Internal medicine journal
-
Internal medicine journal · Apr 2013
ReviewOut of sight, out of mind: an audit of inferior vena cava filter insertion and clinical follow up in an Australian institution and literature review.
Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are increasingly used to treat venous thromboembolism when there are contraindications or failure to respond to anticoagulant therapy. Retrievable filters were introduced to avoid long-term complications and risks associated with permanent filters. However, failure to follow up patients appropriately can lead to low retrieval rates. ⋯ Majority of retrievable IVC filters will become lost to clinical follow up. Rates of attempted retrieval within 1 year of filter insertion are low. Loss to follow up is associated with older age, lack of documentation and lack of haematology clinic review post discharge. This study highlights the importance of a structured system to document clearly the review and retrieval plans for patients with IVC filters, at the time of initial insertion.
-
Internal medicine journal · Apr 2013
Lipid profiles and persisting inflammation following critical illness in a central Australian population: a prospective longitudinal observational study.
No published data exist following the changes in lipid profile during and after an episode of acute illness for the Australian Indigenous population. This paper presents data focusing on lipid profiles and inflammatory markers in a group of survivors of critical illness in Central Australia, prospectively recruited to a larger trial exploring the medium-term sequelae of an intensive care unit admission. This data confirm that lipid profiles in acute illness are deranged, and that recovery may differ between indigenous and non-indigenous populations.
-
Internal medicine journal · Apr 2013
Immunosuppressive properties of mesenchymal stromal cells derived from amnion, placenta, Wharton's jelly and umbilical cord.
The role of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSC) in preventing the incidence and ameliorating the severity of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) has recently been reported. However, as the collection of BM-MSC is an invasive procedure, more accessible sources of MSC are desirable. ⋯ The results obtained from this study suggest that MSC from amnion, placenta, Wharton's jelly and umbilical cord can therefore be potentially used for substituting BM-MSC in several therapeutic applications, including the treatment of GvHD.
-
Internal medicine journal · Apr 2013
Review Case ReportsImmune-mediated cytopenias in human immunodeficiency virus: the first reported case of idiopathic aplastic anaemia successfully treated with immunosuppression.
Although isolated cytopenias are relatively common in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the incidence of aplastic anaemia is extremely rare. We report here the first case of a HIV-infected patient who developed severe idiopathic aplastic anaemia, and who was safely and effectively treated with anti-thymocyte globulin and cyclosporin. We briefly review immune-mediated cytopenias in HIV, including their frequency, pathophysiology and management strategies.
-
Internal medicine journal · Apr 2013
Patterns of care for malignant pleural mesothelioma patients compensated by the Dust Diseases Board in New South Wales, Australia.
The silent epidemic of mesothelioma in Australia is steadily increasing, and 30% of cases occur in New South Wales (NSW). ⋯ Survival and treatment utilisation was not significantly different between MPM patients living in major cities and regional NSW, except for a higher rate of EPP in patients in regional NSW.