Clinical medicine (London, England)
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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.
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We present the case of a 73-year-old male with pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO). He was a returned traveller from Southern Africa and underwent extensive investigation to rule out an infective cause. ⋯ Subsequent CT-PET showed high mural uptake in the thoracic and abdominal aorta and its major branches, confirming the diagnosis of Large Vessel Vasculitis (LVV). This case highlights the importance of considering LVV in patients with PUO and with transaminitis.
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The community deintensification rates in older people with diabetes are low and hospital admission presents an opportunity for medication review. We audited the inpatient assessment and deintensification rate in people with diabetes and frailty. We also identified factors associated with adverse inpatient outcomes. ⋯ The assessment and deintensification rate in secondary care for people with diabetes and frailty is low. Inpatient hypoglycaemia, non-White ethnicity, and overtreatment are important factors in determining inpatient outcomes highlighting the importance of deintensification and the need for an evidence-based risk stratification tool.