Postgraduate medical journal
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To determine the cause of a markedly raised D-dimer among patients in whom a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) has been excluded by CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) with particular reference to new cases of cancer and aortic dissection. ⋯ We have shown that a small proportion of patients suspected of PE whose D-dimers are markedly elevated have diagnoses we would not want to miss including previously unsuspected cancer and aortic dissection. Further studies will be required to define the optimal workup of patients with extremely high D-dimer who do not have venous thromboembolism.
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SARS-CoV-2 is a virus that is the cause of a serious life-threatening disease known as COVID-19. It was first noted to have occurred in Wuhan, China in November 2019 and the WHO reported the first case on December 31, 2019. The outbreak was declared a global pandemic on March 11, 2020 and by May 30, 2020, a total of 5 899 866 positive cases were registered including 364 891 deaths. ⋯ Treatment is primarily supportive, however, prognosis is dismal in those who need invasive ventilation. Trials are ongoing to discover effective vaccines and drugs to combat the disease. Preventive strategies aim at reducing the transmission of disease by contact tracing, washing of hands, use of face masks and government-led lockdown of unnecessary activities to reduce the risk of transmission.
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The first-line treatments for mild-moderate and moderate-severe depression according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence clinical guidelines for the management of depression in adults are psychological therapies followed by or alongside pharmacological treatment. We conducted an audit of patient records (as recorded by general practitioners (GPs)) to compare practice to the guidelines. ⋯ For patients aged ≥65 years, psychological therapies are featuring less in management discussions with GPs or are not being recorded. Recommendations for change implemented at the practice included feedback of results and professional reminders throughout the 2019-2020 QOF year.
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Letter Multicenter Study
Time to invest on research during medical training.
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The Birkenhead drill states that in the time of crisis, the correct action is to prioritise the weakest and most vulnerable, in that example, women and children. Ethically this has been well analysed in terms of the intrinsic value of the human versus any utilitarian calculus of worth to society's function. We do not attempt to re-analyse this but do note that standard pandemic planning often disadvantages the weak and vulnerable in terms of allocation of resources to those with a greater chance of functional survival. ⋯ COVID-19 provides a once in a generation opportunity to create a kinder, fairer society. Early signs are not good: Pub re-opening prioritised over school re-opening; no significant investment in children's services or women's health, a significant determinant of children's welfare. We highlight the way COVID-19 has, and continues, to harm children and argue that the contemporary erosion of the Birkenhead principle is simply amoral.