South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Gentamicin and penicillin in the treatment of severe respiratory infections.
A combination of penicillin and gentamicin has been used for severely ill patients in a respiratory intensive care ward. It has been shown that predictable mean blood levels of gentamicin can be obtained in these patients by relating the dose to surface area (60 mg/m2/8 h). ⋯ In patients with renal failure, increasing the interval between doses also resulted in satisfactory levels, but close monitoring of the serum creatinine level is considered necessary. No clinical difference could be detected when gentamicin was given by constant or intermittent infusion.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Advantages of left over right lateral tilt for caesarean section.
The relative merits of right and left lateral tilt were assessed in 75 parturients at elective caesarean section. Significant maternal hypotension (aortocaval occlusion) occurred more frequently with rightward tilt (left hip supported). The clinical and biochemical status of the fetus was generally more favourable with left lateral tilt, as were the maternal-to-fetal blood gas gradients and relationships. The routine use of left lateral tilt is advocated.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Plasma cortisol levels in normal volunteers receiving either betamethasone valerate or desoximetasone by topical application.
Desoximetasone (Topisolon; Hoechst), a new topical steroid, and betamethasone 17-valerate were compared with respect to their effects on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function as evidenced by plasma cortisol concentrations. Three grams of each test preparation were applied daily for 21 days to intact skin of the ventral aspects of alternate forearms of 15 normal volunteers. Five received betamethasone 17-valerate 0.1%, 5 desoximetasone 0.05%, and 5 desoximetasone 0.25%. ⋯ These values were compared with the mean control values by analysis of covariance. There was no significant difference in plasma cortisol levels. The value of performing similar studies on larger skin areas and with larger doses is discussed.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
A comparison of tolmetin with aspirin in the treatment of osteo-arthritis of the knee.
A randomized, double-blind crossover study conducted on 55 patients showed tolmetin (Tolectin; Ethnor) (900 mg daily) to be as effective as aspirin (4 500 mg daily) in relieving the symptoms and signs of osteo-arthritis of the knee. Overall, aspirin produced significantly more side-effects, but the incidence of gastro-intestinal side-effects did not differ significantly. In almost every comparison tolmetin had the better score, but differences were not statistically significant; the only exception was the evaluation of the patients' well-being at mid-therapy, which significanlty favoured tolmetin.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Effect of maternal anaesthesia on oxygenation and acid-base status of the newborn infant.