Brit J Hosp Med
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There has been a dramatic improvement in mortality rates among children with congenital heart disease with advances in neonatal screening and surgical techniques, resulting in a significant increase in the prevalence of adults living with congenital heart disease. The most common simple lesions of congenital heart disease include atrial and ventricular septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus and coarctation of the aorta, which are typically detected and treated in childhood. However, they may also present in adulthood with non-specific symptoms or incidental findings, such as refractory hypertension. As the adult population of those living with congenital heart disease grows, it is imperative that all clinicians remain abreast of these common cardiac conditions, irrespective of their specialty, as patients may present with sequelae of their congenital heart disease or other non-cardiac conditions.
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Acute urinary retention is a common clinical presentation in emergency departments in the UK and is responsible for over 30 000 hospital admissions annually. Awareness of the latest advice and guidelines regarding its presentation, investigation and management is paramount to improve patient outcomes and reduce morbidity. ⋯ Knowledge of the routes and types of catheterisation, including the associated risks, complications and contraindications, is essential to allow rapid and early intervention, thus preventing further complications. Differences in the presentation of patients with acute urinary retention reflect varying aetiologies, the knowledge of which determines long-term management and prognosis.
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Chronic ophthalmic conditions, such as glaucoma and dry eye disease, are frequently encountered debilitating eye conditions that can lead to substantial reduction in vision and quality of life. However, there is ongoing evidence to suggest that topical ophthalmic therapy is inappropriately omitted on admission to hospital. The primary aim of this audit was to investigate the trust adherence to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline on the prescribing standard of eye drops during hospital admission. The secondary aim was to raise awareness and ensure successful compliance with national standards to reduce unintentional omission of eye drops on admission and subsequent complications. ⋯ Education is effective in promoting adherence to national guidelines and reducing the incidence of inappropriate omission of eye drops on admission to hospital.