The Medical journal of Australia
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To determine the proportion of alcohol-related presentations to emergency departments (EDs) in Australia and New Zealand, at a single time point on a weekend night shift. ⋯ One in seven ED presentations in Australian and New Zealand at this 02:00 snapshot were alcohol-related, with some EDs seeing more than one in three alcohol-related presentations. This confirms that alcohol-related presentations to EDs are currently underreported and makes a strong case for public health initiatives.
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Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a highly prevalent and globally distributed virus. CMV infection in healthy adults is usually asymptomatic or causes a mild mononucleosis-like syndrome. CMV disease causes significant morbidity and mortality in neonates and severely immunocompromised adults. ⋯ CMV disease can mimic an array of alternative diagnoses and pose a significant diagnostic challenge, especially in immunocompetent adults, leading to delayed diagnosis, adverse health outcomes and unnecessary financial expense. Non-invasive testing for CMV is widely available and can facilitate early diagnosis if used appropriately. Although limited, current evidence suggests that targeted antiviral therapy with ganciclovir or valganciclovir is appropriate for severe CMV disease in immunocompetent adults.
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To examine influenza vaccine safety in Australian children aged under 10 years in 2013. ⋯ These results are consistent with clinical trials and other observational studies of influenza vaccines currently registered for use in young children in Australia and can reassure parents and health care providers that influenza vaccination is safe and well tolerated.
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To investigate the association of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening history and subsequent incidence of CRC in New South Wales, Australia. ⋯ CRC incidence is lower among individuals with a history of CRC screening, through either FOBT or endoscopy, compared with individuals who have never had CRC screening, lasting for at least 4 years after screening.