[Mortality after administration of human albumin to critically ill patients with hypovolemia. An analysis of a systematic Cochrane review].

A systematic Cochrane review strongly suggested that the administration of human albumin to critically ill patients with hypovolaemia increases mortality. This review has been widely criticised and the aim of the present paper was to analyse the original studies with regard to 1) the randomisation procedure, 2) the blinding procedure, 3) the indication of treatment, 4) whether treatment was clearly defined and consistent, 5) how normovolaemia was defined, and 6) the length of the follow-up period. None of the twelve studies analysed fulfilled common criteria in relation to evidence-based medicine.

[Sentinel node biopsy in cutaneous malignant melanoma of the lower extremities].

Although a substantial number of patients with intermediate thickness cutaneous malignant melanoma (> 1.5-4 mm) have non-detectable regional node metastases, elective regional node dissection still remains controversial. One-three specific lymph node(s)--sentinel node(s)--in the first drained regional lymphatic basin can be visualised peroperatively by applying Patent V Blue intradermally at the site of the previous melanoma.

[Reliability of the epidural test dose].

Complications associated with epidural anaesthesia include accidental intravascular or subarachnoid epidural catheter misplacement resulting in systemic toxicity and total spinal block, respectively. Epidural test doses are used routinely to prevent these events. It is not known whether the use of test doses improves the safety of epidural anaesthesia.

[Traumatology. Centralized trauma treatment in Denmark].

This review article highlights the prerequisites and consequences of a possible implementation of trauma systems in Denmark. Denmark is a small densely populated country, with a population of approximately 5 mill. people.

[Pressure sores. Background and therapeutic strategy].

A pressure ulcer is based on local tissue pressure and other pathological conditions in the patient. Pressure-reducing devices can reduce the incidence of pressure sores. The staff must be familiar with the strategies for prevention and treatment of pressure sores.

[Traumatology. Scoring systems and their use].

Centralized trauma care is developing in Denmark, and is producing an increasing interest in the scoring systems used in traumatology. A large number of scoring systems have been developed within the trauma field. After reviewing the literature, we recommend the Revised Trauma Score at strategic intervals during admission, and scoring of the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) according to the 1990 revision at discharge or by autopsy.