2012 | Anette Hylen Ranhoff, Ludvig Solheim, Geir Hoff, Michael Bretthauer, Bjørn-Inge Larsen, Harald Schrader, Lars Jacob Stovner, Øyvind Skraastad
A 59-year-old man with severe back injuries after a hypoglycemic seizure was reported in a journal article. Seizures are common in nursing homes, and many residents have type 2 diabetes treated with oral medications, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. Nursing home residents also have a high prevalence of osteoporosis.
The patient was an 80-year-old woman admitted to a geriatric unit with extensive fractures. The medical history was unclear, and there was initial concern about reporting to the police and health authorities. After communication with the nursing home and a literature review, it was determined that such events can occur. The patient had type 2 diabetes treated with oral antidiabetics and a moderate dementia, with limited mobility. She had a generalized seizure during morning bedtime, leading to respiratory arrest, and received brief CPR. She recovered quickly but later experienced widespread body pain. A physician was called, and the next day, suspicion of fractures arose. A mobile X-ray confirmed dislocated femoral and humeral fractures, which were surgically treated in one session.
The patient recovered well and was returned to the nursing home after ten days. During her hospital stay, she had hypoglycemia, and her antidiabetic medication was discontinued. However, it is unclear whether the seizure was caused by hypoglycemia. The nursing home suspected this and gave her chocolate upon waking. Her blood sugar was 6.4 mmol/L. It is likely she had advanced osteoporosis, but a DEXA scan of the spine showed no bone loss, and measurements in the hips were not possible due to fractures.
The case highlights the need to consider serious fractures in elderly patients in nursing homes and to thoroughly investigate patients who have had seizures for possible fractures.
In another article, the debate over colorectal cancer screening is discussed. While screening can reduce incidence and mortality, concerns about anxiety and psychological effects are raised. Studies show that screening can have negative effects, such as reduced motivation for lifestyle changes. The Norwegian National Board of Health and Welfare recommended a pilot program for colorectal cancer screening, emphasizing the need for follow-up studies.
In another article, the debate over whiplash injuries is discussed. A study found that whiplash symptoms typically last only a few days, and there is no evidence of long-term effects. The author criticizes the use of outdated literature and the dismissal of recent studies.
In another article, the merger process at Oslo University Hospital is discussed. The editor expresses concern about patient safety and working conditions. The author emphasizes the importance of quality management and communication between different departments. The merger is described as a complex process, and the hospital has implemented various measures to ensure quality and patient safety.
The journal practices a response system for scientific articles, allowing authors to respond to comments. However, this does not apply to letters to the editor.A 59-year-old man with severe back injuries after a hypoglycemic seizure was reported in a journal article. Seizures are common in nursing homes, and many residents have type 2 diabetes treated with oral medications, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. Nursing home residents also have a high prevalence of osteoporosis.
The patient was an 80-year-old woman admitted to a geriatric unit with extensive fractures. The medical history was unclear, and there was initial concern about reporting to the police and health authorities. After communication with the nursing home and a literature review, it was determined that such events can occur. The patient had type 2 diabetes treated with oral antidiabetics and a moderate dementia, with limited mobility. She had a generalized seizure during morning bedtime, leading to respiratory arrest, and received brief CPR. She recovered quickly but later experienced widespread body pain. A physician was called, and the next day, suspicion of fractures arose. A mobile X-ray confirmed dislocated femoral and humeral fractures, which were surgically treated in one session.
The patient recovered well and was returned to the nursing home after ten days. During her hospital stay, she had hypoglycemia, and her antidiabetic medication was discontinued. However, it is unclear whether the seizure was caused by hypoglycemia. The nursing home suspected this and gave her chocolate upon waking. Her blood sugar was 6.4 mmol/L. It is likely she had advanced osteoporosis, but a DEXA scan of the spine showed no bone loss, and measurements in the hips were not possible due to fractures.
The case highlights the need to consider serious fractures in elderly patients in nursing homes and to thoroughly investigate patients who have had seizures for possible fractures.
In another article, the debate over colorectal cancer screening is discussed. While screening can reduce incidence and mortality, concerns about anxiety and psychological effects are raised. Studies show that screening can have negative effects, such as reduced motivation for lifestyle changes. The Norwegian National Board of Health and Welfare recommended a pilot program for colorectal cancer screening, emphasizing the need for follow-up studies.
In another article, the debate over whiplash injuries is discussed. A study found that whiplash symptoms typically last only a few days, and there is no evidence of long-term effects. The author criticizes the use of outdated literature and the dismissal of recent studies.
In another article, the merger process at Oslo University Hospital is discussed. The editor expresses concern about patient safety and working conditions. The author emphasizes the importance of quality management and communication between different departments. The merger is described as a complex process, and the hospital has implemented various measures to ensure quality and patient safety.
The journal practices a response system for scientific articles, allowing authors to respond to comments. However, this does not apply to letters to the editor.