Issue Summary
What can we learn from our 2021 respiratory syncytial virus experience?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), named for it causing multinucleated cells (syncytia) to form in cell culture, is the leading cause of acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) during early childhood.
The societal cost of unintentional childhood injuries in Aotearoa
Approximately 66 children (0–14 years) die from unintentional injuries each year, and unintentional injury is the leading cause of death in 1- to 14-year-olds. An additional 7,700 hospitalisations occur as a result of these injuries.
Variation in resources and impact on performance: results of the emergency department benchmarking survey
In the context of the current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, lack of capacity and resources for acute healthcare has been recognised internationally.
Tertiary survey by trauma nurse specialist at a paediatric trauma centre
Trauma is a major health problem globally, with road injuries alone accounting for more deaths than any other cause among 10–19-year-olds and being the third most common cause of death among 5–9-year-olds.
A comparison of major trauma admissions to Christchurch Hospital during and after COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand | OPEN ACCESS
In 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic managed to overwhelm many healthcare systems worldwide.
Mortality following severe liver trauma is declining at Auckland City Hospital: a 14-year experience, 2006–2020
The liver is commonly injured in both blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma. Liver trauma can cause life threatening internal haemorrhage and even exsanguination. Delayed liver injury complications are also possible.
Nail gun injuries: not just an occupational hazard
Nail guns are a ubiquitous tool in the construction industry. They have increased in popularity since their introduction in 1959 as they increase productivity and subsequently reduce costs.
Outcomes in patients with fractured ribs: middle aged at same risk of complications as the elderly
Trauma is an important cause of mortality in New Zealand. It is the leading cause of death between the ages of 1 and 34 and the fifth largest cause of health loss across all age groups.
Rethinking resuscitation: moving the goals
Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation of the victims of drowning was first performed in Paris in the 1700s. It was another 250 years until a group led by surgeon James Jude first described closed chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), ostensibly as a treatment for the effects of excessive anaesthetic induction agents.
Reversible BRAF inhibitor-induced acute exudative paraneoplastic polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy
A 72-year-old Caucasian male was receiving vemurafenib and pembrolizumab treatment for BRAF VK600K mutation-positive metastatic cutaneous melanoma. He was initially started on vemurafenib alone, with pembrolizumab being added to therapy 3.5 months later.
What we can’t see: the intimate lived experience of rural New Zealand
There’s a man who is probably dead by the time you read this. He was prominent locally in his community and nationally, and continued his professional work until recently.
The rise of cannabis vaping: implications for survey design
Until about 2010, smoking of cannabis (in a joint, pipe or bong) was by far the dominant mode of use, globally and in New Zealand.
Perforation of the Bladder
The following notes on a case of traumatic perforation of the bladder may be of interest:—
