Early dietetic intervention would be welcomed by patients, with group work and 'expert patient' assistance offering one means of delivering this service in a patient-centred way.

The records of 3011 obstetric extradural blocks were examined to determine the depth of the extradural space and the relative risk of dural puncture. The overall incidence of dural puncture was 0.7%. A disproportionate number of punctures occurred when the space was superficial (1.45%), with a risk factor three times greater than that associated with normal depth spaces (0.48%). Caution is advised when infiltrating with local anaesthetics before extradural procedures, and when initially introducing the extradural needle.

This study aims to explore the knowledge and beliefs of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients about the role of diet in their disease presentation and management. Focus Groups (FG) with nephrology and dialysis patients informed the development of a questionnaire. A sixty percent response rate was achieved (115/190) with 100 complete questionnaires available for analysis. 80 respondents said they would like to receive dietary advice as soon as they know they have renal damage. In most cases this would have been months or years sooner than they were referred to a dietitian. Group work and 'expert patient' assistance offer the means of delivering this service in a patient-centred way. It is also essential that doctors have access to accurate dietary advice so they can support patients appropriately to change their dietary behaviour.

This study has confirmed the prevalence of laxative use amongst patients on PD and shown that fibre use can confer improvements in bowel function without affecting biochemistry.

No abstract