Internal medicine journal
-
Internal medicine journal · May 2012
Comparative StudyComparison of prediction equations to estimate glomerular filtration rate in Chinese patients with chronic kidney disease.
We sought to evaluate the applicability of formulae based on serum creatinine (SC) levels in Chinese patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). ⋯ When SC was measured by the enzymatic method, GFR estimation equations showed great bias in Chinese CKD patients. At present, the Jelliffe-1973 equation and Cockcroft-Gault equation may be more accurate in the Chinese ethnic group.
-
Internal medicine journal · May 2012
Meta AnalysisDiabetes as a risk factor for dementia and mild cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies.
This study examined the association of diabetes with the onset of dementia (including Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VD) and any dementia) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by using a quantitative meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched for articles published up to December 2010. All studies that examined the relationship between diabetes and the onset of dementia or MCI were included. ⋯ All subjects were without dementia or MCI at baseline. The quantitative meta-analysis showed that subjects with diabetes had higher risk for AD (relative risk (RR):1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20-1.77), VD (RR: 2.48, 95% CI: 2.08-2.96), any dementia (RR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.31-1.74) and MCI (RR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.02-1.45) than those without. The quantitative meta-analysis showed that diabetes was a risk factor for incident dementia (including AD, VD and any dementia) and MCI.
-
Internal medicine journal · May 2012
Multicenter StudyCurrent discharge management of acute coronary syndromes: baseline results from a national quality improvement initiative.
Evidence-practice gaps exist in the continuum of care for patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), particularly at hospital discharge. ⋯ The findings of our baseline audit showed that despite the robust evidence base and availability of national guidelines, the management of patients with ACS can be improved. These findings will inform a multifaceted intervention strategy to improve adherence to guidelines for the discharge management of patients with ACS.
-
Internal medicine journal · May 2012
Stroke management: updated recommendations for treatment along the care continuum.
The Australian Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management 2010 represents an update of the Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery (2005) and the Clinical Guidelines for Acute Stroke Management (2007). For the first time, they cover the whole spectrum of stroke, from public awareness and prehospital response to stroke unit and stroke management strategies, acute treatment, secondary prevention, rehabilitation and community care. The guidelines also include recommendations on transient ischaemic attack. The most significant changes to previous guideline recommendations include the extension of the stroke thrombolysis window from 3 to 4.5 h and the change from positive to negative recommendations for the use of thigh-length antithrombotic stockings for deep venous thrombosis prevention and the routine use of prolonged positioning for contracture management.
-
Internal medicine journal · May 2012
Proton pump inhibitors and diarrhoea related to Clostridium difficile infection in hospitalised patients: a case-control study.
The incidence and disease severity of Clostridium difficile infection are rising. There is increasing evidence of a potential association between proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) and C. difficile infection. ⋯ A restricted analysis on those who had exposure to antibiotics within 3 months before the onset of diarrhoea did not change the negative association between PPI exposure and PCR-proven C. difficile infection. Long-term PPI usage and intensity of PPI exposure prior to onset of diarrhoea were not significantly associated with C. difficile infection.