Profiles of Neurological Outcome Prediction Among Intensivists

Background  

Advances in intensive care medicine have increased survival rates of patients with critical neurological conditions. The focus of prognostication for such patients is therefore shifting from predicting chances of survival to meaningful neurological recovery. This study assessed the variability in long-term outcome predictions among physicians and aimed to identify factors that may account for this variability.     

The prevalence of chromium allergy in Denmark is currently increasing as a result of leather exposure

Background Chromium allergy has traditionally been caused by occupational skin contact with cement. In 1983, Danish legislation made the addition of ferrous sulphate compulsory in cement to reduce the water‐soluble chromium content to not more than 2 ppm. An effect from this intervention has previously been demonstrated among Danish construction workers. Objectives To investigate the development of chromium allergy among patients with dermatitis tested between 1985 and 2007 in Denmark. Furthermore, to determine causative exposures in patients with chromium allergy. Patients and methods A retrospective analysis of patch test data was performed (n = 16 228) and charts from patients with chromium allergy were reviewed. Comparisons were made using a χ² test. Logistic regression analyses were used to test for associations. Results The prevalence of chromium allergy decreased significantly from 3·6% in 1985 to 1% in 1995 (P_trend < 0·001) but increased to 3·3% in 2007 (P_trend < 0·001). The frequency of clinically relevant cement exposure decreased significantly among patients with chromium allergy from 12·7% in 1989–1994 to 3·0% (P < 0·01) in 1995–2007, whereas the frequency of relevant leather exposure increased significantly from 24·1% during 1989–1994 to 45·5% during 1995–2007 (P < 0·02). Conclusions Chromium allergy is currently increasing in Denmark due to leather exposure.