsequent release of intracellular contents into the circulatory system, which can cause potentially lethal complications. These contents include myoglobin, creatine phosphokinase, potassium, aldolase, lactate dehydrogenase and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase. There are numerous causes that can lead to acute rhabdomyolysis and many of patients present with multiple causes. ⋯ Acute rhabdomyolysis should be considered as a possibility in any patient with prolonged imobilization while in coma as well as in any intoxicated patient. Of course, creatine phosphokinase is the most sensitive indicator of muscle injury and the degree of creatine phosphokinase elevation correlates with the amount of muscle injury and disease severity. Other laboratory findings can help identify common complications of rhabdomyolysis such as acute renal failure, metabolic derangements and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy.
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The percentage of elderly people increases in societies today and so does the number of specific conditions, illnesses and injuries, with hip fracture as the most important one. The aim of the study was to point to hip fracture as a medical and social problem by objectively quantifying functional abilities of geriatric patients after hip fracture. ⋯ The patient's functionality before injury, the duration and quality of rehabilitation after surgery, and the patient's motivation and cooperation during rehabilitation are the key factors of patient recovery to the pre-injury state. In spite of numerous concomitant diseases, reduced psychophysical abilities of the elderly and medical difficulties in the management of these injuries, such treatment of hip fractures is necessary and human for patients and time-consuming for medical staff, yet being the most profitable option for the society. Hip fracture and consequential disablement cause a double problem. On the one hand, it entails dependence on other person, family or social institution, or society in general, and on the other hand there is mental frustration, especially if he/she is psychically instable. Quite frequently, disabled persons have psychical traumas that have unfavorable impact on their families. It is additionally complicated in societies that tend to stigmatization of disabled persons. Therefore, it is very important how the society will behave toward disabled elderly who are generally more vulnerable.