Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2024
Cancer in Victorian prisoners: a description of cancer diagnoses, demographics, risk factors and barriers to optimal care.
The Victorian prison population is growing and ageing. Little has been documented about this group's cancer incidence, presentation or treatment. ⋯ Victorian prisoners with cancer are at risk of poor outcomes because of late presentation, delayed treatment initiation and medical comorbidities. Tailored interventions are urgently required to improve the provision of timely, comprehensive cancer care to this vulnerable and growing population.
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2024
Observational StudyIncidence, prevalence and clinical management of achalasia since the introduction of high-resolution manometry in Western Australia.
Epidemiological studies in achalasia and its clinical management in Australia are limited. ⋯ The ASIR of type 2 achalasia significantly increased in WA. PBD was most commonly performed, although peroral endoscopic myotomy has recently increased as a preferred treatment option.
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2024
Australia and New Zealand consensus position statement: use of COVID-19 therapeutics in patients with haematological malignancies.
Despite widespread vaccination rates, we are living with high transmission rates of SARS-CoV-2. Although overall hospitalisation rates are falling, the risk of serious infection remains high for patients who are immunocompromised because of haematological malignancies. In light of the ongoing pandemic and the development of multiple agents for treatment, representatives from the Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand and infectious diseases specialists have collaborated on this consensus position statement regarding COVID-19 management in patients with haematological disorders. ⋯ Patients with haematological malignancies should receive treatment for COVID-19 in accordance with the severity of their symptoms, but even mild infections should prompt early treatment with antiviral agents. The issue of de-isolation following COVID-19 infection and optimal time to treatment for haematological malignancies is discussed but remains an area with evolving data. This position statement is to be used in conjunction with advice from infectious disease, respiratory and intensive care specialists, and current guidelines from the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce and the New Zealand Ministry of Health and Cancer Agency Te Aho o Te Kahu COVID-19 Guidelines.
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2024
Predictors of severe and recurrent adult anaphylaxis, and gaps in the cascade of care: a retrospective, single-centre study 2009-2018.
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially fatal, systemic allergic reaction. Understanding predictors of recurrent and severe anaphylaxis in adults, and identifying gaps in ongoing anaphylaxis care, is needed to minimise its impact. ⋯ Increased age and asthma were identified as risk factors for severe presentations. History of food allergy was a risk factor for recurrent presentations. Further research is needed on the gaps in care for adults with anaphylaxis to identify the reasons why, so we can better care for these patients.