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Biomedical subjects

A Mullens

Publications and source records attributed to A Mullens.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

[A 35-year-old man with gynaecomastia as the first symptom of hyperthyroidism].

A 35-year-old man suffered painful bilateral gynaecomastia for 2 months due to serious Graves' hyperthyroidism. During treatment with propylthiouracil and levothyroxine, the plasma concentrations of thyroid hormone, sex hormones and sex hormone-binding globulin normalised and the gynaecomastia disappeared. Gynaecomastia occurs in 30 to 40% of men diagnosed with Graves' hyperthyroidism. However, gynaecomastia as a presenting symptom of this autoimmune disease is uncommon.

Adult↗

Primary hyperparathyroidism: pathophysiology, diagnosis and indications for surgery.

There is little debate about the primacy of surgery in the management of symptomatic or complicated primary hyperparathyroidism. Rather, the question has been what to do about the many patients with nonclassical disease. Recent prospective data have confirmed that patients with asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism who are not surgical candidates for parathyroidectomy appear to do well when they are managed conservatively. On average, these patients remain stable, with little progression to the more serious manifestations of hyperparathyroidism over 10 years. It would seem, therefore, that the overall population of older patients with mild asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism can be safely followed without intervention. A certain proportion of cases do progress, however, so surveillance is necessary. Individual patients can have worsening hypercalcemia or hypercalciuria, and in a small percentage of patients, bone density may decrease over time. In most patients, deferral of surgery is not a one-time decision, but rather one that is reviewed and reconsidered in conjunction with meticulous monitoring.

Bone Density↗

Anemic loonie begins to affect health care sector.

Although most news surrounding the declining dollar has concentrated on its impact on Canadian shoppers, economists say it is bound to affect the financially strapped health care system too. They point out that many of the good purchased by Canadian hospitals come from the US, and the weak loonie means their price will rise.

Canada↗

Concern mounts as transfusion medicine loses its lustre.

Transfusion medicine is in trouble. Several factors, ranging from the tainted-blood scandal to changes in the way the system operates, mean that young physicians are avoiding the specialty. Dr. Antonio Giulivi of the Red Cross says the issue is serious because these specialists act as the system's overseers, and this fact won't change when the Red Cross gets out of the blood business in September.

Blood Banks↗

Reference-based pricing: will other provinces follow the BC lead?

REFERENCE-BASED PRICING has had a major impact on medical practice in British Columbia. Anne Mullens discusses the new system's first 2 years. She says physicians outside BC should pay attention, because RBP may be heading their way. It is set to land in Australia next month.

Australia↗

"I think we have a problem in Victoria": MDs respond quickly to toxoplasmosis outbreak in BC.

More than 110 people, including 12 newborns, were infected with Toxoplasma gondii in Victoria last year. A team of doctors, researchers and public-health officials determined that the source of the world's largest recorded outbreak of the infection was the water supply. Anne Mullens looks at how the BC medical and scientific communities responded to a unique challenge.

British Columbia↗

The Dutch experience with euthanasia: lessons for Canada?

Anne Mullens used a recent fellowship provided by the Atkinson Foundation to take an in-depth look at euthanasia in the Netherlands. During her time in Holland, she discussed the issue with doctors who support and oppose euthanasia. She accompanied a doctor as he visited a patient who was dying of cancer and was beginning to consider the possibility of euthanasia. She talked to a nonphysician who is adamantly opposed to euthanasia and carries a card stating that. She visited a hospital in Amsterdam that has received requests from foreigners seeking euthansia. Mullens offers a comprehensive look at an issue that continues to provoke strong feelings among Canadian physicians and patients.

Aged↗

Oregon vote may mark watershed for right-to-die debate in Canada, US.

In November, Oregon became one of the first jurisdictions outside the Netherlands to allow physician-assisted suicide. Voters decided by a narrow 51% to 49% margin to pass a Death With Dignity Act, which allows terminally ill patients to receive a fatal prescription from a doctor after they meet several criteria. Observers note that the act's scope is narrow and that it would not have aided Sue Rodriguez, the British Columbia patient who went to court in an attempt to win the right to assisted suicide.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗