Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Jul 2021
Rapid implementation of telehealth in geriatric outpatient clinics due to COVID-19.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the rapid implementation of telehealth. However, little is known about its suitability for the older population. ⋯ Advantages included time efficiency and ability to visualise the home. Preference for the future was initial appointments as face-face, but reviews as either telehealth or face-face.
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Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by spirochaete Treponema pallidum. The incidence of syphilis is rising across the globe. It has been described in the literature as a great imitator due to the vast range of clinical manifestations that can occur in the disease. ⋯ It can cause glomerulopathies, tubular pathology and vasculitic lesions in the kidney. Membranous nephropathy is the most commonly reported glomerular lesion associated with syphilis. With two recent cases of secondary membranous nephropathy due to syphilis, it is timely to review the current state of knowledge, and discuss the different renal manifestation of syphilis, its pathology and treatment options.
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Internal medicine journal · Jul 2021
Changes in prescribing habits for the treatment of metastatic renal clear cell carcinoma (mRCC) in Australia.
The availability of efficacious systemic therapies for metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma has heralded improved survival for Australians. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule registry was interrogated to assess nation-wide prescribing patterns. Sunitinib remained the most commonly prescribed agent. Prescribing rates were significantly lower in Northern Territory than in other states, raising questions of disparities in access to care.
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Dysphagia is a common problem affecting all ages. It is increasing in frequency particularly among the younger population due to the rising incidence of eosinophilic oesophagitis, a condition which often leads to acute presentation to hospital for the first time with food bolus obstruction requiring endoscopic removal. ⋯ The three main investigations for dysphagia remain endoscopy, barium study and manometry, with endoscopy also offering therapeutic potential. Management is largely determined by the eventual diagnosis, often in a multi-disciplinary setting.
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Internal medicine journal · Jul 2021
Endurance cycle ergometry tests performed at a sub-maximal work rate elicit peak physiological and symptom responses in adults with cystic fibrosis.
Time to symptom limitation (Tlim ) achieved during constant work rate tests is considerably more responsive to change than measures commonly recorded during ramp-based tests, such as peak rate of oxygen uptake and maximal work rate (Wmax ). There is limited literature on the use of, and physiological and symptom responses to, constant work rate cycle ergometry tests in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). The results of this study provide evidence that the constant work rate cycle ergometry test, when conducted at 80% of the Wmax , elicits peak physiological and symptom responses and appears to be safe in adults with CF. For clinicians prescribing exercise at an intensity approaching or equivalent to 80% of the Wmax in a non-laboratory-based setting, consideration needs to be given to the level of supervision and patient monitoring required.