Internal medicine journal
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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
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.
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Internal medicine journal · Apr 2022
A retrospective study on the epidemiology of ANCA-associated vasculitis in two Australian health districts.
Antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is more prevalent in rural Australia compared with metropolitan areas, suggesting a role of environment in disease pathogenesis. However, the prevalence of environmental risk factors in Australian AAV patients has not been described. ⋯ We found a higher incidence of AAV in ISLHD compared with SESLHD with high levels of exposure to silica and solvents in both regions based on self-reported questionnaires. Prospective systematic collection of data, such as a registry of AAV, is warranted to further explore the relationship between environmental exposures and AAV.
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Internal medicine journal · Apr 2022
Risk factors and early prediction of clinical deterioration and mortality in adult COVID-19 inpatients: an Australian tertiary hospital experience.
Early recognition of severe COVID-19 is essential for timely patient triage. ⋯ In the present study, high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, abnormal d-dimer, high serum CRP and ferritin appear to be useful prognostic markers.