Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2022
Revisiting an ancient legend: Influence of the lunar cycle on occurrence of first-ever unprovoked seizures.
The mythical effect of the lunar cycle on seizures has been debated over time. Previously healthy individuals presenting with first-ever seizures in whom investigations are negative often invoke questions about potential reasons including a full moon. ⋯ First unprovoked seizures are not influenced by the lunar cycle. Patients pondering the cause of their first-ever unprovoked seizure can be reassured that the full moon was not responsible.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2022
A pilot study of a machine-learning tool to assist in the diagnosis of hand arthritis.
Arthritis is a common condition, which frequently involves the hands. Patients with inflammatory arthritis have been shown to experience significant delays in diagnosis. ⋯ The present study demonstrates a novel application combining image processing and a patient questionnaire with applied machine-learning methods to facilitate the diagnosis of patients presenting with hand arthritis. Preliminary results are encouraging for the application of such techniques in clinical practice.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2022
Appropriate prescribing of azithromycin for community-acquired pneumonia.
Azithromycin is prescribed for atypical antimicrobial cover in severe community-acquired pneumonia. Inappropriate azithromycin administration incurs unnecessary financial costs, exacerbates antimicrobial resistance and risks QTc interval prolongation leading to cardiac arrhythmias. The present study demonstrated that a majority of patients were prescribed azithromycin without having electrocardiograms to assess the QTc interval and without meeting criteria for severe community-acquired pneumonia based on CURB-65 score.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2022
Case ReportsUnusual presentations of central nervous system myeloid sarcoma.
Myeloid sarcoma (MS), also termed 'chloroma' or 'granulocytic sarcoma', is a tumour mass consisting of myeloid blasts occurring at an anatomical site other than the bone marrow. MS occurs in up to 8% of patients with acute myeloid leukaemia. ⋯ We present a case series of patients that presented to a tertiary hospital with MS affecting the central nervous system over a 4-month period. These three cases demonstrate the vast spectrum of clinical presentations of MS and, furthermore, show rare examples of intramedullary spinal cord involvement and disseminated intraparenchymal brain disease.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2022
Outcomes Of Non-Cystic Fibrosis Related Bronchiectasis Post Lung Transplantation.
Lung transplantation is a recognised treatment for end-stage lung disease due to bronchiectasis. Non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis and CF are often combined into one cohort; however, outcomes for non-CF bronchiectasis patients vary between centres, and in comparison with those for CF. ⋯ Bronchiectasis patients in the present study had a lower 5-year survival and poorer outcomes in comparison with other indications including CF. Bronchiectasis should be considered a separate entity to CF in survival analysis.