A Heavy Protection.

The wearing of individual protective elements has revolutionized the typology of war wounds. The benefit/risk ratio is particularly satisfying, but several side effects with minor consequences are described, calling for further ergonomic development from manufacturers of these protective elements. This case report describes a meralgia paresthetica by compression of the lateral cutaneous thigh nerve because of the wearing of bulletproof vest.

Mycophenolate mofetil in liver transplantation: a review.

Liver transplantation is the only live-saving, curative treatment for various end-stage liver diseases, and it has excellent survival rates. Mycophenolate mofetil is widely used as co-medication for immunosuppression after liver transplantation, especially to allow a sparing effect on calcineurin-inhibitors, thus reducing their numerous adverse effects. It improves both graft and patient survival.

Insulin dependence and pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy are independent prognostic factors for long-term survival after operation for chronic pancreatitis.

Background: This retrospective, single-center, observational study on postoperative long-term results aims to define yet unknown factors for long-term outcome after operation for chronic pancreatitis.

Patients And Methods: We analyzed 147 consecutive patients operated for chronic pancreatitis from 2000 to 2011. Mean follow-up was 5.

Long-term outcome analysis of liver transplantation for severe hepatic trauma.

Background: Liver transplantation (LTX) for severe hepatic trauma and its sequelae is a rare but potentially lifesaving option at the far end of the operative spectrum.

Methods: This study analyzes 12 cases with LTX for hepatic trauma and its consequences from two transplant centers. A total of 2,701 consecutive liver transplants unrelated to trauma served as a control group.

A clinical study comparing oral formulations containing 7.5% calcium sodium phosphosilicate (NovaMin), 5% potassium nitrate, and 0.4% stannous fluoride for the management of dentin hypersensitivity.

Unlabelled: To determine and compare the clinical performance of formulations containing 7.5% calcium sodium phosphosilicate (NovaMin), 5% potassium nitrate, and 0.4% stannous fluoride for the management of dentin hypersensitivity.

Surgical approach in difficult airway management.

In all difficult airway algorithms, cricothyroidotomy is the life-saving procedure and is the final 'cannot ventilate, cannot intubate' option, whether in pre-hospital, emergency department, intensive care unit, or operating room patients. Cricothyroidotomy is a relatively safe and rapid means of securing an emergency airway. As with all other critical procedures in emergency medicine, a thorough knowledge of the technique and adequate practice prior to attempting to perform an emergency cricothyroidotomy are essential.

Factors influencing emergency intubation in the pre-hospital setting--a multicentre study in the German Helicopter Emergency Medical Service.

Background: Definitive airway control by endotracheal intubation (ETI) is standard of care in pre-hospital airway management. However, there are specific factors that may influence and complicate ETI.

Methods: Prospective, descriptive study at three German Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) over a 1-yr period.

Environmental temperature stress on drugs in prehospital emergency medical service.

Background: Drugs used in prehospital emergency medical service (EMS) in principle are subject to the same storage restrictions as hospital-based medications. The prehospital emergency environment however, often exceeds these storage recommendations. Main stress factors are sunlight, vibration and extreme temperature, which may lead to alteration in chemical and physical stability of stored pharmaceuticals, as well as microbiological contamination and concentration enhancement of pharmacological inserts.

A prospective study of the quality of pre-hospital emergency ventilation in patients with severe head injury.

Background: Pre-hospital endotracheal intubation for the purpose of controlled ventilation may prevent secondary brain injury in patients with severe head injury. In view of the limited monitoring devices utilized in the pre-hospital setting, little is known about the 'quality' of controlled ventilation initiated in the pre-hospital setting.

Methods: Included in this prospective study were 122 trauma patients with severe head injury (abbreviated injury scale score > or = 3).

Can eustachian tube ventilatory function impairment after oxygen diving be influenced by application of free radical scavenger vitamins C and E?

Objectives/hypothesis: To evaluate the influence of free radical scavenger vitamins C and E on eustachian tube ventilatory function changes related to oxygen dives.

Study Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of middle ear impedance changes of oxygen divers being orally treated with free radical scavenger vitamins C and E.

Methods: Fifteen divers were allocated to two groups.

Underwater application of nasal decongestants: method for special operations.

A simple method of emergency underwater application of a nasal decongestant in divers to prevent diving-related accidents or even fatalities attributable to sequelae of middle-ear and sinus barotrauma of ascent was evaluated. Eleven military divers had to inject 1 mL of 0.02% methylene blue into a central venous catheter after having inserted the tip between their upper lip and the mask at 1 m depth in a pool.

Modified closed circuit underwater breathing apparatus LAR VII and laryngeal mask airway as adjuncts for dive buddy artificial ventilation.

This study evaluated the feasibility of using the modified semi-closed circuit underwater rebreathing system (URS) LAR VII in connection with a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) as an expedient ventilatory adjunct in an operational setting. Fourteen combat swimmers, unfamiliar with this equipment, underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) mannequin training using these devices. Eighteen subjects, using a standard AMBU bag for ventilation, served as controls.

Modification of the closed circuit underwater breathing apparatus LAR V makes it suitable for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Unlabelled: This pilot study was carried out in order to determine whether or not a modified closed circuit underwater oxygen rebreathing device could serve as an adjunct for ventilation during CPR in remote locations. As a control a common self-inflating bag valve ventilation device was used.

Methods: A total of 20 combat divers were enrolled, of whom 18 met the criteria to be included in two-rescuer CPR manikin training.

Data processing in prehospital emergency medicine.

Information about the use of data processing systems in prehospital emergency medicine were collected, using a questionnaire sent to all German rescue helicopter bases. Twenty-seven of the 42 German rescue helicopter bases returned the questionnaire. At present, only 15 of them take advantage of electronic data processing.