Management of hyperglycaemic emergencies in the tropics. (49/171)

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar state are the two most serious acute metabolic complications of diabetes even if managed properly. These disorders can occur in both types 1 and 2 diabetes, and remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic populations especially, in the developing countries. Intravenous insulin and fluid replacement are the mainstays of therapy, with careful monitoring of potassium levels. Bicarbonate therapy is rarely needed. Infection, omission of insulin, and other precipitating factors should be treated. This review is intended to discuss some of the advances in the management of hyperglycaemic emergencies and also to highlight some of the peculiarities of the management of hyperglycaemic emergency in our setting if we are going to be able to improve outcome significantly.  (+info)

Dermatologic conditions of the ill returned traveler: an analysis from the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network. (50/171)

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Tropical parasitic diseases and women. (51/171)

Tropical parasitic diseases constitute the greatest threat to the health and socio-economic status of women as a gender and social group. There are some gender specific ways in which parasitic diseases affect women in contrast to men due to differences in exposure, occupational risk, sociocultural behavior, gender roles and practices. These parasitic diseases confer some social stigma, which affects the health seeking behavior of women. Women are therefore important in the control of these parasitic diseases and they are key agents of change, if they are included in community control programs. Women need more attention in endemic areas as a group that had been neglected. This deprived and excluded group have got vital role to play, as discussed in this review.  (+info)

Asymmetries of poverty: why global burden of disease valuations underestimate the burden of neglected tropical diseases. (52/171)

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Evaluation of a syndromic surveillance for the early detection of outbreaks among military personnel in a tropical country. (53/171)

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An evaluation of how glaucoma patients use topical medications: a pilot study. (54/171)

PURPOSE: Multiple factors can influence patients' adherence to topical ophthalmic intraocular pressure-lowering medications. An important factor that is often overlooked is the method of eye drop administration, including the handling, storing, and actual administering of eye drops. These aspects of patients' eye drop administration, which may be strongly related to the success of prescribed therapies, are evaluated. METHODS: A 2-page questionnaire was distributed to 253 sequential glaucoma patients at the time of their regular clinical visit with one of two geographically distinct glaucoma specialists. In addition to providing demographic data, the patients were asked to complete a 2-page questionnaire about their current use of eye drops. RESULTS: The study participants had a mean age of 71.5 years (SD, 15.1 years) and were predominantly female (59.8%) and white (72.6%). Approximately 17% of them relied on others for the administration of drops and most commonly cited inadequate vision and trouble with manual dexterity leading to this dependency. Of those who self-administered drops, only 16.3% used a mirror. The most common location for administration was the bedroom (46.8%), followed by the bathroom (23.4%) and kitchen (16.1%). Almost 16% reported "rarely" or "never" washing their hands. CONCLUSIONS: Although most individuals may have little difficulty with the use, storage, and handling of eye drops, this study demonstrates that broad variation in reported practices exists. This finding suggests a need for better instruction in eye drop administration and illuminates some of the methodological problems that could be overcome to reduce patients' frustration, improve compliance, and increase efficacy.  (+info)

Falciparum malaria as a cause of fever in adult travellers returning to the United Kingdom: observational study of risk by geographical area. (55/171)

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The neglected tropical diseases of Latin America and the Caribbean: a review of disease burden and distribution and a roadmap for control and elimination. (56/171)

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