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The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the accordance between the indications used for prescription of continuous domiciliary oxygen and the guidelines recommended by the Danish Society of Pulmonary Medicine. Sixty-two patients with chronic hypoxic respiratory insufficiency in chronic domiciliary oxygen therapy were investigated. Only one patient fulfilled all the prescribed recommendations and, in general, there were no registrations of compliance or of follow-ups in the patient records.

Chylous ascites is an unusual condition. Many causes, usually malignancy, are responsible. In the present article, the authors define chylous ascites, describe the pathological physiology, etiology, diagnostic procedures and management. The case of a man aged 74 years with chylous ascites on account of malignant lymphoma in the retroperitoneum is presented.

The object of this investigation was to describe the health and social medical conditions of elderly readmitted patients and to assess which of these conditions was the main reason for readmission. A total of 166 patients (with an average age of 73 years) who were readmitted to the ward within three months of the previous discharge were interviewed about their health, social and housing conditions during the period prior to admission. The interviews were conducted in the second half of 1987. In this second report from the investigation it was found that 84% lived in flats with good facilities. 50% lived alone, 57% received at least one form of public assistance (ie home help, home nursing etc.). The interviewers considered that social and housing conditions were the only reason for 12% of the readmissions and were contributory causes in 15% of the readmissions. It is concluded that health reasons were the primary reasons for the present readmission.

The object of this investigation was to describe the health and social-medical conditions of readmitted patients and to assess which of these conditions was the main reason for readmission. A total of 166 patients (with an average age of 73 years) readmitted to the ward within three months of the last discharge from the ward were interviewed about their health, social and housing conditions in the period prior to admission. In this first report from the investigation it was found that 57% were readmitted within one month. 71% stated that they had experienced symptoms from the heart and/or respiratory system and 52% had experienced symptoms from the locomotor system. Only 13% did not receive any daily prescription drugs. Approximately 1/3 considered their health to be good and 1/3 poor, respectively. These results were compared with the data available in the literature about the health conditions of non-hospitalized elderly persons. It was demonstrated that the readmitted patients had more health complaints, a more extensive medication and considered their health worse.