[ABCDE--a systematic approach to critically ill patients].

This systematic approach to the immediate assessment and treatment of the critically ill or injured patient is applicable in all clinical emergencies. The aim of the ABCDE approach is to facilitate immediate life-saving treatment and thus buy time for definite diagnosis and treatment by breaking down complex clinical situations into manageable parts. Application of the ABCDE approach may improve treatment quality.

[Differences in the treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in children].

Introduction: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a rare immune-mediated bleeding disorder that usually takes a self-limiting and benign course. Due to the risk of intracranial haemorrhage, treatment regimens tend to be active. We present treatment data from 17 paediatric departments in Denmark (1998-2000), focusing on regional differences in treatment strategy.

[Prolonged mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation].

Efficient cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) contributes to improved outcome after cardiac arrest. New mechanical devices improve cardiac output. We present a case-report with a male patient who was admitted after 55 minutes of out-of-hospital CPR which was followed by 45 minutes of in-hospital CPR with a mechanical device (LUCAS).

[Antibiotic prophylaxis in relation to dental treatment of patients with hip or knee joint prosthesis is seldom necessary].

A review of the literature with respect to whether antibiotic prophylaxis should be recommended in relation to dental treatment of patients with hip or knee joint prosthesis. We find no evidence for such a general recommendation. As neutropenic patients and patients with rheumatoid arthritis are generally more prone to develop periprosthetic infections it can be considered in these cases to give prophylactic antibiotics before more extensive dental treatments.

[Unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparin for acute coronary syndromes--assessment of a Cochrane review].

In aspirin-treated patients with acute coronary syndromes without ST-segment elevation unfractionated heparin (UFH) or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) treatment < 7 days significantly reduce the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and LMWH furthermore reduces revascularisation. There is a non-significant effect on mortality compared with placebo and an insignificantly increased risk of haemorrhagic complications. No net clinical benefit of LMWH was found compared to UHF, but LMWH has pharmacokinetic advantages.

[Rare form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease].

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is the most common type of prion disease. A considerable variation in disease phenotype is seen, primarily influenced by a naturally occurring polymorphism in the prion protein gene. We present a case of sporadic CJD of atactic type.

[Second-degree burn in a pregnant woman].

The incidence of burn injuries in pregnancy is low. Nevertheless, burns can cause maternal and foetal mortality and should be treated aggressively if substantial. Minor burns may frequently be managed without hospitalization.

[Improved survival in children with neuroblastoma].

Introduction: The aims of the present study were to analyze whether changes in incidence and mortality rates have taken place in Denmark during the period 1981-2005, and whether the distribution of known prognostic factors has changed during this period.

Material And Methods: A total of 206 children below 15 years of age with neuroblastoma or ganglioneuroblastoma who were diagnosed in Denmark between 1981 and 2005.

Results: The incidence was 8.

[Cancer stem cells in the haematopoietic system].

Cancer is dependent on so-called cancer stem cells that initiate and maintain the cancer cell population. Stem cells are described in normal tissue as low-frequent, self-renewing cells with a multi- or pluripotent differentiation potential. The true characteristics of the cancer-initiating cells are still not entirely known, but it is obvious that identifying these cells will enable us to better understand the biology of cancer.

[Preoperative functional magnetic resonance imaging in patients with brain tumors].

Introduction: Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) allows important functions in the brain cortex to be mapped noninvasively. The purpose with this work was to investigate a possible correlation between the distance from the tumour margin to fMRI activity and postoperative neurological deficits by means of a standardised method for measurement of distance. A second purpose was to investigate the influence of preoperative fMRI on the neurosurgical decision-making process.

[Non-convulsive status epilepticus in 12-year-old].

This case report describes nonconvulsive status epilepticus of complex partial type in a 12-year-old, otherwise healthy girl. The case illustrates the characteristic epileptic twilight state with prolonged bizarre behaviour, psychosis, confusion and normal mental state. It may be difficult to identify the condition in childhood, as changes in behaviour and cognition are often recognized later than in adults.

[Nonconvulsive status epilepticus in children].

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is defined by cognitive or behavioural changes for at least 30 minutes supplemented with evidence of seizures on electroencephalogram (EEG). NCSE constitutes 25% of all cases of status epilepticus (SE) and the highest incidence is seen among children below one year of age. The condition frequently occurs in patients with neurological injuries, specific epilepsy syndromes, learning disabilities and in the course of convulsive SE.

[Non-attendance and late cancellation in private psychiatric practice].

Introduction: We investigated non-attendance and cancellation of appointment on the day of the appointment in private psychiatric practice in Denmark.

Material And Methods: Data from 2005 from a quality assurance database for private psychiatric practice (QAD3P) and a pilot investigation during one week comprise the data basis for this study. A total of 14 psychiatrists, i.

[Influenza A H1N1v treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation].

A 37-year-old woman with body mass index > 30 was admitted to hospital with severe pneumonia due to H1N1v. Thoracic X-ray showed bilateral, diffuse infiltrates. There was no sign of complicating bacterial infection and all microbiological tests of tracheal secretion, blood and urine were negative.

[Urine samples from children collected in their homes].

Introduction: Children at high risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) enter a programme for domestic urine sampling at the Paediatric Department in Aarhus. Parents collect urine, describe symptoms and post the samples. We wanted to determine the value of domestic urine sampling and to evaluate the programme.

[Use of translational database at clinical department].

In haematology it is assumed that integrative analysis of global gene expression, protein and cell profiles as well as clinical data will lead to the development of new diagnostic, prognostic and predictive methods. A translational database system registering and combining all data and clinical observations about the patient is therefore needed. It is expected that along with automated prediction and prognosis tools, such a database system may have the potential to assist the development of new machine-based diagnostic decision-making processes.

[Primary cerebral vasculitis in children].

Introduction: Primary cerebral vasculitis in children is a newly recognized, rare inflammatory condition affecting the vessels of the brain. It is characterized by newly acquired neurological deficit(s) with angiographic or histological evidence of central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis, in the absence of other known diseases with these findings.

Material And Methods: We performed a retrospective review of children below 15 years submitted with CNS vasculitis to the department between 1999 and 2008.

[Chronic meningococcemia with meningitis triggered by steroid therapy].

We present a case of chronic meningococcemia in a 27-year-old male with seven weeks of cyclic fever, arthralgia, and exanthema. While numerous blood cultures were negative, immunosuppressive treatment led to acute meningitis, and Neisseria meningitidis was detected. Serial meningococcal antibody tests were retrospectively analyzed and showed discrete seroconversion.

[Interdisciplinary geriatric intervention among nursing home residents with hip fracture reduces mortality].

Introduction: Nursing home residents represent the majority of hip fracture hospitalisation cases. Quick discharge to nursing homes after surgery is common practice. A previous study indicates an increased risk of death immediately after discharge.

[Increased prevalence of depression in hepatitis C infection patients].

The prevalence of depression is increased in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Several aetiological mechanisms are thought to be involved, e.g.

[Towards a unified treatment approach for functional somatic syndromes and somatization].

Identical treatment strategies have proven effective in various functional somatic syndromes (FSS) and evidence is increasing that FSS share common aetiological factors, pathophysiological mechanisms and psychological features. Currently, only a minority of patients with FSS receive evidence-based treatment. The main reasons for this are inappropriate organisation of care, physicians' lack of knowledge and a widespread neglect of patients' suffering.

[New unifying diagnosis of functional diseases].

Functional somatic symptoms are prevalent in all medical settings, but their management is hampered by an obsolete theoretical framework and inadequate classification systems. Epidemiological and neurobiological studies suggest that the functional somatic syndromes, e.g.

[Predictors of chronic sequelae in whiplash trauma].

Prognostic factors for chronic whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) are identified. In WAD grade I-III, 50% report neck pain after one year (30% in background population). There is a female preponderance among WAD cases.