Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · May 2021
Long-term outcomes in patients with pulmonary embolism: results from a longitudinal cohort study.
Patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) have increased mortality in short-term; however, long-term prognosis is not well defined. ⋯ In this prospective study, we did not find association between PE and risk of all-cause mortality or SCE. Major determinants of poor clinical outcomes were advancing age and underlying comorbidities.
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Internal medicine journal · May 2021
Prevalence of COVID-19 and Seroprevalence to SARS-CoV-2 in a Rheumatologic Patients Population from a Tertiary Referral Clinic in Israel.
It is unclear if the prevalence of COVID-19 in rheumatologic patients is similar to that of the general population. There are no reports of seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in these patients. ⋯ The prevalence of COVID-19 in a population of rheumatologic patients was similar to that of the general population. Mild/asymptomatic cases may be prevalent according to serologic tests. The major risk factor for infection is exposure to a known case of COVID-19, and immunosuppression did not play a role in the risk of infection.
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Internal medicine journal · May 2021
Evaluation of inpatient oxygen therapy in hypercapnic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
High concentration oxygen therapy in hypercapnic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with increased mortality. In ward-based patients with acute exacerbation of COPD and hypercapnia, this study examines oxygen prescription and the association between high concentration oxygen therapy and adverse outcome. ⋯ Over-oxygenation to hypercapnic COPD inpatients is common and rates of oxygen prescription are suboptimal. We found weak evidence of association between over-oxygenation and adverse events, likely due to low statistical power. Larger prospective studies are needed.
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Internal medicine journal · May 2021
Glycaemic control across the lifespan in a cohort of New Zealand patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
It is well known that tight glycaemic control reduces all-cause mortality and the development of microvascular complications in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D), but that effective glycaemic control is difficult to achieve in different age groups. Currently, the state of glycaemic control across the lifespan in patients with T1D in New Zealand is not known. ⋯ Poor glycaemic control in Waikato patients with T1D is likely due to inequities in health care, including reduced access to insulin pump therapy, particularly in Māori and socially deprived populations.
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Internal medicine journal · May 2021
COVID-19 and future pandemics: is isolation and social distancing the new norm?
The coronavirus, named SARS-CoV-2, is the cause of COVID-19. This virus spreads readily from person to person and predominantly to and from the respiratory route and through droplets. There are many different interventions that can be and are used to decrease successfully the risk and spread of COVID-19. ⋯ It will also be with us in any future pandemics, whether caused by bacteria or viruses, but especially when the causative pathogen spreads predominantly through the respiratory route. However, lockdowns and restrictions also cause many adverse but unintended economic, social and health consequences. Therefore, what is put into place needs to be proportionate to levels of risk of disease as well as spread, and which will vary in different localities and with time.