Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Jan 2023
ReviewMethamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy: an addiction medicine perspective.
Methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy (MaCM) is an increasingly recognised serious complication from methamphetamine (MA) use. It is characterised as the development of otherwise unexplained heart failure in the context of MA use. MaCM predominantly affects a young and vulnerable population with high morbidity and mortality. ⋯ Abstinence is difficult for most patients to achieve; all clinicians require an understanding of MaCM and how to educate patients on the risks of ongoing use. Where available, referral to addiction medicine specialists to assist with treatment of MUD is recommended. This review aims to: (i) explain the proposed pathologic mechanisms of MaCM; (ii) summarise recent recommendations of the screening and treatment of MaCM; and (iii) highlight the role of addiction medicine in the management of patient with MaCM.
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Internal medicine journal · Jan 2023
ReviewPulmonary Hypertension in Remote and Disadvantaged Population: Overcoming Unique Challenges for Improved Outcomes.
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common and debilitating medical condition with high mortality. PH research has traditionally focused on pulmonary arterial hypertension and its management in expert PH centres. Other forms of PH such as PH associated with cardiac or respiratory disease are more common, less well-understood and associated with higher mortality. ⋯ We propose a simple diagnostic approach, ideally suited to regions where resource allocation is scarce, using clinical skills, echocardiography, and an escalation algorithm. The brief history, epidemiology and current literature on PH are summarised to inform the busy clinicians. We highlight two case examples from the Top End to illustrate the challenges and potential solutions.
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Internal medicine journal · Jan 2023
Comment Observational StudyEffects of a prescribed, supervised exercise program on tumour disease progression in oncology patients undergoing anti-cancer therapy: A retrospective observational cohort study.
Exercise promotes numerous advantages in both health and disease, and is increasingly being acknowledged to improve overall survival in cancer patients. Preclinical studies indicate a direct effect on tumour behaviour, but human data on the effect of exercise on tumour progression are lacking. ⋯ Supervised exercise programmes have the potential to significantly improve outcomes in cancer patients due to an effect on tumour progression.
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Internal medicine journal · Jan 2023
Symptom persistence and recovery among COVID-19 survivors during a limited outbreak in Canterbury, New Zealand: a prospective cohort study.
In Canterbury, near complete identification of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases during a limited outbreak provides unique insights into sequelae. ⋯ Persistent symptoms and longer recovery times were found in COVID-19 survivors, but not impaired generalised anxiety levels or HrQoL compared with COVID-19-uninfected participants.
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Internal medicine journal · Jan 2023
Comparative StudyThe same but different: a comparison of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections in metropolitan and non-metropolitan hospitals (2010-2020).
Variation of infection rates between hospitals must be identified; differences may highlight opportunities for quality improvement in healthcare delivery to specific hospitals groups. ⋯ To reduce risks for SABSI and improve patient outcomes, hospital infection prevention and control programmes should be tailored according to local epidemiology. In common geographic locations, networking of hospitals should be considered as a means of strengthening delivery of these programmes.