[Recurrence of septic arthritis of the wrist by Pseudomonas aeruginosa due to colonization of a central venous indwelling catheter]. / Rezidiv einer septischen Arthritis des Handgelenks durch Pseudomonas aeruginosa bei Besiedelung eines zentralvenösen Verweilkatheters.

A diabetic patient, wearer of a port and with a history of gonarthritis due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa presented with subacute arthritis of a wrist. After a protracted interval P. aeruginosa was detected by microbial culture from the explanted port and the affected joint. This case shows that in patients with unclear arthritis of the wrist, a history of septic arthritis with P. aeruginosa and risk factors for hematogenous spread, a recurrent infection should be excluded. The treatment consisted of explantation of the port, débridement with synovectomy of the joint and adequate antibiotic treatment.

Emergency medical kit for commercial airlines. Air Transport Medicine Committee, Aerospace Medical Association.

While it has been of general interest for a long time, the issue of a Medical Kit for Commercial Airlines is now close to the top of the priority list because of recent activities in Europe within the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) and in the United States at the Congressional Level. The Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) requested its Air Transport Medicine Committee to review the situation and make recommendations for a basic medical kit for international airlines. After reviewing the contents of existing kits, and the limited amount of available data, a proposal was submitted to and accepted by the AsMA Council. This is just a beginning. The Air Transport Medicine Committee will continue to follow the evolution and periodically adapt the kit accordingly.

Cabin air quality. Aerospace Medical Association.

Cabin Air Quality has generated considerable public and workers' concern and controversy in the last few years. To clarify the situation, AsMA requested the Passenger Health Subcommittee of the Air Transport Medicine Committee to review the situation and prepare a position statement. After identifying the various sources of confusion, we review the scientifically accepted facts in the different elements involved in Cabin Air Quality: pressurization, ventilation, contaminants, humidity and temperature. At the same time, we identify areas that need more research and make recommendations accordingly.

Helping patients travel by air.

Although safe and rapid, air travel may present problems for people with certain medical conditions. Most medical emergencies that occur during a flight are preventable by judicious screening and preparation. We provide guidelines for physicians who are consulted about the wisdom of undertaking a journey by air. Potential stresses before, during and after the flight are outlined, including decreased atmospheric pressure, low humidity, turbulence, inactivity and time changes. We recommend precautionary measures for passengers with certain medical conditions, such as recent myocardial infarction, pulmonary disorders, pneumothorax, cerebrovascular accidents and diabetes and for those who have recently had surgery. The policy regarding air travel for pregnant women varies with each airline, but for certain conditions associated with pregnancy supplemental oxygen should be ordered before the trip. The special equipment and care that most airlines offer to ill or disabled people are described.