Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Apr 2013
Review Case ReportsImmune-mediated cytopenias in human immunodeficiency virus: the first reported case of idiopathic aplastic anaemia successfully treated with immunosuppression.
Although isolated cytopenias are relatively common in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the incidence of aplastic anaemia is extremely rare. We report here the first case of a HIV-infected patient who developed severe idiopathic aplastic anaemia, and who was safely and effectively treated with anti-thymocyte globulin and cyclosporin. We briefly review immune-mediated cytopenias in HIV, including their frequency, pathophysiology and management strategies.
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Internal medicine journal · Apr 2013
Patterns of care for malignant pleural mesothelioma patients compensated by the Dust Diseases Board in New South Wales, Australia.
The silent epidemic of mesothelioma in Australia is steadily increasing, and 30% of cases occur in New South Wales (NSW). ⋯ Survival and treatment utilisation was not significantly different between MPM patients living in major cities and regional NSW, except for a higher rate of EPP in patients in regional NSW.
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Internal medicine journal · Apr 2013
How receptive are patients to medical students in Australian hospitals? A cross-sectional survey of a public and a private hospital.
Medical student numbers in Australian universities have more than doubled since 2000. There are concerns about the ability for existing clinical training sites to accommodate this increase in student numbers, and there have been calls to increase training in private hospitals. The receptiveness of patients in private hospitals will influence the success of such placements. ⋯ Our findings suggest that patients in a private hospital are at least as receptive to medical students as patients in a public hospital.
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Internal medicine journal · Apr 2013
Extra-pancreatic manifestations of IgG4-related systemic disease: a single-centre experience of treatment with combined immunosuppression.
IgG4-related systemic disease (IgG4-RSD) is a systemic inflammatory disease distinguished by tissue infiltrates of IgG4(+) plasma cells and elevated serum IgG4 levels. While IgG4-RSD often involves the pancreas, extra-pancreatic organs are also frequently affected. Here, we review the presentation and management of patients with extra-pancreatic IgG4-RSD. ⋯ IgG4-RSD can manifest in a variety of organs. Lack of awareness regarding this entity may delay diagnosis. Combination treatment of corticosteroids and conventional immunosuppression is effective.