Irish journal of medical science
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Childhood homelessness is a growing concern in Ireland [1] creating a paediatric subpopulation at increased risk of physical illnesses, many with life-long consequences [2]. ⋯ This literature review summarized the physical illnesses prevalent among homeless children and the contributing factors leading to them. Gaps in the literature were also identified and included a dearth of studies focusing on younger children compared with adolescents. Further research into prevention and intervention programs for this vulnerable population is urgently needed.
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Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a very common skin cancer in Caucasians. Although rarely life-threatening, it can be locally destructive and consumes a considerable amount of health expenditure. Treatments that are safe, cost-effective and can be carried out in primary care with a high cure rate and good cosmetic results for selected cases of BCC need to be explored. ⋯ Just over half of all BCCs in this survey were treated using cryosurgery (100 = 54%) and 79 were followed up for more than 5 years. The cure rate with cryosurgery was 95% after 5 years (95% CI, 0.8686-0.9837) with an excellent or good cosmetic outcome in 92%.
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Elective and emergent coronary interventions via transradial access (TRA) are been used increasingly as they carry a reduced risk of complications. Percutaneous coronary intervention via TRA may lead to radial artery spasms (RAS) that may result in prolonged procedure time, cross-over of access site, and other complications. This review article discusses the recent definitions, incidences, pathophysiology, predictive score calculator, efficacy, the safety of the radial cocktails, and treatment of the RAS.
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Tinnitus is a phenomenon that affects approximately 15% of the adult population. A minority of patients will experience chronic bothersome tinnitus that has a detrimental effect on their quality of life. Management of such tinnitus is challenging for healthcare practitioners. Primary care services are the first point at which patients seek expert medical advice about their condition and General Practitioners (GPs) must be equipped with the knowledge to appropriately triage and guide patients. ⋯ This study demonstrates there is wide variation in how tinnitus is evaluated and managed by GPs, which represents a gap in clinical care. We recommend further research, implementation of a service model for tinnitus, national clinical guidelines, training pathways for primary care staff and establishment of regional direct-access tinnitus clinics throughout Ireland.
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Adipose tissue is producing adipokines that play different roles in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. ⋯ Leptin concentrations were inversely proportional to LVMI and PWV in patients with BMI < 25 kg/m2.