BMJ open
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To evaluate the prevalence and coprevalence of several chronic conditions in patients with type 2 diabetes in a Mediterranean region. ⋯ Patients with type 2 diabetes have a high frequency of coprevalence of metabolic risk factors, cardiovascular disease and CKD and thus require an integrated management approach.
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To establish the prevalence and associations of systemic antibiotic prescription for impetigo by early-career general practitioners (GPs) (GP registrars in their first 18 months in general practice). ⋯ Australian early-career GPs prescribe systemic antibiotics (the majority broad-spectrum) for a high proportion of initial impetigo presentations. Impetigo guidelines should clearly specify criteria for systemic antibiotic prescription and individual antibiotic choice. The role of non-antibiotic management and topical antiseptics needs to be explored further.
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Sex differences in respiratory physiology and predilection for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been documented, suggesting that female sex hormones may influence pathogenesis. We investigated whether aspects of female reproductive health might play a role in risk of COPD among women. ⋯ Multiple female reproductive health indicators across the life course are associated with COPD-related hospitalisation/death and lung function. Further studies are necessary to understand the opposing associations of PCOS/ovarian cysts, HRT and hysterectomy with COPD and objective measures of airway obstruction.
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Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) accounted for one-third of the deaths in India. We conducted a cohort study to estimate the incidence of CVD and the association of established risk factors with the incident CVD in a rural population in South India. ⋯ We described the high burden of fatal CVD and identified the role of CVD risk factors such as hypertension, self-reported diabetes, smoking and central obesity. There is an urgent need to implement low-cost interventions such as smoking cessation and treat hypertension and diabetes in primary care settings.
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Observational Study
Serum biomarkers in patients suspected of transient ischaemic attack in primary care: a diagnostic accuracy study.
The diagnosis of transient ischaemic attack (TIA) based on symptoms and signs can be challenging and would greatly benefit from a rapid serum biomarker of brain ischaemia. We aimed to quantify the added diagnostic value of serum biomarkers in patients suspected of TIA beyond symptoms and signs. ⋯ Currently available blood biomarkers have no added diagnostic value in suspected TIA.