The influence of lunar phenomena on the incidence of emergency cases.

It is widely believed that the incidence of specific emergency cases shows clustering during long observation periods. Though there is no scientific proof, many physicians and other emergency staff believe in influences of the moon or the signs of the zodiac. The aim of our retrospective study over 6 years was to evaluate (a) if there are any statistically documented peaks of frequency of emergency cases at all, and (b) if they can be linked to lunar phenomena.

Hemodynamic and oxygenation profiles in the early period after hyperbaric oxygen therapy: an observational study of intensive-care patients.

Background: We studied whether hemodynamic and oxygenation profiles are altered in critically ill patients after exposure to hyperbaric oxygen (HBO).

Methods: Ten intensive-care patients (two females, eight males) undergoing HBO treatment after major abdominal surgery, after burn injury and after CO poisoning were included. All subjects were put on mechanical ventilation and received continuous sedation, and had HBO treatment at 2.

Comparison of lactate or BE during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest to determine metabolic acidosis.

During cardiopulmonary resuscitation, pH and base excess (BE) decrease to a variable degree due to metabolic acidosis. The main cause has been shown to be lactate, which cannot be eliminated sufficiently because of low perfusion during cardiac massage. Both BE and lactate can be measured in the prehospital phase.