British journal of hospital medicine
-
Many physicians feel less confident about managing red eyes than any problem they commonly encounter. This article presents a quick, systematic way of approaching red eyes and encourages physicians to treat minor problems themselves and to refer appropriately (urgently of routinely) those where specialist help is needed.
-
Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains a major global health problem and the recent outbreaks of multidrug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis have been a major cause for concern. An accurate picture of the extent of this problem is not possible because only a limited number of countries have reliable surveillance programmes. However, the experience in the USA reinforces the need for strict adherence to standard public health measures and good clinical practices to minimise the impact of MDR tuberculosis in the human immunodeficiency virus era.
-
Care of patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage caused by ruptured cerebral artery aneurysm requires careful assessment of neurological function and prevention of rebleeding and ischaemia throughout the perioperative period. An understanding of the cerebral protection techniques used during periods of ischaemia or circulatory arrest will assist the provision of optimal conditions for successful surgical treatment of the aneurysm.
-
Profound hypothermia, defined as a core temperature of less than 28 degrees C, is a life-threatening situation associated with high mortality. Causes of severe hypothermia are prolonged exposure to cold air, water or snow. Initial basic life support and correct decisions to further therapeutic management are crucial for the patient's outcome.