Internal medicine journal
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Congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a familial cardiac ion channelopathy first described over 60 years ago. It is characterised by prolonged ventricular repolarisation (long QT on electrocardiography), ventricular arrhythmias and associated syncope or sudden cardiac death. ⋯ In recent times, progress has been made in diagnostic method, risk stratification and treatment options. This review has been written as a guide for the general cardiologist to understand the basic pathophysiology, diagnosis and management priorities for the most encountered LQTS subtypes: LQT1, LQT2 and LQT3.
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Internal medicine journal · Dec 2021
Knowledge and confidence of junior medical doctors in discussing and documenting resuscitation plans: A cross-sectional survey.
A resuscitation plan is a medically authorised order to use or withhold resuscitation interventions. Absence of appropriate resuscitation orders exposes patients to the risk of invasive medical interventions that may be of questionable benefit depending on individual circumstances. ⋯ Most junior doctors feel confident discussing and documenting resuscitation plans. There is a need to improve knowledge about legal obligations to follow completed resuscitation plans, and about when resuscitation plans should be completed to ensure they are completed with patients who are most at risk.
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Internal medicine journal · Dec 2021
ReviewAssessment and Management of Newly Diagnosed Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Consensus Practice Statement from the Australasian Lymphoma Alliance.
The management of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) has undergone significant changes in recent years. Due to the predilection of HL to affect younger patients, balancing cure and treatment-related morbidity is a constant source of concern for physicians and patients alike. Positron emission tomography adapted therapy has been developed for both early and advanced stage HL to try and improve the outcome of treatment, while minimising toxicities. The aim of this review is to digest the plethora of studies recently conducted and provide some clear, evidence-based practice statements to simplify the management of HL.
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Depression is common among doctors. However, concerns remain that doctors are unlikely to ask for help when symptoms of depression arise. ⋯ While it is reassuring that the majority of depressed doctors were able to seek professional help, many were not. Major barriers to professional help-seeking, particularly concerns about confidentiality and impact on career, remain a problem. Male, overseas-trained, junior doctors, surgeons and pathologists/radiologists were less likely to seek help for depression. Targeted interventions are required to increase appropriate help-seeking for depression in doctors.
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Internal medicine journal · Dec 2021
The psychosocial burden of inflammatory bowel disease in adolescents and young adults.
This study examined the psychosocial burden of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in young people aged 15-25 years attending a tertiary specialist health centre for adolescents and young adults in Brisbane. ⋯ Early recognition and treatment of depression and other psychosocial comorbidities within integrated pathways of care is crucial in adolescents and young adults with IBD and likely to improve the course of IBD and their overall health and well-being. Interventions aimed at enhancing self-efficacy and increasing public awareness are also likely to be helpful.