Acute spinal-cord injury

Article Abstract:

About 10,000 spinal-cord injuries occur in the United States each year. Although less than 10 percent of the injured die, 80 percent of the survivors are young men, who are left permanently disabled. Care of patients with spinal-cord injuries costs $4 billion each year. Although better treatment has led to longer lives, little can be done to improve function. The study reported by Fred Geisler and his colleagues, in the June 27, 1991 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, as well as a study by M.B. Bracken and his colleagues (published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 1990), have led to new ways of thinking about drug treatment for spinal-cord injuries. An important issue in the measurement of success in such trials is the validity of the scales to measure improvement, and the meaning of the scales in terms of applicability to the activities of daily living. Randomization is a cornerstone of clinical trials, and is used to ensure that the patients in the treatment group and the placebo group are comparable. In the study reported by Geisler, the treatment group began with less function, so that, although they experienced greater improvement, the groups were functionally equal at the end of the year. It is possible that patients with poorer function to begin with are capable of greater improvement even without medication. New trials of drug therapy for spinal-cord injury are opening up new methods of treatment, and the fact that the two studies cited used different drugs with different mechanisms of action, suggests the possibility of an additive effect. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Drug therapy, Spinal cord injuries, Paralysis, editorial

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Acute pharyngitis

Article Abstract:

Most cases of pharyngitis, or sore throat, will go away without treatment, especially if they are caused by a virus. Pharyngitis can also be caused by bacteria, which may require antibiotics. Doctors should try to determine whether the cause is bacterial or viral in order to avoid the use of unnecessary antibiotics.

Pharyngitis, Sore throat

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Public health measures to control the spread of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome during the outbreak in Toronto

Article Abstract:

Toronto was the place in North America where the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) out broke. Control efforts were succeeded due to intensive follow-up of contacts of the patients. SARS spread only when it is not recognized.

Canada, Government domestic functions, Control, Toronto, Ontario, Health policy, Severe acute respiratory syndrome

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