Irish journal of medical science
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The General Medical Council (GMC) has made it mandatory to have a chaperone present during intimate examinations, including breast exams, highlighting the importance of medicolegal protection for both patients and clinicians. ⋯ This study emphasizes the vital role of chaperones in clinical practice, urging a precise definition and targeted resolution for implementation challenges. Patient preferences highlight the need for a personalized approach, and increased awareness among healthcare professionals is essential.
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Metformin reduces incidences of miscarriage and preterm delivery in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women, but its impact on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is conflicting. Hence, this study set up selection criteria to include previously infertile women with PCOS but without pre-existing DM who became pregnant, aiming to minimize confounders and investigate the influence of metformin on GDM, miscarriage, and preterm delivery. ⋯ Metformin administration during pregnancy may reduce GDM, miscarriage, and preterm delivery risks without adverse effects on fetal outcomes in previously infertile women with PCOS.
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To identify the incidence and characteristics of chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) following total knee arthroplasty and determine peri-operative influencing factors. ⋯ CPSP is common after total knee arthroplasty with an incidence of 36.5% at 6 months post procedure. Female sex, lack of multimodal analgesia, and lower Oxford Knee Scores were associated with increased CPSP.
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Increasing data are available on the use and efficacy of rituximab (RTX) in patients with anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK)-positive myasthenia gravis (MG), especially those steroid-dependent or unresponsive to traditional immunotherapies. ⋯ RTX is an effective treatment in anti-MuSK-positive MG. Furthermore, our results support the inhibition of antibody production by RTX and we recommend monitoring anti-MuSK antibody titers to follow disease progression and treatment response.
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Long Covid (LC) is the continuation or development of new symptoms after initial COVID-19 infection. Little is known about General Practitioners' (GP) experience of managing patients with LC. ⋯ There was a lack of confidence in the diagnosis and management of LC, and in the interface with secondary care. There is demand for educational interventions to assist GPs with their care of patients with this emerging condition.