Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · May 2021
Meta AnalysisFebuxostat as a renoprotective agent for treatment of hyperuricaemia: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
The objective of this meta-analysis of randomised controlled clinical trials (RCT) was to evaluate the effects of febuxostat on kidney function in patients with hyperuricaemia. ⋯ Treating hyperuricaemia with febuxostat may slow the progression of chronic kidney disease irrespective of baseline renal function without significantly associated increased risks of major cardiovascular events, diarrhoea, joint symptoms, arrhythmia and stroke, compared to placebo.
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Internal medicine journal · May 2021
The Oxygen project: a prospective study to assess the effectiveness of a targeted intervention to improve oxygen management in hospitalised patients.
Oxygen is commonly used in the acute care setting. However, used inappropriately, oxygen therapy can result in adverse consequences, including progressive respiratory failure and death. ⋯ The education programme intervention to improve oxygen prescription showed promise in the medical wards but did not impact outcomes in the surgical ward setting, where different strategies may be needed.
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Internal medicine journal · May 2021
ReviewEnergy Drinks: A Narrative Review Of Their Physiological And Pathological Effects.
The consumption of energy drinks (Edks) has increased significantly in past years, with a growing market that is estimated to reach $61 billion by 2021 worldwide. Several studies demonstrated the physiological and pathological effects of these substances contained in Edks. The most common ingredient contained in Edks is caffeine, which is commonly mixed with taurine, and B-group vitamins. ⋯ We found a significant focus on arrhythmogenic risk in patients affected by long QT syndrome or other predisposing conditions for QT elongation. Other pathological effects are known as gastrointestinal, vascular and neurological disorders. Edks, as well as all caffeinated beverages, should be taken with caution or avoided in select populations, such as patients suffering from cardiovascular or neurological illnesses; their use can unmask a sleepy life-threatening disease.
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Internal medicine journal · May 2021
Healthcare access and attitudes towards telehealth during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic among an Australian cohort with inflammatory arthritis.
Community restrictions due to COVID-19 have changed healthcare, including increased telehealth use. During the early pandemic phase, a cohort of Australian patients with inflammatory arthritis was surveyed. Self-reported access to healthcare was maintained and physical health was more likely to be self-rated poorly than mental health. There was a high level of support for telehealth during and after the pandemic.
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Internal medicine journal · May 2021
Changing prevalence of aetiological factors and comorbidities among Australians hospitalised for cirrhosis.
The rate of hospital admissions for cirrhosis increased 1.3-fold during 2008-2016 in Queensland. Alcohol misuse was a contributing factor for cirrhosis in 55% of admissions and 40% of patients had at least one comorbidity. ⋯ Alcohol misuse was the most important aetiology. The importance of NAFLD/NASH, cryptogenic and HBV-cirrhosis and the burden of comorbidity increased during 2008-2016. Ongoing alcohol misuse and the increasing prevalence of NAFLD/NASH, cryptogenic cirrhosis and comorbid type 2 diabetes among admissions for cirrhosis has implications for public health interventions to reduce the burden of unhealthy lifestyle and metabolic disorders.