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Recent Experiences in the Respiratory Unit of the Johannesburg Hospital


S Zwi
A. W. W. Van As
D.J. Kanarek
S.S. Hurwitz
N.P. Coote
H.I. Goldman

Abstract

The importance of respiratory disease in medicine is emphasized. One hundred and thirtyfive cases were referred to the Respiratory Unit in a 5-month period. These cases 'have been analysed in terms of age, sex and major disease. Fifty-six patients,of whom 47 had intermittent positive pressure respiration, required treatment in an intensive care unit. Twenty-two patients died in the intensive care unit-a mortality rate of 39%. Also discussed and briefly illustrated are problems of intermittent positive pressure respiration, tracheostomy and endotracheal intubation, cardiac arrhythmias, oxygen toxicity, fat embolism and tetanus.


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eISSN: 2078-5135
print ISSN: 0256-9574