Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Oct 2008
Biography Historical ArticleDeath of the first white resident of North Queensland.
The first white resident of North Queensland's death certificate gives the final illness as 'arthritis'. This examination of contemporary records and more recent reports, together with the results of discussion with colleagues interested in medicine and history, attempts to suggest the reasons for his various symptoms and his final demise. This life story is reminiscent of a 'Boy's own' adventure with shipwrecks, survival at sea, coexistence with Aboriginal tribesmen before returning to 'white society', marriage and the start of a family. Are there lessons here for the twenty-first century physician and rheumatologist? Would the commonplace illnesses of mid nineteenth-century Queensland be very different to the problems seen in our outpatient clinics today?
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Internal medicine journal · Sep 2008
Case Reports Comparative StudyStrongyloides stercoralis: a cause of morbidity and mortality for indigenous people in Central Australia.
Strongyloides stercoralis may cause a complicated infection in immunocompromised patients, which has a high case fatality rate. Death generally results from sepsis with enteric pathogens. Globally, infection with the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a major risk factor for this syndrome. Both S. stercoralis and HTLV-1 are endemic to Central Australia. ⋯ Complicated strongyloidiasis occurs in association with HTLV-1 infection in central Australia. This finding has significant implications for the management of S. stercoralis in the region.
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Internal medicine journal · Sep 2008
Comparative StudyUse of fresh-frozen plasma at Royal Darwin Hospital: a retrospective audit.
The aim of the study was to assess the appropriateness of use of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) at Royal Darwin Hospital against the National Health and Medical Research Council and Australian and New Zealand Society for Blood Transfusion guidelines. ⋯ There is significant use of FFP at Royal Darwin Hospital without clear clinical indication. The employment of a transfusion nurse to monitor use of FFP (and other blood products) and provide education is aimed at improving transfusion efficiency and patient safety.
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Internal medicine journal · Sep 2008
Comparative StudyImprovement in door-to-balloon times in management of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction STEMI through the initiation of 'Code AMI'.
ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) mandates rapid percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for optimal outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess our hospital practice for managing acute STEMI, identify processes associated with time delays, instrument changes to our acute STEMI management protocol and assess their effectiveness for improving our door-to-balloon time. ⋯ We have shown that ongoing review through a quality improvement programme improves door-to-balloon times, which is integral in the optimal management of patients with acute STEMI treated with primary PCI.
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Internal medicine journal · Sep 2008
Editorial CommentFrozen blood transfusion practices: time for change.