Tidsskrift for den Norske lægeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny række
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More than six-fold variation in incidence between countries, an increasing incidence among immigrants to high incidence areas, and a general increase in the incidence of breast cancer within countries, are factors which suggest a potential for prevention. Reproductive factors such as early menarche, late age at first full term birth, nulliparity, and late age at menopause increase risk of breast cancer, but manipulation of any one of these factors does not seem to be a realistic preventive tool. ⋯ Alcohol consumption by young women, and overweight among postmenopausal women may also increase the incidence of breast cancer. Consequently, reduced alcohol intake by young women, and weight reduction among overweight women after menopause may reduce the risk of breast cancer.
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Tidsskr. Nor. Laegeforen. · Nov 1990
Review[Transfusion therapy and volume treatment in elective surgery and traumas].
New light has recently been shed on transfusion therapy. Early recurrence of cancer, ill effects on the immune system and increased incidence of postoperative infections have all been suggested as possible complications of overenthusiastic transfusion therapy. ⋯ With this in mind, blood component therapy, giving erythrocytes and plasma components according to documented need, has been started. The article describes our institution's suggested policy for transfusion therapy and volume treatment in elective and trauma surgery.
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Tidsskr. Nor. Laegeforen. · Nov 1990
Review[Conscious and unconscious awareness during anesthesia--how deep is the patient's sleep?].
A review is given over the aspects of awareness during general anaesthesia. Traditional clinical signs for evaluating depth of anaesthesia can be supplemented by objective methods such as EEG, cerebral function monitor and sensory evoked potentials. ⋯ Awareness can be graded from the obvious form, with recall of intraoperative events, to an unconscious form where the memory can be activated through special psychological techniques. We discuss the possibility of using unconscious perception of auditory signals for positive instructions to patients under anaesthesia.
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Tidsskr. Nor. Laegeforen. · Sep 1990
Review[Treatment of heart failure with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors].
Stimulation of the renin angiotensin system, catecholamines and antidiuretic hormone causes prominent vasoconstriction in severe heart failure. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors reverse these effects, and thus ameliorate cardiac function and reduce mortality in severe heart failure. Angiotensin II is an important regulator of renal function in diseases with renal hypoperfusion, and treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors may cause a serious decrease in glomerular filtration and hyperkalemia. Asymptomatic heart failure, acute heart failure and acute myocardial infarction are areas where angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors may prove beneficial in the future.
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Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging, i.e. self-induced vomiting, abuse of cathartic or diuretic drugs, increased activity or periods of restrictive dieting. Studies show that persons with bulimia are prone to a number of medical complications as a result of binge-eating, vomiting and drug abuse. Vomiting is the most harmful in terms of medical risk, and also the most common source of complications. ⋯ Gastric dilatation is the only complication directly associated with binge-eating. Harmless symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation and neuromuscular symptoms are common. This article discusses the pathophysiology behind the complications and their treatment.