Internal medicine journal
-
Gaucher disease (GD) manifests heterogeneously and other conditions are often misdiagnosed in its place, leading to diagnostic delays. The Gaucher Earlier Diagnosis Consensus (GED-C) initiative proposed a point-scoring system (PSS) based on the signs and covariables that are most indicative of GD to help clinicians identify which individuals to test for GD. ⋯ Preliminary validation of the GED-C PSS discriminated effectively between patients with GD and those with overlapping signs.
-
Internal medicine journal · Dec 2020
Specificity of serum amyloid A as a biomarker of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an apo-lipoprotein produced by the liver in response to proinflammatory cytokines. Few data are available on SAA levels in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the most common idiopathic form of interstitial pneumonitis (ILD). This study compared SAA concentration in IPF patients to other ILD groups to explore its potential use as a clinical biomarker.
-
Internal medicine journal · Dec 2020
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors Or Angiotensin Ii Receptor Blockers And Prognosis Of Hypertensive Patients Hospitalized With Covid-19.
Among hypertensive patients, the association between treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) and the clinical severity of COVID-19, remains uncertain. ⋯ Among hypertensive patients hospitalised for COVID-19, treatment with ACEI or ARB is not associated with an increased risk of in-hospital death.
-
Internal medicine journal · Dec 2020
Observational StudyGuillain-Barré syndrome: clinical features, treatment choices and outcomes in an Australian cohort.
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) causes acute neuromuscular weakness. Severe cases are life-threatening and many are left disabled. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and plasma exchange (PE), along with supportive care, are the mainstays of treatment. Treatment choice is influenced by multiple factors. The clinico-epidemiological features of GBS in Australia have not been reviewed in 30 years and few studies have assessed contemporary treatment choices. ⋯ The clinico-epidemiological features are consistent with previous cohorts. Our experience in a large Australian tertiary centre demonstrates a clear preference for IVIg over PE.
-
Internal medicine journal · Dec 2020
Observational StudyCatheter-related thrombosis incidence and risk factors in adult cancer patients with central venous access devices.
Central venous access devices (CVAD) are commonly employed in the management of cancer patients. While having several benefits they are associated with significant risks. ⋯ Age <50 years, PICC lines and prior CRT were associated with highest CRT rate. Cancer subtype and insertion side were not predictive of thrombosis.