High Prevalence of among South Asian Migrants in Primary Care-Associations with Eosinophilia and Gastrointestinal Symptoms.

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are a frequent reason for primary care consultation, and common amongst patients with strongyloidiasis. We conducted a prospective cohort and nested case control study in East London to examine the predictive value of a raised eosinophil count or of GI symptoms, for infection in South Asian migrants. We included 503 patients in the final analyses and all underwent a standardised GI symptom questionnaire, eosinophil count and serology testing.

The assessment of circulating volume using inferior vena cava collapse index and carotid Doppler velocity time integral in healthy volunteers: a pilot study.

Background: Assessment of circulating volume and the requirement for fluid replacement are fundamental to resuscitation but remain largely empirical. Passive leg raise (PLR) may determine fluid responders while avoiding potential fluid overload. We hypothesised that inferior vena cava collapse index (IVCCI) and carotid artery blood flow would change predictably in response to PLR, potentially providing a non-invasive tool to assess circulating volume and identifying fluid responsive patients.

Emergency department procedural sedation: the London experience.

Aim: The aim of this study was to develop a procedural sedation guideline and an audit tool to identify the medications chosen, the incidence of predefined adverse events and the factors associated with their occurrence.

Methods: We performed a prospective observational study using a standardized proforma. We obtained data on patient demographics, the procedure performed, the drugs used and the dosages and predefined adverse events.

Best approach to measuring the inferior vena cava in spontaneously ventilating patients: a pilot study.

The objective of this study was to establish the reliability of different measurements of inferior vena cava (IVC) size and respiratory variation in response to changes in circulating volume. Transabdominal ultrasound measurements of the IVC were obtained in longitudinal (B and M modes) and transverse planes (B-mode height and ellipse circumference) during inspiration and expiration, and inferior vena cava collapsibility indices (IVCci) were calculated. Measurements were repeated following venesection of ∼450 ml.

Self-perception of knowledge and confidence in performing basic life support among medical students.

Aim: Before implementing new workshops and teaching in our faculty for performing basic life support (BLS), we aimed to determine the level of self-confidence of medical students with regard to the management of cardiac arrest (CA).

Methods: We conducted a preinterventional study. A questionnaire was sent to third-year to sixth-year medical students.

Introduction of automated blood pressure devices intended for a low resource setting in rural Tanzania.

Regular blood pressure (BP) monitoring is a cost-effective means of early identification and management of hypertensive disease in pregnancy. In much of rural sub-Saharan Africa, the ability to take and act on accurate BP measurements is lacking as a result of poorly functioning or absent equipment and/or inadequate staff education. This study describes the feasibility of using validated automated BP devices suitable for low-resource settings (LRS) in primary health-care facilities in rural Tanzania.

Can a low-resource-use blood pressure device impact on global maternal mortality?

Background: Hypertension in pregnancy in the developing world is largely underreported, misdiagnosed, and untreated, especially in rural settings, though it contributes significantly to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. To reduce general global cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality, the World Health Organization aims to develop and validate low-resource-use blood pressure devices for use in developing nations.

Objective And Methods: To describe how existing antenatal care systems provide a useful and relevant model through which to evaluate the potential for this initiative to be applied in low-resource settings and to offer opportunities for much needed further research.