Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Mar 2008
Recombinant activated factor VII in critical bleeding: experience from the Australian and New Zealand Haemostasis Register.
There has been increasing off-label use of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa/NovoSeven; Novo Nordisk, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) for patients with critical bleeding. Given the lack of high-level evidence, the clinical indications, observed response and adverse events are important to capture. ⋯ The Haemostasis Registry cannot replace well-designed prospective randomized controlled trials, but in their absence this registry provides a basis for understanding current clinical experience of rFVIIa. Registries continue to be vital in monitoring off-label uses of medications.
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Internal medicine journal · Mar 2008
Empiric antibiotic prescribing for patients with community-acquired pneumonia: where can we improve?
Community acquired pneumonia is one of the most common infections for which antibiotics are prescribed in Australia. ⋯ Efforts to improve prescribing practices could be focused towards identifying patients with severe illness early and improving recognition of documented allergies.
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Internal medicine journal · Mar 2008
Influence of rheumatoid arthritis on work participation in Australia.
The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of work disability in a cohort of Australians with rheumatoid arthritis. ⋯ Work disability associated with rheumatoid arthritis in Australia is very significant and costly. Work disability occurs relatively early in the disease and is associated with several identifiable variables, many of which may be amenable to intervention strategies.