Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Mar 2023
Meta AnalysisPrevalence and clinical risk prediction of hypertriglyceridaemia in a community cohort.
Hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG; defined as ≥1.7 mmol/L) has a prevalence of 18-33% with significant inter-regional variation. Despite meta-analysis demonstrating its association with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, only 40% of HTG is identified in the community resulting in underutilisation of lipid-lowering therapy and specialist clinics. An increase in awareness of its clinical risk factors is needed to improve the identification and management of HTG to prevent cardiovascular risk. ⋯ HTG ≥1.7 mmol/L is common, affecting 24% of the HCS. Clinical predictors identify modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular risk management. Clinician education to promote awareness is required to improve patient outcomes.
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Internal medicine journal · May 2022
Review Meta AnalysisFrailty and mortality associations in patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Observational data during the pandemic have demonstrated mixed associations between frailty and mortality. ⋯ This systematic review did not demonstrate an independent association between frailty status and short-term mortality in patients with COVID-19. Patients with frailty were less commonly admitted to ICU and non-frail patients were more likely to receive IMV and had higher mortality risk. This finding may be related to allocation decisions for patients with frailty amidst the pandemic.
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2022
Meta AnalysisDirect oral anticoagulants for cancer associated venous thromboembolisms: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Several recent randomised controlled trials (RCT) have investigated the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) in the treatment of malignancy-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE). ⋯ DOAC are effective in treating malignancy associated VTE; however, caution is required in patients with high risk of bleeding. Apixaban had lower risk of bleeding compared to other DOAC in this population.
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Internal medicine journal · Nov 2021
Review Meta AnalysisA systematic review and meta-analysis of the characteristics and outcomes of readmitted COVID-19 survivors.
The objective of the present study is to investigate the incidence, characteristics and outcomes of patients who were readmitted to hospital emergency departments or required re-hospitalisation following an index hospitalisation with a diagnosis of COVID-19. A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE and pre-print websites was conducted between 1 January and 31 December 2020. Studies reporting on the incidence, characteristics and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 who represent or require hospital admission were included. ⋯ Intensive care admission rates were similar between the two groups; 12.8% (22/172) of readmitted patients died. In summary, readmitted patients following an index hospitalisation for COVID-19 were more commonly males with multiple comorbidities. Shorter initial hospital LOS and unresolved primary illness may have contributed to readmission.
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Internal medicine journal · Sep 2021
Meta AnalysisMeta-analysis of Efficacy and Safety of Inhaled Ciprofloxacin in Non-cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis Patients.
No antibiotic therapies have been approved for reducing exacerbations and preventing disease progression in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) patients. Several recent clinical studies have investigated the feasibility of inhaled ciprofloxacin in NCFB, whereas the results were controversial. ⋯ Ciprofloxacin inhalation treatment significantly prolonged the time to first exacerbation, reduced the frequency of exacerbations and decreased sputum P. aeruginosa density and was well tolerated. Ciprofloxacin inhalation is promising in the treatment of NCFB.