South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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Anaesthesia was induced with Alfathesin (60 - 70 mul/kg) in 50 healthy mothers undergoing elective Caesarean section. Anaesthesia was maintained with nitrous oxide, oxygen, muscle relaxants and controlled ventilation. ⋯ Blood gas studies done on the mothers before induction and at delivery, revealed a mild respiratory alkalosis associated with a moderate degree of metabolic acidosis, which appeared to increase during anaesthesia. Umbilical cord blood gas analyses indicated a mild degree of fetal respiratory acidosis (mean pCO2 Uv 45,3
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The experiences of a team beginning and running a rural orthopaedic clinic are described. Suggestions for the running of such a clinic are put forward.
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Population figures for the Republic of South Africa are given, with projected figures to the year 2000. The population status of the Municipality of Johannesburg, its birth rate and infant mortality rate, are presented. ⋯ Figures relating to attendence at family planning clinics in Johannesburg are presented. Aspects such as consent for contraception, sex education for adolescents, abortion and sterilisation are commented on.
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Coagulation profiles of serum fibrinogen, factors V and VIII and haemoglobin in normal pregnancies during labour, delivery and the early puerperium are presented. These factors were also studied in patients with abruptio placentae, in intra-uterine death, and in patients whose pregnancies were terminated with intra-amniotic saline and prostaglandin F2alpha. An assessment of fibrinolytic activity in these patients was made using qualitative (euglobulin lysis time) and quantitative (FR-antigen) tests. The coagulation findings presented form a basis for the rational management of defibrination in obstetrics.
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A series of 115 consecutive cases of acutely injured knee, occurring mainly as a result of rugby-football, is analysed. It is suggested that the successful management of an acute knee injury often depends on the doctor of first contact. A scheme of diagnosis and early management is outlined. Acute subluxation of the patella is shown to be a definite entity in the differential diagnosis of an acute knee injury, and a classification for the purposes of the doctor of first contact is proposed.