Irish journal of medical science
-
The aim of this study was to analyze neuropathic pain (NeP) and its therapy in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) during a 6-month follow-up period. ⋯ NeP is a common and potentially severe symptom in GBS that may persist for months. It is important to recognize NeP, start specific treatment on time, in adequate doses, and for prolonged period of time.
-
Because of the uncertainty in the appropriate initial loop diuretic dose in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) is believed to be increased with the high dose of initial intravenous (IV) loop diuretic. ⋯ In patients with ADHF, the initial high dose of IV loop diuretics is associated with an increased risk of developing AKI.
-
This study highlights the multiple sources of delay along a hip fracture clinical pathway. The national recommendation is that 'patients with a hip fracture should be admitted within 4 hours of arrival at the Emergency Department to which they first presented'. ⋯ We identified numerous sources of delay, occurring at every point along the pathway, emphasising the complexity of providing acute integrated care. There was no single stage that persistently contributed to the delay in the patient pathway. The focus is now to achieve marginal gains in each area. Increased staff and resources to the front line are a clear solution but this is complex to achieve.
-
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant disruption in the provision of healthcare globally. The aim of this study was to assess the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of neuro-oncology surgery and comparison with a similar 3-month period in 2019. ⋯ The provision of neuro-oncological surgery can be safely continued during respiratory illness epidemic or pandemic if a rigorous testing and staffing framework is implemented.
-
Cognitive impairment (CI) is common in multiple sclerosis (MS), including newly diagnosed MS, where it is particularly underrecognised. Determining the presence of CI in the outpatient clinic often relies on patient-reported complaints, with limited time and resources in this setting. Prior studies have shown that self-reported cognition relates poorly to formal neuropsychological testing in the MS population and correlates more with factors such as anxiety, depression and fatigue. ⋯ Study findings add to the literature of perceived cognition in MS, in a newly diagnosed cohort. Findings are consistent with previous research using detailed neuropsychological assessments, confirming the sensitivity of BICAMS, applicable in a routine clinical setting.