Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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A short cut review was carried out to establish whether antibiotics reduce infective complications after puncture wounds to the foot. A total of 29 papers were found using the reported search, of which none answered the question posed. Further research is needed in this area.
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To assess the uptake, usage and acceptability of TOXBASE, the National Poisons Information Service internet toxicology information service. ⋯ TOXBASE has been extensively accessed since being placed on the internet (http://www.spib.axl.co.uk). The pattern of enquiries mirrors clinical presentation with poisoning. The system seems to be easily used. It is a model for future delivery of treatment guidelines at the point of patient care.
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A short cut review was carried out to establish whether phenytoin or paraldehyde should be given as the second drug for resistant fits in children. Altogether 41 papers were found using the reported search, of which none answered the question posed. Further research is needed in this area.
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To assess the incidence of injuries to young children sustained by contact with a domestic vacuum cleaner and to highlight the potential for significant injury. An increase in public awareness of these risks might result in a reduction in morbidity. ⋯ Although the number of cases seen was small, the potential for significant injury must be emphasised and public awareness increased in an attempt to reduce morbidity.
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Case Reports
Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis: reports of seven patients presenting with weakness in an Asian emergency department.
This study was done to describe the features of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis in young Asian men. ⋯ Early morning paralysis can be the first manifestation of hyperthyroidism in Asian men, without the other more typical symptoms of weight loss, increased appetite, excitability, sweaty palms or goitre. Treatment to a euthyroid state will ameliorate the syndrome.