Abstract
InnovAiT is produced on a 3-year cycle. However, many articles do not significantly go out of date in that time. This section of InnovAiT summarises articles from the previous cycle of InnovAiT that GPs and GPs in training might still find useful today.
Management of acute eye injuries in primary care
Dr Helen Rebecca Pidduck and Dr Megan Jane Dillon
InnovAiT 2014 7(9): 526–532
DOI:
Eye injuries are common and mostly minor without a risk of lasting visual impairment, such as corneal abrasions, foreign bodies and lid lacerations. This article covers minor injuries, but emphasizes careful systematic assessment, identification of red flag signs of serious injury and initial management of eye injuries.
Viral infections in pregnancy
Dr Helen Carslaw and Dr Ayla Cosh
InnovAiT 2014 7(9):533–540
DOI:
Viral infections in pregnancy can affect fetal development with lasting consequences. It is important for GPs to understand how to manage pregnant patients exposed to potentially harmful virus infections or with symptoms of viral infection. This article covers the risks posed by different viral infections, consideration of incubation period, use of blood tests to assess immunity and appropriate administration of varicella immunoglobulin with chickenpox exposure.
Neck lumps
Dr Karan Jolly, Dr Philip Harrington, Dr Saritha Upin and Mr James Douglas
InnovAiT 2014 7(9): 542–548
DOI:
Neck lumps are a common presentation in general practice and are usually benign, reactive lymph nodes in young patients. However, the incidence of head and neck cancers increased between 1990 and 2006. This article details red flag symptoms, essential anatomical knowledge, differential diagnosis and referral guidance. Important guidelines for the urgent referral of neck lumps and suspected thyroid malignancy are included.
Bleeding disorders
Dr Rory McCulloch and Dr Mark P Smith
InnovAiT 2014 7(9): 549–557
DOI:
Patients attend often with bleeding symptoms and it is very important to identify significant symptoms requiring referral. This article details the importance of a good history and examination in making this judgement. Case histories are used to explore clinical features, investigations and management of the most important diagnoses. Symptoms associated with acquired bleeding disorders, including malignancy, should always be assessed. Patients with pancytopenia require urgent referral.
Thalassaemia
Dr Annabelle Machin
InnovAiT 2014 7(9): 558–565
DOI:
Thalassaemia, derived from ‘thalassa’ (sea) and ‘haima’ (blood), encompasses a group of autosomal-recessive disorders of a- and b-globin synthesis; ineffective erythropoiesis and haemolysis cause many complications. Management is mainly in secondary care with treatments including transfusion, splenectomy, iron chelation and stem cell transplantation. This article details diagnosis, case scenarios and management in both secondary and primary care. Pre-conceptual, antenatal and neonatal screening may reduce the number of severely affected children.
Health inequalities
Dr Adam Hay and Dr Danielle Peet
InnovAiT 2014 7(9): 566–573
DOI:
The term ‘health inequalities’ is used to describe differences in morbidity, life expectancy and access to healthcare that are affected by socioeconomic factors. This important article details the political dimension and practical primary care approaches to managing health inequality. Examples of excluded groups include the homeless, sex workers and members of the gypsy and traveller community.