The New Zealand medical journal
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To perform a descriptive study of the drinking behaviour (amounts, types, sources of alcohol consumed) preceding alcohol-affected presentations to Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department (ED). ⋯ Consumption of large amounts, as well as allegedly 'safe' amounts, of a range of alcoholic beverages, most commonly from an off-licence source, contributed to alcohol-affected presentations to the ED. Beverage and source popularity varied by age and gender.
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We report a case of cephalic tetanus which initially presented with acute lower motor neurone facial weakness. Tetanus is a rare diagnosis in the developed world but sporadic cases do occur. People born before 1960 in New Zealand are less likely to be immune. Judicious use of human tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG) and immunisation prevents the development of tetanus following injury and should always be considered in the elderly who are less likely to have immunity.
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Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in scleroderma (SSc) patients is a devastating complication with high mortality if untreated. Early recognition and specific treatment of PAH may improve outcome. Regular interval screening for PAH is generally recommended in scleroderma patients especially with the availability of emerging new therapies. The aim of this study is to determine the self-reported screening and treatment practices for SSc-PAH amongst rheumatologists in New Zealand (NZ). ⋯ This study has shown a wide variability of how NZ rheumatologists screen for PAH in scleroderma patients. The development of a PAH-SSc guideline for screening and diagnosis may help standardise treatment practices in NZ.
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Biography Historical Article
Desmond Alexander McQuillan: MBChB, DA(RCS,RCP), FFARACS, MRCGP, Dip Obst, FANZCA;1925-2014.