Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Aug 2021
Case ReportsHyponatraemia due to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion in adults with respiratory syncytial virus infection.
We present a case of severe hyponatraemia due to syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) in a patient with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. A retrospective analysis of all patients admitted to our hospital with RSV in the preceding 3-year period revealed hyponatraemia in 41 (28%) cases, of which 13 (8.9%) were moderate or severe. SIADH was explored and confirmed in five (3.4%) patients, raising this as an important, previously unrecognised, complication of RSV infection in adults. Physician awareness of SIADH as a potential complication of RSV will facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of this potentially fatal disorder.
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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-system autoimmune disease known for its complexity and heterogeneity. Striking diversity can be observed between individual patients, in terms of clinical manifestations, serological abnormalities, disease progression and response to therapy. ⋯ Optimal management involves identifying affected organs, assessing severity, differentiating activity from irreversible damage and tailoring immunosuppressive treatment accordingly. Non-pharmacological interventions, attention to disease and treatment-related comorbidities and addressing the significant impact on health-related quality of life are also crucial to maximising patient outcomes.
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Internal medicine journal · Aug 2021
Pulmonary embolus in patients with COVID-19: an Australian perspective.
Pulmonary embolus (PE) is a known complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The diagnosis of PE in our hospitalised patients with COVID-19 correlated with more severe disease and occurred despite the use of routine thromboprophylaxis. Higher D-dimers were seen on admission in patients who developed PE and rose at PE diagnosis, suggesting a role for D-dimer in risk stratification.