Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Nov 2023
Comparative effectiveness of etanercept originator and biosimilar for treating rheumatoid arthritis: implications for cost-savings.
This study aimed to assess the comparative effectiveness of the etanercept (ETN) originator (Enbrel) and ETN biosimilar SB4 (Brenzys) as first-line treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), while also exploring the potential cost-savings associated with this approach in Australia. ⋯ Treatment persistence using either ETN originator or biosimilar was similar. The cost of all brands of ETN markedly reduced upon listing of the ETN biosimilar, resulting in significant savings for the Australian Government.
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Internal medicine journal · Nov 2023
The perspectives of hospital doctors about end-of-life care in people with mental illness: an observational pilot study.
Negative attitudes towards people living with mental illness (PLWMI), defined here as mentalism, are a major contribution to health care inequity, which may extend into end-of-life care. There is a clear need for investigation of the attitudes of doctors towards PLWMI at the end of life as doctors may lead processes of care that contribute to this inequity. ⋯ This preliminary study addresses a gap within the literature on the potential contribution of mentalist attitudes in doctors to the poorer end-of-life care outcomes for PLWMI. The findings highlight the need for further study of this topic and suggest a role for targeted medical education in the pursuit of health care equality for PLWMI.
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Internal medicine journal · Nov 2023
Demographics, comorbidities and risk factors for severe disease from the early SARS-CoV-2 infection cases in Queensland, Australia.
Demographics and comorbidities associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity differs between subpopulations and should be determined to aid future pandemic planning and preparedness. ⋯ Comorbidities associated with the highest level of COVID-19 disease severity were morbid obesity, chronic respiratory disease and cardiac disease. These data can assist with identifying high-risk patients susceptible to severe COVID-19 and can be used to facilitate preparations for future pandemics.
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Internal medicine journal · Nov 2023
A minority of women of childbearing potential are tested for pregnancy before chemoimmunotherapy: An Australian Cancer Centre Experience.
Chemotherapy is potentially harmful to a developing foetus, and there are limited data on the foetal impact of chemoimmunotherapy (CIT). Therefore, determining pregnancy status prior to initiation of CIT should be standard of care. ⋯ Our results highlight a concerningly low rate of pregnancy screening in women of childbearing age receiving CIT. The implication of missing a positive pregnancy test in this group of women could result in foetal complications, accidental miscarriage, potential bleeding risks and avoidable psychosocial stress. This highlights the urgent need for guidelines to mandate pregnancy testing in women of childbearing age receiving CIT and evidence-based implementation tools.
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Internal medicine journal · Nov 2023
Heart failure among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in remote Central Australia.
There is a paucity of data on the burden of heart failure (HF) in Central Australia, the most populous Indigenous region in the country. ⋯ HF is more than two times as prevalent among Indigenous Central Australians, particularly among younger individuals and females. Despite similar HF aetiologies and GDMT, MACE and mortality outcomes are higher in Indigenous individuals with HF. These data have implications for efforts to close the Indigenous gap in morbidity and mortality.