Harefuah
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common disease that tends to occur worldwide. Physiologically, COPD represents a disruption in ventilation and in the exchange of gases in the lungs. Laboratory tests indicate elevated CO2 level, gradual reduction of the levels of oxygen and pH in arterial blood, and a consequent rise in the Dead Space Fraction (DSF) of the lungs. ⋯ Evaluation of Dead Space Fraction does not provide a factor in estimating the length of treatment for patients with acute respiratory failure due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
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Multicenter Study
[The management of pediatric appendicitis: an opinion survey of Israeli pediatric surgeons].
Appendicitis remains the most common acute surgical condition of the abdomen in children. However, considerable controversy still exists among surgeons as to the management of pediatric appendicitis. The goal of this study was to determine current practice patterns and provide a foundation for evidence-based outcome studies that would standardize patient care. ⋯ There is an apparent consensus on the many aspects of perioperative and postoperative care of pediatric appendicitis among Israeli Pediatric Surgeons (IPS). This study consolidates current opinions on appropriate management of pediatric appendicitis, providing a foundation for evidence-based outcome studies.
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Multicenter Study
[The role of nonoperative management of penetrating renal trauma].
Penetrating renal trauma has been treated traditionally by renal exploration. In view of the successful outcome of nonoperative treatment of major blunt renal trauma, there has been a gradual shift in the approach to penetrating renal injuries, in selected cases. This study reviews the local experience with the conservative approach to penetrating renal injuries. ⋯ The present study presents a successful conservative approach to penetrating renal injuries in 10 out of 18 cases. All renal units in the nonoperated patients were preserved in comparison to only half in the surgically treated patients. Hence, nonoperative treatment is a reasonable option for the majority of minor penetrating renal injuries as well as in many selected high-grade injuries. This approach provides maximal preservation of the injured kidney with manageable complications.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
[Efficacy and safety of levetiracetam (keppra) add-on treatment in adult patients with refractory epilepsy in two tertiary centers].
Levetiracetam (LEV) is a new generation anti-epileptic drug, which has been approved as add-on therapy for partial epilepsy. The mechanism of LEV is not yet completely understood. ⋯ The results of this study, as well as previous studies, suggest that LEV is a well-tolerated new antiepileptic drug, and as an add-on therapy it may effectively improve seizure control in patients with intractable epilepsy.