Hospital medicine (London, England : 1998)
-
The drug hyoscine has several indications for symptom control for patients with end-stage disease. The transdermal preparation, Scopoderm, is most widely used to control excess salivary secretions but it can also have a role in the management of terminal secretions and in the control of nausea.
-
The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can arise from a range of predisposing insults. Mortality rates are high for patients with ARDS and survivors require extended and expensive intensive care treatment. This article presents evidence that implicates the production of toxic and damaging reactive oxygen species in the pathogenesis of ARDS.
-
Amniotic fluid embolism is rare but is a significant cause of maternal death. No clear risk factors seem to be identifiable from previous cases. A register has been established in the UK to look at possible therapies.