Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Apr 2022
Predictors of Bleeding in Patients Receiving Direct Oral Anticoagulants.
The predictors of clinically significant bleeding events (CSBE) associated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are poorly characterised in the literature. ⋯ Caution should be exercised when prescribing antiplatelet medications with DOAC as this combination is a potential risk factor for both major and non-major clinically significant bleeding events. In most patients, the concurrent use of antiplatelet medications was discordant with the current consensus guidelines.
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Internal medicine journal · Apr 2022
VEXAS syndrome: lessons learnt from an early Australian case series.
VEXAS is a newly recognised adult-onset autoinflammatory syndrome resulting from a somatic mutation in the UBA1 gene. Herein, we present three cases of VEXAS syndrome in Sydney, Australia, that capture key clinical features and the refractory nature of the condition. They highlight the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration for early diagnosis and the need for new therapeutic options.
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Internal medicine journal · Apr 2022
Ten year trends in cardiac implantable electronic devices in New Zealand: a national data linkage study (ANZACS-QI 51).
Implant rates for cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED), including permanent pacemakers (PPM) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), have increased globally in recent decades. ⋯ CIED implant rates have increased steadily in NZ over the past decade but remain low compared with international benchmarks. Males had substantially higher CIED implant rates compared with females, with a growing gender disparity in ICD implant rates.
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Internal medicine journal · Apr 2022
Diabetes in ischaemic stroke in a regional Australian hospital - uncharted territory.
Stroke and diabetes mellitus (DM) are significant interrelated healthcare issues but there is a dearth of data on the prevalence of DM among Australia's regional stroke population. ⋯ Almost one-third of IS/TIA patients had DM, with a significant proportion showing poor glycaemic control. The DM prevalence in our cohort was comparable with reported rates from other developed countries. Although we found no association between DM and a particular stroke type or mechanism, it is likely a reflection of our cohort size. Our study demonstrated that DM, as a significant risk factor in IS, warrants early detection and better management strategies.
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Internal medicine journal · Apr 2022
A retrospective study on the epidemiology of ANCA-associated vasculitis in two Australian health districts.
Antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is more prevalent in rural Australia compared with metropolitan areas, suggesting a role of environment in disease pathogenesis. However, the prevalence of environmental risk factors in Australian AAV patients has not been described. ⋯ We found a higher incidence of AAV in ISLHD compared with SESLHD with high levels of exposure to silica and solvents in both regions based on self-reported questionnaires. Prospective systematic collection of data, such as a registry of AAV, is warranted to further explore the relationship between environmental exposures and AAV.