Postgraduate medical journal
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Aortitis is the inflammation of the wall of the aorta and can occur from an infection or autoimmune disease. Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is characterised by abnormal haematopoiesis and a dysfunctional immune system. ⋯ All possible aetiologies were ruled out. The patient's symptoms resolved after she received steroids.
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Work related stress and anxiety may have a profound effect on an individual's wellbeing. In the case of doctors this may also affect patient care. This study measured stress, anxiety, and job satisfaction and the influence of personality factors on these in a group of preregistration house officers in the north east of England. ⋯ There were significant negative correlations between stress and job satisfaction scores (r = -0.508; p<0.0001) and between anxiety and job satisfaction scores (r = -0.421; p<0.0001), and significant positive associations between anxiety and stress scores (r = 0.593; p<0.0001). Stress, anxiety, and depression scores were significantly correlated with neuroticism scores in both men and women. The personality characteristic of neuroticism was a predisposing factor for stress and anxiety in the junior doctors which may be taken into consideration when offering support and counselling.
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Secondary hyperkalaemic paralysis is a rare condition often mimicking the Guillain-Barré syndrome. There have been a few case reports of hyperkalaemia caused by renal failure, trauma, and drugs where the presentation has been with muscle weakness. A case of hyperkalaemic paralysis caused by an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor is reported.
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My elective was spent at a teaching hospital in Galle, in Sri Lanka. My time was spent shadowing final year students in the specialties of general medicine and paediatrics. This period provided me with much food for thought in comparing and contrasting the health service in Sri Lanka with that of the UK and also considering the differences in the style of medical education. ⋯ In this report, I have attempted to integrate an account of my observations with a discussion of the thoughts and emotions that I experienced while working in a developing country. Studying in Sri Lanka facilitated my appreciation of facets of British health care and medical education that I had not previously considered. However, fewer resources do not necessarily mean poorer patient care: could Britain have something to learn from the Sri Lankan Health Service?