Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2025
Post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer in the Western Australian population: analysis of patient, histopathological and molecular characteristics.
Post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer (PCCRC), defined as colorectal cancer (CRC) detected after a cancer-negative colonoscopy, represents a key quality indicator for CRC detection and prevention. While most PCCRC is attributed to missed lesions, few studies examine pathologic and molecular characteristics of PCCRC to assess for possible de novo cancer formation causing PCCRC. ⋯ A significant percentage of PCCRC occurred despite adequate prior colonoscopy. Missed sessile serrated lesions may contribute to many of these cases; however, further studies are required to examine possible de novo cancer as a cause of PCCRC that may involve unique biological pathways.
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2025
'Charge what you think you're worth': a qualitative study exploring the gender pay gap in medicine and the role of price transparency.
The gender pay gap in medicine is entrenched and has a negative impact on economic growth, institutional reputation and financial success, recruitment, retention and job satisfaction of female specialists and patient care. It also discourages women from entering specialist fields of medicine. In the Australian unregulated market setting, female specialists are not simply getting paid less, they are choosing to set lower fees than their male counterparts. ⋯ The gender pay gap is pervasive. Greater transparency on fees and quality could be explored as a potential solution to reduce pay inequality.
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2025
Is Australia ready for the rollout of amyloid-targeting therapies for Alzheimer's disease? Results from a national survey characterising current infrastructure capability, workforce and training needs of memory and cognition clinics.
New amyloid-targeting monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are currently under review by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for use in Australia. ⋯ Australia's health system preparedness for amyloid-targeting mAb therapies will require further investment in infrastructure, equity of access, clinician training and support. Long wait times already impact access to clinics, and with the forecast rise in MCI and dementia cases, services will need to be expanded, and appropriate Models of Care and clear and efficient inter-sector health pathways will be needed to prepare for the use of mAbs.
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2025
Multicenter StudyCharacteristics and management of eosinophilic esophagitis in Australasian children: a decade of experience.
The frequency of EoE has been increasing in Northern Hemisphere cohorts, yet there is a scarcity of data in our region. Regional climatic factors, and lifestyle habits may influence the presentation of EoE, and appropriate management is crucial to prevent complications. WIth this is mind we undertook the first comprehensive multisite study of EoE in Australasian children. ⋯ The prevalence of EoE in Australasian children is comparable to that observed elsewhere, and the incidence is increasing significantly. Regional differences in disease frequency, management practices and access to endoscopy warrant further study.
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2025
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital presentations in adults with gastrointestinal infections at a tertiary centre in Australia.
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the enactment of substantial public health measures aimed at reducing the transmission of respiratory viruses. The impact of these measures on gastrointestinal (GI) infections remains unexplored. ⋯ There was a substantial decrease in hospital admissions with GI infections, particularly Norovirus, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Admissions because of Clostridioides increased. Stringent public health measures reducing interpersonal contact and increased antibiotic prescribing respectively may explain these changes, while an increased reluctance to seek medical care may also have contributed to the sharp overall decrease in hospitalisations.