Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2024
Costs and consequences of over-investigation of minor transfusion reactions.
Adverse transfusion events create a direct cost burden on the healthcare system through increased morbidity, mortality, extra investigations for diagnosis, patient treatment and increased use of hospital resources. Understanding the costs and impact minor transfusion reactions have on the healthcare system presents an opportunity for potential cost savings and improved clinical practice. ⋯ The study demonstrated that unnecessary investigation of minor transfusion reactions adds a significant financial burden to the healthcare system.
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2024
Clinical TrialA pilot study on the effectiveness of a language-specific (Chinese) pulmonary rehabilitation programme for individuals with chronic pulmonary disease: a 2-year prospective cohort study in Sydney, Australia.
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves dyspnoea, fatigue and healthcare-related quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic lung disease (CLD). Non-English-speaking background (NESB) patients face language and cultural barriers that hinder their access to PR programmes, contributing to health disparities. Our trial aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of a Chinese language-specific PR programme on lung function, functional exercise capacity and QoL measures. ⋯ Our study demonstrates that a language-specific PR programme is feasible, improving outcomes in NESB patients with CLD. The improvement in 6MWT and QoL measures was comparable to English-based programmes. Ensuring equal access to healthcare programmes, regardless of cultural background or language barriers, is crucial in promoting health equity.
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2024
Colonic cytomegalovirus DNA detection by polymerase chain reaction does not influence outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease and immunosuppressed cohorts.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis is associated with negative outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and immunosuppressed cohorts and therefore requires timely recognition for appropriate management. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic tools for CMV colitis and their associations with clinical outcomes. ⋯ Histopathology remains the most predictive tool in assessing CMV colitis, while qualitative tissue CMV PCR was found to have limited utility. Quantitative serum CMV PCR may be useful but requires further evaluation.