This Month’s IMJ November/December 2016
Vol 109 Number 10
A slice of hospital toast a day keeps the doctors at bay:
Martin and report on a survey that confirms the popularity of hospital toast. 92% of the study participants stated that it was the best. The mystery behind magical hospital toast remains unsolved.
P478
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Autumn weather and winter increase in cerebrovascular disease mortality:
McDonagh and Harbison address the issue of winter and excess cerebrovascular disease. They point out that in a 12 year period there were 25,478 deaths due to cerebrovascular disease with 27.6% in the first quarter and 23.8% in the third quarter. The mean winter mortality excess was 24.7%.
P479
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A Cost Minimisation Analysis of NOACs Compared to Warfarin to Attain Therapeutic Anticoagulation amongst AF Patients, Pre and Post Cardioversion
O’Shea et al have demonstrated that NOACs used in AF patients pre and post DCCV is cost-effective. There was a cost differential €209 between patients administered NOACs and those administered Warfarin.
P480
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Medical record weight (MRW): a new reliable predictor of hospital stay, morbidity and mortality in the hip fracture population?
Calpin and Teheny found that the MRW was a good way of predicting morbidity and mortality. It compared favourably with other surgical risk scoring systems. Patients who developed complications had significantly heavier charts than those who did not (4.9Kg vs 1.81Kg).
P481
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Recent Trends in Vaginal Birth After Caesarean Section
Brick and Layte have examined the vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) in 2 Dublin hospitals and compared it with the US and Germany. In Ireland over time the caesarean section rate has increased and the VBAC rate has decreased. The reduction in VBAC births has contributed significantly to the rise in caesarean section rates.
P482
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Clinical consensus guidelines on the application of cerebrospinal biomarkers for Alzheimers disease diagnosis; recommendations by the Irish network for biomarkers in neurodegeneration
Miller et al report on a consensus statement for the use of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in the evaluation of Alzheimers disease.
P483
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When do we think that it is safe to drive after hand surgery: current practice and legal perspective
Murphy and Martin-Smith found that the advice was unclear. Those surveyed felt that it was the patient’s decision (53%), the insurance company (40%) and the doctor (7%).
P484