Irish journal of medical science
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Chronic complex diseases like atrial fibrillation have potential long-term economical and personal consequences. Shared decision-making principles may promote therapeutic compliance, satisfaction and outcomes. Pharmacists, as patient-advocates, play a key role in guiding them through complex clinical decisions about their chronic disease management and anticoagulation choices. ⋯ The study highlights pharmacist-led shared decision making in atrial fibrillation that contributes to patient satisfaction and appropriateness of therapy.
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Historically, high negative appendicectomy rates (NAR) were acceptable to offset the risks of perforation, previously exceeding 20%. With improved imaging and clinical scoring algorithms, there is growing demand for lower negative appendicectomy rates. The objectives were to (1) establish the NAR in our institution and (2) correlate clinical parameters and imaging modalities with histological findings. ⋯ There is no consensus on defining a negative appendicectomy or for imaging modality utilisation. CT imaging is the most sensitive and should be used in cases of diagnostic uncertainty. A standardised algorithm regarding the workup of patients with RIF pain along with a consensus on the use of imaging will further reduce negative appendicectomy rates.
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This study was to investigate the value of 10 serum inflammatory cytokines for predicting clinical response to celecoxib in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. ⋯ Serum IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17A serve as indicators for predicting clinical response to celecoxib in AS patients, which may assist with the optimization of personalized treatment.
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Dysphagia affects up to 30% of hospitalized patients, and it is associated with numerous complications. ⋯ Despite its limitations, this study demonstrates that dysphagia screening produces a significant impact on patients' lives, as well as healthcare professionals and resources. We hope that our results will encourage others to adopt a patient-centred multidisciplinary approach that includes a dysphagia screening protocol.