Safety of phenol vapor inhalation during performance of chemical matrixectomy to treat ingrown toenails.

Background: Phenol is commonly used in chemical matrixectomies to treat ingrown toenails. Although many studies have documented the safety of phenol matrixectomy for the patient, few studies have investigated the procedure's safety for the physician and auxiliary health care personnel.

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the safety of phenol vapor inhalation for health care personnel during performance of chemical matrixectomy.

Plasma fibronectin as a marker of sepsis.

Objectives: To evaluate the value of plasma fibronectin (pFN) as a diagnostic marker of sepsis.

Subjects And Methods: Plasma FN was determined in patients showing sepsis-related symptoms who had blood cultures performed. These patients were assigned to one of two groups according to their clinical situation: (1) Clinical Septic Group: patients with sepsis according to American College of Chest Physicians/Society of Critical Care Medicine (ACCP/SCCM) criteria; (2) Fever Peak Group: patients who did not fulfil sufficient ACCP/SCCM criteria for sepsis.