Original Research

Health Needs Assessment and Chronic Pain

Kiernan et al. report that a health needs assessment of patients with chronic pain placed a high priority on the alleviation of disturbed sleep, and pain on movement.

Localisation using multiple magnetic seeds in unilateral breast surgery: clinical and radiological outcomes in a tertiary breast cancer centre

Al Azzawi et al. describe the technique of magnetic seed insertion to locate impalpable breast lumps per-operatively in a series of 43 patients.

Clinical utility of ABR testing under general anaesthesia in Autistic children

Nae et al. report that among 59 children with autism who had a hearing test under the general anaesthesia there were only 2 cases with an abnormal result. In view of the low yield, the authors suggest that a hearing assessment that does not require a general anaesthetic is needed.

Frostbite injuries from recreational nitrous oxide use

Murphy et al. describe 7 cases of frostbite injury following recreational use of nitrous oxide. The injury is due to the spillage of the liquified gas on the skin.

 Loneliness amongst Older Hospital Inpatients: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Maden et al. surveyed 107 inpatients. Half reported some degree of loneliness and 1 in 7 reported higher degrees of loneliness.

A Video Analysis of Helmet Area Injuries and Helmet Type Worn in Hurling and Camogie Over 2 Seasons 

Nolan et al. report that there were 129 potential hurling injuries across 56 games, 86% involved a non-standard helmet. There were 7 potential camogie injuries and 43% involved non-standard helmets. The authors urge the GAA to enforce the use of standard helmets.