Internal medicine journal
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Despite significant reductions in incidence since the introduction of safe infant sleeping recommendations, sudden infant death syndrome is still the major cause of neonatal death in western countries. In the United States, over 2500 infants die suddenly and unexpectedly each year with nearly 100 deaths annually in Australia. Health professionals play a critical role in advising parents how to sleep their infants safely to minimise the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and sleeping accidents. ⋯ Breastfeeding should be encouraged, as should immunisation. Dummies can be recommended after breastfeeding has been established. This review outlines the evidence behind these recommendations.
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Internal medicine journal · Apr 2019
Medical complications of homelessness: a neglected side of men's health.
Homelessness is an increasing societal and health issue associated with high rates of substance abuse and mental health disorders. Homeless people die more often and at a younger age than others. ⋯ The main health needs of homeless men fall into the categories of mental health; cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic disorders and addictions and hepatitis C. Establishing on-site clinics at homeless shelters with expertise to address these issues will likely improve the well-being of these men, reduce hospital admissions and prolong their lives.
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Internal medicine journal · Apr 2019
Comparative Study Observational StudyHospitalisation rates and characteristics for adult and childhood immunoglobulin A vasculitis in Western Australia.
Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV) is a systemic small-vessel vasculitis of unknown aetiology. Although commonest in children, onset in adulthood is not unusual. ⋯ Hospitalisation rates for adults with IgAV now nearly equal those in children as adult IgAV leads to more complications. The sharp decline in childhood IgAV admissions suggests that confidence to manage children with IgAV outside the hospital setting has increased.
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Chronic kidney disease is now a leading cause of death in Fiji. The country lacks even basic statistics about the incidence of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and presents significant challenges to conducting clinical research. ⋯ The incidence of ESKD in Fiji is high. This is a substantial public health problem that is likely impacting life expectancy and quality of life. Improving screening, detection and management of kidney disease should be given more prominence in programmes to address non-communicable diseases in Fiji and the Western Pacific.