[Foetal reduction--a retrospective survey].

Introduction: Foetal reduction is a procedure by which one or more foetuses in a multi-foetal pregnancy are terminated selectively by an intracardial injection of potassium chloride. There is no Danish study regarding the outcomes after this procedure. The purpose of this study was to calculate results of the foetal reductions performed at Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby.

[Lumbar fusion surgery for degenerative conditions in Denmark 2005-2006].

Introduction: The indication and use of lumbar spinal fusion surgery for degenerative conditions is being debated.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to describe recent trends in lumbar fusion surgery for degenerative conditions in Denmark.

Material And Methods: A cohort study using a sample from the Danish National Patient Registry was used.

[Prehospital ultrasound].

Danish anaesthesiologists use ultrasound (US) to examine and treat acutely ill or traumatized patients in the emergency room, operating theatre and intensive care unit. They are also involved in pre-hospital care where US may theoretically be beneficial for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The literature concerning the potential use of emergency US in the pre-hospital setting is evaluated.

[Lung sonography in the critically ill patient].

Lung sonography is an old technique applied in a new fashion. Applying lung sonography in the examination of an acute patient with pulmonary problems is a novelty in Denmark. Applications, limitations, techniques, equipment and general principles for lung sonography are reviewed.

[Topical immune modulation and risk of cancer].

This article reviews if local immunosuppression of atopic dermatitis is associated with an increased risk of cancer - as implicated by a warning issued by the FDA and EMEA health authorities because systemic immunosuppression of transplanted patients leads to a significant increase of non-melanoma skin cancer and lymphoma. So far, no studies support that the use of topical immunosuppression increases the risk of local or systemic cancer.

[Reconstruction of the maxilla with pedicled temporalis muscle after maxillectomy].

Introduction: Removal of the maxilla requires adequate restoration of the maxillary structure to replace form and functions, especially vocal and eating functions. A host of reconstructive options are available to restore the maxilla, most of which include free-flap reconstruction. The aim of this study was to clinically evaluate the use of pedicled temporalis flap for reconstruction of the maxilla and to assess patient quality of life.

[Medical treatment of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism].

Surgery is the recommended treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism. For exceptional medical treatment, the main drugs available are cinacalcet to normalize plasma calcium, and bisphosphonates to prevent bone loss. The patients eligible for medical therapy are those who cannot be operated or whose condition persists despite optimal surgical treatment.

[Catheter-based aortic valve substitution. Initial experiences with stent valve implantation].

Introduction: Recent years have seen the introduction of catheter-based aortic valve substitution with stent valves to treat aortic valve stenosis in patients who were deemed inoperable via conventional open heart surgery. We here report our initial experience.

Material And Methods: Register-based study with prospective registration of prespecified parameters.

[Insulin treatment in children].

Improving the diabetes metabolic regulation decreases the risk of microvascular diabetic complications. Insulin treatment in children therefore tends to be intensified to multiple-dose insulin (MDI) or continuous subcutaneous insulin injection (CSII). Further, insulin analogues are increasingly used.

[Aprotinin scintigraphy in amyloidosis].

Amyloidosis is a disease characterized by protein deposition (amyloid) in THE extracellular matrix leading to organ dysfunction and death. New treatment modalities have emphasized the need for accurate and early diagnosis. Aprotinin scintigraphy is a radionuclide imaging technique in which the localisation and extent of amyloid deposits are visualized.

[Bilateral tubal pregnancy].

Bilateral tubal pregnancies are extremely rare and they are usually found after assisted reproductive techniques have been applied. A rare case of bilateral tubal pregnancy after natural conception, occurring in a woman without any predisposing factors for ectopic pregnancy, is presented. The condition was diagnosed during laparoscopic surgery, and she was optimally treated with conservative tubal surgery.

[Coarctation of the aorta: 40-year follow-up after surgical repair--secondary publication].

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) was previously considered cured after surgical repair. Among 229 patients operated for CoA in Aarhus between 1965 and 1985, 14 died at surgery and 35 died during 20-40 years of follow-up, mainly due to cardiovascular disease. The mortality among CoA patients was 4.

[Purulent coxitis in 8-year-old boy caused by Salmonella enteritidis].

Salmonella enteritidis is a rare cause of suppurative arthritis of the hip joint in children. The diagnosis is clinical and paraclinical. Treatment is surgical with decompression and antibiotics according to culture.

[Assisted reproduction for HIV discordant couples].

Introduction: In Denmark assisted reproductive treatment to HIV discordant couples is offered in order to minimize risk of horizontal transmission of virus.

Material And Methods: The outcome of 24 HIV-seropositive couples referred with a wish for parenthood to Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, between September 1999 and December 2007 was reviewed on the basis of prospectively collected data. A total of 18 couples were offered treatment.

[Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery].

Introduction: We have experienced a growing demand from patients for minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

Material And Methods: From March 2006 through November 2007 we performed endoscopic mitral valve surgery in 30 patients (20 mitral valve repairs, eight mitral valve replacements and two extirpations of mitral valve fibroelstoma). Seven patients had concomitant surgery, including cryomaze to eliminate atrial fibrillation and/or closure of an atrial septal defect (ASD).

[Surgical left ventricle reconstruction for treatment of heart failure].

Introduction: Surgical ventricular reconstruction is an option for treatment of heart failure elicited by left ventricular aneurism. The aim of this study was to report the results of such treatment in our tertiary centre.

Material And Methods: From January 2002 through October 2007 surgical ventricular restoration was performed in 26 patients (23 males) with a median age of 64 years (47-74 years).

[Minimally invasive transapical aortic valve implantation. A multidisciplinary procedure for heart surgeons, cardiologists and thoracic anaesthesiologists].

The preliminary results of a new emerging technology for minimally invasive transapical aortic valve implantation for high risk patients with aortic stenosis is discussed and the potential for broader based application of this promising approach is put into perspective.

[Therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest].

Introduction: The objective of the present paper was to examine the association between cerebral status at discharge in patients treated with therapeutic hypothermia (TH) and: 1) time form collapse to initiation of TH, 2) time form collapse to target temperature (32-34 degrees C), 3) time from initiation of TH to target temperature and 4) time to awakening after attainment of normal temperature. We also investigated the significance of age, over and under 70, and precipitating arrhythmia in relation to cerebral status at discharge.

Material And Methods: A total of 55 resuscitated but continuously comatose cardiac arrest patients who had received TH.

[Attitudes towards prenatal diagnosis of deafness among parents to children with cochlear implants].

Introduction: Hearing loss affects 1.5 of newborns in Denmark. New research estimates that genetic factors account for 60% of hearing loss present at birth or in early childhood.

[Liver surgery in Denmark 2002-2007].

Introduction: We evaluated the organisation, management and outcome for patients undergoing elective liver resection in Denmark in the period 2002-2007.

Material And Methods: Nationwide data based on the National Patient Registry and discharge information from hospital departments in the period 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2007 were analysed.

Results: Twenty-three departments performed 818 resections with five departments performing 96% and 18 departments performing 4% of the operations.

[Periacetabular osteotomy and hip dysplasia in young adults].

The periacetabular osteotomy is recognized as the surgical treatment of choice in young adults with symptomatic hip dysplasia. The procedure is performed to delay or prevent the development of osteoarthritis. The procedure has the ability to improve function and preserve hip joints in > 80% of cases for more than ten years following surgery.