Which intravenous bronchodilators are being administered to children presenting with acute severe wheeze in the UK and Ireland?

During a prospective 10-week assessment period, 3238 children aged 1-16 years presented with acute wheeze to Paediatric Emergency Research in the UK and Ireland centres. 110 (3.3%) received intravenous bronchodilators. Intravenous magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) was used in 67 (60.9%), salbutamol in 61 (55.5%) and aminophylline in 52 (47.3%) of cases. In 35 cases (31.8%), two drugs were used together, and in 18 cases (16.4%), all three drugs were administered. When used sequentially the most common order was salbutamol, then MgSO4, then aminophylline. Overall, 30 different intravenous treatment regimens were used varying in drugs, dose, rate and duration.

Predicting substance abuse in juvenile offenders: attention deficit disorder versus aggressivity.

The relative predictive significance of attention deficit disorder (ADD) and aggressive behavior for consequent substance abuse was examined in 114 juvenile offenders. ADD, aggressivity, and substance abuse were assessed according to DSM-III criteria. Results from logistic regression indicate that aggressivity, but not an ADD diagnosis, significantly predicts substance abuse. Therefore, previously reported associations between ADD and substance abuse may be confounded by concurrent symptoms of aggression.

Skid row alcoholism--an objective definition for use in detoxification and treatment planning.

Objective criteria were used to separate skid row alcoholics from others in a public detoxification program. The two groups thus formed were found to have different characteristics, which could lead to more individualized and effective treatment planning in such settings.