Oesophageal candidiasis in elderly patients: risk factors, prevention and management.

This article reviews risk factors, prevention and management of oesophageal candidiasis (OC) in the elderly. Putative risk factors for OC in the elderly include old age itself, malignant disease, antibacterial and corticosteroid use, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acid suppression treatment, oesophageal dysmotility and other local factors, diabetes mellitus and HIV/AIDS. We have found evidence for a risk association between OC in the elderly and malignant disease (both haematological and non-haematological), antibacterial therapy and corticosteroid (including inhaled corticosteroids) use.

Boerhaave's Syndrome: A Review of the Initial Management with Illustrative Case History.

Boerhaave's syndrome is a rare condition on the acute medical 'take' but has a high mortality and significant morbidity if not diagnosed early. This article reviews the approach to management at the 'front door', summarising the initial investigations and treatment. A recent case presenting to our unit is included at the end of the review to illustrate some of the issues raised.

Urinary incontinence in nursing homes for older people.

At least 50% of nursing home residents in Britain and North America suffer from urinary incontinence. It is associated with resident and staff morbidity. The assessment and management of such residents will depend on the capacity of the care staff and the capability of the resident.

A case of primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the transverse colon presenting as inflammatory bowel disease.

Primary colonic lymphoma (PCL) is uncommon. We report such a case in a 76-year-old man who presented with diarrhoea and a barium enema that suggested a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, subsequent endoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of PCL.