Showing papers by "North Bristol NHS Trust published in 2012"

Patient safety in pre-hospital emergency tracheal intubation: a comprehensive meta-analysis of the intubation success rates of EMS providers

Abstract: Introduction Pre-hospital airway management is a controversial subject, but there is general agreement that a small number of seriously ill or injured patients require urgent emergency tracheal intubation (ETI) and ventilation. Many European emergency medical services (EMS) systems provide physicians to care for these patients while other systems rely on paramedics (or, rarely, nurses). The ETI success rate is an important measure of provider and EMS system success and a marker of patient safety.

International perspective on the diagnosis of death

Abstract: There is growing medical consensus in a unifying concept of human death. All human death involves the irreversible loss of the capacity for consciousness, combined with the irreversible loss of the capacity to breathe. Death then is a result of the irreversible loss of these functions in the brain. This paper outlines three sets of criteria to diagnose human death. Each set of criteria clearly establishes the irreversible loss of the capacity for consciousness, combined with the irreversible loss of the capacity to breathe. The most appropriate set of criteria to use is determined by the circumstances in which the medical practitioner is called upon to diagnose death. The three criteria sets are somatic (features visible on external inspection of the corpse), circulatory (after cardiorespiratory arrest), and neurological (in patients in coma on mechanical ventilation); and represent a diagnostic standard in which the medical profession and the public can have complete confidence. This review unites authors from Australia, Canada, and the UK and examines the medical criteria that we should use in 2012 to diagnose human death.

Guideline on the investigation and management of acute transfusion reactions. Prepared by the BCSH Blood Transfusion Task Force.

Abstract: Although acute non-haemolytic febrile or allergic reactions (ATRs) are a common complication of transfusion and often result in little or no morbidity, prompt recognition and management are essential. The serious hazards of transfusion haemovigilance organisation (SHOT) receives 30-40 reports of anaphylactic reactions each year. Other serious complications of transfusion, such as acute haemolysis, bacterial contamination, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) or transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) may present with similar clinical features to ATR. This guideline describes the approach to a patient developing adverse symptoms and signs related to transfusion, including initial recognition, establishing a likely cause, treatment, investigations, planning future transfusion and reporting within the hospital and to haemovigilance organisations. Key recommendations are that adrenaline should be used as first line treatment of anaphylaxis, and that transfusions should only be carried out where patients can be directly observed and where staff are trained in manging complications of transfusion, particularly anaphylaxis. Management of ATRs is not dependent on classification but should be guided by symptoms and signs. Patients who have experienced an anaphylactic reaction should be discussed with an allergist or immunologist, in keeping with UK resuscitation council guidelines.

What is the evidence base to guide surgical treatment of infected hip prostheses? systematic review of longitudinal studies in unselected patients

Abstract: Background Prosthetic joint infection is an uncommon but serious complication of hip replacement. There are two main surgical treatment options, with the choice largely based on the preference of the surgeon. Evidence is required regarding the comparative effectiveness of one-stage and two-stage revision to prevent reinfection after prosthetic joint infection.

British Dietetic Association evidence‐based guidelines for the dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome in adults

Abstract: How to cite this article: McKenzie Y.A., Alder A., Anderson W., Wills A., Goddard L., Gulia P., Jankovich E., Mutch P., Reeves L.B., Singer A. & Lomer M.C.E. on behalf of Gastroenterology Specialist Group of the British Dietetic Association. (2012) British Dietetic Association evidence-based practice guidelines for the dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome in adults. J Hum Nutr Diet . 25, 260–274 Abstract Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic debilitating functional gastrointestinal disorder. Diet and lifestyle changes are important management strategies. The aim of these guidelines is to systematically review key aspects of the dietary management of IBS, with the aim of providing evidence-based guidelines for use by registered dietitians. Methods: Questions relating to diet and IBS symptom management were developed by a guideline development group. These included the role of milk and lactose, nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP), fermentable carbohydrates in abdominal bloating, probiotics and empirical or elimination diets. A comprehensive literature search was conducted and relevant studies from January 1985 to November 2009 were identified using the electronic database search engines: Cinahl, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, Scopus and Web of Science. Evidence statements, recommendations, good practice points and research recommendations were developed. Results: Thirty studies were critically appraised. A dietetic care pathway was produced following a logical sequence of treatment and formed the basis of these guidelines. Three lines of dietary management were identified. First line: Clinical and dietary assessment, healthy eating and lifestyle management with some general advice on lactose and NSP. Second line: Advanced dietary interventions to improve symptoms based on NSP, fermentable carbohydrates and probiotics. Third line: Elimination and empirical diets. Research recommendations were also identified relating to the need for adequately powered and well designed randomised controlled trials. Conclusions: These guidelines provide evidence-based details of how to achieve the successful dietary management of IBS.

Distinct roles of dopamine and subthalamic nucleus in learning and probabilistic decision making

Abstract: Even simple behaviour requires us to make decisions based on combining multiple pieces of learned and new information. Making such decisions requires both learning the optimal response to each given stimulus as well as combining probabilistic information from multiple stimuli before selecting a response. Computational theories of decision making predict that learning individual stimulus–response associations and rapid combination of information from multiple stimuli are dependent on different components of basal ganglia circuitry. In particular, learning and retention of memory, required for optimal response choice, are significantly reliant on dopamine, whereas integrating information probabilistically is critically dependent upon functioning of the glutamatergic subthalamic nucleus (computing the ‘normalization term’ in Bayes’ theorem). Here, we test these theories by investigating 22 patients with Parkinson’s disease either treated with deep brain stimulation to the subthalamic nucleus and dopaminergic therapy or managed with dopaminergic therapy alone. We use computerized tasks that probe three cognitive functions—information acquisition (learning), memory over a delay and information integration when multiple pieces of sequentially presented information have to be combined. Patients performed the tasks ON or OFF deep brain stimulation and/or ON or OFF dopaminergic therapy. Consistent with the computational theories, we show that stopping dopaminergic therapy impairs memory for probabilistic information over a delay, whereas deep brain stimulation to the region of the subthalamic nucleus disrupts decision making when multiple pieces of acquired information must be combined. Furthermore, we found that when participants needed to update their decision on the basis of the last piece of information presented in the decision-making task, patients with deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus region did not slow down appropriately to revise their plan, a pattern of behaviour that mirrors the impulsivity described clinically in some patients with subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation. Thus, we demonstrate distinct mechanisms for two important facets of human decision making: first, a role for dopamine in memory consolidation, and second, the critical importance of the subthalamic nucleus in successful decision making when multiple pieces of information must be combined. * Abbreviations : DBS : deep brain stimulation UPDRS : Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale

The utility of prolonged outpatient ambulatory EEG

Abstract: Purpose ILAE guidelines recommend the use of prolonged EEG where the diagnosis of epilepsy or the classification of the seizure syndrome is proving difficult. Due to its limited provision, video EEG monitoring is unavailable to many patients under investigation 1 . The aim of this study was to examine the utility of the alternate investigation of outpatient ambulatory EEG. Methods In this retrospective study we analysed 324 consecutive prolonged outpatient ambulatory EEGs lasting 72–96h (4–5 days), without medication withdrawal. EEG data and the clinical record were reviewed to investigate the utility of the investigation. Results Of 324 studies: 219 (68%) studies gave positive data, 116 (36%) showed interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs), 167 (52%) had events. 105 (32%) studies were normal. Overall 51% of studies changed management of which 22% of studies changed the diagnosis and 29% of studies refined the diagnosis by classifying the epilepsy into focal or generalised. Conclusion The present study confirms the diagnostic utility of outpatient ambulatory EEG in the diagnosis of paroxysmal events.

A pragmatic randomised controlled trial to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a physical activity intervention as a treatment for depression: the treating depression with physical activity (TREAD) trial

Abstract: Objective The TREAting Depression with physical activity (TREAD) study investigated the cost-effectiveness of a physical activity intervention, in addition to usual general practitioner care, as a treatment for people with depression. Design An individually randomised, pragmatic, multicentre randomised controlled trial with follow-up at 4, 8 and 12 months. A subset of participants took part in a qualitative study that investigated the acceptability and perceived benefits of the intervention. Setting General practices in the Bristol and Exeter areas. Participants Aged 18–69 years with an International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Edition (ICD-10) diagnosis of depression and scoring ≥ 14 on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Those who were unable to complete self-administered questionnaires in English, with medical contraindications to physical activity or with psychosis, bipolar disorder or serious drug abuse were excluded. Interventions We devised an intervention designed to encourage choice and autonomy in the adoption of physical activity. It consisted of up to three face-to-face and ten telephone contacts delivered by a trained physical activity facilitator over an 8-month period. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was the BDI score measured at 4 months. Secondary outcomes included depressive symptoms over the 12 months and quality of life, antidepressant use and level of physical activity. Results The study recruited 361 patients, with 182 randomised to the intervention arm and 179 to the usual care arm; there was 80% retention at the 4-month follow-up. The intervention group had a slightly lower BDI score at 4 months [–0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) –3.06 to 1.99] but there was no evidence that the intervention improved outcome for depression. Neither was there any evidence to suggest a difference in the prescription of or self-reported use of antidepressants. However, the amount of physical activity undertaken by those who had received the intervention was increased (odds ratio 2.3, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.9) and was sustained beyond the end of the intervention. From a health-care perspective, the intervention group was more costly than the usual care group, with the cost of the intervention £220 per person on average. It is therefore extremely unlikely that the intervention is cost-effective as a treatment for depression using current willingness-to-pay thresholds. Conclusions This physical activity intervention is very unlikely to lead to any clinical benefit in terms of depressive symptoms or to be a cost-effective treatment for depression. Previous research has reported some benefit and there are three possible reasons for this discrepancy: first, even though the intervention increased self-reported physical activity, the increase in activity was not sufficiently large to lead to a measurable influence; second, only more vigorous activity might be of benefit; and third, previous studies had recruited individuals with a pre-existing commitment to physical activity. Future research is needed to identify and explain the mechanisms by which depression might be effectively treated, including, in particular, specific guidance on the optimum type, intensity and duration of physical activity required to produce a therapeutic effect. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN16900744. Funding This project was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 16, No. 10. See the HTA programme website for further project information.

Efficacy of the subcostal transversus abdominis plane block in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Comparison with conventional port-site infiltration.

Abstract: Background: Pain experienced following laparoscopic cholecystectomy is largely contributed by the anterior abdominal wall incisions. This study investigated whether subcostal transversus abdominis (STA) block was superior to traditional port-site infiltration of local anesthetic in reducing postoperative pain, opioid consumption, and time for recovery. Materials and Methods: Forty-three patients presenting for day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated to receive either an ultrasound-guided STA block (n = 21) or port-site infiltration of local anesthetic (n = 22). Visual analog pain scores were measured at 1 and 4 h postoperatively to assess pain severity, and opioid requirement was measured in recovery and up to 8 h postoperatively. The time to discharge from recovery was recorded. Results: STA block resulted in a significant reduction in serial visual pain analog score values and significantly reduced the fentanyl requirement in recovery by >35% compared to the group that received local port-site infiltration (median 0.9 vs. 1.5 ΅cg/kg). Furthermore, STA block was associated with nearly a 50% reduction in overall 8-h equivalent morphine consumption (median 10 mg vs. 19 mg). In addition, STA block significantly reduced median time to discharge from recovery from 110 to 65 min. Conclusion: The results suggest that STA block provides superior postoperative analgesia and reduces opioid requirement following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It may also improve theater efficiency by reducing time to discharge from the recovery unit.

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Clinical Practice Guideline on: optimizing the management of rotator cuff problems.

Abstract: We report the use of a 15° face-changing cementless acetabular component in patients undergoing total hip replacement for osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip. The rationale behind its design and the surgical technique used for its implantation are described. It is distinctly different from a standard cementless hemispherical component as it is designed to position the bearing surface at the optimal angle of inclination, that is, < 45°, while maximising the cover of the component by host bone.

Peer acceptance of children with language and communication impairments in a mainstream primary school: Associations with type of language difficulty, problem behaviours and a change in placement organization:

Abstract: This research investigated peer acceptance of children with language and communication impairments attending a language resource base attached to a mainstream school. Compared to other children in their mainstream peer groups, peer acceptance was poor. Peer rejection was more common for children with profiles consistent with an autistic spectrum disorder than for children with specific language impairment, and peer acceptance was significantly associated with social communication abilities. Children with clearer speech and more mature syntax also had more positive peer relationships. Language and communication appeared to be more important for peer acceptance than classroom behaviour. Changing children’s principal placements from the language resource base to the mainstream classes had some beneficial effect; peer rejection was reduced and most children were more tolerated.

Childhood presentation of COL4A1 mutations

Abstract: Aim To describe the clinical and radiological features of four new families with a childhood presentation of COL4A1 mutation. Method We retrospectively reviewed the clinical presentation. Investigations included radiological findings and COL4A1 mutation analysis of the four cases. Affected family members were identified. COL4A1 mutation analysis was performed in all index cases and, where possible, in affected family members. Results The three male and one female index cases presented with recurrent childhood-onset stroke, infantile hemiplegia/spastic quadriplegia, and infantile spasms. Additional features such as congenital cataracts and anterior segment dysgenesis were present. Microcephaly and developmental delay/learning difficulties were present in three cases. Three cases had one or more family member affected in multiple generations, with a total of 11 such individuals identified. The clinical features showed a wide intrafamilial variation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed bilateral white matter change in all cases, except in one mutation-positive family member. Unilateral or bilateral porencephaly was present in cases with infantile hemiplegia, and a diagnosis of clinical stroke was supported by the presence of intracerebral haemorrhage. The age at diagnosis was between 1 year and 6 years for the children with presentation in infancy and 12 months after stroke in a 14-year-old male. Three new pathogenic mutations were identified in the COL4A1 gene. Interpretation COL4A1 mutations can present in children with infantile hemiplegia/quadriplegia, stroke or epilepsy, and a motor disorder. The presence of eye features and white matter change on MRI in childhood can help point towards the diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is made, a careful search can identify affected family members.

Scars and satisfaction: do smaller scars improve patient-reported outcome?

Abstract: Thyroidectomy has few complications, as a result, many patients are concerned about the prominence of their scar. Performing thyroid surgery through excessively small incisions in order to maximise cosmesis may increase the likelihood of complications. This study investigates the relationship between conventional approach thyroidectomy scar length and patient satisfaction. A validation of self-measurement of neck circumference and thyroidectomy scar was carried out with the measurements taken by patients compared with those taken by an investigator. One hundred consecutive patients who had undergone conventional thyroidectomy and total thyroidectomy within 24 months were invited to measure their scars and neck circumference, and to score their satisfaction on a Likert scale of 1–10. Spearman’s correlation was calculated for the relationship between absolute and relative scar length, and patient satisfaction. Thirty-four patients entered the preliminary study and 80 patients entered the main study (80% response rate). Measurements by patients and investigators were closely associated: Spearman’s Rank correlation coefficient for neck circumference and for scar length were ρ = 0.9, p < 0.0001 and ρ = 0.93, p < 0.0001 respectively. No significant correlation was evident between scar length and patient satisfaction (ρ = 0.068, p = 0.55), or between relative scar length ratio and patient satisfaction (ρ = −0.045, p = 0.69). Mean scar length was 6.96 cm [standard deviation (SD) 2.70], and mean satisfaction score 8.62 (SD 2.04). Thyroidectomy scar length appears to have no association with patient satisfaction. Thyroid surgery should, therefore, not be performed through unnecessarily small incisions for purely aesthetic reasons.

An indwelling urinary catheter for the 21st century

Abstract: What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? A vast literature has been published on the prevalence, morbidity and microbiology of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Research and development in recent years has focused on producing antibacterial coatings for the indwelling Foley catheter with insufficient attention to its design. This article provides a critical examination of the design of the indwelling Foley catheter. Design specifications are outlined for a urine collection device that should reduce the vulnerability of catheterised urinary tract to infection. The indwelling urinary catheter is the most common cause of infections in hospitals and other healthcare facilities [1]. As long ago as 1958, Paul Beeson [2] warned '… the decision to use this instrument should be made with the knowledge that it involves the risk of producing a serious disease which is often difficult to treat'. Since then, scientific studies have progressed revealing a greater understanding of the bladder's defence mechanisms against infection and how they are undermined by the Foley catheter [3-5]. In addition, the complications caused by the development of bacterial biofilms on catheters have been recognised and the ways in which these bacterial communities develop on catheters have become clear [5,6]. It is now obvious that fundamental problems with the basic design of the catheter, which has changed little since it was introduced into urological practice by Dr Fredricc Foley in 1937 [7], induce susceptibility to infection. These issues need to be addressed urgently if we are to produce a device suitable for use in the 21st century.

Is Fixation Failure After Plate Fixation of the Symphysis Pubis Clinically Important

Abstract: Background Plate fixation is a recognized treatment for pelvic ring injuries involving disruption of the pubic symphysis. Although fixation failure is well known, it is unclear whether early or late fixation failure is clinically important.

Anaphylaxis admissions to UK critical care units between 2005 and 2009.

Abstract: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency that may necessitate admission to a critical care unit. There are no reports of the frequency of admission to critical care units for patients with anaphylaxis or indeed any description of their demographic characteristics or outcomes. We analysed all physician-diagnosed cases of anaphylaxis over a 5-year period in national audit data from critical care units across the UK. Over the period 2005-2009, there were 81 paediatric and 1269 adult admissions with anaphylaxis admitted to UK critical care units (0.1% of admissions to paediatric units and 0.3% of admissions to adult units). Absolute numbers in both children and adults rose year on year. There were comparable proportions of admissions in female and male children (female = 47% and male = 53%; rate ratios (RR) = 0.88, 95% CI 0.64-1.20), but a greater proportion of adult female admissions (female = 65% and male = 35%; RR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.68-1.99). Survival to unit discharge was 95% (77/81) for children, and survival to hospital discharge was 92% (1166/1269) for adults. Each UK critical care unit is likely to see at least one anaphylaxis case per year. The number of admissions has risen in both children and adults. Although admission ratios between the sexes were comparable in children, there was a female preponderance in adult life. Survival rates were high at over 90%.

Evaluation of the Quantum Blue® rapid test for faecal calprotectin.

Abstract: BackgroundCalprotectin is an acute-phase protein used extensively in the assessment of gastrointestinal inflammation. It can readily be measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) and recently by...

Bactericidal Activity of Multiple Combinations of Tigecycline and Colistin against NDM-1-Producing Enterobacteriaceae

Abstract: The interaction between colistin and tigecycline against eight well-characterized NDM-1-producing Enterobacteriaceae strains was studied. Time-kill methodology was employed using a 4-by-4 exposure matrix with pharmacokinetically achievable free drug peak, trough, and average 24-h serum concentrations. Colistin sulfate and methanesulfonate alone showed good early bactericidal activity, often with subsequent regrowth. Tigecycline alone had poor activity. Addition of tigecycline to colistin does not produce increased bacterial killing; instead, it may cause antagonism at lower concentrations.

Endovascular therapy for acute basilar artery occlusion: a review of the literature

Abstract: Basilar artery occlusion is an infrequent form of acute stroke; clinical outcomes are heterogeneous, but the condition can be fatal. There is a lack of randomized controlled trial data in this field. Case series suggest that patients who are recanalized have much better outcomes than those who are not, and it is generally accepted that intra-arterial techniques achieve high rates of recanalization. Controversially, several studies, including a meta-analysis and registry-based investigation, that have compared intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and intra-arterial treatment suggest similar outcomes. However, there are many potential sources of bias in each of these studies, precluding a firm conclusion. Indeed, there are many confounding factors that can influence the outcome including severity of presentation, site of occlusion, clot load, degree of collateral flow, timing of therapy, agent used for recanalization and dose of thrombolytic agent. Additionally, pretreatment infarct core imaging using diffusion-weighted imaging and the posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score (pc-ASPECTS) scoring systems have been shown to predict outcome and therefore may be useful in selecting patients for aggressive therapy. Protocols combining intravenous agents such as glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists or thombolytics agents with intra-arterial techniques (‘bridging’ therapy) have shown encouraging improvements in neurological outcome and survival. Furthermore, initial case series describing the use of mechanical clot extraction devices or aspiration catheters suggest high rates of recanalization. What would be useful is a randomized trial comparing IVT, endovascular approaches and a combined IVT/ endovascular approach. However, the small numbers of patients and multiple confounding factors are barriers to the development of such a trial.

Cost-effectiveness of presentation versus delayed troponin testing for acute myocardial infarction

Abstract: Objectives To estimate the cost-effectiveness of delayed troponin testing for myocardial infarction compared with troponin testing at presentation. Design Decision analysis modelling of cost-effectiveness using secondary data sources. Setting Acute hospitals in the UK. Population Patients attending hospital with suspected myocardial infarction but a normal or non-diagnostic ECG and no major comorbidities requiring admission. Interventions Delayed troponin testing (10 h after symptom onset) compared with standard and high-sensitivity troponin testing at presentation and no testing. Sensitivity analysis evaluated high-sensitivity troponin testing 3 h after initial assessment. Main outcome measures The incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained by each strategy, compared with the next most effective alternative, and the probability of each strategy being cost-effective at varying willingness-to-pay per QALY gained. Results In all scenarios tested, presentation high-sensitivity troponin testing was the most effective strategy with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio below the £20 000/QALY threshold. 10 h troponin testing was only likely to be cost-effective if a discharge decision could be made as soon as a negative result was available and the £30 000/QALY threshold was used, or if a lower sensitivity estimate for presentation high-sensitivity troponin was assumed. Sensitivity analysis showed that including high-sensitivity troponin testing at presentation and 3 h in the analysis makes this the most cost-effective strategy. Conclusions Delayed troponin testing is unlikely to be cost-effective compared with high-sensitivity troponin testing at presentation in most scenarios. Current NICE chest pain guidelines do not promote cost-effective care.

The use of pelvic binders in the emergent management of potential pelvic trauma.

Abstract: The prevalence of pelvic fracture in patients with blunt trauma is between 5% and 16%. A significant proportion of deaths from pelvic fracture are due to exsanguination and patients who are haemodynamically unstable on arrival to the Emergency Department have a much higher mortality rate than the stable patient. The sooner bleeding is controlled, the greater the chance of avoiding ‘‘the lethal triad’’ of hypothermia, coagulopathy and acidosis secondary to hypotension and hypoperfusion of tissues. In recent years, pelvic circumferential compression devices (PCCDs), or ‘‘pelvic binders’’, have become widely adopted as part of resuscitation protocols worldwide and are now in established use by many trauma care providers. The pelvic binder has been promoted to maintain or restore mechanical stability to the pelvis and haemodynamic stability to the patient with a suspected pelvic ring injury prior to operative intervention or angiography. The reduction and stabilisation of the pelvic ring is believed to decrease fracture site bleeding while protecting any initial blood clot from disruption. In theory, a decrease in the pelvic volume may create a tamponade thus reducing venous bleeding. What is the clinical evidence to support the use of a pelvic binder and what are the problems, if any, with it’s use? Are all pelvic fracture types suitable for treatment with a pelvic binder and how long can the binder safely be maintained? Pelvic compression has long been advocated as a means of controlling haemorrhage in patients after pelvic injury. Early improvisations for pelvic wrapping used bed sheets, belts or slings. In the mid-1970s Medical Anti Shock Trousers (MAST) and Gsuits were introduced but these proved cumbersome to use and restricted access to the abdomen and lower limbs. The alternative method of emergency treatment using pelvic external fixation devices 23,24 was advocated but required surgical intervention. However, modern commercial devices allow for improved exposure of the casualty and include the ‘‘Pelvic Binder’’ (Pelvic Binder Inc., Dallas, Texas, USA), ‘‘Trauma Pelvic Orthotic Device’’ (TPOD) (Cybertech Medical TM, California, USA), ‘‘SAM-sling’’ and ‘‘SAM Pelvic Sling II’’ (SAM Medical Products TM, Oregon, USA), the ‘‘Stuart Pelvic Harness’’ (Medistox Ltd., Blackburn, UK) and the Pelvigrip (Ysterplaat Medical Supplies, South Africa). The application of a pelvic binder has become part of the emergency care of all trauma patients who may have sustained a pelvic fracture, in both the pre-hospital environment, and in the emergency department. Modern binders are light, easily portable and simple to apply. Many Western paramedical services and military units now carry them for application at the scene of injury. Whilst their introduction has not been unduly contested, what is the evidence for their efficacy?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and management of cardiac arrest

Abstract: The best chance of survival with a good neurological outcome after cardiac arrest is afforded by early recognition and high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), early defibrillation of ventricular fibrillation (VF), and subsequent care in a specialist center. Compression-only CPR should be used by responders who are unable or unwilling to perform mouth-to-mouth ventilations. After the first defibrillator shock, further rhythm checks and defibrillation attempts should be performed after 2 min of CPR. The underlying cause of cardiac arrest can be identified and treated during CPR. Drugs have a limited effect on long-term outcomes after cardiac arrest, although epinephrine improves the success of resuscitation, and amiodarone increases the success of defibrillation for refractory VF. Supraglottic airway devices are an alternative to tracheal intubation, which should be attempted only by skilled rescuers. Care after cardiac arrest includes controlled reoxygenation, therapeutic hypothermia for comatose survivors, percutaneous coronary intervention, circulatory support, and control of blood-glucose levels and seizures. Prognostication in comatose survivors of cardiac arrest needs a careful, multimodal approach using clinical and electrophysiological assessments after at least 72 h.

Kidney stone disease: pathophysiology, investigation and medical treatment.

Abstract: #### Key Points ‘Red flag’ features warrant further investigation A high fluid intake and vegetarian diet are important preventative measures for the majority of recurrent stone–formers Further treatment is guided by urine chemistry The presence of an underlying condition should be