Brit J Hosp Med
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Predictive algorithms have myriad potential clinical decision-making implications from prognostic counselling to improving clinical trial efficiency. Large observational (or "real world") cohorts are a common data source for the development and evaluation of such tools. There is significant optimism regarding the benefits and use cases for risk-based care, but there is a notable disparity between the volume of clinical prediction models published and implementation into healthcare systems that drive and realise patient benefit. Considering the perspective of a clinician or clinical researcher that may encounter clinical predictive algorithms in the near future as a user or developer, this editorial: (1) discusses the ways in which prediction models built using observational data could inform better clinical decisions; (2) summarises the main steps in producing a model with special focus on key appraisal factors; and (3) highlights recent work driving evolution in the ways that we should conceptualise, build and evaluate these tools.
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Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative condition that can lead to problems swallowing. Individuals living with PD may be unable to take medications orally for various reasons including acute or chronic dysphagia, non-PD related causes and being placed nil-by-mouth for elective reasons. ⋯ A patient-centred multidisciplinary approach is important, with shared decision-making involving the individual and their next of kin with key members including the Speech and Language Therapy and dietetic teams. The patient should be reviewed daily with their medication titrated according to clinical response, aiming to restart their usual regimen as soon as possible.
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Editorial Review
Once-Weekly Insulin: A Breakthrough in Diabetes Management or an Unresolved Challenge?
The advent of once-weekly insulin icodec is a promising development in the care of individuals with diabetes. These once-weekly formulations aimed to improve patient adherence and quality of life for patients who find daily injection administration challenging. Insulin icodec has demonstrated comparable glycemic control to conventionally used daily basal insulins, such as insulin glargine and degludec, in the ONWARDS clinical trials. ⋯ Moreover, logistical hurdles, including production costs and supply chain complexities need to be addressed especially in low-resource settings. Future studies should evaluate the broader health impacts of weekly insulin, including cardiovascular outcomes, quality of life, and personalized dosing strategies. Making weekly insulin safe, affordable, and widely available is important to fully realize its potential in diabetes management.
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Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are emerging as an important class of drugs in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. There are rising concerns of pulmonary aspiration with these medications due to drug-induced gastroparesis. While definitive association is uncertain, it is essential to be prudent and manage these patients as per the current evidence and recommendations.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of Different Thromboprophylaxis Regimens in Elderly Patients Following Hip Arthroplasty.
Aims/Background Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) represents a significant postoperative complication after artificial femoral head replacement, with the incidence increasing proportionally with patient age. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of early postoperative use of intermittent pneumatic compression devices (IPC), followed by the combined use of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) after 48 hours, for the prevention of postoperative lower limb DVT in elderly patients undergoing hip arthroplasty. Methods The retrospective study included 100 elderly patients who underwent unilateral femoral head replacement. ⋯ However, the observation group demonstrated significantly lower postoperative blood loss, incidence of periwound hematoma, and transfusion rates compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion The sequential application of IPC in the early postoperative period, followed by combined LMWH administration after 48 hours, demonstrates comparable efficacy in preventing lower limb DVT formation in elderly patients undergoing hip arthroplasty when compared to the initiation of combined LMWH starting 12 hours postoperatively. In addition, this approach significantly reduces the risk of postoperative bleeding and exhibits a high safety profile.