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Insufficient Evidence That Agitation Is Common In Y-Hydroxybutyrate Toxicity, David Wood, Indika Gawarammana, Shaun Greene, Paul Dargan, Alison Jones

Graduate School of Medicine - Papers (Archive)

Zvosec and Smith have reported that agitation is common in patients who present with c-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) toxicity. Previously, many clinicians would be aware that people withGHBtoxicity typically present with sedation, respiratory depression, and, potentially, coma if severely intoxicated. The authors’ finding that agitation is common in patients with GHB toxicity should alert physicians to other previously unreported potential clinical manifestations of GHB intoxication or to consider intoxication with other agents that cause agitation, such as amphetamine derivatives. However, the data the authors have presented from their observational study do not support their conclusion that agitation is common in people with …

Mercury: Answering Some Of The Current Controversies About It, David M. Wood, Paul I. Dargan, Alison L. Jones

Graduate School of Medicine - Papers (Archive)

Recently there has been a lot of interest in the medical and lay press concerning exposure to mercury and its potential toxic effects. Mercury is a naturally occurring metallic element, which can be found as Hg or inorganic and organic salts. In this article we will review the risks of exposure and toxicity of each of the forms of mercury, including some of the current guidance concerning the risks of mercury toxicity from eating fish, dental amalgam and vaccinations containing mercury (thiomersal) preservatives.

Antidepressants And Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review, Antonina A. Mikocka-Walus, Deborah Turnbull, Nicole T. Moulding, Ian G. Wilson, Jane M. Andrews, Gerald J. Holtmann

Graduate School of Medicine - Papers (Archive)

Background: A number of studies have suggested a link between the patient's psyche and the course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although pharmacotherapy with antidepressants has not been widely explored, some investigators have proposed that treating psychological comorbidities with antidepressants may help to control disease activity. To date a systematic analysis of the available studies assessing the efficacy of antidepressants for the control of somatic symptoms in IBD patients has not been performed. Methods: We searched electronic databases, without any language restriction. All relevant papers issued after 1990 were examined. Results: 12 relevant publications were identified. All of them referred …

Setting Directions For Research Capacity Building In Primary Health Care: A Survey Of A Research Network, Karin Ried, Elizabeth Farmer, Kathryn M. Weston

Graduate School of Medicine - Papers (Archive)

Background

The South Australian Research Network 'SARNet' aims to build research capacity in primary health care, as part of a national government-funded strategy to integrate research into clinical practice. Internationally, research networks have been a fundamental part of research culture change, and a variety of network models exist. The 'SARNet' model uses a whole system, multidisciplinary approach to capacity building and supports individuals and groups. We undertook a descriptive baseline survey in order to understand the background and needs of SARNet members and to tailor network activities towards those needs.

Methods

A questionnaire survey, assessing members' professional background, research experience, …

Australian Clinical Toxicology Investigators Collaboration Randomized Trial Of Different Loading Infusion Rates Of N-Acetylcysteine [6], I B. Gawarammana, S L. Greene, Paul I. Dargan, Alison L. Jones

Graduate School of Medicine - Papers (Archive)

Adverse reactions to N-acetylcysteine are reported in 6% to 23% of patients who are administered the antidote for treatment of paracetamol poisoning.1 Because paracetamol is the most common pharmaceutical product taken in overdose in many countries, it is essential that attempts be made to prevent or minimize adverse effects caused by N-acetylcysteine. We congratulate Kerr et al2 on their attempt to address this important issue.

Depression In The Patient With Copd, Ian G. Wilson

Graduate School of Medicine - Papers (Archive)

This paper explores the recent literature surrounding comorbid depression and COPD. The literature reveals a high prevalence of depression in patients with COPD and some evidence that the depression is a result of the disease. The literature highlights the negative impact of depression on quality of life and a possible impact on mortality. Depression also negatively impacts on compliance and smoking cessation. Treatment of depression in COPD, particularly by cognitive behavioral therapy, has positive impact on quality of life. Tricyclic antidepressants have a positive impact on mood and COPD, but side effects limit their use. The advent of the new …