Wound botulism - California, 1995

Article Abstract:

Botulism should be suspected in any intravenous drug user who develops paralysis. The California Department of Health Services received 19 reports of botulism in wounds between January and November of 1995. The number of cases has increased annually since 1991 and all but one occurred in intravenous drug abusers. Two cases are described of intravenous drug users who injected black tar heroin. Both experienced difficulty speaking and swallowing and eventually required artificial ventilation. Tissue specimens were positive for botulin toxin and both were treated with antitoxin. Intravenous drug users should be warned of the risk of botulism if they inject contaminated drug solutions. Physicians should carefully examine any intravenous drug user who presents with paralysis for signs of a wound. Electromyography can assist the diagnosis and a Tensilon test can rule out myasthenia gravis. Botulin antitoxin should be administered immediately and the local health department should be notified.

Health aspects, Case studies, Complications and side effects, Wounds and injuries, Injuries, Botulism, Intravenous drug abuse

---

Manual chest compression vs use of an automated chest compression device during resuscitation following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Article Abstract:

A study was conducted to compare resuscitation outcomes following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest when an automated load distributing band-cardio pulmonary resuscitation (LDB-CPR) devise was added to standard emergency medical service (EMS) care with manual CPR. It was found that use of an automated LDB-CPR device was associated with worse neurological outcomes and a trend toward worse survival than manual CPR.

Care and treatment, United States, Management, Emergency medical services, Cardiac arrest

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Validation of a rule of termination of resuscitation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
• Abstracts: Riboflavin requirement of Filipino women. The impact of malarial infection and diet on the anaemia status of rural pregnant Malawian women
• Abstracts: The baby blues club. Improving perinatal emotional well-being and mental health. The illusion of progress
• Abstracts: Gene therapy for cancer. 'Antineoplastons': an unproved cancer therapy. Secrecy in medical research

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