Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Apr 2022
End-of-life intravenous chemotherapy administration patterns in the treatment of Queensland lung and pancreas cancer patients: A 10 year retrospective analysis.
End-of-life (EOL) chemotherapy administration rates for solid tumours are 12-20% and are associated with a reduced quality of life, increased hospitalisation and incidence of death within an acute care facility. ⋯ EOL chemotherapy rates were similar to Australian yet marginally lower than international rates, with variation dependent on the size and type of facility and increased the rate of deaths within an acute care facility.
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Internal medicine journal · Apr 2022
Ten year trends in cardiac implantable electronic devices in New Zealand: a national data linkage study (ANZACS-QI 51).
Implant rates for cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED), including permanent pacemakers (PPM) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), have increased globally in recent decades. ⋯ CIED implant rates have increased steadily in NZ over the past decade but remain low compared with international benchmarks. Males had substantially higher CIED implant rates compared with females, with a growing gender disparity in ICD implant rates.
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Internal medicine journal · Apr 2022
Predictors of Bleeding in Patients Receiving Direct Oral Anticoagulants.
The predictors of clinically significant bleeding events (CSBE) associated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are poorly characterised in the literature. ⋯ Caution should be exercised when prescribing antiplatelet medications with DOAC as this combination is a potential risk factor for both major and non-major clinically significant bleeding events. In most patients, the concurrent use of antiplatelet medications was discordant with the current consensus guidelines.
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Internal medicine journal · Apr 2022
Differences in retinopathy prevalence and progression between Anglo-Celt and Aboriginal Australians: The Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II.
Indigenous populations have higher rates of diabetes and diabetic complications, yet there is a paucity of contemporary data on diabetic retinopathy (DR) prevalence and incidence in urban dwelling Aboriginal Australians. ⋯ Aboriginal participants had a higher prevalence of DR and new or worsening DR, reflecting conventional risk factors including suboptimal glycaemic control. Their significantly higher odds of moderate NPDR or worse in adjusted models suggest ethnic-specific determinants of DR severity. These findings highlight the need for equitable, culturally appropriate diabetes/ophthalmic care.
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Internal medicine journal · Apr 2022
Diabetes in ischaemic stroke in a regional Australian hospital - uncharted territory.
Stroke and diabetes mellitus (DM) are significant interrelated healthcare issues but there is a dearth of data on the prevalence of DM among Australia's regional stroke population. ⋯ Almost one-third of IS/TIA patients had DM, with a significant proportion showing poor glycaemic control. The DM prevalence in our cohort was comparable with reported rates from other developed countries. Although we found no association between DM and a particular stroke type or mechanism, it is likely a reflection of our cohort size. Our study demonstrated that DM, as a significant risk factor in IS, warrants early detection and better management strategies.