Internal medicine journal
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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
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.
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Internal medicine journal · Nov 2021
COVID-19 restrictions should only be lifted when it is safe to do so for Aboriginal communities†.
The NSW Government has proposed a blanket lifting of COVID-19 restrictions when the proportion of fully vaccinated people rate reaches 70% of the adult population. If implemented, this would have devastating effects on Aboriginal populations. At the present time, vaccination rates in Aboriginal communities remain low. ⋯ They have also called for additional support in the form of supply of vaccines, enhancement of workforce capacity and appropriate incentives to address hesitancy. Australia remains burdened by the legacy of centuries of harm and damage to its First Nations people. Urgent steps must be taken to avoid a renewed assault on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
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Internal medicine journal · Nov 2021
Polypharmacy And The Use Of Low Or Limited Value Medications In Advanced Cancer.
Patients with advanced malignancy are often on medications for co-morbidities, including those for primary or secondary prevention. The benefit from these medications can be limited and may result in adverse effects, interact with medications used for the malignancy or associated symptoms, increase pill burden and reduce quality of life. ⋯ Polypharmacy and continued prescribing of low or limited value medications was identified in a high proportion of patients. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of continuing these medications, as well as investigation of patient and physician attitudes towards de-escalation.