Internal medicine journal
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Recent trials within the past few years have influenced not only how we treat patients immediately after acute ischaemic stroke, but also how we investigate for aetiology. With the advent of improved medications, procedures and monitoring devices, modern stroke prevention strategies are more individualised, but the decision-making process is more complex. We provide an approach to navigating these management options.
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Internal medicine journal · Oct 2019
Elevated D-dimer levels predict adverse outcomes in hospitalised elderly patients with chronic heart failure.
Elevated D-dimer levels have been associated with poor outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease. ⋯ In elderly patients with CHF, measurement of D-dimer levels may help to risk stratify these patients, and high D-dimer levels might be regarded as a warning sign to intensify therapy.
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Internal medicine journal · Oct 2019
Idarucizumab for dabigatran reversal: the first 6 months in a tertiary centre.
This retrospective audit reviews patients on dabigatran presenting with bleeding or requiring urgent surgery in the Wellington region, whether they received idarucizumab appropriately and the outcome of episodes. Eighty patients were identified with bleeding or need for urgent surgery, 14 of which received idarucizumab. ⋯ Idarucizumab was underutilised with patients who could have benefited not receiving it; however, some patients who were treated may not have required it. Increased awareness and use may improve outcomes.