Chronic volar distal radioulnar joint instability: joint capsular plication to restore function.

Background: Volar instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is uncommon, and there is little written about it. The purpose of this study is to describe a new procedure to treat volar DRUJ instability and to present the outcomes of patients who received this unique surgical repair at a minimum of 1 year follow-up.

Methods: We performed a retrospective case series of 6 consecutive patients treated with a volar and dorsal capsular plication procedure by an upper extremity specialist surgeon at a teaching hospital between April 1999 and October 2004.

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis in pregnancy with impaired glucose tolerance: a case report and discussion of management issues.

Context: Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is an unusual presentation of hyperthyroidism in women. The occurrence of this condition in the context of pregnancy is even more uncommon. Impaired glucose tolerance, pregnancy, and TPP impact overall management of thyrotoxicosis.

Acetylcholine receptor antibodies in myasthenia gravis are associated with greater risk of diabetes and thyroid disease.

Objective: Myasthenia gravis (MG) may be associated with the presence of acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChRAb) [seropositive MG (SPMG)] or their absence [seronegative MG (SNMG)]. Along with features of MG, the presence of the AChRAb may relate to the existence of other immune-mediated diseases. We sought to determine the association of SPMG with other potential autoimmune diseases.

Population-based study of severe trauma due to electrocution in the Calgary Health Region, 1996-2002.

Background: Severe trauma arising from electrocution is uncommon, and we wished to study the incidence, risk factors and outcome to identify potential areas of prevention. We therefore studied an active population of adult victims of severe electrical trauma in a large area of Canada (the Calgary Health Region [CHR]).

Methods: From 3 databases, we collected data on all adult (> or = 18 yr) residents of the CHR who suffered electrical injury associated with an Injury Severity Score of 12 or greater or died as a result of electrocution between Apr.

A population-based assessment of major trauma in a large Canadian region.

Background: The cause of major trauma has not been well defined using population-based methodologies.

Methods: We performed a population-based surveillance of major traumatic injuries in adult residents of the Calgary Health Region over a period of 3 years.

Results: A total of 1,475 victims of major trauma were identified (69.

Severe traumatic brain injury in a large Canadian health region.

Background: Although severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) is a devastating condition with tremendous public health implications, the epidemiology of this disease has not previously been described in Canada. We sought to define the incidence, risk factors and outcome of patients suffering sTBI in a large Canadian region.

Methods: A population-based surveillance cohort design was utilized to identify all Calgary Heath Region residents who were victims of trauma with an injury severity score > or = 12.

Effectiveness of a multidisciplinary treatment program for chronic daily headache.

Background: Chronic daily headache (CDH: headache on fifteen days a month or more) is one of the most common forms of chronic pain. The relative efficacy of different treatment methods for these patients needs to be determined.

Objective: To compare treatment outcomes for patients with CDH treated in a traditional office-based pharmacological treatment program with a second group treated in a multidisciplinary management program.

Migraine frequency and intensity: relationship with disability and psychological factors.

Background: Migraine can be disabling, but it varies greatly in frequency and intensity between individuals. It is not clear which clinical features have the greatest impact on a migraineur's quality of life.

Objective: To determine the influence of headache intensity and frequency on headache-related disability.

Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus colonization and prophylaxis for infection with topical intranasal mupirocin: an evidence-based review.

Most Staphylococcus aureus infections are endogenously acquired, and treatment of nasal carriage is one potential strategy for prevention. We critically appraised the published evidence regarding the efficacy of intranasal mupirocin for eradication of S. aureus nasal carriage and for prophylaxis of infection.

Sildenafil treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension.

A 37-year-old woman with primary pulmonary hypertension and worsening symptomatology underwent pulmonary artery (PA) catheterization and vasodilator trials. Oxygen had no effect, but 10 parts/million of nitric oxide reduced mean PA (PAm) pressure by 20%. Prostacyclin infusion at 8 ng/kg/min decreased the PAm pressure by 11%, but further dose increases were limited by systemic hypotension.

Provincial carotid endarterectomy outcomes.

Background: Outcomes must be measured as a first step toward improving performance. We sought to measure the national and provincial outcomes from carotid endarterectomy (CE) and explain provincial differences.

Methods: We analyzed a large Canada-wide administrative hospital discharge database of all patients, except those in Quebec, receiving CE in 1994-1997 and used logistic regression for risk adjustment to measure adverse outcomes nationally and by province.