Sentinel health events surveillance in diabetes. Deaths among persons under age 45 with diabetes

The pilot study for a sentinel health events surveillance system for deaths among persons under age 45 with diabetes was conducted in six states in 1984 and 1985. Two hundred and thirty-three events were identified. Information from death certificates, physicians, and families revealed that 22% died from acute complications of diabetes and 53% from chronic complications. Blood pressure measurement and urinalysis testing had been performed in the last year for almost all of the decedents, but other preventive practices were reported less frequently. Hypertension was present in 57% and of those, was not controlled in 73%. Forty-four percent were cigarette smokers at the time of death. Agreement between physicians and families was generally higher for clinical conditions than for care practices. This surveillance system appears to yield information about the health care of persons with diabetes not readily available from other sources, although modifications may be necessary before implementation.     

Neck contour deformities. The art, engineering, anatomic diagnosis, architectural planning, and aesthetics of surgical correction

The best quality long-lasting results require attention to the diagnosis of the precise anatomic problems followed by the architectural planning--the art of making beautiful highlights, shadows, and curves where indicated to produce a result that is aesthetically pleasing. Attention to the details of the surgical planning, execution of surgery, and postoperative care are essential to minimize untoward results and problems and produce a happy patient and pleased surgeon.     

Continuous 4-channel EEG monitoring: a guide to interpretation, with normal values, in preterm infants

A system is described for the rapid analysis of the extensive EEG data produced by continuous 4-channel monitoring. Using this system, the initial EEGs of 44 low-risk preterm infants between 26 and 37 weeks gestation have been analysed and quantified in order to establish standard values. This provides a basis for assessment of the acute EEG as an index of cerebral function in high-risk or abnormal preterm infants.