Ethiopian medical journal
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Septic shock remains an important cause of death and serious morbidity in medical, surgical and obstetric illness. Many patients with septic shock succumb despite aggressive therapy. ⋯ Better outcome is more likely when recognition is early and treatment is much more aggressive. Therefore, where there is suspicion of septic shock: commence fluid resuscitation, administer oxygen, take blood, urine, and other fluids for culture, commence intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics, pass a urethral catheter, determine the cause of sepsis and remove if possible, consult for expert medical advice and possible patient transfer to intensive care units, and provide supportive care to involved organ systems.
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Ethiopian medical journal · Jan 2003
The McGill Pain Questionnaire in Amharic: Zwai Health Center patients' reports on the experience of pain.
This paper presents for the first time an Amharic translation of the McGill Pain Questionnaire developed by Melzack and used in many countries around the world. It allows for a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the intensity, location, and nature of experienced pain, as well as conditions that relieve pain. Data collected from one hundred patients attending the Zwai Health Center indicated that 81% reported pain at the time, one-quarter of whom were in severe pain. ⋯ Approximately 40% of those in pain had previously sought relief from a clinic or pharmacy and were attending the center because the pain persisted. Analgesics were more likely to be prescribed for those in mild pain, while other medication without analgesics were prescribed for those in severe pain. The McGill Pain Questionnaire--Amharic (MPQ-Am) could be a useful tool for future studies of illness-specific pain, and of the effectiveness of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical strategies for pain management.
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Ethiopian medical journal · Jan 2003
Case ReportsA giant retrosternal goiter with severe tracheal compression and superior vena cava syndrome: an operative experience.
The peculiarities in the operation of a giant retrosternal goiter with severe tracheal compression and superior vena cava syndrome are highlighted in this report of a 53 year-old female with a large anterior neck swelling interfering with normal breathing and swallowing. From the initiation of the neck incision, mobilization of the gland and performing the subtotal excisions there was troublesome bleeding. Pneumothorax resulting after delivery of the massive retrosternal portion was managed with an underwater-seal drainage tube.