Mycoplasma pneumoniae associated with Stevens Johnson syndrome.

We describe a case of Mycoplasma pneumoniae chest infection associated with Stevens Johnson syndrome. The patient had extensive epidermal bullous vesicles, oropharyngeal and genital ulceration and required prolonged ventilation due to respiratory failure. Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections are often asymptomatic but can involve multiple organ systems.

Topical anaesthesia for phacoemulsification surgery.

Aim: To assess the discomfort experienced by patients undergoing phacoemulsification under topical anaesthesia.

Methods: Thirty patients had a collagen contact lens, soaked in 4% lignocaine, placed on the cornea 23-89 min preoperatively. Immediately preoperatively, additional ophthetic drops were inserted.

Triage nurse requested x rays--the results of a national survey.

Objective: To ascertain the prevalence and experiences of triage nurse requested x ray systems among accident and emergency (A&E) departments in the UK.

Method: A descriptive study of a postal survey of 225 major A&E departments listed in the British Association for Accident and Emergency Medicine directory.

Results: Altogether 165 (73%) questionnaires were returned.

Triage nurse requested x rays--are they worthwhile?

Objective: To study an established triage nurse x ray requesting system to determine whether sending defined groups of patients for radiography before assessment by doctors or emergency nurse practitioners (ENPs) resulted in shorter waiting times for patients without compromising quality of care.

Methods: Prospective randomised controlled study of "walking wounded" patients attending a district general hospital. Data were collected over two separate two week periods, six months apart, in the middle of two senior house officer appointment periods.