Irish journal of medical science
-
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a major cause of morbidity and death worldwide, with prevalence highest among people who inject drugs (PWID), homeless populations and prisoners. The World Health Organization has published targets to be achieved by 2030 as part of its global health sector strategy to eliminate viral hepatitis. Recent innovations in testing and treatment of HCV mean such goals are achievable with effective infrastructure, political will and funding. 'HepCare Europe' was a 3-year, EU-funded project involving four member states. ⋯ In HepCheck, HepLink. HepEd and HepFriend, we demonstrate a series of interventions to improve Irish HCV outcomes. Our findings highlight the benefits of multilevel interventions in HCV care.
-
Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic intestinal immune-mediated disease occurring in genetically susceptible individuals who are exposed to gluten. Although it primarily affects the small intestine, CD has been associated with a wide spectrum of extraintestinal manifestations, including thromboembolism and cardiovascular events. ⋯ The pathogenetic mechanism of increasing hypercoagulability in CD is multifactorial and involves hyperhomocysteinemia due to malabsorption of vitamins B12, B6, and folic acid; endothelial dysfunction; acceleration of atherosclerosis; chronic inflammation; thrombocytosis; and thrombophilia. Therefore, in cases of thromboembolic complications and cardiovascular disease of obscure etiology, clinicians' awareness of possible celiac disease is warranted.
-
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), has rapidly spread since December 2019 to become the focus of healthcare systems worldwide. Its highly contagious nature and significant mortality has led to its prioritization as a public health issue. ⋯ Currently, there is no robust clinical evidence for the use of these drugs in the treatment of COVID-19, with most, if not all of these medications associated with the potential for QT interval prolongation, torsades de pointes, and resultant drug-induced sudden cardiac death. The aim of this document is to help healthcare providers mitigate the potential deleterious effects of drug-induced QTc prolongation.
-
Review Meta Analysis
Prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy for closed laparotomy wounds: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Surgical site infections are a common source of post-operative morbidity and contribute significantly to healthcare costs. Patients undergoing emergency laparotomy and/or bowel surgery are particularly at risk. Prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been shown to reduce wound infection. ⋯ Both skin dehiscence and fascial dehiscence were slightly higher in the standard dressing group ((4.2%, n = 11/263 versus 3.1% (n = 8/261) and (0.9% (n = 3/324) versus 0.6% (n = 2/323)), respectively. This study observed that NPWT reduces the overall SSI for closed laparotomy wounds. It supports data recommending the use of prophylactic NPWT dressings, especially in high-risk patients in both emergency and elective circumstances.
-
Review Meta Analysis
Prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy for closed laparotomy wounds: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Surgical site infections are a common source of post-operative morbidity and contribute significantly to healthcare costs. Patients undergoing emergency laparotomy and/or bowel surgery are particularly at risk. Prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been shown to reduce wound infection. ⋯ Both skin dehiscence and fascial dehiscence were slightly higher in the standard dressing group ((4.2%, n = 11/263 versus 3.1% (n = 8/261) and (0.9% (n = 3/324) versus 0.6% (n = 2/323)), respectively. This study observed that NPWT reduces the overall SSI for closed laparotomy wounds. It supports data recommending the use of prophylactic NPWT dressings, especially in high-risk patients in both emergency and elective circumstances.