Irish journal of medical science
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The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is based on a history consistent with demyelination of the central nervous system and corresponding physical signs on examination. However, this diagnosis is supported radiologically using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). At present, MRI serves as the most reliable and widely available biomarker for the practising clinician to measure disease activity and treatment response in MS. As MRI remains central to both the diagnosis and management of MS, this paper provides proposed guidelines for its use in routine clinical practice.
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive illness that is mostly managed in the general practice setting. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines are the international gold standard, and it is important to understand how these are being applied in general practice. ⋯ Current studies show significant variability in adherence to the GOLD guidelines. Barriers identified include lack of clarity, unfamiliarity with recommendations, and lack of familiarity with the guidelines. If general practice is expected to manage COPD and other chronic diseases, health service investment is needed to provide appropriate focused guidelines, to support their dissemination and resources to implement them in practice.
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Adductor canal block (ACB) and local infiltration anesthesia (LIA) are both widely accepted techniques for postoperative pain control without quadriceps weakness after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the above techniques are insufficient in efficacy or duration. ⋯ Overall, as compared with ACB or LIA, ACB plus PCI appeared to provide more ideal analgesia and patient satisfaction in the first 24 h after operation.
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Case Reports
Physical activity and advanced cancer: the views of oncology and palliative care physicians in Ireland.
Physical activity (PA) levels play an important role in maintaining the quality of life and enhancing the physical function of advanced cancer patients. A brief exercise prompt by physicians can increase PA levels of patients diagnosed with cancer. ⋯ The results of this study identify a need for physician education on providing PA recommendations for patients with advanced cancer. Concerns over the prescription of PA to patients with bone metastases highlight the need to disseminate the evidence on the benefits of PA for patients with metastatic cancer to healthcare professionals.