British journal of hospital medicine
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Late paraphrenia is one of a group of paranoid disorders arising in the elderly. The distinctive clinical and social features of this disorder are highlighted in this article together with the possible aetiological causes.
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Despite increased public awareness of the dangers of fire, burns remain a part of everyday life. Most accident departments will see one or more burn victims each day and, although not common, major burns still occur. In this and a second article we review the pathophysiology of thermal injury and describe the early treatment of a major burn victim.
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Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most feared complication of herpes zoster and remains one of the most common and intractable chronic pain disorders. Recent evidence has shed some light on the possible mechanisms of pain, and on the prophylactic and treatment approaches to PHN. This article reviews the current concepts and management of PHN.
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Epiglottitis is an acute life-threatening infectious condition characterised by local supraglottic inflammation. Although it is predominantly a disease of childhood, it occurs in all age groups. The risk of sudden complete airway obstruction necessitates careful monitoring, prompt responses and clinical expertise in airway management.
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Craniosynostosis poses a challenge to a multiplicity of paediatric specialties. In addition to the obvious cosmetic considerations there are often severe functional connotations. The spectrum of these disorders is outlined, and their investigation and the options for surgical correction are discussed.