Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Sep 2019
ReviewSuggested clinical approach for the diagnosis and management of 'statin intolerance' with an emphasis on muscle-related side-effects.
Hyperlipidaemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme-A reductase inhibitors ('statins') are first-line therapies for hyperlipidaemia. For each 1.0 mmoL/L reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, statins reduce the risk of major vascular events by 21% and all-cause mortality by 9%. Owing to their clinical effectiveness and excellent safety profile, many Australians are prescribed statins. ⋯ A stepwise approach to possible statin intolerance, consistent definitions and a simple flowchart may improve diagnosis and management. An increasing array of potential treatments is emerging, including intermittent statin dosing, new LDL-lowering drugs, LDL apheresis and supplements. Optimal statin use and management of statin intolerance should improve cardiovascular care and clinical outcomes.
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Internal medicine journal · Sep 2019
Decision-making for older patients by Australian and New Zealand doctors with Advance Care Directives: a vignette-based study.
Little is known about doctors' decision-making patterns when using Advance Care Directives (ACDs), particularly for older patients in Australia and New Zealand. ⋯ Despite the presence of an ACD, the level of agreement on treatment decisions for older patients when using ACDs varies by vignette complexity, ACD content, speciality and seniority of doctors.
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Internal medicine journal · Sep 2019
Prevalence and healthcare usage of knee pain in South Australia: a population-based study.
It is known that South Australia (SA) has the highest rate of knee arthroscopy use of any state in Australia; however, Level 1 evidence demonstrates that knee arthroscopy in patients with uncomplicated knee osteoarthritis confers no benefit. In SA, which patients are presenting with knee pain and what treatments are they receiving? ⋯ Knee pain affects large proportions of the SA population. Knee pain was persistent with underuse of non-pharmacological treatments and high use of specialist referral. These data support the need for a national strategy to manage osteoarthritis effectively.
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Internal medicine journal · Sep 2019
Assessment, incidence and factors associated with urinary incontinence in older Aboriginal Australians.
Little is known about urinary incontinence in older Aboriginal Australians. ⋯ The prevalence and incidence of urinary incontinence in Aboriginal Australians is high with risk factors of older age and female sex. The modified ICIQ and self-report appear to be appropriate incontinence screens. Further research to understand causes and treatments within this population is urgently required.
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Interval laboratory investigations are necessary for monitoring chronic diseases. However, testing too frequently may not be beneficial clinically and can be considered low-value care. We examined the frequency of glycosylated haemoglobin, lipids, iron panels (serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, iron binding) thyroid function (free T4 and thyroid stimulating hormone) and 25-OH vitamin D tests in a 1290-bed tertiary hospital in Singapore. ⋯ Of the 275 565 tests done for 115 971 patients, 5.2% were repeat tests done at intervals shorter than the minimum retesting interval, as defined by the Royal College of Pathologist and Irish Guidelines on the Use of the Laboratory. Using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule, we estimated a cost burden of US$222 096 per year. Strategies to reduce unnecessary repetitive testing can result in significant cost savings.