Clinical medicine (London, England)
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Case Reports
Lesson of the month 1: Splinter haemorrhages as a pointer to gastrointestinal malignancy.
A 58-year-old man was referred for review due to the finding of splinter haemorrhages and digital infarcts. Further questioning revealed a history of unintentional weight loss and calf pain. ⋯ Splinter haemorrhages resolved with anticoagulation and directed treatment of the underlying malignancy. This case report reminds clinicians of the potentially broad differential diagnosis associated with this clinical sign.
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Acute-onset arthritis is a common clinical problem facing both the general clinician and the rheumatologist. A viral aetiology is though to be responsible for approximately 1% of all cases of acute arthritis with a wide range of causal agents recognised. The epidemiology of acute viral arthritis continues to evolve, with some aetiologies, such as rubella, becoming less common due to vaccination, while some vector-borne viruses have become more widespread. ⋯ Targeted serological testing may be of value in establishing a diagnosis, and clinicians must also be aware that low-titre autoantibodies, such as rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibody, can occur in the context of acute viral arthritis. A careful consideration of epidemiological, clinical and serological features is therefore required to guide clinicians in making diagnostic and treatment decisions. While most virally mediated arthritides are self-limiting some warrant the initiation of specific antiviral therapy.
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Platelets play a very important role in physiological haemostasis and thrombus formation. Platelet aggregation is the key pathophysiological factor in the development of arterial ischaemic events, including coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular accidents and peripheral arterial disease. As such, antiplatelet therapy plays a very important role in preventing recurrent events in the individuals who are affected by one of these conditions. ⋯ However, this landscape has changed dramatically with the advent of newer and more potent agents, prasugrel and ticagrelor and also the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists. This armamentarium is likely to expand further with the advent of protease-activated receptor-1 antagonists and the intravenous cangrelor. This review summarises the different agents available and some practical considerations for their use from a general physician's perspective.
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Sedation has become an essential part of many invasive medical procedures. However, over the years, there have been concerns about the safety of sedation techniques. Various combinations of drug-based and non-drug-based approaches are used for procedural sedation depending on patient factors and the anticipated discomfort associated with each procedure. The common denominator for successful practice for a sedationist is knowledge, adequate training and a mechanism for revalidation.