Clinical medicine (London, England)
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To investigate the predictive value of both mental status, assessed with the AVPUC (Alert, responds to Voice, responds to Pain, Unresponsive, and new Confusion) scale, and mobility assessments, and their interrater reliability (IRR) between triage clinicians and a research team. ⋯ Assessment of mental status by the AVPUC scale, and mobility by a simple dichotomous scale are suitable for ED triage. Both altered mental status and impaired mobility are associated with adverse outcomes. Mental status and mobility assessment have good interrater reliability.
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This review concerns the rare, acquired, usually iatrogenic, high-anion-gap metabolic acidosis, pyroglutamic acidosis. Pyroglutamate is a derivative of the amino acid glutamate, and is an intermediate in the 'glutathione cycle', by which glutathione is continuously synthesized and broken down. The vast majority of pyroglutamic acidosis cases occur in patients on regular, therapeutic doses of paracetamol. ⋯ Hypokalaemia is seen in about a third of cases. Once the diagnosis is suspected, it is simple to stop the paracetamol and change the antibiotic (if flucloxacillin is present), pending biochemistry. N-acetyl-cysteine can be given, but while the biochemical justification is compelling, the clinical evidence base is anecdotal.
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Review
Optimising renal risk parameters in type 2 diabetes mellitus: perspectives from a retinal viewpoint.
Diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy share pathophysiological mechanisms and there is a defined correlation between the severity of both these microvascular complications from suboptimal glycaemic control. The reno-protective properties offered by sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists should be applicable to diabetic retinopathy as well. ⋯ Interestingly, this progression of pre-existing diabetic retinopathy is not quite observed with newer sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors. This article discusses potential further areas of future research where mechanisms of renal protection can be translated to the retina.
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The overdiagnosis of penicillin allergy and misclassification of non-truly allergic reactions is a growing public health problem, associated with the overuse of broad-spectrum and restricted antimicrobials. We aimed to evaluate the impact of penicillin allergy status on antimicrobial prescribing. ⋯ Penicillin allergy reviews and de-labelling strategies may reduce the use of restricted antimicrobials under the 'Watch and Reserve list'. This practice should be encouraged and reinforced in all hospitals.