Improved Stroke Imaging Techniques

Article Abstract:

New developments in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may improve the diagnosis and treatment of stroke. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI), are two new MRI techniques that appear to be more accurate than CT scans. DWI measures how fast blood moves through the brain and can therefore detect areas of low blood flow. This would occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to an area of the brain, causing a stroke. PWI also measures the flow of liquid through the brain and both techniques can pinpoint damaged areas of the brain.

Innovations, Diagnosis, Stroke (Disease), Stroke, Magnetic resonance imaging

---

New drugs for the nail fungus prevalent in elderly

Article Abstract:

Two drugs were approved in 1995 and 1996 to treat a fungal nail infection called onychomycosis. This infection, which can affect the fingernails and toenails, was found in 48% of patients 70 years and older in one study. This is three or four times the rate seen 20 years ago. Many people affected cannot wear shoes or work with their hands and some can't walk. Itraconazole (Sporanox) and terbinafine (Lamasil) have been proven effective in many trials and could probably replace the older drugs griseofulvin and ketoconazole.

Drug therapy, Itraconazole, Onychomycosis, Antifungal agents

---

Trial suggests change in transfusion strategy

Article Abstract:

A Canadian study has shown that patients in intensive care units may benefit from fewer blood transfusions. Researchers provided liberal transfusion to 420 patients and restrictive transfusion to 428 patients. Mortality rates in the restrictive transfusion group were 6% lower than in the liberal transfusion group. Patients in the restrictive transfusion group received 52% fewer transfusions than patient in the liberal transfusion group. Blood may not deliver enough oxygen when stored beyond a certain date.

Care and treatment, Blood transfusion, Critically ill

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: The impact of allergy training in primary care nursing. Pulling together in general practice. 'Is it the GP system or the GP culture that's at fault?'
• Abstracts: Questions on genetic testing services. Revitalized AHCPR pursues research on quality. Pentagon-funded research takes aim at agents of biological warfare
• Abstracts: Triple combinations: present and future. Measuring viral load in the clinical setting. Viral resistance and the selection of antiretroviral combinations
• Abstracts: Development of vaginal microbicides for the prevention of heterosexual transmission of HIV. A placebo-controlled, double-blind prospective study in healthy female volunteers of dextrin sulphate gel: a novel potential intravaginal virucide
• Abstracts: Signs of the times. Community nurses in on the action. Global action: public health care should encompass more than screening and disease management

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.