Internal medicine journal
-
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.
-
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.
-
Internal medicine journal · Feb 2025
ReviewCurrent state of the non-pharmacological management of irritable bowel syndrome: an up-to-date review of the literature.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) that is thought to affect a significant proportion of the population. As a result of the nature of IBS, it is hard to predict treatment efficacy as all individuals respond differently, and thus multidisciplinary treatment has become increasingly of interest as it targets multiple aspects of IBS at the same time. Here, we aim to review the literature of both multidisciplinary and single-discipline therapy for IBS. ⋯ GDH was also found to be efficacious, but 83.3% of studies examined a refractory IBS population. There is a lack of literature looking at how multidisciplinary care and different combinations of disciplines work to treat those with IBS in secondary care. Further studies are required for a greater understanding of how multidisciplinary care may be utilised to better manage IBS.