Preoperative gastric residual volumes in fasted patients measured by bedside ultrasound: a prospective observational study.

The purpose of this prospective observational study was to measure gastric volumes in fasted patients using bedside gastric ultrasound. Patients presenting for non-emergency surgery underwent a gastric antrum assessment, using the two-diameter and free-trace methods to determine antral cross-sectional area (CSA). Gastric residual volume (GRV) was calculated using a validated formula.

Patient attitudes to topical antipsoriatic treatment with calcipotriol and dithranol.

Objective: Assessment of patient preference for antipsoriatic treatment with calcipotriol ointment or short-contact dithranol cream.

Methods: Two hundred and fifty-eight psoriatic patients treated with calcipotriol (n = 138) or dithranol (n = 120) for up to 3 months, assessed the acceptability of treatment, overall satisfaction with treatment, their treatment preference using the 'willingness to pay' principle and selected their treatment of choice.

Results: Overall satisfaction with calcipotriol was significantly better (72.

Know how. Treatment of acne.

Acne is a common condition, affecting most adolescents, although for the majority it subsides within five years. For some, however, it causes great distress: they feel unattractive, isolated and self-conscious, sometimes developing psychological problems. These people should be encouraged to seek help from their GP, as treatment is available.

Know how guide to eczema/dermatitis.

Eczema is a very common skin problem in primary care, and is used to describe a group of conditions where there is inflammation in the skin. It can be either acute or chronic, or a combination of the two. Acute eczema presents as a red weeping rash, with the presence of vesicles and exudate.