Irish journal of medical science
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Perinatal mortality multi-disciplinary team meetings (PM-MDTMs) offer a forum for multi-disciplinary discussion of poor perinatal outcomes. They ensure a thorough understanding of individual cases and present an important learning opportunity for healthcare professionals (HCPs). Attendance at PM-MDTMs in this tertiary maternity hospital has been low. ⋯ Communication regarding PM-MDTMs and their learning opportunities needs to improve. Lack of engagement is likely compounded by high workloads and staffing levels, but these issues should be surmountable.
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Despite the increased uptake of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) for treating severely calcified coronary lesions, there is limited patient-level data examining the effect of IVL on quality of life, symptomatology, and outcomes beyond 30 days. We sought to assess demographics, procedural characteristics, outcomes, and impact of IVL on patient-reported angina after a minimum of 6 months follow-up. ⋯ Coronary IVL is a safe and effective adjunctive therapy for treating heavily calcified coronary lesions. This cohort shows high procedural success and a significant reduction in CCS angina at follow-up.
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Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoimmune disease with periodic fever attacks recurring with mutations in the MEFV gene and chronic inflammation. The new molecule which is formed as a result of the chemical changes made by oxidative free radicals in the albumin molecule during ischemic events is called ischemia modified albumin (IMA). ⋯ IMA can be used as a predictor similar to cardiovascular risk factors and it is a precious marker for inflammation. The use of IMA in these fields and the multi-centred and comparative studies about predictability of it may contribute to science.
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Observational Study
Adherence to secondary prevention recommendations after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
This study was undertaken to assess and evaluate adherence to secondary prevention recommendations and risk factor modifications among a patient cohort at a single-tertiary centre in Ireland, following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). ⋯ In this patient population, adherence to medication and control of risk factors is acceptable. However, there is room for improvement in terms of attendance at cardiac rehab (59%) and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle post-CABG.
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Acute appendicitis (AA) is a common cause of abdominal pain resulting in admission to the emergency room. Imaging methods such as ultrasonography and CT are usually used for diagnosing acute appendicitis. Reports regarding CT scans conducted during night shifts are prepared by private teleradiologists. ⋯ POCUS performed by an emergency medicine specialist showed a higher sensitivity for the diagnosis of AA compared with private teleradiology. Hence, POCUS is more successful in diagnosing AA than private teleradiology. In conclusion, we recommend the concurrent use of AS and POCUS in emergency departments rather than private teleradiology for the diagnosis of AA.