Bevacizumab compared with diode laser in stage 3 posterior retinopathy of prematurity: A 5 year follow up

We conducted a prospective randomized study to compare outcomes of intravitreal Bevacizumab versus diode laser in thirty eyes of fifteen premature babies with zone 1 or posterior zone 2 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). We recorded complications, regression/reactivation of ROP, visual outcome, refractive error and systemic complications. The Bevacizumab treated eyes showed rapid regression of the ROP with resolution of plus disease and flattening of the ridge at 48 hours post injection. In 3 Bevacizumab treated eyes, reactivation occurred and were treated with laser (3 eyes) or a further Bevacizumab injection (1 eye). Of the diode laser treated eyes, one showed progression and was treated with Bevacizumab. At 5 year follow up, good outcomes were observed in both treatment groups. Hoever, less myopia was found in the Bevacizumab compared with the diode laser treated eyes.

Paediatricians' views on their role in the assessment and management of ADHD and autism

ADHD and Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a core component of paediatricians case work in the U.K. and U.S., but the situation in Ireland is less clear. Due to significant underdevelopment of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Ireland, long waiting lists may delay identification and treatment. The aim of our study was to explore the views of a group of paediatricians in relation to their current and future practice of assessing and managing ADHD and ASD. The outcome of our study indicated that more than half of the paediatricians surveyed are directly involved in the assessment or treatment of ADHD and ASD. Eighty five per cent (85%) of paediatricians believed that they should have a role in the assessment of ADHD and ASD and over half had thought that they should be involved in managing ADHD and ASD. These results suggest that there is potential to develop alternative specialist services in Ireland for the identification and treatment of children with ADHD and ASD. The development of a well coordinated integrated care pathway may reduce waiting times for families and lead to easier access to services.

Remifentanil infusion in association with fentanyl–propofol anaesthesia in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: effects on morphine requirement and postoperative analgesia

BACKGROUND

We have prospectively assessed the effects of remifentanil on morphine requirement in the first hour after emerging from general anaesthesia after elective coronary artery bypass surgery and in the first 12 h postoperatively, and pain and agitation scores in the first hour after emerging from general anaesthesia.

METHODS

Twenty patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery, receiving standardized propofol-fentanyl-based anaesthesia, randomly received infusions of either remifentanil 0.1 microg kg(-1) min(-1) (Group R, n=10) or saline (Group S, n=10), each infused at 0.12 ml kg(-1) h(-1). Propofol and trial drug infusion were continued into the postoperative period until the patients were ready to be woken up. Postoperative analgesia was provided with morphine infusion commenced immediately after operation, and was additionally nurse controlled on the basis of a visual analogue scale (VAS) score (0-10). Agitation score was recorded using a VAS of 0-3.

RESULTS

In the first hour after discontinuing propofol and trial infusion, morphine requirements were significantly higher in the remifentanil group (8.15 (sd 3.59) mg) compared with the saline group (3.29 (2.36) mg) (P<0.01). There was no difference in the total morphine given during the period after stopping propofol or in the total requirement in the first 12 h postoperatively. There was no significant difference in either pain scores or agitation scores between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Use of remifentanil is associated with increased opioid requirement in the first hour after it has been discontinued.

Haemostatic risk factors in healthy postmenopausal women taking hormone replacement therapy

OBJECTIVE

To compare changes in haemostatic parameters in healthy postmenopausal women taking either tibolone or 17beta-oestradiol/norethisterone acetate.

METHODS

Factor VIIc, antithrombin, fibrinogen, thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), FDP (D-Dimer), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor I (PAI-1) were measured in 80 healthy postmenopausal women after 3, 6 and 12 months therapy with either 17beta-oestradiol/norethisterone acetate or tibolone.

RESULTS

Both treatments significantly reduced fibrinogen, factor VIIc, antithrombin, tPA and PAI-1 antigen. Significantly lower levels of factor VIIc activity were observed on treatment with tibolone compared with 17beta-oestradiol/norethisterone acetate. TAT was unchanged with both treatments as was tPA activity. FDP (D-dimer) was increased on treatment with both preparations.

CONCLUSIONS

The enhanced fibrin turnover and reduced antithrombin activity may play a role in the increased risk of venous thromboembolism in some susceptible women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and could explain the lack of benefit of HRT in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. The decreased levels of fibrinogen and factor VIIc found during treatment with 17beta-oestradiol/norethisterone acetate or tibolone may offer some degree of cardioprotection in healthy woman without pre-existing disease.

Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting: A Comparison of Anti-Emetic Drugs Used Alone or in Combination

Drugs with anti-emetic properties can exert their actions at more than one receptor site, histamine H1, muscarinic cholinergic or dopaminergic D2 receptors. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that a combination of drugs acting at different receptor sites in lower than standard doses would be at least as effective as a standard therapeutic dose of a single anti-emetic agent. A combination of droperidol, hyoscine and metoclopramide in subtherapeutic doses has been shown to be at least as effective as droperidol (1.25 mg) alone. In both groups there was a low incidence of emetic sequelae in the first 3 hours postoperatively.

Choosing a nurse recruiter

A good nurse recruiter must understand the career objectives of the professional nurse and must be able to work well with both nursing administration and personnel.