An association study between the Clara cell secretory protein CC16 A38G polymorphism and asthma phenotypes.

Background: Previously, an association has been reported between an increased risk of asthma and a polymorphism in the Clara cell secretory protein (CC16) gene [namely, an adenine to guanine substitution in the CC16 gene at position 38 (A38G) downstream from the transcription initiation site within the noncoding region of exon 1]. Homozygous individuals for the polymorphic sequence (AA genotype) were reported to have a significant (6.9 fold) increased risk of developing asthma.

Efficacy of progesterone and progestogens in management of premenstrual syndrome: systematic review.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of progesterone and progestogens in the management of premenstrual syndrome.

Design: Systematic review of published randomised, placebo controlled trials.

Studies Reviewed: 10 trials of progesterone therapy (531 women) and four trials of progestogen therapy (378 women).

Cost considerations in the use of anaesthetic drugs.

Anaesthetic drugs typically comprise approximately 5% or less of a hospital pharmacy budget, yet they are a common target for cost reduction measures. In particular, there is considerable pressure to use less costly products where alternatives exist and to limit the introduction of expensive new items. In considering strategies to reduce a departmental drug budget, or in defending against restrictions imposed from outside, it is important to consider all of the costs associated with anaesthetic drug delivery.

Day surgery, including the preoperative assessment of the patient: a UK experience by a Belgian anaesthetist.

In some European countries like Belgium, a lot of hospitals are today dealing with two extremely real issues: adult day surgery and the preoperative anaesthesia consultation. Although efforts are made, there is often still a search for a clear-cut identity on these subjects. As in the rest of Europe, Belgian political, financial and medical driving forces are strongly favouring the shift of surgical procedures towards more day care practice.

Efficacy of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors in premenstrual syndrome: a systematic review.

Background: Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are increasingly being used as first-line therapy for severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS). We undertook a meta-analysis on the efficacy of SSRIs in this disorder.

Methods: We searched medical and scientific databases, approached pharmaceutical companies, and reviewed citations of relevant articles to identify 29 studies of the use of SSRIs in PMS.

The significance of patient appearance in predicting severity of injury.

The observations of pallor, sweating, agitation and restlessness, at the time of an injured patient's admission to the resuscitation room, were compared with other more complex indices of injury severity and the ability of each observation to predict mortality was observed. The number of positive observations was significantly related to the Revised Trauma Score and the Injury Severity Score, and pallor was significantly related to mortality. The observation that an injured patient is pale is an important index of severity.