The development and performance of a rapid-access neurovascular (TIA) assessment clinic in a rural hospital setting.

Introduction: Following the withdrawal of acute medical services from rural Angus, a rapid-access Neurovascular (TIA) Clinic was established at Stracathro Hospital in December 2003. Referral protocols were agreed with Angus Primary Care. We measured the performance of this clinic over its first two years against national standards outlined by Quality Improvement Scotland (2005).

Optimizing antibiotic therapy-the Aberdeen experience.

Objective: To study the quality and continuity of treatment in the Acute Medicines Assessment Unit (AMAU) with regard to empirical prescription of antibiotics, mode of administration, adherence to ward antibiotic policy, as well as collection, awareness and utilization of microbiological investigations.

Methods: A prospective study over a 3-month period at the AMAU, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI), a teaching hospital in north-eastern Scotland, was performed. The study included all patients started on empirical antibiotics on admission to the AMAU and followed up until their discharge.

Risk factors for developing renal stones in inflammatory bowel disease.

Objective: To correlate renal calculi and other clinical factors with urinary biochemical analytes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, and to investigate the relative importance of hyperoxaluria (associated with fat malabsorption) or reduced stone inhibitors in the development of calculi in these patients.

Patients, Subjects And Methods: Samples were obtained from 25 patients with Crohn's disease (CD), 15 with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 17 normal subjects (controls). Evidence for the presence of renal calculi was obtained from plain films, ultrasonography or intravenous urography.

Intestinal permeability in patients with Crohn's disease and their first-degree relatives.

Objective: To measure small intestinal permeability in a group of patients with Crohn's disease in clinical remission and their apparently healthy first-degree relatives.

Methods: Administration of 51Cr-labeled EDTA and subsequent measurement of its excretion in a 24-h urine collection.

Results: Excretion of 51Cr-EDTA was not elevated in either the patients or in first-degree relatives.