Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Nov 2022
Insulin sensitivity, cardiovascular function and bone health in women with early stage breast cancer before and after cancer treatment.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in breast cancer survivors, but the underlying cause is not fully characterised. ⋯ Patients with breast cancer had higher triglycerides before treatment and a reduction in insulin sensitivity and bone mass following cancer treatment. Future larger and longer-term studies should characterise the effect of reduced insulin sensitivity on rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer outcomes and fracture.
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Internal medicine journal · Nov 2022
Cannula provoked upper extremity superficial vein thrombophlebitis: are we overtreating?
Cannula provoked upper extremity superficial vein thrombophlebitis (UESVT) is common. Retrospective audit of 93 consecutive patients, 51% male, median age 57 years (range 20-91), with symptomatic UESVT revealed varied management including symptomatic management (37%), prophylactic (37%) and higher dose anticoagulation (27%). There was 2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0-7.6) thrombus extension and 1% (95% CI 0-5.9) major bleeding, both limited to cancer. We argue anticoagulation is unnecessary in most UESVT patients.
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Internal medicine journal · Nov 2022
The short-term outcomes of patients with chronic liver disease hospitalized with COVID-19.
Patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) might have an aggravated course after acquisition of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). ⋯ Cirrhosis is independently associated with higher 30-day mortality of hospitalised patients with COVID-19.
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Internal medicine journal · Nov 2022
Can existing electronic medical records be used to quantify cardiovascular risk at point of care?
Using electronic data for cardiovascular risk stratification could help in prioritising healthcare access and optimise cardiovascular prevention. ⋯ Significant gaps are apparent in electronic medical data capture of key variables to perform cardiovascular risk assessment. Medical data capture should prioritise the collection of clinically important data to help address gaps in cardiovascular management.
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Drug allergy is commonly reported in patient notes and electronic health records. The prevalence of self-reported drug allergy in the general Australian population has not previously been studied. ⋯ Self-reported drug allergy is common in the general population, as it is in medical clinic and hospital populations. The majority of those reporting penicillin allergy would be considered low-risk and suitable for de-labelling procedures.