Clinical medicine (London, England)
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Observational Study
Treatment of tobacco dependence in UK hospitals: an observational study.
Over a million smokers are admitted to hospitals in the UK each year. The extent to which tobacco dependence is identified and addressed in this population is unclear. Data on 14,750 patients from 146 hospitals collected for the British Thoracic Society smoking cessation audit were analysed to determine smoking prevalence, attempts to ask smokers about quitting, and referrals to smoking cessation services. ⋯ Only 28% of smokers were asked whether they would like to quit, and only one in 13 smokers was referred for treatment of tobacco dependence. There was a higher chance of smokers being asked about quitting in organisations with smoke-free sites, dedicated smoking cessation practitioners, regular staff training, and availability of advanced pharmacotherapy. Treatment of tobacco dependence in smokers attending UK hospitals is poor and could be associated with organisational factors.
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Sepsis is a common and often devastating medical emergency with a high mortality rate and, in many survivors, long-term morbidity. It is defined as the dysregulated host response to infection resulting in organ dysfunction, and its incidence is increasing as the population ages. ⋯ Although general guidelines are available for management, here we provide a foundation of understanding to encourage thoughtful, personalised management of sepsis during the acute phase. We provide an overview of the epidemiology, the new Sepsis-3 definitions, pathophysiology, clinical presentations, and investigation and management of sepsis for the non-expert.
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Review
Updates in palliative care - recent advancements in the pharmacological management of symptoms.
Symptom management is an important part of both palliative care and end-of-life care. This article will examine the recent research evidence about drugs commonly used for symptom management in adult patients receiving palliative care. ⋯ This includes: breathlessness, delirium, nausea and vomiting in bowel obstruction, opioid-induced constipation and upper respiratory tract secretions. For each symptom, a review of recent pharmacological evidence has been undertaken, with emphasis on potential important changes to physicians' practice.
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Case Reports
Lesson of the month 2: Pulmonary embolism in a patient on rivaroxaban and concurrent carbamazepine.
A 71-year-old female with a history of pulmonary embolism treated with rivaroxaban presented with acute onset shortness of breath, chest pain and palpitations. Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) revealed multiple bilateral pulmonary emboli. ⋯ This case report highlights the importance of reviewing patient medications when considering anticoagulants and the need to raise awareness of these drug interactions among clinicians when making their choice of anticoagulation. It also reinforces the current lack of evidence for use of DOACs in patients with solid organ malignancies.