Essentials 1 Type I diabetes is characterized by pancreatic beta cell destruction with an absolute insulin deficiency, usually but not exclusively associated with autoimmune damage. 2 Type II diabetes results from a progressive insulin secretory deficiency on the background of…
Essentials 1 The lifetime risk of developing kidney stones is 1 in 10 for men and 1 in 35 for women. 2 Approximately 75% of all stones are calcium based. 3 Management usually comprises adequate analgesia and hydration. 4 Computed…
Essentials 1 Torsion is the most time-critical diagnosis in acute scrotal pain. 2 Early surgery is mandatory if the diagnosis is strongly suspected. No investigation should delay surgery. 3 Colour Doppler ultrasound is helpful and is best used when testicular…
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Essentials 1 Tropical diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. 2 Due to climate change and increasing population mobility (migration and travel), health practitioners in non-tropical areas will increasingly have to diagnose and treat tropical diseases. 3…
Essentials 1 Avoiding blood and other body fluid exposure remains the primary means of preventing occupationally acquired blood-borne virus infections. 2 The risks of acquiring infection after occupational exposure to blood-borne viruses are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 0.3%, hepatitis B…
Essentials 1 Patients with infections and infectious diseases commonly present to emergency departments. 2 There are also changing patterns of infectious disease, largely due to immunosuppression from chemotherapy, continuing development of bacterial resistance, HIV-associated infections and new and emerging infections.…
Essentials 1 Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are among the commonest infections worldwide and account for a significant number of emergency department (ED) visits per year. ED staff should be competent to screen, diagnose and treat STIs and to notify and…
Essentials 1 Patients with previously undiagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection may present to the emergency department at any time during the course of infection, from early (seroconversion) to late acquired immune deficiency syndrome ([AIDS]-defining illness) stages. 2 Patients with…
Essentials 1 Acute and chronic viral hepatitis is of global public health importance. 2 Definitive diagnosis may be delayed in the emergency setting. 3 Supportive care is fundamental in the acute management of hepatitis. 4 Prevention of viral hepatitis is…