Internal medicine journal
-
Internal medicine journal · Mar 2021
Lung cancer screening in Australia and New Zealand: the evidence and the challenge.
Lung cancer remains the commonest cause of cancer death in Australia and New Zealand. Targeted screening of individuals at highest risk of lung cancer aims to detect early stage disease, which may be amenable to potentially curative treatment. ⋯ With the recent release of findings from large international trials, the evidence and experience in lung cancer screening has broadened. This article discusses the latest evidence and implications for Australia and New Zealand.
-
Internal medicine journal · Mar 2021
Efficacy and tolerability of febuxostat in gout patients on dialysis.
There are no sufficient data available on the use of febuxostat in patients undergoing dialysis. ⋯ Febuxostat is efficacious and well tolerated in gout patients on dialysis. Febuxostat taken at dose of 20-40 mg/day might be appropriate initial dose in patients undergoing dialysis.
-
Internal medicine journal · Mar 2021
Respiratory failure, clinical course and community management of COVID-19 patients in a large Australian cohort.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has wreaked health and economic damage globally. A thorough understanding of the characteristics of COVID-19 patients in Australia plus the strategies that successfully 'flatten the curve' are vitally important to contain this pandemic. ⋯ A comprehensive COVID-19 management model is needed to successfully manage COVID-19 patients in both outpatient and inpatient settings in order to 'squash the curve'.
-
Internal medicine journal · Mar 2021
Prognostic significance of suboptimal secondary prevention pharmacotherapy after acute coronary syndromes.
Optimal secondary prevention pharmacotherapy is the cornerstone of post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) management. The prognostic impact of not receiving five guideline-recommended therapies is poorly described. ⋯ There is a graded long-term hazard associated with not receiving OMT after an ACS. Improvements in secondary prevention pharmacotherapy models of care are warranted to further decrease the long-term mortality.
-
Internal medicine journal · Mar 2021
Mental health illness in chronic respiratory disease is associated with worse respiratory health and low engagement with non-pharmacological psychological interventions.
Patients with chronic respiratory disease commonly experience comorbid mental illness. This study aimed to explore associations between mental illness and respiratory health, as well as determine access to and uptake of mental health treatment. ⋯ Active treatment with psychotropic drugs was common; however, acceptance of non-pharmacological interventions was poor. Further research is required to understand co-existing mental illness management in chronic respiratory disease.