Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Jul 2021
Rapid implementation of telehealth in geriatric outpatient clinics due to COVID-19.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the rapid implementation of telehealth. However, little is known about its suitability for the older population. ⋯ Advantages included time efficiency and ability to visualise the home. Preference for the future was initial appointments as face-face, but reviews as either telehealth or face-face.
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Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by spirochaete Treponema pallidum. The incidence of syphilis is rising across the globe. It has been described in the literature as a great imitator due to the vast range of clinical manifestations that can occur in the disease. ⋯ It can cause glomerulopathies, tubular pathology and vasculitic lesions in the kidney. Membranous nephropathy is the most commonly reported glomerular lesion associated with syphilis. With two recent cases of secondary membranous nephropathy due to syphilis, it is timely to review the current state of knowledge, and discuss the different renal manifestation of syphilis, its pathology and treatment options.
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Internal medicine journal · Jul 2021
Nicotine in electronic cigarette fluid: importation pathways to unequal harm.
The Australian Government recently walked away from changes to the importation of nicotine-containing electronic cigarette fluids, originally due to come into force on 1 January 2021. Additionally, the Therapeutic Goods Administration is in the process of rescheduling nicotine for use in e-fluids. We are concerned that the 270 000 daily vapers in Australia will purchase high concentrations of nicotine (≥100 mg/mL) for mixing with nicotine-free locally purchased e-fluids, which is a pathway of increased relative harm. We would like to see regulation of these products to limit the maximum concentration of nicotine, ensure appropriate child-resistant containers and compulsory labelling for all nicotine-containing e-fluid bottles.
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Internal medicine journal · Jul 2021
Changes in prescribing habits for the treatment of metastatic renal clear cell carcinoma (mRCC) in Australia.
The availability of efficacious systemic therapies for metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma has heralded improved survival for Australians. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule registry was interrogated to assess nation-wide prescribing patterns. Sunitinib remained the most commonly prescribed agent. Prescribing rates were significantly lower in Northern Territory than in other states, raising questions of disparities in access to care.
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Internal medicine journal · Jul 2021
Telehealth model of care for outpatient inflammatory bowel disease care in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advances in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) monitoring, greater number of available treatments and a shift towards tight disease control, IBD care has become more dynamic with regular follow ups. ⋯ Patients report high levels of satisfaction with a telehealth model of care during the COVID-19 pandemic, with clinic attendance rates not being affected. Telehealth appointments significantly reduced work absenteeism when compared to traditional face-to-face clinics.