Prevalence of anaemia, iron, and vitamin deficiencies in the health system in the Republic of Ireland: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Anaemia is a common but treatable condition that predicts adverse clinical outcomes. However, standards of anaemia management vary considerably.

Aim: To estimate the prevalence of anaemia and extent of screening for common underlying causes in the healthcare system in the Republic of Ireland.

Sweat testing in the modern era: A national survey of sweat testing practice in the Republic of Ireland.

Background: The sweat test has been the "gold standard" diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis for more than 40 years. We hypothesized that there would be a change in the pattern of sweat testing in Ireland since the introduction of cystic fibrosis newborn screening in 2011, when practices were last reviewed. This is a follow up survey looking at sweat testing numbers and practices.

Cholesterol screening and statin use in children: a literature review.

Atherosclerosis begins in childhood. Fatty streaks, the earliest precursor of atherosclerotic lesions, have been found in the coronary arteries of children of 2 years of age. Hypercholesterolaemia is a risk factor for coronary artery disease.

Significance of High-Sensitivity Troponin T After Elective External Direct Current Cardioversion for Atrial Fibrillation or Atrial Flutter.

External transthoracic direct current (DC) cardioversion is a commonly used method of terminating cardiac arrhythmias. Previous research has shown that DC cardioversion resulted in myocardial injury as evidenced by increased levels of cardiac troponin, even though only minimally. Many of these studies were based on the outdated monophasic defibrillators and older, less sensitive troponin assays.

Standardization of assay methods reduces variability of total PSA measurements: an Irish study.

Unlabelled: What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Today, numerous assays for PSA detection are available from various manufacturers. However, these various assays do not detect PSA equally and several studies have demonstrated variability between them. In order to harmonise PSA results and reduce the discrepancies, reference materials are available for assay calibration.