Irish journal of medical science
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The original version of this article inadvertently used early drafts of Figs. 1 and 2. The correct figures are shown here. The original article has been corrected.
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National databases, such as the Irish Hip Fracture Database (IHFD), are known to contain inaccuracies. The coordination of services, national funding and future research rely on the integrity of the IHFD so as to avoid policy and budget planning being based on misrepresentative data. An audit was performed to assess the accuracy of the 2016 IHFD data collected in our trauma unit. ⋯ The data coordinator in our unit doubled the accuracy of the data, and reduced the rate of omitted cases by a factor of 4.5. Accuracy levels would be significantly improved with clear, thorough documentation by the medical team following education of junior surgical trainees on hip fracture classification and procedural coding. Inaccurate data has a negative effect on hospital reimbursement and compromises the integrity of the IHFD.
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A measles outbreak occurred in age-appropriately vaccinated children in a school in a town in the South East of Ireland in September-November 2013. ⋯ The reason for intense measles activity in one class was not established. Although a concurrent investigation into cold chain and vaccine stock management did not identify a cause for the high relative risk of measles in children vaccinated, recommendations were made for improving cold chain and vaccine stock management in General Practices.
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Comparative Study
Coeliac screening in a high-risk population: paediatric type 1 diabetes-a review of current guidelines and practice.
Coeliac disease (CD) is more common in those with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and may be asymptomatic despite the presence of intestinal histological changes. Optimal screening practice guidelines differ internationally. We undertook a retrospective audit to determine the efficacy of current screening practice for CD in T1DM in our centre. ⋯ Timely diagnosis of CD can prevent chronic ill health in affected individuals, and in patients with T1DM, CD is an independent risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality. Given the high prevalence of atypical symptoms and silent CD in those with T1DM, in this and other studies, and the benefits of detection and treatment of CD, screening is essential. Large-scale data collection allowing for the development of evidence-based guidelines is required.
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Comparative Study
Variations in biochemical values for common laboratory tests: a comparison among multi-ethnic Israeli women cohort.
Biochemical laboratory values are an essential tool in medical diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up; however, they are known to vary between populations. Establishment of ethnicity-adjusted reference values is recommended by health organizations. ⋯ Ethnic subpopulations have distinct distributions in biochemical laboratory test values, which should be taken into consideration in medical practice enabling precision medicine.