Computed tomography head scans prior to lumbar punctures in suspected meningitis.

Background: The literature suggests that certain clinical criteria to determine raised intracranial pressure (ICP) should be met if a patient suspected of meningitis is to undergo a computed tomography (CT) head scan prior to having a lumbar puncture (LP).

Aim: To evaluate whether these criteria were being used by the general medicine department of Auckland City Hospital when requesting CT scans prior to LPs in patients with suspected meningitis.

Methods: A total of 37 patients admitted under general medicine with suspected meningitis from 1 January to 31 July 2016 were retrospectively audited based on the clinical evidence justifying the decision to do a CT scan prior to a LP.

Mortality and morbidity in Cushing's syndrome in New Zealand.

Objective: Untreated Cushing's syndrome (CS) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, recent operative series suggest low morbidity and mortality for CS, whereas population-based surveys report elevated mortality rates. We investigated the mortality and morbidity of CS in New Zealand.

Spironolactone versus placebo or in combination with steroids for hirsutism and/or acne.

Background: Hirsutism is the presence of excessive hair growth in women and is an important cosmetic condition often resulting in severe distress. The most common cause is by increased production of male sex hormones (androgens). It is also affected by increased sensitivity to androgens in the hair follicles, and secretory glands around hair follicles (sebaceous glands).

First national audit of the outcomes of care in young people with diabetes in New Zealand: high prevalence of nephropathy in Maori and Pacific Islanders.

Background: Diabetes is an important cause of morbidity and mortality amongst young people. Despite improvements in technology, maintenance of good glycaemic control is hard to achieve.

Methods: In July 2003, 12 paediatric and adult hospital-based diabetes services across New Zealand were invited to take part in an audit of the process and outcomes of care.