Irish journal of medical science
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Inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 4 (ITIH4) plays vital roles in inflammatory and auto-immune diseases, but its correlations with disease risk and clinical features in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) need further investigation. The present study intended to explore the correlation of ITIH4 with disease activity and inflammation, as well as its change after treatment in IBD patients. ⋯ ITIH4 correlates with IBD susceptibility, active risk, inflammation level, and its elevation after treatment relates to clinical response in IBD patients.
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The estimated incidence of testicular torsion (TT) is 4 per 100,000 males under 25 years [1]. Age, region and health insurance status have been associated with a higher risk of orchidectomy following TT [2]. ⋯ The incidence of TT appears to be higher in Ireland than elsewhere. Epidemiological data for TT in Ireland will help inform health policy and clinical guidelines, facilitate comparison with other jurisdictions and improve public awareness. Further research is needed to identify modifiable risk factors that predict treatment outcomes.
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Virtual fracture clinics (VFC) have been widely adopted worldwide as part of the changes in healthcare delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have been shown to be a safe and effective method of delivering trauma care for injuries which do not require immediate intervention or specialist management, whilst maintaining high levels of patient satisfaction. ⋯ Virtual fracture clinics can reduce X-ray frequency for common stable wrist and ankle fractures, with resultant benefits for both patients and healthcare systems. These benefits may be sustained in patient care beyond the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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Headlines have appeared across multiple social media platforms questioning the effects of newly authorised COVID-19 vaccines on fertility. Although the effects on future fertility were not studied in the initial trials, at present, there is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine has any effect of future fertility. It is well known that pregnant women are at a higher risk of complications associated with COVID-19 such as ICU admission and death, and there is a rare but tragic increase in placentitis and stillbirth, highlighting the importance for those planning a pregnancy any time in the future to be vaccinated. ⋯ Preliminary studies all suggest that there is neither link, nor indeed any theoretical reason why any of the COVID-19 vaccines might affect fertility. Dissemination of misinformation regarding the impact of the vaccine on future fertility needs to be controlled in order to avoid any hesitancy amongst young women attending for vaccination. It is also vital that the medical profession counteract this information, and, in order to do that, healthcare providers must be well informed on the latest recommendations and research.
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Describe the epidemiology, resource use and adverse outcomes of COVID-19 patients hospitalised during wave 1 of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland. Use this data to identify specific cohorts at high risk of adverse outcomes and to inform acute hospital requirements for future COVID-19 waves in Ireland. ⋯ This study provides patient-level epidemiological characterisation of hospitalisations during the first COVID-19 pandemic wave in Ireland. The higher risk of adverse outcomes in older age groups supports the age-based prioritisation of COVID-19 vaccinations currently used in Ireland.