Internal medicine journal
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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
Epidemiological study of multiple sclerosis in Illawarra region.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disease that causes significant disabilities. Latest MS epidemiological data in Australia reveal rising prevalence. No epidemiological study of MS has been conducted so far in the Illawarra region. ⋯ The calculated MS prevalence in the Illawarra region is higher than New South Wales and the Australian average MS prevalence. Further epidemiological studies focussing on MS risk factors and other factors bearing on MS prevalence in the Illawarra region are required.
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A 62-year-old man with nephritic syndrome underwent a kidney biopsy which revealed a C3 dominant pattern on immunofluorescence. A diagnosis of C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) was suspected. However, a recent skin infection and high levels of anti-streptococcal antibodies were indicative of post-infectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN). This paper compares PIGN and C3G and describes an atypical form of PIGN with alternative complement pathway dysregulation.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2023
Comparative StudyUtilisation of immunoglobulin in New Zealand.
Immunoglobulin is an expensive and scarce resource and usage is increasing worldwide. Immunoglobulin is used to treat a variety of clinical conditions, particularly primary and acquired immunodeficiencies and immune-mediated neurological disorders. As immunoglobulin usage continues to increase, plasma collection must increase accordingly in order to sustain immunoglobulin production. The New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS) is the provider of immunoglobulin in New Zealand (NZ). Information regarding national immunoglobulin usage warrants analysis given the rise in usage. ⋯ Immunoglobulin is a strategic resource and appropriate usage is critical to regulate demand.
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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.