Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2023
ReviewContemporary updates on ventricular arrhythmias: From mechanisms to management.
Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) are a group of heart rhythm disorders that can be life-threatening and cause significant morbidity. VA in the presence of structural heart disease (SHD) has distinct prognostic implications and requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach for investigation and management. Early specialist referral should be considered for all patients with VA. ⋯ Whilst commonly used and well-established, antiarrhythmic drugs can be hampered by toxicity and failure of adequate arrhythmia control. Catheter ablation is increasingly being considered a feasible first-line alternative to medical therapy, where outcomes are influenced by disease aetiology and scar burden in SHD. Catheter ablation is associated with reduced arrhythmia recurrence and burden and improved quality of life at follow-up.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2023
Outcomes of de-prescribing proton pump inhibitors during acute admissions in a general medical unit: a pilot study.
The study describes the feasibility and short-to-medium-term efficacy of an evidence-based proton pump inhibitor (PPI) de-prescribing initiative undertaken as part of routine clinical care during acute admissions in a general medical unit. Of the 44 (median (IQR) age 75.5 (13.75) years; females 25 (57%)) who participated in the study, de-prescription was maintained in 29 (66%) and 27 (61%) patients at 12 and 26 weeks respectively.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2023
CommentNovel student roles in health care delivery: An example emerging from the COVID-19 health care crisis in 2021.
In 2021, the rapid rise in COVID-19 infections put overwhelming demand on health care services. It was recognised that patients could be managed in the community if an appropriate monitoring service existed. Medical students were recruited for roles that combined technology, teamwork and clinical skills. This is an example of how novel roles can provide solutions in times of health care crises.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2023
A cross-sectional web-based survey among haematologists and gastroenterologists in Japan to identify the key factors for early diagnosis of Gaucher Disease.
Gaucher disease (GD) is a rare, inherited metabolic disorder resulting from glucocerebrosidase deficiency. Patients benefit from early treatment as complications can arise from delayed diagnosis. ⋯ The present study showed that haematologists had greater awareness of GD than gastroenterologists, and that bone pain may be a key sign of GD to enhance early diagnosis.