Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Oct 2021
Feasibility of an online cognitive rehabilitation program in patients with a haematological malignancy undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation.
Chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a known adverse event that can impact cancer survivors, resulting in long-standing effect on quality of life and activities of daily living. Currently, there is limited knowledge regarding the aetiology and therapy for CRCI. Although CRCI following autologous stem cell transplantation (AuSCT) is emerging as a potentially significant concern for patients with underlying haematological malignancies, it is an area that requires further research. ⋯ While there appeared to be a low incidence of significant CRCI in our patient population, the incorporation of CRP in survivorship care appeared to be feasible. A larger randomised study examining the efficacy of CRP should be further explored.
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Internal medicine journal · Oct 2021
Prediction of cardiovascular events in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia using baseline risk factors and coronary artery calcium scoring.
A standardised method for cardiovascular risk stratification in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors is lacking. We report an algorithm for risk stratification applicable to all patients commencing tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy based on age, prior cardiovascular disease and Framingham Risk Score, incorporating coronary artery calcium scoring in patients at intermediate Framingham Risk Score risk. Of 88 patients retrospectively studied, major adverse cardiovascular event rates in our study-defined low-, intermediate- and high-risk categories were 0%, 10% and 19% respectively. Of nine patients down-classified from intermediate to low risk on the basis of coronary artery calcium scoring, none went on to experience a major adverse cardiovascular event.
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Internal medicine journal · Oct 2021
Anticoagulation prescribing practice following ischaemic strokes in the setting of non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
It is well established that anticoagulation following an ischaemic stroke in the setting of non-valvular atrial fibrillation is an effective means of secondary prevention. However, there is a lack of a solid evidence base to guide both the agent choice and the optimal timing in which to initiate anticoagulation therapy. ⋯ We found apixaban was by far the anticoagulation of choice for non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The median time to anticoagulation initiation was Day 1 post transient ischaemic attack, Day 2 post small infarcts, Day 4 post moderate infarcts and Day 5 post large infarcts.
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Internal medicine journal · Oct 2021
Letter Case ReportsA case of pleural effusion leading to a pancreaticojejunostomy.