[Dementia in elderly Turkish immigrants]. / Demenslidelser hos aeldre tyrkiske indvandrere.

INTRODUCTION: The health condition in a population of elderly Turkish immigrants is investigated with special focus on dementia conditions. The possibility to use the screening test Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) in relation to the investigated population is evaluated as well as their future need for a nursing home. MATERIAL AND METHODS: With the help of an interpreter, the Turkish population of elderly (> 60 years old) in the municipality of Ishöj was interviewed about educational-, working- and health conditions. In addition to MMSE and semi-structured interviews, the ICD-10 criteria were used in diagnosing dementia conditions. RESULTS: We found an increased frequency of dementia conditions (13,3%) compared to the expected prevalence of 7% in the Danish population. Furthermore, we found an increased frequency of diabetes type-2. The use of MMSE as a guideline instrument of screening was shown to be applicable only with modifications to persons who were illiterates and without any education, and to those 1st-generation immigrants who were to a limited degree integrated as citizens CONCLUSION: The increased incidence of dementia conditions and diabetes type-2 shows the need for a more assertive approach.

[Diagnostic strategy in patients with clinically suspected deep vein thrombosis]. / Diagnostisk strategi hos patienter, der er henvist til skadestuen på mistanke om dyb venøs trombose.

INTRODUCTION: The standard method for diagnosing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) involves determination of D-dimer and ultrasound scanning. In an attempt to reduce the number of ultrasound examinations we have supplemented this with a clinical probability estimate for DVT (DVT-score) over one year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 508 consecutive patients presenting in the emergency room with suspected DVT had D-dimer and DVT-score performed. Patients with non-elevated D-dimer and a low or moderate DVT score received no treatment. The remainder had ultrasound scanning from the groin to the popliteal fossa. If no DVT was revealed, the patient was contacted by telephone 7-10 days later, and was offered a repeat examination if symptoms persisted. RESULTS: Three patients with chronic DVT were excluded. Normal D-dimer and low or moderate DVT-score was found in 103 patients, none had DVT. Only five patients with normal D-dimer had high DVT-scores, none had DVT, so that the benefit from determining DVT-scores was modest. Ultrasound scanning revealed DVT in 85 out of 397 patients with elevated D-dimer. A repeat examination was performed in 91 patients with persisting symptoms, and disclosed DVT in two. CONCLUSION: We recommend that ambulatory patients with clinically suspected DVT have a D-dimer test. If D-dimer is elevated, compression ultrasound should be performed in the groin and the popliteal fossa.