Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi / Hong Kong Academy of Medicine
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Review
Measuring and preventing potentially avoidable hospital readmissions: a review of the literature.
To review literature identifying key components for measuring avoidable readmissions, their prevalence, risk factors, and interventions that can reduce potentially avoidable readmissions. ⋯ A standard instrument to identify avoidable readmission is important in enabling valid comparisons within the system and at different timelines, so as to permit robust evaluation of interventions. The assessment of preventable risk factors for readmissions also provides a basis for designing and implementing intervention programmes.
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Review
If not appendicitis, then what else can it be? A retrospective review of 1492 appendectomies.
To audit the appendectomies at our institute, and summarise atypical pathological results with a discussion of appropriate management. DESIGN. Retrospective study. ⋯ A more focused utilisation of preoperative imaging in females of reproductive age and patients at the extremes of age is suggested. Long-term follow-up should be offered to patients with granulomatous appendicitis and neoplastic appendiceal diseases.
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To study the acute clinical presentations of ketamine abusers in Hong Kong. ⋯ Most ketamine abusers presented acutely with transient central nervous system depression, abdominal pain, or lower urinary tract symptoms. Clinicians should be alert to the typical age-group, signs and symptoms of such abusers presenting in an acute medical setting.
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To review the characteristics and health-related quality-of-life outcomes of obstetric patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. ⋯ Postpartum haemorrhage and pregnancy-associated hypertension were the most common causes of admission to our Intensive Care Unit. Overall mortality was low. Long-term health-related quality of life in discharged patients was lower than the norm of the Hong Kong population. Appropriate antenatal care is important in preventing obstetric complications. Continued psychosocial follow-up of discharged patients has to be implemented.
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To review currently available evidence on the epidemiology and methods of management for necrotising fasciitis, with particular reference to Hong Kong. ⋯ Clinicians must adopt a high index of suspicion for necrotising fasciitis. Empirical antibiotics must be started early and repeated physical examinations should be performed, while maintaining a low threshold for tissue biopsy and surgery. The timing of the first fasciotomy and radical debridement within a window of 24 hours from symptom onset is associated with significantly improved survival.