Postgraduate medical journal
-
The primary aim was to systematically review the empirical evidence relating to models and guidance for providing effective feedback in clinical supervision occurring in postgraduate medical education contexts. A secondary aim was to identify the common and differentiating components of models and guidance for providing effective feedback in this context. A systematic review was conducted. ⋯ The evidence supporting specific models and guidance in postgraduate medical education was limited. However, there is evidence to support all of the commonly identified principles. In addition, a consensus about the principles of effective feedback in clinical supervision in postgraduate medical education was found.
-
The short synacthen test (SST) is widely used across the UK to assess adrenal reserve. The main objective of our study was to determine the morning serum cortisol level that will predict adrenal insufficiency (AI) thus reducing our reliance on SST. ⋯ Basal morning serum cortisol can be safely used as a first step in the evaluation of patients with suspected AI. This will enhance the number of patients being screened for this condition.
-
Malignant central airway obstruction (CAO) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is associated with high morbidity and requires endobronchial palliative treatment to re-establish a free air passage. We investigate intratumoral therapy combining anti-angiogenic and cytotoxic as a feasible therapeutic modality to treat malignant CAO. ⋯ We have shown that the intratumoral injection of cytotoxic cisplatin plus anti-angiogenic Endostar is an effective and safe adjuvant therapeutic option to treat malignant CAO in clinical practice. This time-staggered local and systemic treatment combination improves quality of life and clinical parameters, thus may provide a feasible therapeutic option for symptomatic CAO.
-
Observational Study
Antithrombotic therapy and the risk of new-onset dementia in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of dementia. Little is known about the relationship of antithrombotic therapy and the risk of dementia in patients with AF without clinical stroke. ⋯ In elderly AF patients, warfarin therapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of new-onset dementia compared those with no therapy or aspirin.