Clinical medicine (London, England)
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Encephalitis is typically caused by infection or autoimmunity. Most survivors suffer complex neurological and psychiatric sequelae. Standardised outcome measures are needed for accurate interpretation of observational studies and clinical trials. Step one in this process is understanding the strengths and weaknesses of those in use. ⋯ Most of the 37 measures assessed a single category of sequelae using 5-8-point scales and were not validated for use in encephalitis. Research is needed to develop a composite outcome measure for use in clinical practice and a core-outcomes set for use in clinical trials. For now, the Liverpool Outcome Score offers a good choice for clinicians.
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Visual loss describes temporary or permanent reduction in visual acuity and/or field. Its aetiology is diverse due to the contributions of the different neuro-ophthalmic structures (eye, optic nerve, and brain) to image formation and perception, but may be categorised into ocular causes (corneal, lenticular, vitreoretinal and macular) or optic neuropathies. Clinical evaluation of visual loss relies on thorough history and examination to guide further tests. In this article, we provide a practical overview of visual loss assessment for general physicians.
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Inflammatory eye diseases are responsible for a significant proportion of presentations to ophthalmic emergency facilities and knowledge of how to differentiate between broad categories of disease and refer accordingly is important for the practising physician. This review aims to provide an overview of inflammatory eye disease, with a focus on clinical presentation, diagnosis and management.
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The misdiagnosis of intestinal schistosomiasis is not uncommon given its variety of clinical manifestations and often shares similarities with ulcerative colitis. While endoscopy aids in diagnosis, findings are often non-specific and correlation with histopathological features is crucial in arriving at an accurate diagnosis which is confirmed by the presence of schistosome ova within the lamina propria. In this case study, we report our experience with a 50-year-old woman, who had been residing in Singapore for more than a decade, presenting with recurrent episodes of bloody diarrhoea.
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Recent national and international guidance from rheumatology societies have reflected the advances in evidence for both the investigation and management of giant cell arteritis. Cranial ultrasound reduces diagnostic delay and improves clinical outcomes. ⋯ Randomised controlled trial evidence using tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, has been shown to have good clinical efficacy with glucocorticoid sparing effects. Overall patient outcomes appear to be improved by formalising pathways for diagnosis to include clinical experts' opinion early in decision making.