Irish journal of medical science
-
Endometrial cancer (EC) is most frequently seen in older and postmenopausal women. ⋯ In conclusion, 2009 FIGO stage was found to be the only independent prognostic factor associated with recurrence and death in older patients with endometrial cancer.
-
To determine if alcohol consumption is a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and nocturnal oxygen desaturation. ⋯ In this study, we found that alcohol consumption was an independent risk factor of OSA and OSA with hypoxia, and alcohol consumption was related to AHI significantly after adjustment, especially in female. In order to reduce the risk and severity of OSA, it is suggested that people should avoid drinking, and drinkers should abstain from drinking.
-
Despite the rise of non-invasive screening tests for fetal aneuploidy, invasive testing during pregnancy remains the definitive diagnostic tool for fetal genetic anomalies. Results are rapidly available with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, but cases have been reported whereby initial results were not confirmed after pregnancy termination and the fetal karyotype was ultimately normal. We sought to examine the potential discordance between PCR and karyotype for fetal aneuploidy. ⋯ PCR can be reliably used to determine aneuploidy of chromosomes 13, 18, and 21. However, in cases of sex chromosome aneuploidy, its performance is less reliable and warrants waiting for a complete karyotype. Given such discordance, we advise waiting for karyotype for all invasive tests performed in the presence of a normal ultrasound before advising a patient of a diploid QF-PCR result or potentially terminating a normal pregnancy.
-
COVID-19 resulted in significant changes across medical wards and ICU in St James's Hospital Dublin. This included the implementation of ward-based medical teams (WBMT). The purpose of this study was to identify how these structural changes affected inter-professional collaboration, supervision and patient safety. ⋯ Implementation of WBMT may result in improved sense of collaboration, supervision and patient safety during COVID-19; however, the increased sense of solidarity and comradery felt during the initial surge make drawing these conclusions challenging.
-
In ulcerative colitis patients, Elabela levels and the relation of Elabela with laboratory parameters is unknown. ⋯ Elabela concentrations in patients with active UC was significantly higher and was associated with EAI and hs-CRP. Blood Elabela concentrations can be useful in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with active UC.