Clinical medicine (London, England)
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Sepsis incidence and mortality are increasing, yet sepsis appears to be under-recognised and under-reported. Accurate recognition and coding of sepsis allows for appropriate funding and accurate epidemiological representation. ⋯ Despite requiring ongoing education and encouragement of clinicians and coders, implementation of the template was quick, cheap and easy and improved sepsis coding.
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Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are a growing public health concern. We aimed to identify the acute neurological consequences of NPS. ⋯ NPS users represent a vulnerable group in society. Certain clinical features may suggest the type of NPS used. Most patients require supportive management and onward referral to drug addiction services is recommended.
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A change in colour, size, shape or texture of finger- and toenails can be an indicator of underlying systemic disease. An appreciation of these nail signs, and an ability to interpret them when found, can help guide diagnosis and management of a general medical patient. This article discusses some common, and some more rare, nail changes associated with systemic disease.
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Immunobullous diseases are blistering cutaneous disorders that are caused by pathogenic antibodies binding to protein targets within the skin. There are a range of immunobullous disorders with characteristic morphology that relates to the structural properties of the target protein. In this article we will describe the pathogenesis, clinical features and treatment of the most common immunobullous disorders.
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The seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers is variable throughout the world. This study compares the use of two antibody assays among large cohorts of healthcare workers in southern England. ⋯ In this real-world study, neither antibody test performed to the specification level stated by the manufacturer. More rigorous testing of these and other assays in target populations is recommended prior to widespread usage if they are to provide data that might be useful to control the pandemic.