Irish journal of medical science
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Alopecia areata (AA) is considered an organ-specific autoimmune disease of hair follicles. Adipose tissue plays a role in lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism and secretes adipokines such as leptin and adiponectin. Dysregulation in the adipokine balance may be associated with metabolic syndrome. We aimed to determine serum adipokine levels in AA patients and compare them with healthy controls, and to determine whether there was metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in the AA patients. ⋯ To our knowledge, this is the first report indicating that adiponectin and leptin probably has a role in the pathogenesis of AA with scalp hair involvement.
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To report the advice consultants wish they had received on their appointment and to see if that advice differs by gender, or length of time since appointment. ⋯ The emergence of 'self-care' and 'work-life balance' as the top pieces of advice suggests that consultants regret that they have not looked after their health. The fact that 'self-care' was significantly less likely to feature among consultants more than twenty years in practice may point to generational differences.
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Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a benign and rare chronic inflammatory disease of the breast with unknown etiology. While there is no consensus regarding its post-diagnosis management, there are different treatment alternatives. ⋯ For IGM, the "watch and wait" approach is an effective option. A chance should be given to the self-limiting nature of the disease with the addition of drainage when necessary.
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Influenza is an important public health issue, even amongst healthy adults. Uptake rates of the influenza vaccine amongst elite athletes vary and can depend on the attitudes of their coaches, fellow athletes and support staff. International studies have documented a fear amongst elite athletes to the potential side effects of the vaccine. ⋯ Elite Irish athletes are vulnerable to contracting influenza annually, despite free access to immunisation. Barriers to receiving the vaccine include location access, education and fear of side effects.
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Ireland has the highest rates of overnight hospitalisations for COPD in the OECD, yet lacks estimates of the prevalence of this disease or its pharmacological management. We aimed to estimate the age and sex-specific prevalence of symptomatic COPD and to identify patterns of respiratory medication use to inform interventions to improve pharmacotherapy in this condition. ⋯ The prevalence of medication use consistent with the management of symptomatic COPD mirrors international prevalence estimates. Several patterns raise concern: high ICS use in older adults, under use of LAMA therapy and poor persistence of those newly initiated. We recommend the development of an intervention to assist in the implementation of new national prescribing guidelines for the management of COPD.