Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Sep 2023
Stroke Epidemiology and Incidence in Regional Queensland: Findings of the Regional Queensland Stroke (REQUEST) Study.
Stroke rates globally have been declining, but a majority of the studies on strokes have been in urban populations. Regional populations have been understudied, bgeographic health differentials can impact stroke presentations and outcomes. ⋯ Incidence of stroke in a regional Queensland population is similar to other regional populations and when compared with larger cities. Despite a global trend in stroke reduction, modifiable risk factors like hypertension and atrial arrhythmias continue to be over-represented in the stroke population. All-cause mortality after stroke is high, especially during the initial period.
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Internal medicine journal · Sep 2023
Role of communication in successful outpatient attendance in a New Zealand hospital: a qualitative study.
There are significant implications for both patients and providers when patients do not attend outpatient specialist appointments. Nonattendance has an impact on the efficiency of health care, provider resources and patient health outcomes. ⋯ We recommend that a patient-oriented approach to communication should be implemented, and alternative methods of communication should be explored.
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Internal medicine journal · Sep 2023
Provision of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion to type 1 diabetes 'frequent flyers'.
A few people with type 1 diabetes undergo multiple hospital admissions for acute glycaemic events. We report on a series of five such 'frequent flyers' who were provided with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy. ⋯ Total insulin dose and body mass index decreased in some patients and satisfaction was anecdotally higher. Some, but not all, 'frequent flyers' benefited from a trial of CSII.
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Internal medicine journal · Sep 2023
The development of Jack Jumper ant venom immunotherapy: our 25 years' experience.
Jack Jumper ant venom allergy is a uniquely Australian medical issue. The stinging ant is a leading cause of insect venom allergy in south-eastern Australia. An effective venom immunotherapy-based treatment was successfully developed by the Tasmanian Jack Jumper Allergy Research group. This paper provides a synopsis of our 25 years' research journey in developing this evidence-based treatment modality.
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Internal medicine journal · Sep 2023
Review Meta AnalysisEfficacy and safety of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in patients(≥80 Years of Age) with atrial fibrillation: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Findings of prior studies about the efficacy and safety of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in patients (≥80 years of age) with atrial fibrillation (AF) are controversial. So we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NOACs versus vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in patients (≥80 years of age) with AF. A systematic review of PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science and Chinese BioMedical databases was conducted until 1 October 2022. ⋯ In conclusion, for patients (≥80 years of age) with AF, the risks of stroke and systemic embolism, all-cause mortality, were lower in NOACs compared to warfarin. The risks of major bleeding and ICH were also lower in NOACs compared to warfarin. NOACs showed better efficacy and safety than warfarin.