Internal medicine journal
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While many of the maladies of the 20th century are steadily coming under control, the march of neurodegenerative disorders continues largely unchecked. Dementias are an exemplar of such disorders; their incidence and prevalence continue to rise, in large part due to a steadily ageing population worldwide. They represent a group of chronic, progressive and, ultimately, fatal neurodegenerative diseases. ⋯ The sheer number and complexity of needs of patients with dementia, from the physical to the psychosocial and spiritual, necessitates the engagement of a wide range of medical disciplines, nursing and allied health professionals. One of those disciplines, as highlighted in the recent Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, is palliative care. This paper shall expand upon that role in the overall context of care for those with dementia.
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2023
Observational StudyObservational Study of Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Outcomes in An Internal Medicine Department.
In elderly patients hospitalised in internal medicine departments, risk factors, preferable placement area and methods of securement of short peripheral venous catheters (SPVC) a unclear. ⋯ The observed low rates of adverse events suggests that placement in the dorsum of the hand or cubital fossa secured by a transparent dressing is acceptable. It is important to consider the indwelling catheter time when studying adverse events, and elderly patients, disoriented patients and/or patients receiving intravenous antibiotics deserve special attention.
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2023
Diabetes and Hyperglycaemia amongst Hospitalised Patients with COVID-19 in Western Sydney: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
Diabetes has been recognised as a major risk factor for COVID-19 mortality and hospital complications in earlier studies. ⋯ There is a high prevalence of diabetes among patients hospitalised with COVID-19, with worse outcomes. In contrast to previous studies, the association of diabetes with mortality was not significant when adjusted for other variables. This is possibly related to the benefits of vaccination and current medical and ICU interventions.
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2023
Adverse event reports of anaphylaxis after Comirnaty and Vaxzevria COVID-19 vaccinations, Western Australia, 22 February to 30 June 2021.
Within the first 4 months of the Western Australian COVID-19 immunisation programme, 49 suspected anaphylaxis cases were reported to the vaccine safety surveillance system. Twelve reports met Brighton Collaboration case definition, corresponding to rates of 15.9 and 17.7 per million doses of Vaxzevria and Comirnaty administered respectively.