The New Zealand medical journal
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Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in scleroderma (SSc) patients is a devastating complication with high mortality if untreated. Early recognition and specific treatment of PAH may improve outcome. Regular interval screening for PAH is generally recommended in scleroderma patients especially with the availability of emerging new therapies. The aim of this study is to determine the self-reported screening and treatment practices for SSc-PAH amongst rheumatologists in New Zealand (NZ). ⋯ This study has shown a wide variability of how NZ rheumatologists screen for PAH in scleroderma patients. The development of a PAH-SSc guideline for screening and diagnosis may help standardise treatment practices in NZ.
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Biography Historical Article
Desmond Alexander McQuillan: MBChB, DA(RCS,RCP), FFARACS, MRCGP, Dip Obst, FANZCA;1925-2014.
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Treatment of cutaneous abscesses is an important part of the acute surgical workload and most are treated with incision and drainage. Traditionally most are treated after major cases in theatre prioritisation and remain in hospital overnight. ⋯ Prioritisation of abscess drainage in acute theatre management is safe and associated with significant cost savings.