Clinical medicine (London, England)
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest health threats facing humanity and is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, with a disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups of patients. The WHO set out its global action plan in 2015 and most countries have their own national plans, which take a whole system One Health approach that includes infection prevention and optimising the use of antimicrobials through stewardship programmes and diagnostics. ⋯ AMS is effective and has proven benefits such as improved outcomes and reduced spread of resistance in hospitals. This paper highlights key principles for antimicrobial prescribing and highlights recent evidence, some of which has been practice changing.
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Minimal residual disease (MRD) testing is a promising approach to tailor the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). However, several major concerns remain to be addressed before moving it into daily practice, most of which stem from the dynamic nature of the MRD status. Thus, it is crucial to understand the MRD dynamics and propose its clinical implications. ⋯ Longitudinal assessment of MRD during the treatment course and follow-up is required for monitoring disease progression or relapse, to guide treatment decisions. Accordingly, a prospective study is currently ongoing to investigate the feasibility and benefit of the MRD-tailored therapy according to the longitudinal changes of the MRD status.
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Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease characterised by non-caseating granulomas of unclear aetiology. Isolated cardiac sarcoidosis (ICS) is rare and occurs when there is granulomatous infiltration of myocardial tissue without evidence of extracardiac sarcoidosis. The heterogeneity in clinical manifestations often presents a diagnostic challenge which leads to delays in treatment initiation. Our case highlights the often quiescent presentation of ICS, the importance of early treatment and the diagnostic challenges that contribute to its underdiagnosis.
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What tests to send and when? This article examines the evidence for common microbiological tests and discusses their limitations and interpretation. Urine tests, surface swabs, blood cultures and screening swabs are all discussed in the context of a fictional clinical case.