Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Nov 2024
Review Practice GuidelineAdult penicillin allergy programmes in Australian hospitals: a practical guide from the National Antibiotic Allergy Network.
Penicillin allergy is a significant burden on patient, prescribing and hospital outcomes. There has been increasing interest in the incorporation of penicillin allergy testing (i.e. delabelling) into antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes to reduce the burden of penicillin allergy labels and improve prescribing. In particular, there has been a focus on point-of-care penicillin allergy assessment and direct oral challenge for low-risk phenotypes. The National Antibiotic Allergy Network has provided a guide to assist AMS clinicians with the incorporation of penicillin allergy programmes, in particular direct oral challenge, into Australian hospitals.
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Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy is the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide and thought to be a benign disease. Recent literature review would suggest otherwise, with outcomes remaining generally poor. ⋯ However, recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying this disease process have allowed for the development of new target therapies. This brief review provides an overview of improved understanding of IgA nephropathy and novel therapeutic strategies.
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Takotsubo syndrome is a condition characterised by temporary acute left ventricular dysfunction with regional wall abnormalities extending beyond a single coronary artery territory. Initially thought to be benign, this condition, which is challenging to distinguish from acute coronary syndrome, has substantial morbidity and mortality. ⋯ Although beta blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are used as treatments for left ventricular dysfunction, currently, there are no randomised controlled trials to support their use. In this paper, we review the latest evidence regarding aetiologies, pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, prognosis, complications and management of Takotsubo syndrome.
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Internal medicine journal · Nov 2024
Comparative StudyEnvironmental impact of pressurised metered dose inhalers versus dry powder and soft mist inhalers at a tertiary Melbourne hospital.
The carbon footprint of devices to deliver inhaled respiratory medications has come into focus as climate change has been identified as a worldwide emergency. Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) contain hydrofluorocarbons that have significant global warming potential compared to dry powder inhalers (DPIs) and soft mist inhalers (SMIs), which do not use a propellant gas. A 12-month pharmacy inpatient dispensing audit demonstrated that inpatient MDI use significantly outweighed that of DPIs and SMIs and accounted for approximately 99% of inhaler-related greenhouse gas emissions at our hospital.