Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Nov 2021
Post-acute care for asthma patients presenting to an Australian hospital network.
We evaluated post-acute care in 1273 asthma patients presenting to our hospital network. Patients with respiratory unit admission (n = 413) or consultation from the respiratory service (n = 45) were more likely to have guideline adherent care compared with patients without respiratory input (n = 153). Patients aged greater than 60 years had higher rates of representation within 90 days and lower rates of asthma action plans. Post-acute care of asthma at our centre falls short of guideline recommendations, and subspecialist involvement should be expanded.
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Internal medicine journal · Nov 2021
Review Meta AnalysisA systematic review and meta-analysis of the characteristics and outcomes of readmitted COVID-19 survivors.
The objective of the present study is to investigate the incidence, characteristics and outcomes of patients who were readmitted to hospital emergency departments or required re-hospitalisation following an index hospitalisation with a diagnosis of COVID-19. A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE and pre-print websites was conducted between 1 January and 31 December 2020. Studies reporting on the incidence, characteristics and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 who represent or require hospital admission were included. ⋯ Intensive care admission rates were similar between the two groups; 12.8% (22/172) of readmitted patients died. In summary, readmitted patients following an index hospitalisation for COVID-19 were more commonly males with multiple comorbidities. Shorter initial hospital LOS and unresolved primary illness may have contributed to readmission.
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Internal medicine journal · Nov 2021
Randomized Controlled TrialComparison of High-Flow and Conventional Nasal Cannula Oxygen in Patients Undergoing Endobronchial Ultrasonography.
Oxygen therapy is required to prevent hypoxaemia during the endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) procedure. ⋯ Oxygen therapy delivered by HFNC seems to be safer and more effective than by CNC in patients undergoing EBUS. Oxygen therapy with HFNC may be considered as an alternative to CNC because it may increase patient comfort and thereby improve compliance.
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Internal medicine journal · Nov 2021
Fixed-dose three-factor prothrombin complex concentrates is safe and effective in warfarin reversal.
Reversal of warfarin with prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) is required in cases of significant bleeding or need for urgent surgery. A weight-based regimen is commonly, but a fixed-dose approach is also feasible with clinically equivalent outcomes. The purpose of this audit is to review the clinical and laboratory outcomes of patients treated in our centre where fixed-dose PCC is used for warfarin reversal. ⋯ Our results support the use of fixed-dose PCC for warfarin reversal in a day-to-day clinical practice in a hospital setting.
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Internal medicine journal · Nov 2021
Industry payments to Australian medical oncologists and clinical haematologists: a cross-sectional analysis of publicly-available disclosures.
Payments to medical oncologists and clinical haematologists can negatively affect prescribing practice, but the extent of payments to these specialists is unknown in Australia. ⋯ Australian cancer physicians receive payments at a higher proportional frequency and in greater dollar amounts than other specialist physicians and other medical practitioners in general.