MedGenMed : Medscape general medicine
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Review Case Reports
Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal glossal necrotizing myositis--case report and review.
We report the first case of glossal necrotizing myositis by group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus in an 8-year-old girl on chronic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulators, and steroids for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment included partial glossectomy and parenteral antibiotics. After a critical course, full recovery ensued. The subject of necrotizing myositis is reviewed.
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Chronic pain is a frequent medical condition that has a significant impact on patients, including their ability to function and enjoy life. In addition, chronic pain has a substantial economic impact on the workplace and costs of healthcare. ⋯ By understanding those times of day and activities that may precipitate severe episodes of pain, tailored opioid treatment plans can be developed that manage pain, improve patient functionality, and minimize side effects. Recently developed rapid-onset opioid formulations should be considered as part of the chronic pain management strategy in addition to more traditional long-acting, sustained-release formulations and short-acting, normal-release formulations.
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Injuries from marine life encompass a wide spectrum, from mild stings to severe bites. Fortunately most of the injuries are mild, although some may be significant, resulting in death. Most of these injuries can be treated by family physicians with a knowledge of the cause of the pathology. ⋯ Coral, sea bathers eruption, and swimmer's itch require thorough scrubbing and irrigation. Sea snakes, cone shells, and venomous fish possess a neurotoxin that requires close monitoring in the event of cardiopulmonary collapse. All of these injuries require tetanus status monitoring and consideration of coverage for infectious sequelae.
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On the basis of theoretical rationale, heparoids and vitamin K antagonists are prescribed to prevent complications of venous thromboembolism (VTE, including pulmonary emboli [PE] and deep vein thrombosis [DVT]). They have been employed as the standard of care for treatment of VTE for over 40 years. ⋯ Anticoagulants have not been proven efficacious or safe in VTE. The bleeding risks and other complications of anticoagulation are unacceptably high. The use of anticoagulants for patients with VTE should be reconsidered.
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Review Meta Analysis
Review of clinical presentations in Thai patients with primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a very rare but deadly infection of the central nervous system. Since the disease was first identified in 1965, fewer than 200 cases have been observed worldwide. ⋯ PAM is sporadically reported in Thailand but remains a public health issue. The clinical diagnosis of PAM is usually difficult as many clinicians are unfamiliar with the disease. The prognosis outcome is usually grave although broad medications are prescribed.