Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2013
ReviewAsian ethnicity in systemic lupus erythematosus: an Australian perspective.
Ethnic differences in both disease susceptibility and expression have been noted in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This review focuses on the evidence of disparities between SLE patients of Asian and Caucasian descent, the two predominant ethnic groups affected by SLE in the Australian context. ⋯ As delineation of these disparities becomes clearer, uncovering the biological basis of such differences poses a significant opportunity to progress understanding of SLE pathogenesis. Understanding ethnic variation in disease provides a platform for an individualised approach to risk assessment, monitoring and management of SLE.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialHyperuricaemia and gout in New Zealand rural and urban Māori and non-Māori communities.
There are few current data on the prevalence of hyperuricaemia and gout in New Zealand, particularly among the indigenous Māori population. ⋯ Gout and hyperuricaemia were more prevalent in Māori, and participants with gout were more likely to have comorbidities. There was not a higher overall adjusted cardiovascular disease risk in Māori participants with gout. Despite the high prevalence of gout, management remains suboptimal.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2013
Case ReportsOutpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy is safe and effective for the treatment of infective endocarditis: a retrospective cohort study.
Outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy has been shown to be efficacious, safe and cost-effective for a variety of infections. The data from managing infective endocarditis (IE) with hospital in the home (HITH) are limited. We evaluated the safety and outcomes of patients with IE treated with HITH at our centre. ⋯ Outpatient antimicrobial therapy with HITH is safe and effective in carefully selected cases of IE.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2013
Relationship between in-hospital location and outcomes of care in patients of a large general medical service.
The discrepancy between the number of admissions and the allocation of hospital beds means that many patients admitted under the care of a general medical service can be placed in other departments' wards. These patients are called 'outliers', and their outcomes are unknown. ⋯ Outlier patients had significantly shorter length of stay in hospital but significantly greater in-patient death rates. Surviving outlier patients had lower rates of readmission but lower rates of discharge summary completion.