Modelling and assessing one- and two-drug dose titrations.

In health-care, there is a need to quantify medical errors. Among these errors, we observe wrong dose prescriptions. Drug dose titration (DT) is the process by which dosage is progressively adjusted to the patient till a steady dose is reached.

Triage flowchart to rule out acute coronary syndrome.

Aim: The aim of the study was to establish a triage flowchart to rule out acute coronary syndrome (ACS) among patients with chest pain (CP) arriving on an Emergency Department (ED).

Patients And Method: This prospective observational study included 1000 consecutive patients with CP arriving on an ED CP unit. Demographic and clinical characteristics along with vital signs were recorded as independent variables.

[Ex vivo analysis of mitochondrial function in patients attended in an emergency department due to carbon monoxide poisoning].

Background And Objective: Many experimental studies in animals have demonstrated that carbon monoxide (CO) has the ability to bind to complex IV of the mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) inhibiting its function. It is unknown, however, if this situation is also present in patients who are admitted to an emergency department because of acute CO poisoning. The objective of this study was to evaluate from different points of view whether or not mitochondrial function is abnormal in patients admitted because of an acute CO poisoning.

[Emergency department overcrowding: quantification of associated factors].

Background And Objective: Emergency department (ED) overcrowding has been increasing over the last years. The aims are to define ED overcrowding, and to determine and quantify which factors explain it.

Patients And Method: For 3 consecutive weeks throughout 3 years (2000-2002), we recorded every 3-hour period, the arrivals, the occupancy rate (OR) of patients in ED, in first aid area (FAA), and in observation area (OA) according to the reason for their stay.

Effect of smoking cessation on mitochondrial respiratory chain function.

Objective: Chronic smoking has been associated with diverse mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) dysfunction in lymphocytes, although inhibition of complex IV activity is the most consistent and relevant finding. These mitochondrial abnormalities have been proposed to contribute to pathogenesis of diseases associated with tobacco consumption. We assessed MRC function in peripheral lymphocytes from heavy smokers after cessation in smoking habit.