Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Jul 2021
ReviewEndocrine adverse effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are increasingly being utilised as an effective therapy for a variety of cancers. However, they have the potential to cause serious autoimmune toxicities in multiple organ systems termed 'immunotherapy-related adverse events'. ⋯ This makes it important for all physicians, in addition to endocrinologists and oncologists, to understand the nature of these reactions and the general approach to their diagnosis and management. This review aims to provide an overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management of the endocrine adverse events.
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Internal medicine journal · Jul 2021
Understanding Diagnostic Settings and Carer Experiences for Dementia Diagnosis in Australia.
Australian guidelines advocate referral to comprehensive memory services for dementia diagnosis, but many patients may be diagnosed elsewhere. ⋯ Results suggest majority of people with dementia are diagnosed outside memory services. Significant variability exists in experiences between services, with a high proportion of participants expressing dissatisfaction with their experience with dementia diagnosis. Strategies to standardise diagnosis of dementia, measure and improve quality of care across all settings are required.
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Obtaining informed consent is an important responsibility of all doctors and is a major component of their day-to-day practice. However, little is known regarding practising doctors' understanding of consent in relation to medical law. ⋯ The results from our survey suggest that there is a requirement to enhance the education of medical practitioners to meet the medicolegal requirements and optimise consent.
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Internal medicine journal · Jul 2021
Adherence to Guidelines Regarding Anticoagulation and Risk Factors for Progression of Atrial Fibrillation in a Nurse-Led Clinic.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the commonest cardiac arrhythmia associated with an increased risk of stroke. Evidence suggests that management in a specialty clinic improves clinical outcomes of patients. ⋯ Management of AF in a nurse-led clinic was associated with high level of adherence to anticoagulation guidelines. Age, obesity and excessive alcohol intake were significant predictors for progression of AF.
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Internal medicine journal · Jul 2021
Australia-Wide Cross-Sectional Survey of General Practitioners' Knowledge And Practice Of Lung Cancer Screening.
Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening can reduce lung cancer deaths in high-risk individuals, yet current Australian guidelines do not recommend screening. Little is known about current screening practices in Australia. ⋯ In Australia, lung cancer screening occurs outside a coordinated programme, and there is discordance between practice and national recommendations. This highlights an urgent need for clearer guidance from national and professional bodies.