The Medical journal of Australia
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The International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) has proposed new criteria for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of GDM when IADPSG criteria were used with the prevalence when the current Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (ADIPS) criteria were used. ⋯ The proposed IADPSG criteria would increase the prevalence of GDM from 9.6% to 13.0% (P < 0.001). In our study in the Wollongong area, which has a population with a predominantly white background, this increase came mainly from older women attending a private pathology provider. Data from both the public and private sectors need to be included in any discussion on the change in prevalence of GDM.
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Practice Guideline
Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Clostridium difficile infection.
Clostridium difficile is the most common cause of health care-associated and antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. These guidelines are intended to provide advice to clinicians on the clinical assessment, diagnosis and management of C. difficile infection (CDI). ⋯ To treat an initial episode and a first recurrence, metronidazole is the preferred antibiotic, with oral vancomycin reserved for severe disease and subsequent recurrences. Surgery should be considered for fulminant disease.
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Case Reports
Severe infection with Clostridium difficile PCR ribotype 027 acquired in Melbourne, Australia.
We report the first recognised case of infection with Clostridium difficile PCR ribotype 027 acquired in Australia. This pathogen has caused significant morbidity and mortality in widespread hospital-based outbreaks in the northern hemisphere. Clinicians need to be aware of the clinical picture, limitations of diagnostic tests, availability of further testing for epidemic strains, new therapeutic approaches, and in-hospital control strategies for this infection.
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Editorial Comment
Clostridium difficile infection: a new threat on our doorstep.