Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2022
Septic arthritis due to Neisseria gonorrhoea in Western Australia.
A high prevalence of gonococcal infections has been reported from remote parts of Western Australia, but the occurrence of disseminated infection leading to arthritis has not been studied. ⋯ GA stably complicates 0.25% of gonococcal infections in WA with young indigenous females and middle-aged non-indigenous males most affected. Prior infectious disease and diabetes mellitus are potential risk factors for GA in females. GA recurs rarely, but its development reflects a high risk of morbidity and mortality over the following 10 years.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2022
High Frequency of Anticoagulation Management Errors Preceding Ischemic Strokes in Atrial Fibrillation.
Anticoagulants are recommended to prevent cardioembolic stroke in most patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Management errors with anticoagulation and use of aspirin instead of anticoagulants have been documented worldwide, especially with vitamin K antagonists. ⋯ Inappropriate management of anticoagulants is present in the majority of acute ischaemic stroke in the 2 weeks preceding the event and is linked to higher mortality. Improved anticoagulation practice has the potential to substantially reduce stroke rates in patients with AF.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2022
Clinicopathological characteristics and clinical morbidity in high-risk head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma patients in Western Australia.
There is no registry data on morbidity and mortality of high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in Australia. ⋯ High-risk cSCC patients have significant health needs represented by high-baseline comorbidities, multiplicity of cSCC events and the number of healthcare-associated interventions. There is an unmet need for robust cancer data collection.
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Surveillance colonoscopy has been shown to be an effective tool for prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC) in high-risk populations, if adhered to. ⋯ While overdue surveillance is not predictive of increased CRC, it is associated with an increase in expected number of AA, particularly in patients having surveillance for previous high-risk polypectomy.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2022
Revisiting an ancient legend: Influence of the lunar cycle on occurrence of first-ever unprovoked seizures.
The mythical effect of the lunar cycle on seizures has been debated over time. Previously healthy individuals presenting with first-ever seizures in whom investigations are negative often invoke questions about potential reasons including a full moon. ⋯ First unprovoked seizures are not influenced by the lunar cycle. Patients pondering the cause of their first-ever unprovoked seizure can be reassured that the full moon was not responsible.