The Medical journal of Australia
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Evidence is accruing of associations between male reproductive health disorders and chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The links between reproductive health and general health are under-recognised by medical practitioners and the general public. Windows of opportunity exist for a more holistic approach to men's health when men present with reproductive health symptoms (such as erectile dysfunction) or the reproductive implications of chronic disease are recognised. Further men's health research is needed in Australia to guide policy, innovative health promotion, and clinical practice.
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To assess women's compliance with different Australian guidelines on alcohol intake during pregnancy and examine factors that might influence compliance. ⋯ The October 2001 change in alcohol guidelines does not appear to have changed behaviour. Risks associated with different levels of alcohol intake during pregnancy need to be clearly established and communicated.
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Recent National Heart Foundation of Australia (NHFA) guidelines for management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) recommend increasing the rates of early invasive management of ACS and providing equal access for all Australians to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) facilities. For patients with ACS managed in regional hospitals without PCI facilities, review of the evidence does not show unequivocal benefit of early routine PCI over selective PCI for patients with non-ST-segment-elevation ACS or ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The current pattern of transfer based on the NHFA guidelines is expensive and disruptive of patient care, as well as undermining regional health care services. Further increase in transfer rates and increases in PCI facilities would divert resources away from supporting the regional infrastructure needed to provide evidence-based therapies, without any evidence that lives would be saved.