Relative incidence of phlebitis associated with peripheral intravenous catheters in the lower versus upper extremities.

Peripheral venous access in elderly, hospitalized patients is often challenging. The usual alternative is insertion of a central venous catheter, with associated risk for complications. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relative incidence of phlebitis secondary to lower as compared to upper extremity intravenous catheters (IVCs) and associated risk factors.

Health ramifications of the Gush Katif evacuation.

Background: Following the 2005 evacuation of Gush Katif, a community of Jewish settlements located in the greater Gaza Strip, many evacuees reported a deterioration in their health status.

Objectives: To determine if and to what degree the evacuation of Gush Katif caused a worsening in the health status of the evacuees.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study we assessed the medical records of 2962 evacuees for changes in prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and ischemic heart disease in the period beginning 1 year before and ending 5 years after the evacuation.

Bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis complicating local cardiac hypothermia during open heart surgery.

Filling the pericardial sac with ice and saline during open heart surgery protects the myocardium during periods of ischemic arrest. Bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis complicated intense local hypothermia in five patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. All complained of severe orthopnea, exertional dyspnea, insomnia, and excessive daytime somnolence.