ALCOHOL AND ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE: A REVIEW

Evidence from epidemiological studies suggests that consumption of alcohol at moderate levels might be protective against IHD. The alcohol-IHD relationship appears to be U-shaped, so that the risk of IHD associated with moderate levels of alcohol consumption is lower than that for abstainers and heavy drinkers. However, the effects of alcohol upon the risk of IHD must be examined in the context of its overall effects upon health. When this is done, the potential benefits are not clear-cut. This paper reviews the epidemiological evidence relating to the alcohol-IHD association, considers the mechanisms by which alcohol might exert its effects upon IHD risk, and suggests some avenues for future research in this area. (Aust NZ J Med 1984; 14: 75–80).     

Comparison of school nurse and auxologist height velocity measurements in school children with short stature. (The Hackney Growth Initiative)

To examine the possible use of height velocity (HV) as a growth screening tool, annual HV data calculated from height measurements made by school nurses were compared with those based on an auxologist's measurements in 20 short school children. The subjects were 12 primary school children (seven girls, five boys) with a mean (± SD) age of 5·9(0·6) years and eight secondary school children (six girls, two boys) with a mean (± SD) age of 11·8 (0·4) years. Heights were measured by the school nurses, separated by an interval of 1 year. Mean HV of the primary school children when assessed by school nurses was 5·92 cm/year compared with 5·97 cm/year when assessed by the auxologist. Mean (± SD) HV standard deviation score (HVSDS) was 0·03 (0·97) and 0·10 (1·15) respectively. Mean HV of the secondary school children when assessed by school nurses was 6·04 cm/year compared with 5·63 cm/year when assessed by the auxologist. Mean (± SD) HVSDS was ?0·8 (2·1) and ?1·21 (1·54) respectively. Of eight children (three primary, five secondary) identified by the auxologist as having HV < 25th centile of Tanner and Whitehouse standards only four were identified by school nurses (one primary, three secondary). One child identified by school nurses to have HV < 25th centile was found by the auxologist to be above the 25th centile. We conclude that HV assessment may fail to identify significant pathology in the community and that accurate height measurement rather than HV should be the principal referral criterion.     

Treatment outcomes for methamphetamine users receiving outpatient counselling from the Stimulant Treatment Program in Australia

Introduction and Aims. The purpose of this study was to document treatment outcomes for methamphetamine users receiving outpatient counselling from the Stimulant Treatment Program (STP) in Australia. Design and Methods. Clients attending the STP for methamphetamine use (n = 105) were assessed on entry to the service and at 3 (n = 86) and 6 months (n = 83) after starting treatment. At each interview methamphetamine use (days of use, severity of dependence), other drug use and health and social functioning (HIV risk behaviour, crime, disability, psychotic symptoms and hostility) were assessed for the past month. Results. Participants received a median of six counselling sessions (interquartile range 1–11) over a period of 89 days (interquartile range 41–148 days). Past month methamphetamine use fell from 79% at treatment entry to 53% at the 3‐month follow‐up (P < 0.001) and 55% at the 6‐month follow‐up (P < 0.001). There were statistically significant reductions in psychotic symptoms, hostility and disability associated with poor mental health. There was no change in other drug use, crime or HIV risk behaviour. Reductions in methamphetamine were more common among younger participants, those who had no history of drug treatment and those without concurrent heroin use. Discussion and Conclusions. Methamphetamine users entering the STP showed reductions in methamphetamine use and improvements in their mental health after treatment. Improved treatment responses are needed to address polydrug use and other harms within in this population.[McKetin R, Dunlop AJ, Holland RM, Sutherland RA, Baker AL, Salmon AM, Hudson SL. Treatment outcomes for methamphetamine users receiving outpatient counselling from the Stimulant Treatment Program in Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2013;32:80–87]