Irish journal of medical science
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Hemoglobin (HB) and red cell distribution width (RDW) are known to be prognostic in many cancer types. The HB-RDW ratio (HRR) is a new biomarker that has been shown to be predictive in some cancer types. However, the prognostic significance of HRR in patients with gastric cancer (GC) is unknown. ⋯ HRR is a new biomarker that can predict DFS and OS in GC patients treated with neoadjuvant FLOT.
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Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD) is a common but under-recognized problem among older residents in nursing homes. If not detected and properly managed, it is a risk factor for failure to thrive and aspiration pneumonia. Discharge to nursing home from hospital may provide an opportunity for detection and subsequent management. ⋯ OPD is present at discharge in over one-third of patients newly discharged to nursing home following a hospital admission, and this may be an under-estimate. This is significant in terms of planning of future care of management in nursing homes. It is important that the syndrome is duly noted in transfer documentation and that appropriate multi-disciplinary support arranged for residents in nursing homes with OPD.
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Ureteric stents are frequently placed following endo-urological procedures. These stents cause significant morbidity for patients. Standard ureteric stents are removed by flexible cystoscopy. This procedure can be unpleasant for patients and requires additional resources. A newly designed magnetic stent allows removal in an outpatient setting. The aim of our study is to compare the magnetic stent and standard ureteric stents with regard to morbidity, pain on stent removal and cost-effectiveness. ⋯ Magnetic stents cause similar morbidity for patients compared with standard stents removed by flexible cystoscopy; they are associated with less pain at removal and are cost saving.
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Rheumatic disease (RD) patients when family planning must consider fertility, disease activity, and management from preconception to lactation. A clear understanding is necessary, especially for those receiving disease-modifying antirheumatic medications. Previous studies have highlighted unmet needs in the care of women with RDs with reproductive healthcare needs. This study describes the first published standardized reproductive care pathway for women with RDs and the outcomes of this approach. ⋯ We describe the first published evidence-based integrated multidisciplinary reproductive care pathway for women with RDs and the results of this approach. Seventy percent of women successful in trying to conceive delivered a healthy baby, and 90% of patients were 'very satisfied' with the service.
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We aimed to investigate the effects of zoledronic acid treatment on daily living activities, cognitive functions, depression, muscle strength, and performance. ⋯ Our study indicated that zoledronic acid did not affect daily living activities, depression, and muscle strength. Although we have concluded that cognitive and muscle performance may be adversely affected by zoledronic acid treatment.