Internal medicine journal
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Globally, vaccination against COVID-19 has prevented countless infections, hospitalisations and death and represents the most successful intervention in combating the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Utilisation of existing mRNA vaccine technology has allowed for rapid development of highly immunogenic and effective vaccines. ⋯ Although most cases are self-limited and respond to first-line treatment, refractory cases can occur, with a limited evidence base on which to guide management. Here, we present a brief review of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and associated myopericarditis including risk factors, proposed mechanism, and treatment including management strategies for refractory disease.
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2023
Potentially Preventable Hospitalisations in rural Community-Dwelling Patients.
Potentially preventable hospitalisations (PPH) are a common occurrence. Knowing the factors associated with PPH may allow high-risk patients to be identified and healthcare resources to be better allocated, and these factors may differ between urban and rural locations. ⋯ This study found that being single and having a higher comorbidity burden were the strongest independent risk factors for PPH in a rural population. Demographic and socioeconomic factors appeared to be as, if not more, important than medical factors and warrant attention when considering the design of programmes to reduce PPH risk in rural communities.
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2023
Observational StudyObservational Study of Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Outcomes in An Internal Medicine Department.
In elderly patients hospitalised in internal medicine departments, risk factors, preferable placement area and methods of securement of short peripheral venous catheters (SPVC) a unclear. ⋯ The observed low rates of adverse events suggests that placement in the dorsum of the hand or cubital fossa secured by a transparent dressing is acceptable. It is important to consider the indwelling catheter time when studying adverse events, and elderly patients, disoriented patients and/or patients receiving intravenous antibiotics deserve special attention.
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2023
Assessment of respiratory function and exercise tolerance at 4-6 months after COVID-19 infection in patients with pneumonia of different severity.
The evaluation of COVID-19 systemic consequences is a wide research field in which respiratory function assessment has a pivotal role. However, the available data in the literature are still sparse and need further strengthening. ⋯ Lung function tests and 6-MWT are highly informative tools for monitoring the negative consequences of COVID-19 pneumonia, which were more frequent and more complex in patients discharged from ICU.
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2023
Observational StudyThe impact of continuous glucose monitoring in youth with type I diabetes aged 15-21.
People with type 1 diabetes (T1D) aged <21 years are eligible for subsidised continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) products under the Australian National Diabetes Services Scheme. There are few real-world published studies to evaluate the benefits of CGM in young adults. ⋯ There are high rates of discontinuation in CGM use among youth with T1D. At 6 months of CGM use, there was no significant change in glycaemic control, although HbA1c in non-users deteriorated significantly. Worry of hypoglycaemia was significantly decreased among those who continued CGM.