BACKGROUND: In Ireland, 30% of non-fatal overdoses involve paracetamol. AIMS: To determine how and where patients obtained paracetamol, to assess awareness of toxicity and examine the relationship between dose and suicidal intent. METHODS: A prospective study of patients admitted following a paracetamol overdose recording their reasons for using paracetamol, their knowledge of its toxicity and their suicidal intent scale (SIS). RESULTS: Of 100 patients, 66% obtained paracetamol in non-pharmacy outlets, 82% cited ease of availability as the reason, 55% were aware of its toxicity, 31% of liver damage and 68% did not read the warning on packets. The mean number of tablets taken was 51.3 for males and 37.2 for females (p < 0.01). Males presented later than females for medical attention (12.5 versus seven hours [p < 0.02]) and more males than females took alcohol (p < 0.03). The mean SIS score was 14.71 for males and 12.38 for females. There was a significant correlation between the SIS and the amount of paracetamol consumed (r = 0.28; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The majority obtained paracetamol in local shops or at home. Knowledge of toxicity and the need for early antidote was poor. There was a significant relationship between suicidal intent and number of tablets consumed. Limiting availability could reduce number of overdoses.

Acetaminophen↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Computer image analysis of pigmented skin lesions.

To assist in the distinction of melanoma from benign pigmented lesions, an imaging system was developed, comprising a frame grabber, a microcomputer, a colour video camera and flash lighting with red, green and infrared filters. Over an 18-month period, video images of 70 unselected pigmented lesions for which complete diagnostic data were available, were successfully captured using the camera. Analysis software extracted features relevant to the size, colour, shape and boundary of each lesion, and these features were correlated with clinical and histological characteristics on which standard diagnoses of skin tumours are based. For discriminant analysis based on image analysis measurements, equal probabilities were assigned to three specified diagnostic groups, namely melanoma, naevi and 'other', and four of five melanomas were correctly classified when infrared data were included. However when infrared measurements were omitted, all five melanomas were correctly classified, and the overall accuracy of classification of pigmented lesions was 71%. This system holds promise as an aid in the clinical distinction of melanoma from benign pigmented skin lesions.

Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Nurse-aid management of psychological emergencies: 3.

Anxiety can endanger life and hinder recovery. Early intervention reduces anxiety and therefore limits the risks. This article describes the recognition of anxiety and outlines some nursing interventions. Although it concentrates on the hospitalized patient the methods can be used in a variety of situations, particularly first-aid situations where anxiety can add to the severity of the situation.

Anxiety↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Unilateral pseudo-synophthalmos.

A 4 1/2-year-old girl had an unusual congenital defect of her left eye which we have elected to call a unilateral pseudo-synophthalmos. We have found no other such case reported. We review the case history and findings, discuss the embryology, and explore the possible embryologic explanations for such an anomaly.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Intellectual and educational attainment in albinism.

We studied the intellectual and educational ability of a group of 18 albino children as compared with that of a group of demographically matched controls. Intellectual ability was measured using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices, and educational ability was measured by the reading, spelling, and arithmetic tests of the Wide Range Achievement Test. There was no statistically significant difference in intelligence of the two groups. However, there was a significant difference in reading, spelling, and arithmetic skills. No correlation was found between the clinical features of the albino children and their performance on the intelligence or educational tests.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Urokinase in thrombotic coronary occlusion.

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Ambulatory Care↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Reducing the risk of a venous gas embolism].

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Embolism, Air↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Recruit and retain. A shoulder to lean on.

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Counseling↗