Irish journal of medical science
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Observational Study
Comparison of syncope risk scores in predicting the prognosis of patients presenting to the emergency department with syncope.
Various scores have been derived for the assessment of syncope patients in the emergency department (ED). ⋯ The CSRS may be used as a safety risk score for a 30-day risk of MACE and mortality after discharge from the emergency department.
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Slow gait speed (GS) is a marker of functional decline and overall poor health status and could be considered as possible sarcopenia. Early detection with modified treatable causes is likely to lessen adverse health outcomes in older adults. ⋯ Slow gait speed was frequent among older patients in an outpatient setting indicating of a high prevalence of patients with poor physical performance and impending frailty. Increasing age, presence of CVA, and cognitive decline were associated with slow GS. Interventions concentrating on the amendable factors might help to reduce unfavorable health consequences.
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We aim to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ocular oncology in Ireland, comparing uveal melanoma trends in 2019 to 2020. ⋯ More advanced disease is suggested by the increased mean basal diameter and tumour thickness, extra-scleral extension and longer duration of brachytherapy. Time from diagnosis to treatment was not delayed in 2020.
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Dihydrotestosterone is a more potent androgen derived from testosterone and androstenediones, but its measurement has not been routinely recommended in women with hirsutism, and there is limited information in this regard with equivocal findings. This study aimed to evaluate serum dihydrotestosterone level in patients with hirsutism compared to women without hirsutism. ⋯ Measuring dihydrotestosterone level is not considered in routine evaluation of hirsutism, but we think that this significant difference shows that elevated level of dihydrotestosterone hormone in women with hirsutism is an important factor.
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The 'opioid crisis' has reached epidemic proportions globally. Importantly, 30% of opioid dependency stem from opioids obtained on hospital discharge prescriptions. ⋯ We observed considerable variability in opioid prescribing patterns following minor, intermediate and major operations in our centre. Care is required when prescribing opioids in the post-operative setting, and opioid prescription guidelines are required to both tackle and prevent an escalation of this 'opioid crisis'.