Internal medicine journal
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Hyponatraemia is common in heart failure (HF). It is estimated that over 20% of patients admitted to hospital with HF have hyponatraemia. It has also been repeatedly shown to be a surrogate marker of increased morbidity and mortality in this specific population. This review focuses on the pathophysiology of hyponatraemia through the activation of neurohormonal cascades in HF, the clinical implications of sustained hyponatraemia and treatment options in the management of this challenging phenomenon.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2020
Review Case ReportsLeft maxillary sinus tumour-induced hypophosphataemic osteomalacia and combined with thyroid papillary carcinoma: a case report and literature review.
Tumour-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare disease characterised by hypophosphataemia and clinical symptoms of osteomalacia. Herein we report the case of a 29-year-old man who was admitted to hospital with progressive bone pain and was diagnosed with TIO caused by maxillary sinus tumours. ⋯ After tumour resections, the symptoms of bone pain were relieved and the level of blood phosphorus was restored, long-term replacement therapy was needed for thyroid. When a patient is diagnosed with TIO, it is necessary to screen for the presence of other malignant tumours and explore the treatment options in order to benefit patients preferably.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2020
Pre-hospital thrombolysis for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in regional Australia: long-term follow up.
Delivering reperfusion therapy to patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in regional areas without access to tertiary cardiology care remains challenging. The systems of care in Hunter New England Health, New South Wales, Australia (area covered = 130 000 km2 ) to provide reperfusion to patients with STEMI involve a 12-lead electrocardiogram in the ambulance, discussion between cardiologist and paramedic, followed by pre-hospital thrombolysis (PHT) delivered in ambulance to appropriate patients >60 min from the cardiac catheterisation laboratories. Patients who can access the cardiac catheterisation laboratories within 60 min are treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). ⋯ Our real-world experience shows that PHT followed by early transfer to a primary PCI-capable centre is an effective reperfusion strategy, with comparable results to primary PCI, and mortality benefits are sustained to more than 6 years.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2020
Use of indwelling pleural/peritoneal catheter in the management of malignant ascites: a retrospective study of 48 patients.
Patients suffering from malignant ascites usually require repeated large volume paracentesis (LVP) for symptomatic relief. This often requires hospital admission and has inherent risks. ⋯ Use of tunnelled IPeC improves symptoms and can minimise further invasive drainage procedures in patients with symptomatic malignant ascites. Placement of IPeC was associated with a low rate of adverse events, most of which could be managed conservatively.