Hepatic microvascular changes in rat abdominal compartment syndrome.

Background: Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is associated with an increased rate of multiple organ dysfunction and is an independent marker for mortality. Our objective was to develop an animal model to study the mechanisms of tissue and microvascular injury associated with ACS at the microscopic level.

Materials And Methods: ACS was established in rats with CO₂ insufflation at 20 mm Hg for 2 h, with an abdominal cast.

Factors affecting transfusion requirement after hip fracture: can we reduce the need for blood?

Background: Hip fractures are common injuries that result in blood loss and frequently require the transfusion of blood products. We sought to identify risk factors leading to increased blood transfusion in patients presenting with hip fractures, especially those factors that are modifiable.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of all patients who had fixation of their hip fractures between October 2005 and February 2010.

A comparison of surgical delays in directly admitted versus transferred patients with hip fractures: opportunities for improvement?

Background: The increasing incidence of hip fractures in our aging population challenges orthopedic surgeons and hospital administrators to effectively care for these patients. Many patients present to regional hospitals and are transferred to tertiary care centres for surgical management, resulting in long delays to surgery. Providing timely care may improve outcomes, as delay carries an increased risk of morbidity and mortality.

The underlying aetiologies of coma in febrile Sudanese children.

Background: Cerebral malaria, acute bacterial meningitis and viral encephalitis are the main causes of fever and altered consciousness in the tropics. In areas where reliable laboratory testing is unavailable, over diagnosis and misdiagnosis of these conditions is likely. In malaria endemic countries non-malarial contributors to coma may be overlooked, overburdening available resources.

Prevalence of smoking among school adolescents in Khartoum State.

Tobacco is the single most important cause of chronic morbidity in the Developed World. Tobacco use primarily begins in early adolescence, reportedly before the time of high school graduation. By 2015 tobacco use is projected to cause 50% more deaths than AIDS.