ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: End-of-life care is affected by the attitude and cultural influence of doctors. METHODS: To investigate the attitudes and practices of doctors on end-of-life care by questionnaire survey in 2004 and 2008. RESULTS: In 2004, 31.7% of the respondents agreed that they "do not attempt resuscitation" (DNAR) form was useful and it rose to 54.4% in 2008. A higher proportion of respondents in 2008 claimed that they signed the DNAR form for documentation and accepted withholding noninvasive life-sustaining treatment compared to 2004. In 2004, 50% of the respondents regarded their training and education on handling DNAR issue as inadequate. CONCLUSION: Documentation by DNAR form is gaining wider acceptance. Many doctors are expected to have more training and coaching on communication for handling such sensitive issues.
Subject(s)
Attitude of Health Personnel , Physicians/psychology , Resuscitation Orders/psychology , Terminal Care/psychology , Age Factors , China , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , Longitudinal Studies , Patient Comfort , Practice Patterns, Physicians'ABSTRACT
Lithium salts have been used in treatment of depression and bipolar disorder for more than 50 years. Neurotoxic side-effects such as nystagmus, ataxia, tremor, fasciculation, clonus, seizure and even coma have been well described in the literature. We present a case of generalised peripheral neuropathy following lithium intoxication. It is a rare presentation with delayed onset and characterised by a rapid downhill course. Diagnosis was confirmed by nerve conduction tests, which showed axonal neuropathy. Despite the profound neurological effects of this toxicity, it is readily reversible with supportive care and the prognosis is good.
